It's that time of the year....

It's that time of the year....

Monday, April 30, 2012

Monday…

has rolled around again.  It is still raining here and is quite miserable out.  I know this because I had to run errands this morning and it poured down on me.  It is 57 degrees right now and is to get warmer for the next several days.

The funeral for the young man who was killed in Afghanistan was held this morning.   I felt so sorry for the family and all involved as it was pouring down rain at the time.  http://www.pjstar.com/news/x515662424/Family-of-Sgt-Dean-Shaffer-warmed-by-collective-love-and-support

This was the second young man from the same school here in Pekin that was killed in Afghanistan in the last 6 months.  I agree with a comment Joe made on my last post.  I think the polititians should talk more about what is going to happen to get us out of there.  I personally cannot understand why we have to bail out every country all around the world when we have many homeless and hungry here at home.  Just sayin’.  I think charity should begin at home.

That is my rant for today and it isn’t even Wednesday which we long ago declared our official rant day.

I just talked to my brother in O’Fallon a few minutes ago.  They had baseball sized hail there on Saturday.  Not something I want to see.  Quarter size is about the biggest I have seen.

Have a great week.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Here I am…

late again.  No reason, just slept late.

It is another dreary, chilly day here.  Only 51 degrees.  I don’t even have the desire to venture out for some reason.   Tomorrow I have to get out and run some errands.  And soon I will have to decide on a TV as mine is taking longer each day to come on.

It was  very sad in this city the past week.  http://www.sj-r.com/archive/x272268591/Pekin-turns-out-for-return-of-Army-sergeant-killed-in-Afghanistan  We lost another young man in Afghanistan.  The city is blanketed with hundreds of flags.  The visitation is this afternoon and the funeral is tomorrow morning.  Makes me cry.  I hate war! I have lived through way too many of them.  I pray every day for peace on earth.  My heart goes out to this young man’s family.

Just a short post today, checking in with you all, reminding you to stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Busy Saturday morning…

I was up at 6 AM this morning and ready at 7AM to do a couple of loads of laundry.  Then I had a pharmacy run.  By then it was lunchtime.  After lunch I made some Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies.  http://bethmariesrecipes.wordpress.com/

 

Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
2 eggs, well beaten
3 1/2 c. flour
2 c. oatmeal
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. applesauce with 2 tsp. soda added
2 c. raisins
2 c. chopped walnuts

Cream sugar and shortening; add the eggs. Add the applesauce/soda mixture and mix well. Sift together flour, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon and add. Add oatmeal, raisins and nuts last. Drop by teaspoons on greased cookie sheets and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 12 minutes.

May frost with powdered sugar frosting when cool if you like.  I even frosted one of the small loaves.  By then I was out of glaze and too lazy to make any more.  Now to find room in the freezer.

Makes 7 dozen cookies.

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These are really good.  I did get tired though and put some of the dough in 3 small loaf pans which worked out well.

It has been dreary and drizzly here all day.  The temp has only reached 54 degrees right now. 

Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Today would have been the birthday of my dad and my sister Chris.  I miss you both!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Chilly Friday…

at 51 degrees and windy.  It was brrrr cold this morning in the 30s when I first got up.

My daughter and I went to Kohl’s and nosed around.  My daughter bought me a lovely St Louis Cardinal shirt for Mother’s Day.

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I am one of their biggest fans.  I love baseball.

But before that we stopped at a church rummage sale where I found this lovely whatever you want to call it.  I have decided to use it to hold some of my cds.  At home I had beautiful built in oak shelves that Jim had built for me to store books and cds.  They were hooked to the wall so they had to go with the house.  Jim loved to work in wood.  I have so many lovely things that he made for me.  Rae’s husband is a master wood crafter and he worked with Jim in the beginning.  When I moved I had so many things (furniture) etc. that Jim had made for me.  I brought it all with me as I couldn’t bear to sell any of it.  Jim could take pieces of old things from a sale and they were beautiful when he finished putting them together, but the nicest things are the things he built from scratch.  I have a two bedroom place so it is kind of crowded.  One of these days I will let my kids take some of it.  For now these things comfort me.

