Walking is the perfect way of moving if you want to see into the life of things. It is the one way of freedom. If you go to a place on anything but your own feet you are taken there too fast, and miss a thousand delicate joys that were waiting for you by the wayside. Elizabeth von Arnim

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Monday, February 28, 2011

A rainy day at home

My walk this morning had me walking on sidewalks along roads and paths in the woods and behind houses.  No marked out route, just went where ever I felt like going.  I came across a few others out walking too.  No runners today.  It was a foggy misty morning so I wore my rain slicker and rain pants.  Since it wasn't really raining I didn't take the umbrella.  I have a hood on my slicker so my head stayed dried too.  I take the umbrella on heavy rainy days because the rain somehow always ends up dripping off the hood down my neck and I end up getting soaked.  I wore a ball cap under the hood and later in my walk when the mist ended I was able to take the hood down. As I was getting home the sun was starting to break through the clouds.  It was on the warm side with a temperature of 43. 
I saw a few Cardinals and two Blue Jays.
I walked 6.5 miles.
This month was a pretty good coin month.
I found 4 quarters, 3 dimes, 3 nickels, and 5 pennies for a total of $1.50.  A lot better than last month.
Sunrise 6:42
Sunset 5:59
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun didn't last long once it broke through the clouds and by lunch time it was raining.  That made my decision if I should wash my car easy.

Stayed around home today and just had one of those days puttering around the house.  I read quite a bit too trying to finish a library book that is due tomorrow, but didn't quite finish it.

I'm about to go watch a little television and have some chocolate chip cookies.  I'm hoping to finish that library book up later on.

Hope today was a great start to your week.
A smile from me to you.
Happyone :-)
We would worry less about what others think of us,
If we realized how seldom they do.
~ Ethel Barrett

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Psalm 100

Psalm 100
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, 
and not we ourselves.
Enter in His gates with thanksgiving,
and into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy everlasting,
and His truth endures to all generations.

I had nice Sunday morning walk down to the Font Hill Wetland park and around the little pond there.  It is a small place, only 9 tenths of a mile but a good turning around spot before heading back home.  I walked 6.8 miles.

In a little while I'm off to church, ready to make some joyful shouts to the Lord.  :-)

Have blessed Sunday.
Happyone :-)

Saturday, February 26, 2011

A blue planter

This morning I walked one of my connect the path routes.  It has been quite a while since I took this route.  It is a good route because I like walking the paths in the woods along the stream and I just have to walk on the roads a little bit where I have to connect up to another path.  It took me quite a while to find just the right paths to do this.  Another good thing is that there is no back tracking, its just all one big crazy kind of circle.
The paths had a lot of small limbs and branches littered along the way from all the wind yesterday.  Natures pruning.
I came out of one path and had to walk a block down the street, then cross the street here and continue on down the path.
The temperature was already 31 degrees when I started out and even though it was a  dreary cloudy morning it was great because I got to walk and all the paths and sidewalks are clear of all snow and ice.
I heard but didn't see a woodpecker.  I didn't see any wildlife which is very surprising.
A few people were out walking - two couples and two others walking dogs.
I walked 6.5 miles.
Sunrise 6:45
Sunset 5:56
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ken was out this morning and I did my usual morning things around the house.  Late morning we went for a drive to a little town called North East which is a nice place to walk down the street and stop in all the little shops.  I like the antique shops best and I picked up this little blue planter in one of them.  I plan to keep it in my kitchen and plant some basil in it.
We had lunch in one of the restaurants along the street too.  We have been to North East a few other times but always in the summer and it has always been very crowded. We enjoyed being there today without all the crowds.  
 
On the way home we stopped at Hollywood Casino in Perryville just to see what it was like.  It's a huge place filled with slot machines.  I sat down at a 25 cent machine and Ken put $5 in it.  After the second quarter I had $10 and was going to cash my money in because I doubled my money.  Ken laughed and told me to keep going.  I was up to $15 and then lost it all.  It was fun to just play for a few minutes but it gets boring pretty fast.  I guess gambling is just not for me.
Hollywood Casino opened I think this past fall, and the same company will be building one at Arundel Mills Mall in the near future which isn't all that far from where we live.

We had a nice day out and it's nice to be back home now.  
Yesterdays snack wasn't all that good so I'm going to have  some of my chocolate chip cookies tonight.
 
And that's my day.
Hope your Saturday was a happy day.
Happyone :-)
There is a very easy way to return from a casino with a small fortune:
go there with a large one.
~Jack Yelton

