Today has been great. I've done nothing but write, cook, nap with our dogs and then write some more. So there really isn't anything exciting to talk about, except that after posting on my blog last night—Tony, came into the kitchen and announced, "If you don't mind, I think I'll finish off this bag of Fritos. It's half empty."
I told him fine, because I've hidden the unopened bag of Fritos in the back of our closet.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Sunday, December 30, 2018
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Downtown Cowtown!
Today has been great. This morning right after doing my new habit and then thanking God for everything—including the Fritos—the dogs and I marched into the kitchen, so I could make myself a delicious cup of coffee.
The Cabin was warm enough inside and it was 67 degrees inside and 41 degrees outside. As I sipped my coffee I checked my e-mails and this one that my dear friend Mari sent to me made me laugh out loud, because when I was in my early twenties I used to hitchhike with Boomer, my very first Great Pyrenees.
We used to hitch rides from Crested Butte, Colorado to Gunnison all of the time to get groceries. We also hitched rides from Crested Butte to my parent's home in Fort Worth for surprise visits. Which was not always a great thing, because one time, right before Christmas, when Boomer and I knocked on my parent's front door—Mom fainted when she opened the door and saw us standing there.
And that was scary, because Mom had this metal plate inside her head, because when she was five-years-old she was hit by an eighteen-wheeler, in downtown Cowtown and y'all already know that story, because I wrote about in one of my books and I also blogged about it many years ago.
Anyway, Boomer and I also frequently hitched rides from Fort Worth to Austin too and the best part about it is—we never had one problem.
With one exception happening in Walsenberg, Colorado. When this highway patrolman, warned us that it was illegal to hitchhike in Colorado and he wrote us a warning ticket, while Boomer ran off and jumped inside his vehicle. Anyway, I am still laughing about Mari's e-mail and this is what she sent to me:
"Picked up a hitchhiker last night. He said thanks how do you know I'm not a serial killer? I replied the chances of two serial killer's being in the same car are astronomical."
After I wrote Gaby a thank you note for the delicious chocolate treats she had sent to us from Germany and I had answered a few more e-mails I shut down my laptop and drank another cup of coffee, before gluing my dentures back inside my pie-hole.
This afternoon Tony and I went to see Sandy & Jon at Wolfmueller's Books. Omg, they had so many customers in their store buying books, we barely squeezed through their store's front door.
Jean, (Jon's sweet sister aka "My Pink-Potholder Finisher" and my short-lived potholder business partner) was busy ringing up sales as fast as she could, as a long—line of book-buying customers patiently stood in line to pay for their books. And Sandy & Jon were also busy waiting on one customer after another to help them find the books that they were searching for.
As busy as Jean, Jon and Sandy were they each took the time to wave at us, so Tony and I waved back to them.
While I was checking out the cookbooks, Jon was the first to come greet us. After greetings, I said, "Good grief y'all are busy in here."
"I know," Jon replied, followed by a chuckle. "It's been like this since Thanksgiving and...."
Then Jean, who is always wearing a beautiful smile on her face walked up and joined us.
And before Tony and I could say howdy to her, Jean said, "Today's going to be a great day!" And then she clapped her hands together, and said, "Sorry, I can't jump anymore."
We all laughed, because I knew that they had been reading my blog. "And it is a great day," I said, as Sandy walked up and greeted us.
"Hi Nancy and Tony," Sandy said. "What's great?" And we all laughed, because we know that Sandy doesn't regularly read my blog.
Anyway, Tony and I had a fun, but very short, visit with our dear friends and then we adios-ed them, so they could get back to taking care of their customers.
On our way back home, Tony and I talked about our new year resolutions. He told me that he plans to quit snacking so much, which thrilled me to death, because that means I won't have to worry so much about our Fritos. And needless to say, I said nothing about our survival chips.
Then I told Tony that yesterday Mari had sent me this great video about new year resolutions and that she and I were planning to do everything on that list, along while continuing to do my new habits. Here's that short video that Mari found and sent to me, about New Year resolutions—Going Into 2019 Like.
And when we got back home Tony watched that video while I put another log(s) on the fire. He liked the new year video and after he watched it twice, he said,, "2019 is going to be a great year!" Then he clapped his hands together and jumped out of my chair. And that scared Little Debbie, but I know she'll get used to it.
So now, thanks to Tony, it looks like I've got another new habit to add to my to do list, because 2019 is going to be a great year!
And that's about it for now, because last week, after Fourth encouraged me to paint a rocket ship or something cool, on the front of our 2,500 gallon water holding tank, I've finally decided what I am going to paint on it. So now I am going to do some researching on the computer to find out what kind of paint I will need to paint my upcoming, giant, water tank mural.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
The Cabin was warm enough inside and it was 67 degrees inside and 41 degrees outside. As I sipped my coffee I checked my e-mails and this one that my dear friend Mari sent to me made me laugh out loud, because when I was in my early twenties I used to hitchhike with Boomer, my very first Great Pyrenees.
We used to hitch rides from Crested Butte, Colorado to Gunnison all of the time to get groceries. We also hitched rides from Crested Butte to my parent's home in Fort Worth for surprise visits. Which was not always a great thing, because one time, right before Christmas, when Boomer and I knocked on my parent's front door—Mom fainted when she opened the door and saw us standing there.
And that was scary, because Mom had this metal plate inside her head, because when she was five-years-old she was hit by an eighteen-wheeler, in downtown Cowtown and y'all already know that story, because I wrote about in one of my books and I also blogged about it many years ago.
Anyway, Boomer and I also frequently hitched rides from Fort Worth to Austin too and the best part about it is—we never had one problem.
With one exception happening in Walsenberg, Colorado. When this highway patrolman, warned us that it was illegal to hitchhike in Colorado and he wrote us a warning ticket, while Boomer ran off and jumped inside his vehicle. Anyway, I am still laughing about Mari's e-mail and this is what she sent to me:
"Picked up a hitchhiker last night. He said thanks how do you know I'm not a serial killer? I replied the chances of two serial killer's being in the same car are astronomical."
After I wrote Gaby a thank you note for the delicious chocolate treats she had sent to us from Germany and I had answered a few more e-mails I shut down my laptop and drank another cup of coffee, before gluing my dentures back inside my pie-hole.
This afternoon Tony and I went to see Sandy & Jon at Wolfmueller's Books. Omg, they had so many customers in their store buying books, we barely squeezed through their store's front door.
Jean, (Jon's sweet sister aka "My Pink-Potholder Finisher" and my short-lived potholder business partner) was busy ringing up sales as fast as she could, as a long—line of book-buying customers patiently stood in line to pay for their books. And Sandy & Jon were also busy waiting on one customer after another to help them find the books that they were searching for.
As busy as Jean, Jon and Sandy were they each took the time to wave at us, so Tony and I waved back to them.
While I was checking out the cookbooks, Jon was the first to come greet us. After greetings, I said, "Good grief y'all are busy in here."
"I know," Jon replied, followed by a chuckle. "It's been like this since Thanksgiving and...."
Then Jean, who is always wearing a beautiful smile on her face walked up and joined us.
And before Tony and I could say howdy to her, Jean said, "Today's going to be a great day!" And then she clapped her hands together, and said, "Sorry, I can't jump anymore."
We all laughed, because I knew that they had been reading my blog. "And it is a great day," I said, as Sandy walked up and greeted us.
"Hi Nancy and Tony," Sandy said. "What's great?" And we all laughed, because we know that Sandy doesn't regularly read my blog.
Anyway, Tony and I had a fun, but very short, visit with our dear friends and then we adios-ed them, so they could get back to taking care of their customers.