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I have just started organizing the Cds.  Lots more to go.

I hope your day is being good to you.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Thursday..

the day after.  I had a restless night but I feel so much better today knowing that is all behind me for now.

My daughter stopped by this morning and took me to the pharmacy and to Kroger to get a few groceries.  Each time I shop at the grocery store everything is higher.  Distilled water jumped from 91 cents a gallon to 97 cents a gallon since last week.  I have to use that in the c-pap so even though I can’t drink it, still it is a necessity.  

At the pharmacy I found out that a new drug that the doctor wants me to take will have to be approved by my insurance company.  No approval it  is $295.50 a month (30 pills).  If the insurance company doesn’t approve it the doctor will have to figure out something else as that is a little steep for my budget.  I hate new meds anyway as I usually have an adverse reaction to them.

The storms passed us by and I am glad although we are getting desperate on the rain needed situation.  It is sunny and beautiful today although pretty windy.  59 degrees right now and to get to the mid 60s by afternoon.

I hope you all have a great weekend.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Whew…

that is all done.  I will have results from all things hopefully in one week.

I am home  and ready for an evening of rest.  Thank you all again.  And thanks to the man upstairs for holding my right hand through all of this.

You all stay safe and be happy!!

Hugs,

Beth

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Done for today…

I spent the morning at the hospital.  I am glad that part is over.   Tomorrow is the final procedure.  I  will do a short post tomorrow evening when I get home.

Thank you all for the lovely comments, kind thoughts, and prayers.  I thought of them this morning and it helped and I will think of them again tomorrow.

God Bless!!  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Monday, April 23, 2012

It’s Monday…

all over again.  When I was young the days passed so slowly.  Now the months fly by and I barely have time to complain about the bitter cold of winter when all of a sudden it is the scorching heat of summer. 

This week will be a very busy week for me.  I will be happy to see it pass quickly with nothing new for me to think about.  I have appointments for the next 3 days, actually 2 tests tomorrow back to back.  Then Wednesday the procedure.  If you are inclined towards kind thoughts or prayer I would appreciate them.

It is a beautiful morning, bright sunshine but still cold in the 30s.  It is to reach the upper 50s today.  We are below average on precipitation here because there was so little snow last winter and the spring rains have mostly passed us by.  So we could use a few inches of rain.  I know the farmers need some.

My daughter and son in law stopped by after church yesterday to eat with me.  We had roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, green beans and banana pudding.  It was all good.  I am limited on what I can eat for the next two days so I sent the leftovers home with them.

After they went home I ran the vacuum sweeper and dusted the furniture.  Just trying to keep busy.

I hope you all have a great week.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Be My Life’s Companion

BE MY LIFE’S COMPANION

 

Want no silver threads among the gold
Want no silver threads among the gold
Want no silver threads, want some action instead
Want no silver threads among the gold.

Be my life's companion and you'll never grow old,
I'll love you so much that you'll never grow old,
When there's joy in living you just never grow old.
You've got to stay young 'cause you'll never grow old.


People who are lonely can be old at thirty-three
Don't let it happen to you, and don't let it happen to me
Be my life's companion and you'll never grow old
You'll never grow old, no, you'll never grow old.


Love and youth and happiness are yours to have and hold
Be my life's companion and you'll never grow old.
I know a man who's lonely and he's old at thirty-three;
No one wants to be  old at thirty-three.


Your disposition sours like a lemon on a tree
Don't let it happen to you and don't let it happen to me
Be my life's companion and you'll never grow old
Yes I'll love you so much that you'll never grow old.
Love and youth and happiness are yours to have and hold
Be my life's companion, be my life's companion
And you'll never grow old.

~ Bob Hilliard and Milton DeLugg ~

 

Have a Blessed Sunday,  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Saturday, April 21, 2012

I am…

getting later each day.  I even thought about not posting today and then I remembered I am on a streak here,  I think this will be 143 posts in a row.  I will have to check the math on that.

