My Excitement

What could this be?

My Foxtail ferns are wrapped up!!

They are covered with a blanket and then with a couple of trash bags to keep the precipitation off of them.  

Excitement is stirring inside of me just from seeing the early forecast for this next weekend.  

Y'all....we may get SNOW ⛄❄

This possibility is enough to send my imagination straight into overdrive. 

I am not rooting for any ice because it can be rude and sneaky.  I would rather it stay far away.  But the snow?  It is very welcome.  

Snow is festive and I love how beautiful the white fluffy stuff is and how magical it looks.  It Sparkles when the sun shines on it..

Of course, you all already know this.

I know many of you have already had your fair share of snow, but around here it is like getting a big gift and one that I gladly welcome. I've already caught myself doing all kinds of things.  I made a big pot of chile...it's in the freezer now...just waiting for the COLD.  I also have all the ingredients to make vegetable soup.

The thought of bundling up, pulling out coats that do not get much use, finding the gloves that wait patiently in a drawer all year, digging out the waterproof boots...

Now this just adds to the EXCITEMENT.

Here is another thing I really love about the possibility of snow.  It brings people together.  Conversations at the grocery store spark.  Smiles appear on faces and there is a shared sense of wonder all around.  

Even if the snow doesn't come....even if it's just the cold air....there is still something good waiting.  Being thankful for a nice warm home, for hot coffee, for a warm fireplace and the simple gift of being able to pause and rest.  

Maybe this adds to the inspiration hidden in all of my excitement.  

Life doesn't always give us guarantees...Sometimes it only gives us possibilities and I am fine with this.  

However, I will be happy to welcome snow, while politely declining any ice.  I'll be happy just to let my heart stay open to wonder.  

Just a few more days and we shall see what happens..  STAY TUNED!!

Shug.  💛  

 

One Very Funny family

 

In my still time this past weekend, I spent a little time deleting photos on my phone...I already have them stored, which meant I no longer needed to keep them on my phone.  

This picture was taken when we visited in Alaska a couple of years ago.  

My friends Vicki and Susan joined Sam and I on this trip...

Just like the picture above, I found several other photos that made me laugh...

Sam, Trista, William....and ME...or is it myself or is it I?

This was a couple of years ago.  We were invited to a Halloween party, so Sam and I dressed like hippies.  Trista was a Pinata and baby William was dressed in his Orange one piece.

Here are a couple of our family Christmas pictures...

I loved my red convertible doodle bug.

The year we all "DRESSED UP!"

and then...the year the kids had to dress up while playing a game...

The time that Mylee made herself a face mask out of a corn tortilla.....at the Mexican restaurant...

This was a funny moment...↓↓↓

Sam, Susan, Vicki and I, flew down to Cozumel, Mexico.  We had taken a catamaran out to go snorkeling.  Sam thought we were snorkeling beside him, only to find out that we never went...we were just floating in the water, holding on to the rope.  lol.  

This...↓↓↓...is before we built our pool.

Mylee made her a pool in a storage container. 

If your shirt is torn...just wear it on your nose....This is what Trey did...lol

My sweet little "Bella" ....

A couple of years before we had to have her put to sleep...

She loved Weiners. 

Just our weekly kind of fun!!

I have many pictures similar to this one.  

I'll leave you all with this one...

Hair day for me.

Not only did I free up some space on my phone, but I also enjoyed revisiting so many sweet and fun memories along the way.  My family may be a little on the crazy side....just like me...but there's never a shortage of laughter or good times.  

Thanks y'all for letting me post these funny pictures to be added to my printed book..  

Happy MLK day.  

See y'all tomorrow..

shug...😁

The Return Tour.

 Yesterday morning felt "less" like a normal Saturday and more like I was on a personal "Return Tour 2026." 

LOL... No autograph signings.....just receipts, bags, and taking care of all the second guessing that I've had since the first of the year.

First stop: Kirkland's.  I had purchased a picture that I really liked and thought it would hang beautifully in a certain spot in our home.  Well..it clearly was not the shade of sage that would go well with the colors I already use.  Beautiful picture, but it just was not meant to live in our living area.  

Green Moody Floral.

Next Up:  Dillard's...I returned a pair of shoes I was sure that I would love. I think more than anything, I had convinced myself that this pair would be 'Cute and practical' ....then I put them on and they just were not me!! At this stage of my life...I need full comfort.  

Birkenstock Zermatt Clog Slippers

After all of my returning, we stopped at Outback for a quick lunch.  This is what I call "Emotional Recovery" from making all of the returns of things I thought I had to have.  Good food, the best company (Sam), and a quiet booth is all I needed.  

BTW...Sam waited in the car at each of the stops I made for the returns.  He kinda enjoyed his heated car seat and his Southern Gospel music while waiting on me.  

I thought I was done and we were about to head home when I remembered one more thing.  The recliner!!  Earlier in the month I bought a cream colored, tweed chair. I have kept it covered and never even removed the tags..  Funny isn't it?  This should have been my first clue that this chair was not what I really wanted.  Two weeks later, I finally admitted the truth:  I am a leather recliner girl.  

I made another quick stop at the furniture store.  I made the exchange and now my leather chair will be delivered this next week, and the cream one will be heading back to the store with the delivery guys.  

Decision made.....My peace restored. 

So yes, lots of returns.  But here's what I realized:  returning things doesn't mean failure.  (I honestly do not like making returns). I think in my case..... for an early morning return tour, I used some wisdom. 

Life gives us freedom to change our minds and adjust our choices....I feel like I was letting go of what didn't quiet fit for me and this feels pretty good.   

This was my Saturday morning....and Watching Football filled my afternoon.  

Happy Sunday.....

Shug.  

Basketball, Travel, Life

 

Last night was one of those evenings that had ENERGY written all over it.  Trista, Sam and I ..... headed out to Mylee's basketball game.  This was a BIG RIVALRY game and it was standing room only.  Lots of noise and a lot of people...And the BEST part?  WE WON.  The final score was 61 to 36 🏀.  I may have cheered a little louder than I had planned to.  lol.  

In other news:  My heart did a Happy Dance not only yesterday with the Penguin, but it danced on Wednesday and Thursday as well.  I received my "Ireland itinerary" this past week. I can hardly believe it's finally becoming real.  Ireland has been sitting on my bucket list for years.  I can't wait to visit this beautiful green Country.  

I'm beyond excited, but as always, everything will hinge on how Sam is feeling.  I'm taking things one step at a time, holding plans with open hands and a hopeful heart. 

My calendar for the rest of this month is almost completely filled. Between Sam's appointments and a couple of my own, it's one of those seasons where life feels busy but meaningful. I do have one appointment that I am not thrilled about.  I have a big knot that has come up in the middle of my left hand, and it definitely needs to be checked out.  Nothing like your body reminding you to pay attention.  

And then...because family knows exactly when to brighten your day, our family message group delivered the sweetest surprise: Two photos of the great grands.  This was instant smiles and joy for both Sam and myself.  These kids sure have a way of stealing our hearts all over again every single time we get a new picture.  I just love them so much. 

All in all, it's been a mix of cheers, travel plans, responsibilities and gratitude....what I call real life in motion. 

Happy Saturday...

Shug...💚