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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Friday, November 30, 2012

No walk today because we left early to come up to Happy Trails.  It was a nice day with sun and some clouds and the temperature was 50 degrees so had nice working weather.
We got the siding done on this side here.
I didn't get to work on my trails but maybe I'll have some time tomorrow though we hope to get the siding finished on the other side.
Ken had some fun playing with his tractor pulling up some tree stumps.
It was nice just being up here at Happy Trails.  Got cleaned up and went to Brenda's for some delicious pizza.  Our favorite server Jessica was there again.   I'm going to knit her a scarf just because she is so nice. 

We have just come from Lowe's and are sitting in the parking lot of (you guessed it) MacDonalds writing a quick post.  Have one more stop to make at the grocery store and then back to the trailer for a little television watching.

Hope all is well in your part of the world and you had a happy day.
Happyone : )

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Red Christmas Balls

Only 23 degrees this morning and the coldest one so far.  No wind and the sun came out and it was actually a very nice morning for walking.
I saw two deer on the path that leads to the lake and also a fox.
As can be expected on a cold morning not many people out but those of us who were, got to see the sun put a pink glow on the world if only for a few minutes.
I seem to really like these cold mornings because I didn't feel like going home and walked a little bit farther than usual.  The cold weather seems to energize me.  Funny because I don't really like cold weather the rest of the day.
I found a nickel.
Walked 7.9 miles.
Sunrise 7:07
Sunset 4:45
********************
We did go out yesterday to get more red bows for the Christmas tree.  I then put them on the tree and got the tinsel up too, though you really can't see the tinsel all that well.  I think it turned out pretty.  This is a first for me.  I usually put all the ornaments on that we have collected over the years.  Just wanted to do something different.
Took this last night
Took this one this morning
Every year since we've been married at Christmas time Ken takes a red Christmas ball and paints the year and some event that happened during the year in our lives on it.  One day he just takes a ball and goes off and paints something on it and surprises us with what he writes.  I've hung them all here.
 Here's a few close ups of some of them.


The year I started blogging
Enjoying hanging around the house today.  Later I'll pack up a few things to take up to Happy Trails tomorrow.  We are leaving early in the morning so I won't be able to walk.  I'm sure I'll get a few steps in though walking around Happy Trails.

A happy day to you.
Happyone
It came without ribbons!
It came without tags!
It came without packages,
boxes
or bags!
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
Maybe Christmas, he thought
doesn't come from a store.  
Maybe Christmas....
perhaps....
means a little bit more!
~ Dr Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Comment replies:
Kim - I use Egg Beaters in place of real eggs all the time.  The only time I use real eggs is if a recipe calls for eggs to be separated and you have to beat the egg whites like in the cheese cake.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A peaceful walk

This morning it was 33 degrees and cloudy as I walked around the lake.  I saw five deer on the way there but none by the lake - only geese.
Just a few people out so I had the lake practically to myself.  Nice and peaceful and as always such a nice way to start my day.
All the foot bridges where a bit slippery with a very light coating of ice but fine everywhere else.
I took a little detour around some apartments looking for some coins in the parking lot. I didn't find any, but I did run into Denise, a walking friend from the lake who was changing the air filter in her car so I stopped for a while to talk to her.

I walked 6.6 miles.
Sunrise 7:06
Sunset 4:45
********************
Commissary day, so after breakfast, I went over my list, added a few things, gathered up my shopping bags and headed out the door.
So much traffic on the roads today but once inside the commissary there was hardly anyone there so no lines to wait on.  I just could not find egg beaters today.  I even asked someone but the egg beaters were nowhere to be found.  Well, at least I got some extra steps in for the day! : )

Ken took the day off and is over at the old house fixing the things that the inspector found wrong.  If he gets home before supper we plan on going out to the library and to pick up some more red bows for the Christmas tree.  If not we will go after supper. 
Now, I'm going to have some lunch and then finish the library book I'm reading.

Hope you're having a sunshiny kind of day.
Happyone  : )
I sometimes think we expect too much of Christmas Day.
We try to crowd into it the long arrears of kindliness 
and humanity of the whole year.
As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time,
all through the year.
And thus I drift along into the holidays,
let them overtake me unexpectedly -
waking up some fine morning and suddenly saying to myself:
Why, this is Christmas Day!
~David Grayson

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Started decorating

This morning it was up to 37 degrees when I walked and it was a drizzly rainy morning.  I wore my rain pants and this time my rain slicker as well.  I just didn't feel like carrying my huge umbrella.  My rain slicker is fine for a light on and off rain like today, but if it rains hard the water runs off the hood and somehow gets down the front of me and I get wet anyway.
It was a nice quiet walk in the rain and I saw a few deer along the way.  I walked one of my connect the path routes.  Only saw two other people out walking their dogs. 

