Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Simple Woman's Daybook - August 21, 2017






FOR TODAY
August 21, 2017


2017 Total Eclipse



Looking Out My Window:
Well, it's 10:32 a.m. eastern standard time (or is it daylight savings time?).

Whichever it is, there is still about four hours until the "total" eclipse happens here in north Florida.  We will only have about 91% of coverage; which is still quite an awesome sight; or should be?!

What am I going to do?  Watch it all happen on the television!!

For now, it's a normal day.  The mowers and blowers are out, as they are every Monday morning.  The sun is shining brightly; and the sky is a beautiful blue.

What will it be like in a few hours?  That remains to be seen!


I Am Thinking:
Always about life!  And, what a wonderful life I really do have.  No major health issues; finances are tight, but manageable.

I have a full, busy life; and am very happy most days.  There are days I stay home; and there are days I join friends or family for something fun.

Yes, it can be a struggle with a husband who has dementia, memory loss, and hearing issues.  But, we deal with it one day at a time!


And after all, that's all that we can do...take life as it is handed to us, one day at a time!



I Am Thankful:
Always thankful for my family and friends; thankful that I have such a loving group of people who are concerned about me.  Family and friends who "take care of me" and bless me with having them in my life.


I am thankful for those I share things with online; those I have never met, but seem to just connect in the right places!


One of My Favorite Things:
I am really not a major fan of sitting around watching TV; but I do...

There are shows I enjoy watching; there are shows we - my husband and I - watch together.  There are shows I really do not like - old black and white westerns; sci-fi or horror movies or programs; talk shows that sit around and talk talk talk talk...that's why they are called a talk show, huh?!

On some days when I am just relaxing at home, doing a few things but at my own speed and time frame...I love to find something I can just sit and stare at for a short time.

A "fave thing"?  I wouldn't actually call it a "fave thing"; but one of the perks of being retired, and having no real schedule is that I can sit around and watch a show, in the middle of the day, if I want to do that!!


I Am Creating:


The other day I spent a few hours at our crafting place.  I finished a set of die cuts, Worms in Apple, that I will be swapping at the next retreat.

Now I have decided to add googly eyes to them; and it sure does make them look much better!


And I have now finished the second set of die cuts, the Bookworms!!  Guess I was feeling a bit "wormie" when I selected these two!!



There are still more things to finish before the September retreat, including a set of die cut cats to cut out and put together and a layout for the page swap.

Lots of crafting that needs to be done!  I will be busy the next few weeks!


I Am Wearing:
A pair of gray shorts I use to wear around the house; and a blue t-shirt with turtles all over the back.  And, a pair of red and green socks on my feet...I hate walking around barefoot!


I Am Reading:
I am starting to read the first book of the Georgia Trilogy by Eugenia Price,"Bright Captivity".

A lot of this book takes place in St. Simons Island and Savannah, Georgia.  There are also parts that take place in England and Scotland.

I love the parts that describe these places, some that I have visited, and others that would be awesome to visit.



I Am Hoping:

That one day...

Soon!

I really do learn...


I Am Learning:
Because, I really am not doing very good at this "job" that I didn't sign up for!

I am not a very good caregiver; or wife, for that matter!

I lose my temper way too easy, because I get so frustrated and tired of being criticized and yelled at and saying that I am treating him badly, and being ugly to him...

It is just the opposite!

Everyone tells me "it's the disease, not the person".  But, when you are living it, everything just seems so real and feels as if it's the person not the disease!

But, I keep on trying every day; one day at a time.

Because, that's what a person has to do!  That's what a person should do!


In My Kitchen: 
Tonight, it's leftover rotisserie chicken, chicken and rice, baked beans, potatoes, and potato salad...

Whatever is in the fridge was set out and we fixed our plates and heated them in the microwave.

Believe it or not, there are still leftovers...

"Sigh"...I am soooo tired of leftovers!!


