Between Friends by Kimberly Marie https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends This ‘n That & Tidbits of Life en-us 2018-09-27 23:33:29 UTC 2023-02-10 13:08:19 UTC hello@padlet.com September 27, 2018 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/286780010 My heart is here in Western NY. I love to decorate our home with color, wall hangings and decor that speaks to me in some way. I enjoy decorating each room with a theme and color scheme that blends well together, and makes you feel good when you’re in the room. I want my family and friends to feel welcome, comfortable and cozy everytime they walk through the door of our humble abode. Where is it that you call home, and what makes your home special to you? ]]> 2018-09-28 00:39:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/286780010 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/286803938 A bit of Autumn on the mantel, and one of my favorite pictures. Doesn’t that cafe scene look so inviting? ]]> 2018-09-28 03:43:42 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/286803938 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287122478 Cinnamon scented pine cones. Much more subtle this year, but still so lovely! I definitely like a cinnamon aroma throughout the house in Autumn. What’s your favorite Autumn scent? ]]> 2018-09-28 19:19:56 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287122478 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287144780 One of many rainbows in my kitchen at the moment, as the sun shines through my prism hung at the window! ]]> 2018-09-28 20:46:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287144780 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287226003 Much to my delight, the sight of this late blooming, sweet scented Rose cheered my heart and brought a smile to my face this chilly morning! 😊]]> 2018-09-29 15:41:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287226003 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287226474 My grand”fur”babies dressed in costume for Barktober Fest, bringing cheer to all those they meet! Two year old Maya graces us with the costume of a hot dog, while her 8 month old brother, Colby, sports a taco costume adorably! 😁]]> 2018-09-29 15:45:57 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287226474 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287256604 Peek-a-boo! ]]> 2018-09-29 21:13:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287256604 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287342593 Little boy, Romeo, just got back from a groom. 💕]]> 2018-09-30 16:15:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287342593 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287406770 It was an overcast, chilly 57 degrees today. It’s going to take a while to get used to these temperatures after our unusually hot summer. We have an old shed at the far back corner of the property. It was let go long ago, which is really a shame, but we’ve tried to re-establish it as best we can since coming here over 4 years ago. Today, Dean closed up a newer hole in the roof, and cleaned out the floor area in order to store some of his smaller equipment in there. Afterwards, he burned some of the scrap wood in our fire pit. Seeing that, I decided it would be a good opportunity to grab some hot dogs and the skewer for some roasting. We pulled our chairs around the fire, roasted a few hots and enjoyed a nice bit of time together around the cozy fire. How did you spend your day? ]]> 2018-10-01 00:45:42 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287406770 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287871268 Tonight is a pot pie kind of night. Dean headed out to work and completed a small job (he’s a tree surgeon), only to be forced back home from the steady downfall of rain. Seems we went right from Summer to Autumn in a hurry, something I dislike about our Western NY weather. It’s often either nice or nasty and nothing in between!
Anyways, with time on our hands we decided to run to Target and shop for new bath towels. Ours are really beyond the point of needing replacement, but somehow new towels just never got on the “to purchase” list. We browsed the aisles, eventually opting for the plush, thick kind, and we decided to buy top of the line, instead of middle of the road. With how long it took to replace the previous ones, I figured we should get a brand of towel that will go the extra mile! 6 luxurious towels later, we’re back home relaxing, smelling the delicious aroma of chicken pot pies cooking up for dinner. Can’t wait to dig in! ]]> 2018-10-01 20:56:46 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287871268 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287914911 As snug as a bug in a rug. 🙂 And he’s so funny! If I even try to move him, he keeps his body firmly planted tight by my side.... 💗]]> 2018-10-02 01:37:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/287914911 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/288256398 Present time for me! My heated pet bowl was just delivered from Amazon. I have plans to repurpose it as a bird bath over the winter! I looked at the actual heated bird baths, and some of the biggest complaints were the stand the bath set on (keeping it secure or upright in the snow) and a short cord. So I thought about the sturdy bird bath I already have, which is also in a spot the birds already like, and how I might be able to just incorporate that into what I’m trying to do. A little searching into the matter and I turned up the option of a simple heated pet bowl with a 5 foot long cord. It also only runs on 25 watts of power instead of 50 watts that the bird bath used, and simply placing the water bowl in my empty bird bath will do the trick! It will turn on and off as needed to keep the water from freezing. I’ll most likely add a stepping stone or other item that makes it easier for them to access the water if they don’t care for the bowl’s edge. Not only will I enjoy continuing to watch the birds at the bath, but I’ll be happy to know that even in the winter, they’ll still be getting the water that they need! ]]> 2018-10-02 16:59:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/288256398 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/288368901 This little scene sets on top of a bureau in my dining room. I love looking at it each time I pass through into the kitchen! ]]> 2018-10-02 20:15:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/288368901 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/288578084 Wow! Overnight, some super talented, fast weaving spider created this beautiful web. The morning’s misty rain hung in tiny water droplets on each thread makes this, by far, the most beautiful web I’ve ever seen! I’m not one for loving spiders, but hey, I’ve got to give credit where credit is due. Have you ever seen anything as impressive as this? ]]> 2018-10-03 12:42:02 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/288578084 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/289737936 This morning I tidied the basement somewhat. It’s a well lit, long, open space, with a fair amount of portable shelving and such along the perimeter to help keep things organized. Yet, it still manages to be a disheveled catch all for anything I’m not really using up here, but not quite ready to let go of. Which explains why I have extra chairs, 2 extra kitchen tables, a coffee table, an end table, an extra cabinet..... well, you get my drift. At some point soon in my life, I’d really like to declutter and downsize. I like the sound of the quote, “Less is more”, and you know what? I really think there’s a significant truth to that! With less to handle, less to organize, less to pack up, label and store away, there’s less to have to deal with, and less to have to worry about. It leaves time to live life more simply, and realize that there’s really only so much that a person needs to get by in this world. And I’m sure some day my children will thank me..... ]]> 2018-10-05 17:16:21 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/289737936 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/289845215 I always enjoy when our Burning Bush starts turning that beautiful color. ]]> 2018-10-06 00:22:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/289845215 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/289923590 Sad but true.... When you’re excited to finally find a chain for that one pair of reading/computer glasses, instead of hunting them down everytime you need them!! 😆]]> 2018-10-06 16:14:39 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/289923590 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/289937260 Yaaas! I’m sunning myself.... 😏]]> 2018-10-06 18:06:19 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/289937260 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/289975347 Feeling more than a little loved....😊 Dean made sure today was wonderful in every way. 💕 Flowers, family, food and happy birthday to me! ]]> 2018-10-07 03:39:36 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/289975347 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/290080221 More cold and gray. More drizzly rain. It’s a good day to cozy up in my soothing sitting room with the fireplace on. 😊]]> 2018-10-07 20:21:17 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/290080221 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/290117860 Do you find yourself looking at pictures inside other homes and admiring them like I do? ]]> 2018-10-08 02:15:15 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/290117860 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/290418077 Tremendously enjoying the sunshine today! We’re at 72 degrees and climbing. Getting warm enough to enjoy the hammock a bit more this week before starting to store stuff away.... I’ll love every minute of our summer weather this week! ]]> 2018-10-08 17:41:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/290418077 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/290514347 Who couldn’t be cheered by the these beauties that almost seem to be bursting with smiles?! I just love seeing these big, old fashioned Sunflowers on my dining room table! ]]> 2018-10-08 23:25:19 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/290514347 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/290743082 Good morning! Our sunrise shortly after 7 a.m. We sat out on the back deck with our coffee/tea to enjoy our quiet morning before the busy day begins. Make it a great day!! ]]> 2018-10-09 13:59:39 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/290743082 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/291015306 So true. In today’s day and age more than ever....]]> 2018-10-09 21:53:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/291015306 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/291220801 The Jays are such a raucous bunch, but if you watch them, they’re pretty intelligent! One waits in the outskirts every morning knowing I’ll be out with fresh seed and peanuts. When the Jay sees me, it starts cawing loudly, telling the others, “She’s here! She’s here!” If I’m later than usual, they become pretty vocal trying to get my attention, as if to say, “Where are you? We’re waiting!” Look closely to the right, and you’ll see the alerter Jay on a log, with a peanut in its mouth. It shook several peanuts to determine which seemed the fullest, before deciding on the one it has. They all do that I’ve noticed. Very clever, if you ask me! ]]> 2018-10-10 13:18:34 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/291220801 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/291993373 2018-10-12 00:32:35 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/291993373 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292149981 Our son, daughter in law and six year old twin granddaughters are here for a visit from Arizona. Life is full, and sometimes looking at it through the eyes of a child is just what we need to keep things in perspective. Here the girls are filling in the blank pages of a “book” I made for them, and how busy it kept them! Their characters, Bubbles the penguin, and Fox had grand adventures from start to finish! ]]> 2018-10-12 13:26:59 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292149981 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292433276 Very delicious, Autumn addition to Stauffers cookie line! ]]> 2018-10-13 15:45:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292433276 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292460987 2018-10-13 20:19:48 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292460987 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292552285 2018-10-14 16:17:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292552285 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292584337 It’s that time of year again to get the stove pipe cleaned out. Hard to believe how quickly Spring and Summer passed. The only good thing about having to fire up the wood stove again is curling up in front of the cozy fire with a good book! It forces you to slow down and relax. ]]> 2018-10-14 19:53:17 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292584337 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292602941 What a chore! But now the stove pipe and wood stove have been thoroughly cleaned. We also installed a new telescoping pipe just above the wood stove for easier cleaning now. Here’s to the first fire of the season! ]]> 2018-10-14 22:12:35 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/292602941 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/293047441 You just never know what you might find when rummaging through an old bin of magazines. Not sure how this book ended up in it, and I even forgot I had it! I’m going to enjoy checking out the house and feeder plans when I have a few moments to sit and browse through the pages. 🙂]]> 2018-10-15 19:57:09 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/293047441 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/293292166 Much too cold for my liking this morning! The wind is blowing, leaves are rustling and birds are huddling, but thank goodness the sun is out! I pulled my long johns out of hiding and slipped into them this morning as I dressed. They’ll help to keep me toasty when I run errands later on! Just going to sit a minute in my happy place, finish my tea, read my devotional and gather my thoughts before I jump into the day..... Happy Tuesday, friends! ]]> 2018-10-16 12:51:41 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/293292166 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/293585061 Okay..... Truth! Since I can’t say, “by show of hands”, how about by show of “likes”.... (tap the heart, or hey, feel free to comment!) Does the push for Christmas earlier and earlier each year make you feel like you’re behind before you even get started?!?! I have to admit, it kind of sets my panic buttons off a little! I sure did see so much Christmas while I was out and about today..... ]]> 2018-10-16 20:02:26 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/293585061 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/293671917 2018-10-17 03:07:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/293671917 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/293949829 Missie really has no care that she’s draped unashamedly on top of our cable box for its warmth. This drives my husband crazy, and when he firmly tells her to get down, she talks back by giving him short clips of meows in succession. Miffed, she jumps down, only to wait for her next opportunity to climb back on it. 🙄😆]]> 2018-10-17 16:17:38 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/293949829 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/294121912 We’ve got these two busy kids over! Grandpups, Maya (wants Dean’s undivided attention ~ lol) and Colby (holding the pink pig toy). Boy, are they full of energy! ]]> 2018-10-17 22:26:08 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/294121912 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/294345236 Here in Western NY some people woke to a dusting and others an inch or so of snow on their cars! 😳 Thankfully, those of us by the lake were spared.... for now. Winter is knocking on our door! I’m reminded of that wise old fable of the grasshopper and the ant. For those who have not been preparing, there’s little time to do so now! I’m so glad that Dean has been faithfully cutting, splitting and stacking our firewood, and tending to all the outdoor things little by little so that we’re comfortable and have provisions for the winter that is surely coming. I had to dig out my winter coat and gloves this morning as I tended all my bird feeders. The temperature was only 34 degrees, and it hasn’t really risen much. Brrrrrrr! ]]> 2018-10-18 13:53:02 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/294345236 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/294625653 Roasted chicken for dinner, and the house smells amazing! (I love the seasoned crispy skin best of all, though I know it’s not that healthy for you!) That’s one good thing about cooler weather; we can start using the oven more often. 🙂]]> 2018-10-18 21:51:08 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/294625653 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295026048 Today was such a busy day. It started out routine, but then a shopping trip, vet trip, and stopping in at an estate sale had me out of the house for quite a bit of the day. Back home, it was discovered that a poor Sparrow had somehow gotten down into our (unheated) wood stove through the stove pipe, which has never happened before with the type of cap that we have out on the top! It was not about to be captured, so when the stove door was opened, out flew that poor ashes and soot covered bird, banging madly into walls, mirrors and windows until, finally, we flung open a window and out she flew! Well, replay that whole scenario over again when I suspected I heard MORE noise coming from the wood stove about 2 hours later! 😳 Thank goodness they both survived and at least were none the worse for wear! 
In other news, my new teapot arrived. I discovered the other day when I poured a bit of water from my white porcelain enameled teapot into my black crockpot before adding the meat, that tiny bits of the enamel were pouring out with the water! How long have I been drinking these bits in my tea where the water was being poured into my light colored mugs and I couldn’t tell that was happening? Dean and I immediately decided a new teapot was necessary. In no time at all, I found that Amazon had this Oxo Brew brand, classic, stainless steel tea kettle which I adore! I found it to be reasonably priced at $40. It arrived in just 2 days, and I’m so happy with my choice. It’s solid and sturdy, not too heavy and appears to be very well made. I can’t wait to use it for the first time with tomorrow morning’s mug of tea. 🙂 ]]> 2018-10-19 23:19:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295026048 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295100345 Whipped up some sausage and rice soup with leftovers of this and that I had in the fridge... It’s that kind of day. 🙂]]> 2018-10-20 17:33:34 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295100345 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295179730 We’ve got a cozy Sunday morning fire going. After tending to the kitchen cleanup, furbabies and laundry, I think I want to go shopping and scout out some things. I heard Tumeric is great for inflammation and joint pain - I definitely need to get some of that! Some mornings, my bones hurt even as I’m rolling out of bed. So definitely some Tumeric, and Calcium are in order. Then I want to grab a pair or two of leg warmers. I’m tickled that they’re back in style. Hey, if you wait long enough, everything that went out comes back again! Might as well grab some fresh produce and staple items, too, while I’m out, then the rest of my day will be spent snuggled indoors. I have a smoked picnic ham going into the oven later on for dinner tonight. Adding some mashed potatoes, vegetables and a dessert to the menu, and we’ll have a meal fit for a king! ]]> 2018-10-21 13:52:34 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295179730 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295235612 FYI]]> 2018-10-21 21:25:17 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295235612 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295398702 Monday morning motivation! 😀]]> 2018-10-22 12:16:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295398702 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295709205 Missie is my window girl. When she’s not sleeping on top of the cable box, she has her eye on the birds outdoors. Hard to believe it’s just after 5 p.m. and the daylight is waning. She’ll stay there even after dusk, seeing things no be else sees. Though we do have a stray, pretty white cat with large patches of caramel and black on her who stops by once in a while. Maybe that’s who is out there despite it being dark. If we didn’t have so many feathered friends around, I would encourage her to stay, but I won’t. There are plenty of other houses up and down the road that I’m sure she frequents on her rounds through the neighborhood. Well, my kitchen is a mess. When I came home, our son had just arrived in a bit of bind because apparently no one locally carries his brand of snow tire this year. So I began making calls to hunt them down, which, as you now know, proved futile. Then my husband came home looking like something the cat dragged in. He was exhausted after a long, cold day of work outdoors. So I whipped up a hot, fresh meal for him fast, before he had to leave for an appointment. And that’s why I still have groceries yet to put away, a dishwasher to unload, dinner dishes to wash up and a kitchen that’s a mess. 😆 Guess I’d better scoot for now and tend to the tasks at hand! ]]> 2018-10-22 21:35:05 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295709205 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295762951 What is Autumn without a Pumpkin Pie Blizzard from Dairy Queen? There’s not much I crave when it comes to a fast food restaurant, but this is one thing I look forward to every year! From the pumpkin ice cream, to the pie crust bits throughout, to the whipped cream topped with spice...... Mmmmmmm! This treat gives pumpkin pie a serious run for its money! 😛 If you haven’t ever had one, you’ve got to give it a try just once! ]]> 2018-10-23 02:26:10 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295762951 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295943988 Good morning! I’m off in a bit to find some card stock for homemade favor thank you tags and place setting cards for my daughter, Becca’s, vow renewal/wedding reception that’s fast approaching! While she got married back on December 28th, she did not have a “big splash” reception due to timing and finances. Since this is important to her, and young people have their own way of doing things these days, she reserved the date of November 3rd at a local resort for her big event to take place. Beauty, fun and unique creativity await! Be on the lookout for a sneak peek of her in her wedding gown from the recent final fitting! 😉]]> 2018-10-23 13:52:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/295943988 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296200232 The favor thank you tags Becca made up with the purchased template rights from Paper Dainty. Her favor is going to be a key that’s also a bottle opener, so I think the quote she thought up is perfectly clever! My job is to print out about 100 more, 😆, and then take full advantage of the paper cutter that’s been worth its weight in gold for all the projects we’ve used it for over all these years! 👍🏻]]> 2018-10-23 21:12:20 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296200232 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296454068 Gosh, on days like today, one must work at being positive. Heck, considering the last several weeks of undesirable weather, a person has to work at staying upbeat! If I added unrelenting, intermittent rain to this quote, you’d have our weather pegged. 😕 For those like my husband who work outdoors, days like these make work difficult, if not impossible to complete. Stress builds when work is on the books, but it cannot be done, causing you to fall behind on your schedule. Jobs get jammed up and customers get nervous when their work date gets pushed out a week, or even two, as everyone is trying to wrap stuff up and have their outdoor projects completed..... So goes the life of a tree surgeon, or a builder, or a farmer, or a landscaper, or a utility person - and I know the list could go on! Let’s hope there’ll be drier, sunnier days on the horizon, shall we? ]]> 2018-10-24 14:11:29 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296454068 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296582176 As promised, here’s a sneak peek at Becca’s wedding gown! The seamstress made final adjustments to the bodice, and sewed on the attachments for creating a bustle on the gown. Out of the many dresses she tried on, this dress looked most beautiful and suited Becca perfectly! 💕]]> 2018-10-24 17:21:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296582176 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296751869 2018-10-25 02:36:51 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296751869 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296952478 My lovely Becca, the day of her bridal shower hosted by her mother in law and sister in law. 😊 ]]> 2018-10-25 14:08:39 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296952478 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296957777 2018-10-25 14:15:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/296957777 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297425987 So, here’s some cuteness for today. Grandpup, Colby, has such a gentle, carefree disposition that loving him comes so easily! He’s a sensitive, cuddly little guy and we always enjoy when we get to spend time with him. Just look at that face! 😍]]> 2018-10-26 14:54:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297425987 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297676937 Last night Dean and I shared dinner and the evening here at home with a couple who are some of our best friends. From the moment we met, there was an instant connection, and kindred spirits between us. We count ourselves lucky, because not only are good friends hard to find, let alone those who we’re sure will be friends for a lifetime. I served up homemade manicotti and mini meatballs, and sliced sausage links into bite sized rounds, tossing both meats in a crockpot full of bubbling Ragu sauce. I had grabbed a fresh loaf of delicious French bread from our local, family owned grocery store and baked up a batch of apple crisp using the remainder of my Gala apples earlier in the day. What a wonderful time we had eating tasty food and conversing around the dinner table, snug and cozy with the penetrating warmth of the fire nearby.... Last night reminds me of why it’s important to occasionally veer from one’s normal routine; so that we may sit back, relax and enjoy conversation and laughter with those who bring happiness and meaning to our lives. 💗]]> 2018-10-27 18:47:51 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297676937 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297698148 Nothing but a wet, cold, rainy, windy night out there. 😕 We had 5 does in the backyard near dusk, foraging for what little bits of food they could find. It wasn’t long before the cold and rain forced them to move on, perhaps to find a place to bed down for the night and try to stay warm. ]]> 2018-10-27 23:39:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297698148 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297778556 The screen room has been closed in, and it’s furniture tucked away until Springtime. I’m always a little sad when this time of year comes. But gosh, the beautiful hot pink Geraniums are still blooming, and that brings me cheer! Pretty soon it will be time to bring them in, and winter them over in the basement until next year. I already can’t wait to re-pot them next year! ]]> 2018-10-28 17:39:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297778556 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297831482 Look close - there’s a Blue Jay on the feeder, here, too! ]]> 2018-10-29 00:20:31 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297831482 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297831909 I put a new, small feeder on the dining room window. We’ve been enjoying visits from Titmice, Chickadees, Finches, Sparrows, and as in this picture, a Blue Jay. Such fun entertainment on a dreary day, and how nice it’ll be especially when the snow flies! ]]> 2018-10-29 00:23:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297831909 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297974870 “One small, positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”]]> 2018-10-29 12:41:24 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/297974870 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/298266682 Last year I discovered the brand Cuddl Duds at Target, and purchased several pairs of women's thermal underwear. I loved them. Actually, I still love them. But this year I discovered the Cuddl Duds fleecewear line while shopping at Kohl's, and now I'm falling in love all over again! If you live in a cold climate like me, I can't say enough about just how wonderful this extra layer under your clothes really is! It feels like you're wearing a soft blanket that hugs you all day long, and it's nothing but comfortable warmth. So, if you find yourself feeling a little chilled as Autumn rolls into Winter, I'd highly recommend checking out Cuddl Duds fleecewear. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!  ]]> 2018-10-29 20:45:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/298266682 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/298483614 I grew up hearing this quote spoken from time to time by my father. That, and the one word, “Ask!” because, inevitably, as children, we were often getting into mischief striking off on our own doing something without thinking of the consequences! If we had only asked, the situation might not have turned out as haphazardly as it did!! 😁]]> 2018-10-30 13:27:18 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/298483614 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/298687066 Tackling the favor tags this afternoon. Much more to print and cut out for Becca’s wedding reception! ]]> 2018-10-30 18:28:06 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/298687066 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/298981351 Checkers is old and fussy, but he loves snuggling with our pretty Lab, Joanna! 💕]]> 2018-10-31 14:01:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/298981351 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299204255 Finally saw some color and beauty with yesterday’s sunshine and blue sky! ]]> 2018-10-31 23:45:06 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299204255 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299207728 A quick, simple recipe for when you need a sweet fix fast, or to take the chill out of the house on a cool Autumn day! ]]> 2018-11-01 00:18:15 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299207728 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299401933 Inspiration for today. ]]> 2018-11-01 14:54:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299401933 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299564596 Homemade split pea and ham soup..... tastes so delicious! And for a little bit of money spent, the meal goes a long way. 🙂😋]]> 2018-11-01 19:41:57 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299564596 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299639322 Becca stopped in to pick up everything I printed, cut and folded for her reception. I ironed her beautiful, burgundy silk scarf that she’ll use as a wrap when in her gown should she be chilly. It’s of similar color to my “eggplant” colored dress, which I was surprised. The older she gets, the more I see that our tastes and styles run alike. 
Well, in less 48 hours we’ll be celebrating our daughter and son-in-law and their relatively new journey in life together! I’m very disappointed in the continual abundance of rain and dreary days. Unfortunately, Saturday’s weather doesn’t look stellar, but at least it won’t be raining buckets like today! 