Walked 6.4 miles.
I found a lucky penny.  I'm looking forward to counting up the coins I've found along my walks at the end of the month.  Seems like I've found a lot of them this month.  When I get back from walking I put any coins I've found in this little bank I keep by the door. 
At the end of each month, I transfer the coins from there to old glass banks that I've found at antique stores.
Sunrise 7:05
Sunset 4:46
********************
Didn't go to my Tuesday knitting group today.  I planned on going but it was such a dreary day that I just felt being home where it's nice and warm and cozy.
I made myself a pancake for breakfast and did a little reading.

I usually wait until December to put Christmas decorations out but I got in the  Christmas mood and started today. : )
Sometimes we get a real tree but using the fake one this year - its just a small one but always looks nice decorated.  I put it together and put lots of red lights only on it.  I've decided this year to decorate it with red lights, red bows and tinsel. I've put some red bows on it already but have to buy more.  I'll wait and put the tinsel on after all the bows are on it.  Then I'll take a picture.  Oh and I also hung a few white crocheted snowflakes that a friend made for me years ago on the tree.
And I've put the nativity scene out under the tree.
I've put out a few Christmas things here and there and hung some lights around the house.  I still have a few more things to do but I feel like I got a good start today.  I don't put a lot of stuff all over the place but it does look festive.

Since I didn't go to knitting this morning I think its time for a little knitting this afternoon.
A happy day to you.
Happyone : )
There has only been one Christmas,
the rest are anniversaries.
~ W.J. Cameron

Monday, November 26, 2012

For Sale Again

26 degrees out there this morning but it was very still and the air was crisp and clear and the sun came out.  It sounds a lot colder than it felt.
I walked over to the lake and just before I get there, there is open field and today I saw a deer ran all out across it.  I don't usually get to see them in such an open space to watch them run.  He ran across the field, hopped over the path and ran into the woods. They can really move and it was amazing to stand there and watch.
Farther on my walk I counted 4 more deer and saw the kingfisher again.  

When the sun was coming up it spread a pinkish tinge over everything.  It was so pretty.
One man must have thought it was a lot warmer out than it was because he was running in shorts and a tee shirt.  I took a picture after he passed me up.  I asked if he was cold and his answer was, "Not yet!"
There were a handful of other people out and the rest of them were dressed for winter!

I came across this birds nest in a little tiny tree.  The nest looks big in the picture but it is actually very small - only about a couple inches across.
After walking around the lake I took a longer way home.  It was just so nice out that I felt like walking a little longer.  I was actually getting warm and pulled my hood down.  I thought now that the sun was out it must be getting warmer out.  Funny when I got home it was still only 28 degrees!!

I found 2 pennies and a quarter.
Walked 7.7 miles.
Sunrise 7:03
Sunset 4:46
******************** 
I've been home so far today and just doing a few chores around the house with breaks of reading in between things.  I've also started knitting purple scarf for a friend.

The woman that put a contract on the old house has backed out of the deal so we are back to square one with selling it.  After the inspector came and found a couple minor things wrong, like the sump pump has to be replaced and a minor electrical thing in the garage which are legitimate things and we have no problem fixing them and will still do them. 
Then the buyer listed all these ridiculous items that we just refused to do.  One was to replace the brick sidewalk out front because the bricks are uneven and are a tripping hazard.  Another thing was the walls are bumpy - the walls are plaster and lathe and we certainly weren't going to tear all the walls out and put in drywall.  Another thing was she wanted the stairs in the house replaced because they were too steep, narrow and dangerous!!!  The walls and the stairs are part of the charm of a 112 year old house.  I don't know why she even put in an offer.  She needs a NEW house.  Oh well, she just wasn't the right person for my lovely old house.  There is someone out there who will love it. : )

Now I'm off to do my exercises and will probably do a little more reading later on this afternoon.
Hope all is well in your part of the world.
A happy day to you.
Happyone
He who has not Christmas in his heart
will never find it under a tree.
~Roy L. Smith
Comment replies:
Auntie - The gun is a 22 Beretta automatic and uses 22LR bullets.  
Vee - Hunting season for deer opened in Md Thanksgiving.  Don't know when it ends, but it seems hunting season for some animal is always open.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Sunday

I got up a little earlier this morning so I'd be able to get a full walk in before church.  It was 31 degrees and I walked one of my connect the path routes.  I counted 15 deer!!
Colossians 3:15 & 17
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
to which also you were called in one body;
and be thankful.

And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.