Friday, February 25, 2011

A rainy walk, a trip to the dentist, and out for pizza

A rainy morning today for my walk.  It's been a while since I've walked in the rain.  The temperature was 42 so I didn't have to worry about ice.  Ice may keep me from walking but not a little rain.  I put on my rain pants, yellow slicker, and took along my huge golf umbrella and headed out to the lake.  It was a steady rain the whole time I was out, but I stayed warm and dry.   I did not see one other person out walking or running or even walking a dog the whole time I was out.  I don't ever remember not seeing ANYONE.  It was nice having the whole lake to myself and I had a great walk.  I was happy to see a few deer after the thinning of the herd a few days ago.  They didn't wait around for their picture to be taken though.  I saw a woodpecker and a few cardinals were around - they are always so pretty and stand out in any kind of weather.  The geese and ducks seemed to be enjoying the rain and I saw them all over the place.  Here is one enjoying a moment alone.  Looks like he stopped to enjoy the scenery.
This picture is the cement foot bridge down at the small end of the lake.  Standing still on it you can feel it move.
There was no wind during my walk but when I was a block from home I could feel a bit of a breeze start to pick up.
Walking in the rain is really nice and I love to hear the rain drops on the umbrella.
I walked 6.5 miles
Sunrise 6:46
Sunset 5:55
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is has been six months since my last trip to the dentist so today was time to go back for a check up and cleaning.  I've mentioned before how much I like my dentist so I didn't really mind going.  The waiting room is like someones living room so I waited my turn sitting in a leather chair, watching a travel show about Greece and chatting with the doctors mother who is here visiting for a few months.  She was knitting and I was telling her about the Tuesday knitting group that I go to and she plans on stopping by.  A couple of other people arrived too and joined in the conversation and we talked until it was my turn to see the dentist.  I brought a book to read while I waited, but never got a chance to read it.
Melanie was the hygienist today and is new since I've been to the dentist last.  She was very gentle and told me I did an excellent job of brushing and flossing.  The doctor 
came in, gave my teeth a check and told me all was well.  So with a goodie bag, and a big smile I left, happy to have nice clean polished teeth, and an appointment for next August.

By the time I  got out of the dentist office the rain had stopped and I was seeing some sun once in a while.  That breeze that started this morning when I was getting back from my walk turned into a pretty strong wind with very strong gusts.

Just puttered around the house this afternoon not doing much of anything.  Late afternoon I did a little reading until Ken came home from work.  Soon after that we left the house and went to one of our favorite pizza places.

Going to have a different snack tonight - Cinnamon Churro Stixs.  Ken bought them from a coworker who was selling them for her childs fun raiser for school.  They come frozen in a box and we have to heat them in the oven and then roll them in cinnamon sugar. 

Till television and snack time I am going to read.

Hope you had an enjoyable Friday.
A smile from me to you.
Happyone :-)
Some people walk in the rain,
others just get wet.
~ Roger Miller

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Walking and other stuff

Ah, I had a nice morning walk around the lake.  Started out quite cool with a temperature of 18 but already had warmed up to 32 by the time I got back home.  No breeze and the sun came out, at least for a little while.  Lots of other people around the lake as well.  Only a couple of places had icy spots.
I've noticed that the geese are pairing up for spring.  I look forward to seeing families of geese in the not too distant future.  A light coating of ice has come back on some parts of the lake, but I'm sure after today the ice will be gone again.
I learned that the injured deer I saw Monday, was shot so it didn't have to suffer any longer.  It was the day before they planned on thinning out the deer around the lake so it just died a day earlier.  I know there are way too many deer around, but still, it's sad to have to kill them.  Didn't see any deer at all today, maybe some are still in hiding over your way Kathy.
I walked 6.7 miles.
Found a coin - a nickel.
Sunrise 6:48
Sunset 5:54
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've been home the last two days so decided to go out today.  Dropped the book I just finished reading yesterday off at the library and this time I didn't even look at any books.  Just dropped the book off turned around and went right back out the door.  It was very hard to do that.
Next stop, the gas station.  It cost me just about $50 to fill the tank up.  I have to put supreme in my car.  One good thing though I don't have to drive my car that much so a tank of gas lasts me probably longer than most people.  Corvettes actually get better gas mileage than most people think.  I get about 19 MPG driving around town and I drive it like a sports car.   On a trip I've gotten as much as 30.
I was driving behind some woman today and as we come up to a GREEN light she starts going slower and slower, the light turns yellow, she speeds up and makes it through, and I get stuck with the red light.  I really dislike when people do that.
I also made a stop at the commissary.  Didn't need all that much so I got to go in the express lane with my 20 items.  I couldn't find any of those cute little carts so had to use the normal ones.
Getting on the base, the guard at the gate thought he was a funny man today.  I pulled up, stopped and showed him my ID.  He looked at it and then said, "Please step out of the car." A second later he said, "I am confiscating all red corvettes."  So then of course I knew he was just being funny. 

A couple of people wanted to see what my living room looked liked after I rearranged a few things yesterday.  This is the corner of the living room by the front windows.  I like to sit here and read or just look out of the window.  
This is the other corner of the living room by the kitchen.  The fireplace is a gas one and keeps us nice and warm on cold winter evenings.  Ken gave me the secretary desk for an anniversary gift quite a few years ago.  On it are some of my white planter collection.  When I finish reading the books on the bottom shelves I'll put the rest of my collection out.

This afternoon I knitted for a while, read blogs and then started reading another book.
It is raining now and is supposed to all night.  It's in the 40's so all the snow should be gone by morning.  Yay.

Today is my friend Bernice's birthday and I'm off now to give her a call to say Happy Birthday.  Wish I could be with her today but a phone call will have to do.
 