On our way back home, Tony and I talked about our new year resolutions. He told me that he plans to quit snacking so much, which thrilled me to death, because that means I won't have to worry so much about our Fritos. And needless to say, I said nothing about our survival chips.
Then I told Tony that yesterday Mari had sent me this great video about new year resolutions and that she and I were planning to do everything on that list, along while continuing to do my new habits. Here's that short video that Mari found and sent to me, about New Year resolutions—Going Into 2019 Like.
And when we got back home Tony watched that video while I put another log(s) on the fire. He liked the new year video and after he watched it twice, he said,, "2019 is going to be a great year!" Then he clapped his hands together and jumped out of my chair. And that scared Little Debbie, but I know she'll get used to it.
So now, thanks to Tony, it looks like I've got another new habit to add to my to do list, because 2019 is going to be a great year!
And that's about it for now, because last week, after Fourth encouraged me to paint a rocket ship or something cool, on the front of our 2,500 gallon water holding tank, I've finally decided what I am going to paint on it. So now I am going to do some researching on the computer to find out what kind of paint I will need to paint my upcoming, giant, water tank mural.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Friday, December 28, 2018
Back-Up Bag!
Today has been great. This morning after I did my new habit and jumped off the bed the exact same time our dogs jumped off with me—The Cabin was cold. In fact, it was 59 degrees inside. BRRRR!
FYI: At night during the winter months we always turn off the electric heaters before going to bed, because that is what my parents always used to do when I was growing up. And it is obvious that I am a creature of habit(s) and that is why we do it.
Anyway, Tony had the electric heater on in the big room, but the wood burning stove was not burning any wood. So while my coffee brewed, I tossed in a few small logs, but nothing happened quick enough for me.
So, I went to get a little fire-starter brick to help me get a blazing fire going and that is when I realized that we were almost out of fire-starters and I didn't want to waste one, on the hot coals.
Then one of my wilderness survival skills hit me like a brick—use Fritos! Yes, all survivalists know to carry a sack of Fritos with them when they embark on the unknown.
Us survivalist don't use Fritos to just snack on. And we don't drop Fritos behind us to leave trail-markers, like Hansel & Gretel did, by leaving bread crumbs behind them so they could follow them to get back home.
Which I think is sort of stupid on Hansel & Gretel's part, because everybody knows that wild animals will find the food and eat it and that will lead them to you—so they can eat you, too—for dessert.
No, us real survivalists use Fritos as fire starters and Fritos, unlike bean dip, have saved many lives out in the wilderness. And they worked like magic for me, this morning. And all I can say is, "Thank goodness Tony didn't eat all of the Fritos last night."
And to prove my point, here is a picture of our half-full bag of Fritos.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
FYI: At night during the winter months we always turn off the electric heaters before going to bed, because that is what my parents always used to do when I was growing up. And it is obvious that I am a creature of habit(s) and that is why we do it.
Anyway, Tony had the electric heater on in the big room, but the wood burning stove was not burning any wood. So while my coffee brewed, I tossed in a few small logs, but nothing happened quick enough for me.
So, I went to get a little fire-starter brick to help me get a blazing fire going and that is when I realized that we were almost out of fire-starters and I didn't want to waste one, on the hot coals.
Then one of my wilderness survival skills hit me like a brick—use Fritos! Yes, all survivalists know to carry a sack of Fritos with them when they embark on the unknown.
Us survivalist don't use Fritos to just snack on. And we don't drop Fritos behind us to leave trail-markers, like Hansel & Gretel did, by leaving bread crumbs behind them so they could follow them to get back home.
Which I think is sort of stupid on Hansel & Gretel's part, because everybody knows that wild animals will find the food and eat it and that will lead them to you—so they can eat you, too—for dessert.
No, us real survivalists use Fritos as fire starters and Fritos, unlike bean dip, have saved many lives out in the wilderness. And they worked like magic for me, this morning. And all I can say is, "Thank goodness Tony didn't eat all of the Fritos last night."
And to prove my point, here is a picture of our half-full bag of Fritos.
So while Tony was taking a shower, I grabbed the bag and tossed a handful of Fritos into the wood burning stove and this happened instantly as the Frito-lifesavers caught on fire.
And two minutes later I took this picture as the big room began to quickly warm up, because of the Frito-magic. And all I could think of was, "We're not going to freeze to death today." And needless to say our dogs were thrilled about it too, and I know if they could have they would have voted me—Most Likely To Survive! And that Frito-Lay would want to become one of my sponsors."
Early this afternoon Tony and I went to Medina to empty out two storage units, because we knew that it would save us money. And since I've recently become a firm believer in minimalism—it felt good to lighten our load.
But before we went to the storage units to work, we stopped at the famous Old Timer for two reasons:
1. To put some gas in Trigger (Our 2006 Ford F-150)
2. So I could buy an emergency, back-up bag of Fritos. (Just in case Tony decided to eat the rest of the bag.)
An hour or so later, before leaving Medina with a ton of stuff in the back of our trucks, I stopped at the Post Office to sign for and pick up a package—from Germany.
When we got back home we emptied the pickups and crammed all of our "valuable" stuff, inside the barn. Then I came inside and took this picture of our Fritos back-up bag.
And this is a picture of Sweet Gaby's (She lives in Germany.) package that she sent to us.
And this is what Gaby sent to us!
And the good news is—because Gaby sent us these super-delicious treats to enjoy, Tony totally forgot about snacking on those leftover/save-your-life Fritos—thank goodness. And I shall always be grateful to dear Gaby for caring so much about us. "Thank you, Gaby! We miss you and we LOVE you more!"
As I finish writing this post tonight, I want to show you this great quote that is discreetly printed, near the bottom of the box of treats that Gaby sent to us.
"Eating is a need, enjoyment is an art." So I guess you could say—that makes me an artist.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Light Show! or Loaf!
Last night we had some thunderstorms and some were mixed with pea-sized hail and Big Al(ice) was not a happy camper, even though forty minutes before the light show, thundering and pounding started I had already put her thunder-jacket on her and given her a tiny doggie-downer. But the good news is she was much calmer.
While the storms tried unsuccessfully to do harm outside, I was already ahead of the game with my damage control plan. I had everything unplugged, of course, and I had my music cranked up really
loud to block out the thunder strikes.
About thirty minutes into the noisy storm, my legs went to sleep, because I had Henry Standing Bear sitting on my lap—licking my fact non-stop while I was holding Little Debbie in one arm and Big Al(ice) in my other arm.
During a lull of lightning and thunder I forcibly removed Henry from my newly flattened legs and lap and then I put The Girls back on my chair seat and covered them up with a doggie blanket. Then I pulled out a drawer, in the kitchen, to search for some emergency batteries for my battery-operated candles, just in case we lost power.
And to my delight—I found the batteries and I also found another one of those super-cool, motion-activated toilet bowl lights, as seen on TV! I guess I had purchased it for back-up.
Anyway, while Henry stayed glued to my leg, I put new batteries in my candles and carefully re-read the instructions on how to operate the bowl light.
I knew that Tony would be thrilled at my bowl light discovery, because our last one wore out or broke over a year ago, during our monster move. Bottom Line: Tony was pleasantly surprised when I asked him to pause the TV show he was watching and to please go into the bathroom without turning on any lights.
Today has been great. This morning Tony and I worked for a few hours next door, at Escondida and then we did a few chores and then we went to Kerrville.
We were busy in Kerrville. We went to the Kerrville dump and dropped off a load, then we went to the laundromat to wash one load of clothes. And while the clothes were becoming cleaner by the minute we went to the big H-E-B and bought gas and groceries.
