Three Days At Home

Spending three days at home wasn't bad at all. Today I had company because it was my turn to host MJ. On Mon. and Tue. there was not a lack of something to do. I guess it's good that I have so many hobbies. I'm never bored when I'm at home. I'll go out tomorrow and I'll still have the same half of a tank of gas that I had on Sunday. I will get gas again on Friday before my trip to see Mom.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tomorrow is my turn to host Mah Jongg. I made four dozen chocolate chip cookies for my guests. Of course I needed to taste them to make sure they were tasty, and they are! Tomorrow morning I'm going to make some apricot/sour cream scones for everyone to have with their morning coffee and tea. I love scones. These are so good that you can eat them without butter, jam or lemon curd. Of course, if those condiments are desired, I do have them.
The last time we played MJ I only won one game. I was close many times, but no" brass ring". I'm hoping that I'll have better luck tomorrow. There are only four of us playing tomorrow instead of the usual 7 so we can each be in every game. We should get a lot of playing in by the time we quit for the day. I'm making fresh brewed iced tea for lunch. Everyone brings their own lunch so that makes things easy. I'm looking forward to a swell time.

First Instinct

When something transpires in your life and you get a "feeling" about it, I like to think of that as your "first instinct". Sometimes after a day or two goes by you start to look at the situation in a different light. You may get a different feeling than your original one. I've learned that the original "feeling" or "instinct" is still the correct one. I guess that's where the phrase, "don't second guess yourself" may apply. If the first "feeling" was not one you are happy with, you may try to inadvertantly see the situation differently. Beware ! There may be trouble ahead if you don't heed your first instinct. Hoping and wishing the situation were different doesn't make it so. So, take a deep breath, raise your head high, and go on with your life.

Can't Get Blood From A Stone

The economy stinks. Gas has gone up as well as food. I'm rationing myself on what I'm spending money on. If lunch costs more than $25. count me out. Why? Because you can't get blood from a stone. Unfortunately, like my father use to say, "money doesn't grow on trees". That's too bad. It's great to have friends. I love them all. I'm beginning to think that if they want to see me they'll have to come over for tea and we'll take a walk around the block. The necessities of life come before a social life. Things like paying your bills, buying food and buying gas. I may not have everything I want in my life, but I do have everything I need. Everything with the exception of "extra" money hanging around in my wallet. That's okay with me, really. Try explaining that to anyone who will listen. Having no more is only understood by someone else who also has no more. Just when you feel that you've broken even, another bill comes in, like an unexpected car repair. It's quite frustrating! So, to all my pals out there, put on your sneakers and come over for tea. We'll wear the soles out walking around the block!!

Beauty All Around

As I looked out the sliding doors today, I noticed the beauty of the flowering trees and the lush green lawn. The forsythia are in full color also. It looks so pretty outside especially after a bleak, dull winter. The pink flowering tree in the front is stretching one of its limbs across the path. It's lower than it was last year. I find it necessary to duck my head when I pass. The irises are making progress in their growth and the green and white leaves are framing the sidewalk. The spring colors are beautiful. I always thought that my favorite season was fall, but I'm in love with this spring, more so than I have been with any other spring. Actually, spring rain is not that bad. It puts a damper (no pun intended) on one's outside plans, but it brings the May flowers. I'm looking forward to that "lusty" month of May. This Thursday will see its debut.

Conservation

Oh, How I hope it's a sunny day tomorrow. The forecast is for thunderstorms. Is it possible that they'd be wrong? Not likely, you say. Well, time will tell. We need the rain, I hear. I'm at home tomorrow. I will be conserving gas. I've decided to spend at least 2 days a week at home without driving anywhere all day. I have plenty to do here so I won't be bored. My plan for tomorrow is to cut fabric and begin to sew a quilt. When I need a break from that I will read the pile of magazines I've collected. Tuesday will be a stay at home day also. As a matter of fact, if it is not raining that day I'll walk to the local convenience store to pick up milk and bread. On Wednesday, my friends are coming here to play MJ. So, I guess that'll be 3 days at home this week. I need to go out on Thursday to do a few errands. I know that the week will fly by whether I stay home or go out and about. If you're in the area and would like to stop in for tea, please do.

Where Does The Time Go?