The reason I am late today is because I did something utterly ridiculous like doing some cleaning in the kitchen.  Now I don’t like to clean period but I like a nice tidy house and so I do such mundane things every now and then.   This morning was a ‘then.’

I turned on the iPod hooked up to the Bose speakers and I guess my alphabetically programmed list has worked its way down to I as about half a dozen versions of I’ll  Be Home for Christmas played in a row.  I love Christmas music anytime so I didn’t mind singing along with the music.  My bro from Boston said he was surprised to hear The Rolling Stones playing on my site.  I like them and I love their version of Drift Away.  In fact I like just about anybody’s version of Drift Away.

It was too cold to even hunt garage sales today as it was low 30s with a heavy frost when I got up this morning. It has warmed up to 51 degrees as I am typing this.   The sun is shining brightly though and that is a big plus.

I hurried and did 2 loads of laundry starting at 7AM so I could get that over with.  That combined with my temporary spurt of energy in the kitchen is all I have accomplished  today.  And I do believe that is enough!

Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Friday, April 20, 2012

Chilly Friday..

It is just like winter outside.  The temp is 44 degrees right now and the wind blows right through a sweatshirt and a spring jacket.  I am home from paying bills. 

Comcast raised my bill 20 some dollars this month.  I talked to the gal at our local Comcast office and told her that I would be leaving if I had to pay that much more each month.  She was able to get me a promotion package that  is a dollar or so cheaper than what I have been paying.  I really hate change so I was glad for that.  I am not a Comcast fan though and that hasn’t changed.

I also went to city hall this morning to get a map of the city so that I can find my way around to  the garage sales.  Thanks Mary for reminding me to do this.

After a stop at Food Depot and and a bite to eat at Hardee’s it was home and I am worn out for some reason.  I don’t think I will do much the rest of the day.

I hope you all have a good weekend.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Thursday…

but bringing back memories.  I was born on a Wednesday.  For a second or two I couldn’t remember what day of the week I was born on.  A Google search revealed that I was born on a Wednesday.  And now I know what is wrong with me.  I am filled with ‘woe.’
Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go,
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child works hard for its living,
But a child that's born on the Sabbath day
Is bonny and blythe, and good and(happy).


Wednesday - the fourth day of the week, Woden (Odin), 
chief god of
Norse mythology, who was often called the All Father. 
 
"Wednesday's
child is full of woe." Odin's responsibilities were such 
that he was
never attributed with any cheerful disposition.
 
Since I was child # 6 in what turned out to be 8 children, 
I am thinking it was probably my mom that was full of woe.   
Oh, the things we think of when we don’t want to do any 
housework.
 
I have been to Kroger to stock up on veggies and TV dinners 
and now I really do need to cut this short.
Have a peaceful day.  Stay safe and be happy!!
 
Beth
 

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

One down…

and three to go.  I saw a different doctor this morning, a gastroenterologist.  Next week it will be an appointment with the ophthalmologist on Monday and then tests on Tuesday and Wednesday.  And I hope that is it for awhile.

My doctor appointment today was a different experience.  they asked to see my driver license and then they took a picture of me. First time for everything I guess.

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From my doctor’s office on the 5th floor

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I was able to take some pictures of downtown Peoria. 

I have a fond memory of Peoria.  My daddy brought me in his truck to downtown Peoria to shop for my wedding dress.  It was a 2 piece white knit sweater dress.  I still have it somewhere.  I still remember my dad patiently waiting in his truck while I shopped for a wedding dress.

beth and jim 2dec'55

I am on my way to visit you all.  Do stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Lovely, Sunny…

chilly day in central Illinois.  It is 53 degrees.  Gorgeous spring day.  The wind has stopped blowing (finally) and I am home from Michael’s Moods (the name of the shop where I get my hair cut).  For today, right this minute, on this very day, I am having a good hair day.  I was surprised to notice that my beautician had on jeans  with the cuff rolled up to mid calf.  This was the style when I was young.

Beth and Shirley 1953

That is me on the right and my friend Shirley on the left when we were both  in high school.
Some of you may remember last year when my front yard was all torn up and new driveways were being poured.  I had to park in the street for several weeks.  The grass in my front yard now is beautiful.  Take a look though at the shrubs that were planted in the front yard this morning.  they look half dead to me.