Dean, our son Charlie, and I will all be in variations of silver/gray and maroon-ish attire so we’ll all blend nicely together for this very special occasion. Here’s a look at my dress, which will be complimented nicely with a silver layered necklace adorned will several pearl beads, matching pearl earrings, and silver/gray slip on heels accented with a jewel on the strap across the top of my foot. When Becca saw the entire outfit put together, she was pleased and thought it was a pretty choice. So, I’m happy about that! I’m sure there’ll be a few pictures to share with you once the event is over! 😉]]> 2018-11-02 01:02:58 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299639322 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299841094 Corn, and lots of it! This is the time of year when the squirrels really start making a presence at the feeders. So that they don’t make a nuisance of themselves getting into the sunflower seed and suet cakes, I put out whole corn to keep them occupied. The Jays really like it, too, and it keeps them off the other feeders that are much more suited for the smaller birds. ]]> 2018-11-02 15:27:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/299841094 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300015049 I haven’t had my morning tea yet in the mug Dean got me for my birthday, but I think I’m going to wash it up, and use it tomorrow.... 😊]]> 2018-11-03 00:01:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300015049 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300069959  Our Autumn day today here in Western NY as viewed from my dining room window. Have a great day! I have things to do in preparation for Becca’s reception later on. Exciting day! Wish it weren’t cold, windy and rainy.... but we’ll make our own warmth and sunshine today!! 😊]]> 2018-11-03 14:44:23 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300069959 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300197946 Good Morning! We have sunshine and blue skies today. Only fitting after our happy day of celebration with family and friends yesterday for Becca and her husband Justin’s wedding reception! Here they are looking fabulous at their Sweetheart table during dinner. 😊 (I’ll be posting more throughout today, and over the next couple of days, so stay tuned!)]]> 2018-11-04 15:57:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300197946 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300253564 I love the bright yellow and red leaves best. We don’t have any red on the property, but we have lots of stunning yellow! ]]> 2018-11-04 21:43:38 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300253564 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300287439 Miss Becca, the lovely bride! ]]> 2018-11-05 01:51:35 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300287439 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300622758 Don’t ever think you can get past these guys if you’re trying to get a quick, little snack on the q.t.! 😂]]> 2018-11-05 17:54:28 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300622758 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300803129 Becca and Justin’s symbolic vow renewal of combining two sands into one container, thus their two lives into one; cake cutting; first dance. 💕]]> 2018-11-06 02:44:50 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/300803129 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/301183279 Yesterday Dean put on his backpack blower to tend to the thick layer of leaves blanketing our front and back yard. As usual, today you’d never know he did a thing out there, but at least the first large majority has been tended to. With a yard as big as ours, it takes a good 3 times of leaf removal before we’re finally done for the season. Even then, there are always stray leaves blowing about since we’re surrounded by so much wooded area. Word has it we’re in for some snow by the end of next week..... 😕]]> 2018-11-06 19:19:26 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/301183279 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/301281656 Joanna sure was getting some fresh air along with that sunshine today! 😆]]> 2018-11-07 00:09:18 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/301281656 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/301487715 2018-11-07 13:59:42 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/301487715 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/301835927 Today the sun was peeking out and the weather was decent, so after raking up and disposing of several large mounds of leaves, I decided to visit Becca before she goes back to work tomorrow. She has been enjoying her days off since she and Justin returned from Niagara Falls. I shared the many candid pictures I and various other family members took, which she really liked seeing. Of course, I spent time with Maya and Colby! What greedy little hug and love seeking grandpups they are! Neither wants to be left out of any of the interaction going on! 😄 Overall, it was a very pleasant day. ]]> 2018-11-07 23:10:15 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/301835927 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302146232 2018-11-08 16:03:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302146232 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302411654 Backyard. It has looked interesting with so much gray and clouds this Autumn. ]]> 2018-11-09 03:00:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302411654 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302412029 Another view of the backyard in the opposite direction of the picture below.]]> 2018-11-09 03:02:32 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302412029 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302604988 Becca’s theme for her reception decor was “rustic”. I felt it was very beautifully and tastefully done! ]]> 2018-11-09 15:20:19 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302604988 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302797136 Hmmmm, decisions, decisions..... Which to snuggle up with and read first this evening?!   😊]]> 2018-11-09 22:39:05 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302797136 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302870556 When you FINALLY wake to a day of sunshine, and everyone and everything just feels so much happier! Even Louie, our Jade plant, is smiling! 😉 ]]> 2018-11-10 15:18:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302870556 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302931389 My favorite aroma and cookie from Autumn clear through the Christmas season is Molasses! So, tonight while the wind was blustery and little bits of snow flurried through the air, I decided to bake up a batch of lusciously soft, delicious cookies. With the warmth of the fire and the scent of molasses wafting through the house, it’s been easy to be content in the coziness of home tonight! ]]> 2018-11-11 02:32:35 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/302931389 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/303027062 This morning dawned quiet and sunny. I took advantage of the opportunity and planted my beautiful Aster plant Becca bought me for my birthday. It has previously remained in its nursery pot, adorning the steps of our front deck. What has also been out front in large planter pots were, among other things, 2 Rainforest Sunrise Hostas. I bought them with the intention of handing them off to Becca for planting in her own backyard flowerbed this Autumn, but when I visited her last, she hadn’t wanted me to bring them at that time. However, now, with this sooner than expected winterlike weather, they really need to be planted before becoming frozen, so I had to plant them, as well. My flowerbeds along the front and south side of the house are packed. The one along the back of the house has started being taken over by some tenacious ground cover planted by the former homeowner, despite our best efforts to eradicate it. Because of this, I’ve only planted larger things like Lilac and Rose of Sharon bushes. So, that left only one spot to really plant anything permanent. In the middle of our backyard there are evergreen trees, and they each have large, unused areas around their base. So I chose the middle tree’s mound to plant the Aster, and on each side of the Aster, a Hosta. I’ll be looking forward to seeing sprouts of new growth from each of these come Springtime! ]]> 2018-11-11 19:01:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/303027062 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/303257394 “Can I have a piece of that cheese, Mom? Pretty please?” ]]> 2018-11-12 14:07:04 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/303257394 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/303551789 When it’s been a long day, and you’re just..... zonked! 😆]]> 2018-11-13 02:57:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/303551789 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/303920499 I recently realized just how much I like the smell of the herb Rosemary. Call me crazy, but I caught myself taking the cap off the jar on my counter and inhaling a deep whiff of it more than a few times a day! It just smells so soothing, and maybe, feels calming to me. So, imagine my surprise when, upon further investigation into this herb, I discovered it’s a mood enhancer and stress reliever, among several other additionally wonderful things. See for yourself the benefits of Rosemary! ]]> 2018-11-13 17:58:43 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/303920499 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/304110348 Our first snowfall came this evening.... Maybe if Winter’s coming early, we can hope that Spring will come early, too, when it’s time! 😉 ]]> 2018-11-14 02:41:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/304110348 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/304326808 Not sure what these guys would do without each other! Colby thinks Maya makes a nice pillow, and Maya’s somehow managed to wear her extra large Kong toy as a bracelet! 😆 Oh, my goodness, what’s not to love?]]> 2018-11-14 15:02:44 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/304326808 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/304609022 Well, we’re at that point where you pick your poison..... either rain and wind OR snow and frigid temps! Since some amount of work can be done despite the cold and, thankfully, minimal snowfall, Dean suited up and headed out the door this morning. He is behind a good 2 weeks in his tree work because of the extreme rainfall we’ve had. But he said it felt so good to be able to get out there and do something, even if it was bone chilling cold outside! 
While he was working, I figured I’d beat the “getting out of work crowd” and run to the store to do more of my food shopping for Thanksgiving. Well, there’s no beating the crowd; they’re already out there, in the middle of the week, on a workday, and on one of the coldest days we’ve had so far!! It truly is puzzling to me. Does no one work anymore? 
I generally shop at Wegmans. So, when they have a sale on frozen turkeys for .48¢ / lb with any purchase of $25 or more, that’s pretty easy for me to do. They also had a sale on Sara Lee frozen pies, so I grabbed a pumpkin pie to bake up for Thanksgiving Day, too, along with potatoes, applesauce, squash and cranberry sauce. 
Our family tradition for nearly 2 decades is that I host Thanksgiving for the entire immediate family, and that’s currently about 25 people - adults as well as children. (And each family brings their own contribution to the meal.) I have 3 siblings, each with a significant other, and we have 14 children between us!! They range in age from 12 to almost 23 years old. That’s a lot of young ‘uns! Though, most are young adult young ‘uns now! 😆 
So, if you wonder what I’ll be doing between now and Thanksgiving, I’ll be getting the house in order and planning for our Thanksgiving Day dinner, of course! ]]> 2018-11-15 01:16:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/304609022 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305014829 Word has it there’s some snow coming our way here in Western NY. Dean got a couple of smaller jobs done, then we set about preparing for the arrival of snow. The back room is stocked full of wood and the tractor has its plow blade on. Dean doesn’t anticipate working tomorrow if what the weather forecasters are saying will happen, does. We plan on heading down into the basement and giving it a good, thorough cleaning and reorganizing to make wise use of his day here at home. I don’t know about your weather, but ours sure has been unusual and excessive no matter the season! Our Summer was hotter that normal, our Autumn was more rainy than usual, and now our Winter is coming much sooner than expected! 😳]]> 2018-11-15 20:16:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305014829 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305093629 Some days Missie just sits and talks and talks to us. It seems nothing except treats will quiet her for a bit, but, she can’t always have treats. I pick her up and hold her for a bit, then put her down, yet still she meows. Finally, I get a piece of aluminum foil from the draw, ball it up and watch as her eyes grow huge, and I toss it to the floor. Oh! She grabs it and takes off running, batting it around. But tonight, that didn’t satisfy her for very long. That’s when I decided to get a rather long twist tie that came on something other than food. I tied the ends together to make a circle, then tossed it down. BINGO! Just this simple little twist tie circle entertained not only her, but Checkers, her tuxedo brother, for well near half an hour! Now, mind you, Checkers is 14 years old, but this little “toy” had him springing and pouncing like he was a youngster. 😁 How fun to watch their silly antics this evening! ]]> 2018-11-16 01:44:57 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305093629 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305333612 All told, we got about 5” of snow. It made for a pretty view this morning.]]> 2018-11-16 16:32:40 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305333612 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305392388 Burning Bush berries. The birds are loving them! ]]> 2018-11-16 18:23:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305392388 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305543969 Good Morning! Have a great start to your day! ]]> 2018-11-17 14:37:07 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305543969 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305594230 The doorbell rang, and as Romeo has done every day of his 9+ year life when someone is at the door, he barked with all the barking his small body could muster. 🙄 Little did he know that this time the ringing of the bell would bring something especially for him! I brought in the box and Dean excitedly got right to work on opening it. Geesh, you’d have thought the gift was for him! Instead, it was a gift FROM him, TO Romeo. Almost as exciting! 😉
Turns out, Dean bought Romeo his very own, brand new, cozy “cave” bed to stay warm and toasty in this winter. He popped it into shape and put it down on the floor for Romeo to check out. Wow..... Romeo was in that thing in about 1 second flat!! 
Despite it being a tad bit small, which we got quite a kick out of seeing when he sat in it, he gave it the once over (a.k.a scraping and snuffling), knocked it over, then curled up in it just that way and refused to leave it for practically the rest of the evening! You’re welcome, Romeo.... We love you! 💕]]> 2018-11-17 22:10:31 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305594230 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305700812 When you’re so comfortable that it just doesn’t matter that your leg is hanging over the edge..... ]]> 2018-11-18 19:27:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305700812 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305701264 I really think this is such a fabulous idea for any type of gift wrap on a roll! It could be tucked into the corner of a closet, then rolled out whenever you need it, so that gift wrapping is never a chore!]]> 2018-11-18 19:30:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305701264 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305729060 I’m not one for collecting too many trinkets and knick-knacks anymore. At the end of the day, it’s just STUFF that brings temporary happiness, but becomes a burden when you end up having too many things and not enough room. But there are times when something inexpensive is just too temptingly cute to pass up - like this winter mail box tin. Of course, I had been in the store for a specific reason, but as it almost always happens, you spot something else on the way to where you were going! My eyes zeroed in on the mailbox as soon as it came into view, and immediately I said to myself, “It’s cute, but it’s just stuff” as I continued walking past. Then, suddenly, my body and mind betrayed me. My feet paused after just a few steps, and my being began to turn around, all the while my brain was reasoning WHY this adorable mailbox would be worth the purchase.... The next thing I knew, it was in my basket, paid for, and on the way home with me. And you know what? I really like it! Every day. Even Dean commented on what a unique and pretty tin it was. So, while I didn’t win the battle in this particular instance, I’m still glad I have such an adorable mailbox tin to bring me cheer all winter long. 😊]]> 2018-11-18 23:12:05 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305729060 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305912774 Good morning and happy Monday! I haven’t made these rolls yet, but I plan to either today or tomorrow. When it comes to cooking and baking, I enjoy doing so, especially when it fills the house with cozy, comforting smells in the cold weather months. But I’m also about quick and easy. So, I really hope these rolls turn out as delicious as they look, because this recipe just might become my favorite, go-to, home baked rolls recipe if they do! ]]> 2018-11-19 13:55:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/305912774 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/306137125 At 1:30 this afternoon, I stepped into the cold, but sunny, outdoors with a bottle of glass cleaner, paper towels and a trash bag. I grabbed my lightweight aluminum ladder, propped it up against the house, and began cleaning the windows. I generally clean them about 4 times a year - before Thanksgiving when all the family comes, at the onset of Spring, and a couple of times throughout the summer. In my case, these windows ARE the “windows to my world”! Being an avid nature and animal lover as I am, you would find me looking through my windows countless times a day if you were here with me! 
After cleaning the windows, I decided to tackle putting up a small display of Christmas lights. Originally, I truly was on the verge of not doing any outdoor lights this year. But then someone made a comment about how just doing a simple wrap of lights around my front deck rails wouldn’t be that hard to do. So, I kind of felt guilty that I was taking the lazy way out, and, well, that led me to put up some lights. I chose our soft blue lights on a strand,  because those are my son’s favorite. Everything was fine ‘til about half way through.
I’d forgotten to check one of the strands, and OF COURSE, only after being wound around the deck rails, did I remember to plug it in. Much to my dismay, it didn’t work. At that point, with fingers getting cold, light strands continuing to tangle and my patience running thin, I could have bit someone’s head off for making the suggestion that I string a few lights..... and that is not a lie! 😳😆 After thinking of a new plan of action, I quickly got to work undoing, then redoing the light strands in a less tedious type of wrap so I could call it a day and get inside where it was warm! The easier task will be to gather all of my flickering candles and put them in each window of our home. Neither the lights nor my candles are set to go on until the night of Thanksgiving, when all of my nieces will “Ooooo and ahhh” over them as they and their families leave at the end of the evening. It’s something they’ve come to expect. I guess I am glad that I put the lights out, especially for their sakes, but for next year I’m definitely looking for lights that are much simpler and easier to deal with! ]]> 2018-11-19 22:10:21 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/306137125 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/306328442 2018-11-20 13:31:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/306328442 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/306543771 Working on the Butternut squash. Thought I’d get proactive and cook it down today, then all I have to do is pop it in the crockpot to heat up come Thanksgiving morning! I usually like to do Buttercup squash. If you’ve never had it, it’s a lot like Butternut, but a thicker consistency and more robust flavor, I guess I would say. I prefer it over Butternut, but this was readily available at BJ’s for a great price, so I went with it! ]]> 2018-11-20 21:43:23 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/306543771 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/306844539 Such a busy day, the day before Thanksgiving! I’m so THANKFUL that, among other things, Becca and Dean were able to help in putting our artificial tree together (which is situated up on the end table to keep naughty little critters from making it their playground! 😆) for the decorating tomorrow. Usually Charlie helps me with that, but today he is working. It is said that “many hands make light work” and oh, how true that is! Going to get the oven preheated to bake up my pumpkin pie, and broil up some bread into crostini for one of tomorrow night’s snacks along with the clam chowder, which I’m also going to make up and have ready in the crockpots. Lots to do as I continue on today! ]]> 2018-11-21 20:25:30 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/306844539 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/306860673 Candles are in the windows....]]> 2018-11-21 22:20:28 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/306860673 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307020419 Thinking of you all. 😊 A very pleasant, peaceful, and happy Thanksgiving to you! ]]> 2018-11-22 13:18:23 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307020419 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307077559 My sweet husband...... left me a message on my long, fast, hen scratched to-do list! 😊💗]]> 2018-11-22 17:07:20 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307077559 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307336686 My nieces made our Christmas tree look gorgeous! And some even brought their own, handmade ornaments to adorn the tree with. How crafty and talented they are. What fun it was to watch them as they were thoughtfully and cheerfully working together to make a beautiful tree that would bring us happiness throughout this holiday season! 
I hope you’ve had a pleasant day today. 🙂 ]]> 2018-11-23 21:36:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307336686 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307425143 So, this morning I woke up and decided that it was time to make an appointment with my chiropractor. 😕 After days of dealing with a catch between my spine and the right shoulder blade, my shoulder and neck muscles were tighter than a drum. Yesterday, was quite uncomfortable, and nothing I tried brought relief. My right hip also felt a little out of place because that muscle was giving me some issues, as well. Thankfully, everything was set to rights, but as you know, if you’ve been to the chiropracter yourself, the body is usually slightly sore after any adjustments. It takes a few days for the muscles and ligaments to settle back down. 
And look what I discovered upon arriving home. Miss Ziva was naughty and got after the wrap on the “trunk” of the Christmas tree, and was apparently having fun with the bottom string of lights, too. I don’t know what her fascination is with this tree! From the time she was a kitten, she’s climbed up into it, stretched out onto the limbs and peeked out at us from what she thinks is her secret hiding place. I guess it’s like her jungle gym! Of course, she waited until Dean busied himself outdoors to get into her mischief. This is why we set it up on the endtable to at least keep it less accessible. Thankfully, she hasn’t attempted to climb into it being this high off the ground. If she weren’t so cute, I’d be disgruntled with her! ]]> 2018-11-24 18:47:18 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307425143 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307512877 A flock of usually more typically Canadian residing Evening Grosbeaks showed up in a rare sighting here yesterday! I caught a quick glimpse of a colorful, large bird on the front deck rail outside the dining room window, then did a double take. My first thought was one of incredulous shock that perhaps I was seeing a Baltimore Oriole (a bird that has already migrated south), but of course they’re bright orange. Then immediately I knew I was seeing something rare and grabbed my camera. It flew off to my south side sunflower seed feeder, and there to my surprise were a few more males and a female! I must have taken at least 50 photos - lol!! One such sighting as this, or like the vivid blue Indigo Bunting I spotted feeding out front last year, makes my love of feeding the birds so worthwhile and exciting to me! Here is what the Evening Grosbeak looks like via photos from the internet. 🙂]]> 2018-11-25 14:52:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307512877 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307582135 Oh, my goodness..... These apple cider donuts are unexpectedly delicious! 😋 The label says donuts, but many would call these fry cakes. Is there really a difference? I guess I’m not sure! ]]> 2018-11-25 23:22:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307582135 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307782042 Good morning. 🙂 Happy Monday! ]]> 2018-11-26 14:22:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/307782042 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/308010796 Grandpups Maya and Colby are just the sweetest! Here’s Colby snuggling on top of Maya. This past weekend, Maya took a trip to Lowe’s with her daddy, while Colby stayed home with his mommy. But Colby was sad and anxious the moment he was left alone without Maya. Precious thing! ]]> 2018-11-26 20:22:57 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/308010796 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/308101581 A couple of years ago, the kids got me started on a small collection of bird, and bird related, tree ornaments. Thereafter, I was able to find individual bird ornaments with clips that secure them to the branches of the tree. I’d like to get other nature themed ornaments to add to my collection as well, and eventually decorate the tree one year with all of these ornaments combined. I think this theme would be one of my favorites! Here’s a few of the ornaments I’m speaking of..... ]]> 2018-11-27 02:49:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/308101581 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/308278061 2018-11-27 14:18:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/308278061 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/308472387 Cold, blustery days make us want to cook up batches of delicious comfort foods, bake up sweet desserts, and gather around the table to eat and chat with one another..... If you were here with me today, I’d dish us each up a bowl of this authentic German, hearty pea soup and enjoy a nice visit with you!]]> 2018-11-27 19:03:41 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/308472387 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/308823475 We awoke to a Winter Wonderland. The snow is pretty, but heavy. It has covered most of the bird feeders completely. So, I’ll go out and brush them off, refill them and nourish our little feathered friends! ]]> 2018-11-28 15:09:18 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/308823475 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309053093 2018-11-28 21:10:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309053093 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309124816 Some of the best “cold winter night” moments are those spent snuggling and huddling together with the furbabies as my son, Charlie, Romeo and Joanna are doing. 🙂]]> 2018-11-29 03:06:49 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309124816 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309483626 Becca got back her professional wedding pictures...... So many that I love! ]]> 2018-11-29 18:49:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309483626 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309485034 2018-11-29 18:51:41 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309485034 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309486866 Just beautiful. 💗]]> 2018-11-29 18:54:19 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309486866 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309487893 2018-11-29 18:55:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309487893 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309581168 2018-11-29 22:16:41 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309581168 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309902282 Happy Friday! Hard to believe that tomorrow is December 1st. I honestly don’t know how these days and weeks are just flying by as fast as they are! 
With December upon us, now begins the hectic, stressful madness all around us. As time has gone by, and my children have grown, and I am at the age where so many changes are taking place within me, my perspective on this whole holiday thing has really changed. 
I no longer seek perfectionism, and to be honest, I’m not sure I could handle that pressure on myself anymore. The question #5 asks is really why that has changed. Seriously, WILL IT REALLY MATTER a year from now?! I’ve found that many people around me don’t even bother about the little details of stuff like I was once obsessed to do. I’ve realized that my children, nieces and nephews will comment on remembering something pertaining to me that I would not even have had a clue they’d remember, because it was so ordinary. I guess that impacted my perspective on this whole matter the most. What one person remembers is often something seemingly insignificant to another, and I believe it varies tremendously from one personality to another, as well. 
#’s 9 and 10 kind of go hand in hand to me, and are the next most important principles I’ve adopted of late. Distancing myself from people and situations is also a way for me to take care of myself. I’ve learned that sometimes I have to be in a “self-preservation” mode, and pay attention to what my mind, body and spirit is telling me. If one week I’m totally ready and on board with a person or an event, then I go with it. But if the next week I just don’t feel things happening, then I’ve learned to do what I feel is best for me at that time. I’ve also learned that people aren’t mind readers, and, unless a point is made about something, generally someone else doesn’t always know exactly what I’m thinking or how I’m feeling, unless I share it with them. I find that being honest and direct, not harboring secret expectations, truly helps me take care of myself because expressing what’s important to me helps others know how to interact in a way that’s so much more rewarding for each of us.
Little by little, I’m getting the hang of this focus thing, and I really like the direction I’m heading! ]]> 2018-11-30 18:04:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/309902282 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310077297 2018-12-01 16:59:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310077297 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310100154 “See, I told you there’s room for me up here, too!” 🐶]]> 2018-12-01 20:51:09 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310100154 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310117400 I just love all the natural light and simple, seasonal beauty shown in this room. ]]> 2018-12-02 02:09:51 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310117400 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310178082 Have a wonderful Sunday. 💞]]> 2018-12-02 16:15:48 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310178082 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310199249 Just came in from a walk around the yard with Dean. Wow, after so many days of cold, dreary, rainy skies the sunshine and warmth of today feels wonderful! ]]> 2018-12-02 18:31:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310199249 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310217521 Really enjoying my discovery of the artistic creations of Bonnie Mohr. ]]> 2018-12-02 20:38:15 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310217521 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310567433 Already missing our bright, blue sky and mild temperatures of yesterday. While on our walk, I noticed our crabapple tree still has lots of fruit, which the birds, especially Cedar Waxwings, like! One time, years ago, I saw them in a tree that still had its fruit, a bit further into winter. It seemed to me they were a bit “addicted” to the fruit of that tree, and imagine my surprise when I was told they were! As the fruit ages, apparently it becomes fermented, as in the kind of fermentation from which alcohol is created, and they get a bit loopy! 😁 Honest to goodness, that’s the story I was told as it was witnessed by the person who shared this interesting tidbit of information with me. Who’d have ever guessed?! 
Dean took advantage of our time outdoors, and loaded up the screen room with more firewood. In this sheltered area, it’s so convenient to just walk through our garage and into the screen room, grab some wood and bring it indoors when our bin gets low. He has a neat piece of equipment called a Muck Truck (which is basically a powered wheelbarrow), that comes in so handy for loading up from the woodpile at the edge of the yard, then bringing the wood up to the screen room to be stacked in there. Not only is the Muck Truck handy around the yard, it’s also very useful to Dean on the job, depending on what may need to be done. It has definitely been a great investment. 
After running out this morning and getting things done, it’s indoors for me for the rest of today. A cozy fire is lending its warmth and charm to the living and dining rooms, while I tend to laundry, the furbabies mid-day meal, and, eventually, our dinner preparations. 
Sure do hope it’s not a long stretch of days before we see the sun again! ]]> 2018-12-03 18:21:46 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310567433 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310691586 2018-12-03 23:19:42 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310691586 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310923636 Happy birthday to this little guy! Today he turns 10. Oh my, where have the years gone? I remember when he was just our newborn little pup! ]]> 2018-12-04 15:01:04 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/310923636 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311160702 2018-12-04 22:06:21 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311160702 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311190427 Yes. 😊]]> 2018-12-05 00:57:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311190427 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311419600 This morning dawned clear, sunny and COLD. It was in the low 20’s near sunrise, and now we’ve reached 25 degrees. These temperatures are just way too cold for the likes of me! I try not to complain and whine too much about having to deal with this frigid weather when I have to go out and about though, because I’m all too aware of the fact that my husband is out there working in it even as we speak. There are some people who rarely complain about their lot in life; they just dig in and get things done, because they know they have to. Dean is one of those people. He has many expressions that fit any number of situations, and often, it’s these words living within him that spur him onward to get through each and every day, whether good or bad, hot or cold, or anything in between. Often he’ll say, “life is as hard as you make it”, despite the fact that he, and no doubt many others, was not given a fair shake in life. I admire his attitude, mental strength, and ability to face nearly any situation head on with the full intention of working through it until he has accomplished his goal. What an inspiration! So now I’m off to tackle my day..... are you with me?]]> 2018-12-05 15:49:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311419600 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311603695 Waking to sunshine is a beautiful thing! Our backyard sunrise this morning, with a bit of a filter! 😉]]> 2018-12-05 21:10:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311603695 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311810232 Even this petite, yet delicately decorated tree invokes the spirit of Christmas. ]]> 2018-12-06 14:20:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311810232 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311813249 Sometimes it’s not about big and fancy. Sometimes, tastefully done, simple Christmas decor says a whole lot more. ]]> 2018-12-06 14:24:41 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311813249 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311948109 “Perspective - a way of regarding something.” Which did you see first? ]]> 2018-12-06 18:01:28 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/311948109 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312070886 Lots of visits from our feathered friends lately, especially now that the weather has turned cold and snowy. This Cardinal was in the Hemlock trees just outside our living room window recently.]]> 2018-12-06 23:05:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312070886 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312272584 Good morning ~ happy Friday! We have sunshine and blue skies here in Western NY. It makes our 27* a bit more bearable! 😊]]> 2018-12-07 15:34:59 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312272584 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312370694 Do you use essential oils? This past year I’ve really gotten into them, and read up on these oils to learn more about them, and discover how they can be helpful when used. It is said that the sense of smell is more closely related to memory than any of our other senses. Some of the oils I’ve chosen are specifically because of this thought; like my vanilla, cinnamon and citrus oils. These scents have always been very pleasant and comforting aromas to me throughout various times and moments in my life. So I love when my home is filled with the smell of them. But I’ve learned that certain scents help our bodies in different ways. For example, here are a few ways some of the more popular essential oils are said to be very therapeutic:

Lavender Oil
Derived from fresh lavender flowers, lavender oil is of the most well known essential oils. It appears to slow the activity of the central nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote better concentration, and help encourage hair regrowth in those suffering from alopecia areata, a type of hair loss.

Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is great for respiratory health. Inhaling eucalyptus steam can help alleviate a cough and congestion. The aroma of the oil acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen phlegm in the nasal passages and lungs.
In one study, researchers found that the combination of eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil boosts cognitive performance. The same study also found the scent of these two essential oils reduce headaches and promote mental and muscular relaxation.

Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil can help alleviate nausea, headache, upset stomach, gas, indigestion, and anxiety. 

Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil is known for its calming effects, but it may also encourage a healthy body weight and help with vascular and heart health. Researchers aren’t yet sure how, but bergamot oil encourages normal cholesterol levels and blood sugar.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with strong antimicrobial properties. Also known as melaleuca oil, tea tree oil comes from “tea” or “paperbark” trees. In Australia, it has a long history of use as an antiseptic. Bundjalung aborigines native to Australia inhaled the aroma of crushed leaves to relieve cough and used poultices to help heal wounds.
Today, we know that tea tree oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotozoal. It fights harmful organisms by damaging cell membranes. Tea tree oil also inhibits the growth and sporulation of yeast and fungus. The oil can be applied topically to cuts to discourage infection.

Lemon Balm Oil
Also called valerian, lemon balm is an essential oil that helps with symptoms of menopause, especially disordered sleep patterns. Lemon balm also seems to sharpen memory and boost problem-solving abilities. Some promising research indicates that it may improve recall for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Today, I happen to be using an oil my son, Charlie, bought for me. It’s one I was very pleasantly surprised with, and have come to like very much. It’s called Mindfulness by Chesapeake Bay, which he purchased from Target. (I didn’t even know they carried essential oils because I generally order mine online from Young Living, which is a very reputable company, though there are many suppliers out there to read up on and choose from) Mindfulness is a blend of cinnamon, cardamom and cedar. I’m not sure I would have purchased it by the scent it has when in the bottle, but once it’s diffused through the air in my diffuser, I just love its earthy, deep, almost sensual smell. Its aroma is very relaxing to me. Other days I really enjoy using one of my other favorite oils. Often, my mood or emotions predict the choice. 
My daughter also purchased me a diffuser necklace, which is kind of like a breathable locket if you will, that encapsulates a clay bead in which a small amount of essential oil has been placed on. In this case, I tend to use peppermint oil because, among its properties listed above, it’s also known to be a stress reliever. I find it’s aroma is very settling to me as its scent drifts upwards and I breathe it in. 

While this post is only a very basic introduction to essential oils and their therapeutic properties, it just may have piqued your interest enough to research and try a few of them out yourself! ]]> 2018-12-07 18:52:34 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312370694 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312454003  “My heart always melts just a little when I see a front porch with a glowing lamp near the door.” ~ Leslie Anne Tarabella.

And yes, so does mine! There’s nothing more welcoming than to see the coziness of a house shining brightly in the night....]]> 2018-12-08 02:00:13 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312454003 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312503707 These adorable Downy Woodpeckers are really quite gentle and trusting. While refilling my feeders this one stayed put on the suet cake, allowing me to be within a couple feet of it. Sometimes, as I’m right in the middle of it all, a Chickadee, Titmouse or Nuthatch will come to a feeder right next to the one I’m tending to! If I stand still, they remain, and I’m able to get such an up close and personal look at these delicate little beauties. There’s just nothing like it! ]]> 2018-12-08 14:01:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312503707 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312571888 Earlier today, my daughter and I exchanged a brief conversation about the grandpups. 
“Are you home resting and enjoying your day off?” I had asked.
“No,” she replied, “I’m out and about at the moment. I’m buying sprinkles and pineapple chunks so hopefully Colby will stop eating poop!”
My eyes widened in disgust. “OH!” I texted back. “What do they do?” 
“Make the poop taste bad,” she replied. 
I thought about that for a minute, then responded, “Hmmm, I’d never have thought that about SPRINKLES....” I shook my head. Boy, does she have her hands full with those two! 
My phone beeped with the arrival of her text.
“NOT THE SPRINKLES! Those are for cookies tomorrow - LOL!” I could just see her exasperated expression as I read her reply and laughed. 
Well, what in the world do I know?! Seems like every day they’re coming up with some new fangled remedy for this trouble or that! 😆 But I sure do hope Colby outgrows this recently acquired naughty habit fast! I’ve never had Romeo or Joanna eat poop, but I never leave it laying around to give them the opportunity to, either! Maybe one of you has had the same problem and knows what to do?

She did send the most adorable picture of the “grands”. They’re certainly getting into the holiday spirit already! Bet they just can’t wait to see what Santa brings them..... 😉 But they’d better start behaving first! ]]> 2018-12-09 00:37:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312571888 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312645447 And lest you feel alone because you may be only one, fur babies count as family! They are our best companion. They love us unconditionally. They are loyal to a fault, and need us as much as we need them! Have a wonderful, peaceful, enjoyable day! 💕]]> 2018-12-09 15:21:57 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312645447 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312754690 Today Romeo and Joanna went to the groomer. Poor Romeo cries and shakes, while Joanna is little Miss Social Bug! Amazing how their personalities are so opposite! They both look, and smell, so nice! It’s always a dilemma of how to best clean their beds and sleeping mats so that when they return home, they aren’t sleeping on dirty, stinky stuff. I’ve made several changes over the last few years in an attempt to use items than can easily be tossed into the washer. I’ve come a long ways, but I still haven’t found the perfect solution. Their most recent beds have a zipper that allows the stuffing to be removed so the casing can be washed, but boy, is that a hassle! As I was restuffing Romeo’s I thought that there has to be a better way! Now I’m thinking of a basic bed pillow, covered with a pillowcase, and a thick fluffy towel thrown over the top. No stuffing to be removed, just a pillowcase and towel to wash, and when the pillow gets flat and smelly - just toss it! When we had carpeting, so many floor mats weren’t necessary. But our current home has hardwood floors (except for a few area rugs), which are obviously uncomfortable to lay on, and at this time of the year, they’re chilly, too. I definitely think I’m going to look into the pillow, pillowcase and towel idea, and see how we do with that! ]]> 2018-12-10 02:29:17 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/312754690 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/313004689 Monday motivation! ]]> 2018-12-10 16:15:02 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/313004689 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/313195825 I use a simple, cheap, trusty flip phone for a cellphone, and I’ve never used another style in all the years I’ve had one. It’s not uncommon for me to get gawks and comments from those around me joking about the fact that I still use such a “dinosaur” of a phone. It doesn’t bother me one bit! The bottom line is, my cellphone does what I need it to. It rings, sends texts, and used to take and share pictures, but the camera broke a while back. Eh, who needs a camera on their phone anyways?! I just need a way to stay in contact with those people who are important to me - a.k.a my family.
If I want to do any other thing that my phone cannot do, there are devices and solutions for each and every one! I don’t need and I don’t want a smartphone. I’m odd like that I guess, if you call that weird! And there are those that have razzed me for being a little too concerned about my privacy, indicating that I’m too “paranoid” about others gleaning personal information from me. Well, in this day and age, you kind of have to be! I assess, critique and use every kind of privacy option that I can.
I’ve always said that at the rate our technology is advancing, it’s dangerous. It’s scary. It’s just TOO MUCH. And if you haven’t already come to that same conclusion, take a moment to check out just how much of your “private” life is astonishingly not private at all if you have a smartphone! My mouth was honestly agape in astounded disbelief as I read the following article. It’s a bit lengthy, but I promise you it’s entirely worth the read. No longer does the camel just have its nose in the tent....more than half of its body is in there, too!!
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/12/10/business/location-data-privacy-apps.html

]]> 2018-12-10 22:19:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/313195825 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/313459715 Ever have one of “those” mornings? Well, today it was my turn. It started when I received a call at 7:50 a.m., which is never a time my phone would ring. Since it was a local number, my thoughts immediately headed down the path of concern, hoping it wasn’t a call regarding my children, or any of my family members. Turns out it was actually a call from the county jail. An automated voice asked if I would accept a collect call from, then a garbled human voice said a name, this person. I had no clue what name the person even said, and it’s safe to say none of my family are, or ever would be, any sort of an offender, so I hung up. In less than a minute, they called back. This time I handed the phone to my husband. Now Dean has a very deep, direct, no nonsense sounding voice. When he speaks in a certain way, his voice commands attention. So when he answered, he spoke in “that way”. Then he listened, and could make no more sense out of the name than I could, so he hung up as well. And that was the end of suspicious calls from an offender in our county jail! 
Shortly thereafter, I began tending to my bird feeders. Previously, the garage overhead and service doors had been opened while Dean was preparing to head off to work. Apparently while everything was opened, a poor Blue Jay had flown into the garage, but I had since shut everything except the back service door. It wasn’t until the bird started making a racket in its desperate attempt to find the outdoors that I realized the poor thing had gotten trapped. And what an ordeal it was in getting the Jay out! It had become pinned between a window and the security wire screen that covered all but the top 1/4 of the window. And here I was, climbing over equipment and standing on buckets to try and free this poor thing! It finally became so exhausted that it laid still. I squeezed my fingers through the small holes of the wire screen in an effort to unlock the window so that I could pull down the top sash. 
Finally, I was able to do so, but the bird stil lay motionless, though I could see it breathing. Carefully I shimmied the Jay up from its wedged position until I cleared the screen and could hold it in front of the now open window. Instantly it realized I was setting it free, then spread its wings and sprung from my hand. I was so happy that it escaped the situation unscathed! 
Thankfully, since then the morning has been uneventful, and let’s hope the rest of the day follows suit! ]]> 2018-12-11 15:54:14 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/313459715 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/313701172 A visit with Santa. (My, but he looks younger every year!) Colby just loved him. As you can see he is almost looking incredulously at him as if to say, “Is it really you, Santa?” Maya..... well, not so much! Mama had to stay with her or she cried and wouldn’t stay seated for the picture. My daughter said it’s as if Maya knows he’s a fake. And it’s the same when she visits the Easter Bunny, too. I get such a kick out of Maya’s unenthusiastic expression here, and her antlers make it look all the more comical! ]]> 2018-12-12 03:52:36 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/313701172 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314059203 2018-12-12 21:18:59 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314059203 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314095004 I rarely go out casual shopping for long periods of time. I find it tends to overwhelm me, and the “fun” loses it’s luster rather quickly. I like a shopping trip where you have something in mind to purchase, though you don’t mind browsing for just a bit, but then you get down to business, head back home and call it a day. 
When it comes to shopping at this time of year, I despise it! The shopping centers that are conveniently located in our town draw people from several neighboring towns, and even the next county over! This adds up to a lot of people converging on us, like vultures on their prey. You may think I’m being overly harsh, but I can assure you, I’m not. I just want our town back! It seems that most shoppers have forgotten their manners, lost their patience and could care less about the property of others. It’s really a shame. You may have even noticed this yourself. If you have, apparently we’re not the only ones. 
It seems there’s been so much complaining over this very thing, that there are actually rules of etiquette that have been created for shopping! I never thought I’d see the day when we must remind people of this, but apparently we do! 
Here’s a little excerpt I found on the matter:

Hi Maralee!