Hope your day was a happy one.
Happyone :-)
The difference between a helping hand 
and an outstretched palm 
is a twist of the wrist.
~Laurence Leamer

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

A cold morning

This morning at 6:30 I looked at the thermometer and it said 9 degrees.  I was going to wait until the temperature rose a bit before I started walking but when it was still 9 degrees at 7:00, I left anyway.  There was no wind and the sun was out so it really wasn't bad at all.  Couldn't get to the lake without walking on ice and snow so I just walked around everywhere I could find cleared sidewalks.  I did a lot of turning around and back tracking, but I was out walking so I didn't care where I had to walk.  Saw a few others out walking too but didn't see any animals.  After 4 miles I came home to make a pit stop, then left again to finish my walk.  My friend Lin called and we had a nice chat.  She does a lot of traveling so we don't get to see each other much, but she is a good friend and it's always nice to talk with her and catch up on things.
I walked 6.3 miles.
Sunrise 6:49
Sunset 5:53
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I haven't made pancakes in a while and was really in the mood for one so I made myself that for breakfast which I didn't eat until a little after 10:00.  I splurged and added a dollop of RediWhip.  It is always nice to give yourself a nice little treat every once in a while. :-)

I spent the afternoon finishing up cleaning the living room and moving things around as much as I could.  Now it is done and I feel like it's a new room.  For me, moving things around makes it easier to keep it clean.  I figure I did all that work and now I want to keep it nice and neat.

It warmed up to 43 degrees this afternoon.  What a jump from 9.  I'll probably be able to get to the lake tomorrow morning for walking.

When I got done with the living room I sat in it and read my book until I finished it.  Cross Fire by James Patterson.  I like all of his books and liked this one too.  He meets up with his old friend Kyle Craig once again.

I'm taking a break from ice cream tonight and having four chocolate chip cookies for my snack.  No Netflix tonight so don't know what we will be watching on television this evening.  I'll be knitting on the yellow baby blanket I'm making.

I'm off now to take a shower and get into some nice warm comfy clothes and the pink and blue slippers I knitted will be keeping my feet toasty warm.

I hope you enjoyed your Wednesday.
Happyone :-)
If you have health, 
you probably will be happy,
and if you have health and happiness,
you have all the wealth you need,
even if it is not all you want.
~Elbert Hubbard

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

No walk or knitting group

So much for a nice morning walk without any ice to worry about.  We got some ice and snow overnight so I wasn't able to get my walk in.  I did get some exercise in though.  I did my DVD and then I went outside and for about 2 hours shoveled snow.  The driveway, the front steps and walk, and then the deck.  The front walk is shoveled for us but I usually just do it anyway.  I really don't mind snow shoveling if there is not a whole lot to do.  I just think of it as good exercise.  The temperature was only 19 in the am but by the afternoon the temperature was in the mid 30's so we had some melting of the mess. By late afternoon the roads in front of my house were already dry in places.
Another disappointment about the weather was that my morning knitting group was canceled.  It is always something I really look forward to.

I started moving furniture around a bit in the living room.  There really isn't all that much I can do differently but I need a different look every so often.  I'm not done yet so I'll have to finish tomorrow - started this project too late in the day.

I'm off now to watch a little television and have some more of that Chocolate Pretzel ice cream.

Hope you had a day of sunshine.
Happyone :-)
Happiness is an unexpected hug.
Sunrise 6:51
Sunset 5:52

Monday, February 21, 2011

The auction and a new ice cream flavor

We drove up to Westminster for the auction and parked in a muddy field.  We looked over all the items to be auctioned and really didn't see anything we just had to have. We stayed a couple of hours anyway because it was still fun to see all the stuff and watch others bidding.  So we had a cheap day out.

Stopped by a sick friends house and dropped off medicine and saltine crackers.  That's what she wanted.  She asked us to ring the door bell and to just leave it by the door.  Didn't want to expose us to what she had.  One of those stomach viruses that has you kneeling and sitting. 

It's been a cloudy dreary day and it has just started to rain.  Supposed to turn to sleet and then snow with a few inches accumulation.  Doesn't too sound good for a morning walk.

Tonight we are going to watch another episode of Larkrise to Candleford.  It's the last in the second season.   Seasons three and four are made but not on Netflix yet so we will have to wait a while to see them.
Castle is on tonight too which I like so we have some good television viewing tonight.  Of course I'll be knitting while watching.

I tried a new flavor of ice cream yesterday and will have it again tonight.  It is called Chocolate Pretzel (bits of chocolate covered pretzel in white ice cream) and is VERY good.  Thanks Cheryl for the recommendation. 

Hope your Monday was a happy day for you.
Happyone :-)
A hug is like a boomerang,
you get it back right away.
~Bil Keane

Gala

No walk yesterday morning but I was back out again today nice and early.  It was 38 degrees, damp and cloudy, but no ice anywhere to be seen.  All the ice has melted on the lake too.  Once again the geese can be seen spread out over all parts of the lake instead of just on the little part that wasn't frozen.  I saw a sad thing this morning too.  I walked by a deer that was laying on its side.  At first glance I thought she was dead, but a second look I saw that she was breathing and as I talked to her, she moved her ears.  I could see no signs of injury.  I'm guessing she got hit by a car.  The road is just up that path to the left.
A another woman came by who happened to have the number for the Animal Rescue on her phone so she called them. It was so sad to see the deer suffering and not be able to do anything.
Other than that I enjoyed my walk.  Only a handful of people out around the lake, but since it's a holiday I'm sure more people will be there later in the day.  One couple I see running most days and we always say hi to each other, I realized today live a few houses away from me.  Funny I only ever saw them before around the lake.
I walked 6.6 miles.
Sunrise 5:52
Sunset 5:51
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I suppose some of you are wondering how the Gala turned out.  We had a really good time.  I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.  It was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Annapolis and we had booked a room there so we would be able to have a drink or two and not have to worry about driving home.  It was great to be able to bring our clothes and get ready and then just walk down all dressed for the party.  Those of us who booked rooms got the bulk rate of $89.  I looked on the back of the door and saw that the room normally cost the outrageous price of $325.  The room was nice but not that nice.
I took pictures but they didn't come out all that good, but here is one of me and one of the two of us.  I'm not crazy about either photo.

