What to do....what to do

 

 I chanced upon this photo taken in Florida. I don't know the people, although I see a man who looks like Lon.

on the far right. I must have drank too much if I don't know

for sure what my husband looks like.

 

 

Trust

I used to trust people. I don't trust just anyone anymore.

could have avoided losing trust if I had used my head.  A friend isn't a friend when he or she helps herself to what is yours.

I've put all of my anger, frustration, loss of self confidence and disrespect as far from me as I possibly can. God's word and sacrament have helped me tremendously.  Prayer is my weapon as I face what my future holds--my weapon in fighting bad and negative events.

Being around trustworthy and faithful friends has restored my love of mankind.  Nothing can get me down anymore when I put trust where it rightfully should be placed.

IQ Tests

Do you know your IQ?

I'm curious as to what mine is.

This photo was taken in Sarasota, FL. The main entrance to Bonefish Grill has this awesome handle.

I don't know what a restaurant and IQ test have in common but they ended up hand in hand on my post today.

Somethings have to go unexplained.

Bye,

Cheryl

 

Back to IQ tests. Have you had one or do you know how one goes about being tested?

I took a test online a few minutes ago. I'm feeling frazzled but my results showed I was above average. That's good.

Yahoo To You

Yesterday, I resolved to write regularly on my blog. I don't want to screw up so I'm sitting at my laptop with no sense of direction.  After a deep breath, I'm off and running.

To begin, the photo you see was taken in our backyard. We feed birds all year round so there is always one to photograph. This female cardinal is looking straight at me. I enjoy capturing that moment.

provide.

I spent most of my day at home; I'm making homemade body lotion to sell at the farmer's market soon. Today was my second day spent in the kitchen. It's time consuming but fun. The essential oils I add, give them a pleasant scent. I use coconut oil, shea butter, vitamin E, aloe, olive oil, beeswax and a bit of honey in my concoction. I have an ample selection of jars in many sizes to put the lotion in once it is melted down. The beeswax pellets take a while to soften and blend with the other ingredients. 

This morning, I started my day with a walk with my next door neighbor, Carol. We usually walk for about 45 minutes every morning. It's a great way to get the body moving and the company is an additional pleasantry.

I took an aquarobics class at the Y also. I found it enjoyable although I couldn't see what the instructor was doing as she led the class. She was up to her shoulders in water so I just had to guess what moves to make. the resistance the water provides makes everything a bit more challenging to do.

I was pleased to get a call from Norma. She was a neighbor for many years but has since moved about a mile away.

Getting books published is always running through my mind, a constant companion. I'll let you know when things start to happen.

With those words, I close my blog for now.

Sleep well and come back again tomorrow.

Cheryl

I should be sleeping but not yet.

I really want to start using my blog again. 

Tonight, I am getting the ball rolling..

If I set a time each day for a few words, who knows what will blossom. A photo is a good prompt. This picture was taken sometime last year or even longer ago. In recent years, I spoil myself with a cabana on the gulf shore of Siesta Key, Florida. I also spoil myself with a beer or two.  We also relax with margueritas or Bloody Marys. Morning coffee on the balcony is a must. From the 4th floor we have an awesome view of the day as it unfolds.

I feel myself fading so I'll sign off for now.

Come visit my blog again. I enjoy that a lot.

Lon and I absolutely adore the time we spend down there, normally twice a year, but we missed our plans to go in March this year. Perhaps, this fall, we can get down there.

It seems like a hundred years since my feet touched the pure white, powdery sand.

Back to Beer

I stumbled across my blog. I forgot I had one. Good grief!

This six pack was purchased 5 years ago in Sarasota at The Big Top Brewery. We've visited at least a dozen breweries over the years. It's always an enjoyable experience.

A Sample Blog. Birds Drawn into Our Yard

Just Live

I like to be in control. It's a nasty affliction. 

For several years, when my two brothers from Michigan would be in town for the Thanksgiving weekend, I would mail all four of my brothers, schedules of what we were going to do, when and where. Being the only girl in the family, I assumed I should be in charge. Isn't that presumptuous?

I must say, it worked pretty well. At least for ME it did. 

I'm happy to report I gave that up a couple of years ago. Instead, I relax, breathe, let go and just live. I'm working on the other 364 days of the year!!

My Little Snowdrift of Thoughts

Why do I have a blog?

I don't blog about anything exclusively. I just enjoy writing, enjoy expressing how I feel about what's happening in my life or simply sharing what's on my mind. That's it. That's the answer to my opening question. I take that and run with it on impulse. 