I don’t know if you can help with this or not. Do you know if there are any written store manners?

Before I go shopping, I feel I need a Xanax. (Kidding!) The aisles are full of people pushing carts every whichaway making it impossible to get down the aisle without having to say a million times, “Excuse me!” as I reach for what I need.

I recently stood behind a lady talking on her cell phone oblivious to me and the fact that I was trying to get her attention so that I could pass her. I finally lightly tapped her on the shoulder, smiled, and said, “Pardon me.” She gave me the dirtiest look. You would have thought I ran over her toes with the cart.

It’s hard to go from one aisle to the next. I’ve had people bump into me numerous times.

If you can offer any help, I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance,

Allison  T.





“Shopping Cart Etiquette

1.) Just like when driving, stay to your right. In store aisles, push your cart close to the right side of the aisle. Keep the middle of the aisle open for passing. I realize that the aisles are tight, and this isn’t always possible.

2.) Park and walk across the aisle. When you need something from the other side of the aisle, park your cart on the right, and walk to the item(s) on your left.

3.) It’s OK to reach in front of people for an item. It’s fine to stand next to people (standing next to them makes it more likely that they see you) and reach in front of them if you let them know what you plan to do in advance. Try saying something like, “Excuse me for a moment, please. I need two cans of soup.” Then, wait for a moment until they either verbally acknowledge you or move slightly out of your way. Adding the word please positively impacts the way others perceive you and their willingness to do what you asked in a kind way.

4.) You don’t want to reach from behind (or around) people to get an item. Reaching from behind or around people makes it possible that they haven’t seen you. People get startled when a hand suddenly comes from behind them! Step to the person’s side, and proceed as above in step 3.

5.) When making your way up or down an aisle, yield to oncoming shoppers if a “parked” cart is on your side. Just like when driving, if someone is coming from the opposite direction and there’s something on your side of the road (the aisle) that’s parked and blocking clear passage for both of you, it’s your responsibility to move over to your right and let the oncoming person pass.

6.) When you reach the end of an aisle, stop and look in both directions before turning into the main aisle. Imagine a stop sign at the end of each aisle. As with driving, come to a stop, and look both ways before maneuvering your cart into the main aisle. Those already in the main aisle have the right of way.

7.) In general, when checking out, stand in front of your cart while placing items on the conveyor. It’s easier to stand in front of the cart (the side opposite the handle) because it’s the lowest part of the cart, making it easier to retrieve all the items and load them onto the conveyor. But if doing so makes your lane too crowded, stand behind or beside your cart as needed.

Once the cart is empty, pass it to the section of the checkout lane where the items are bagged so that the bagger can place the bagged items in your cart.

Grace Note: When you’re finished (or nearly finished) putting your items on the conveyor, place the divider up as your signal that the people behind you are welcome to begin loading their items onto the belt. It’s gracious for you to do it so that they don’t feel as if they’re intruding on your space.

8.) In the parking lot, place your cart in one of the designated cart “corrals.” If the store doesn’t offer a designated spot for carts, return yours to the entrance area, or place it horizontally in front of your car or in some similar location that keeps it from blocking parking spots or causing others to have to move your cart out of their way before opening their car door.

It would make shopping more pleasant if everyone were on the same page about what’s expected of them up and down the store aisles. Shopping cart etiquette is a little thing that makes a big difference when you add up all the trips to the store we’ll make over our lifetime.

Shopping Cart Etiquette —Now That You’ve Read It, Don’t You Wish Everyone Used It?!”  - Maralee McKee, Manners Mentor

My opinion? Honestly, I’m flabbergasted that we even have to teach it!! 

]]> 2018-12-13 00:54:05 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314095004 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314241294 Since we all know the lure a Christmas tree is to our cats! 😉 ]]> 2018-12-13 13:53:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314241294 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314471447 2018-12-13 21:03:20 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314471447 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314690879 Apparently one of the cats was quite vocal last night. Usually it’s Melissa, but could have been Checkers this time. Lately he’s been grabbing a small stuffed animal toy as his “prey”, trotting along while making a deep throated meow sound, then setting it down waiting to be praised for his “capture”. Unfortunately, Dean was not amused, and consequently slept poorly, despite the fact that all of this was going on outside of the bedroom, not in it. At one point he said he pulled an extra pillow over his head! That thought makes me giggle a bit, though I know how frustrating a lack of proper sleep can be. What we put up with when we have fur babies! 
It’s mild outdoors, and smells a bit like Spring. That alone boosts my spirit, despite our mostly continual gray skies. I love hearing birds chattering in the nearby woods and hedgerows. Dean suggested we forgo the fire today and open our windows slightly to air out the house. That sounds like a good idea! 
I have much to do on my list today. I work hard at trying to avoid the feeling of a time crunch, which comes so easily when so much is going on around us, and there are business deadlines to address for a couple of important matters.
I still haven’t gotten my Christmas cards done, or pictures printed to enclose, which is something I normally enjoy doing much sooner than now. And every morning that I wake up and move the marker over one more box into the new day on our calendar, I’m reminded of the days closing in for just how many days are realistically left for mail to be delivered by Christmas Day. I certainly have my work cut out for me today!
At times like these I always recall that old fable, The Tortoise and The Hare. I remind myself that the race is not won by a frantic dash of mindless speed, but by a well thought out, slow, yet steady progress toward the finishline of accomplishment! Without this train of thought, I know I’d feel defeated before I even get started. And I just can’t deal with that today.....
Here’s to wonderful and productive day for us all!]]> 2018-12-14 15:30:44 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314690879 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314848151 2018-12-14 23:18:38 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314848151 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314857650 I don’t think I’ve ever loved Christmas cards as much as these I got for this year from Leanin’ Tree! They were on clearance after last Christmas at our local Tractor Supply. I think I’m going to go with this company again next year. 🙂 ]]> 2018-12-15 02:16:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314857650 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314893619 2018-12-15 14:37:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314893619 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314925812 2018-12-15 23:07:39 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314925812 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314997492 The other day I went to Goodwill in hopes of finding some old pictures with barn scenes, and the scene with that famous old, red pickup truck carrying a Christmas tree. Both would make great gifts for 2 people who I know would just love them. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find either. 
I decided to browse the store and look for some long sleeved shirts for myself. They seemed to have a good selection, and it wasn’t long before I came upon some incredible bargains. Namely, these beautiful button downs by Chaps, some with the store tags still on them. 
They were $60 shirts, which I got for the nifty price of just $5 each! I couldn’t believe it. They fit perfectly, and the couple without the original store tags couldn’t have been worn more than once or twice. I was so happy to know that, while I didn’t find what I’d gone in to look for, at least I hit the jackpot in the shirt department! 
]]> 2018-12-16 18:36:49 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/314997492 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/315298441 I had hoped to post sooner today, but I had to make a call to my chiropractor first thing for an issue that came about with my upper back on Saturday. (And yes, I was recently just there!) The secretary told me the dr had an opening at 9:30, so I took it. 
With chiropractor appointments, I often feel like they’re a catch 22. But lately, having to go for adjustments seems to be my lot in life, so I go. In the beginning, I’d wait to see if the problem would go away, but that just never really happens. Waiting almost always causes the matter to intensify to the point of significant discomfort which causes an interruption in your ability to carry on with your day as usual.
So, you have a pain, an ache, a “catch”, or some such thing, and that’s what needs first, a relaxing and warming treatment, and then, adjusting. While experiencing the first part of treatment, you start to recognize a feeling of relief, and begin to realize just how much discomfort you were dealing with. It’s one of those things that’s kind of like the frog having been boiled in the water....
Then comes the adjustment part. And here’s where the catch 22 comes in. You know the adjustment is a necessary evil. Finally, what is out of place, will be put back in place, but not without firm coercing. There’s slight discomfort, but immediate relief is almost always achieved. 
Though, what sometimes happens afterwards, is that you’ve now upset the apple cart. It can be that an area you had not a lick of trouble with, suddenly starts to feel “different”. It’s the most frustrating part of this whole process. You go in to correct one problem, and end up with another. 
And that’s exactly what happened today. I went in for an adjustment on the upper right part of my back, only to come home and continue to feel a catch now on the left side! I’m guessing a nerve is pinched because my whole arm is lightly tingling. 
At first I thought I’d wait it out just to be sure because hey, let’s face it, it feels awkward to have to call back and say that something still isn’t right. I always hate to “be a bother” to people. Plus, there’s the inconvenience of another trip back to the chiropractor, and I sure hope I don’t get charged for another office visit because this really isn’t through any fault of my own. 
Then I got over myself, the awkwardness and inconvenience, and made the call. I politely explained the situation, and it was suggested that if nothing improves by 3:30 this afternoon, that I should come back in. So, since my arm continues to tingle, you can expect that I’ll be heading back to the chiropractor for the second time today. 
The older I’ve gotten the more I realize that I don’t want to be a martyr, to suck it up, wait it out, or any other thing. I want to address an issue, get it resolved and move on. If I can’t, I will politely, but firmly, insist on a resolution until it’s the answer I came for. Otherwise, the only person who loses out and suffers is me. ]]> 2018-12-17 18:44:15 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/315298441 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/315388694 I am happy to report that everything turned out just fine on my second visit to the chiropractor, as mentioned in my post below. He was very understanding, I did not get charged, and the problem on the left side of my upper back has been resolved. Phew! I’m looking forward to waking up to a fresh, new start tomorrow, and getting back on track with all that I have planned to do! ]]> 2018-12-18 01:00:26 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/315388694 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/315724836 Today was quite a cold day. We were at a mere 25 degrees for the most part, and this afternoon had a break in the clouds for a few hours. Just seeing the blue sky and sunshine felt so wonderful. On days like today, we always have many birds that frequent the feeders. I was happy to see the return of some of our Bluebirds as they nibbled on my crunchy peanut butter in the suet log. Then we had our regulars - the Blue Jays, Nuthatches, Titmice, Chickadees, Goldfinches, House Finches, Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows and Mourning Doves. Oh, and the occasional Cardinal. They don’t really seem to come out in flocks until a bit further into winter. Watching all the birds is as good to me as watching a favorite TV show. There’s plenty of entertainment, and almost always a guest appearance or two! 
Grocery shopping was on my list of things to do today. I always try to stick with shopping around the perimeter of store, since that’s where the most important staple items such as produce, meat, breads and dairy, can generally be found. I did dive into the center on this trip for few things in the breakfast and cleaning aisles. Thankfully, the store wasn’t overly crowded. Dean and I just aren’t big on crowds. 
I also made a short trip to Kohl’s for a few, final Christmas gifts. Last year Dean got me the handiest little kitchen gadget. A knife sharpener that sits on the counter and is basically like a handle grip. You hold the grip with one hand, and run the knife through the sharpening groove that is on the end of the grip. This year, I had just the person in mind who would really like, and benefit from, a sharpener of their own. Kohl’s version is different than mine, and actually its design is better suited for my recipient anyways! 
I did get something for myself, which is really my Christmas present from Dean. It’s nothing fancy, but useful, and practical, and exactly what I need..... A pillow! But I’m not talking about just any old pillow. This one is a special pillow, the kind us middle aged people need when we’re looking to support our head, neck and shoulder(s) properly for a good night of rest. (And less frequent trips to the chiropractor, as is the case for me!) It’s a Serta brand, down illusion, down alternative pillow. Hypoallergenic and machine washable. After going back and forth between medium and firm, I settled on the firm, which honestly isn’t as firm as you’d think! I would never guess I’d ever consider buying a $40 pillow, but the good news is, it was 50% off. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it will feel, and if I can settle nicely into it, which is something I absolutely have to be able to do in order to fall asleep. If it’s as good as I hope, I would definitely buy another, even if it meant having to pay full price.
I have to chuckle when I think about all the things that are so much more important to Dean and I now, then when we were younger and nothing seemed to bother us! Isn’t that the way things usually tend to go? ]]> 2018-12-18 22:27:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/315724836 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316030075 It seems odd to hear Christmas songs playing when there’s sunshine and spring weather outdoors. But I love it just the same. I’d much prefer to live in a milder climate, but all of my immediate family is here. None of us are more than 45 minutes away from each other, and the majority of us live only 15 minutes apart. 
I wake to a new list of things to accomplish each day. But today, I did find time to sit outdoors for a short while in the sunshine. Stopping to take a breather in the middle of the day is a time of quiet refreshment for both the body and the mind. Sometimes we just need to “be”. Especially at this time of year, when the holiday season stretches so long from Thanksgiving, through Christmas and on to the New Year’s celebration.
It’s a wonderful time, but when it comes to an end, I think many of us are happy to pick up where we left off on our much more normal routine.]]> 2018-12-19 21:28:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316030075 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316191280 When I went downstairs to tend to the laundry, I had to chuckle when I saw Ziva in one of our old, but well favored, cat teepees. I guess you could say she likes to live on the edge! 😆]]> 2018-12-20 15:33:25 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316191280 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316317672 Mmmmmm! Hot, bubbly, cheesy, goodness for dinner tonight. Chicken casserole! Sometimes it’s just good to sit down at the table and spoon up a dish of comfort food.... ]]> 2018-12-21 00:04:41 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316317672 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316449364 It’s still mild like Spring. Feels so heavenly after some of our very cold days. I am straightening up and airing out the house. This afternoon we are expecting company. Dean and I ran to our local wholesale store and bought a boneless picnic ham for dinner. We’ve really been enjoying that cut of ham lately. I’ll add small potatoes and some crisp corn to make it a meal. Dean thought the pumpkin roll with buttercream filling looked good, so we bought that, too. 
Tomorrow I plan to start preparing gifts for our family get together on Monday. I’ve given up on the tedious paper wrapping of gifts, and use pretty Christmas bags with matching tissue paper. I buy a new package of gift tags every year and I’m good to go! Simple, simple. And if you know anything about me, you know that’s just the way I like it! ]]> 2018-12-21 18:02:03 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316449364 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316529656 We all know how hard it is to truly relax and celebrate the holidays, especially when we may want to accomplish so much and there seems to be so little time, or when we wish things were different than how our circumstance presently is. Here are some ways that can help us enjoy this holiday season to the fullest.....

Keep it Simple - Going all out with any one thing might seem like a good idea, but really, you shouldn’t. Find a middle ground that helps you actually enjoy the holidays and have less unpleasant moments and/or memories.

Keep Visits Short - A huge cause of holiday stress can be being around people. Whether you have a hard time with certain family members, extended family or certain acquaintances, if there are visits planned, a simple tip is to keep the visits short.

Eat Well - Christmas season almost always means lots of sugar! Limit the sweets. Feed your body good, nourishing foods when you are home and make the best choices you can when you’re out.

Exercise - Don’t neglect physical activity when things get busy and the weather is cold. This helps your body not only physically, but mentally!

Play Music - Play music you love to lift your mood and take your mind off of any stressors. Sometimes a little distraction like this can help immensely.

Diffuse Oils - This uses another one of your senses. Seasonal and stress relieving aromas can change the atmosphere in your home and mind as well.

And lastly......

Remember the Reason for the Season - Through all the craziness of the holidays, take time to remember the reason for the season and to look beyond yourself. Find somewhere to volunteer, include attending church in your plans, or even just take a few minutes to visit a neighbor and share some baked goods with them.

Let this be the year that you learn to make intentional choices for yourself so you can have memories you want to remember! ]]> 2018-12-22 21:08:51 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316529656 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316583432 Ziva was quite the sassy, curious cat while overseeing my gift preparations today... Notice her tongue sticking out in that last picture! 😄]]> 2018-12-24 01:40:59 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316583432 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316611659 Rest, relax and enjoy however you choose to spend this blessed time of year, my friends! I’m so thankful you stop in at Between Friends. 😊 Your visits are special  to me! ]]> 2018-12-24 15:14:24 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316611659 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316647345 Merry Christmas! Have a beautiful day..... ]]> 2018-12-25 15:38:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316647345 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316743800 Good Morning!! Happy Thursday. The days all seem to be blending into one another. I guess that’s what happens when a holiday is on a weekday! ]]> 2018-12-27 14:55:46 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316743800 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316816499 Whenever Facebook comes into a conversation, it seems that for every positive “feature”, there are twice as many that are negative. Often people are accused of living a double life. The one they post about, and the one that’s real. People argue over being excluded from posts, while other times, third parties somehow find out about posts that only certain people were supposed to be privy to. Then there are the “post happy” people. They post continuously throughout the day, sharing every little tidbit and detail of their life. TMI. Facebook has really caused us to look at life from a whole different angle these days, and often causes problems where before there were none!

I was recently mediating a heated conversation between two people who saw the posting of family pictures on Facebook from very different perspectives. One felt that they had a right to privacy when it came to pictures of themselves, their significant other and their children that were taken by the other. The other felt that their pictures were their own to use and display as their take on the family event, and made reference to the phrase, “To each his own”. 

It’s a fine line. And I can certainly see it from both sides, though, ultimately, I believe each person has the right to say how, when and where photographs of themselves and their loved ones are used. 

I also find it unsettling that these types of dilemma’s are now something many of us face on a daily basis because of the significant use of various forms of social media these days. Not only does one find it hard to monitor and maintain their own privacy, and that of their family, but with new concerns rising for matters such as facial recognition and more, social media has taken things to a whole new level that could easily spiral out of control. 

I have always tried to be discreet, and manage my privacy settings on Facebook very carefully. I’m not one to “friend” people who are vague or distant acquaintances in my life, so you won’t find 200+ friends on my friend list. In fact, the handful of friends that I do have, you won’t see them, because I even go so far as to leave that option hidden. 

There are so many things to consider when you use social media. I find that I have a love/hate relationship with it. I would much rather go back to pen and paper letters when keeping in touch, and taking pictures with a camera, then printing them off to keep and share with those who are important in your life! 

How about you? What’s your take on using, and being a part of this social media rage that has taken over the world for more than a decade?]]> 2018-12-28 23:13:33 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316816499 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316849355 2018-12-29 18:41:41 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316849355 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316854532 This has been a day of tending to various chores around the house. Laundry, dishes, tidying up and that sort of thing. It’s been casual and enjoyable, and I like those kind of days.

Yesterday we experienced a Spring-like warmth. Today it's barely 30 degrees and we’ve had some morning snow. The feeders were busy with Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees and Sparrows. A few Squirrels were scrounging for bits and pieces of seeds and corn that dropped from the feeders above. 

We saw an interesting sight - a Squirrel that seems to be the offspring of one red and one gray. It’s not that common, despite the fact that there are numerous amounts of each that we’ve seen scampering through our yard.

In general, Red Squirrels, though smaller, are much more dominant (and noisy), and even run off the Gray Squirrels whenever they’re in close proximity to one another. Reds can be quite aggressive and hurtful to the grays if they get into physical confrontations. But apart from each other, they both have interesting characteristics.