Can't believe that it's 5:15pm already. Where does the time go? I read at the 11:30am mass. It felt good to be in church. When I came home, I ate lunch. I found the fabric for a "throw" I want to make for my cousin, Kathy. I'll cut out the pieces tomorrow and then start sewing the quilt together. Hopefully, I'll finish it quickly since it's not that large. I'm not sure if I'll tie this one or if I'll attempt to machine quilt it. I've never machine quilted a quilt before. Although I had practice with the quilt as you go table runner about a month ago. The fabric for this quilt is sort of "funky". I hope that she likes it. If I get the chance to visit her this summer, I'd like to give her the quilt at that time.
It's almost time for supper then the evening news will be on. Before you know it, it's bedtime. The days go quickly whether you're busy or not. My mother use to say that when you turn 50 they speed up time. It sure seems like that.

The End Of A Mystery

I found out through trial and error and about 50 tries how to get the blog about "Churches" out of draft form and published. Now the reader gets to read and not wonder what it was about. I am technologically challenged when it comes to computer work. I sometimes just have to click on everything hoping for the result I want. After about a half hour of doing that, Presto! We have a published blog. I know how my 2 yr old niece and nephew feel when they do something and shout "I did it".

The Lost Post

I recently wrote a blog called "Churches" and it's been put into draft form. I don't know how that happened. I've been trying to get it in the published group of blogs but to now avail. Maybe someday I'll learn the secret to doing that. Until then, I'll leave the reader wondering what the blog was about.

Churches

Tomorrow I'm reading at mass. I've never read at this mass or at this church before. It'll be a new experience for me. When I participate at the mass in this way, I get a more spiritual feeling from the service. Last Friday I went to a communion service at a local church. I've never seen this church look more beautiful than it did on Friday. There were flowers on the altar and all along the side of the church on each windowsill. The structure of the building is modern which is not my favorite church architecture but I have to say that the addition of so many flowers throughout the church gave it quite a different look. The church I'll read in on Sunday is an old stone church. My parish has two small churches. I usually only do the lecturing at one, but was asked if I could help out and read at the 11:30am mass at the sister church down the road tomorrow. I'm happy to oblige. I usually choose an earlier mass to read at, but tomorrow will be a more leisurely morning because I'll have more time to get ready.

An Interrupted Sleep

Well, it's 12:52am. I don't know if I'm starting my day or still ending it. Yes, Sandy's been at it again. I went to bed at 9:00pm and have just been awakened by my SDT cat. The routine is that I'll be wide awake for an hour or so and hopefully will be able to resume my repose in the recliner. It's hard not to get up from bed when you have a 25lb. cat walking on top of you. At least he didn't jump on me, get off, and jump on me again. That rattles your bones and you wonder if it's caused bruising. He's behind me looking out the window right now. I guess he gets lonely when he awakens from his "cat nap". When he's finished surveying the situation outside the window, he'll jump on the chair next to me and take another "cat nap". That'll be my signal that it's okay to go to sleep again. Who's in charge here, I often wonder? When it comes to the middle of the night, I think I know the answer.

A Different Way To Get Your Politics

I started my day watching "Morning Joe" with Joe Scarborough. My mother turned me on to this morning tv show. The "Today" show has gotten sort of boring. It's more entertainment than anything else. I'm in the mood for something different while I greet the day with my own cup of Joe.
I'm ending my day watching "The Colbert Report". I'm new to this show and I find it amusing. I caught a glimpse of "The John Stewart Show" which my sister watches frequently, but I always forget to turn it on. These shows are certainly a "different" way to get your politics. I find myself laughing instead of "steaming" which occurs often when watching some of the evening pundits. I'm more tuned into the politics of our country than I use to be when I was younger. I'm not quite sure just why that is? Maybe it's true that when you get older you get wiser. Maybe you worry more when you get older. I do find myself worrying about this country now. I've lost confidence in our leaders, both Republicans and Democrats. I pray that we elect the correct person as our next president. By that I mean, someone who will solve our country's problems; Someone who will bring back dignity and respect to the presidency; someone who cares about the "people" who elected them. I don't know who you are or who you'll be, but please out do yourself. Make us proud !