Our last stop, while our cleaned clothes dried was at Wolfmueller's Books, so we could visit with Sandy and Jon. Unfortunately, Sandy was gone, but we still had a fun visit with Jon, when he wasn't busy helping customers find books.
When we got back home, after hanging up the clothes and putting them away and putting up the groceries—I made a loaf of bread and for the first time in my life—it was absolutely delicious and it looked like a loaf of bread—instead of a brick. And here's a picture of it, before we started consuming it.
While the storms tried unsuccessfully to do harm outside, I was already ahead of the game with my damage control plan. I had everything unplugged, of course, and I had my music cranked up really
loud to block out the thunder strikes.
About thirty minutes into the noisy storm, my legs went to sleep, because I had Henry Standing Bear sitting on my lap—licking my fact non-stop while I was holding Little Debbie in one arm and Big Al(ice) in my other arm.
During a lull of lightning and thunder I forcibly removed Henry from my newly flattened legs and lap and then I put The Girls back on my chair seat and covered them up with a doggie blanket. Then I pulled out a drawer, in the kitchen, to search for some emergency batteries for my battery-operated candles, just in case we lost power.
And to my delight—I found the batteries and I also found another one of those super-cool, motion-activated toilet bowl lights, as seen on TV! I guess I had purchased it for back-up.
I knew that Tony would be thrilled at my bowl light discovery, because our last one wore out or broke over a year ago, during our monster move. Bottom Line: Tony was pleasantly surprised when I asked him to pause the TV show he was watching and to please go into the bathroom without turning on any lights.
Today has been great. This morning Tony and I worked for a few hours next door, at Escondida and then we did a few chores and then we went to Kerrville.
We were busy in Kerrville. We went to the Kerrville dump and dropped off a load, then we went to the laundromat to wash one load of clothes. And while the clothes were becoming cleaner by the minute we went to the big H-E-B and bought gas and groceries.
Our last stop, while our cleaned clothes dried was at Wolfmueller's Books, so we could visit with Sandy and Jon. Unfortunately, Sandy was gone, but we still had a fun visit with Jon, when he wasn't busy helping customers find books.
When we got back home, after hanging up the clothes and putting them away and putting up the groceries—I made a loaf of bread and for the first time in my life—it was absolutely delicious and it looked like a loaf of bread—instead of a brick. And here's a picture of it, before we started consuming it.
Tony loved my loaf of bread and he was shocked that I had actually baked it and so was I. And it was hilarious when he cautiously took his first bite of bread, because my past history of bread making has always been disastrous.
And as I finish writing this tonight, because I am not a liar—I have to confess that I did bake that loaf of bread for twenty minutes, but other than that I had absolutely nothing to do with it and that's why it turned out so good.
So there. I admit I did not make this delicious loaf of bread. It is Central Market's Country Loaf, that I bought today at H-E-B.
But I am not going to tell Tony about it, because he wants me to start making it often. And the way I see it—what he doesn't know he doesn't need to know. If that makes any sense to you.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Nailed It!
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and it was filled with peace, love and joy.
This Christmas for Tony and me was filled with all of the above, thank goodness, and we spent the day not doing a lot.
For starters, I slept in, because I had stayed up late writing and for me getting to sleep in was a great Christmas gift from Tony. Tony on the other hand got up around 6:00, fed our dogs, built a fire in the wood burning stove, drank some coffee and then went and helped a neighbor out.
When I woke up in bed, all of our dogs were snuggling up close with me and when I did my new habit (Sit up, and say, "Today is going to be a great day!" Loudly clap my hands together and then jump out of bed.) all of the dogs immediately jumped off of the bed, except for Little Debbie, because she prefers to be lifted off of the bed and placed gently down on the floor.
After drinking two, delicious cups of Taster's Choice instant coffee I decided to make Apple Fritters for breakfast with Tony's help, because I wanted Tony to start watching the movie Same Kind Of Different As me.
So while he peeled and diced up three Granny Smith apples for me and I prepared the rest of the recipe, I started this great, true inspiring movie, so he would get hooked-on it and then watch it with me. And my plan worked and Tony loved watching this movie, too.
Knowing that I wasn't going to have to spend the day cooking a traditional Christmas dinner for us like I always do, I then spent a few more hours writing and doing some re-writes on my third novella. Which now appears to be turning itself into a full-blown book and it will probably have a new title instead of the one I chose for it originally—The Cowgirl Sisterhood: Riders In the Sand, Part III.
Anyway, a few hours later, using my PediPaws I gave Little Debbie a magnificent manicure or better said—dogicure and she slept through the whole thing. Then I tried to give Big Al(ice) a dogicure and she fought me tooth and nail and she won that contest. Or better said—she nailed it and she still has the long nails to prove it.
After Henry Standing Bear had witnessed Big Al(ice)'s and my wrestling match ordeal—he went and jumped up on our bed, curled up into a tight ball, tucking his paws underneath him to show me that he too did not want to play beauty shop with me. So after giving up in de-feet, I used the Pedipaws and gave myself a quick pedicure, before the batteries lost all of their power.
Tony and I ate a vegetarian Christmas dinner that I prepared later in the day, which was okay, but not memorable and we were both fine with that, because we were still full of apple fritters.
Later on, we burned up all of the apple fritter calories by talking on the phone to friends and loved ones. So by late afternoon neither one of us felt guilty at all about eating all of those apple fritters.
I spent last night—thanks to Tony pressuring me into watching Hart of Dixie on Netflix—I got hooked on that great series and I stayed up late until 1:00 this morning watching several episodes. And this morning I slept in, again.
And as I finish writing this for tonight, to honor Little Debbie for playing beauty shop with me and for letting me give her a dogicure, on Christmas day, while she slept in my lap, I want to re-post this adorable selfie she (Tony) took of herself.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
This Christmas for Tony and me was filled with all of the above, thank goodness, and we spent the day not doing a lot.
For starters, I slept in, because I had stayed up late writing and for me getting to sleep in was a great Christmas gift from Tony. Tony on the other hand got up around 6:00, fed our dogs, built a fire in the wood burning stove, drank some coffee and then went and helped a neighbor out.
When I woke up in bed, all of our dogs were snuggling up close with me and when I did my new habit (Sit up, and say, "Today is going to be a great day!" Loudly clap my hands together and then jump out of bed.) all of the dogs immediately jumped off of the bed, except for Little Debbie, because she prefers to be lifted off of the bed and placed gently down on the floor.
After drinking two, delicious cups of Taster's Choice instant coffee I decided to make Apple Fritters for breakfast with Tony's help, because I wanted Tony to start watching the movie Same Kind Of Different As me.
So while he peeled and diced up three Granny Smith apples for me and I prepared the rest of the recipe, I started this great, true inspiring movie, so he would get hooked-on it and then watch it with me. And my plan worked and Tony loved watching this movie, too.
Knowing that I wasn't going to have to spend the day cooking a traditional Christmas dinner for us like I always do, I then spent a few more hours writing and doing some re-writes on my third novella. Which now appears to be turning itself into a full-blown book and it will probably have a new title instead of the one I chose for it originally—The Cowgirl Sisterhood: Riders In the Sand, Part III.
Anyway, a few hours later, using my PediPaws I gave Little Debbie a magnificent manicure or better said—dogicure and she slept through the whole thing. Then I tried to give Big Al(ice) a dogicure and she fought me tooth and nail and she won that contest. Or better said—she nailed it and she still has the long nails to prove it.