The grays are curious acrobats, determined and quite intelligent in figuring out how to get at a food source. The reds are speedy and scurry from point A to point B, they’re hyper and chatter what sounds like warning signals quite a bit. The combination of these traits could be seen easily in our new visitor today. There were no other reds, and it got along with the few grays perfectly fine. I’ll have to keep an eye out now to see how often it will frequent the feeder area this winter. 

In a little while, Dean and I plan on heading out to visit our daughter, Becca, son in law, Justin, and the grand pups. I’m sure the pups will be rambunctious and each will vie for our individual attention. They’re jealous that way, which is so like children! 

Apparently, Justin had to tear down the dining room ceiling in an effort to track down a water leak from the bathroom above. Turns out, it wasn’t a leak from the supply or waste lines, but from water getting splashed outside the edge of the shower curtain, pooling along the outside tub edge and then somehow absorbing through the grout and down onto the drywall of the ceiling below. The kids are learning quickly just how much responsibility it is to be a homeowner! ]]> 2018-12-29 21:01:53 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316854532 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316889888 We had a nice  visit with Becca and Justin last night. The ceiling repair has been started, and it will be a process to get it to where he wants it to be. I guess they’d like to have a shiplap ceiling now, so he needs to get the boards for that, and figure out measurements, etc. Things look easy, but as we age, we understand that experience teaches us sometimes things are easier said than done. Dean suggested some pointers, and offered some tools to get him started in the right direction. I’m sure they’ll both be happy when the work has finally been completed.

Maya and Colby were so excited to have our company. At first they were like a bundle of energy that had been let loose, so you have to be careful they don’t knock you off your feet in all the excitement! In short order they settled down and wanted petting and love. Colby laid alongside Grandpa for quite some time, loving the cuddle time, and eventually drifted off to sleep. Maya often came to my side for hugs and love, then settled down on the cozy ottoman for a nap of her own. 

I was awakened in the early morning hours by the sound of the plow truck rumbling down our road. When we finally got out of bed and looked outside, we discovered about an inch or so of snow had fallen while we slept. The lack of any real breeze has allowed the snow to lay prettily on the limbs of trees and branches of bushes. It looks like a winter wonderland out there. Regardless of the snow and cold, there are still bicyclists and joggers out for their daily exercise. For some reason, our road is a popular one for this sort of activity, and it’s nice to see people out and about. 

As for me, I plan on staying indoors, folding and putting away laundry, and have yet to clean up the kitchen from our brunch. It was a simple yet tasty fare of ham, eggs over easy and toast. I’ve been enjoying watching the birds and critters outdoors, and I think that I’ll just take the day slow and steady, and enjoy it however it unfolds. Sometimes it’s nice to not have any plans. ]]> 2018-12-30 18:05:29 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316889888 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316942562 2018-12-31 21:59:35 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316942562 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316942568 2018-12-31 21:59:56 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316942568 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316948838 Wishing you all the best in this bright, beautiful New Year!]]> 2019-01-01 04:00:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316948838 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316972946 Thinking of each of you with fondness as we all step into the hope and promise of this New Year that lies before us! It is as they say, a blank slate, an unwritten story, ready and waiting for each of us to write in our own way and with our own words.

This year, I would like to focus on something that has lately been impressing on my heart. That is to set aside time to spend with those around us who are aging. Among our friends, we have a group of people who are in their mid to late 70's. They are a wellspring of enjoyment, a wealth of knowledge, and, quite simply, no truer friends than these can be found. 

When you think of any of the positive attributes a person may possess such as commitment, dependability, integrity and sound judgement, our dear friends have all of these and so many more. They are a constant source of inspiration by their determined actions to move forward in a positive manner, all the while being tremendously thankful for each and every day that they are given. Their continual living out life with purpose and meaning teaches those of us who are around them, without their ever directly purposing to do so.

When I think of how special and unique each of our friends are, I am reminded that none of us are invincible, and some day will come our day to leave this earth and those we love. What better time to take hold of the beauty of friendship and the blessing of togetherness than now, when we can gratefully and joyfully share in moments that become precious memories for a lifetime?]]> 2019-01-01 18:37:28 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316972946 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316990556 This recipe is one a plumber shared with his customer. He suggested also adding a few drops of Dawn dishsoap  to the hot water along with the lemon juice. ]]> 2019-01-02 01:48:08 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/316990556 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317111584 If you have a smaller dog, you may be aware of the fact that, often, they have difficulty with their anal glands expressing properly. Unfortunately, this is the case with Romeo. We had absolutely no clue it could even be an issue until one day, an absessed gland of his burst. It was an awful experience for him and us. Generally, dogs with this problem tend to give a visible sign that something is up by “scooting” their bottoms across the floor. If Romeo did do this, it was few and far between, because I never once saw this continual behavior from him.

Since then, we make bi-monthly trips to the veterinarian so they can properly, and thoroughly, empty them. Of course, Romeo’s are also more difficult to do.... Sigh.... Isn’t it odd how things come in two’s and three’s like that? 

In any event, I say all that to say that we’ll be heading out soon for his appointment regarding his glands. I’ll rest easier knowing things have been tended to, and nothing unfortunate is looming on the horizon. Occasionally, I push the limits when life gets super busy, as it has been due to the holidays and all. Then I get nervous and chastise myself for not having scheduled him sooner. But gosh, he sure is one of those fur babies that needs lots of tending to between his glands, ear infections, frequent grooms due to his cottony, easily matted fur, and constant licking issues.

Regardless, he’s our baby boy, and we love him as our own child, so we’ll always do whatever it takes to keep him healthy, happy and well cared for! ]]> 2019-01-02 19:19:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317111584 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317340713 Today I decided I would shop for various household needs, cat food and the dogs’ food. Each dog has their own “formula” because Romeo cannot have wheat, soy, corn, dyes, fillers or by-products in his food. Since he has such a propensity toward licking his paws, pads and hocks (the “elbow” joint on his back legs), we keep him on a rice, chicken and pea diet in an effort to curb any allergy type reactions to certain known foods that tend to cause the desire to lick. Eliminating those ingredients mentioned above has cut down his licking considerably. However, we still deal with it to some extent. 

I had honestly thought that today there would not be a lot shoppers at one o’clock in the afternoon. Boy, was I wrong! I guess many people are still on some sort of time off for the remainder of New Year’s week. Maneuvering through the aisles was quite challenging, to say the least, and with an unusually heavy cart, I felt like my lower back and hips were really getting a work out. 

Since this past year has had me focusing so much more on the, should I say, side effects, from changes that are occurring with my body as I age, it gets somewhat nerve racking for me to feel as though something is amiss. Most generally it often means yet another trip to the chiropractor, and that is definitely getting discouraging for me. It seems as though you fix one problem, but another occurs from the shift in the bones that was meant to fix the initial concern. 

Anyways, by the time I got up to the register, I determined that I would ask if someone would help me get my cart to the car once my groceries  were bagged and paid for. The cashier was so kind and helpful, and immediately reassured me that a young man would be able to help when we were done with the transaction. She told me he would even put the groceries in the car for me, and that he would most likely talk my ear off the whole time, *smile, then *wink. 

True to her word, the young man was very helpful, and a chatty Charlie. While I know the cashier was giving me a friendly “warning” about the young man’s apparent trait for rambling on and on, I actually found it to be a very pleasant encounter. When many workers today are sullen and uncommunicative, it was refreshing to meet someone who was engaged and genuinely interested in helping others! The world needs more people like him. 

]]> 2019-01-03 21:29:19 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317340713 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317430869 It’s Friday. 🙂  The morning horizon was beautifully blue, and a golden, glowing ball was just starting to peek through the trees. Wow, what a difference the promise of a day with sunshine makes!! Hope you have a lovely day ahead, as well! ]]> 2019-01-04 14:02:28 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317430869 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317551768 They just love each other to pieces...... 💕]]> 2019-01-05 00:45:32 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317551768 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317610803 In a bit, I’ll go to the kitchen and bake up some “pigs in a blanket” to bring to a get together this evening for a few of us neighbors. 

The couple who hosts it has lived on this road since 1965, when they were young newlyweds who had just had their first of four children. I’ve never lived anywhere for more than 10 years, so I try to imagine what that must be like; living in the same house for over 50 years. Now their grown children bring their children to their childhood home. That notion intrigues me.... 

Our neighbors moved in when the land around their house had mostly been farmed as potato fields. Our house had been built in the late 40’s by one in the farmer’s family. It’s as solid as they come, built entirely out of cinder block, except, of course, for the roof. The house next door was built in the mid 50’s. It was a Sears and Roebuck kit house. The history of our road, and the early homes that were built on it, is interesting. 

Today, on any given day, there are joggers, bicyclists, hikers and other travelers who journey down this road in search of trails to explore, camping at the town park around the corner, or for views of Lake Ontario from the pier, which is only but a half mile away from our house. But way back when, our other neighbor tells us that a lot of travelers on this road was a rarity. If you heard a car coming, it was because someone was expecting company. 

It often amazes me how quickly time passes, and how, with that passing of time, life changes and history unfolds. We have been so fortunate to be welcomed into the fold by those who have played an integral role in the growth and development this beautiful neighborhood that surrounds us. Little did we know at the time we moved in 5 years ago, how important and meaningful the friendships would be with those to whom we’ve grown close to. 

It will make it hard when the time comes for Dean and I to move on, in hopes of finding a smaller, more manageable, cozy home that we can live out the rest of our days in. But for now, we look forward to the good food, companionship and the laughter we’re sure to enjoy tonight with those we’re so blessed to call our friends! 

]]> 2019-01-05 21:56:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317610803 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317698227 2019-01-06 21:01:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317698227 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317702694 Going back through some of my pictures of late last Spring/early Summer. Found this one of the Eastern Bluebirds building their nest in one of my bird houses. It’s pictures like these that just make my heart smile..... ]]> 2019-01-06 21:53:34 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/317702694 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/318122051 Today was blustery and cold. I heated up some homemade chicken and wild rice soup for lunch that I made yesterday. Most things always taste even better on the second day, as did my soup. 

I’ve been laying low due to significant discomfort after an adjustment Saturday morning at the chiropractor on a problem that still continued with my left hip and tail bone. It has been hard to sit or stand for long periods of time, so I’ve had to sit and stand alternately, only having sweet, blessed relief once bedtime comes. 

Ibuprofen helps some, but only time is what really settles things and finally brings relief I seek. I’ve said to Dean, I truly, from the depths of my soul, do not want to have to have further adjustments any time soon. If you’ve ever visited a chiropractor, you may know just what I mean. 

I’m currently preparing to make a light and simple dinner, then looking forward to resting and relaxing for the rest of the evening. Too much of any one thing right now is.... well... too much! Every night that I settle into bed, I fall asleep with the promise of feeling just a little bit better come morning. Sleep is such a wonderful thing for our bodies!

When I awake, I take the day slow and steady, I move carefully, and am thoughtful about what I do so as to not set myself back in the process of healing. I keep my thoughts focused on the coming of Spring, sunnier days and happier times when I look forward to feeling uplifted and being in a much healthier state! ]]> 2019-01-07 22:58:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/318122051 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/318621458 2019-01-09 01:46:36 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/318621458 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/320130885 Good evening all! Please forgive my lack of postings. I’ve really needed some time to focus on a few important matters until I felt they were moving in a positive direction. I’m happy to say, they are starting to do so. 

This evening things are quiet, but this morning we had a busy start. It was Romeo’s grooming day again. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that every 5 weeks, it’s just best that he gets bathed, brushed, his fur trimmed and nails clipped. It keeps him looking (and smelling) his best, and keeps me happy knowing that he’s being tended to according to what’s best for him and his little quirks. 

Becca celebrated a birthday today. We were happy to spend some time with her, Justin and the grandpups, despite this frigid cold day! I picked up a beautiful bouquet of one dozen yellow roses to bring for her. They were as bright and cheery as the sunshine which we’ve so been lacking for weeks! The smell of the Hyacinths, which were forced to bloom, was heavenly there in the floral department. I could have stood there for much longer if time were not of the essence. 

Dean has mentioned a few times now of waking at the same time on various nights these past couple of weeks, 3:33 a.m. to be exact. While I cannot attest to this same thing happening to me, I can say that both my daughter, when she still lived home, and I would often wake between 2:00 - 2:30 a.m. Now, I try not to get into too much investigation of this,  because I’d rather not know of “things that go bump in the night”! But at the time, I did Google a brief inquiry and I read that often the spirit realm is active at this time of night. And THAT is where my research ended - Lol! 

As for Dean’s matter of waking, I did Google that and found it’s nothing to be alarmed about. In fact, triple 3’s, besides being most notably represented as the Trinity, also represents protection, guidance and encouragement to pursue positive opportunities. I conveyed this information to Dean, which, thankfully, his mind was put at ease with and now he has yet to wake at 3:33 a.m. since. And again, I will leave my research at that..... It does make me wonder how often this might occur with others. Perhaps it’s a more normal “phenomenon” than we realize, and that is all it is! ]]> 2019-01-14 02:10:51 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/320130885 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/320591931 Is it just me, or have you noticed when buying bananas that they’re greener than they’ve ever been? I don’t get what’s changed. ]]> 2019-01-15 01:43:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/320591931 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/321410000 The last hurrah for the Christmas lights..... ]]> 2019-01-16 19:15:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/321410000 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/322345850 They grow up so fast. Daughter, Becca and son, Charlie. 3 1/2 years apart, but you’d never know it now!]]> 2019-01-19 00:41:30 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/322345850 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/322445397 Just discovered that Andes creme de menthe baking chips are a great addition to a deliciously hot, creamy mug of cocoa. If you’re a mint person, you really have to give this a try! What a wonderful treat on this blustery, snowy evening. 

Here in Western NY, we’ve had snow all day, but thank goodness it’s not yet a foot or more. Dean says we’ve got a solid 7” right now. If it continues to snow steady overnight, we’ll obviously have over a foot, but I’m really hoping it’s not going to total the possible 2’ they were predicting!!

The birds were super busy at our feeders early on in the day. We had Cardinals in abundance, male and female alike. Bluebird pairs, as well. Sparrows, Finches and the rest our feathered friends gang were here trying to stay nourished on this extremely wintry day. 

I pulled out my camera and enjoyed the opportunity to get numerous photos of them, which always makes me smile. I really should focus someday on getting my favorites printed and put into collections in an album. If I had to pick a hobby, I think photography, (except for my bird watching, of course!) would be my favorite! ]]> 2019-01-20 02:30:03 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/322445397 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/322556735 We’ve had quite our share of snow here, and in many areas round about us. We woke to an additional 5” or so, and it continued to snow lightly all day with lake effect. All told, we got about a foot and a half of snow. But the winds blew it around so that it settled differently from one spot to the next. 

Dean spent a good couple of hours clearing off the driveway, shoveling a potty spot out back for poor Romeo (he’s pretty small, but Joanna is not), brushing off the cars and bringing in the firewood. He started clearing the driveway with our snowblower, then used the tractor to backblade our turn around area as he has to be able to get the work trucks in and out of the yard. 

No telling how soon he’ll be able to get back out on a job with all of this snow we just got. Winter is really a tough time when your livelihood depends on outdoor work. You really have to think ahead and, instead of saving for a rainy day, you need to save up for a snowy day, or week, or worse yet, sometimes a month when you’re forced to sit idle!

Here’s a picture of the snow that was packed against our overhead garage door this morning. All my birdfeeders were really covered over with snow, the suet was frozen, as was the peanut butter in my suet log. It took a bit of time to get things in order outdoors, but the rest of the day we’ve spent indoors, resting and relaxing. I sure hope we don’t get any more snow for a while!]]> 2019-01-21 02:28:15 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/322556735 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/322790851 I often keep my camera on the high-speed burst setting. This is when you can take pictures in a fast succession. It comes in handy, especially when taking pictures of birds since they always seem to be moving about. 

I’ve been surprised on a few occasions by the pictures I’ve been able to capture almost quite by accident, because you just never can tell what the bird’s next move may be! 

Such is the explanation for this picture of an Eastern Bluebird I snapped the other day. It had just been sitting on that tiny limb jutting out from the tree. Next thing I knew, it hopped off and took flight, and my handy high-speed burst setting captured it all! ]]> 2019-01-21 21:37:59 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/322790851 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/323301463 2019-01-23 03:53:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/323301463 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/323693197 For all intents and purposes, January is pretty much over. I say that because yesterday, we got our utility bill. And our actual charges are already $155 more than our budgets billed. 

Long ago, I decided to do the budget billing so there were no unexpected surprises each month when the bill came. It would be a set amount, and I could gauge our usage / over usage accordingly, and address it as necessary when we would get the additional funds to do so. 

While this may not make sense for many people, it works for Dean and I because, as I've mentioned before, his income can be very sparse in the winter time. When he is able to get in a few decent jobs, we can take the additional money necessary and put it toward the budget balance to knock that back down.

But this latest bill has me discouraged. A fair guess would be that, at the rate we're going this frigid winter, we can estimate to be about $80 - $100 over our budget each month on the utilities until we hit about April. And that's WITH the additional heat source of our wood stove! 

With the continual lack of sunshine to help warm the house, excessive wind and extremely cold temperatures, the main house heat has had to kick on much more than necessary. And much of this is due to the cinder block construction of our home, as these walls radiate such a significant amount of cold air off of them. For this reason, Dean and I would never again live in a block home, despite the fact that it's a "solid, sturdy" home. 

We're really looking forward to making the transition of being in a smaller, cozier home by this time next year. But this hopping real estate market has complicated matters, unfortunately. The cost of housing is still at an all time high, and the competition is stiff. But, Lord willing, the right house will come available, we can secure a deal, and finally put our house hunting to rest. We're both quite excited about accomplishing this goal!]]> 2019-01-23 21:11:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/323693197 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/323971583 2019-01-24 15:43:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/323971583 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/324586169 We have sunshine today. It makes my heart glad despite the 20* outdoors. Yesterday, I did some housecleaning. Dean and I did a bit of grocery shopping. I came home and put things away, then we hunkered down for the rest of the evening. I made a light dinner, which we enjoyed.

Neither of us slept well. We seem to be wakeful due to aches and pains, but manage the best we can. When morning comes and our eyes open, we get up or else the lingering in bed perpetuates the discomfort. 

Whichever of us rises first gets Dean’s coffee perkolating and my tea water boiling. This morning we took ourselves and our hot mugs to the cozy sitting room, turned on the electric fireplace heater and listened to some Charlie Rich. Then we shared some of our thoughts with one another. 

We focus on the positive, we get started on our day and begin our routines that keep us moving in the right direction. Good thoughts = good vibes = good day. There’s no reason to do it any other way! Enjoy your Saturday, my friends. 🙂]]> 2019-01-26 16:10:36 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/324586169 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/325171904 Not too much is going on in the way of activities. We had a surprise visit yesterday afternoon, so entertained company, enjoyed dinner together and gathered around the warm fire. 

Out of nowhere, a few days ago, the craving for rich, fudgy brownies hit me. And it stayed with me every day. We don’t have many sweets in the house, because my philosophy is, if they’re not here, we won’t eat them. (When you’re working on maintaining good health, this one thing is really important!) So, when a craving comes, if I really want it, I have to make it. Often times, this fact alone is enough of a deterrent to keep me from baking something we really don’t need anyways, despite the craving. 

However, those brownies kept calling my name..... repeatedly. So, I finally decided we deserved something sweet and delicious for all these cold, sunless days we’ve been enduring. Ha! 

I wondered if there was such a thing as a brownie cookie, because at least with cookies, you can manage some kind of portion control. After a very brief search online, I found a fabulous sounding recipe. Truth be told, they had me at the mention of “one bowl”! 

The batch is super easy to whip up, and it’s by far THE BEST chocolate cookie recipe I’ve ever baked. Probably because it’s the perfect pairing of brownie and cookie all in one. So rich, so seriously chocolately, but not overly sweet at all. Now, what’s not to love about that? 

If you’d like to give the recipe a try for yourself, here it is. I hope if you make it you’ll let me know how you liked it! ~ Recipe credit goes to cafedelites.com]]> 2019-01-28 21:50:13 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/325171904 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/325650615 Romeo insists on sleeping on the warm flagstone in front of the wood stove, in spite of the fact that his bed is practically right on top of the thing! 

The “outfit” he’s wearing is a soft, cozy faux lamb’s wool jacket. The size small was too small, large was too big, so the medium, while the hood part doesn’t fit perfectly, is the best fit for him. Ha!