Have a blessed Sunday and be thankful.
Happyone : )

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Back from Happy Trails

Just the two of us up at Happy Trails for a very enjoyable Thanksgiving.  I had made most of the stuff ahead of time and just had to heat things up in the microwave and put it out.  Not a typical Thanksgiving table.  No table cloth or fancy dishes but we were very thankful and enjoyed our meal. : )
Was a very easy clean up and it wasn't long before we were outside on a beautiful sunny day walking around our land.
We worked on making a big pile of wood chips out of the big pile of tree branches for a couple of hours. 
Then I had some target practice with my little 22 and got two bulls eyes!! I'm pointing to one of them here in the picture.  I'm wearing those flannel lined jeans here which keep me toasty warm.
Back inside for a supper of leftovers and more pumpkin pie for our snack later that evening.

Friday brought clear skies at first and I walked into town but by the time I was back home it was cloudy and getting cooler.
Ken worked on the siding for a bit and got a little more done, but still has the back and  side to finish yet.
While he did that I was out making a walking trail.  I lined the trail with rocks and little tree trunks that were too big to go in the chipper.  Then put the wood chips from yesterday down on the trail.  Didn't get very far but still it took me quite a while.  I can picture trails like this all over Happy Trails.
The rain came about 12:30 so we quit working and had some lunch and then went out to Lowes's to pick up more nails.
Had pizza at Brenda's for supper.  The servers there are all getting to know us!! : )

Some time during the night the furnace stopped working and it got mighty cold in the trailer.  Nothing was wrong though, we just forgot to check the propane gas level.  There are two tanks so we just had to switch it to the other one and in no time it was toasty warm again.  I shouldn't have said WE, because Ken was the one who had to go outside to do it!!  Thank you Kenny! : )

We woke up to very windy conditions and snow so we decided to come back home earlier than expected.  Before leaving we winterized the trailer so the pipes won't freeze and break. 
A bit of traffic on the way home but we kept moving.  I'm sure traffic just got worse as it got later in the day.

So here we are back home once again.

Hope your day has been a happy one.
Happyone.
 
Hem your blessing with thankfulness
so they don't unravel.
~ Author Unknown

Thursday, November 22, 2012

50 things to be thankful for

Happy Thanksgiving to you, my friends. : )

I am thankful for so many things, big and small.
Here's just 50 of them.
  1. Jesus for giving me the gift of salvation
  2. Sharing my life with my husband Ken
  3. The feel of sunshine on my face
  4. The lake I get to walk around on my morning walks
  5. The desire to go on my morning walks
  6. Smelling bread baking
  7. Family
  8. Friends
  9. Blogger Friends 
  10. My Red Corvette
  11. Good Health
  12. My Striiv Pedometer
  13. Ice Cream
  14. A cold glass of milk
  15. Pastor Simpson, my pastor, a man who lives what he preaches
  16. Happy Trails
  17. Sunrises
  18. Libraries
  19. The sound of rain dripping down through the leaves
  20. Sitting on the deck reading
  21. A warm cozy house
  22. Laughter and happiness
  23. The changing of the seasons
  24. Talking with friends
  25. Good hair days
  26. A Meghan hairwash
  27. My computer
  28. Tuesday knitting group
  29. Rainy mornings
  30. Sunny days
  31. Indoor plumbing
  32. Comments
  33. My church
  34. The colors of Fall
  35. My clothes line
  36. Springtime 
  37. A good pair of walking shoes
  38. Pizza
  39. Getting thank you cards
  40. For all the people that died so I could live free
  41. A pile of books stacked up to read
  42. My Bible 
  43. Lunch out with friends
  44. Rainbows
  45. My camera
  46. My life long friend Bernice
  47. Having enough food to eat
  48. All the pretty colors our world is made of
  49. An optimistic outlook on life
  50. All the good things yet to come. : )
So that's a quick list of things I'm thankful for.  Thank you all for reading my blog.  : )
Happyone
I Chronicles 16:8-12
Oh give thanks to the Lord!
Call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
Talk of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name.
Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord.
Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!
Remember His maravelous works 
which He has done....

We are spending our Thanksgiving up at Happy Trails.  A nice quiet dinner and then a walk in the woods.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Pumpkin pie and bread

A chilly 27 degrees outside this morning.  It was very still and there was a bit of fog around in places, but that quickly gave way to bright sunshine.
I walked one of my connect the path routes.  Saw four deer along the way and a blue jay.  There were some small gray birds with white on their bellies and a strip of white on their wings that I saw when they flew away.  I looked them up in my bird book and I'm pretty sure they were Juncos.

There were a few people here and there that I saw during my walk.  Most of them were walking dogs.

With the sun being out and no wind I actually got quite warm and had to unzip my coat and take my hood down.
 
