Changes with New Year

Everyone makes promises to self to lose weight, quit smoking, spend more time in the gym, etc... Let's try something different this year. Everyone is in agreement that this year sucked and many ways to everyone. The new approach to bring in the New Year is, let's each write down all the yucky stuff of 2009, (our stuff-not news making stuff), and let it go. Forgive self or others for what ever happened whole heartily so you can move on without it. Once you've allowed yourself to let it go, you will feel lighter in that area and then the next. Making 2010 better is in our own laps to improve, not only for ourselves but for everyone we are personally in contact with. If we can strength ourselves first then there is a better chance we can improve everything around us. It may not be easy, for it will take work, but the pay off will be huge and continuous for days, months and possibly years to come. I wish all of you good luck and much strength for the New Year and Great Success.

Got to be Santa Today

My spring job allowed me to be Santa for a family of 5 today. This economy sucks so bad, it just breaks me heart. Telling this story will be hard to keep all information out of it for privacy reasons, so bear with me. how do I write this... I've been seeing families, single parents taking their chances with the dice at early loans; most getting approved, some not getting approved. A very special couple rolled 7's this morning and got enough money to buy presents for their kids and pay a couple of bills. When the loan amount reached mom's heart, tears rolled down her cheeks with relief. By the time they left and hearing the out loud thoughts of relief and being able to buy a few presents Today was so overwhelming, they had me in tears by the time they left. I'm so glad I was able to do something for them, true victims unknown in Washington DC in this shitty economy. They got a bit more, but $500 can change everything for the better in the simplest ways.

The Secret Giving at Christmas

One year, Christmas wasn't too far off and behind the scenes a large group of people where gathering gifts for all the children who were either homeless or Orphans. Everything was getting decorated in red, green and white with the Santa suit off to the cleaners for the Christmas party. Everyone was shopping at toy stores, bookstores, and area clothing stores. The Christmas party was here and 50 children were arriving in their best outfits, smiles from ear to ear when the tree comes into sight. All of 25 foot high and covered with ornaments made of stuffed toys with name tags for each child. It truly was a beautiful afternoon. Santa came down the stairs with bags of presents in toe and the scream of joy completely filled the room when they saw Santa in all his red and real beard. All the adults were speechless, there where no words. Santa called out each child by name and each child got a bag filled with gifts just for them. Wrapping paper flying and laugher filled the room for all most 3 hours. Hot Coco was passed around with small sandwiches to fill the tired tummies. Soon, the party was ending, but the smiles couldn't wiped off those little faces for nothing. Some bags where bigger then the child, but they had no problem getting out to the vans they arrived in.

Much to my surprise, on Christmas eve, a few days after the party, upon arriving home I found two huge boxes 3 foot high over flowing with presents. They were just out of reach of my loud and fluffy guard dog. Santa also had me in mind that year. I had presents to open for a good half hour on Christmas morning. There was even some for my doggy to enjoy. I found food, books, clothes, a 6-pack of beer, and other odds and ends. My Christmas tree wasn't 25 foot high, but the idea of a tree was present in my home.

So, what may seem small for those who are buying gifts for some they may only work with or may not even know at all. Bringing the secret gift of Christmas for another can move a person totally and completely. The receiver of the gifts may be one who has always been the buyer of gifts and totally believed in the giving, if that is the case, they are also totally changed and even more passionate about buying gifts for others. It may only be price tags for those who are buying the gifts, but for those who are receiving them, a value can't be placed on them.

Everyone have a wonderful Christmas this year.

Sunset Pictures

Weekends

Well, weekends are crazy. This weekend was tough too, but I got through it. The snow storm was too far north from California, so it went north toward Grand Junction. Tomorrow is another week.

Loneliness

I'm lonely. I have no boyfriend, I have no buddies. People have tons of advise, like join groups, move someplace else, hang out at bars. Truth is I've done all of those and many times and the only people who wants to hang out with me are druggies, drunks, and that isn't what I need in my life. I don't know how to solve this issue.

12-1-09

I just love the first day of a new month. My day was awesome. It was confirmed that I can start keeping track of the time I spend training for one of my jobs, because I will get paid for that time. It has been one struggle after after another, but I love it when stuff starts to fit into place. It could be some of the simplest things that start the process. On the way to get my mail, a friend called who needed to be cheered up and with humor and respect and lots of laughs, the phone call ended with grins. Being needed is SOOOOO Important to be a whole person. On the way, some cows were running around chasing each other and playing. I have a ton of homework to get done here VERY soon, but I'm getting it done.

Its been a very good day!

Its a New Month

Yea, its a new month. Me like new months... The yucky stuff of last month is gone. Its something I have grown to appreciate since I had to put my boobaa down in May. Now, I'm doing good. Had a funny memory yesterday and my day was a good day. I got called into work and I love being needed. Everyone should be needed on a regular basis.

Christmas is almost here and then best of all a brand new year.

Hugs to everyone...

AnySoldier.com

Well, today I'm going to talk about an organization that puts us in contact with soldiers over seas while serving our country. I've used this group since about the time they got it going.

Anysoldier.com is a fun place to hang out. There are lots of way to help help out, send packages, buy much needed weapon supplies, clothes, phone cards, donate cars, donate computers, even used ink cartages.

"where to send" will take you to a page where you can read their requests from the representing soldier. There are over 2,200 contacts to pick from. One can represent as many as 1,000 soldiers to a little as 3. They are busy folks, however some can get to a computer more then others. The key here is not expect contact from them, because they're busy. This part of the website will make you want to help all of them, but pick just 1 or 2 and stick with them until they come home. The right one will speak to you, so be patient.

"what to send" will help you figure out what they need and most of all what you can't send. Basically, everything we use daily, they need. Blankets, sheets, pillows, socks, warm clothes (100% cotton only), books, DVD's, sport stuff (footballs, soccer balls, etc...), handle electric games, iPods, paper, pens, envelopes, blank gift cards for all occasions to send home. The list can go on and on.