Seems this winter he’s been more affected by the cold than in the past. He really loves wearing his new jacket!]]> 2019-01-29 23:08:05 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/325650615 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/326525888 So for dinner tonight I decided to do pancakes with mini chocolate chips in them because Dean is sick and probably would like something nice and delicious  and comforting....

I brought him his plate and he looked stunned at seeing the pancakes. I told him they weren’t just regular pancakes, they had mini chocolate chips in them.

His 👀 got as big as saucers and he blurted out, “I must be delirious!!!”

I told him don’t get porky or he won’t get them for another 3 years because that’s about as long as it’s been since we’ve at least had regular pancakes... (since we’re making the choice to eat so much healthier these days!)

He asked who the heck was I kidding, we haven’t had pancakes like that in all the years we’ve been married!!! 🤣😆😂

You know what they say.....]]> 2019-02-01 00:01:48 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/326525888 Humble and Kind - sung by Tim McGraw kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/326885917 You know there's a light that glows by the front door
Don't forget the key’s under the mat
Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind

Go to church 'cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be a waste of time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind

When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flying
Always stay humble and kind

Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
I love you ain't no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind

When those dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

When it's hot, eat a root beer, a popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind

Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're goin'
Don't forget turn back around
Help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind

Songwriters: Lori Mckenna
Humble And Kind lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
]]> 2019-02-01 21:26:41 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/326885917 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/327122646 Today’s warm weather afforded me the opportunity to open the windows and air out the house. Dean’s cold has certainly been a nasty one, and thankfully, it seems to be lessening it’s hold on him now. But that congestion might take some time to clear up. Charlie and I have been meticulously keeping ourselves and our belongings protected from the germs! Let’s hope our hard work pays off. 

I just got done seasoning up some hamburger, and rolled it into meatballs, then popped them into the oven to bake. Its been a while since I’ve made them, and they sounded good today. And now, the house smells good, too. Earlier I made homemade macaroni and cheese for Charlie. It’s one of his favorites, and I thought after a hard day of work, he’d enjoy coming home to a steamy, cheesy pot of that. When he got here, he was pleasantly surprised and proceeded to eat almost the entire amount! 

I think everyone and everything was so happy to be out from under the horrible cold of our recent Polar Vortex. None of the animals moved far from the wood stove, and even I had to resort to turning on an electric heater in the bedroom when getting dressed in the mornings. It was just way too chilly for my liking. It is nicer to sleep in a cool room, though, and especially so lately for Dean with his stuffiness. 

A fair amount of birds were at the feeders as soon as the temperature started climbing into the 30’s, and by today we were at a whopping 53*! In light of what we’ve just experienced, today felt summerlike.... Ha! We had Finches, Cardinals, Woodpeckers, Jays, Doves, Bluebirds, Sparrows, Chickadees, Titmice and Nuthatches. Oh, and those dreaded Grackles. They swoop in and nearly clean out all the feeders, and leave their big droppings everywhere! Thankfully, they were off being distracted a bit more by other things that must have been available in this warm up we had today. 

Well, the timer just went off for my meatballs, so I’m going to scoot for now! Enjoy a lovely Sunday evening everyone. 🙂]]> 2019-02-03 22:56:23 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/327122646 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/327985092 Last year when my daughter was sick with a pretty bad, lengthy cold it was recommended to her by the doctor to purchase a Neti Pot. Have you heard of them? For lack of a better term, they’re basically a means of giving yourself a nasal cavity cleanse using salt water. I remember her telling me after the first couple of uses how beneficial it was, but I haven’t thought much about it since. 

The other day she reminded me of it again, suggesting it would help with Dean’s cold, and also in preventing the one I’m worried about coming down with  because, unfortunately, my throat has been scratchy. She swears that the minute she feels sickness coming on, she does a nasal cleanse in the morning, then again at night, and has yet to come down with a cold. So, I figured it was worth giving it a try myself.

I went online and read a few articles about it, then looked at some videos on YouTube about how to use it. Apparently it’s been used for thousands of years in India, but has only recently gained popularity here in the U.S. After feeling confident I would know what I was doing, I proceeded to do a nasal cleanse. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, but I must warn you, it takes some getting used to doing. 

Until you get the head tilting figured out so the solution drains from one nostril out through the other, you can either feel like you just got water up your nose, or some will go down the back of your throat. Which, if it does, no need to worry. It’s harmless. I really didn’t do too bad. And, amazingly, I don’t think I’ve ever felt such clean, open airways through my nose!

Eventually, Dean decided to do a couple of rounds himself, and he agreed it did clear out some of the mucous he’s been dealing with. As for myself, I’ve done it a couple more times, and my nose continues to feel amazingly clean and clear. I haven’t had any progression of a cold, but I’m still dealing with this bothersome, scratchy throat. 

There’s definitely some important steps to follow, such as which is the safest water to use when you mix up the solution. So you’d want to familiarize yourself with the entire process. But I’m here to tell you that when it comes to colds, sinus infections and such, the Neti Pot could really be of great benefit to you, as my daughter, and now Dean and I, have discovered. ]]> 2019-02-05 19:31:11 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/327985092 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/328581657 Are you a sauerkraut lover? I don’t believe I’ve ever had sauerkraut in my entire life. That is, until about 6 months ago. I had been reading a magazine article that highlighted various foods that were very good for one’s immune system. In fact, the article indicated that just 2T of unpasteurized, naturally fermented sauerkraut was as good as taking nearly 10 probiotic capsules. When I read that, I was hooked. Additional reading mentioned several other really great health benefits, so that was even better.

I wasn’t sure where to start looking for it, but actually stumbled upon it sitting on a shelf above the pork loin roasts at our local grocery store. I bought a small package and when I got home, poured it into a mason jar to keep it as fresh as possible. And since then, I’ve never been without a mason jar full of sauerkraut in my fridge! I top soups and salads with it, or often scoop some out into a custard dish, add a bit of course ground pepper, and enjoy it as a side to the meal, or a mid day snack.

Here’s a link that shares the many benefits of sauerkraut, in case you don’t already eat it, but would like to give it a try.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-sauerkraut]]> 2019-02-07 03:30:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/328581657 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/329017961 On this gloomy, gray, cold winter day, I took some time this afternoon to download pictures from my camera to the computer. Since I had time to spare, I added a post to my blog. You can pop in over at Simply Me ~ Kimberly Marie to catch up on the latest.....

https://simplymekimberlymarie.blogspot.com/

In the meantime, here’s a picture of Miss Ziva. She’s our crazy cat who’s addicted to coffee (Don’t ask. Lol. But if we don’t give her a smidgeon of grounds, she mews and cries and stretches up on her tippy toes to tap you with her paw til you give her some!!), Lysol, bleach, perfume and cologne!! 😆 Since Dean finished up a container of coffee this morning, I put it down on the floor to see how long it would take her to discover the delicious aroma of the last little dustings of coffee left behind. 

It didn’t take long for her to wake from her nap, saunter into the kitchen and get busy licking up every last little crumb! (Don’t worry, there was hardly much but the aroma left in there. 🙂)]]> 2019-02-07 23:02:23 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/329017961 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/329711003 We were speaking to a friend today about Dean’s recent reporting for jury duty. I have many thoughts on this, and wish to elaborate on some of them here. 

One of my main thoughts regarding jury duty is that I feel it should be voluntary, but we are told repeatedly that it’s “our civic duty” (i.e. obligation, responsibility). We are reminded that, next to serving in the military, it is one of the greatest honors of an American citizen. Yet, when we hear the stories of those who have gone through the experience, not many were enthused with the process. 

As a matter of fact, when Dean attended, the large group was asked to indicate by show of hands who was willing to volunteer at the onset to be a juror. Only 2 people raised their hands. It leaves you to wonder why so many people are not moved to participate more eagerly since it is, after all, considered such an honorable thing to do.

Also, there are no excuses, barring a medical reason that is explained by a doctor, that one can be excluded. I know people who have been caring for an elderly parent, caring for the children of a family member who is battling cancer, who are just plain elderly, anxiety ridden, or sick and not up to the task. All have been required to attend. Even, as in Dean’s case, those who are self-employed, who stand to lose wages with no reimbursement whatsoever, are obligated to attend and serve if chosen.

It seems to me that if I were looking for potential jurors, from the start I would want those who are unencumbered in any of the critical areas necessary to being a clear headed, unemotional juror. Why bother even making those who express that they are dealing with concerning matters to attend? 

If you should say that then there would be people making excuses frequently, then why not make it more appealing to be a juror so people would not seek to come up with excuses? For example, how about compensating prospective jurors more than a mere $40 a day? Additionally, how about screening interested prospective jurors only, so at least, at the onset, you have people who are mentally and emotionally prepared to serve if chosen? I’m sure that addressing these matters would, over time, change how people view the current jury selection process. 

Due to a conflict of interest, Dean did not end up being selected as a juror, though he was one of the last five people still remaining to be picked from. The case he would have deliberated on involved a man who was pulled over at 2:30 a.m. for driving a vehicle that had no license. It also was not registered and the man was drunk. 

The judge reminded the jury pool that in this great country we are fortunate of being innocent until proven guilty. Many of the people there, including our friend, and even myself, cannot understand how this was even a case that should have gone to trial. The man was ticketed for driving while intoxicated, driving an unlicensed vehicle, and driving an unregistered vehicle. How is there any question that this man, the only man in the vehicle, was not guilty? 

Why was this man not ordered to simply appear before a judge who would sentence him based on the tickets he received for clear and deliberate violations of the law? 

Many of the people felt that this was a gross waste of their time and our county’s money to handle this matter as a case that should go to trial. If this is any indication of how things are generally run at the Hall of Justice, it’s no wonder people are unenthused, disinterested and unwilling to participate in the jury selection process. 

This turned into a much longer post than I intended. I guess I’ll get off my soapbox now. ]]> 2019-02-11 03:17:03 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/329711003 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/330617253 Simple beef stew over rice for dinner tonight. It just sounds warm and delicious, and filling on this gray, wintry day. I guess I don’t feel like making a big meal that requires too much clean up!

Been tossing around the idea of baking some homemade, soft dough pretzels for a snack later on. When it comes to being stuck indoors a lot of the winter months, I’m a sucker for cooking and baking comfort foods. It just seems to help the dull, dreary days go by faster. 

But I have to be mindful, as we really do need to watch what we eat, and once you start to get hooked into those unhealthy, carb filled foods, it’s tough to have to back off them again. So, I’m not sure yet if I will, or if I won’t.

I’ve been browsing Pinterest a bit lately. I love getting excited over new ideas for bird feeders, flower gardens and such. I also enjoy looking at ways old furniture can be repurposed. We have lots of that around here! Some of my favorites are a dresser, turned into an island, or a small night stand turned into a feeding station or a place for a pet to take a cozy nap. 

Pinterest is also great for finding tons of recipes on anything your heart desires! I’ve been gathering lots of ideas for low carb meals, breads, and especially desserts. Life can be pretty dull if you don’t have a sweet treat every now and then to look forward to! 

So, while the dishes have all been cleaned up and the kitchen is in order, it’s time for dinner for all the fur babies. It’s like they can tell time, because every day, at every mealtime, they look and wait expectantly until I finally give in, stop what I am doing, and feed them! 

Then, I’ll look forward to sitting a spell in front of the cozy fire and do a little something that I’ll enjoy this evening. ]]> 2019-02-13 00:14:10 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/330617253 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/331575082 No matter our circumstance in life, whether we are a pair or single, there are people in our lives, whether they be friends or family, whom we love. The way I see it, love is not just a one day celebration, it’s an every day occasion. 💖]]> 2019-02-15 00:37:24 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/331575082 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/332177986 It was a quiet day, except for a surprise visit from Becca and Justin. They dropped off the table saw Justin borrowed from Dean to put in some new wood flooring at their townhouse. They stayed and chatted with us for a while over lunch, which was some left over roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy. It was an enjoyable time together!

Romeo went for a groom this morning, and came back looking all handsome and feeling as soft as a teddy bear. His groomer, Jodi, says he is such a good boy while being groomed. I'm so glad he's not troublesome for her! Because he loves her for all the extra special care she gives him, Romeo gave Jodi a heart of thanks with three chocolate Valentine candies, and her tip, of course! She was so pleased. Dean and I believe that people should be told when they're doing a good job, because everyone likes to feel loved and appreciated. And we certainly love and appreciate Jodi!!

Poor Charlie caught the cold that Dean and I had, but thankfully his is a milder case like mine was. He had work today from 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. so when he got home, he was pretty exhausted. He ate and went directly to bed. These potent, winter, sick germs sure can be a nuisance! I'm so glad that Spring is on the horizon...... Well, at least in another few weeks or so, anyways!

We've had a nice variety of birds lately. When the weather turns warmer, I have to clean up around my bird feeder area. I've left some bales of hay there from this past Autumn's decorations for some protection for the critters and a nice background when I take pictures, but now they're starting to look dilapidated and decayed, so it's time to tidy things up a bit! ]]> 2019-02-17 22:40:48 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/332177986 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/332963930 I enjoyed our sunshine today and am encouraged by the date I see on the calendar! Just think, we’re a few weeks away from Spring. I’m glad that it seems the winter doldrums aren’t just a condition that I have, but many others have been expressing my same sentiments regarding winter of late. Sometimes just the fact of knowing you’re not alone helps, as odd as that sounds. 

I had a chance to touch base with our realtor yesterday to begin the process of learning where the real estate market is at this point in time, from a professional point of view, since Dean and I would like to downsize and buy a home come Autumn. (Currently, we rent our home and the beautiful 2 acres of property it sits on.) As I suspected, it’s still competitive for the buyers and very much a seller’s market. 

There are considerably more buyers looking, than there are houses available. When a buyer and their agent want to see a home, they can expect at least a small crowd of other buyers and their agents who’ve tagged along to see the home as well. We’ve heard horror stories of months of searching, and bidding wars. 

Sellers can expect to receive multiple offers, often over and above their asking price, and they’re listing their homes for top buck, too! Once listed, the seller can expect their home to sell within a week or less, in most cases. The only houses that remain on the market, are those that are too small, too outdated, or have some funky quirks. I guess maybe that’s where we need to start.... Ha! 

We should plan on having at least 20% down; this is for a house in the range of $130,000 - $150,000. Considering our age, and wanting less responsibility both financially and physically, we have to think modestly, and realize that, in the end, less is more. We don’t need the added headaches and stress of trying to keep up with the Jones’s. I don’t care who they are! 

Additionally, today’s market offers very little to no seller concessions for the buyer. So we must plan on having an additional $6,000 - $8,000 set aside for closing costs. As our realtor put it, a buyer has to practically be “gold plated” when it comes time to begin the house hunt. He used descriptions of preparedness that seem more fitting for the battlefield, and to be honest, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to feeling somewhat set back and intimidated by the whole thing. 

Since I’m a praying person, you can bet I’m seeking out the Lord’s guidance and hand of favor in all of this. Sometimes, the reality that we face tries to defeat us before we even get started, and I will say that this is something I struggle with more than I care to admit. 

But I also know that having faith, even as tiny as a grain of mustard seed, it can do mighty things..... and there, my friends, is where I intend to keep my focus!]]> 2019-02-19 22:33:32 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/332963930 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/333472626 Joanna absolutely loves being out in the snow. As soon as she goes outdoors, she flops down and wiggles around as if trying to make a snow angel. Then she takes her face, pushes it down into the snow and plows forward as though she’s making a tunnel. If she could talk, I wonder what she’d tell me?

Here she is, looking at me as if she’s asking, “What? I still have snow on my face....?” 😁]]> 2019-02-21 02:52:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/333472626 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/333745366 Our goal is set for Autumn.... And so begins the dream of buying our own home. 😊 ]]> 2019-02-21 17:18:44 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/333745366 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/334519149 An unexpected surgery for grandpup Colby, Becca and Justin’s announcement to sell their townhome and preparing for damaging winds arriving tomorrow in Western NY have been the highlight of the last few days. Stay tuned for an update tomorrow as soon as I get the chance to sit down and post the details.... ]]> 2019-02-24 04:43:59 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/334519149 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/334613116 An uneasiness is in the air, waiting out this damaging wind that is soon to bear down on us, and remain over us this afternoon, through the night and into tomorrow morning. I will update more on that later. 

For now, there is good news. Little Colby finally came home today. It all started Wednesday, and, thankfully, Becca was off work for the week. She could see he was showing signs of not feeling well, so she had set an appointment with the vet for the only remaining time available that day, which was still a few hours away. Suddenly, Colby burst out vomit, and she hoped that had maybe resolved whatever issue was troubling him. But he continued to whine, then vomited again. At that point she decided to bring him into the emergency clinic a.s.a.p. 

They suspected an intestinal blockage because his vomit had apparently the tell tale sign of such by how utterly rancid it smelled. X-rays were done, and sure enough, they showed a blockage just beyond the stomach at its connection to the small intestine. By this time Justin had joined her, and they could not think WHAT he would have gotten into! But the X-rays had indicated something fabric like.

He was immediately admitted, and surgery would have to be performed to extricate whatever it was that was causing the blockage. If it had still been in his stomach, as had happened once before, they could have induced vomiting and the item would have been expelled. No such luck this time, despite Becca and Justin’s more careful attentiveness to not leaving loose items around the house. 

Surgery revealed that Colby had ingested a medium sized, craft pom pom, which Becca has no clue where that might have come from, unless the cat had dug it out from somewhere. He also had quite a bit of yarnlike string, which they surmise had come from a dog toy Colby was gifted at Christmas, but they’d since thrown out because they saw it had become unsafe. And lastly, he had eaten the entire top cuff off one of Justin’s socks, which had initially been set up on top of a ledge, out of Colby’s reach, but somehow he’d managed to get a hold of one. Becca had seen him with it, and immediately threw it out, but failed to inspect the sock to see how much, if any, of it Colby had eaten. 

Wow! This certainly was an eye-opener for us all that you just can never be too careful when it comes to young, mischievous fur babies! Their ability to get into things in an instant is uncanny, and the consequences are astonishingly sobering. 

In the days following Wednesday’s surgery, Colby continued to have trouble keeping anything down. With careful monitoring, assessing and medication, he has slowly improved to the point of holding down 2 meals today, so it was determined that he could return home. 

He is still far from being out of the woods. He must continue on pain, sedation and GI motility medications for a few more days. Thereafter, he must remain largely immobile, and certainly no stretching, using stairs or jumping. With another dog in the house, who is also his best pal, keeping him quiet and restful will be no small task. Yet he must remain calm or the risk of tearing his sutures, especially internally, could have fatal consequences. 

Finally being able to come home today was such a happy moment not only for Colby, but Daddy, Mommy and sister, Maya, as well! Dean and I are also very relieved and so grateful that Colby is on the mend, safe and sound back home where he belongs. 

This was an expensive lesson for his parents, unfortunately, as they are now on a payment plan to slowly dwindle down just over $5,000 in medical costs that were incurred as a result of the surgery and all the care and attention that was given to help get Colby well again. I’m sure there will not be the slightest chance that he will ever be able to get anything remaining loosely laid about the house again!

It will be at least a few weeks before we all will rest easy and feel confident that everything concerning Colby is back to normal again. But life will be far from “normal” for Becca and Justin for at least the next month, due to the fact that they have decided to sell their townhome, as I previously mentioned, and that is due to go on the market in just a couple of weeks. But more on that in my next post. Stay tuned! ]]> 2019-02-24 19:42:54 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/334613116 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/335191985 We were fortunate that the predicted widespread power outages and downed trees did not occur in our town on Sunday. While we had significant gusts and prolonged wind, the trees all around us held firm and stood tall. What a relief to be past it all. We had wind, thunder, lightening, rain, springlike warmth, then the temperature plummeted nearly 30 degrees - all within a span of several hours! 

For at least a few days before hand we were warned and told to prepare for the possibility of a couple of days without electricity. It got to the point where we started to feel “spent” from the uncertainty and anxiousness of waiting for the predictions to happen, looking out the window, listening for a loud crash, etc. because the wind went on for hours and hours! It finally ended today, sometime in the late afternoon. 

Dean was called out on a few hour job to do today. A tree had fallen, so the limbs needed to be chipped, and the wood cut into manageable sized pieces. The homeowner wanted the wood left. It was difficult in the wind, but he got it done. 

Tomorrow the temperatures are going to be very cold, so he does not have plans to work. We discovered that somehow water from the buckets of rain that fell yesterday backed up into the house, soaking the laundry room/office floor. So we’ll need to tend to that situation tomorrow. It’s just as well he didn’t have any work planned.