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Oh well, perhaps they will look better after they grow a little bit. 

I have an appointment tomorrow.  I hope the weather is decent for it.

Stay safe and be happy!

Beth

Monday, April 16, 2012

And the wind always blows in Chicago…

and downstate too.  What happened to the sun??  It  is another dreary windy morning in central Illinois.  I stepped out my back door a few minutes ago and took a couple of pictures.

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A  very pretty tree in the cemetery, even prettier when the sun is shining on it.

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Glancing to the right you get a view of the trees blowing in the wind.  It is sharply colder this morning and for the next week temps at night are to be in the 30s.  I am glad I don’t have my tomato planted yet.

I think that I will do some more closet cleaning.  I am getting stuff ready for Goodwill.  I am pitching what I haven’t worn in awhile.  Then maybe I will be motivated to buy some new clothes.  My daughter tells me I am too picky when it comes to buying clothes and I guess I am.  I can’t understand why clothes in size 10 are all designed for teeny boppers.  Most of the tops are semi sheer material.  I am always depressed when I come back from shopping for clothes.  I usually end up buying something for my kids and nothing for myself.

Nothing significant happening right here.  My heart goes out to the tornado victims over the weekend.  It did thunder and lightning here last night and I had to turn the computer off for awhile.  I would hate for something to happen to it along with the TV.  That would be too much.

I hope this is a really good week for us all.  I have a couple of appointments and I am hoping that is all that is pressing this week.  Do stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

When The Wind Blows In Chicago~S. Turner & A. Murphy~

Well here I am in Chicago all alone near the place where we met
I walk through the rain the wind whispers your name oh why won't they let me forget
Cause when the wind blows I get lonely and one day for sure you left behind
But the wind always blows in Chicago so I'm lonely most all of the time
Folks looks so happy on State Street they don't know that our love's not the same
There's a crowd all around but I don't hear a sound
Just the wind when it whispers your name
And when the wind blows I get lonely and one day for sure you left behind
But the wind always blows in Chicago so I'm lonely most all of the time
Yes I'm lonely most all of the time.

I love that song.  And the wind always does blow in Chicago.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Good Morning…

It is a warm morning in the heart of Illinois.  It isn’t raining but it is 69 degrees right now and very humid.  More storms are on the way for this afternoon.

I am just back from Walgreens, getting some of their specials before they are gone.  The ad comes out on Sunday morning and the specials are gone before noon.  16 ounce Quaker Oatmeal on sale for $1.99, I had to grab that up.  Everything is so expensive now that you have to stock up when something is on sale.

I am still up in the air about buying the new TV.  I visited the two dealers in town and they were as high as out of town and wouldn’t set up the TV or carry the old one away.  My TV is taking longer each day to come on.  I will have to do something soon as  it takes longer each day for the TV to come on. 

I hope you all have a great week.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Dreary…

rainy morning.  It rained all night, is still raining and I think from all reports the rain is here to stay for a couple of more days.

Definitely not a day for cleaning so that nipped that passing thought in the bud.  I have to be motivated to clean and I am not motivated at all today.  I think I will hunt a good book and read.  I have over 100 books on my Nook and two shelves full so surely I can find something to read. 

Yesterday I did cook a little bit of roast and a couple of potatoes.  I will think about something to cook for today and tomorrow.  Something that will pass the time and keep me busy since I won’t venture out in the rain unless it is urgent.  That will be the first thing on my agenda after I get off the computer.  Check the freezer.

I found a nice little table at a garage sale yesterday and a cookbook and that is the extent of my purchases. 

Next week will be a busy one for me, 2 appointments back to back.

I have the container and in a couple of weeks I will get a bag of topsoil and a tomato plant and I will be in the business of growing tomatoes.  Oh I do so miss my garden at home.  I spent many an hour in the garden.  My favorite thing was picking the pole green lima beans then shelling and freezing them.   Next was the tomato plants.  We always had at least 15 tomato plants and there was only the two of us.  Plenty to share with the neighbors.

garden 12-jul-2004  garden 12-jul-2004 02

In these pictures you can see the green lima beans growing on the fence.  Click to make larger.

