Georgia On My Mind

This is our last weekend before school starts on Monday so Rachel and I took a "little" five hour ride to Georgia for a couple of days. We went to St. Simons Island which is a beautiful place to be.

The lighthouse was very picturesque.

We captured some great sunset shots.

There were so many pretty sites to see at St. Simons Island. We plan to return tomorrow to see more. We will also be going to Jekyll Island which is suppose to be gorgeous as well. Here are some other pretty shots to leave you with.




Happy weekend one and all!!

Skywatch Friday

These photo's were taken by the lighthouse in Jupiter, Florida last Saturday. A beautiful day. A beautiful sky.

Be sure to visit other Skywatch Friday participants and their beautiful photo's at www.skyley.blogspot.com. Until we meet again . . .

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for Girl Scouts. I have been a Girl Scout leader since my daughter, Rachel, was in kindergarten. Rachel will be entering high school next week. When I reflect back on the activities we did and lessons we tried to teach to 5 year olds, it gives me such an incredible sense of pride to see how far we all have come. Our troop consists of four of the original girls from our Daisy Troop. Currently we only have five girls in our troop so I think our retention rate is pretty darn good. We had as many as 20 troop members at one point - those were the days when I had lots of motivation and energy for seven, eight and nine year olds.

While we have done many projects, badges, community service projects and fantastic field trips, we will be participating in an event this year that I have always wanted to do, but never pursued. Each year Girl Scouts all over the world participate in International Thinking Day which is each February. One of the activities available is an International Postcard Exchange. Interested troops register for this exchange and from September to Thinking Day in February, you exchange postcards with troops all over the world, as well as troops throughout every state in the United States. I am so excited to see the different places we will visit through our postcard exchange. Each member of our troop will participate by supplying postage, postcards and their time in writing out the cards. In speaking with a friend who had done this previously, her troop had received so many cards from so many interesting places.

I think this will be a wonderful experience for the girls and I am very excited about it as well. We will attend our local International Thinking Day event in February 2009 to display and share our postcards. I will keep you posted. It will be such fun to share info about our area here in South Florida with troops from all over the world and to find out things about those troops and areas as well.

Today I am thankful for Girl Scouts for providing incredible opportunities for the girls, as it is all about them, but I have gained so much from this experience as well. It has been so rewarding to guide them along the way and watch them learn and mature.

Blogging Without Obligation

I came across a blog awhile ago that had a post about "Blogging Without Obligation". I was intrigued and read further. I actually have this logo on my sidebar, where you can click and see the actual post on this blog I came across.

I agree with some of the points in that blogging is a hobby. Hobbies are meant to be enjoyed and done at your leisure as a form of recreation and for relaxation. It is soooo easy to become so addicted to blogging. I feel as if I'm missing something if I do not read my fave's every day. I try to post often, but then I find I can't think of what to post about. Though I love my life and find it very interesting, um, going to work, doing laundry, errands, etc., etc., is not as much fun as what others do in visitng neat shops, sightseeing tours and the like.

So, today I just want to say that I am going to sit and read my book club book, "Water For Elephants". It is a great book and I am very intrigued and want to find out what happens. I have the new Romantic Homes magazine that I want to look at, as well as the new Country Living and also the new Country Almanac. My blog will never be as popular as some of my favorites, but we are all unique and I give what I am able to give. Today I am going to give to me by sitting and reading and I want to get swept away by a tremendous read. Tomorrow is Thankful Thursday and then Skywatch Friday - two of my favorite things to post. I'm off to my comfy chair, but I shall let my creative juices flow tomorrow. Until then . . .

Whitney's Day

I had a great day today! The day started by going to the cutest quilt shop! My MIL wanted to buy a panel to make a lap-sized quilt for me for Christmas. I love the charm and whimsy of Mary Englebreit. Mary has a new quilt for Christmas that was previewed in her Home Companion magazine. My MIL is great at quilting and I am so touched that she is eager to spend the time making this quilt for me. I am so excited!!