There was lots of food set out buffet style.  First lots of fruit, salads, and breads.
Then came, different meats, potatoes, sweat potatoes, and vegetables. 
Last came LOTS of delicious looking desserts.  I loaded up on the first foods that were put out and wasn't hungry for the second line up of food, but I did have a delicious piece of chocolate cake when the desserts were set out.
We spent a lot of the time dancing which we hadn't done in quite a few years and really enjoyed ourselves. 
It was really hard to sit and talk to people because it was pretty loud but the people we sat with all seemed pretty nice.  It was a fun time and I'm so glad we decided to go.
In the morning we had breakfast at the hotel and both of us had Belgian waffles with strawberries and whipped cream.  Mmmmmm so good.
Then back home again with happy memories of a great time.

Ken is off today because of the holiday and we are off to auction.
I'll be back later tonight with another post about the rest of the day.
Haven't had a chance to visit blogs but I'll be around to see you all later today or tomorrow.  
A happy day to you all.
Happyone :-)

Friday, February 18, 2011

I was happy

to find that the switch plate and outlet plates arrived in the mail today.  Right away I went up in the loft and put them on.

They are good quality and really nice and exactly right for the room.  I will be ordering more of them with different themes for other rooms in my house.  They have so many different designs for any kind of theme you want.  Check them out HERE

Another nice spring like day and once again I got to sit on the deck for a little while during the afternoon.

I did a little housework and some baking too.  I had some bananas turning brown so had to turn them into Banana Bread.  Next I made some Chocolate Chippers.  Tomorrow I have a hair appointment with Cheryl and I'm bringing some of the cookies there for her and the other hair stylists.  My appointment is at 9 for a color touch up so I have no gray showing for the Gala. :-)  Though I am not getting my hair done in any special way for the Gala, Cheryl always blows it dry and I love how it turns out when she does it.  I still plan on walking in the morning so I'll have to get up a bit earlier so I'll have enough time.

A night out for pizza and now here I am at home.  We will watch the last episode of Pillars of the Earth and I'll finish up knitting my slippers.

I won't be posting tomorrow because I'll be busy and then there's the gala at night.
I'm bringing my camera so hope I'll get a few good pictures.
Till next time.......
 Happyone :-)
At every party there are two kinds of people.
Those who want to go home and those who don't.
The trouble is, they are usually married to each other.
~Ann Landers

A warm morning

The warm weather continues this morning.  It was 53 when I left for my walk this morning.  I was wearing only leggings, a sweatshirt and my ball cap.   I felt pounds lighter and felt like I was flying down the path. 
Lots of people out around the lake today.  I stopped counting after 18.  There were even a few fishermen out sitting at the waters edge with their fishing polls. 
I saw a few cardinals and two red winged black birds.  Then I spotted an eagle soar over head.  That was so cool to see.  Quite a few squirrels scurrying in the leaves and up and down the trees with leaves in their mouths, starting to build their nests. 
Workers continue to work on the new Boat Ramp/Pier trying to get it done for spring.
It was quite busy at my lake today.
I walked 6.4 miles.
Sunrise 6:56
Sunset 5:48
Enjoy your Friday.
Happyone :-)
Make your feet your friend.
~J.M. Barrie

Thursday, February 17, 2011

A spring like day

I hung around the house today getting some work done.  Such a nice day so I hung some wash out again.  Had to take advantage of this beautiful sunny day.  It got up to 73 degrees.
I've still been making all our bread in the bread machine and can't remember the last time I bought bread at the store.  The house smelled so good today again with the smell of bread.  Between air dried clothes smell and the baking bread smell, my nose thinks its heaven.

I hung the black and pink clock that I bought last night up in the loft today.  It's a fun clock and goes well with the pink walls.  As promised here is the picture.
I ran out of window/glass cleaner so made some more.  I like the kind I make a lot better than a store bought kind.  I mix together.
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap (I use Ivory Liquid)
  • 2 cups water
 Then put it in a spray bottle and I'm ready to go.

Mid afternoon I was ironing and decided to take a break and enjoy the sunny afternoon.  I took my knitting and actually sat out on the deck knitting.  I can't tell you how nice it was to be sitting in the sun.  I think we are supposed to have one more day like this before it gets cold again.
After that nice bread it was back in the house to finish the ironing and folding the clothes.

Supper is over now and time to spend a nice relaxing evening at home.  Some television, reading, and knitting.
Enjoy your evening.
Happyone :-)

A nice warm walk

A mild 40 degrees as I walked around the lake this morning and it was up to 45 when I got home.  It was nice not to have to wear so many layers and to be able to wear my ball cap.  Not many people out which was surprising with such nice weather. 
I saw quite a few Cardinals, but didn't spot the swan.  I walked up on the roads of the park away from the lake for a bit and maybe that's why I didn't see the swan.  I'll have to ask some other people if they have seen it.
As usual there were lots of geese on the water, but these two were away from the water up in the grass.  They didn't seem to mind me taking their picture.
A nice quiet walk which I enjoyed.
I walked 6.6 miles.
A good coin day too.  I found two quarters and a dime.
Sunrise 6:57
Sunset 5:46

Make your Thursday a good one.
A smile from me to you.
Happyone :-)
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.
~John Muir

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A change in dress

I met Ken at Joe's for lunch.  Always hard to find a parking place and some of the parking places still have snow piled in them.  That might be a problem for some, but not for Ken.  He just drove up on a pile of snow.  The picture doesn't really show how high the FJ is sitting up on the one side.  We sat by a window in the restaurant and watched all the people stop and take a look at it and smile as they walked by.
It was nice to take a break in the middle of the day and spend a little time with Ken.