It was really nice out there this morning and great that I was able to be out walking.
It was a lucky day for finding coins.
2 pennies
1 dime
1 quarter
I walked 6.2 miles.
Sunrise 6:58
Sunset 4:48
********************
Today was a home day and I did some baking for Thanksgiving.  I baked some Pumpkin Bread.  This recipe is great because it makes 3 big loaves.  Here's the batter all mixed up and ready to be put in the pans and then baked.  Licking the bowl is a bonus. : )
For the recipe click HERE.

I also baked a Pumpkin Pie and yes, I do make the crust. This is the same pie I've been baking for years and years.  It gets baked every Thanksgiving.  Very rarely do I ever bake it at any other time of year.  The recipe is HERE.

Talked to my friend Bernice on the phone and had a nice catch up with her.  I do so wish she lived close.  She's been my friend my whole life. : )  We' never lived close to each other all our adult lives but we still have remained close all these years.

Hope you're having a happy day and don't feel stressed about the holiday.  Take time to enjoy the day and let others help!
Happyone : )
It is delightfully easy to thank God 
for the grace we ourselves have received, 
but it requires great grace to thank God always 
for the grace given to others.
~James Smith

Thanksgiving is nothing if not a glad and reverent lifting of the heart
 to God in honor and praise for His goodness.
~Robert Casper Lintner

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

A day out

This morning it was 38 degrees and very still.  I took the sunrise picture along the path to the lake behind the church.  This was behind me and I happened to look back.  I'm glad I did because by the time I got to the lake the  color was already gone.

A pretty quiet morning around the lake but I saw a few deer, lots of geese, the heron again, some cardinals, and there were a lot of squirrels around.

I walked around the lake the opposite way than usual and stayed to the lower path.  Then walked around the neighborhood again like yesterday.
As always I enjoyed being outside early in the morning watching the start of another new day.
I walked 6.4 miles.
Sunrise 6:57
Sunset 4:49
*********************
Did my usual morning routine, then left for the mill for my Tuesday knitting group.  I worked on sewing weave-it squares together for the baby blanket.  Thought I'd be able to finish but no not yet.  Still have 4 more strips to sew together.  A small group today - only 7 but still an enjoyable time.

Leaving the mill I went over to the old house to put away the recycling bins that Ken had put out this morning on the way to work. 

I had to drop off a few things at the library and my friend Mary Jo invited me over to her house for lunch.  She lives near the library so I parked my car in the library parking lot and figured I would walk the path the leads to her house.  I'd never walked there before and took a wrong turn down the path and lost my way for a bit.  But I figured it out and made it over to her house.  She had a very nice lunch of salad and pizza waiting for me when I arrived.  We had a very nice visit.  I am thankful that she and I are good friends. : )
I walked back to the library - no trouble this time!!  Dropped of the books, and yes, picked up another one.  It was a book that I had requested a while ago and it was there waiting for me.

What a nice day I've had being out and about. : )  Now I'm home for some reading and maybe finishing the baby blanket.
Hope your day is a happy one
Happyone
 It is literally true,
as the thankless say,
that they have nothing to be thankful for.
He who sits by the fire,
thankless for the fire,
is just as if he had no fire.
Nothing is possessed save in appreciation,
of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient.
But a thankful heart hath a continual feast.
~ W.J. Cameron

Comment replies:
Vee - I may not have a couch but we each have a recliner for television watching.  Each of us have been known to doze off once in a while. : )

Monday, November 19, 2012

Monday

A mild morning today with a temperature of 42 degrees.  I headed on over to the lake.  Mostly cloudy but some blue sky making an appearance too.
I walked around the lake and stayed on the lower path by the water the whole way around.  Just the usual few people out like most Mondays.
I saw a few deer, the kingfisher again, and lots of little chickadees.  The heron was down by the water standing among the rocks.
There are a few turkeys like this one around the lake.  With Thanksgiving just a few days away I'm surprised they out and about. : )
There was a dead geese laying face up in the water and there was another geese near it making a low sound - almost like crying.  It was sad to see.

Since I walked the shorter path around the lake I walked down the road and around a neighborhood of apartments before getting back home.

I found a dime this morning and took 12,310 steps on my walk.
Sunrise 6:56
Sunset 4:50
*********************
We got the last of some dishes I had over at the old house and brought them home.  I was going to get rid of them but then decided we would be able to use them at Happy Trails when we build our cabin.  So this morning I rearranged some of my kitchen cabinets to make room for the dishes which will be stored here for a while.
Now I'll probably forget where I put things and won't be able to find them. : )

I've been sewing weave-it squares together and am almost finished with the baby blanket.

A few chores around the house got done too and now I'm going to spend some time reading.  I have a lot of books piled up to read - it makes me feel good to have a bunch of them all lined up. 