Organize, Organize, Organize

Today was a day to straighten up and to put away winter sweaters and to find a place for spring/summer casual clothes. That's all done!! I'm so relieved. I also made phone calls and found out where I can bring my old computer to have it recycled. Once that is done I won't be tripping over the tower any more. Slowly, but surely, I'm getting organized. When I feel that things are under control in the "organization department", I'll spend time shredding the papers I've collected. They are in a plastic storage bin at the present time. Once they are shredded I can eliminate the need for the storage bin. Unfortunately, my "spare" room will always be a catch all for things which have no spot to call home. It's much better than it was, but there just isn't enough closet space. It must have been a man who designed this condo; a man with few possessions. I have two rather small boxes of framed photographs of family and friends. I'd love to take them out of the boxes and display them, but there just isn't a place to do so. So there they sit with the smiles of friends and family unseen. I do take a peek at them from time to time in the hopes of having a place magically appear in which to display them. Although, I know that's not likely to happen.

A Gorgeous Day!

It couldn't be a more gorgeous day! The sun is shining, the temps are warm and there is a little breeze. As I look out my window I can see the flowering trees which line the parking lot. There are pretty pink ones and several white flowering trees. It's hard to pick a favorite. I notice that there are a few yellow jackets flying around the bushes near my front door. They don't seem to light anywhere. I can't help but wonder what the attraction to that spot is for them. Both doors are opened, needless to say. It's quiet and peaceful outside. This morning I heard the birds singing, but I can't hear them any longer. They flit from the bushes to the small birdhouse which hangs above my patio. They are tiny, cute, chicadees. How fortunate I am to live in the North East where the seasons change. How boring it must be to never experience spring coming into bloom.

Need To Get Out Spring Clothes

We've had such beautiful weather lately. Today was warmer than it's been in awhile. When I returned home from the shore, I changed from my jeans and turtle neck shirt into a short sleeved shirt and cropped pants. Now I know that it's time to put away most of the sweaters and to get out the spring clothes. I'll do that tomorrow. I will also find my sandals. There's nothing pleasant about being over dressed on a warm spring day. It's necessary to dress according to the temperature and the season at hand. I'll be ready for going to church on Sunday if I get out a lighter dress to wear. It's my turn to read at mass. Don't want to be dressed for the wrong season and be too hot and uncomfortable. Hope that the transition of getting out spring clothes and putting away winter sweaters will be a smooth one.

Planning A Reunion Before The Reunion

Got a call from a HS friend this afternoon. We are hoping that she can come to NJ for a visit with me before we go to PA for our 45 HS reunion. We talked about things we'd like to do when she visits. She'd like to visit our hometown and go to a craft show. She'd also like to visit my mother at the shore. There will be a visit to the beach so we can watch the ocean and walk on the boards. The challenge for me will be driving to the airport to pick her up. I'm going to have to take a "dry run" so I can see how long it'll take me and so I'll know where to park while I'm waiting for her plane. I'm looking forward to her visit and it will be nice to have "company" to go to the reunion.

Ben Franklin

The summer before I entered High School, I read a book written by Benjamin Franklin. It had such sayings in it as "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." The one saying that had the most meaning for me was the one in which he advised the reader to "keep your friendships in constant repair". That's what I've always tried to do since I first read that saying. Sometimes it's not that easy because your friend may be on a "different page" in the book of life. Time between good friends may not matter, but that depends on how much time has passed in many cases. I hope that the two years which have kept me and an old friend apart do not matter. Our lives have gone in two different directions. She is engaged and has a whole new set of "couple" friends who they do things with. Actually, I've felt that she hasn't had time for me in her new life. Maybe the past is painful for her and I'm a reminder of it. In any case when we get together tomorrow I hope that the time apart melts away and we are able to connect once again.

Refreshing Iced Tea

It's that time again, iced tea time. It's the most refreshing drink to have on a warm spring or summer day. Water is a quick thirst quencher, but if you'd prefer flavor in your drink, I'd say that you should opt for iced tea with lemon. After exercising, I prefer water as a thirst quencher. It's downed quickly and serves the purpose of rehydrating your body after sweating during your workout. If it's a leisurely refreshing drink you'd like, try iced tea with lemon. You'll be glad you did.

Another Beautiful Day

It's a bit cooler than it was last Saturday, but it's another beautiful day just the same. I have both doors opened to air the house out. The fresh air is wonderful although chilly enough for me to have a sweater on. The laundry is almost done. I've had my car serviced and picked up a few things from the grocery store. In about an hour I'm going to head out to hit a bucket of balls at the driving range. Hopefully, I'll just miss the after work crowd. Tomorrow I'm heading back to the shore area to visit a friend I haven't seen in almost two years. I'm hoping that we can skip lunch and just do "coffee and....". I'll bring the "and" (dessert). Perhaps it'll be nice enough to walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the view of the ocean. I'm looking forward to our visit.