Marty, who keeps the site going runs off of donations too, so don't forget him. There is a lot he has set up for us to help out. But it is very easy to become a junkie at this site.

Have fun and enjoy the feeling inside you get while you're shopping for the group you've picked.

2nd Snow of the Season

Southwest Blue Sky behind the fresh snow from last night.

A little sunshine always hangs outside my front door no matter the weather...

Below is while it was snowing, above is this morning. Clouding hanging over the mountains and the valleys are bathed in sunshine with temps running about 20 degrees but warming up.
The weather folks say we're in for more today, but can't see how, the storm has moved east of here. All together we only got about 4 inches of the 12 inches called for at 7,000 feet. Those peaks are showing close to 18 inches plus.

It's Sunday Morning

Well, here we go again. I have two different family of woodpeckers (birds) trying to make a home in my home, which is wood. The little black and white ones aren't so loud, but the white and gray spotted ones are loaded with a jackhammers in their head. Yesterday morning, I opened the door so fast to tell one of them to go some place else and it scared the bird so bad, it flew to a tree over a block away. The building in which my apartment is situated needs a fresh paint job, and until its gets one, my home will be a nice pecking board for these birds. Gurrrrrr. They haven't figured out that if they tried to go pecking before 7am, they would be getting me out of bed. Thus far, its long after the sun has cleared the mountain to my east is when they start. Now, I've seen trees out east that are filled with woodpecker holes, to the point where it can't be alive, but lone-&-behold, come spring time, it grows full of green leafs and shade. Crazy birds. In the time its taken me to write this, I've had to get up 5 times to go tell them to leave. Go find another home!

Happy Halloween

Well, its Halloween again and time to figure out a costume, put out the rest uneaten candy from the pantry and get into the dreamed up costume. Everyone be safe this weekend. Some cold nose family members don't like to dress up, but there are many who do. Everyone wants to be included in the fun.

I've been busy getting two complex certifications completed by Thanksgiving. One is Home Inspection (completed, but classes continue) and recertified (annually) for taxes. Both of these are fun and challenging. I guess I've never been the one looking for the easy and boring employment. My brain has to be challenged all the time on the job.

I don't have much to report. The snow made itself at home here in Colorado this week. Some areas got as little a couple of inches and a few areas got as much as 4 feet.

Have a safe and fun day everyone.

Prime Time TV

With all the tv shows on, even the new ones. I've found that (which is pretty obvious if observant) most of these shows are extremely stressful. I can't get thru 5 minutes of "Trauma" or even 20 minutes of "FlashForward". I'm sure they are pretty good, but tough to get thru without every part of my body completely stressed out and a raised heart rate. What happened to good ol' family entertainment. I mean, the visual moves in "Criminal Minds" is purely unnecessary. The writings of some of these shows are so brutal, I'm shocked that they are even allowed to be aired. I'm not going to watch any of these shows and it is my choice, but I think that the FCC needs to really look at the content and the reaction of the body during some of these shows. The reason why NCIS is #1 is because it has humor and isn't filled with pure torture of another human on Prime Time TV. And everyone wonders why everyone is so stressed out.

Hi

I haven't posted much because there is a problem at the blog site. I'm not sure this will even get on there. Not sure what is going on with it. I'll keep checking to see if its fixed.

Hugs

Pretty Pictures

Look Up

I have a funny memory this morning while watching the balloons trying their hardest to get free of the low pressure hold on them. Its a good thing I didn't wait to see them float by my windows, because I never would have seen them. This morning the breeze is carrying them south, not west like yesterday. Ponds, creeks and rivers are a magnet to hot air balloons, they are literality pulled to the earth while the pilot is fighting to keep the balloon out of trees, over head wires and other hazards.

One day in a park someplace, Kaci and I where taking a break from what ever we were doing and I found she was looking up towards the clouds. But she wasn't looking at the clouds, she was watching a jet flying high and taking its passengers to the paid destination. I can't imagine how she saw it, with the clouds. There was no com trail, just the plane. She watched for what seemed like 4 or 5 minutes. I asked her what she was looking and she just looked at me smiling wagging her tail. She was a funny pup.

Saturday

I'm feeling pretty good today. I got a lot of house work done and even took a walk. House work is my least favorite thing, but I like myself better once I get it done. Putting off a nap in hopes that I might even get a good night sleep tonight. Lots of crazy dreams.

Balloon Festivals are fun...

Pride & Health

Where do I start. I'm starting anew chapter and its one I hope a few people will hold me too. My eating habits are pretty healthy for the most part. No or very little dairy, no or very little HFCS, no or very little MSG. I'm on day 3 of walking for 30 minutes. I'm not pushing it just yet, just walking at a steady pace for 30 minutes. One day at a time...

Pride & Surviving

There was a story on the net the other day about a young man who starved to death in his tent rather then asking for help in his time of need. All of us are really feeling the pinch in every corner of our lives, from jobs or lack of, bills and not being able to pay them, ect...

Please Please Please ask for help if you need it. If the person you ask can't help, they may know someone who can or forward you to a county program. There is nothing wrong with food stamps; you've paid taxes in the state you live in right? Well, then you can do the paper work and jump a few hoops to apply for food stamps. Is it humbling, YES, but going without food hurts. That service is there for EVERYONE. There are people who can help, all you need to do is ask. Please Ask For HELP.

I am thankful for a parent for keeping me from sleeping in my car, thankful for my family for helping me start a new business, thankful for the support they have given me.

Everyone has their own reasons for asking for help or rather Not asking for help. A lot of families need to be fed, some only have their own mouths to feed and a pet. Pets are being surrendered to local shelters rather then finding ways to feed them. YES it is tough feeding a pet, but it's tougher to give up the pet who has been a member of the family for a period of time. Ask the local human society if they have a program that helps those who are struggling to help feed their pets and keep the pets at home. Feeding children is also tough. Food stamps help here, some schools are serving breakfast now, as well as lunch. Those who only have your own mouth to feed, you can also apply for food stamps. There is help out there, Please Ask For Help.