After Henry Standing Bear had witnessed Big Al(ice)'s and my wrestling match ordeal—he went and jumped up on our bed, curled up into a tight ball, tucking his paws underneath him to show me that he too did not want to play beauty shop with me. So after giving up in de-feet, I used the Pedipaws and gave myself a quick pedicure, before the batteries lost all of their power.
Tony and I ate a vegetarian Christmas dinner that I prepared later in the day, which was okay, but not memorable and we were both fine with that, because we were still full of apple fritters.
Later on, we burned up all of the apple fritter calories by talking on the phone to friends and loved ones. So by late afternoon neither one of us felt guilty at all about eating all of those apple fritters.
I spent last night—thanks to Tony pressuring me into watching Hart of Dixie on Netflix—I got hooked on that great series and I stayed up late until 1:00 this morning watching several episodes. And this morning I slept in, again.
And as I finish writing this for tonight, to honor Little Debbie for playing beauty shop with me and for letting me give her a dogicure, on Christmas day, while she slept in my lap, I want to re-post this adorable selfie she (Tony) took of herself.
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Oh Mummy!
Last night I watched a great movie on Netflix and it was a true story. The awesome cast includes: Renee Zellweger, Greg Kinnear, Djimon Hounsou, Olivia Holt and Jon Voight. And the name of this beautiful, inspiring movie is Same Kind of Different As Me. And I hope that y'all will check it out.
Today has been great and yes, Tony and I are both doing this new habit now. The other day when I told Tone about my new habit, he surprised me the next morning and walked into the kitchen, and said, "Today is going to be a great day!" Then he told me that he is going to do this every morning before he gets out of bed. And to say the least I am thrilled about it.
Early this afternoon Tony and I went to Kerrville to wash one load of clothes at the laundromat and while the washing machine was getting our clothes clean—we shopped at the big H-E-B. And we bought all of the ingredients needed for me to make Vegan "Mummy" Veggie Dogs, so when we got back home I cook make this healthy recipe for our late lunch.
This was an easy recipe to make and the only thing that I changed was not wrapping up the vegetables: potatoes, cauliflower, onion, garlic, peas and carrots and spices, etc. to look like a mummy, because mummies sort of scare me.
Seriously, when I first saw the 1932 movie, The Mummy, Boris Karloff and the story line scared me.
So while I was cooking all of the veggies I decided to tuck the healthy veggie mixture inside the pizza dough slices. instead of creating mummies. Here are a few pictures:
Today has been great and yes, Tony and I are both doing this new habit now. The other day when I told Tone about my new habit, he surprised me the next morning and walked into the kitchen, and said, "Today is going to be a great day!" Then he told me that he is going to do this every morning before he gets out of bed. And to say the least I am thrilled about it.
Early this afternoon Tony and I went to Kerrville to wash one load of clothes at the laundromat and while the washing machine was getting our clothes clean—we shopped at the big H-E-B. And we bought all of the ingredients needed for me to make Vegan "Mummy" Veggie Dogs, so when we got back home I cook make this healthy recipe for our late lunch.
This was an easy recipe to make and the only thing that I changed was not wrapping up the vegetables: potatoes, cauliflower, onion, garlic, peas and carrots and spices, etc. to look like a mummy, because mummies sort of scare me.
Seriously, when I first saw the 1932 movie, The Mummy, Boris Karloff and the story line scared me.
So while I was cooking all of the veggies I decided to tuck the healthy veggie mixture inside the pizza dough slices. instead of creating mummies. Here are a few pictures:
This recipe was totally delicious and when Tony was getting second helpings I asked him and if he liked the veggie-dogs, and he laughed, and said, "Oh Mummy! This recipe is to die for! You should make these more often for us.
I laughed, and responded, "Not a problem. I've got over half of the mixture left over...."
This evening as I finish writing this I have the brown rice, that I cook every night for our dog's morning breakfast, cooking in the Instant Pot. And please know that I add spices and a can of mixed veggies in their dog food mixture.
Our dogs love me cooking for them and I enjoy it too. And since I started cooking their meals for them, many months ago, their coats are softer, shinier and they radiate good health. And who knows? Maybe tonight I will add some of our leftover vegan veggie-dogs to the mixture, even though Little Debbie does not like peas.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Mummy! or A. Leon!
Today has been great. This morning my dear friend Drew sent me this fabulous Raise Vegan recipe—Vegan "Mummy" Veggie Dogs.
The other day when he and Ellie came to visit us, I cooked Mr. Food's delicious (pigs-in-a-blanket) recipe—Dressed Up Weenie Wellingtons and they loved them even though they are vegetarians. Anyway, I am thrilled to get this recipe, because I've decided it is time for me to quit eating meat and be a vegetarian, after watching this show where the guest speaker basically said, "To be healthy eat live food and you will live. Eat dead food and you will die."
His statement hit me in the head like a brick, even though I have yet to be hit in the head by a brick—thank goodness. So the next time we go to Kerrville I am buying the ingredients to make mummy dogs.
This afternoon we received an awesome Christmas gift box from our dear friend Nancy D. and her sweet cat Theodora, who live up there, in Chicago.
The other day when he and Ellie came to visit us, I cooked Mr. Food's delicious (pigs-in-a-blanket) recipe—Dressed Up Weenie Wellingtons and they loved them even though they are vegetarians. Anyway, I am thrilled to get this recipe, because I've decided it is time for me to quit eating meat and be a vegetarian, after watching this show where the guest speaker basically said, "To be healthy eat live food and you will live. Eat dead food and you will die."
His statement hit me in the head like a brick, even though I have yet to be hit in the head by a brick—thank goodness. So the next time we go to Kerrville I am buying the ingredients to make mummy dogs.
This afternoon we received an awesome Christmas gift box from our dear friend Nancy D. and her sweet cat Theodora, who live up there, in Chicago.
Nancy and Theodora made some delicious homemade candy, a canister of Harry & David Chocolate-Peppermint Wafer Rolls and a box of Made In Italy Noccioghiotti Assorted Pralines that Tony and I are already fighting over.
Theodora and Nancy also sent Tony this really cool toothpick holder and they sent me a set of four, fabulous Egyptian cotton towels, like our mother's used to use in the kitchen.
Tony loves his cleverly concealed toothpick holder and I am thrilled to get the kitchen towels, because in my opinion those are the best kitchen towels ever made.
But the coolest gift Nancy and Theodora gave to me is the TEXAS U.F.O. LICENSE! Seriously, I love it and you can see why.
On the front of my A. Leon's Texas U.F.O. License I especially love that AREA-51 is highlighted in large, red letters and I am still laughing about the hilarious pertinent information provided. Such as:
BIRTHDATE: 10/23/1492
EXP. DATE: 10/23/3085
SEX: Yes
HEIGHT: 3'3"
WEIGHT: Weightless
HAIR: None
EYES: Black
Our dear friends also included two Hanuka presents for us to give to Kinky. So after Tony and I had stuffed our faces with their homemade candy, wafer rolls and assorted pralines I picked up the phone and punched in Kinky's cell phone number to let him know that we were going to be dropping off Nancy's and Theodora's presents.
I punched in Kinky's number twice and each time I got this recording "Hello, this is Gladys Goo...Please leave me a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible."
After apologizing to Ms. Gladys Whats-Her-Name twice, I then punched in Wolfmueller's Books phone number. "Hi Nancy," Sandy said.
"Hi Sandy....I just tried to call Kinky's cell phone twice and I got some frumpy-sounding woman named Gladys. Did Kinky change his cell phone number?"