Usually after slight deliberation, I have a subject that floats to the surface of my consciousness. Today, nothing is coming forward. To kill time, I will write about what I see:  As I look out my window, directly above my laptop screen, I see snow falling on our front yard, on the road and on the neighbor's house and yard. Since early today, we have received a few inches and are expecting a few more before nightfall. 

I have an appointment tomorrow at 11:00 in Roscoe, IL, only a few miles from here. I don't foresee any travel problems but do miss our Silverado pickup truck when there is snow. I haven't driven very much with our GMC Terrain on treacherous roads so it's something to be concerned about. I'll allow plenty of time to get to NorthPointe. I should be fine. I may go to a class at the YMCA early morning depending on what I decide after I wake up.

To go or not to go. That is my biggest dilemma now that I'm retired. Whereas, for 28 years, I went to my place of employment Monday through Friday, now I am free to go wherever, whenever, within reason. My decision making skills are getting daily opportunities, thus I'm hopeful that before long, I will be a polished, practiced retiree, capable of navigating through the many hours in my days with little concern. 

It just dawned on me that rather than posting everything I put on my blog, I could make my entries entirely for myself, as a journal of sorts. I believe that writing one's thoughts can be therapeutic. Over the years, I have kept spiral notebook journals somewhat regularly. Somewhat means I've made months of daily entries and then have gone months and even years without a word. Perhaps regularly is the wrong adverb. Intermittently may be more accurate.

Sitting here at my laptop, I'm operating without much inspiration. That's a good reason to bring this post to a close. 

Solitary words aren't my choice for this post. Today, I will share and hope it is worth reading. 

Bye.

   

A Breath of Fresh Air

,
I took a short walk today, about 15 minutes. The temperature is 44 degrees and the sun is full throttle, that is, not a cloud in the sky.

The fresh air was much needed. Walking north was a bit chilly on my face but the sounds of birds singing erased the discomfort.

I submit this post with wishes that you, also, are finding joy in your Monday,

It's Been 8 Months and Counting Since I Retired

I see myself in this robin. Does he look uncertain to you? I selected this photo from my archives because that’s how I often feel.

Retirement is a challenging undertaking. I didn’t simply walk away from my job. From a routine that spanned 28 years, I stepped into a world full of possibilities. I have many interests. Each one is tapping my shoulder, whispering promises in my ear. I’m trying to undertake too much, too soon. My personality pushes me beyond my actual limits.

I’m stumbling. I haven’t fallen. I have good physical balance. I believe over time, I will achieve better overall balance.

I know my case isn’t unusual. Drastic change always demands adjustments. 

I can see the light. I will follow it.

Follow your light.

Nothing Nicer

My dear friend, B'Lynn, took me to lunch today to celebrate my birthday. She has been doing that for many years. Nothing could be sweeter.

Seventy-One Years and Just Getting Warmed Up

Birthdays are a blessing. I’ve always embraced them although the decade marking years have presented a challenge. This year isn’t one of those so I’m charging full speed ahead.

This past year, since I turned 70, was a winner. Besides reaching that milestone, Lon and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary by taking a Panama Canal cruise and I retired in November. Phew, what a year!

I’m excited by everything. Wherever I look, I feel blessed with the view. 

I thank Lon and Jared and all of my family and friends, for contributing (each in their own unique way) to the joy I am experiencing.

Libraries Still Exist and I'm Glad

I can't find my photos of our library so I posted this extremely unusual beer bottle label instead. I like to include a photo with every post to entertain my readers. This label is one of the craziest I've run across.

I visited the Beloit Public Library this afternoon to return a book I borrowed. I wandered around and was pleased with the atmosphere and appeal.
I'm happy that our city is maintaining and stocking this facility. The written word is available on all of our technological devices which I've been predicting would cause libraries to become extinct.

I didn't check another book out because I'm hoping to read a few books I wrote years ago. Yes, I wrote a couple of books just for the challenge and fun of it.  I'll share some information about them in future posts.

I hope to spend more time at our library even if only to spend time there for a change of scenery during these unpleasant winter days.

Do you visit the library in your area? 

Hi, How is Your Day Going?

I’m sorry. I forgot to put on a happy face.

Feelings don’t always work their way to the surface. Although, I look sober, I’m happy to the point of being giddy. I have recently experienced joy unlimited.