Board Room:
For this 2017 Total Eclipse event, and for anyone wishing to do additional reading, check out this website found on Pinterest:


25 facts you should know about the August 21, 2017, total solar eclipse - Astronomy Magazine - Interactive Star Charts, Planets, Meteors, Comets, Telescopes

https://www.pinterest.com/source/cs.astronomy.com/



Post Script:
Another "because of the 2017 Total Eclipse":



The Great American Eclipse
as seen from Oregon
by Jasman Lion Mander
https://www.facebook.com/jasman.mander?hc_ref=ARRpkdSKHDapyuRlviHhONzl4Jl1r7jriG_mCxJBEeX9pW7RY0T8eXOO8rqh6dARuwg&fref=nf



Shared Quote:
I am not sure this qualifies as a quote; but I saw this picture on Facebook today, when everyone was focusing on the Eclipse!  I thought it added a bit of humor to the day:



Have you ever photo bombed someone else's photo?  I would love to see these shared on Facebook in the comments!

Or, if you took an awesome photo while watching the eclipse, share that as well!

Check out my Facebook page Barbara's Journey, and share your photos!


A Moment From My Day:
Enjoying a meal with my son and daughter, in the middle of the day, and watching them being goofy and silly and laughing...

Sometimes, life can get so busy and crazy that we don't take the time to be goofy, or silly, or even laugh...