Off to see the wizard and find out what is hiding in my freezer.  You all stay safe and be happy!

Beth

P.S.  a note for Boston Boy.  Thank you!  You are as nice a brother as my real brother is.  Bless you!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Friday the 13th…

doesn’t bother me in the least, however I don’t sing before 7 AM.  lol  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th

I have been out on this Friday the 13th with my daughter to a few garage sales.  It is raining right now and is supposed to rain all weekend.  I hope there are no storms.  Nothing else new is happening here, thank heaven for that.

I need to get busy around here.  I am just checking in to say hi, wish you all well, and remind you to stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Thursday, April 12, 2012

As we grow older…

life becomes more precious.  Of course none of us know what each day will bring.  No matter our age this could be our last day on earth.

I tend to become more nostalgic as the years pass.  One thing I have accomplished over the years is developing a selective memory.  A selective memory is a good thing.  We can remember the things we want and block out the not so good stuff.  For instance, I can remember the first day I met Jim, the exact happenings on the days my children were born.  What the weather was like, what I wore to the hospital, etc.  I do not choose to remember unpleasant things, those are in a tiny corner of my brain marked ‘Don’t go there.’  This is called survival.  I choose to survive.  I love seeing each new day even though I know that I have something going to happen that day that I don’t want to face.

I have had the question posed to me about the c-pap.  I will not go into it here on my blog but those of you who have been my friends for a long time know the many things I am coping with health wise on a daily basis.  And that is enough said about that.  I just put that memory in the part of my brain marked ‘Don’t go there.’

I have let myself run out of bread.  One loaf does me for about 3 weeks until I finally give up and throw the last half of the loaf in the garbage.  I wanted toast last night and there was no bread.  Now I know that one of you, probably Auntie, will tell me to keep the bread in the freezer and take out a piece as I need it.  My freezer is full.  I do keep the bread in the fridge otherwise it wouldn’t last as long as it does.  What I am trying to say is I have to close this so that I can make a store hop for a loaf of bread and some bananas.

I hope you all have a good day.  Work on your selective memory.  Stay safe and be happy.
Beth

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Below freezing..

on this Wednesday morning in the heart of Illinois.  I am up after another restless night.  I am used to the c-pap now but my sleeping is not peaceful.  Not much that can be done about that as I have tried 3 different face masks.  BUT, if that was the extent of it all I could live with it.

 

http://ahopefortoday.com/2012/01/14/hope-unites-globally-hug-award-guidelines/

 

hug-award1

Thank you to Ed and Deb! 

The award at A Hope for Today promoting hope, love, peace, equality, and unity for all people.

The whole story behind this award is found here.

For all of my blogging friends please accept this award and post it on your blog.

Beth

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

For many reasons..

this has not been a good day for me.  I am just checking in to announce to the world that I am still breathing;  still waiting for that miraculous feeling of well being that I am supposed to get after a night with the c-pap.  Not happened yet and I am not holding my breath.

Some days it feels like the final straw has fallen on my back, but I am tough so I keep on keeping on.

I hope you all are having a good day.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Monday, April 9, 2012

Beautiful day…

yesterday.  The sun was shining and the temp in the 60s.  Just perfect.  The food was good and the company was very nice.  My son in law’s brother and his wife live in the country.  I got quite a few pictures of the egg hunting, etc. and a picture of a horse in the field next door.  I don’t feel comfortable posting photos of children as once you put something on the internet it is there for all of the world to see.  Some of the world is not very pretty.  The horse however is fair game. 

001  003

The horse was so tame he came right up to the fence.  My  SIL’s brother told me that they feed him apples and carrots and that is why he is so friendly. The horse looks like he would be gentle enough for a child to ride. 

It is lovely again today.  The sun is shining and it is 46 degrees.  Very windy though and school is out for another day.  I have to make a store run as I am out of milk. I will leave other errands until tomorrow as the stores will be packed with people again today.