An Invitation

A friend of mine invited me to become part of a golf foursome. I am thrilled because I'm taking lessons. The lessons would be a waste of time if I never used the skills on a real golf course. I am quite a "beginner" again although I played 20 years ago. My game is WAY OFF. The new clubs will help improve my game, but I need to practice what I'm learning or reviewing. It's also a chance to get out in the beautiful spring weather, a chance to get a bit of exercise and a chance to deepen a friendship. I look forward to our first outing.

Happy, Happy, Happy Time

Went to see Mom today. Did a few things for her. We watched the Pope's mass at Yankee Stadium together. It was very moving. I was so "proud" of the audience. It gave me great hope for our country, that maybe there are still people who think and feel the way I do about things. We live in a very secular world. Unfortunately, there is not an emphasis on the "good" things that people do or that happen. We hear mostly about the bad things people do and the sad news items of the day. The commercials feed the materialism of our culture. I'd like to see the emphasis change from what we can get or gather for ourselves to what we can do to help each other. What acts of kindness can we do each day or week? If everyone consciously tried to do at least one act of kindness a day for someone else perhaps our "me, me, me" culture would begin to change. Someone recently said that along with our inherited "freedom" comes responsibility. Remember what JFK said, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." I'd like to see people ask, What can I do to make the world a better place, and not ask,"what's in it for me?" I'm not a philosoper, and don't write eloquently, but I'd like to see our culture change back to a day when people had manners with strangers as well as friends and family, when people showed respect for others and behaved and dressed with decorum. a time when people held the door for the person behind them and men removed their hats in a building. Let's bring back modesty in many forms; not only in dress but also in behavior. The "good old days" were not "good" in many ways, we've made much progress, but we've also lost somethings along the way. I'm reminded of the words from a song. "You could be better than you are. You could be swinging on a star." Strive to be "better", I guess that's the message.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

It's been at least 8 years since I've visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I went there today with a friend on a bus trip. We had a wonderful time. The museum has changed so much since the last time I was there. The cafeteria has been moved downstairs and there is a Greek and Roman exhibit where it use to be. We spent a lot of time in the exhibit. I had never seen it and my friend had never had the chance to linger there and read about the pieces on display. After that exhibit we went to lunch. We must have taken about 20 minutes out for that and then headed upstairs to the Poussin exhibit which we enjoyed. I appreciate the art work and the talent of the artist but the theme or subject matter weren't similar to something I would pick to hang in my home. After that exhibit we went through the Gastave Courbet exhibit. This was more to my liking. I could see myself hanging some of these paintings in my own home. We quickly flew through the Jasper Johns (Gray) exhibit of modern art because we wanted to visit the gift shop before we had to meet the bus for our trip down to the Salmagundi Club where the American Watercolor Society had an exhibit. I loved the watercolors. Some had won awards in the competition, but they were all well done. Surprisingly, the traffic was light in the city today. We saw more people around walking on the sidewalks than usual, but the car, bus and taxi traffic was not a snarl which I expected it to be because of the Pope's visit. People must have left their cars at home. Residents of the city probably left town for the day. All in all the day was very pleasant. The weather was great as well. We stopped for a pretzel before boarding the bus to go downtown. That's a ritual I have every time I visit the city. I'm glad I went on this trip and hope that I get to go next year.

Pope Benedict XVI

How I wish I could be in the crowd to see the Holy Father. I'll be in NYC tomorrow to go to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I'm sure the traffic snarl will be worse than usual. How happy I'd be if our bus could pass by St. Patrick's Cathedral and catch a glimpse of the Pope. I know that that is very unlikely, but it would be a highlight of my life. I've never been to Rome, or Italy, for that matter. I hope that I do get to do that some day. Wouldn't it be great to have an audience with the Pope? That seems to be reserved for famous people and dignitaries of the world. If I were so lucky as to be in the Pope's presence I'd probably be so moved that I'd cry. Something I don't do easily or often. I am enjoying watching his visit on the television. God Bless Him and keep him safe.