I have decided not to wear the blue dress I bought the other week to the Gala on Saturday.  I tried it on with my new shoes and just didn't feel comfortable in it.  I think it is a bit too big so I decided to wear another dress that I already had.  I tried both dresses on for Ken and my old dress got more of a wow factor from Ken.  Yes, Aunt A and Vee, I will take pictures.  I'll be taking my camera to the Gala.  I never leave home without it.

After supper we went out and did a couple of errands.  Stopped at a couple of places looking for a clock for up in the loft.  Ended up finding one in Hobby Lobby of all places with pink on it.  I'll put it up tomorrow and take a picture.

The last few days I'm just having a cup of tea in the evening for my snack.  It wouldn't hurt to lose a pound or two before the gala.
I'm going to knit and watch another episode of Pillars of the Earth in just a bit.  We are starting the third and last disc.  

I hope you day was a happy one.
Happyone :-)
Tell a man there are 300 billions stars in the universe
and he'll believe you.
Tell him a bench has wet paint on it.
and he'll have to touch it to be sure.
~Murphy's Law
A nice walk for me this morning around the lake.  I only saw 4 other people.  Even though it has been getting warmer during the day and most all of the snow is gone, the mornings are still cold so I'm still walking around ice.  The next few days it's supposed to get even warmer so soon it should all be gone.  It was 26 degrees when I started out and 32 when I got back home.
I think I saw a swan on the lake.  It was too far away for me to be sure but it looked way too big to be a white duck.  I have never seen a swan on the lake before and hope he stays around.  The geese were there as usual making lots noise and large numbers of them took off flying.
I walked 6.4 miles.
Sunrise 6:58
Sunset 5:45

I have a load of laundry in the washing machine now and I'll be able to hang it outside to dry today.  Sunny and a slight breeze is perfect for that. 
I'm meeting Ken for lunch later today. :-)
Hope all is well in your part of the world.
A very good day to you.
Happyone :-)

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

A clean car

A very windy day yesterday but we had lots of sunshine and the temperature made its way up in the low 60's.  I've been wanting to wash my car for quite a long time and I finally got that done yesterday afternoon.  Nice to have a shiny clean car once again.  It really bothers me driving around in a dirty car. 

I had a book due at the library yesterday so I had to go to the library.  I dropped it off and actually had the sequel to Pillars of the Earth in my hand, but ended up putting it back.  There was no way I would be able to read it with two other library books sitting home by the time it was due.  So I walked right out the door book free.
******************************************
Just a breeze this morning but the temperature has gone back to below freezing.  It was 28 when I walked this morning.  I didn't walk any particular route.  One of those days when I just walk all over the place.  I was walking down the road here and spotted Ken going to work.  He didn't see me but I took this picture of him. It's a bit blurry but that's him in the yellow FJ cruiser.

I only saw a couple people out this morning and they were both walking dogs.  When we had the snow around it appears most people didn't pick up after their dogs because now that the snow has melted I see what they left behind all over the place.
A nice but uneventful walk.  It was nice to have the sun out even though it is cold again.
I found a lucky penny.
Walked 6.5 miles.

After some breakfast I'll be heading out to my knitting group at the mill.  Looking forward to seeing everyone and knitting.  I get to drive a nice clean car too. :-)

Make this a happy day.
Happyone :-)

Monday, February 14, 2011

Yesterday Ken and I went to Mt Airy and had lunch in a cute little sidewalk restaurant.  We consider it a special place of ours and went there to celebrate an early Valentine's Day.  Then we browsed around an antique mall.  A very nice Sunday afternoon.

The temperature stayed above freezing all night and this morning when I walked it was a mild 42 degrees.  Perfect weather for walking.  I only had to wear two long sleeved tee shirts and a hooded sweatshirt. I headed out to the lake thinking that all the ice would have melted.  Well, surprise surprise, that was not the case. The first half of the lake I walked was pretty good and I could easily get around the ice.  As a few people passed me going in the opposite direction they all told me how bad it was on the other side.  Barb recommended that I take the upper path and get on the park road until I get to the work station and then get back on the path.  So I took her advice and  went that way.
I walked along the road here.
 And came out here where I went to the right and headed back home.  Usually I come from the left to right here.
I think tomorrow I will stay away from the lake and stick to the sidewalks and street.
I walked 6.4 miles.
Sunrise 7:01
Sunset 5:43
Enjoy your day.
Happy Valentine's Day to you.
Happyone :-)

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Blessed Assurance

One thing I like about my church is that we praise God by singing lots of songs.  I love the old songs I learned when I was a kid and in my church we sing lots of them.  Here is one that I particularly like,  Blessed Assurance.  I would love to join the choir but alas I cannot sing! :-(   But that doesn't stop me from enjoying and singing these great hymns.