No one is above asking for help, No one should be starving. We are mist a new way of life, a new way of managing our money, spending the money we earn, and even passing it forward. Some have gone from 6+ figure incomes to minimum wage jobs over night. Some have gone from upper 5 figure incomes to lower 5 figure incomes.

Everyone's livelihood has changed.

Hugs

Update

I've been working really hard getting a new or next career going, thus my lack of notes. I'll let you know what is going on when I have more to report.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Hugs

Happy Birthday

Today is 8-30-09 and it’s My Birthday. Today is the start to a new year for me and I’m feeling real good. The past year has been filled it many struggles; some of them the same as many other folks and a few that are out of character. I’m very happy for the chance to get to start a new year. If there is anything I’ve learned is that a person can care for their health, which also covers mental health. One of the struggles I had/have to deal with the result is a small case of PTSD. I’m not ashamed it or embarrassed by it. It’s a very real thing and it can be solved like most things life tosses at me. I am thankful for the support of my family who are also learning the symptoms (not that mine are huge or harsh by any standards), but the knowledge of them is not only for me, but also for others who may also be dealing with them. My life has handed me many struggles and I have conquered them all, all in due time with great success. Perfection is a myth, Knowing of all things is a myth, Learning to love self is a must, Respecting self is a must, Respecting others is a must. The season is changing into fall and it also offers me anew, with changed light, fresh air, cool evening, Beautiful days and I welcome it all. I can’t put everything into words on how I’m feeling, I’m going to hold onto it for awhile. I’m enjoying it… The reason why I’m writing about all this is because I was having a hard time dealing with everything that was tossed at me. Well, I was literally pulled from my life in southwest and put on the Florida beach for a week, by my dad. It was needed and Greatly appreciated. I have come back with a new vigor and I’m going to do everything I can to keep it going.

Is it your birthday today? Happy Birthday! A new season is a great gift, enjoy all things this year and much luck in new appreciation for self and others.

For all of you who having to pay big money to have the NASA channel available for you on TV, well it’s one of the DTV channels and I can watch the views of earth from the shuttle for free. Now, that is truly an Awesome thing it behold.

Have a Great week and get away from your computers for a while and enjoy the change of seasons and fresh air.

Beach

The interesting about tans on the beach, there are no secrets... The locals and their tans range from yummy brown to a dark rich brown. The vacationers tans (if any) run from the only color there is is around the collar and arms to some color on the tops of feet and lower legs. Unless someone lives on their bike and in shorts all the time, and come to beach. Me, I happily sport a Colorado Tan, tan face, tan feet and tan arms. I'm not one of those who live in shorts all summer, skirts are cooler... My skirts end below my knees. I've never been one of those people who can wear skirts that end above my knees (gift from my loving grandma), so my tan above my knees is not in place and most likely won't be much higher then my knees. :) When I first got here, you can say the locals were giving me second looks and going about their business. One of the reasons why I take good care of my skin is because when I was a kid, growing up at 9,000 feet, your much closer to the sun and the air if thinner and the chances of burning are much higher. Well, in one summer, I fried (not burned) the my back and shoulders three (3) times. Even with sun screen on. I did such a job on them each time, it took a lot of tea bags placed on my back to pull the heat out of my skin and help it move to the tan period. Oh boy did I peel, I peeled for days. I lived in my dad's big white t-shirts for days. There may be real reasons why people wear hats and cover more of their body than another person may not be aware of. Some people live on the beach and spend hours each day out there, were some of are happy to just walk and get some sun for 45 minutes a day. I just find it interesting.

Hug your pets today...

New Happy Mac

Well, some of you may be wondering where I've been lately.  Well, two weeks ago I had 2 working computers and quickly went to none.  Well, I'm back up to one computer and its a Very Nice computer at that.  I'll be up and running sometime this week and can get back to normal.  Today, I've changed coasts and altitudes for a week.  I've gone from 7,000 feet to 20 feet above sea level.  Everyone needs a break now and again.  Will have more computer talk when I'm no so tired.

Hugs

"CFC" & Possible Future Unseen Issues

This Cash For Clunkers program has me wondering about something. And I ask these questions in hopes that the happy owners of the new wheels their driving home thought about. We as a country and most importantly, individuals, are broke or close to it. Can the happy owners who are buying these newer cars (and not writing a single check to pay for it) and are driving home with a new bill to pay each month: Can they make the payments each and every month? To some this may sound like a really stupid question, but jobs are still being lost and houses are still coming up for auction because there is No $$$$$$ to pay the bills due to lost incomes. Try, we are starting to slooowly to pull out of this poor economic period, but I have a feeling that the credit problem will increase and the repo businesses are going to be getting a lot of calls from their local banks or dealerships. In the last week, I seen about 20 newer cars running down the highway in my county alone with temp tags. I just hope this doesn't backslide on what should be helping a lot of people go back to work. Its been on my mind, thats all...

Banana Bread in a Crock-pot

Well, I tried something last night and that was to make a loaf of Banana Bread. I'm living with the most basic of cooking tools (pots, pans, etc...), so my only option was my 1.5 qt crock-pot (no loaf pan). :) And it turned out perfect and Yummy. Using the measurements from my "Back to Basic's" cookbook, here is what I used and/or had on hand.

This makes one loaf in a 1.5 qt Crock-pot

1 large banana

2 cups of pancake mix (instead of all flour mix items)

2 eggs

2 tspns Olive Oil (instead of butter)

2 tspns Soy (instead of milk)

1/3 cup sugar (you can add more if you like)

*Mix wet stuff, then added pancake mix in parts until mixed (with a fork, basic living)

*Oiled up crock-pot with more olive oil

*Turn crock-pot on to "High" and make sure oil is all over the inside, pour extra into mixture

*Pour mixture into crock-pot (on High) and once all is in the crock-pot, turn it down to "Low"

*It fills the crock-pot just over halfway

*Cover with lid and leave for about 90 minutes. (I left it in for about 1 hr & 45 mns)

*You can add raisins or nuts a little at a time and wait for them to sink, then add more.