I would tell you how this is occurring, but I have no recipe. I can share that I retired this past November. Perhaps that’s the recipe. I’ll tell you what I think.

My stab at a Happiness Recipe:

Have faith in God and spend time with Him.
Pay attention to what you say and do.
Treat others with all the respect you can muster.
Exercise.
Eat healthy.
Rest.
Have a beer a day.
Smile every chance you get.
Love like there is no tomorrow.

My recipe works for me. I hope and pray whatever guidelines you are following, bring you joy. Feel free to use the ingredients listed above, if you wish.

Choose happiness and love at least three times a day and use a soup spoon.

I'm Not As Young As I Used To Be

Once upon a time, I was young.

Seventy years passed since that picture was taken. I don't recall anyone asking me to please pass the years. They independently went by in the blink of an eye.

I made a rather unexpected decision and retired less than 2 months ago. It would seem to be a perfect opportunity to slow down. My problem is that I am overwhelmed with all the choices I have to fill my days. I'm not good, yet, at pacing myself. I'm like a kid in a candy store. Everywhere I look, I see something that attracts me. Thus, I'm rushing from one thing to another, filling my cart to the brim.

Today, I awakened with plans to go to the Y's Way to Fitness class. I climbed out of bed at 5:30 and within about half an hour, I realized that exercising wasn't appealing at all. I've spent all morning, moving from chair to chair to couch to couch. I've been on my cell phone, laptop and i pad between many, many moments when I put my head down on a pillow or curled up in my chair.

Why? Because yesterday, I participated in an extra challenging one hour pilates class and then spent over an hour playing racquetball. A few months ago, daily leisurely walks were the only exercising I did. Oh, I should mention that I worked out in the Y's Way class on Monday followed by racquetball and then on Tuesday, I exercised my body with pilates and racquetball and a one hour walk. Wednesday I rested, hallelujah.

I really do need to pace myself. I need to think before I act. I need to prioritize. I need to do a lot of things differently.

So that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Excuse me, it's nap time again.  

     

Winter Weather Warning

We will be getting snow this weekend if the weathermen are right with their predictions.

Our backyard snowman is in apparent distress.

Our snowman has never looked so concerned. Perhaps he can gauge snow related predictions more accurately than the rest of us.

We've had fine winter weather, thus, I'm excited regarding the forecast. Lon is ready with his snowblower and never complains about having to use it.

I hope everyone in this area finds something magical about this weekend, weatherwise and otherwise. 

My Son, Jared, On Vacation With Us Over the Years

Lake Vermilion

Lake Vermilion

Lake Vermilion

 

Lake Vermilion

Lake Vermilion

 

Lake Vermilion

 

Siesta Key

Siesta Key

Siesta Key

Wedding in Michigan

Today seemed like a good day to share some photos of my son, Jared. I hope to share more in the near future. 

(Please don't tell him I did this. He'd rather I didn't, but I sure enjoy it).   

Racquetball Reunion

I don’t know when this photo was taken. It obviously doesn’t relate to my post but what the heck.

This morning, I played racquetball with Margie. We used to play each other back in the seventies and eighties. We’re both excited to be back at it again. 

Playing on the Y’s present courts requires adjustments. The old Y had concrete walls which the ball bounced off better. We can’t play like we used to but we will get used to these deader walls eventually.

We both are looking for aerobic exercise and we’ll get it as we chase after a racquetball in our competitive games.

Heated Hatha Yoga With a Side Order of Loons

These wood loons live on a shelf in our home. It just crossed my mind that I should float them in the sink occasionally. HA!

Totally unrelated to the photo, the Hatha yoga classroom at the Y was extra heated this morning. The large room was wall-to-wall yoga mats with enthusiasts perched on them. I think an hour long class is challenging but I kept up with all of the poses and was glad I participated.

I’m an exercise enthusiast and enjoy it in many forms. If you presently aren’t, try it. I bet you’ll like it. Walking is an easy way to exercise and a great way get started at moving your body.

                             Namaste🙏

Footprints in the Sand

Crescent Beach, Siesta Key, Florida

We get to decide where we leave our footprints. When we get to the end of the beach should we turn around and walk back? We could. That would be splendid. But, listen up. Why don’t we go where most don’t, that is, venture around Point of Rocks and see what’s out there?

Looking ahead into 2020 is invigorating. I plan to venture around corners into the unfamiliar. Will you make similar plans?

I bet it will be fun.

I'm Recycling

During the Christmas season, this was our message.

Going forward, after minor adjustments, this is our recycled message.