This morning the temperature was 28 and it was cloudy as I walked around the lake.  There were only a handful of other people around the lake and wouldn't you know that when I slipped and fell on the ice, three of them saw me fall and they all asked if I was okay.  I quickly picked myself up and assured them I was perfectly fine.  I guess it pays to drink all the milk that I do.  I didn't want to fall backwards so I kind of threw myself to the side and went down on my left side.  I'm not sore or anything.

It's been awhile since I've seen any deer and today I was lucky to spot six of them.  I took this picture of two of them.  They kind of disappear in the brown leaves and trees.
I walked 6 miles.
Sunrise 7:02
Sunset 5:42

Have a blessed Sunday.
Happyone :-)
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
in a believer's ear;
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
and drives away his fear.
~John Newton

Saturday, February 12, 2011

A clean closet and a morning walk

I didn't go through any more mementos yesterday while cleaning out the closet so I finally  managed to finish. :-)
Here is my nice neat looking closet. 
The switch and outlet plates still have not come in the mail so the loft project isn't completely yet done.  Maybe today they will come. 

I left at 7:30 on my walk this morning and the temperature was 19.  The sun was up and there was no breeze so it was quite nice.  I walked down the road to Gray Rock, took that to the end and then turned around and came back home.
Some of the sidewalks looked liked this.
And others still look like this.
So I was back and forth walking on sidewalks and the road.  I saw quite a few people out running, walking, and walking dogs.  
I spotted a little chick-a-dee sitting on a branch.  They are such cute little things.
By the time I got home the temperature was up to 32 but lots of clouds had rolled in.
I walked 6.5 miles. 

Supposed to be another warm day in the 40's.  I just might have to wash my car.  It has been quite a while since she was clean and shiny.

Not sure yet what I'll be doing the rest of the day.
Hope your day is happy and bright.
Happyone :-)
Sunrise 7:03
Sunset 5:41

Love in your heart wasn't put there to stay.
Love isn't love till you give it away.
~ Oscar Hammerstein

Friday, February 11, 2011

A late start

I came downstairs this morning, looked at the thermometer and saw that it read 6 degrees.  That sounded really cold so I waited around this morning for it to rise a bit.  I did a few of my morning chores while waiting.  Then at 8:15 when the temperature had risen to 17 and the sun had been up for more than an hour I put a few layers on and headed out to the lake.  It was a beautiful part of the day and I enjoyed being outside walking around my lake.  There were about a dozen others enjoying their walks too.  No runners today, all walkers and none of the walkers had dogs which is very unusual.  I thought the path looked so inviting with the sun out so I took a picture.  I haven't seen any deer for awhile and miss them.  I wonder where they all are.
It felt to be warming up quite a bit during my walk.  I took my hoods down, unzipped my jackets and felt very comfortable.  When I arrived home it was a balmy 27 degrees.  Temperatures are supposed to reach mid 40's by this afternoon.
I walked 6.6 miles.
Sunrise 7:04
Sunset 5:40

Yesterday I took every single thing out of the closet in the loft.  What a mess the loft was again.  I didn't get all that much done because I started going through a tote with lots of old letters, cards and things I've saved in it.  Some of the letters were letters that Kenny had written to me before we were married.  What fun it was reading them and remembering parts of the past that I hadn't thought of in years.  Before I knew it hours had gone by.  Then I didn't feel like dealing with the closet.
So later I'll be back up in the loft and hopefully I'll finish that job today.  I've put the letter and memory tote back in the closet on the shelf so I won't be tempted to read more.  I'll save that for another day.
Right now I'm off to get something to eat.  Haven't had a thing yet because of walking later than usual and I'm hungry.  
Hope you have lots of sunshine in your day.
Happyone :-)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Kicking ice

Last night I went to the Ladies Bible study at my church and when I left to go home I was surprised to see my car with a light coating of snow on it and it still snowing.  I didn't realize more snow was on the way.  The good news though is that it stopped not long after and it didn't effect my walk around the lake this morning.
The temperature was a bit warmer than yesterday at 21 degrees, but there was a bit of a breeze and the open part of the lake by the dam was quite chilly.  It was good to get down by the trees again so the wind was blocked.  Then when the sun came up it felt so good to feel it on my face.
Just a few people out this morning so I had the lake pretty much to myself.  I've noticed that most people walk or run alone.  I do see couples running sometimes together and there are some women in twos and sometimes threes and fours but as a rule we are alone.  I see the alone people more regularly than the groups.  Just an observation.
When you were a kid did you ever kick a rock or can when you walked along?  I did and today I kicked a piece of ice as I walked along the path.  The ice started out a pretty good size and by the time I lost it, it was smaller than an ice cube.  I must have kicked that ice a good 3/4 of a mile.  I finally lost it when I was walking over a foot bridge and it went under the railing into the water.  It seems a silly thing to do but it was fun and I felt like a kid again. :-) 
As I was just about home I started picking up the litter in my neighborhood and I picked up a little orange bag.  Inside the little bag was a brand new little four inch screw driver.  It's just perfect for me to have around the house for those little jobs that come up.
I walked 6.6 miles on this sunny cold morning.
Sunrise 7:06
Sunset 5:38

Since I'm going to be home all day I am going tackle that loft closet.  It will be a fun job and I'm looking forward to getting it done.  I won't feel like that room is finished until I can look in the closet and see it all nice and neat.