*Cooked thru, it will have risen to just under an inch from the top of the crock-pot.

Remove while still warm and set on plate or rack to cool.

I may make another loaf with blueberries & wheat germ today. :)

Enjoy

Touching Base

Well, I've been busy here lately and will fill all in later on on what I've been doing. The weather has be very HOT and is beginning to cool off and that makes me very happy. Living in an upstairs unit with no AC when its 90+ outside is tough. At about 4:30 pm on those hot days, I would loose the fight to keep it cool and would give in by opening up the house. My little 4 inch fan works pretty good at moving the air around and help pull cooler air into my place at night. I got out of dodge today and at the very cool library in the city, over looking the bike trail that covers about 20 miles from end to end. Some rafters floating down the river in blow up rafts, doggies (with hot paws) walking with their owners with their tongs dragging on the sidewalk. Don't get me started on my big pet-peeve on that little issue. Big puffy clouds moving around dropping some rain high up. The dating market is better looking over here too...

I've been very careful to pay attention to spending habits and spending more time "shopping" for the best price on the items I do want, like food. :) I'm rereading my western books, because I can't find ones I want.

Guess thats all I know right now. I'll try to write more often.

Wet Forest Floor

Evening! Not sure how I'm going to top the last line of my last post but we'll see. It was actually pretty awesome outside today. It was raining for a long time higher up for most of the afternoon and its smelled so good from my house, it was Amazing. How does one describe what the wet pines trees smell like after a long rain when its raining 5+ miles away. And it goes way beyond the smell of some silly floor cleaner.

The amazing part is, its smells like I was sitting under the trees right then in the early morning air. The tree bark is soaking wet and the branches are dripping water from their needles to the forest floor. When I walk, the ground gives about an inch and the water squishes out from under the needles. I'm over 5 miles down the hill and can understand all this from what the aroma that is being carried in the breeze. Usually its the smell of the warm wet desert of the scrub oak, cedar, and sage. Today its the wet pine floor and bark from 9,000 feet. Hours later and it still amazing.

If I could possible sleep in my swing chair, I would, but I don't think I would last long. My long a** legs would be screaming for being curled up for too long. So, the window is open in my room and that will have to do.

Its Hot!!!

Well, its July... Its hot here in the four corners. As it turns out, we're just on the edge of a huge heat wave west and south of us. My doggy would not be happy this week. 91 in the shade today at 7,000 feet.

The silly part about summer time (any place) where its hot and the humidity is so low you don't sweat, a person can put on a few pounds. Too Hot to move much. No AC at my house, its okay for most of the day as long as it cools off at night. Close the house up real good by 7:30am and it manages to stay below 78 until about 4pm. By the evening, the battle has been lost and its time to open it up and sit in my swing chair on the porch.

There's got to be a funny in here some place... When January gets here, we'll be asking for warmer weather, thats it. So, today, I'll think nice cool thoughts and when January comes, think nice warm thoughts. Blizzards and 3 feet of new snow, school closing and midnight sledding parties across town... From the top of aspen down to the school, having too much fun to think about the fact that its 10 degrees out and our snot is freezing in our noses...

Hugs

My Best Bud

This is or was my best bud. She loved to hang out in the snow. This a small east coast snow and she was very content. Getting her in the house before she was ready wasn't going to happen. She loved the snow, especially when it was over a foot deep (often in Colorado Mtns) and play until her feet where frozen. She would come into the house and give the look "Where is my blanket?" and I would cover her up until she was warm again and she would ask to go back outside. This cycle was never ending, sometime all day if I was home. She made sure I didn't get to sit much. She was Lab, Retriever, Blue healer and Australian Shepherd.

Now, the following two pictures aren't in order. The bottom one was right after a bath and she was all wet. Her spots really showed up when she got wet. Now, being covered with the towel until she was all dry was something she learned to love as a puppy. She stayed warm and her coat got extra fluffy too. Trimming off her feathers was a big no-no in my house. They were apart of her and her personality. I did trim her belly about April or May and by the time winter came around that fur grew back.
She did pretty well in the bath, she didn't like it much, but LOVED being clean. Thats her happy face...
We got looks when ever we were on the road, because she was a full size pouch, weighing at about 75-80 pounds. Not to mention being so pretty and fluffy. She was part cat, because she kept herself pretty clean. She was a great pet and friend. I'm missing her tonight...

Bottled Water

I just read a story that a small town in Australia is banning the selling of Bottle Water. Well, leave it to such a huge country to make the first big move to better the environment and reduce the plastic bottle waste. But most importantly, reduce the money spent on something that comes from the tap. How much of your tax dollars is your state capital or public offices spending on bottled water? The last time I bought bottle water, it was at the local dollar store and they were one gallon bottles for me to refill from the tap when they got empty. Nice going Australia, Nice going...

Humor & a Tonka Toy

I was thinking about one of my road trips last night after I read a fellow bloggers story about her last trip. While I was living out east and on my way to my dad's in Northern Florida on the wednesday before Thanksgiving. Well, I-95 is what I would call a moving parking lot. All of us were doing right about 68 mph (in both lanes) and what blew me away was that everyone was on their very best behavior. The only cops & accidents I saw where on the other side of the interstate. Now, I've made plenty of trips down I-26 and I-95 to know that there was a very clear difference in the behavior on other trips. Now, most of the time I made most of that trip at night, because its borrowing and HOT during the day light hours and some people on I-95 want to be at their destination 5 hours ago, but for some of them, they had another 8 hours ahead of them. So, it never failed to have a group of 5 or 10 doing about 85 (in a 70 mph zone) with the whites of the eyes showing and white knuckles on the steering wheel "GET OUT OF MY WAY, YOU *** ****" or something along those lines look on their face. I would laugh and wish them a safe ride. Now, I'm the kind of person who finds humor in most things, as long as my life wasn't put into risk by others actions.