Hope your enjoying your Monday. 
Happyone
 As we express our gratitude,
we must never forget that the highest appreciation
is not to utter words,
but to live by them.
~John F Kennedy

Comment replies:
Auntie - that wasn't a couch (I don't have a couch) you saw in the picture but two chairs.  Here's a picture for you.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

In God we trust

It was only 27 degrees this morning as I had my morning walk around the lake.  Only 5.5 miles because I had to get home in time for church.  
 
 Thus saith the Lord unto you,
Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude;
for the battle is not yours, but God's.
II Chronicles 20:15

The Lord is good,
a strong hold in the day of trouble;
and He knoweth them 
that trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7

A blessed Sunday to you.
Enjoy your day!
Happyone

Saturday, November 17, 2012

A trip to the library

A chilly morning walk today - 27 degrees - but no wind and the sun was out.  I slept in a little and didn't get up till 6:30. : )
I walked straight down the road and then turned right and walked down to the little wet land pond.  This is the path that leads to the pond.
And here's the pond that I walked around and then walked back home.
I saw more people around this little pond than I've been seeing walking around the lake!!  There were no geese or ducks here at all which was surprising.
I saw three deer - all of them in back yards.
It was a good walk - the air crisp and fresh.  I walked around the neighborhood a little before coming inside and ended up walking 7.2 miles!!
I found a dime too. : )
Sunrise 6:54
Sunset 4:51
********************
I smelled what I think was French toast that a neighbor was making for breakfast and it smelled so good I decided to make some myself but then realized I couldn't because I didn't have any bread.  So I got a loaf started in the bread machine and made pancakes instead.

I went up into my loft and got some of the weave-it squares sewn together on the baby blanket I'm making.  I like that I can spread it all out on the floor and leave it there until I can find some time to work on it again.

I've been going to the library on my own during the week so Ken hasn't been for a while so we went there this afternoon.  I was just going to look at some magazines and not get anything out.  BUT.......  Look what I came home with!!! : )
I think I'm going to go and read for a while now.

It's a pretty sunshiny day - hope yours is too.
Happyone
I'm the walkingest girl around.
I like to work at it -
really get my heart pounding.
~ Amy Yasbeck
Comment replies:
Vee - I think blessings, being thankful and happy are all rolled up into one.  You can't be counting blessings, being thankful and NOT be happy. : )

Nellie - yes, there were enchilada leftovers - enough for a lunch for me and two for Ken to take to work.

Debbie - You will love the Striiv - Check it out HERE.  

Kerri - I didn't like the last few of the alphabet books by Sue Grafton as much either and this one is like that so far too.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Having fun with my Striiv

33 degrees early this morning when I started my walk.  I made my way on over to the lake and walked around it.  I never did see the sun, it stayed cloudy the whole time but at least there wasn't any wind.
Just a handful of people out but all I met seemed to be in good moods because everyone had a smile. : ) 

I no sooner got on the path behind the church which leads to the lake when I saw five deer standing on the path.  They all hopped back in the woods when they saw me.  When I got to the lake path, two more deer stood on the path and they slowly walked off into the woods and then I saw three more walking around the lake.
I saw the heron at the waters edge waiting for breakfast to swim by.
The geese were on the move today - some taking off and others landing.  Reminded my of a busy airport!!
This strange duck critter decided to take a rest here and looks quite comfy. : )
It was nice to be out walking this morning.
I walked 6.4 miles.
Sunrise 6:53
Sunset 4:52
********************
I still really like my Striiv pedometer and have it on me always.  I link up to the website each day and this is what it looks like.  As you can see I've walked 38 marathons and have climbed Mount Everest 2 times.  The walkathon on the right shows the charities that I donate to just by walking. 
I also enjoy playing the game My Way which you can only play by earning energy by walking. It's a simple game where you buy structures and plants and then collect the coins that they earn. 
This is the MY Way islands and as you can see I've filled it up the structures and plants.  Sorry about the blurring pictures.
Then you can go on to buy more islands.  This flying turtle takes you there.
I've bought three more pieces of land here and that cloudy area there up in the right hand corner is one I'm saving up to buy. 
 ********************
So this morning I cooked up some chicken and shredded it for the chicken enchiladas I'll be making for supper tonight.  Getting the chicken cooked in the morning makes for a quicker time getting them put together later.

Got the kitchen all spic and span and then started in on the ironing of Ken's shirts.  I ironed 9 of them.  This time I watched a DVD called The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry that my church handed out and which I enjoyed.  I was done ironing in to time.

Now for a bit of relaxing time before getting those Chicken Enchiladas made.
Hope you're enjoying your Friday.
The sun came out half way through the day. : )
Happyone
All walking is discovery.
On foot we take the time to see things whole.
~Hal Borland

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Cleaning day

A little warmer this morning at 35 degrees, but it was cloudy and really didn't feel much warmer than yesterday.  Still I was nice and warm in my layers.  I walked one of my connect the path routes but went in the opposite direction than usual.  Seems like a completely different walk.