Make your day a good one.
Happyone :-)

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

A cold morning

The thermometer read 12 degrees this morning.  But did that stop me from walking? No Way.  Ice may keep me in the house but not this.  Actually it wasn't that bad because there was no wind and by the time I got home it was up to 20.  There were still icy patches but since it was so cold and nothing was in the process of melting you could tell where all the slippery places were. 
I walked around the lake and only saw a handful of people.  Didn't even see any deer.  Just the usual geese, ducks, and birds. 
I stepped off the path to let the park truck go by.  They were spreading salt over all the icy parts.  It is nice how they really try to keep the paths safe for us.
I stopped a few times during my walk to just take in the beauty of this wonderful place that I get to walk most every day.  I am blessed to live where I do.
I walked 6.5 miles.
Sunrise 7:07
Sunset 5:35

After breakfast I am going to make out a shopping list and go to the commissary before we run completely out of food.
Make the most of your day.
Happyone :-)

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

New Shoes

It's been very windy all day long and now it is down to 26 and supposed to go down in the teens tonight.
After getting back from walking I had breakfast, got a few quick things done around the house and then left to go to Savage Mill to join the ladies of my knitting group.  Two different people gave me books to read - so nice of them. :-)  When I left knitting I had to stop  at the library because the latest James Patterson book, Crossfire, was there waiting for me to pick up.  I picked up one more book too so I ended up with four more books to read.  I handed one in, but still have a book left at home from last time which is due next Monday.  I just can't make any promises to myself about not getting more books to read until I finish what I have.  It is just impossible.

From the library I stopped at a couple of places to look for a pair of black shoes for the Gala which is in a couple of weeks.  I found a pair I liked at DSW.  Here they are.  What do you think?
I didn't get home till 2:30 so I never did get a chance to start cleaning out the loft closet.  But there is always tomorrow.

Later tonight we will watch another episode of Pillars of the Earth and I'll knit.  I haven't decided to have cookies or ice cream for my snack later, but right now I'm leaning towards ice cream.

Hope all is well in your part of the world.
A smile from me to you.
Happyone :-)
The odds of going to the store for a loaf of bread 
and coming out with only a loaf are three billion to one.
~Erma Bombeck

Replace the store with library and loaf of bread for one book and that's me. :-)

Wind and Ice

A very windy walk this morning with a temperature of 35.  I thought since it was above freezing it would be a morning without ice.  Not so. It was hard to tell what was water, what was ice, or what was water on top of ice, so it was slow going in certain places.  I didn't bother trying to walk around the lake because I'm sure all those icy spots of yesterday would be sitting under water so I just walked around trying to stay away from ice.  I saw my walking friends Petey and John.  I was a bit worried about them walking with these icy places because they are 89 years old, though you would never know it.  This couple is my inspiration. 

I was walking along the edge of the road and a man was walking toward me but on the sidewalk on the ice.  He told me to get up on the sidewalk because I was going to get hit by a car.  I told him I didn't want to walk on the ice.  He then told me I'd better walk on the sidewalk because it would be better to fall on the ice than to get hit by a car.  He was actually angry with me.  I just kept on walking in the road.  I was walking very near the edge facing traffic and keeping close watch on any cars that came along.

I walked on a couple of paths too and was glad I did because I saw the fox. 
I forgot to mention yesterday that I found a dime. 
Today was a very good coin finding day.  I picked up two quarters, a dime, a nickle and a penny.
I walked 6.1 miles.
Sunrise 7:08
Sunset 5:36
A happy day to you.
Happyone :-)

Monday, February 07, 2011

Up in the loft

I sent most of the day in the loft trying to get things back to order and I got most everything done.  I wanted to keep a big area in the middle of the room clear so I can lay out afghan squares when I'm planning the design and sewing them together. 
This first picture is when I first come up the stairs.
 Other pictures around the room.



I still have some things to hang up on the walls.  I'm only going to hang up things that I've made.  I should be getting the outlet and switch covers in a couple of days. 
I still have the closet to sort out and will get to that in the next couple of days.  

I took advantage of the rising temperature again today and hung the sheets out on the line to dry.  I'm looking forward to going to bed on those sweet smelling sheets tonight.
Ken's work shirts were multiplying on the chair where they wait to get ironed so this afternoon they all got ironed.  

This evening while watching Pickers on television I had four chocolate chip cookies for my snack.
Now in just a bit Castle will be coming on so off I go to watch that.  I'll do a little knitting too.

Hope your Monday was a good one.
Happyone :-)
Let us be of good cheer,
remembering that the misfortunes
hardest to bear
are those which will never happen.
~James Russel Lowell

Ice around the lake

The temperature was 24 degrees this morning when I started my walk so there were icy spots where the water froze overnight.  I walked around the lake again.  A lot less people walking than there were yesterday afternoon but I knew or at least have seen all the people there. I stopped to chat with Barb for a bit.  The topic of conversation this morning with everyone was telling each other to be careful on the ice.  Most of the path was cleared and good to walk on but there were some spots that needed extra care.  Some places were sheets of ice as you can see by these two pictures. 