Now the moral to this story is there will always be at least one driver along your trip who will just make you laugh out loud. Now, here is one of my laugh out loud moments. I was on one of my many road trips (no clue where) and I big flatbed semi passed me in the hammer lane and there wasn't anything on the bed...until...the very end of the trailer pulled up beside me. Low and behold there was a large tonka toy semi truck strapped down on the very end (the very end) of the trailer. It was the same color, same model and same stripping as the Daddy semi 50 feet in front of it. I just burst out laughing, because it was the VERY last thing I would see following this "Manly" looking queen size cab up ahead. Now the toy truck was big enough for a 2 year old to ride on with ease and be like his or her dad. Most of the time I keep my camera handy for photos like that one; while reaching for the camera and trying to get turned on, I think the driver knew what I was up and increased his speed to put some distance between us and I was sad. That would have made a great photo. Road trips are suppose to be fun, not all uptight and rush rush rush rush...

Keep doing the work

Hugs

Honoring Everyone Daily

Well, I've been thinking (again) a lot lately and with the MJ Memorial today, it sure makes you think about a lot of things. I was not a huge fan, but I stood by him from day one. His career stretched as many years as I am old and thats pretty amazing by anyones standards. Its pretty amazing that he is in fact no longer here in body, but he isn't far from many of us. This entry isn't about a single person, but rather what each of us has a responsibility to meet each day. I did not watch the broadcast of the Memorial in US TV stations, but rather on NTV in Canada, because I knew that they would air it without commercial breaks or silly comments from those to need to hear their own voice. The saddest part about death is we find out more about a person after they have gone then what we knew about them while they (who ever they are) are here and breathing. Maybe that is something we should do more of, to share more about who we are so those around us can know while we're here and not find out about us after we're gone. Everyone needs to be honored each day, not matter our faults or achievements.

Example, not many people or my family has ever seen my hair as long as it is now. In fact I had it so long at one time, I was sitting on it. But, I'm growing it out this time for myself. Right now, its long enough to lean against it in a chair and where I have to pull it out of the chair so I can move my head. :)

Keep doing the work

Hugs

Pictures

Here is a few new pictures I took the other day. That is Mesa Verde at sunset and the body of water is Summit Lake.

Just a fun picture of the sky reflecting off the water.

A New Month

Hello, it's a new month and I've learned to like each new month. Despite the struggles I have gone thru sense I got home, I'm glad to be here. I was thankful and very happy when December 1st to came. I can't say much but other then being at the wrong place at the wrong time! I'm okay, but I'm a better & more aware person now. It took my breath away when June 1st arrived, May was a very long month, having to put my best friend down on Mother's day. Today is July 1st and I look forward to what may bring me. The weather on the mountains, rain in the afternoon and the love for living at about 7000 feet everyday is awesome. My health is pretty good and I'm happy. The blue sky, white clouds and fresh air, man this is God's Country at its best. I'll never get bored with it even when I need road trips. I have new pictures, I'll get them off my camera tonight and try and load a few tomorrow or the day after.

Keep doing the work

Hugs

Those White Lines...

Hey, while trying to prefect the art of doing taxes for others when tax season comes and find a paying job this week; if anyone can think of a way where I can make a living while driving around our grand country, let me know. I've picked up a CDL book and I think I've met my match. I Don't give up on Much and Not giving up on the CDL idea, but this one is going to take me a while to get it all in my head. In the mean time those lines on the road are a calling. I'd love to write even with my silly mistakes, I enjoy it. I'm willing to write and take pictures about my journeys if that helps.

This photo could be taken any number of places on the east coast (morning fog), but this was taken in Eastern Tn last August. Day 2 of my return trip with my road trip partner, Kaci. This would make the 11th and final major road trip for her. It was so hot last summer, we drove mostly at night (9pm to 10am) with her usual pee breaks every 2 hours or so. She loved them as much I do, smelling all the local smells at every rest area, being on guard duty no matter where we stopped to rest. I don't know how I will make more trips without her in the back seat, because she made me feel safe, but I'm sure I'll figure it out.

I'll keep dong the work, like all of you,

Hugs

Its Monday :)

This picture is from my move back to the SW, its someplace in NM, along I-40. It was really green last august and HOT.

Well, unemployment is stressful. The news isn’t very cheerful about it, but it’s a relief to know that I’m not alone with this problem. It’s been just over a year sense I graduated from college with a business degree and sadly I haven’t been able to put it to work just yet, unless doing taxes applies. Those graduating from school this year, I feel for, because they’re competing for the same job by those 20+ years their senior. I’ve thought long and hard about what I really want to do, but the economy keeps getting the way. I’m so embarrassed by the fact that I’m struggling worse now then I have in years, that I can’t call to ask for some help, I have to email the request in. I’m not proud of my situation. If I had to chose from all the jobs that I’ve applied for in the last year and wish it had fallen into place for me on even a permanent PT basis, it would be the one I had to 3 months making decent money, doing taxes… It’s an interesting job and it makes my brain work really hard. I sit at home every evening and make a list of things I need to get done the next day, the phone calls I have to make and cross my fingers that something pans out. I’m applying for jobs that will offer good pay, so I can catch a break and get back on top of my bills. I’ve never had to back out of a lease before and I’m not about to start. The rent is cheap enough, so I should be able to get it paid every month, right? I have my days were I’m pretty down about all of it. Friday was one of those days, I’m fighting it off this afternoon. Making the list of things I need to get tomorrow sure can bring someone down. My will is strong, I’m independent, and I’m good looking for being 40 years old. I was thinking thru a lot of things this morning and found that there are things I can do, but making money from them isn’t likely anytime soon. Leave it M*A*S*H to bring you back to earth of what problems are.

I like yourself, keep doing the work

Hugs

Hi All

Now, I can see that my blog can be rather boring, hence the lack of readers, but this whole thing is new to me. I did get the photos off my camera and I can add one to my blog. No pictures of my yummy pancakes; sorry, I ate them... :)

Now this picture really shows how green it is in the southwest. For those of you who are out east, yes the sky really is that blue to the upper right hand side of photo. Pardon the glare from getting the photo thru the windshield.