I came across four deer and they didn't even run away as I walked by.  Just looked up from eating, looked at me and then went back to eating.  I said good morning to them as I walked by.

I encountered four other people out along the paths.  I often wonder of all the people who live along these paths how many have never walked along them.  I remember one time when I first moved here and didn't know exactly where I was, I asked someone who was working in their yard where the path came out.  He said, "I don't know, never walked it."

Just before coming home, I walked up to the liquor store to see if there were any coins in the parking lot.  I was rewarded with a lucky penny. : )

I walked 6.4 miles.
Sunrise 6:51
Sunset 4:52
********************
I stayed home today and got started in on cleaning right after breakfast.  It's been cloudy all day so a good day for cleaning.  I got a lot done and not just surface cleaning.  I pulled cushions off the furniture and vacuumed them, removed the books from the shelves so I could dust the shelves better and dusted baseboards.  Cleaned the bathrooms and did load of laundry.
I didn't have time to do a thorough job of the kitchen so I will save that for tomorrow.  I also didn't do my loft but that will take a complete day because once again I have made quite a mess up there!!  It is out of the way and I'm the only one who goes up there so I have a tendency to just leave things as they are.  One nice reason to have a place all my own.

I feel good that I got a lot done but now I'm ready to sit down and relax and do a little reading.  I'm reading V is for Vengeance  by Sue Grafton.  I've read all of her other  alphabet books.  I don't even know if she wrote any other books but them.

Hope you found reasons to be happy today.
Happyone
Thoughts come clearly while one walks.
~ Thomas Mann

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

A chilly start

A bit chilly out there this morning but I layered up and was warm.  27 degrees and I think the coldest morning so far this season.  The sun came up and there was no wind so that made it seem not as cold.
I walked around the lake.
Saw a few deer and one snorted at me.  Most all of the geese were down at the small end of the lake just sitting around on the water.
Just a handful of people were out early this morning and they were all people who I've seen before.
It was a nice quiet walk and one that I enjoyed.
I walked 6.4 miles.
Found a lucky penny.
Sunrise 6:50
Sunset 4:53
******************** 
Did a few things around the house, talked to a couple of people on the phone, had breakfast and left the house with the baked brownies from yesterday at 10:00 for a 10:30 appointment with Cheryl to get my hair dyed and trimmed up again. Always nice to have a good hair day and at the same time talk with a friend. : )

By the time I got back home, had some lunch I didn't feel like doing all the chores I still had to do around the house.  I don't know about you, but once I go out it is very hard for me to get motivated to doing any cleaning when I get back home.  So I've decided those chores can just wait for tomorrow. I'll get an early start and have a day of cleaning.

So this afternoon I think I'll start moving some of my recipes from Meals Matter on over to ZipList.

Since it's a good hair day and I don't want to waste it sitting home tonight we are going out to eat at Chevy's, a Mexican place. : )

Hope all is going good for you on this Wednesday.
Till next time........
Happyone
Who will tell whether one happy moment of love 
or the joy of breathing 
or walking on a bright morning and smelling the fresh air, 
is not worth all the suffering and effort which life implies.
~Eric Fromme

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Good News

Sunday we left for Happy Trails right after church.   We couldn't get up the driveway with the truck because of all the trees that had come down during Sandy.  So we walked up the driveway and came back down with the chain saw and some cutters and spent the next couple of hours clearing the driveway. 
Up at the trailer a small tree had come down on the trailer.  Thankfully it was small and the branches were the only thing that hit it so there was no damage.
Ken climbed up on the roof and cut all the branches off and now it's as good as new.
We spent the whole time at Happy Trails clearing branches and trees off the trails that we had already made so we didn't get to do anymore of the siding on the tractor barn.
We did clear a little more down one of our trails.
Here is Ken having a bit of fun on his tractor.  His sweat shirt matches perfectly with the tractor.
********************
Monday morning I went for my morning walk but didn't walk into town this time.  Before getting to the main road I turned right and walked up past a couple of farms.  The two horses I've seen before must be getting to know me because both of them ran across the field and up the hill to see me.  I got this close to them and took their picture.  I think next time I'll see if they will let me pet them.
A little farther on at the other farm these bulls were up close to the fence when I walked by so I took their picture too.  I don't think I'll try to pet them next time though!!
I walked down the long hill and walked along the river where I could see trees and branches that had fallen in the water. 
Then it was on to the main road where I turned right and walked up the long long hill and then back up the hill to Happy Tails.
I only walked 5.5 miles but more than half of it was up HILLS.
It was a nice morning with temperatures in the 50's.   Later in the day it was in the low 60's which made for good working weather.