Around 3pm this afternoon, I took my Goddaughter, Whitney, on a little excursion - just the two of us. Whitney is leaving very soon for college, The University of Central Florida, and I wanted us to spend some time together before she leaves. First we went shopping in downtown Stuart. They have the cutest shops there and I was so wrapped up in shopping that I forgot to take any pictures there. The best little shop there with the most unique things is called April Daze. It was lots of fun and we both got some really cute things, which I may share tomorrow. Next we went to the Roosevelt Bridge and walked around under the bridge for awhile. It was so beautiful.

It was so peaceful and relaxing there and quite breezy too.

There were several people fishing and many just sitting around relaxing and enjoying the view.Then we went to the Crab House in Jupiter. We had a delicious dinner of crab dip, coconut shrimp and a yummy salad. We snapped some pictures of the Jupiter Lighthouse.

Here is a picture of my beautiful Goddaughter who will soon be leaving us for UCF. Boo Hoo!!

Here is the waterfront side of The Crab House.

We caught a beautiful sunset.

It was a wonderful day that I will always remember. Thanks Whitney for such a great time!!

SkyWatch Friday

These pictures were taken from my office window in South Florida. Its amazing I'm able to get any work done! What a view!!

Be sure to visit the SkyWatch Friday participants at http://skyley.blogspot.com/. You will see awesome photos from all over the world and you can meet some really special people. Everything has a purpose and the beauty of the sky is a most pleasurable sight to behold. Take a moment and enjoy the splendor of the sky that many have captured for you. Untill we meet again...

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for my daughter, Rachel. My son, Logan, used to tease me saying that I liked Rachel better because she is the girl I always wanted. As any mother knows, we love our children deeply and completely, but loving one more than the other? Nah. Our children are different and we love them for who they are. I did always want a daughter. I have always had such a wonderful relationship with my mother and I wanted the same thing for myself. I couldn't have been more blessed.

Rachel is my girl. I love her so very much, but I also like the person she has become. She is very bright and puts so very much of herself into everything she does. She is kind and compassionate and truly cares about the feelings of others. She would never say anything hurtful or unkind to anyone - well maybe her brother, but that doesn't count. Her teachers have always told me that they would love to have 100 students like Rachel - that she is such a pleasure to have in class. They say she is always happy and upbeat and never complains about anything. She will happily assist with things and they know she is trustworthy. Truly warmed the cockles of my heart to hear those wonderful comments.

Rachel feeds practically every duck in our neighborhood, refuses to kill an ant - would rather pick them up and put them outside. She volunteers with the Animal Rescue League, our church, is a great soccer player and excels at track. She has many interests and is such fun to be with. She is not like many teens her age in that she loves to be with me and wants to be sure we do things that I enjoy also, rather than everything that she wants to do or see. She appreciates the things she gets and takes good care of her things and even empties the dishwasher without me asking.

My life is easier because of Rachel. My life is more pleasant because of Rachel. My time off is more fun because of Rachel. My pride is insurmountable because of Rachel. She is truly the best daughter a mom could ever ask for and I thank God for sharing her with me.

Thank you Rhondi for hosting this event!! www.rhondisrosecoloredglasses.blogspot.com.

Today's Treasures

You would think that by now I would have learned that when you see something you like - you need to buy it because if you go back for it - it won't be there! Last week, Rachel and I found the cutest butter dish at Home Goods. Have you ever seen the creamer in the shape of a cow where the milk comes out its mouth when poured? I have had one of those for years and I always get compliments on it when I use it. Well, the butter dish was the same concept in that it was a cow with the butter sitting on its back. I was in a rare moment of practicality - fool that I am - and we walked away without it. Yep, I should've bought it then because when we went back for it tonight, of course it wasn't there. We did find other treasures, though. First, this cute little creamer that really matches nothing I have, but I liked it and it was only $3.00.