Older People Are Happier

According to tonight's newscast, senior citizens are happier and more contented than younger people. They are very social as well. I can attest to that. All the seniors I know are very social beings. They are contented with what they have and where they are in life. A study was started in the 1970's to address this subject and what was stated are the results of the study. I feel contented with my life most of the time. I suppose we all have an occasional day when we may feel discontented. I know I'm happy when I stop to think about it. Most of the time I don't think about it. That's probably a good sign. The biggest complaint among the seniors I know are the "aches and pains" of getting older. The best thing is that we all can laugh about it. When you think about the alternative to having "aches and pains" and getting older, it's not so bad.

Eight Hours

A new record, eight hours sleep last night. I went to bed at 8:30pm and didn't get up until 4:30am. Sandy did try to get me up sooner, but to not avail. He wasn't as determined as I was to sleep. We played MJ yesterday. There were only 4 of us playing. We got many games in. I won once. Another friend won 5 times, a new record for her. Today I will take my car to the dealer to see why the "engine" light remains on. I hope it won't be costly. The rest of the day will be mine to do what I'd like to do. The possibilities are endless.

Breakfast With The Bunch

Before golf today, I met several former colleagues for breakfast at a local diner. I had french toast and a cup of coffee. That was my mid morning snack because I had oatmeal at about 4:00am. I managed to slip back into bed afterwards and Sandy let me stay there until 6:45am. He can't stand to see me lie down.
Breakfast is always fun because of the conversation. It is also a time to catch up on the retiree news, things like recent deaths or injuries etc. I'd like to hear some happy news about someone winning the lottery or something similar instead, but death and illness is part of the aging process. Not too many people came to today's breakfast. It is our last for the year. In May we have a luncheon at a local restaurant. That's always fun, too. I look forward to seeing more people at that function. It is a beautiful day today. The sun is shining and the flowering trees are in bloom. I love days like this. Hope we have many more.

Need More Practice

We went and hit a medium size bucket of balls today. Some of my shots were good, but most were not. Therefore, I need to go to the driving range again and get more practice hitting balls. When I thought about every little thing there was to think about during my swing, I managed to get the ball up and straight out. It went more than 75 yards a few times. Other times it just hovered over the ground and went a distance. Sometimes it went right. Sometimes I hit the tee and left the ball on the mat. I had a good swing when I first attempted golf 20 years ago, but I'm really rusty now.

Good Morning World

Last night I went to bed at 9:00pm. I slept until 2:30am when Sandy woke me. I've had my coffee and just finished oatmeal. I'm sure I'll be asleep again before the morning news comes on. Actually, I got more sleep than usual because the cat usually gives me 4 hours before he wakes me up. I have the Easy Listening channel on and will succumb to the gentle sounds before too long as I sit in the recliner. Today is a busier day than most for me. I'll attend the retiree breakfast and then go to hit a bucket of balls on the driving range. In the evening our small quilt group gets together for our monthly quilting session. I always enjoy that quiet evening and like to see what the other ladies are working on each time.

Trying Out The New Clubs

Tomorrow is the day that I try out my new golf clubs for the first time. They are lighter and hopefully will prove to work better for me now that I am about 20 years older than when I first swung a club. I will get a medium size bucket of balls to practice with. A small bucket is not enough, and a large bucket is too many for the first time at the driving range. A friend is going with me. She has golfed more than I have recently but said she needs to practice also. Golf is not an easy game for me. I took to tennis quicker. Skiing wasn't as frustrating in the beginning. However, when you do manage to hit the ball well and get off a good shot, the feeling is exhilarating. The day promises to be beautiful and warm. I look forward to going to the driving range.

Class Of '63 Turns 63!

This is the year that the class of 1963 turns 63. Where did the time go? We look different. We have more wrinkles and a few more aches and pains. For the most part, our spirit is still young. I don't feel 17 or 18 anymore, but I could claim to be 25 if I didn't look into the mirror. Our class is planning a "mini reunion" in September. I will attend if I can talk my friend Pat into coming to NJ for a visit. This reunion will be more informal. It will be at the Pocono home of one of our classmates. The dress will be "casual". We will eat and drink all day and dance to a DJ all night. There are activities on the lake available for those interested, kayaking for example. My feet will be firmly on the ground. No water activities for me. It will be interesting to see people 45 years after graduation. How have they changed, not only physically, but also in temperment and warmth and inclusiveness? Will Pat and I be glad we went? I hope so. Saw a picture of the gal who beat me out for "Football Queen" our senior year. I don't think we ever had a conversation in High School. "Meeting" her after all these years should be interesting. Isn't it good that we "grow" in more ways than one as we go through life? High School is a distant memory, but I'm still trying to "deal" with it in my own way. I know that I will see these former classmates in a different light now. Hopefully, everyone will have a great reunion.