"I don't think so," Sandy replied. "Hang up and I will call him and then call you right back." Click.
About a minute passed by and then our phone rang. "Nancy, I just called Kinky on his cell phone and talked to him. And you do have his correct number. I told him about you trying to call him. So he is waiting for you to call...."
After adios-ing Sandy, I punched in Kinky's cell phone number for the third time, but this time I heard, "Hey Nance! How are you?"
"Hi Kink...."
"Nance, I should be back at the ranch in a few hours...." After our funny conversation and then me telling him about needing to drop off Nancy's and Theodora's holiday gifts—Tony and I drove over to his ranch and we left his presents on the passenger's front seat in his truck, because The Friedmans were trying to get out his kitchen door, so they could come greet us and we did not want them to get out.
My (A. Leon's) Texas U.F.O. License is now safely tucked away in my purse and tomorrow I plan to buy the ingredients and make those vegan mummy veggie dogs and that is about it for tonight.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Friday, December 21, 2018
Springsteen On Broadway!
Today has been great and so was last night, because I this incredibly great Netflix Special—Springsteen On Broadway.
Omg, it was so good I went to bed last night thinking about it and it still has me thinking about it, so I plan to re-watch it again tonight. Seriously, I cannot say enough about how much I love Springsteen On Broadway and if you decide to give it a try I promise that you'll be hooked within the first couple of minutes and you will not want to miss one second of his performance.
Early this morning after doing my new habit, "Today is going to be a great day!" I had a little surprise waiting for me in the kitchen, that would test if my new habit actually works.
Okay, let me set the stage for you. I was in the kitchen finishing off my first cup of coffee and I decided that I should wrap Tony's and my Secret Santa gifts that we were giving to Tessa and Sarah, because the Escondida Christmas party that we were going to started at 10:30 this morning.
(Note: Last week Tony and I shopped and we purchased our dear friend's gifts along with a roll of wrapping paper, because I had no wrapping paper to speak of. It was my idea to get their gifts early, so we would not have to do any last minute shopping. )
To set the Christmas mood this morning, for my gift wrapping task, I chose this fabulous Christmas channel on Pandora, that Carol had told me about, because it plays classic Christmas songs sung by Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Burl Ives, Nat King Cole etc.
As Dean Martin was singing Winter Wonderland and Henry was barking at something outside, I had the Christmas spirit and I was ready to wrap the presents, on the kitchen island.
When I opened the roll of wrapping paper (that was on sale, which should have been a clue) my heart sank, because the wrapping paper was clear and you could see right through it.
Omg, it was so good I went to bed last night thinking about it and it still has me thinking about it, so I plan to re-watch it again tonight. Seriously, I cannot say enough about how much I love Springsteen On Broadway and if you decide to give it a try I promise that you'll be hooked within the first couple of minutes and you will not want to miss one second of his performance.
Early this morning after doing my new habit, "Today is going to be a great day!" I had a little surprise waiting for me in the kitchen, that would test if my new habit actually works.
Okay, let me set the stage for you. I was in the kitchen finishing off my first cup of coffee and I decided that I should wrap Tony's and my Secret Santa gifts that we were giving to Tessa and Sarah, because the Escondida Christmas party that we were going to started at 10:30 this morning.
(Note: Last week Tony and I shopped and we purchased our dear friend's gifts along with a roll of wrapping paper, because I had no wrapping paper to speak of. It was my idea to get their gifts early, so we would not have to do any last minute shopping. )
To set the Christmas mood this morning, for my gift wrapping task, I chose this fabulous Christmas channel on Pandora, that Carol had told me about, because it plays classic Christmas songs sung by Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Burl Ives, Nat King Cole etc.
As Dean Martin was singing Winter Wonderland and Henry was barking at something outside, I had the Christmas spirit and I was ready to wrap the presents, on the kitchen island.
When I opened the roll of wrapping paper (that was on sale, which should have been a clue) my heart sank, because the wrapping paper was clear and you could see right through it.
So I am thinking, well never mind I'm not going to tell you what I was really thinking, because there were cuss words involved. And let's just say that I was well aware that I was not having a great day as I had expected. But I was determined to turn it around. You know, like when you get lemons you make lemonade.
So I grabbed a roll of plain white Bounty paper towels and decided to first wrap the gifts (boxed wine) using paper towels and then wrapping the paper towels with the cheap gift wrapping paper.
And ten minutes later—our friend's boxes of fine wine gifts were wrapped or better said—camouflaged and they were ready to be delivered.
The Secret Santa Christmas party was so much fun, because Tony and I truly love everyone that works at Bob & Kelli Phillips' famous Escondida resort. I took this picture of everyone before the party started in one of the beautiful sitting rooms, so you can see why we love these great people so much.
Our friends were all in the Christmas spirit and everyone seemed to love their gifts. And since it was a morning Christmas party Sarah served us some delicious Martinelli apple cider and grape juice and an assortment of tasty pastries.
And Sarah and Tessa thought that my creative (emergency) wrapped paper towels covered by gift wrapping paper was hilarious, even though they instantly knew that they were getting boxed wines from us. And to say the least, it was one of the best Christmas parties that we've ever attended and that made my great, again. So, I want to say, "Thank you Bob & Kelli, Sarah, Darlene, Duane, Ray, Lisa, Rick and Tessa! Merry Christmas!"
When the super fun festivities ended Tony and I were walking to the truck when Tony stopped, and said, "Wait a minute. I need to get a picture of you since you took all of the pictures..." So Tony grabbed my camera and he took this picture of me dressed in my cowgirl outfit.
And the only reason that I am showing my picture to you is because Tony kept his promise and he shot me from the chest up, so you couldn't see my muffin(s) top(s). 🙆
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing! And today has been great!
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Great!
Today has been great, but not much to write about tonight. So, I will write more tomorrow.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Wildflours!
Today has been really great. Late this morning Tony and I went to the famous El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant, in Helotes, for a Christmas party with our dear friends-(retired) rescue ranch's dog-walking volunteers.
Omg, we had so much fun reuniting with our friends who used to come out every Friday morning to walk our dogs for us. Chris, Suzanne & Juan along with their daughter and adorable grandson, Eileen, Lisa, June, Ellen and Diane & Jim were there.
Before our delicious lunch was served, Eileen stood up and had us play her "rescue ranch" game with the top two winners winning prizes.
Eileen would ask rescue ranch questions that she had come up with, such as: "What year did the rescue ranch start in Utopia? (Answer: 1998) or What dog was adopted and went to live in New York state? (Answer: Alfie and Blackie) What dog pulled Suzanne into the creek—soaking her from head to toe? (Answer: George Clooney) What is the name of the woman, in Canada, who adopted several of the rescue ranch dogs? (Answer: Fay) Etc." Bottom Line: Jim and Ellen won the sparkling prizes.
Of course, the food was delicious and Tony and I did not order the same thing which still puzzles me.
Anyway, Tony and I had a total blast getting to see everyone and I promise you that our table was the loudest, because of all of the non-stop laughter.
This afternoon when we got back home I decided to make this delicious cinnamon apple fritter recipe that Ronnie had sent to me a few days ago.
My sweet brother is a fabulous cook and baker and when he told me that this Wild Flour's Cottage Kitchen recipe was a very easy recipe to make, I promised him that I would give it a try.
I keep my promises. And here is a picture of the fritters right after I put them into the skillet.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Omg, we had so much fun reuniting with our friends who used to come out every Friday morning to walk our dogs for us. Chris, Suzanne & Juan along with their daughter and adorable grandson, Eileen, Lisa, June, Ellen and Diane & Jim were there.
