Friday, June 24, 2011

Summer is in full swing

Hotter than usual, we have had 100 degrees several times in June. As you are well aware floods and fires have pleged the US. My husband and I have considered going on a road trip while we have summer vacation from teaching for him. Nowhere is there safe highway north,south,east or west due to the overflowing Mississippi river which affects at least eleven states and the fires in Colorado and are in the news daily.

 At least we can get around here in Texas. Everything is still quite green and we have had periodic rain keeping things fresh. My roses have done well and all survived our winter. Mowing every other week has kept the grass green and in little need for watering. Dad (my hb) and I venture out early while it is still cool. We rode the trike the other day and were quite comfortable until 11:30 when we got home.

Having closed my Etsy shop in December I've taken up again ceramic painting. I had several pieces stored in my den. They had been fired and were ready for paint. Those pieces turned out pretty well. I've been using Rosemalling strokes and will continue adding some Donna Duberry strokes also.(One stroke)

Swimming has also given me some exersize. As a senior citizen here in Allen,
Texas, I'm able to enjoy our pool and exercise center and senior citizen center activities for 25.00 a year! These give me some options when Dad wants to ride on his motorcycle or run around in his truck. We have several places we enjoy dining in the area. Red Lobster is for special occasions but their lobster tail,shrimp cabob and scallop cabob is a wonderful choice at 19.99. Includes salad or coleslaw, rolls and another side. I really enjoy the coleslaw and the garlic potatoes.

Applebees has two for 20.00 meals that include an appetizer. We usually don't get an appetizer as a rule so we opt for other entrees. Their streak and shrimp is delicious although no rolls are included the meal is filling and a side is included.

When we ride our trike we stop at McDonalds for a breakfast burrito. Just right to hold us over till lunch. Lunch being the most important meal in the summer for us. Our routine on the road is ride,eat,shop.

In a differend vain, I just signed up for Medicare. I have a hard time saying Medicare. Probably because I can't believe I'm turning 65 soon! Be sure to call your health provider to see if you need to get part B.  A is free and is hospitalization so take that for sure. D is for prescriptions. My hb only took part A because he is still working but I am retired already so in order to get help of 80% I must get Part B too. Call Social security  and your health provider to be sure what your case requires. Also, if you qualify for social secuity, as I do a small amount, the fee in my case 115.00 a month will come out automatically each month.

You probably wonder how all this applies to you. Believe me. Staying active and taking care of the future are the most important thing now. We have time we didn't have when we were working to enjoy simple things.
I enjoy riding on our trike because everything around us is stunningly beautiful. The trees and the animals, the old barns and the big ranches with bales of hay are a picture I'd like to paint in my primitive style; small cottages and small towns, mom and pop restaurants for a quick bite. Taking pictures on the back of the trike of beautiful horses and precious donkeys and calves give me memories to share with loved ones and friends.

You young ones with new spousea or new babies can enjoy with them these things too. A ride in the country always made me happy. Getting out of town is refreshing. Spiritually I'm still studying Beth Moore. Jesus, the One and Only is wonderful as are many others available at Christian book store for 20.00. There are many to choose from and each has 10 lessons of 5 chapters at least so for the money you get a lot. Beth makes us look up lots of bible verses and answer many questions from the scripture. She is inspiring and writes from the heart. She credits the Lord for these study materials and she shares her life experiences with us. Joyce Meyer is also wonderful. Both ladies are on tv. Beth is on Wed at 6:00 on the James Robison show in the religious section of the guide.  Beth is for ladies and gives us the tools we need to raise good kids and have good marriages. I was late to read the scripture but Beth makes it come alive. Some churches,  especially the Baptist churches have classes for a fee of the book only and the videos are shown. I enjoy the books enough I can work on my own and on my schedule,

I must go now. Thanks for joining me today. I hope you and yours are enjoying the summer. Please let me know what you are ding and share information you have found that we all could benefit from. God Bless You All. Your friend, Kathie

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Christmas has come and gone

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We took a short trip to Fredericksberg and Johnson City to see all the lights. It was so unseasonably warm everyone was in shirtsleeves. Nothing like the past few days with at least 5 inches of snow and freezing temperatures! Several more to come. Our County had the most accumulation in the area I was told.

I sadly closed my shop on Etsy. After three years it looked like a no go even after many craft shows and elementary school presentations it was time to admit my crafts aren't people's choice. On to my next challenge.

With the new year I've gone through the closets and drawers cleaning out many unused items to donate to our Cancer Box up the street. Feels like a new place. I've heard it lightens one's spirit to unload the clutter and it has mine. Four piles: keep,throw away,donate, sell.

We've discovered a new source of fuel for our fireplace. Having run out of newspaper I used some shredded paper to start the fire. It really works. And not all of the paper goes at once. Spots flame up at different times starting other logs. I keep a bag of shredded paper near the fireplace and shovel several batches under the grate, light and wa la you have a fire. It works especially well in a fire pit outside. Smaller pieces of wood burn for a long time with shredded paper. We've enjoyed cool evenings recently and cooked hot dogs and marshmallows together. Dad's idea to use shredded paper in fire pit.

Well I'll close now with best wishes to you all for a great New Year. Leave a message telling me about your holiday activities. Hugs, Kat xo