The Golf Clubs Have Arrived

My new golf clubs arrived today. They are much lighter than the older set. I unwrapped them and removed all the plastic and cellophane. The golf bag is mostly black with a light baby blue trim. It makes quite a statement. I described them as "pretty" to someone. Not sure if that's a correct way to describe golf clubs. Probably not if you're a pro., but alas, I am not. The shaft of the clubs is also blue unlike the silver of the older ones. I have a baby blue hat with a wide brim to wear when I play. I also have a blue outfit from last summer which will match well also. I may not play that well, but I'd like to look the part. Can't wait to go to hit a bucket of balls and to practice my swing which the pro helped me with last Monday. I'm not ready for the golf course yet, but after my women's clinic, I'll give it a try again. Hopefully, I'll find someone to play with who is about the level of expertise (or lack there of) that I am now.

What A Lovely Day Today

Today was a lovely day. I sat outside for awhile to enjoy the warm temperature and the sun. It was 74 degrees today. Warm outside, but cooler in the house even with both doors opened. It was a good day for appreciating the beauty all around us outside. It was a quiet day which added to the specialness of the day. Sandy looked outside for a brief time this morning, but spent most of the day sleeping on my bed. He has arisen and is now looking out the back door. In a few minutes I will get out Anita's quilt and work on it again. I will have the tv programing off and will listen to music instead. I'm anticipating a lovely evening as well, as I'm leaving the door opened for awhile until the temps drop and we both get too cold to leave the door opened any longer. Thank you for this lovely day. I look forward to many more.

Excitement In The Air, Again!

Why do I feel excitement in the air again? Because there is a definite feeling of spring in the air. The flowering trees are starting to bloom. The Irises are popping out of the ground, as are the green and white leaves in my garden. The tree outside of my kitchen window is in bloom with pretty white flowers. What a pleasant sight to see when standing at the sink! Tomorrow's temperature promises to hit 70 degrees here. Both doors will be opened and the fresh air will fill the condo. I can't wait. I guess I have spring fever and it IS even spring. I will either walk or do WA tomorrow. Maybe I'll do both. Then, if my new clubs come on Friday, I can go hit a bucket of balls to try them out. I will be practicing what I learned at Monday's lesson and also getting some much needed exercise. Please, please, please linger spring weather. Let summer come at the very end of June. Hot and humid is not my idea of a beautiful spring. I'll accept that for summer, however.

Seven Hours

Last night something extraordinary happened. I actually got 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I feel great today. Have done errands, laundry, bills and email. I went to get my nails done. I asked that they be cut short so that I can play golf without breaking a nail. It's much easier to type now. I'm not making as many mistakes. The rest of the day will be spent quilting on Anita's quilt. I'm handing it over to the next quilter next week when our group gets together. So, when the day is done, I'll have clean towels and sheets, and a block or 2 more done on the quilt. That's enough for a relaxing day.

A Catch Up Day!

By now you must know that Sandy wakes me at 3am every morning. I usually stay up for the day from that time although sometimes the news programs put me to sleep while I'm watching them. My lack of sleep caught up with me today. I went to bed at 12noon again and slept for 2 hours. A lack of sleep can take a toll on ones health. I was beginning to feel that it was effecting mine. However, I feel much better since my nap. Sandy gets plenty of sleep. He sleeps for most of the day. If I woke him up he'd probably bite me. So, I played "catch up" on my sleep today. I hope that I fair better when going to sleep tonight.

New Golf Clubs

My golf clubs are 20 years old. I didn't realize until today that they are "antiques", out dated, old and heavy. The pro suggested a website on which to find new inexpensive golf clubs for a beginner. I checked it out and should have a new up to date set in a week or so. The best thing is that I'm saving $400. on the set. The retail price is $625. I called the pro to tell him about the set. He looked it up on the computer while I was on the phone and told me that it was a good set for me. It is a 16 piece set including a sharp blue and black bag with a stand. I even got a pair of inexpensive golf shoes, a sandal type shoe. I'm excited about my new purchase and can't wait until I get it. My golf game should improve with the new clubs. IT BETTER!