Before our delicious lunch was served, Eileen stood up and had us play her "rescue ranch" game with the top two winners winning prizes.
Eileen would ask rescue ranch questions that she had come up with, such as: "What year did the rescue ranch start in Utopia? (Answer: 1998) or What dog was adopted and went to live in New York state? (Answer: Alfie and Blackie) What dog pulled Suzanne into the creek—soaking her from head to toe? (Answer: George Clooney) What is the name of the woman, in Canada, who adopted several of the rescue ranch dogs? (Answer: Fay) Etc." Bottom Line: Jim and Ellen won the sparkling prizes.
Of course, the food was delicious and Tony and I did not order the same thing which still puzzles me.
Anyway, Tony and I had a total blast getting to see everyone and I promise you that our table was the loudest, because of all of the non-stop laughter.
This afternoon when we got back home I decided to make this delicious cinnamon apple fritter recipe that Ronnie had sent to me a few days ago.
My sweet brother is a fabulous cook and baker and when he told me that this Wild Flour's Cottage Kitchen recipe was a very easy recipe to make, I promised him that I would give it a try.
I keep my promises. And here is a picture of the fritters right after I put them into the skillet.
And here is what they looked like before we sat down and ate one.
Ronnie was right about it being a delicious, easy to make recipe and Tony absolutely loves them. If you want this recipe just click on Wildflower's Cottage Kitchen.
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
About Last Night!
Today has been great. Late this morning our dear friends Drew & Ellie came to see us and it was so much fun to say the least.
The minute Ellie & Drew got out of their vehicle, we hugged and then the conversation flowed and the laughter was non-stop.
I believe that you can always tell who your true friends are, because time and distant never matters at all. Maybe it has been weeks, months or years that have passed without any communication, but the minute that you are reunited—you pick right up where you left off and it is so easy, because you don't have to entertain or think of things to talk about.
Drew & Ellie's visit with us only lasted five hours or so and the time just flew by. After we caught up with each other's news we talked about everything: our dogs, travel, mutual friends, life, etc.
We were sad to adios Ellie & Drew when it was time for them to leave late this afternoon, because in the short amount of time the we spent with them they had filled our hearts with laughter, joy, hope and love. And that felt so good.
About last night's post about that beautiful rainbow ring around the sun that we witnessed and Tony luckily captured on his camera, my my dear friend Cindy did a little research for me and she sent me this information about the circular rainbow around the sun link and also this:
The minute Ellie & Drew got out of their vehicle, we hugged and then the conversation flowed and the laughter was non-stop.
I believe that you can always tell who your true friends are, because time and distant never matters at all. Maybe it has been weeks, months or years that have passed without any communication, but the minute that you are reunited—you pick right up where you left off and it is so easy, because you don't have to entertain or think of things to talk about.
Drew & Ellie's visit with us only lasted five hours or so and the time just flew by. After we caught up with each other's news we talked about everything: our dogs, travel, mutual friends, life, etc.
We were sad to adios Ellie & Drew when it was time for them to leave late this afternoon, because in the short amount of time the we spent with them they had filled our hearts with laughter, joy, hope and love. And that felt so good.
About last night's post about that beautiful rainbow ring around the sun that we witnessed and Tony luckily captured on his camera, my my dear friend Cindy did a little research for me and she sent me this information about the circular rainbow around the sun link and also this:
“The Whirling Rainbow – Prophecy
There will come a day when people of all races, colors, and creeds will put aside their differences. They will come together in love, joining hands in unification, to heal the Earth and all Her children. They will move over the Earth like a great Whirling Rainbow, bringing peace, understanding and healing everywhere they go. Many creatures thought to be extinct or mythical will resurface at this time; the great trees that perished will return almost overnight. All living things will flourish, drawing sustenance from the breast of our Mother, the Earth.
The great spiritual Teachers who walked the Earth and taught the basics of the truths of the Whirling Rainbow Prophecy will return and walk amongst us once more, sharing their power and understanding with all. We will learn how to see and hear in a sacred manner. Men and women will be equals in the way Creator intended them to be; all children will be safe anywhere they want to go. Elders will be respected and valued for their contributions to life. Their wisdom will be sought out. The whole Human race will be called The People and there will be no more war, sickness or hunger forever” ~Ancient American Indian Prophecy"
Before I finish writing this post tonight I realize that there doesn't seem to be anything funny to make you laugh or chuckle, so in hopes of at least making you crack a smile reading this—I told Drew & Ellie my dirty joke about the 90 year-old couple celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary—and they thought it was the funniest joke that they had ever heard.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Monday, December 17, 2018
Solar Lights!
Today was great and yes, I performed my new habit "Today is going to be great" the first thing this morning. And yes, our dogs wagged their tails as they watched me and that brought me love and joy.
This morning while I was drinking my second cup of delicious coffee, which by the way was not Donut Shop coffee that we've been enjoying drinking for many years, I came across this quote. I liked the message so much that I am going to share it with y'all. And if it helps just one person feel better out there—mission accomplished.
This morning while I was drinking my second cup of delicious coffee, which by the way was not Donut Shop coffee that we've been enjoying drinking for many years, I came across this quote. I liked the message so much that I am going to share it with y'all. And if it helps just one person feel better out there—mission accomplished.
For those who cannot read Nigel Marsh's quote, it says:
"There are thousands and thousands of people out there living lives of quiet, screaming desperation who work long, hard hours at jobs they hate, to enable them to buy things they don't need to impress people they don't like."
And just so you'll know, about six months ago, we started drinking Taster's Choice coffee and we love it for four reasons.
1. It is is absolutely delicious
2. It is a lot cheaper than buying K-Cups
3. It is helping not pollute the environment
4. We cannot believe it is instant coffee
Late this morning I was cleaning up the big room and I found an unopened Home Depot sack, behind a jacket and inside to my surprise was this box of solar, changing color/white LED light string that we purchased several months ago.
So after we decided where to string them, we strung them and I love them. Here are some pictures I took after we had put them up and set up the small solar panel, in our flower pot (bucket) next to the front yard gate.
This afternoon we went to Kerrville and ran a few errands that included buying a couple of Secret-Santa Christmas presents for our friends at Escondida, buying trash bags at Home Depot and picking up a few groceries.
When we got back home, as we were getting out of the truck, I looked up and the sun was starting to set behind The Cabin and there was this beautiful rainbow colored ring around it—something we've never seen.
So we grabbed our cameras and started taking pictures. None of my turned out good enough to show the beautiful ring and my best picture out of 20 shots is this one. And even though it does not show the rainbow ring it still is a pretty cool picture, because of all of the orbs floating around.
I believe in orbs and I absolutely love them, because they bring positive energy and protections. So I guess you could say we're covered in that area. Here are a just four pictures that Tony caught of the rainbow ring around the sun. And they are beautiful.
After our unplanned solar photo shoot, I leashed up Roy and was going to take him for a short walk around Big Foot Ranch. Tony was raking up some leaves near by and a few piles of dog poop and when he saw us he asked us to please pose for him and this is the picture that he took of me and my faithful, loving companion. "I love you, Roy!" And please note that I am wearing my famous jacket that Jack wears in my favorite TV show—Heartland.
Well, it almost dark outside and time for me to post this, but before I finish writing I am going to step outside and take a picture of our solar lights, so you can see them in action. I'll be right back.
And here it is!
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Videos, Awards, Art, Music, Friends, Rocket Ships, Art-Again!
Today has been great and I'm thinking it is because of doing my new morning habit—"Today is going to be a great day!" Clap! Stomp! None the less—it is working and I love it.