We left for home yesterday late afternoon and look forward to going back again real soon.
********************
This morning I walked around the lake here back home.  It was a rainy day so wore my rain pants and brought my umbrella.  It rained the whole time I was walking and was 40 degrees.  My feet were soaked by the time I got home.
I saw the heron standing at the waters edge, counted four deer in the woods, and saw and heard many, many geese.  One other walker and a runner were the only people I saw.
I walked 6.4 miles.
Sunrise 6:49
Sunset 4:54
********************
This morning getting ready for knitting I heard what sounded like hail hitting the window and sure enough there was hail mixed in with the rain.  It was still hailing when I left but soon stopped, then the rain stopped and it was cloudy.  By the time I left knitting the sun was shining.

A small knitting group today - only 7 of us.  I am working on a simple scarf for a friend.

Left knitting and stopped at the library to return a book I just finished, The Last Time I Saw You.  Another one by Elizabeth Berg and another great book.  This one is about people going to a 40 year class reunion.  I was very good and didn't get any more books out.  Still have a couple at home I'm reading and have 2 more on the request list.

I made a batch of brownies this afternoon.  I go to get my hair done again tomorrow (hard to believe 6 weeks are up already) and I told Cheryl I'd bring brownies this time instead of the chocolate chip cookies.
I have the recipe in my on line cookbook at Meals Matter and have been told that come January 13 Meals Matter is expiring so I'll be moving all the recipes over to Zip List.  I've put the first recipe over there today with this Brownie Recipe.
So I have another project to do - get all my recipes moved over.

I'll end this post with some good news.
We have a contract on the old house we have For Sale.  So unless something goes wrong in the details the house is SOLD!!!! : )

Hope all is well with you, my friends.
A happy day to you.
Happyone
 Our way is not soft grass, 
it's a mountain path with lots of rocks.
But it goes upward, forward, toward the sun.
~Ruth Westheimer

Thursday, November 08, 2012

Thursday

We had rain last night but by this morning it stopped so no rain for my walk.  It was 35 degrees, a bit breezy at times and cloudy.
I walked one of my connect the path routes.
There were quite a few people out this morning along the paths and the sidewalks.  A couple bike riders too.
I counted 5 deer and I got to see a fox.  I don't see one all that often and when I do it is a treat.  This one had a nice thick looking coat of fur and looked very healthy.  I wish I could have gotten a picture of him. I saw quite a few cardinals and some gray cat birds as well.

So nice to be out walking and I walked 6.3 miles.
Found 6 lucky pennies!! : )
Sunrise 6:44
Sunset 4:58
********************
I usually go to the commissary on Wednesday but didn't make it there yesterday so went today instead.   There were more people there today than on Wednesdays and I did have to wait on line, but not very long.  
The sun finally came out and it was nice to be out in the sunshine driving my car.  It's cool out but it's supposed to get warmer for the weekend.

Home this afternoon doing stuff around the house.  Later in the afternoon I'll have my reading and knitting time.
I think today would be a good day to go out and get pizza for supper.   I'm sure Ken will agree!! : )

So till next time,  hang in there and try to find your happiness today.
Happyone : )
A true friend is someone you can disagree with
and still remain friends.
For if not, 
they weren't true friends in the first place.
~ Sandy Ratliff

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

A sunny day : )

Pretty chilly out there this morning - the coldest one so far this season - 31 degrees.  My walk got started a little later than usual.  My place to vote is at my church just a couple of blocks away from my house.  I dressed in my walking clothes and Ken and I went to vote first thing when it opened at 7:00.  We got there about 10 minutes early and were 8 and 9 in line.  7:10 we were out of there and Ken turned right and walked home and I went left on the path and headed over to the lake.
The sun was shining brightly and it was a beautiful day for walking.  I was really surprised that there weren't more people with it being later and such a beautiful morning.
I stopped quite a few times to take pictures.  Everything looked so pretty I wanted to take pictures of it all. : )

I also stopped to talk a couple of times to Barb and Carol who are a couple of the regulars I see most days and have become my walking friends.  Carol is also a friend from church.

There were lots of geese scattered all around the lake and I spotted the heron at the waters edge hunkered down sleeping with the sun shining on him.

It was very still out and with the sun shining it was just perfect weather for walking.  What a gorgeous day!!

I found a lucky penny.
I walked 6.4 miles.
Sunrise 6:41
Sunset 5:00
********************
I was late getting back from my walk because I left later and by the time I had breakfast and all it was kind of late and I decided not to go to knitting today.  I could have gone because even though the time is from 9:30 - 12:00, those times are just guide lines.
I finished the last few weave-it squares last night and have the squares all spread out on the floor in a random pattern and will begin sewing them together later today.  So that will be instead of going to knitting.