The Golf Lesson

The morning golf lesson was a big help to me. The teacher was energetic, young, and knowledgeable. He gave me good pointers for improving what he called a 'good' swing. I enjoyed the 45 minute lesson. The only problem was the weather. It was damp and cold. My hands were freezing and the cold air made my nose run. I was so impressed with the pro that I've decided to sign up for the Women's Beginner Clinic at the golf club. It starts in May. Hopefully, by then, the weather will be more pleasant.

A Weekend At Home

Mom and Dan came for a visit. It was a low key weekend. I went to church this morning at my own parish church. I had to pick up Mom's meds after church and I brought her the Sunday papers. We dropped her car off at the dealer so they can do an oil change tomorrow and anything else that needs to be done. My reason for dropping it off today is that I have a private golf lesson tomorrow morning which I'm not willing to give up. I do need to quilt a bit on Anita's quilt this week. Our group meets next week and I have to pass the quilt on to the next person for her turn to work on it. In a few minutes, Mom and I will watch the conclusion of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" which is on PBS. Quite a nice way to end the day.

Busy Day Today!

Today was a fun filled day. I met 2 friends for lunch, after which I went to play MJ with 6 different friends. Four of us went out to eat dinner together and then went to the community college to see Irish Step Dancers. I enjoyed the entire day. I always wanted to learn how to tap dance when I was a child. Watching the dancers tonight was exhilarating. What good exercise! That would be a fun way to lose weight. You wouldn't feel like you were working out because of the joy you would get from listening to the music and dancing. I can't afford any more lessons, but if I had a chance I would jump at it. Learning Step Dancing and tap dancing would make me very happy.

He Did It Again!

Here I sit at the tender, early hour of 4:00am. Guess who's gotten me up at this early hour? Yes, that's right, my cat, Sandy. Where is he now you ask? Well, he's asleep on the chair next to me. I guess he thinks it's my turn to "watch" while he sleeps. I may find myself falling asleep in the chair as I watch the news. Four hours sleep isn't enough for anyone, despite what they may think. Today is one of those "free" days. I have no doctor appointments nor anything else on my schedule. My only plan is to work on Anita's quilt. When our group meets in two weeks I'd like to pass it on to the next person. When I need a break from sitting and quilting I'll head back into the craft room to see what I can do in there. Right now I'm listening to music and drinking a much needed cup of "Joe". Hope you're having a great day out there!

Blonde Highlights

Had my hair done today at the local polytech. The gal really did a good job. She retouched it and gave me blonde highlights in the front. I'm going back in a month and she'll shape it and hopefully I can wear some sort of a bob. I had really short hair for 5 years and would now like it to be a little longer. Have to keep up with the times. Don't want to look outdated.
I made a pot of chilli today. I followed a WW recipe. What was great about the whole thing is that I was able to individually package 5 portions which I put in the freezer. Now when I need something in a hurry, I can grab one and pop it into the microwave. Presto, dinner is served! I intend to make another WW recipe and do the same with that. Variety is the spice of life they say. I have a rice cooker which I haven't used yet. I plan on making a pot of brown rice and adding about half a cup to each chilli package. Making meals in the crock pot is easy and you can freeze the leftovers. I'm all for making easy meals. Here's to tasty food which is good for you and not fattening, like my WW recipes.

A Beautiful Day, No Fooling!

Today is April 1st, April Fool's Day. I've managed to get this far into the day without being fooled. Mother Nature was kind of fooling with us this morning when it was raining. What a surprise to see the sun come out later this afternoon. The temperature reached the upper 60's so I opened both doors to get the much waited for breath of fresh air. Sandy was thrilled to be able to hear the birds outside. I went for a routine medical test today, then went food shopping. I was walking in and out of the raindrops all morning. Hurrah, for a sunny ending to the day. My house has been cleaned and the towels are laundered. Don't know how I'll spend the rest of the evening. I'm betting that there's nothing on tv that I'd be interested in watching. One of my hobbies may call. I should make earrings for Amy because she had all of her jewelry stolen before Christmas. What a heartbreak, especially when you can't just run out and replace it all. The kids even had their piggybanks stolen. I had painted each one and had given them to my great nephews. Guess I'll have to get new piggybanks to paint. What a lousy crook, even stealing from small children. I hope the crook gets caught. That would make my day!