This morning after Tony and I worked a few hours next door at Escondida we came back home with intentions of doing nothing but things that made us happy.
I chose to do a little more editing on this little video that Carol and I did, a few weeks ago, for some really cool, elementary school kids that I found out are big fans of my novellas. Talk about a feeling honored.
Anyway, that is all that I can say about it, except that after we made the video, I made these Cowgirl Sisterhood Official Ranch Hand awards to be handed out to the class, with their names on it, after they watch our Cowgirl Sisterhood video. Tony was the video-grapher for us and he did a great job. So, I want to do this shout out—"Thank You Sarah, Carol and Tony!"
This morning after Tony and I worked a few hours next door at Escondida we came back home with intentions of doing nothing but things that made us happy.
I chose to do a little more editing on this little video that Carol and I did, a few weeks ago, for some really cool, elementary school kids that I found out are big fans of my novellas. Talk about a feeling honored.
Anyway, that is all that I can say about it, except that after we made the video, I made these Cowgirl Sisterhood Official Ranch Hand awards to be handed out to the class, with their names on it, after they watch our Cowgirl Sisterhood video. Tony was the video-grapher for us and he did a great job. So, I want to do this shout out—"Thank You Sarah, Carol and Tony!"
After I cooked lunch for us and cleaned up the kitchen, I decided that I wanted to work on the cover painting for my third novella, so I filled every space in the kitchen with my paints, brushes, art supplies, etc. Then I took this picture of the painting so far.
Then I put on my music and began painting certain things that must be in this painting. With my music cranked high I was having a blast making the additions—then I heard a car horn honk.
I put down my brush, looked outside and their was this black car stopped at our gate. As I clicked the remote to open our gate, I half-hollered, "Tony, someone is at the gate."
Henry barked first and then Little Debbie and Big Al(ice) chimed-in with their high-pitched yapping, as Tony went outside to see who was here, while I put Henry Standing Bear in the side yard.
Oh my goodness, it was our dear friends Ruth Buzzi and her husband Kent Perkins! After howdies, hugs and handshakes, Kent said, "We came down to see Kinky yesterday. We are on our way back to our ranch and we just had to stop to say hi and drink a cup of coffee with y'all."
Of course, we said yes and invited them inside The Cabin. But the bad news was the kitchen looked like an artistic -tornado had hit it, because my paints, brushes, etc. were scattered everywhere there was space. So I apologized for the mess, as I turned down my music's volume. Then I made us some coffee.
Ruthie and Kent stayed for about an hour and it was non-stop laughter, as we caught up with each others latest news. And at one point during our fun conversation Ruthie was holding Little Debbie, so I picked up my camera, and asked, "May I take a picture of y'all with Little Debbie?"
When it was time for our dear friends to leave we walked outside and Ruthie told me that she loved our little outdoor bistro sitting area.
After hugging Ruthie and Kent, before they got into their car, Kent complimented us on all of the work and improvements that we've done at our Big Foot Ranch. And when Kent looked at my RV (The Mother Ship) Bob, the little green alien that I painted it's door, Kent said, "I think y'all should paint this, black, water cistern and make it look like a rocket ship landing or taking off." And we all laughed about it.
I liked Kent's suggestion, but I think that I will do that when spring arrives and it will be much warmer outside. So here is a before picture of that unpainted water tank.
After we adios-ed our good friends we came back inside and I cranked up my music and did a little more work on my painting. This painting is still a work in progress, but I want to show you what I've done so far. But I am not going to tell you what I've added.
And as I finish writing this post, all of my art supplies are back inside the closet. The kitchen looks like it should. And Henry is snoring on the couch, while my music serenades me. And needless to say—it really has been another great day.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Habits! or Dressed Up!
Today has been great, because I knew it would be. Last week after watching several amazing videos, on YouTube, this motivational speaker grabbed my attention when he basically said, "Create your habits and your habits will create you. It's that easy....Every morning the first thing that I do is sit up on the side of the bed and say out loud, "Today is going to be a great day! Then I loudly clap my hands together and then jump out of bed making a very loud noise when my feet hit the floor...." So guess what I've started doing the first thing every morning?
The first morning when I did this—I immediately convinced all five of our dogs that I was borderline crazy, which they already knew and had proof of. Their reaction was hilarious and I wish that you could have seen the puzzled looks on their faces.
The second morning when I did this, our dogs were already prepared for what was fixin' to happen, but Tony wasn't, because I had not told him about my new habit.
Anyway, he was in the kitchen pouring himself a second cup of coffee when he heard me, in the bedroom, talking to myself, then loudly clap my hands together, followed by this loud thudding noise when my feet hit the floor. He hollered, "Nance! Are you okay in there?" Then he raced into the bedroom to see if I had fallen or needed help or something.
And yes, it was hilarious once again, to see the expressions on our dog's faces, as they stared up at Tony. They shot him this look, that probably was saying, "It's no big deal. It's just her new habit. You should try it."
Early this afternoon, Tony and I went to Kerrville to wash and dry a load of clothes and while that was happening, at the Country Clean Laundromat—we were walking around, the big H-E-B, stocking up on groceries.
When we got back home, after putting up the groceries and our cleaned clothes I cooked us lunch. And after lunch and cleaning up the kitchen, I indulged myself and cooked us our new, favorite, Mr. Food dessert recipe—Dressed Up Weenie Wellingtons.
You see, a few days ago, after watching Howard, in the Mr. Food test kitchen make these easy and delicious snacks/appetizers, I made them. And needless to say, Tony loved them and he could not believe that I'd actually made them.
Here is a picture that I took of them right after I pulled them out of the oven and had covered the pigs-in-a-blanket with the melted butter, walnuts, brown sugar and honey topping.
And here is the link to watch Mr. Food make Dressed Up Weenie Wellingtons. So you too can make this recipe for your family, while secretly gaining a few more unwanted, holiday pounds.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
The first morning when I did this—I immediately convinced all five of our dogs that I was borderline crazy, which they already knew and had proof of. Their reaction was hilarious and I wish that you could have seen the puzzled looks on their faces.
The second morning when I did this, our dogs were already prepared for what was fixin' to happen, but Tony wasn't, because I had not told him about my new habit.
Anyway, he was in the kitchen pouring himself a second cup of coffee when he heard me, in the bedroom, talking to myself, then loudly clap my hands together, followed by this loud thudding noise when my feet hit the floor. He hollered, "Nance! Are you okay in there?" Then he raced into the bedroom to see if I had fallen or needed help or something.
And yes, it was hilarious once again, to see the expressions on our dog's faces, as they stared up at Tony. They shot him this look, that probably was saying, "It's no big deal. It's just her new habit. You should try it."
Early this afternoon, Tony and I went to Kerrville to wash and dry a load of clothes and while that was happening, at the Country Clean Laundromat—we were walking around, the big H-E-B, stocking up on groceries.
When we got back home, after putting up the groceries and our cleaned clothes I cooked us lunch. And after lunch and cleaning up the kitchen, I indulged myself and cooked us our new, favorite, Mr. Food dessert recipe—Dressed Up Weenie Wellingtons.
You see, a few days ago, after watching Howard, in the Mr. Food test kitchen make these easy and delicious snacks/appetizers, I made them. And needless to say, Tony loved them and he could not believe that I'd actually made them.
Here is a picture that I took of them right after I pulled them out of the oven and had covered the pigs-in-a-blanket with the melted butter, walnuts, brown sugar and honey topping.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
Friday, December 14, 2018
A Swift Kick!