Next, I found these pretty dishes that will be great for lunch on the black placements I bought last week. I bought five of them (yes, a weird quantity, but the 6th one had an ugly chip). These were $2.00 each!!

Lastly, I bought this thing, I don't really know what it is but I thought it would look nice on the wall in my room - is that weird? This was another great buy at $3.00.

I didn't get the adorable cow butter dish, but I am quite pleased with the things I found and very happy with the prices! Guess it doesn't matter when you go to Home Goods, there's always something there just waiting for you to take it home.

How Do You Spend Your Day?

I go to work. I love to go to work, well most of the time. I enjoy my job and I feel good when I am there. I have a great boss. I have great co-workers. I have what I need to do my job and it is a good place to be. I also have a good attitude and I have found that to make my life so much more enjoyable. This is a picture of my office. Not a bad place to spend a day.

I love the view out my window.

I manage a staffing office that hires healthcare professionals to work in our local hospitals. Here is where I do orientation.

This is where the computer training takes place. All of the charting and medication administration is computerized.

This is the lobby area.

This is the hallway leading out of the office to the lobby area.

This is a nice place to be and it is a nice job to have and I am thankful for it every day. I have shared the beauty of my day. I won't go into detail about the nurses I have to terminate, the counsellings I have to do, the people I have to tell I can't hire - because there is always some of that. I focus on the good that I do in giving people jobs, being able to help the hospitals when they call me because they are short staffed and having the opportunity to motivate people to go out there and do a great job. We can all have a good day, or we can have a bad day. Each day is a new beginning and we are the ones that choose how we will handle the obstacles or blessings that come our way. Hope you are having a good day today!!

These Are The Good Old Days

We plod along through our days, doing the things we need to do, the things we have to do and sometimes we get to do the things we want to do. Our family may be close, or they may be far. We are entwined with them no matter where they are. Our friends are special and those that are a part of our daily lives, contribute so much to who we are.

There are different people that are significant at different times in our life. I remember childhood friends that I played with after school. We thought those days would go on forever. My school mates helped me learn about life and love. My co-workers have had strong emotional ties as there is so much to be learned about oneself in the work environment - things you don't learn on the playground or in the classroom.

I love my friends for all they add to my life. They are non-judgemental. They accept me as I am. They encourage me when I am down. They laugh with me. They cry with me. They share holidays when family is far away. Friends are our chosen family. I love the people that add to my life at whatever time, in whatever way.

This is a photo of my son, Logan, and his good friend, Lenny (left). They have shared so much of their high school years together. Things change when you leave high school. They really don't know that yet. People come and go in our lives. The times we are together are special and cherished and will always be reflected upon warmly. These times, we thought they'd never end. Yes, these are the good old days.

Procrastinate No More!!!

I am so proud of myself!!! I hate doing my paperwork at home. I only make it worse for myself by procrastinating about it. Haven't seen the day yet where it went away because I made the conscious decision to ignore it. Well, today I set a goal for myself to once and for all, get the darn paperwork done! I did it!!! Everything is filed, shredded or tossed and I feel good!!! I updated my addresses in my contact list on Outlook. I organized all the school papers from last year - yep - last year. After all, school will be starting in two weeks here in South Florida.

Since I feel so good about my accomplishment today, I am going to show you two pictures that I love that I have had for years and years and still love as much as the day I got them. This first picture we got when we were first married. It is a poster that we bought out of the Metropolitan Museum of Art catalog. We had it framed and it has hung in every living room since 1983.

This next picture is hanging in my bathroom. This picture came with my husband, a yard sale find - the picture, not the husband:) It's in its original frame, which is fine with me. Anything more elaborate may detract from the beauty of the picture.
Both of these pictures make me feel so peaceful. Is it because of their beauty, or is it because I've had them for so long and they are such a part of me, or is it because of the special time in my life when they were acquired and that feeling of pride that comes with those early acquisitions? It's interesting the things we keep that we would never consider parting with, and those things that can be tossed without a thought. I love the special things, those items that hold a certain sentiment in our heart and in our home.