Let's make sure to take the time!!

~~~~~~~

Where do the days go?  Why are they flying by in such a speed that we cannot even remember what happened a few days ago?

Another reason to share my weekly posts for the Simple Woman's Daybook; a way to share my life in bits and pieces so I can remember those "little" things that I wish to remember, as well as those "big" things that help make this retirement life less boring and much more fun!

Join me again next week for a look into this simple woman's day.  You never know what you will read from my journey in retirement.



Thursday, August 17, 2017

Simple Woman's Daybook - August 15, 2017







FOR TODAY
August 15, 2017


Getting a late start this week, again!  But, what better way to share a fabulous weekend with my friends!  So, check it out!!


Looking Out My Window:
On Sunday afternoon, it was cloudy and raining very hard...as we were trying to load our cars after a 3 or 4-day weekend retreat.  The storm was heading the exact way I would be driving...Dare I leave and drive in it?

On Monday morning...after spending another night with my friend...the weather was beautiful!  The drive home was great; no rain!  Just a few sprinkles when I was about 10 minutes from home...

Today, Tuesday, the weather is beautiful; HOT, but beautiful and no rain...yet!  Staying inside after a doctor's appointment and grocery shopping.



I Am Thinking:
Still thinking about how blessed I am to have such loving and caring friends.  My birthday is 10 days away, and they made my weekend so fun and special; and blessed me with gifts and lunches.

But, also thinking about the others who blessed me this weekend:

V., who retired on Friday...on her birthday!  And was blessed with cards and cakes, and buttons galore...hence, her nickname "Buttons".

T. who is battling cancer herself, and just lost her daughter in an accident a few months ago.  She and her husband were blessed with a beautiful hand-drawn picture of their daughter.

M., the sweet young lady that drew the above picture; and also created the logo for our retreat.


D. who spoke about her journey with breast cancer...after all, the retreat was a fund-raiser for cancer research.

And, I can't forget D., the organizer of this annual fund-raiser event...one which I will definitely be attending again.

So many others who just became fast friends...new friends; as well as the friends I already had, that invited me to attend the retreat.

What blessings we all have and share with each other!



I Am Thankful:
Adding to what I was thinking...

I am thankful for these friends; those I already knew and those that became new friends after an amazing weekend.

I am thankful to have friends who care enough to listen when I need to talk; who love me for who I am.

I am thankful for friends who step in when I am stressed over making a decision...like, should I try to leave for home and risk driving the whole way in a storm; or should I stay another night and drive home in beautiful, clear weather?

Well, thankfully I was able to make my husband understand the decision to stay another night...and so glad I did!!

The storms did make their way north, along the very road I'd be traveling; yet, the next day, the weather was gorgeous.  Only a few sprinkles of rain when I was about 10 minutes from home!


One of My Favorite Things:
I love crafting!

Some of the items I make are swapped with others; so I have a piece of their beautiful creations when I receive what my "partner" made, and they have one of mine.

Some of what I make are specifically for albums for memories my family are making now, that will be shared with future generations.

But, my favorite thing is to create something for some else that will enhance their scrapbooks; such as the two layouts I made for Dana, the organizer of the Crop for the Cure I just attended.

Or, the Paris layout I created for a group that makes albums for the Make a Wish Foundation.  These albums are made for children who have wishes to visit special places, such as Paris, or London, or Disney World/Land...and I am blessed to take part in making pages for their books.


I Am Creating:
So, just coming back from a crafty weekend means I have created a few things!

My first project was to put photos on four two-page layouts; three were beach photos from spring break a few years ago and the fourth was a birthday layout for my granddaughter's third birthday.

I also created three Cancer Crop layouts; and one Paris layout.  I made two beautiful cards in two make 'n take classes.

And, I learned a new technique on paper using Distress ink.  My plan is to create a two-page layout with a lighthouse for photos taken at Daytona Beach a few years ago.

I also stamped several Prima dolls and made some cute cowgirls and mermaids!


Created for a swap



 The one on the left was put onto a layout for the
Crop for the Cause retreat; and the one
in red will be used on a tag.


These two mermaids were requested
for me to make for a friend.



I Am Wearing:
A pair of gray stretch pants and a lavendar shirt; slippers on my feet...


I Am Reading:
Reading again?  Or for the first time?  Can't really remember, it's been so long!

But, I am starting to read the Georgia Trilogy by Eugenia Price, starting with the first book, "Bright Captivity".

I love reading historical novels that take place in the mid- to late 1800's!


But, the best part is they take place in cities I have actually visited, like St. Simons Island and Savannah.


I Am Hoping:
To get most of my scrapping supplies organized and put away...

So I can begin to organize what I'll take with me to the next retreat; out of town again, this time for three days in Palatka, FL.


I Am Learning:
Sometimes I feel as if I am not learning anything at all!  But, heading to do our monthly shopping, when hubby made a comment about my granddaughter, I just let it go over my head...

Hurt?!  Of course!  It hurts me deeply when he has ugly things to say about my family!

But, I didn't say anything!  And, it passed.  Yes, I do recall what he says, and it hurts deeply; but it's easier on me if I just don't say anything to him.


In My Kitchen: 
Last night, we had rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli florets.

Tonight we will have rotisserie chicken, new potato salad, and the rest of the broccoli.


Shared Quote:
Well, it's a "crafty" sort of post this week; so I found this on Facebook today and it seems quite appropriate!


A Moment From My Day:
So, which day to I choose?  There are moments in every day that are worth remembering...

Today is Thursday.  Yes, it is taking me all week to get this post finished.

So, a moment from my day today is meeting my friend Myra for dinner; my birthday dinner with her!  We went to Metro Diner and I had a delicious chicken pot pie.  And, of course there was dessert...we ordered key lime pie and salted caramel brownie with vanilla ice cream; and we had half of each!