Ken took today and tomorrow off from work.  Not for anything pleasant though.  He's having a test tomorrow that a lot of us have already taken!!  You know where you can only have clear liquids the day before.  So I'll be home with him today and be his driver tomorrow.

So I'll be hanging around the house today.  I was going to bake something but I thought that wouldn't be such a nice thing to do because Ken won't be able to eat any of it. 

A happy Tuesday to you.
Hope the sun is shining were you are too.
Happyone : )
All walking is discovery.
On foot we take the time to see things whole.
~ Hal Borland

Monday, November 05, 2012

A walk in light

It was nice this morning not walking when it was so dark out.  I leave about the same time now that the sun comes up. Of course that won't last very long because the days are still getting shorter.  No sun this morning, just a cloudy sky.  It was 37 degrees.

I walked around the lake and was surprised that there weren't more people there because it wasn't dark.  There were just a few of the regulars I see most days.

When the weather is in the 30's is when I start wearing a few extra layers of clothing.  Light layers work best.  I wear tights under my sweat pants.  On top the first layer is a long sleeve turtle neck, then a short sleeve tee shirt, followed by a sweat shirt.  The outer layer is a big zip up sweat shirt with a hood.  It's important to keep your head warm.
Colder weather I add stretch leggings under my sweat pants, a wide headband over my ears, a neck scarf, and a final big flannel shirt/coat with another hood.
It all keeps me toasty warm even on those real cold days.  How cold before I don't walk or take a short walk you ask - about 10 degrees.  Thankfully we don't have very many of those extra cold days!!

I saw the heron over by the lake and lots of the geese were flying away and others were coming in, all making lots of noise.
I watched a hawk like bird chase a king fisher and I saw a few deer around too.  Here's
one of them who stayed around to get his picture taken.
I walked 6.4 miles.
Sunrise 6:40
Sunset 5:01
*******************
I finished reading another book by Elizabeth Berg called Open House.  Another one I really liked.  So far I've really liked everything I've read by her.  I'm going to make a list of all her books and read every single one of them.  This one was about a woman whose husband leaves her and how she deals with it.  I find this and all her books are a mix of happy, sad, funny, and makes you stop and think.
I will start another of her books later today.

Did some shredding and filled a big bag just in time for tomorrow which is recycling pick up day.  I've said before I really like to shred.

I've been making some weave-it squares for a baby blanket I'm making and almost have enough squares now. 

Yesterday afternoon we finally saw a little sun and today the sun has come out again.  Sure is nice to see it.  Makes me appreciate the nice warm feel of the sunshine even more going without if for a whole week.

Hope your Monday is a joyful one.
Happyone : )
An early morning walk
is a blessing for the whole day.
~Henry David Thoreau

Sunday, November 04, 2012

Man and women, husband and wife

Matthew 19:4-5
And He answered and said to them, 
Have you not read that He who made them at the begining
made them male and female.
And said,
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh?

Hope this Sunday finds you joyful.
A blessed day to you.
Happyone : )

Saturday, November 03, 2012

A delicious breakfast : )

This morning I walked one of my connect the path routes.  It was 41 degrees when I started out and still 41 when I got back home.  No telling when the sun rose because I sure didn't see it,  just solid clouds up there in the sky.

There must have been some running event going on because there sure were a lot of runners around.
I saw a couple people walking along the sidewalks but again no one along the paths.  The path that was blocked by the footbridge because of the fallen tree was removed and the footbridge repaired.  As you can see the only damage was done to the railing.  It is really great how they keep the paths and bridges in such good condition for us.  It is very much appreciated!
I counted at least 9 deer along the paths.
I walked 6.3 miles.
Sunrise 7:38
Sunset 6:03
********************
My son David sent me a couple of Halloween pictures.
My two youngest grandchildren.  Scout on the left and Japhy on the right.  
And here is their dad.  The one in the middle who is Popeye.  : )
********************
When I got back home from walking, I asked Ken what he would like for breakfast.  I would have made pancakes, waffles, or French toast.  He chose none of that.  Can you guess what he wanted?  It was cheese cake - so that's what we had for breakfast.
After all it is his birthday and I HAD to go along with it. : ) 

Nothing planned to do during the day.  Just a nice relaxing day around the house.
Tonight I'm taking Ken out to dinner for his birthday.  We are going to Longhorn for a nice juicy steak.

Ken thanks you all for your birthday wishes. : )

Enjoy your day.
Hope you and me too, see some sunshine today. 
Happyone : )
The best remedy for a short temper
is a long walk.
~Jacqueline Schiff