Well, I guess thats all I have today. Enjoy the picture. More to come later.

Keep doing the work

Hugs

My Pancakes

Sometimes I get tired of the same ol' pancakes. So, to solve that little problem, I buy the least expensive mix I can find and start pulling stuff from the cupboard. Saturday, I wanted some pancakes, so here is what I came up with and they were Yummy. Now, I don't do much measuring, but it turns out pretty good. The measurements I'm giving here are for 2 or 3 6 inch pancakes.

1 cup pancake mix

1 tblspn chocolate powder mix (any will do)(I keep unsweetend on hand)

1 tspn cinnamon

3-4 tblspn Wheat Germ

1 gram cracker (broke up small)

Mix and add

1 egg

1/2 to 1/3 cup of soy milk (until right thickness)

I use olive oil to cook them, (Essential olive oil w/ Omega 3 in my house)

Top with Maple syrup or syrup of choice

These items is what I had in the house. It may sound yucky, cooking it with olive oil, but I can't tell the difference between it and good ol' fattening butter. I can tell that they don't hurt as bad down the road. :)

Who says pancakes have to be a plain carb filled breakfast. Enjoy

Keep doing the work

Hugs

Melted Chocolate

Well, it's the season of melted chocolate bars found (forgotten ) in our cars. It's like camping and fighting to keep the smores from falling apart and going all over ones face. Its like taking a new partner on a first date and it always turns out to be with the long pasta & red sauce pasta with meatballs; there's no easy or polite way to eat without making a mess, even a small one. Like with a Hershey's bar, you have to get the melted brown goodie off the wrapper, because 40% of the treat is on the inside of the wrapper. We hope no one is watching us attack the melted treat, but we know that someone is watching and laughing while thinking to themselves "Oo that looks yummy, I want one." We continue to attack that melted mess with true desire and give up trying to be nice about it and go for the gusto to finish it off. We do our best to make sure none of the cooled pieces have fallen on our nice clothes while pulling the wrapper completely open to get all the goody. Once done and the wrapper is safe in the trash can, we proceed to wet a corner of a towel or napkin with some water and wash the missing chocolate off our face that we can't feel is there, because our whole face feels sticky with chocolate. That was yummy, totally worth the hassle. :)

See you tomorrow & keep doing the work

Hugs

Well, not much to report today. The sun is out and the cool breeze is nice. Much cooler in the shade then out in the sun. Blue Grass is going on in Telluride this weekend, they usually get some sorta weather. My weekends are free for while, now maybe I can finally get some time to figure out this whole blog system.

Surely I'll have something to talk about tomorrow. Today, I'm taking stock of all things I'm thankful for.

See you tomorrow & keep doing the work

Hugs

Today's Drive

Well, today is a new day and it feels pretty good to be around. I was driving to the big city (tiny to most people) and found that its pretty cool to be apart of this country. I know I've said this before, but its true. Today I was heading over here and lost track of all things (thinking) and saw a pickup heading west and the passenger had their hand out the window letting the air pressure force it up and down. Things we do on the road in the copilots seat and bored out of mind. I started to laugh, the things we find to keep ourselves entertained. Pulling into town , a harley passed me and as I looked over, saw that it was in fact a female and read her plate. I won't disclose it, but I'll say she served in one of our nations armed forces. I thought it was very cool and glad to see her home, in one piece. I guess my point is that the smallest thing can bring us back to the little things that matter, when our minds are occupied with the bigger issues.

Despite the feelings that we're all broke, I can say that there are people out on the roads and being tourists, even in their own state. I've seen some out of state plates too. It's encouraging to see that the wheel of the movement of money hasn't come to a complete holt.

One of these days, I'll get the pictures off my camera and get them loaded for those of you who have visited or lived here in the past and see what has changed. There's a little snow left on the mountain tops, but not much. Those glaciers look more like small dots from here, but they are there. By no means enough to hike up and ski.

See you tomorrow & keep up the work

Hugs

My Economy Survival Tricks, part one

The economy has been tough on everyone.  I work at a shop where people would want to spend money and that makes it even harder to make a living.  Lots to learn and lots to report later on.  I don't have all the answers to surviving day-to-day and month-to-month, but I do have tricks.  Luckily, I don't have a mortgage payment or a car payment, which frees up a LOT of money.  But I'll pass on a few of my tricks to living off on nothing to you.

*No Satellite or Cable TV, sorry Directv & Dish, but thats a couple tanks of gas.

*I've even given up my internet connection at home, thats 2 weeks worth of groceries.  The library is a nice place to get most work done.  Unless a neighbor has wifi and help pay their bill for the access to it.  $25 is much better then $60 or more each month.

*My cell bill is down to about $75/month, which would be less but the $20 keeps the texting fees down.

*I opted for the 26 (?) inch flat screen TV over the bigger one, saves about 50/month of my power bill.

*Usually to tired in the summertime to turn lights on at night, so they don't get turned on much.  Even in the winter, I'll have one centralized light to run and light as much of the house as possible.

*Using a crock-pot saves on my power bill (or gas bill) if I'm cooking chicken soup &/or rice or another food that would take a long time to cook on the stove.

*Eating out is a treat and its usually the local brew pub or the best burger joint in the area.

*I haven't used my credit card in months, but paying $25 or $50 over the minimum payment and on time (mailed 10 days before its due)

*AC in my home, well, its a small fan that sits on the floor and blows air around the house.  Even if I had AC in my house, it would set at 78 degrees all the time and as high as 85 if I was gone all day.  Heater/furnace set at 68 in the winter time, with my small fan pushing air around.

I have 5 (five) bills I have to pay every month, not including food and gasoline.  The trick is to get yours down to where you can count them on both hands, ideal is one hand.  These 5 bills total right around $875 each month.  My rent being less the half that amount.  My income; well, thats another story.  But with some luck and some work that will improve.