My last post was on November 17th. I haven't been blogging much this year because I've been depressed almost all of 2018 and only recently have I've actually become aware of it.
Basically, all of my life I've been a happy person and have had a wonderful life full of love and friends. Sure there were ups and downs and hills/mountains to climb or fall off of, but I always bounced back or better said, "Gotten right back in the saddle."But that was then and this is now.
I hesitate to write this post tonight, because I do not want it to be a downer or depressing to anyone, because that is not my style. I love life and I know that I am one of the lucky ones to have so much to be grateful for. And trust me—I am grateful everyday and I spend each and everyday counting my many blessings and saying prayers and thanking God for everything.
Around three weeks ago is when I finally realized that I have been depressed about several things. And that made me unhappy and that was scary, because I am not usually like that. I discovered that I've been deeply depressed about having to leave behind my old trailer that I loved so very much, because it never let me down in 24 years and it was the best home that I ever lived in. But I do admit that I am very thankful to be living in The Cabin.
I've also been depressed about not being able to rescue animals anymore and it haunts me daily. I've been depressed about dear, old friendships ending and being pushed aside. Dear friends passing away and leaving a void that can never be filled. I've been depressed about our sweet Belle going to the Rainbow Bridge and knowing that she is waiting there for me.
I've been saddened about this upside/down world that we are living in and how our country's politics has torn our nation apart. Where it seems or is said more common than not— "If you don't agree with my politics—you're stupid and you can go to he**! And we are no longer friends." Etc. This is sickening to me.
A few weeks ago, after discovering that I've been depressed I tried reaching out to a few close friends and after I admitted to them that I realized that I was fighting depression they casually blew me off and then changed the subject. Telling me not to worry and then they started talking about themselves. So I gave up—sort of.
I knew that I needed a swift kick-in-the-behind and that I needed to quit feeling sorry for myself. So I came to the conclusion that if I was going to quit being depressed I would have to be the one to do the kicking.
And kicking myself was not an easy task for someone my age. In fact, I almost threw my back out several weeks ago trying to kick the habit. But the good news is—I turned it around and laughed at myself for having this major poor-me-pity-party. And realizing that I was starting to get back on track and that made me feel happy and put a smile on my face.
Anyway, during the past month I had many conversations with several friends about feeling down, depressed, etc. and I soon discovered that they too had had a rough year and they were relieved to know they were not the only ones feeling "The blahs." And we all agreed that for the most part 2018 sucked and we were all looking forward to the new year.
Also, many of these friends admitted to me that for some reason they were "disconnecting." Meaning they no longer wanted to be so involved with their electronic devices such as computers, smart phones, the Internet, social media, etc. And that made me feel a whole lot better because I realized that I had unconsciously been doing the exact same thing they were doing.
With the exception of working outside on my soon-to-be-writing cabin/guest house, with Tony or spending quality time with friends and family or writing on my third novella—I no longer had the desire to waste any more of my time being on the Internet.
I mean I did feel guilty for not blogging and every evening when I would normally sit down and write something I found myself blowing it off, because I just wasn't feeling "up," because there just wasn't a whole lot of funny things going on in my life to write about. Poor me.
Basically, all of my life I've been a happy person and have had a wonderful life full of love and friends. Sure there were ups and downs and hills/mountains to climb or fall off of, but I always bounced back or better said, "Gotten right back in the saddle."But that was then and this is now.
I hesitate to write this post tonight, because I do not want it to be a downer or depressing to anyone, because that is not my style. I love life and I know that I am one of the lucky ones to have so much to be grateful for. And trust me—I am grateful everyday and I spend each and everyday counting my many blessings and saying prayers and thanking God for everything.
Around three weeks ago is when I finally realized that I have been depressed about several things. And that made me unhappy and that was scary, because I am not usually like that. I discovered that I've been deeply depressed about having to leave behind my old trailer that I loved so very much, because it never let me down in 24 years and it was the best home that I ever lived in. But I do admit that I am very thankful to be living in The Cabin.
I've also been depressed about not being able to rescue animals anymore and it haunts me daily. I've been depressed about dear, old friendships ending and being pushed aside. Dear friends passing away and leaving a void that can never be filled. I've been depressed about our sweet Belle going to the Rainbow Bridge and knowing that she is waiting there for me.
I've been saddened about this upside/down world that we are living in and how our country's politics has torn our nation apart. Where it seems or is said more common than not— "If you don't agree with my politics—you're stupid and you can go to he**! And we are no longer friends." Etc. This is sickening to me.
A few weeks ago, after discovering that I've been depressed I tried reaching out to a few close friends and after I admitted to them that I realized that I was fighting depression they casually blew me off and then changed the subject. Telling me not to worry and then they started talking about themselves. So I gave up—sort of.
I knew that I needed a swift kick-in-the-behind and that I needed to quit feeling sorry for myself. So I came to the conclusion that if I was going to quit being depressed I would have to be the one to do the kicking.
And kicking myself was not an easy task for someone my age. In fact, I almost threw my back out several weeks ago trying to kick the habit. But the good news is—I turned it around and laughed at myself for having this major poor-me-pity-party. And realizing that I was starting to get back on track and that made me feel happy and put a smile on my face.
Anyway, during the past month I had many conversations with several friends about feeling down, depressed, etc. and I soon discovered that they too had had a rough year and they were relieved to know they were not the only ones feeling "The blahs." And we all agreed that for the most part 2018 sucked and we were all looking forward to the new year.
Also, many of these friends admitted to me that for some reason they were "disconnecting." Meaning they no longer wanted to be so involved with their electronic devices such as computers, smart phones, the Internet, social media, etc. And that made me feel a whole lot better because I realized that I had unconsciously been doing the exact same thing they were doing.
With the exception of working outside on my soon-to-be-writing cabin/guest house, with Tony or spending quality time with friends and family or writing on my third novella—I no longer had the desire to waste any more of my time being on the Internet.
I mean I did feel guilty for not blogging and every evening when I would normally sit down and write something I found myself blowing it off, because I just wasn't feeling "up," because there just wasn't a whole lot of funny things going on in my life to write about. Poor me.
Part II
It's My (Pity) Party And I'll Cry If I Want to!
or
How I Stopped My Self-Imposed Pity-Party!
1. I re-read one of my favorite books Canyon of Remembering by Lesley Poling-Kempes.
2. I watched or re-watched some of my favorite movies or uplifting documentaries or television shows:
Movies
It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World!
It's A Wonderful Life
Chef
Documentaries
Evan Carmichael's Believe Documentaries:
Television Series
Cheers
Frasier
Heartland
Part III
The New Improved Happy Me!
Yes, I backed off the Internet and began disconnecting from the depressing news, etc. and I have spent many hours, as you can well see, being happy, laughing, learning new things and getting inspired. And I highly recommend this regimen for anyone feeling the blues, because it has worked miracles for me.
As an example, after watching the awesome Minimalism documentary, I had Tony watch it with me and we have jumped on that bandwagon. We have now de-cluttered our cramped closet and have dropped off, 4 giant garbage sacks, at Good Will. And we've made several trips to the Kerrville dump to drop off useless, unneeded stuff, etc. And we plan to keep on doing it.
My sense of humor has finally returned, so I am once again inspired and writing the funniest novella that I have ever written and I am having a blast with it, even though it seems to be turning itself into a book instead of a novella.
My New Year's resolution for 2019 is to do everything better, laugh more and to live my life to the fullest. And that includes blogging at least 3-4 times a week. (And this lengthy post proves it.) So life is once again good and thanks for being patient with my down-time. I have so much to be grateful for.
Y'all have a great evening and keep on laughing!
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