Halloween Is Still Almost 3 Months Away!!!

Oh I know it's only August 2nd, but I was at Home Goods and they have all of their Halloween merchandise out now and I just couldn't resist this little pumpkin witch girl. Isn't she the cutest?

They had a little boy pumpkin witch also and I should've bought him also, but I felt like I shouldn't have even been buying her. But now that I see how cute she looks in my house, I've got to go get him tomorrow. And even though Halloween is almost three months away, I'm keeping her right where she is because she looks adorable! Her skirt is black lace and it is just precious!

I'm so bad with holiday decorations. I just love them and I hate putting certain things away. My Santa collection stays with me year round. I have lots of red accents throughout my house and they just add to the decor. Aren't they grand?

It may have been 101 degrees outside today, but I have Halloween and Christmas on my mind. What fun!!

First Time for Everything

Do you remember some of your "firsts"? Sometimes it's hard to remember once you get so used to doing something. Do you remember your first time driving by yourself? Do you remember the first time you shaved your legs? Do you remember your first kiss? It's great to capture some of those firsts on film, so when you become a pro, you can look back and remember that first time.





Thursday, July 31st, was a special day for our family. My son, Logan, graduated high school. Yes, it's summer and most people graduated in either May or June. Well, that should've happened for us too, but unfortunately, it did not happen then. Fortunately, though, we got a second chance and Logan graduated at the summer graduation ceremony. I guess it's not when it happens, but that it happens.





Had to share a first where I laughed until I cried. You know that kind of laugh? Logan and his good friend, Lenny, were getting ready for the graduation ceremony and had to wear dress pants, shirt and a tie. A tie??? Horrors!!! How do you tie a tie if you've never tied a tie??? Now don't go taking for granted tieing a tie. Ask any man out there who has worn a tie how he tied his first tie? That is not something that you just know how to do. Well, the lesson by Logan's father was just priceless and I had to share the photo's. Logan would probably kill me if he knew I posted this, but he thinks this blogging is crazy! What does he know? I'm not quite sure he got the hang of tieing a tie, but I guess that comes with age and practice. Ah, yes, wisdom comes with age, right?




Who says 18 year olds know everything???

Dinner Party Success

Had some friends over tonight for a dinner party. I had a lovely time and I think they did too! Had to make a quick stop after work to pick up some new placemats. I have several sets, but only sets of 4. I actually do have a set of eight in cream, but there would be no contrast with my dishes. I bought a set of black placemats with matching napkins. I've never had black and had to stop and think about it for a half second, but I'm glad I got them. What do you think?

I made a new recipe, Brie Pecan Rollups with Raspberry Sauce. It was delicious and I highly recommend it! We also had baked potato's, broccoli, bruschetta and salad. Dessert was made by my dear friend, Arielle. She made yummy brownies, pinwheel cookies and snickerdoodles. It all disappeared very quickly. The chicken rollups were a little messy to make, but worth it. I don't know how to link the recipe, but you can find it on http://www.allrecipes.com/. If you've never gone to that website, please check it out. They email me a recipe every day and I have made rave-worthy items that are asked for again and again. Definitely a site to bookmark for future reference.

We had a great time tonight with our friends visiting from North Carolina. It's interesting how some people can be such a part of your life, move away, then come back for a visit and it's like they never left. I guess some people are special like that. Treasures to hold dear. Our best Florida friends were here (Hope, Whitney and Arielle), and my sister, Lisa, (my new neighbor) and my nephew, Kyle. It was like old times before the hurricanes changed our lives. Here's a picture of the gang, minus Lisa, who left before the picture was taken.

Happy Friday! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Ours was off to a great start!