I just walked in the snow when I came across those icy places.  One good thing about walking when its still cold before the ice starts melting is that you know where the ice is.  Everything that looks wet is ice.  Once the ice starts melting, sometimes the ice is hiding under the water and it catches you off guard and that is when you fall.  When its icy you really have to watch where you put your feet!
All the sea gulls were gone from yesterday and the geese were back again.  Strange.
When I got back home the temperature had risen to 30.
I walked 6.6 miles and it was great to be outside.
Sunrise 7:09
Sunset 5:35
Make a moment of happiness for someone today.
Happyone :-)

Sunday, February 06, 2011

An Afternoon Walk

Since the weather was predicted to be 40 degrees and sunny this afternoon, I put off my morning walk till afternoon.  They were right and the afternoon was absolutely gorgeous for walking.  As soon as I got home from church, I didn't even eat lunch, but put on my walking clothes and was out the door on my way to the lake.  Oh happy days to be back at my lake!!  There were dozens of people there with the same idea, though I didn't see any one I knew.   With so many people, all the wild life was in hiding.  There were hardly any geese but lots and lots of sea gulls.  I wondered where they all came from because usually I only see one every so often. 
A lot of melting going on which caused a lot of puddles.  I only hope it doesn't all freeze again overnight.
It was just a great walk and felt so good to walk in the sun.
I walked 6.4 miles.

Since the day was so nice, I hung a load of laundry outside too.  It has been a while since I could do that.  They are out there now blowing in the breeze.

Not much time left today to do much in my loft so I will probably just wait and continue up there tomorrow.  I found some switch and outlet plates on line that I liked and ordered them.  A singe is shown here but I got a double switch plate and 4 outlets.
That's it for today.
Hope its a sunny day where you are too.
Happyone :-)
God understands our prayers
even when we can't find the words to say them.
~Author Unknown

A few verses from Peter

1 Peter 3:8-12
 Finally, all of you be of one mind, 
having compassion for one another, 
love as brothers, 
be tenderhearted, 
be courteous;
 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, 
but on the contrary blessing, 
knowing that you were called to this, 
that you may inherit a blessing.
For who would love life 
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 

Have a blessed Sunday my friends.
Happyone :-)

Saturday, February 05, 2011

A day of painting

I started in on painting right after my pancake breakfast.  The first coat went on great and dried fast.  It almost didn't need the second coat so it went on quick and easy.  I painted the closet door too.
Here are a few pictures of the loft.



Since the pictures, I've taken down the blue tape which is my favorite part of the job.  It then all looks so nice with that clean edge.  I am really happy with the color.
Next I have to put everything back in place.  The closet is packed full of things too. I'm going to be doing everything different in this room.  I have to much stuff up there and I'm going in with a garbage bag and a give away bag and really clean things out.  I mentioned before that I want to get some Ikea shelves with doors and really get things organized.  That will all start tomorrow.  I'll be posting pictures as things get done.

I was done upstairs by 2:45 and then I just felt like sitting down and reading so that is exactly what I did. :-)

Ken got home from the train show a little after 5.  Then we went out to Bertucci's for supper and had a salad and pizza.  We usually get a cheese pizza but tonight we got two toppings - caramelized onions and fire roasted peppers.

We stopped in Lowe's and Home Depot to look at outlet and switch plate covers for my new pink loft but didn't see anything that I liked.  I'm going to see if I can find any I like on line and just order them.  I'm off to do that now.

That's it for today.
Enjoy whats left of your Saturday.
Happyone :-)
You don't get anything clean
without getting something else dirty.
~Cecil Baxter

A VERY short walk

The temperature was 32 degrees with a light rain coming down.  I waited until it was light out before attempting to walk.  Everything just looked wet so I put on my rain pants and yellow slicker and left for my walk.  At first it seemed fine but I slipped two times on icy spots, so I came back home after only walking a quarter of a mile.  No walking for me today. :-(
But I am excited about painting! :-)  So I'm going to make some pancakes for my breakfast and then get started.
I'll be back later with pictures of my pink loft.
Have a great day.
Happyone :-)

Friday, February 04, 2011

Pink

Ken took a day of leave to get ready for the train show and in the morning started packing up the FJ with all his train stuff.  I flitted around here in the house during the morning and lunchtime we got together and went out to the Olive Garden to eat.  We both had the all you can eat soup, salad and breadsticks.  I can never eat more than what they give you at first but Ken had a couple bowls of soup.

From there we went to buy the paint for my painting project tomorrow.  I ended up getting a color called Capri Rose (top color)
A lot of you might say Pink? But I wanted it to be a cheery fun color.  Pink makes me smile and I can't wait to have my pink loft. We bought a gallon of paint at Walmart.  Thought it cost $17 but it must have been on sale because when we got to the check it only cost a little over $8.  Wow!  Can't beat that price!!  This afternoon Ken did the taping and I took down the light switches and outlets.  I'm all set to get started tomorrow morning right after I get back from my walk.  I can't wait to get started.  I plan to paint one coat in the morning and the second coat in the afternoon.

Ken asked me to go along with him to Timonium tonight to help set up for the train show tomorrow but I decided to stay home this evening.
I've read blogs and I'm here now writing this as I bake chocolate chip cookies.  The last batch is in the oven now.  After I clean up the kitchen  I am going to watch the next Shirley Temple movie on the first DVD which is The Blue Bird and eat four of those cookies.  Then I'll be knitting.
When the movie is over, I'll get some reading time in until Ken comes home around 11:00.

And that's my Friday.
Happyone :-)
If it's very painful for you to criticize your friends -
you're safe in doing it.
But if you take the slightest pleasure in it,
that's the time to hold your tongue.
~Alice Duer Miller