How do I stay sane about it all, bills are higher then $ coming in.  It used to just stress me out to no end where it made me mean and crazy and I hated myself for it.  It took a ton on energy from me and that bothered me.  Now days, I keep in mind that everyone is having a hard time.  Letting the stress of money control you everyday will in-fact destroy you and possible your family.  You must not allow it to take over your every being which will make you plum crazy.  I have the same feelings most do, "I'm down, I need to go Shopping..."  What do I do, I burn up some gas until the feeling passes, easier to fill the tank then to explain the new pair of shoes with the money that should have paid the rent/mortgage.  If I have to spend money, I check the local dollar stores to see if they have what I need; envelopes, laundry soap, female items, rice, ect...  It may surprise you what you may find at these stores.  The quality of food still surprises me.  

Explain the situation the kids, give them the respect that they might just Get It, if you include them in the house cash flow problems.  They may even find ways to help out.

Hope this helps and don't let the cash flow stress you out.  There was a time when we didn't have the electronic toys and the fees that went with them.  

See you tomorrow & keep doing the work

Hugs

Peace

Today is Flag Day and it's a fine day.  Long history with many lessons learned.  Like my life, I've held no grudges or malice towards anyone who has hurt me.  Like Flag Day, we celebrate the past and move forward with much light and peace in our hearts.  

To all male member's on my mother's side who have gone to VMI and helped our country and to all the males on my Dad's side (including my dad) who have fought for us to help protect us in wars of time for them.

Life can be pure hell but what makes us who we are is how we come out the other side.  I personally crawled out of my hell as soon as I free from the anger around me and was given a chance to figure out who I am, how smart of a person I am and most of all, what I can achieve in life.  My personal Will is strong and I Always Land on My Feet.  :)

See you tuesday & keep doing the work

Hugs

The Human Spirit is a Fragile Thing

Today was an interesting day.  I’ll try to keep this as simply as possible.  I asked for some advise on a few things and got some “pull the wind right out of me” questions.  They were by No means meant to hurt my feelings in Any Way, but one of these questions pulled the wind right out of my sails.  The question was simple; “what did you like to do as a kid?”  Seems simple enough, right?  Well, it sent my head spinning.  The truth is that when I was a kid, if I wasn’t hiding in my house sitting in front of the tv, I was running for my life.  I was running from people of both upper and lower class grades from me.  There were days it was so bad, I had to hide from them under some old unused stairs of a big building in town and praying they wouldn’t see me, but they usually did.  They may not have been able to get to me, because I was so much smaller, so they used their voice and chosen words to hurt and scar me on the inside.  I discovered today that they broke my spirit over 30 years ago.  In truth, I'm not sure how I got thru it, but I have a better understanding of why the tv is a safe place for me, it holds my sanity in place and keeps my creativity flowing.   The simple answer to the question I guess is simple: I have NO clue what I liked to do when I was a kid.

Please, if you have school age kids or kids who are about to start school.  Talk to them about kids who may be mean in many ways.  Encourage them to go see a Teacher and Hear what they’re saying to you about what is going on in school and even off school grounds.  Don’t let your kids go thru what I endured.  Make sure their spirit stays healthy, happy and good.

I have to pull 26 hours at work in the next 3 days, so I won’t be around until Tuesday.

See you Tuesday & keep doing the work.

Hugs

The River

The snow melt from the mountains is making its way down the path it has known for many moons and making the usual sounds as its moving over the rocks.  Some of the rocks break the surface and some stay under the surface for a long time or until the spring run off moves them down river.  The birds are working to make their nests high in the trees that reach out of the waters edge towards the blue mountain sky.  The water is lower now then it was a few weeks ago, but the small boats with people in them are still making their way down river.  Ooops, they took the wrong route, they got beached in the rocks.  It doesn't look shallow, but it is. Sitting on the doggy path and watching them swim in the water having fun, bringing sticks back from the other side of the bank to where their master is standing.  "Shake!!!" from head to tail and the water still drips from the fur coat.  The air is still cool from the new snow deposited yesterday but it sure feels nice.  The Blue sky and the White clouds that hang over head is an awesome thing.  I sure do love this area.  

See you tomorrow & keep doing the work

Hugs

Employment for More

I've given our job situation a lot of thought here lately.  I like many of you have been searching the papers, state employment offices and the www for jobs.  And like you, I am also frustrated with the whole thing.  I have skills, a college education and smart.  However, the employers are searching for those who will do the job of 2 people for less then they would be paying 1.  They're seeking the impossible.  My guess is that 80% of all of us who are looking for work are having to change our jobs to different kinds of work.  Only a few lucky ones are lucky enough to find work in their fields and are getting paid for it.  I'm guessing that many of us have a very well written resumes and still can't find something that will pay the bills each month.  Some of us have huge monthly bills and some of us have made enough changes to get our bills down to less then $1,000.00 a month and still can't find something would make ends meet.  All of us want a safe environment and/or know that our employers will protect us if something would happen while on the job.  Many of us will be happy with 20 to 25 hours a week for more then minimum wage.  Some of us might even only need seasonal work for 6 to 8 months out of the year.  A true part time job with locked in hours would allow us to find another part time job.  For some reason that seems to be very hard to work out.  All the part time jobs I've looked at will not lock in my hours but want all of my time open incase they call; meanwhile, I'm still not making it.  If we are willing to work crazy hours, why can't these hours be locked in so we can fill the rest of them?  With millions out of work, why aren't the employers doing more to fill these positions even on the part time basis to get more people working?  Its pretty sad when someone who was earning big money has to compete for a minimum wage jobs these days.  Most of us need to work and I'm guessing that most of us will work 20-25 hours a week for more then minimum wage.  I welcome any thoughts on this and possible employment.