I have a beautiful area rug, that at least half of it is considerably wet. I’ll need to get that out so I can have a fan put on it to help it dry properly. It’s partly tucked under 4 separate metal file cabinets, which is quite unfortunate. They no doubt will start to rust if left to sit on the wet carpet for very long, though they are coated with a nice looking finish on them. Perhaps that will be a deterrent for any rust. 

We hope to tackle that issue first thing so we can get on with the rest of our day. This is one of a few house matters we deal with from time to time that we’re certainly looking forward to no longer dealing with once we move.....  ]]> 2019-02-26 03:02:06 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/335191985 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/336138258 I promised to update you on the matter of Becca and Justin’s announcement to put their townhome up for sale. 

It was 2 years ago this month that they moved in. At the time they were looking to buy a home, they had hardly been 20 for very long. Combine that with the fact of only just starting to establish any type of job security, and not being as well off as they would have liked financially, the pickings were slim on what they could afford. Despite this, and failing to heed much advice, they pushed onward in their house hunt until they landed the very affordable townhome where they now live. 

Unfortunately, very affordable also means not always the best quality. Their first winter was one of the eye awakening realities of home ownership. REPAIRS. Snow had melted causing ice damming problems. When the ice melted on sunny days, it created water problems, trickling down through the walls that affected both the front and back of the townhome, and all three levels of it, as well. 

They were extremely fortunate in that the insurance company paid for nearly all of the repairs, but they were put out of their home for 5 long weeks, commuting back and forth to work from a hotel room. Imagine trying to do normal, everyday life matters from a hotel room. Laundry, meals, keeping track of the mail and bill payments and running back and forth to keep an eye on the the work being done, etc. Their new way of life got old, quick. 

Shortly after, they adopted Maya. They now realized a narrow, uphill yard was not really the best, let alone when you have a dog. They also realized that you get a lot of water pooling at the bottom of your yard, which creates mud. Eh. Not fun, especially when you have a dog running in and out of the house for playtime and potty. Fast forward to this past summer. In order to have a playmate for Maya, and to make their family feel complete, they adopted a second dog, Colby. The backyard problems became x’s 2. 

This winter, while we haven’t had the same amount of buildup of snow and ice, Becca discovered a few small watermarks on the back bedroom wall. An area where the roof above it had supposedly been fixed by the roofer. Justin went up into the attic and determined they should put more insulation in to prevent the heat loss which was causing the ice to form, then melt, which was most likely the cause of the newly noticed water mark. 

Then, one evening about a month ago, they discovered a wetness on the dining room ceiling, where above their full bathroom is located. Assuming the worst, Justin tore down the ceiling drywall expecting to find that a water or waste line had sprung a leak. It was neither. Turns out that water was escaping from the edge of the shower curtain, dripping down the tub apron and soaking through the hairline crack of the grout where the tub met the tile floor. An easy fix, but now a mess on their hands downstairs since the ceiling drywall had now been torn down. Justin has since put up a new ceiling. 

These things, not to mention an additional $400 usage charge above and beyond their utility budget plan total, and possible better job opportunities, have played a role in bringing them to the decision to sell their townhome. Two years of home ownership have educated this young couple on issues they truly were ignorant of, and nothing short of their own experiencing it would teach them any differently. 

Often, a sad but true reality in life is that we as individuals want the right to make our own decisions in life. But sometimes, those decisions come at a cost when we fail to heed helpful information others offer us that they already know. I think that’s where the saying “live and learn” comes in. Do I wish they would have did things differently? Yes. However, now I’m glad that they know better. They’ve gained wisdom and learned lessons that they hadn’t known before. So something positive has come out of it all, and that’s a very good thing!

Next time, I’ll fill you in on their plans for the future.....]]> 2019-02-27 20:18:45 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/336138258 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/336719928 After the sale of their townhome, Becca and Justin plan to move in with his parents on a temporary basis. But those temporary terms look to be about a year, so far as what they’ve indicated.

During this time, they plan on being able to save money to go towards the downpayment of their future home. They also plan on seeking to make job changes if the opportunity arises, being that they now will be located in a different, but neighboring, county. 

Their new “pad” will be the finished off, third level of Justin’s parent’s home. It will afford them space and privacy, but the kitchen, full bath and laundry areas will need to be shared by all of them. (There is an additional powder room, thankfully.) 

While they all get along very well, the fact remains that each of them as a couple have established their own habits and routines. Sometimes trying to maintain them while living in with others can be a challenge. I’m not sure, but maybe we might be seeing a bit more of Becca and Justin after a while into their new living arrangements. Or maybe not! Time will tell. 

Our desire is that they are able to commit to all that they are seeking these changes to bring. I personally hope that when the time comes for them to begin their house hunt, the real estate market has leveled off to a more normal progression of buying and selling. As I’ve made mention in another previous post or two, houses have currently been flying off the market, and buyers often find themselves in a bidding war just to try a secure a home for themselves.  

Additionally, I certainly hope that by the time Becca and Justin are ready to start their new journey, Dean and I will be happily settled in our own new home, so that we may be ready to give them any help and support that they may want or need! ]]> 2019-03-01 02:48:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/336719928 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/337113560 While I enjoy all my feathered friends, I’m beginning to look forward to the arrival of those who will soon migrate back to our parts - Grey Catbird, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Red-Winged Blackbird, Hummingbird, and the Baltimore Oriole. They add even more variety of color and beauty to my daily photographs, a few of which I’ve shared below! ]]> 2019-03-02 12:57:06 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/337113560 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/337555299 Over the weekend, Dean and I went to Becca and Justin’s to help them as they continue to prepare the townhome to be put on the market. While Becca and I tended to cleaning and wiping things down, the guys tended to painting touch ups, and installing trim where needed to finish up a couple of the projects Justin had started. 

Interestingly, nowadays staging a home is quite popular, so their realtor sent over a “stager”. She had advised them to swap out various pictures elsewhere in the home, remove all pet beds, crates, toys, etc., which pieces of furniture to leave where, and which furniture to remove. 

Becca said that often the stager wants to bring various items into the home to complete the look that they have in mind for the place. This is based on statistics and such of what features and or appearances current homebuyers express that they like. Doing this obviously comes at a cost, though, apparently their stager felt the furniture and other decor they had would work fine. I honestly feel that she knows they’re a young couple who aren’t really working with a whole heck of a lot of money, so she just advised and made do according to what they already have. 

Over the years, homebuying has really changed. I think shows like House Hunters, Love it or List it, etc. have had a part in this. They’ve given so much more exposure to the real estate market, giving both buyers and sellers a front seat view to everything that’s hot and trendy, and everything that’s not. 

However, with the current status of today’s market - houses barely being listed a week, then gone - I truly don’t foresee any issues with the kids being able to sell their townhome. They are very popular with the younger crowd, who, more than ever, are choosing home ownership over renting. Used to be, the first few years many couples rented their first place, using that time to get settled and established in life and the working world. Apparently not any more. I recently read that last year alone, young people, called millennials, made up 44% of home buyers! 

What our main concern with the sale of the townhouse is, is that they get a full price or above offer. This is typically how all home sales have been going, and in Becca and Justin’s case, they really need the best offer possible to just break even. As far as I’ve been told, the listing will go up in about a week and half or so. Stay tuned for updates after that as to how things unfold! ]]> 2019-03-04 17:00:32 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/337555299 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/338189135 I thought this use of an old door and table end was so clever! If it were painted to withstand the elements outdoors, it would last for quite some time as a functional piece of yard decor. I hope to be able to use this cute idea at our new home!]]> 2019-03-06 00:17:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/338189135 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/338682916 The last few days, our temperatures have been 10-20 degrees below average. Even today, despite the sunshine, when Dean and I were out, the 13* temperature felt more like 0, because of the wind. 

I got another of my seed catalogues in the mail. Gosh, is that a sight for sore eyes. Just leafing through the pages is like opening a gift at Christmastime!  I especially enjoy the pages of flower seeds, as I take in all those beautiful flowers and their colors. It won’t be long now until flowers such as those add pops of color in my flowerbeds and planter pots. 

On a less exciting note, we were reviewing in depth the cable/internet bill that just came. For what is considered a pretty mediocre package, we’re now paying basically $165.00 a month! A cable box that was once temporarily free, is now just over $8 a month. So, it looks like we’re going to disconnect that box, return it, and take the plunge. We’re downgrading to basic cable. We just can’t justify the high cost of this stuff anymore. 

Growing up, I think we had maybe half a dozen tv stations to choose from. And when nothing was on, guess what? We got off our posteriors and found something worthwhile to do. Nowadays, we have become zombies, surfing through the channels over and over, often disgusted that nothing good is on, yet there we sit! 

We also had no computer. Oh, and no cellphones. Gasp! Whatever did we do? Well, we actually had more quality time together as a family. Often we would play a game, or my mother and older sister loved to put together puzzles. My father had set up a volleyball net in the summer, and bought us all cross country skis for the winter. We also had a couple of ATV’s, toboggans, and fishing poles. We went ice fishing in the winter, and did regular fishing in the summer. 

My sisters and I became quite crafty. We learned how to sew, and my mother taught us to crochet. We often made outfits for ourselves, or crocheted baby items for our hope chests. I remember making several quilts out of scrap material that we sat and cut into perfect squares. 

On cold winter evenings such as this, there was never anything such as being bored. We always had an idea for something to do, because we weren’t dependent on “some thing” to help us stay occupied. And if you ask me, those days were some of the best days of our lives. Life back then was simple. But it was wholesome. It was healthy, and it was happy. ]]> 2019-03-07 01:53:15 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/338682916 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/339783231 Friday, grandpup Colby had his checkup. His incisions have healed up nicely, and he now is able to resume his normal activities. He’s a happy boy now that he gets to romp and play and explore once more! 

Yesterday, Dean and I dealt with an ice damn in the front gutter downspouts. As things were thawing in the somewhat mild temperatures, water was unable to pass through properly, forcing it to push out wherever it had access. This caused water to pool on the northfacing  section of the driveway that butts up against the house. It got down through the block and was spilling out onto the basement floor. After pouring several pots of boiling water down through the gutter, this melted and freed things up so the water can now exit the downspouts properly.

Then, overnight, the winds and rain came. This forced the rain through the screen into the track of our bedroom window faster than the weepholes could allow the water to exit. So, at 3:00 in the morning, Dean awoke to the sound of drip, drip, drip of water dripping off our inside window ledge down onto the hardwood floor. By the time the rain stopped, and after several times getting up and down, the water had completely soaked 3 large shower towels, 1 medium and a smaller hand towel! Needless to say, in addition to losing an hour of sleep, we slept horribly!! When the inside window ledge dries out sufficiently, Dean will have to caulk where there are compromises in the block wall that meets the window ledge. 

We finally dragged ourselves out of bed much later than we would have wanted. Shortly after, Becca called to ask if we would be able to help at the townhouse again as they continue to try to wrap things up in preparation for its listing. I’m happy to say it’s well on its way to nearly being completely ready. 

Whether moving in or moving out, moving is just a lot of work! I’m definitely not looking forward to the packing up and moving of ourselves, but I sure am anxiously looking forward to getting into our own home, so I will deal with what we have to to get there! 

Well, I’m beyond ready to get a good night of sleep, so I shall say goodnight for now. And here’s to hoping we get a much needed, solid night of rest!! ]]> 2019-03-11 02:26:09 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/339783231 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/340177750 Sometimes nature surprises us quite unexpectedly, as it did me this afternoon. I was out in the yard with Joanna, and noticed a Walnut shell that somehow found its way into the grass from the hedgerow where the old tree stands.

Not wanting her, or Romeo, to decide it was something worth playing with, or worse yet, eating, I gave it a good kick with the toe of my boot to get it back into the hedgerow. It lunged forward, missing the mark, and came to a dead stop, falling open as it did so. 

I looked, and then had to do a double take as it fully registered what I was seeing. The nut had split into two completely perfect, beautifully shaped hearts! I would have never expected that in a million years, and oh, how that happening delighted me. I quickly scooped them up and brought them indoors to show Dean, and my son, Charlie. Even they were amazed to see these hearts inside the shell. 

It’s brief, but impressive, moments such as these that whisper gently of Someone greater in this big, beautiful world who truly loves us enough to show us in even the littlest of ways..... ]]> 2019-03-11 21:35:47 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/340177750 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/341084932 Yesterday, Dean had an appointment at the orthopedic office for his shoulder. Over time, it has become increasingly bothersome due to the throbbing pain it radiates, especially at night. Being in such a physically demanding occupation for all these years, it’s only natural to begin feeling the wear and tear on his body after nearly 40 years of constant action.

First, we needed to find out just what was going on. Our worst fear was a rotator cuff tear. X-rays were taken to rule out any obvious bone or joint issues. There were none, except some slight arthritis. After performing various arm movements and strength assessments, it was determined that we were dealing with bursitis and impingement. 

Before going to the appointment, Dean and I had done some research on cortisone shots. Additionally, we’ve heard personal accounts from more than a handful of people. Half had positive results, the other half had negative or no results. Based on our compilation of information, we agreed to start with prescription strength anti-inflammatory medicine. 

While the doctor encouraged a cortisone shot, he would do whatever we felt comfortable with. He mentioned the medicines aren’t as effective due to obvious reasons of needing to be absorbed into the body, then distributed through the bloodstream. With the shot, it was a direct delivery, and also had a numbing medicine to help ease the pain at the injection site. Upon hearing the latter, Dean opted to get a dose of cortisone. 

It was his first, and last shot. He felt nothing numbing to speak of, and, as is common, there is a period of pain from 24-48 hours after the shot, that is worse before it gets better. Some people experience a flushing of the face, and elevated blood pressure, and as luck would have it, Dean experienced both. At its worst point last night, Dean felt his shoulder had received a massive punch, and the fist was still embedded into his shoulder. Not even a pain pill touched the pain. He could barely lift his arm even a couple of inches. His night was one of the most painful nights he can remember in a very long time. He got almost no sleep. 

At the time of this post, there have been incremental improvements as the day has progressed. His shoulder is feeling even slightly better than it did, pre-cortisone. We both were extremely worried, fearing the worst - that maybe the shot had created a worse problem and irrevocable damage. 

Thank the Lord, we’re over the worst of this! Over time, we’ll look forward to continued improvement, less pain and a more normal range of motion in the shoulder that allows Dean to use his arm to its fullest potential. Though, some people tell us, the benefits only last a few to several weeks. We truly hope that’s not the case here. Have any of you had, or know of someone who had, a cortisone shot, and what was your/their experience and outcome like? ]]> 2019-03-13 20:44:42 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/341084932 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/342053708 Have you ever caught someone red-handed? We did.

You’d like to think that everyone is like you. Conscientious. Respectful. Hard working. Considerate. Willing to go the extra mile..... And when you find out they’re not, it just stings. It’s so disappointing! 

Dean and I had been in conversation after he’d come home from work yesterday, and had plans to step out momentarily to run some errands. We happened to be in the vicinity of a window, and saw the mail truck pull up to our box. It wasn’t our usual guy. But that’s been happening a lot more lately. 

This substitute was a middle aged (or so) fella. We saw he had gathered our mail, but was looking down and seemed to be taking a bit, before finally putting it in our box and continuing on. Not but a moment later, Dean decided to grab it before we headed out. 

He came inside with a kind of look of disbelief and handed me a notice. It’s heading read, “Sorry we missed you while you were out.” Then the mail carrier had filled out information regarding our delivery that was supposed to have been signed for, and the notice listed 3 options for how we could now go about retrieving this delivery. Missed us while we were out?! He hadn’t even come to the door to see if we were home! 

Well, I was instantly steaming mad. I looked up the number for our post office, and finally got through on the second try. I explained to the woman who answered what had just transpired. While I was on the phone, she told me to hang on while she contacted him. (Apparently, the carriers can be contacted immediately on cellphones in their vehicles.) 

When she got back on the line, she informed me that she told him I had called and that he needed to bring our delivery back. I knew he wasn’t far down the road, so at least that was good. She apologized and I thanked her.

Do you think the carrier, feeling sheepish, or full of remorse, turned right around to rectify the matter? Absolutely not! I was so furious. We waited, and waited, and waited. We could not now go run our errands, because the delivery needed to be signed for! I gave him until an hour later, then I rang and rang the post office to no avail. It was half hour before closing  and they were not about to answer that phone. Ugh! 

FINALLY, a full hour and 15 minutes later, when he was done with his route, he decided to come back. He did not even pull in the drive. Dean told me he would go out, “just in case”..... The mail carrier actually had the audacity to look put out. He said absolutely nothing to Dean. No apology. Not even an attempt at a lame excuse!! And Dean said nothing to him, which I strongly feel he should have. He said it wouldn’t make a difference. I still would have told that guy a thing or two. He should be ashamed of himself. You would expect actions like that from someone who was younger and life hadn’t taught him any lessons in karma yet. 

Well, Mr. Mailman - what goes around, comes around. 

And it’s a sad day when you realize that people, and places, and society just isn’t how it used to be....... ]]> 2019-03-16 22:28:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/342053708 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/342665362 2019-03-19 01:39:31 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/342665362 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/343890906 Yesterday was a mild and sunny first day of Spring here in the Northeast. If you were up before the sunrise, you may have seen that spectacular, large, orange moon as it sank into the western  horizon. 

I took the opportunity to do a small bit of cleanup in the yard. While I really would have liked to do much more, I’m extremely conscious of just how touchy my muscles and joints are nowadays. Nothing is worth setting myself back health wise, so I just do what I feel comfortable doing.

We’ve noticed the arrival of Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds and Cowbirds so far. I love stepping out into the early morning, or near dusk, and hearing the song of a Robin in a nearby tree top. There have also been several flocks of Geese passing through overhead, and that’s always a sure sign of Spring. 

Sparrows have been housecleaning in one of last year’s birdhouses that I left outdoors. When I purchase a birdhouse, I like to make sure it has an access door for cleaning out the old nest at the end of the season, but this house was a gift, and did not have one. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw mama Sparrow exiting the house frequently with a beakful of old nesting material. 

Since mate seeking and nestbuilding is underway, I got out the more delicate birdhouses that I’d tucked away and hung them where I know the birds will be looking to find them. Besides the anticipation of warmth and beautiful flowers, watching various breeds of birds take up residence in each of my birdhouses is the next best thing! 

Dean’s shoulder has settled into what we think will be the norm for him. After the intense pain of the cortisone shot wore off, he definitely felt a relief from the all day, every day throbbing and discomfort. But there are certain limitations with the arm. He’s just learning to adopt different methods of getting certain things done, so he doesn’t use his arm any more than he has to, and for now, he’s okay with that. ]]> 2019-03-21 16:43:44 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/343890906 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/344486771 We have sunshine, blue sky and lots of bird activity. It’s such a pleasure to wake to days like today. You feel upbeat, you have some energy, and together these make you want to tackle a project, a chore or something in between. 

I put Italian sausage in the crockpot for dinner. To it I’ll add a side of rice and steamed broccoli. I like when meal time is a simple fare. The house smells delicious. I half contemplated putting out the other small crockpot and making a dessert in it. Chocolate fudge cake immediately came to mind, but we need that about as much as we need a hole in the head, so I resisted the urge. 

About 5:30 a.m. I got a text from Becca. Apparently she’d come down with the stomach bug about 3 a.m. and couldn’t stop vomiting. Due to some health issues, she has to be very careful not to get dehydrated, so they decided it was best she go to ER. 

After some time waiting, she was hooked up to an IV to receive fluids, and anti nausea medicine. Once a few bags of fluids were administered, which takes at least a few hours, she was released. She has plans to do nothing but sleep and try to recuperate. She was given a script for more anti nausea medicine, but we really hope she won’t need it. 

Here’s hoping you’re enjoying a lovely Saturday! ]]> 2019-03-23 19:27:10 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/344486771 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/346379900 This past weekend, Becca and Justin’s townhouse was open for its first tour after being put on the market. As I strongly suspected, it had many buyers who were very interested, because the real estate market continues to lean hard in the favor of sellers. 

The evening after their open house, their realtor had specified a time at which they would begin accepting offers. Within half an hour, 5 offers came in! After discussing each, and weighing various pro’s and con’s, I’m happy to say they accepted an offer for $4,000 OVER their asking price! Even better is that the buyer is quite financially squared away so that instead of a closing that could take 2-3 months, this closing will be finalized by the middle of April. 