YUMMY!!  Thank you to my friend for a wonderful evening and a delicious meal!



How quickly one day ends and another begins...

And here ends another post for the Simple Woman's Daybook; a way for me to share my life in bits and pieces; to remember those "little" things that I wish to remember; and to remember those "big" things that help make this retirement life less boring and much more fun!

Though my retired life is somewhat routine most of the time, the Simple Woman's Daybook is my way to share the special moments as well as those routine ones.

Join me again next week for a look into this simple woman's day...



Friday, August 4, 2017

Simple Woman's Daybook - July 31, 2017






FOR TODAY
July 31, 2017


Looking Out My Window:
The sun is shining; a slight breeze blowing through the trees.  The temp is a warm 79 degrees, with expected highs in the mid to high 80's.  No rain in the prediction; but, this is Florida...you never know when that afternoon rain shower may come!!


I Am Thinking:
About life!?  Really!  I am thinking about my days as a retired 60-something year old woman!

What am I really supposed to be doing with my life?

I'm doing it, aren't I?!  Well, to the best of my ability, I am!



I Am Thankful:
For many things...

For a loving family, including my husband who does a lot for me!  As much as I may complain, I just don't know what I'd do without him!

I was sharing with a friend in a chat the other day and - yes, complaining! - telling her about something he did.  She said at one point she needed to just write down the good and the bad in her relationship with her husband...

And suggested maybe I do the same thing!

Well, I haven't done that; but if I did, I know the good would definitely out-weigh the bad.

I realize a lot of what I "complain" about is from the dementia; and I really am trying to figure out how to "learn" from all the books I've read, and remember that it is the disease, not the person!


One of My Favorite Things:
Things?  Not things!  But what is a fave "action"(?) is the spur-of-the-moment decisions I can make to do something or go somewhere!

Call me up for a last-minute lunch date?  Of course I'd love to go!

Invite me to a movie or other special show?  Well, I think that can be arranged!

Need a ride to church or an appointment?  Let me check my calendar; why, yes!  I would be happy to do that for you!

I usually have several things on my calendar for each week; but there are weeks like this one, that it starts out being empty...

And, after a couple of phone calls, those days are filled in pretty quickly!

That would be a fave "thing" for me!


I Am Creating:
I spent a few hours at our crafting place on Saturday and was able to finish one of the projects for August!!

Using a paper pack from Echo Park, "Under the Sea", I created a cute pocket letter for the August swap.  Now, to move on to other things that need to be completed before it's too late!



I Am Wearing:
A pair of black sweat pants and a blue t-shirt with a turtle on the back from Southern Couture; and my black slippers.


I Am Reading:
Started reading "The Cottage" by Daniele Steel, one of my fave authors.  Also taking my time reading "Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia" written by John Dunlop, M.D.  Great read so far!


I Am Hoping:
To get more work done in my craft room.  I was energetic yesterday and started cleaning off one of the bookshelves.  Looks pretty good, if I do say so myself!

I Am Learning:
Maybe I am learning more than I think I am!

At least I am learning to keep my mouth shut more often instead of lashing out at my husband when he says ugly things to me.

Sometimes, I just can't help it.  I get very tired of hearing him slander my family; and talking so ugly to me.

This book I am reading, "Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia," says what I have always heard/read/known:

"When dementia gets frustrating, we must always recognize that the problem is the disease, not the person."  (Chapter 2, page 33)


It is hard to learn this; to believe that is what is happening.  In a marriage that has been ups and downs most of the thirty-three (almost thirty-four) years of it, that's a hard lesson for me to learn...to believe to be true.

But, perhaps I am learning?!


In My Kitchen: 
Meat thawing to make sloppy joes for dinner; dirty dishes in the dishwasher to run after dinner.

Second load of laundry in the dryer; and I'll wait on washing the towels until tomorrow or the next!

My chores in the kitchen are done for today except for cooking dinner and cleaning up afterwards...


Shared Quote:
I spotted this on Facebook this morning while browsing...


A Moment From My Day:
Spending time with family; my "kids" and grandkids, especially!  Those planned occasions; and the impromptu ones.

This week I spent a few hours at the pool with my daughter and her three little ones; the oldest is six and learning to swim without his "puddle jumper".  And, the others, 3 and 4, getting more comfortable in the pool.

Then, I met my son, who had a rare day off during the week; and sat with him while he waited to get his new drivers' license.

Never know from day to day what will pop up to enjoy.

I really do love this retired lifestyle!




How quickly one day ends and another begins...

Just as quickly, another month is ending!

And here ends another post for the Simple Woman's Daybook: a way for me to share my life in bits and pieces; to remember those "little" things that I wish to remember; and to remember those "big" things that help make this retirement life less boring and much more fun!

The Simple Woman's Daybook is my way to keep up with "what's happening", as I share with those who may stumble upon my words...

Join me again next week for a look into this simple woman's day...



Five Minute Friday - TRY




Five Minute Friday

It is time to link up with the Five Minute Friday community of writers for this week's post!

For more information on Five Minute Friday, check out the five minute friday community on Facebook.  And, after writing your own post, share it on the weekly five minute friday link-up.


This week's word is:

~~TRY~~

TRY?  Some days it's harder than others to keep my mouth shut!  To try not to let my words fly out of my mouth whenever my "other half" - not "better" - has ugly words to say about my family; or me!

I can handle what he says to me; about me.  It's harder to ignore what is said about others.

But, I try!

I try hard; every day!

Yes, I know that how he reacts, acts; may not be "his fault"; it's the "disease" speaking.  But, why?!  Why pick on mere teenagers?  That's whom he has ugliness about.  Why?

Who knows?!  But, I still try not to fuel the exchange and just let it go over my head.

It's hard; but I just have to keep trying.

Every day!


And, I am sure I've gone over the five minutes; with jumping back and forth between writing and reading my Facebook posts!!

But, it's done!