Thanks

Mother Nature

Good day!  As I sit here over looking the river and watching the rain clean off the streets and water our plants, I'm grateful its not another drought year.  Most of our great nation has been in a drought for a few years and some of the midwest has gotten their fair share of water in all forms.  My heart goes out to all of you who have had a tough last 12+ months of it.  However, for the rest of us, anywhere from Florida to the North West have been short of water for some time.  It's amazing to see the rain make everything green after so many years of watching the clouds (if there were any) to see if we were going to get any rain at all.  Again today, most of our nation is seeing rain and I have to admit, its pretty great.  In parts of Colorado, the higher elevations even got a nice to deposit of snow last night and this morning.  It sure is a nice feeling that our waterways aren't going to dry up too early this summer.  I'm sure most of you are wanting the "normal" summer with warm temps back.  But here is the thing, its been so long since we've seen a Normal summer, we've forgotten what they're like.  So enjoy the fact that we have nice cool weather and can walk our dogs without killing them with heat stroke.  If you think I'm crazy, walk barefoot with them for a while and you'll see what I mean.  The most awesome thing about all the rain we're getting is our water tables "storage" is filling back up and allowing us to flush out toilets more then twice a day!!! :)  So, cheers and enjoy the rain while we have it.  

See you tomorrow & keep doing the work

Hugs

Thrifty

Hello, well this is for all of those who are counting those pennies and trying to not rob the piggy bank.  I've been trying to get my new place sorta set up without going broke; oh yeah, I already am broke.  :)  So, I do go even more broke.  :)  I hit all the thrift stores in the county and found a few things that I've been avoiding to pay full price for.  I have a washer/dryer in my place and it needed a curtain to hide it from the living room.  The rods were either too short and/or they cost way too much.  Well, I found one that was more then long enough and for only $2.00 :)  So, if your counting you pennies like I am, check out the local thrift stores.  I saved a few bucks buying the shower rings at the local dollar store and paid $1.00 for them.  There are some things in life we don't need to buy brand new.  

Heres my food for thought.  How much plastic do you buy each day and how much is kept to be reused in house and how much is tossed in the trash?  Maybe try to only buy plastic that will have a long life in the house and not a one time use.  Reduce the trash and keep the plastic out of our water supply and most importantly out of our food supply.

See you tomorrow & keep doing the work.

Hugs

Miles Per Gallon

Today's Walk gave me lots to think about and I had to finally pick one.  It's an informative thought.  I'm finally in a really nice car, (thx jv) not of huge value to many, but it does very well on its own accord.  I live in one town and commute to another about 30 minutes or so away.  I like my drive, gives me time to think and enjoy the beautiful area in which I live.  I can brag that my whittle car gets really sweet gas mileage to begin with, but here lately, I've been trying something new with how I run it.  I've always taken really good care of all my cars; oil changed regularly, new tires when it's time, any major work on them before they leave on the side of the road.  On a good day, my car will give me about 37 mpg on the highway; doing the speed limit mind you, I'm in no real hurry even on the way to work.  Well, I have always been a fan of fresh air in the car, windows down and not much AC unless it's really hot.  Well, this last tank, I got 43 mpg.  What did I do different?  Well, like I said, I'm a fan of fresh air and I've keep the vent "on" pulling from the outside, mostly on "1" or the lowest setting.  This last tank, I had it on "2" for all 320 miles this past week and it made a HUGE difference.  Now, I know that its not an easy thing to do when you live where its hot, live in the city or the car/truck is blowing black smoke in front of you running down the road.  Running the vent "on," pulling air from the outside (even in winter for me with hot air blowing) is an easy way to improve your mpg.  I'm also aware that there are many other things that affect the mpg on any vehicle; like where you live, the traffic you get to fight, how fast to gas it, how hard to break, etc...  It seemed like something that is worth my while to pass onto to you to help you increase the mpg while lowing the need to gas up.  Good luck on your attempts to see the difference, it's a life style change for some that is for sure.

Plus, I love to see the old VW's out on the road.  Very Cool!!!  

Hug your best friend today...

See you tomorrow & keep doing the work

Hugs

Work & Festivals

Well, I'll be back on monday.  Working really long shifts makes a body tired.  Enjoy the weekend and be sure to see what area festivals are happening in your area.

See you monday & keep doing the work

Hugs

Remembering Another Life

Good Day...I was put in touch with an old friend of mine I haven't seen in years.  Its amazing what time brings us when we realize we did have another life in another place in another time.  Life may have been really bad at one time, but with will, courage, determination and drive, we can get past just about anything.  No matter how bad it looks right now or what was yesterday, this second is new and the next and the next one after that.  What are you doing to do with the one that follows the next one?  It's all up to you and me.  No one can make our bodies go in different directions, our mind drives us and we go in that direction.  As I sit here and type this out it brings to mind one oddball thing most of us do without even thinking...  What are we looking for when we look in our own or someone else's refrigerator anyway???  Our mom, something we lost, or something we're searching for?  

So, what are you going to do with the seconds that are passing today.  Me, I'm going to clean my house...

See you tomorrow & keep doing the work...

Hugs

Today's Walk

Well, it brought me to creating this blog.  My life style has made a huge shift; from being a puppy owner for 12 years to no longer having her company.  It has been both sad and new.  So, I’m grasping all the new things that come to me, new things the spirit of my best friend is helping to guide me towards.  I’m excited about this new thing and looking forward to what it will bring into my life.  Life is full of change and I’m learning to live with my new life style.  My new place has the things I need in my life, like big windows on the south side of the house, washer/dryer, and best of all, nice neighbors with dogs. 

My notes could range from many areas of life, experiences, ideas, simple thoughts, complaints and whatever comes to me.  It’ll change almost daily and be from things of that day, maybe a funny story from my collection of pet stories or even things on mind I’d love to pass onto you.  If I come up with a yummy meal (for one), I’ll pass it on to you.  I ask that you save me on you Bookmarks or Favorites for easy access to see what’s up.  Tell your friends and family to have a look see.  I plan to have fun and pass it onto you. 

Today’s walk was the creation of this blog and the outlet for my thoughts and what I have to share to many.  Sitting by the river has been very nice today and I might even post here again, unless its raining.  You may even learn some things about me you didn't know before.

See you tomorrow & keep doing the work…

Hugs