We really could not have asked for a better ending! It’s a great relief to Becca knowing all the hard work and preparation finally paid off. They’re settled in now at Justin’s parents, the grandpups have adjusted well, and life is finally chugging along in a much more normal fashion.

A couple of days ago Romeo had his groom. He comes back looking like a handsome lamb. Today, it was Joanna’s turn to have her undercoat brushed out, her nails trimmed and a sweet smelling bath. She looks so pretty with fur that’s been combed until it gleams, and loves all the attention from her pampering. 

Charlie stayed home from work today. It seems he has a touch of the flu, which has been running rampant through these parts of late. When it comes to sickness, I must admit, I get uptight. I know how quickly germs can spread, so keeping things sanitized, and making sure whoever is sick takes extra care in keeping their germs to themself is a top priority of mine. Its bad enough even one of us has to be sick, let alone all of us! I’m hopeful after lots of rest, nourishing food and fresh air, Charlie will be up and about as usual.

It’s been absolutely wonderful to crack the windows open on these milder days. To hear the birds, and catch a scent of the outdoors has been so uplifting! The older I get, the longer Winter seems to last. But then again, I’ve never really been a Winter person. I could exist with every season but!]]> 2019-03-29 00:34:15 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/346379900 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/346814227 Hope you’re enjoying today! ]]> 2019-03-30 19:50:24 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/346814227 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/348283915 It’s been around for a few years now. Hygge is what I’m referring to. Have you heard of it? Turns out, I’ve been practicing hygge in some ways without even realizing it. 

For example, my small, cozy sitting room, complete with soft lighting, a welcoming beach scene displayed on the curtains and a small, crackling, electric fireplace for those chilly winter nights. 

You, no doubt, have practiced it, too, when you’ve snuggled up in a soft, warm blanket, with a cup of tea or cocoa and a good book.

Hygge is essentially a way of life, for those people who practice it. It’s togetherness, living in the moment, indulging in what awakens your senses, relaxation, and all things comfort. It’s basically like a hug, just without the physical touch. 

While winter is an obvious time for all things hygge, you can practice this concept year round. Some ideas for summertime hygge are picnics in the park, backyard dinner parties, bonfires on the beach, and outdoor movie nights. What it really comes down to is making the most of little, daily pleasures, whether it’s a balmy, sunshine filled summer day, or a dark, frigid winter one.

Gratitude is another key factor. Actually, hygge and gratitude go hand in hand. The philosophy entails feeling thankful for the little things, like a bike ride on a beautiful day, or a cup of hot chocolate, or watching your favorite movie. Research shows that people who feel grateful are not only happier but also more helpful and forgiving and less worried about “having it all”. Instead, it’s all about savoring simple pleasures.

Hygge is also expressed through a home’s interior design. It’s candles, lamps, and fireplaces, a cozy reading nook with a plush chair and warm light or neutrals and whites for your wall colors throughout the house that create a sense of space and calm. Blankets and pillows provide comfort. Small accent pieces of furniture made of wood not only warm your home with their tone, but they also help bring you closer to nature. 

Now that you know a little about Hygge, you can put these ideas into motion. With just a minimal amount of changes, you can likely be on your way to having the most cozy and inviting and happy home you’ve ever dreamed of. And what’s not to love about that? ]]> 2019-04-03 20:52:52 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/348283915 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/349065766 Today is my son’s birthday. When I went into labor for Charlie on that day, 20 years ago and very early in the morning, it was Easter Sunday. I remember thinking of the irony of that. While all my immediate family gathered for our annual dinner, I had been in labor - anxious for his arrival but filled with slight trepidation, knowing yet what still lay ahead of me. All I could think about in the early stages was that delicious strawberry pie my mother had made, and I hoped someone would save a piece for me. Ha! 

For my first pregnancy, we wanted to be surprised at the blessing we were gifted. When the second time came around, I really wanted to know this little blessing so I could be prepared. If it was another daughter, I had clothes, toys, blankets, and accessories galore. But if it was a son, I really needed things that were much more boyish. 

When all was said and done, I labored just over 24 hours for him, unlike the seemingly 9 short hours that I labored for Becca. I was totally unprepared for such a drastic difference between the two experiences. You would think if the first was only 9 hours, the second would have to be about the same, or, as I had really been hoping, less. 

But I guess Charlie was born to fulfill that quote, “good things come to those who wait”. He was such a good baby - mostly quiet, content, ate well and loved to sleep. Becca, oh my Lord, she was the complete opposite. I truly thought I would lose my ever loving mind with her! 

Charlie has never been a child who liked to be in the spotlight. He was happiest on his own. Give him a box of sand and some toy cars, and he’d talk to himself and play for hours. As he grew, he did not like to be away from me. He always needed me in his site. He walked late, potty trained late, and was not in hurry to learn is A,B,C’s and 1,2,3’s. He had unusual worries that lasted for sometimes 2 to 3 months at a time. He needed and craved repetition and harmony, order and routine. 

Looking back now, I can see it all so clearly. But then, the doctor just urged us to love and support him, and help him work through his little idiosyncrasies. Today, Charlie would be considered a child who is “on the spectrum”. While he still struggles with worries, certain aversions and sometimes anxiety, he is far from incapable! He is trustworthy, sensitive, and pays attention to details. He is dedicated, conscientious and dependable, and we love that beautiful nature of his! 

He’s a son who is strong in ways others don’t see. A person who gets up everyday, walking through the ordered and predictable world of his making, yet is confronted by change and unknowns in the other world around him, forcing him to battle worries while putting on a brave front. 

I love this child who has taught me some beautiful things about the simplicity of life, and how, really, we all just want to belong, to feel understood, and to live a life of peace and joy. ❤️]]> 2019-04-05 19:21:07 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/349065766 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/349585745 I’ve always felt that being out in nature, (whether admiring it, tending to it or planting in it) is therapy for our mind, body and soul. 

So much comfort, peace and healing to be found there.... ]]> 2019-04-08 16:21:36 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/349585745 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/351129172 We recently cleared out the very packed, messy screen room to prepare it for use. While I still have one back wall to organize and sort through, it doesn’t interfere too much with the front section where we set up our furniture. 

It felt incredibly good to see things take shape. I’m always happiest once we round the bend from persistently cold weather to increasingly warmer weather. 

It was nice when, the very next day after we worked in the screen room, the morning dawned mild and springlike, right down to the gentle pitter patter of a brief morning rainshower. As you can tell from the video, not only was I outdoors enjoying it, but the birds were loving it, too! Turn up your sound to hear the beauty of it all. 

Is there anything more peaceful than the comforting sound of gentle rainfall and birdsong early in Spring? ]]> 2019-04-12 13:00:21 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/351129172 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/351393635 I’ve finally sat down, done with my work for today, except for the folding of some laundry once the dryer has finished its cycle. After Dean left to tend to a few small tree jobs, I got right to work on dishes, cleaning and sweeping up. 

I’ve recently realized, or rather have forgotten, just how efficient a simple broom and dustpan are. Sometimes, having to lug out the vacuum seems a bit much, and too loud. 

Having all these pets and dealing with their fur can constantly keep your house looking as though it’s never been cleaned! Especially when you look on top of and along the baseboards and under the kitchen cabinet toekicks. 

I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see that the broom can tackle cleaning all of these areas with ease, and even sweeping off several of the area rugs that seem to acquire the most debris. However, there certainly is a time and place for the use of the vacuum, but just not every day. 

This past week, Charlie took on a new job, which has been in the works for about a month or so now. Over the last year of his 2 1/2 years at his former place of work, it has become apparent that the management and many coworkers are in need of serious improvement. It had gotten to the point where Charlie was having to pick up the slack for so many, and it was continually very stressful for him to try to handle and manage it all.  

He has not changed occupations, he’s just switched from an assisted living facility to a nursing/rehabilitation home. This facility has an extremely high reputation in our community, and has been owned and operated by the same family for several generations. It is obvious to see the amount of time, attention and care they put into running their facility for the complete well-being of their residents. 

The entire work atmosphere is amazingly different. Now Charlie, who is an extremely conscientious and attentive person, can focus on the job he is hired to do, and only that. His new coworkers have said how wonderfully he has adapted, and how quickly he’s caught on to doing what is expected of him. 

I’m so happy that we initiated and strongly encouraged this change. Now, I firmly believe that Charlie will be much happier and healthier, as the elimination of stress and its effects will no longer spill over into other areas of his life. I can absolutely see that there will be an opportunity for him to remain at this facility for years to come, and even have the opportunity to advance. 

Sometimes it’s hard stepping out of our comfort zone. But when we do, oh, the doors that will open! ]]> 2019-04-13 17:22:58 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/351393635 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/351843747 2019-04-16 01:01:16 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/351843747 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/352321176 2019-04-17 15:15:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/352321176 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/352874373 Dean and I celebrated our anniversary mid-week. It’s amazing how quickly time flies.....

Yet there are moments, and some were quite tough for us in the beginning, when you feel as though time cannot possibly move fast enough to get you through to the other side of something! 

Thank God, He brought us through to happier days! Dean and I have such treasured memories, of love and beauty, and just plain downright fun times! 

To find a companion, even once in this life, one with whom your soul connects.... Oh, how fortunate and blessed you are!]]> 2019-04-20 19:32:00 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/352874373 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/352963868 Happy Easter, my friends! ]]> 2019-04-22 01:15:30 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/352963868 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/353548019 2019-04-23 21:18:49 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/353548019 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/353959059 I really wanted to make some banana bread, but knew the afternoon would get busy, so I hesitated. I decided to pull out my 1962 first edition Betty Crocker’s New Good and Easy Cook Book. Sometimes, in the older recipe books you can find some quick and easy things to make without a lot of fuss. 

I looked in the index under banana, and found a handful of pages with recipe ideas. I decided to check out the one for Banana Yellow Cake. BINGO! There was just the type of quick recipe I was wanting to find, because you start with a box of yellow cake mix to save time. In place of the walnuts, I added miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips, but I’m sure the nuts would have been fine to keep in as well. Charlie just isn’t a fan of nuts in his desserts, though, so for his sake, I left them out. 

I also poured the batter into aluminum muffin wrappers in a muffin tin, instead of making it into a cake. They turned out perfect! Tonight, I frosted the muffins up with Betty Crocker’s Rich and Creamy Dark Chocolate Frosting for our evening dessert..... Oh, my gosh, they were absolutely delicious.

So here’s the recipe in case you’d like to try this banana twist on a version of cupcakes, or cake, too. I’m definitely going to keep this in mind for a future dessert option again!]]> 2019-04-25 01:11:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/353959059 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/354700004 Happy weekend!! ]]> 2019-04-27 18:55:03 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/354700004 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/355211208 Early last summer, we discovered, quite accidentally, that we had flying squirrels. Just after sunset, Dean had been looking out the window into the western sky. He caught the silhouette of a sudden scurrying movement up the trunk of our front tree, and immediately suspected a flying squirrel. He was right! 

Unbeknownst to us, a small group of them had been gleaning leftovers of seed, peanuts and such from the bird feeders at the base of the tree. We were delighted at the discovery. 

Thereafter, throughout the summer, at dusk, I would grab a bunch of peanuts, click my tongue and set the food out for them. Soon they would scurry down the tree, grab a nut, and scurry back up - squealing as they went. 

Eventually, there would almost always be one waiting on the little food shelf for my arrival with peanuts, and my new addition, peanut butter. How thrilling that was! By summer’s end, we easily had a dozen flying squirrels either on the tree, or flying in from nearby trees to get their evening snack. 

As winter approached, their numbers dwindled, and I lessened their treats gradually so they could hunker down, hibernate, or do whatever flying squirrels do over the winter. I did not want to interfere with nature, especially once the cold winter winds started howling. And that had been the end of my interaction with them. 

But this week I unexpectedly “bumped” into a few of my little buddies again! I had gone out to the feeders, later than usual, to remove those that the deer could damage since they like to forage there overnight. Sometimes, they get rough with feeders within their reach as they try to acquire the food from within them. 

As luck would have it, a flying squirrel had been down the tree and was in search of some leftovers. I caught it’s quick scurrying action as it raced up the tree upon hearing my arrival. Seeing the little guy or gal made me happy! I went inside to get some peanuts to set out for them and waited. The one came back down the tree, and another flew in from a nearby tree. 

As of last night, there were 4 flying squirrels in the tree that I know of. More could very well have flown in after I left. I decided to see if I could get a picture to share. They usually are quite shy, but this one in the picture below - not so much. I guess we’ll be back to visiting one another most evenings at dusk! 😊]]> 2019-04-29 20:59:27 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/355211208 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/356767425 Still hoping to get out if this slump of gray, cold, rainy days with far too few sunny days to even speak of. It just doesn’t seem right to not have sunshine and warmth to boost our spirits now that we’ve officially crossed over into May. 

Due to the weather, I was quite surprised to spot a lone, returning male Baltimore Oriole yesterday mid-morning in the front yard! I wasn’t expecting to see that they’d migrated back until maybe another week or so due to the cold weather. But I quickly gathered my new feeder, filled it with grape jam and ran it outside. It took about an hour, and he was back again, this time happy to discover his treat. He was back and forth all day, which was so nice to see. 

Delightfully, this morning when I entered the kitchen and looked out the window, I spotted a male Rose Breasted Grosbeak who was apparently with a group of other returning Grosbeaks, because it wasn’t long before I saw another, and another, then a female! Wow, there was so much activity at the feeders today that made my heart so glad. There were many more Orioles, too. Now I’m ready and just waiting on the arrival of my beautiful Hummingbirds. 

I’m really looking forward to getting some flowers planted in my pots and such, to really brighten up the yard. The grass, at least, is a gorgeous green from all the rain. Dean was able to mow it for the first time this year on the only warm day last week. It looked and smelled so wonderful.....

Come on Spring ~ hurry up and get here for good! ]]> 2019-05-03 21:40:19 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/356767425 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/358241119 Male Baltimore Oriole]]> 2019-05-08 20:33:01 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/358241119 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/358241335 Female Rose Breasted Grosbeak. She looks nothing like her counterpart! ]]> 2019-05-08 20:34:07 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/358241335 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/358241989 Scroll down to see a couple more pictures I took of the newest visitors to return to our yard this Spring. Here’s the male Rose Breasted Grosbeak. ]]> 2019-05-08 20:36:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/358241989 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/361425412 Lately I’ve lost my “oomph”, and I apologize. Is anyone else in this same boat? I think it’s been too long of a cold, gray, snowy, rainy succession of seasons. 

I am a person who thrives on sunshine, warmth, and the smell and sounds of nature around me. Since last October, we’ve had only a handful of days that could be considered real Spring like weather, and that’s about it. 

Couple that with the fact of changes I’m encountering within myself more frequently of late, and a full time job handling the business, then household matters until basically bedtime, and you’ve got one pretty exhausted, unwell, possibly bordering on down and depressed human being right here! 

No doubt you’ve heard that old phrase, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”? Well, I think that about sums up Dean and I at the moment. But we’re working on getting ourselves upbeat, energetic and back into the right frame of mind.

So I just want to say thank you. Thank you if you’ve still checked in, wondered where I went to and hoped you’d see me back here posting again. It’s coming.... slow, but sure. Though I have to admit I’ve thought about retreating into my own world and just eliminating exerting myself for anything save my own preservation. 

But I don’t think that would be fair - to myself, or you. Part of moving through and getting beyond this “slump” is doing things, even when I don’t feel I have the energy or the heart to do them. Because staying connected, and keeping interests alive is, eventually, the saving grace that carries people through some of their more trying and difficult times. And I also know that this, too, shall pass... ]]> 2019-05-18 20:29:39 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/361425412 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/361896900 It’s been a couple days since a nest of baby Carolina Wrens fledged. They were tucked up into an eave inside our screen room. I’ve read that wrens sometimes find the smallest of openings and will build their nest in some pretty unusual places, like even inside an old work boot! 

Wrens typically don’t reuse the same nest for their second clutch of eggs, so I think it’s safe to say we have the use of our screen room again. Already I miss the little family, and sure do hope the young ones have survived their first few days outside the nest!

At least we’ve had some warmish, comfortable weather for them to acclimate to the big world around them. There’s been a whole lot of activity, singing and nesting going on in the bird community within our yard, and I really enjoy it. This is one of my favorite parts of Spring! ]]> 2019-05-20 20:06:07 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/361896900 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/362750312 Last year our lilac bush was loaded with flowers! This year, it has hardly any. 😕 I remember the year before last, it’s flowers were sparse, also. Someone said that flowering bushes and fruit/nut bearing trees have cycles of abundance and lack. I can say that I think they may be right, because we’ve not only noticed it with our lilac bush, but also our apple, peach, pear and chestnut trees now that I think back over the last 5 years. Makes you wonder why that is? 

At least I was able to cut a few clusters of lilacs to bring indoors and enjoy their beautiful fragrance. I’m focusing on little things that bring me pleasure.....]]> 2019-05-23 00:34:08 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/362750312 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/365695305 The other morning I got up out of bed early, tired of having tossed and turned most of the night. For once, the air was mild and almost summer-like, something we’re lacking a great deal of here in the northeast. 

I got the coffee maker set for Dean to turn on when he got out of bed. I set to work on my tea and soon I had a steaming mug of tea ready to sip as I sat outdoors. 

I was greeted with the most beautiful sunrise I’ve seen in quite some time. It was so stunning, I had to set my tea down and come in for my camera, yet a camera never quite does the actual stunning view justice. But this time, I feel it came close.

Despite my unsatisfactory night of rest, I felt that the morning more than made up for it. Perhaps, despite feeling I am constantly tired, I should sleep less, and rise early more. Somehow, having the opportunity to greet a gorgeous morning settles your mind and soothes your soul with peace.

I remember a saying I heard more frequently while growing up - “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, happy and wise.” Perhaps I should adopt this practice and enjoy it’s benefits more often! ]]> 2019-06-04 20:34:37 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/365695305 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/367307168 To the best of my knowledge, and after a brief search online, this appears to be Queen Anne’s Lace. When it flowers, a pleasant scent fills the air. I have it along the front and back of the house, as well as in a “flowerbed” at the foot of the Hemlock. 

It’s a groundcover that definitely needs no tending to, as it can manage just fine on its own! That being said, it is very aggressive/invasive, and quite difficult to eradicate. 4 years ago my mother and I removed the plants in my front flowerbed, laid black matting down and put plenty of mulch over top of that. Then we started over with a few flowering perennials such as yarrow, salvia, Clematis and butterfly bush. 

To date, the groundcover has come back with a vengeance, and over the last year or so, it has managed to slowly but surely choke out the salvia and yarrow. I am so disappointed about that. Only my butterfly bush and Clematis have managed to survive.

While I love that Queen Anne’s Lace is delicate, nicely scented, and extremely low maintenance, knowing what I do now, I would never deliberately plant it anywhere near a flowerbed or the likes. Nor will I dig up to move anything that was planted where the “lace” has taken over, because it pops up where ever you move the other plantings to! ]]> 2019-06-13 02:08:55 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/367307168 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/367645070 Apparently, Clematis loves a majority of cool, rainy, sunless days! This year my vine has never looked healthier, or had as many flowers.

Besides what is pictured, there are yet more blooms scattered above and below this mass of them in the center. I absolutely love their color, and when the sun finally comes out, as it has this afternoon, their purple against the green of the leaves and nearby ferns looks beautiful!

One thing I did learn early on, despite the vines looking completely dead, you never prune them back. Quite surprisingly, out of terribly brown, dried up looking vines, new growth definitely pushes out of them come spring time! ]]> 2019-06-14 18:24:12 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/367645070 kimmarie69 https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/368547436 Have you ever had walnuts and pecans, tossed in melted butter, then sprinkled with rosemary, salt and sugar, tossed together, then baked?? Mmmmmm, mmmm, good! I never measure the ingredients, you just kind of eyeball things til it all looks evenly coated and well distributed, then spread it in a single layer on a cookie sheet. I added roasted peanuts this time, too. Since I already had chicken baking in the oven at 375*, I put the tray in the oven for approximately 10 minutes, used a turner to move them all around, then put them in for a final 10 minutes. You just don’t want them to burn. Once cooled, you can store in an airtight container and snack on them when the mood strikes you. They’re a nice twist to an old standby snack, and perfect for bringing to a gathering or for giving as a holiday gift!]]> 2019-06-20 20:24:35 UTC https://padlet.com/kimmarie69/between_friends/wish/368547436