I hope you all have a great week.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Birthday…

to my son Jim.  I hope this is a good day for you.  I am sorry we couldn’t be together today on your birthday.  Your visit last week was special.  We all had a good time.

This year your birthday falls on Easter Sunday.  What a glorious day you are sharing with Christians all over the world.  He is risen. 

Love you Jim,

Mom

****************************************************************************

For all of my blogging friends all over the world.  I hope you have a Blessed day.

Beth

Saturday, April 7, 2012

A little…

excitement in front of my house late yesterday afternoon.  For awhile my street and driveway were blocked off by the local police and sheriff's car.  Three motorcycles were stopped.  there were three adult males and a child that were on those bikes, none wearing helmets.  At the present time there is no motorcycle helmet law in Illinois.  http://www.bikersrights.com/states/illinois/illinois.html  There have been a couple of recent motorcycle deaths right here in town in the past year and several in Peoria the last year.  Who in their right mind would take a child for a ride on a big bike with no helmet??  I did notice a citation being handed out.

005

I took this picture through my front door.  I had just washed my storm window a week ago and then we had rain so the window was kind of grotty (from my made up word dictionary) so the picture is not very clear.

My niece is coming for lunch.  I am fixing flank steak which I have never fixed before so wish me luck.

I never did get out to the garage sales but for Mario’s mom, I am hunting me a city map next week.

Have a great day.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Friday, April 6, 2012

Frosty morning…

here in the heart of central Illinois.  The temp is a sunny 35 right now and to get in the mid 60s today.  There was patchy frost here this morning but no hard freeze like was predicted.  The furnace has been running this morning and it is warm in the house.

I have been invited to go with my daughter and son in law to my SIL’s brothers home to eat on Easter Sunday.  That will be fun to watch the little kids hunt the Easter treats.  I will be taking macaroni and cheese and some other unknown thing (yet to be decided) with me.

I haven’t decided yet what I want to do today.  There are 14 garage sales listed in the Pekin paper today.  I don’t know the city well enough to go out hunting them. I do know my way around well enough now to find my way home if I get lost.  When I first moved here I got lost a lot. 

Easter Sunday(April 8) is my son’s birthday. We had his celebration last week when he came home.  I will miss seeing him on his birthday.

I hope you all have a nice day.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Late again…

I have been busy this morning.  Laundry and then another trip to grocery shop with my daughter.  We about cleaned the store out along with a few dozen other people.  it actually was hard to get around in the store this morning because of the shoppers and all the workers stocking the shelves.
I noticed again as I went by the Baptist church on the corner as I turn to go to my daughter’s house that the parking lot was full of people waiting to get food.  I feel so very fortunate!  I am very thankful for all of my blessings and I do not take them for granted.  There but for the grace of God go I.
If you are noticing my new autism background, it is because I am very interested in autism,  I have a niece that is autistic and this really strikes home for me.  I think something like 1 child in 88 will be born with some form of autism.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002494/   Now you know where a good chunk of money (if I ever were to have a good chunk) would go.  Cancer research and autism are the two causes I would support.  April is autism awareness month.
It is chilly, cloudy and windy today at 52 degrees.  We are expecting a hard freeze tonight.  I don’t have my tomato planted yet so I am not worried about that yet. 
I hope you all have a wonderful Good Friday.  Stay safe and be happy!!
Beth

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

It’s that time…

again to take another picture of the tree in the area between me and the cemetery.  Not much change to the tree.  I think it is probably totally dead and I won’t be surprised if it is cut down before I have taken the 12 pics of it.  Take note of the background though as you can see the changes there.

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First picture taken 4 Jan 2012 at 10AM      Second picture taken 4 February  2012 at 10AM

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First pic taken 5 Mar 2012 at 10AM.  Note the dusting of snow on the ground.  Second pic taken today 4 Apr 2012 a little before 10AM.  Click on the pictures to make them larger.

I have been out this morning to the Kroger store.  It was really busy there.  This week is spring break from the schools and so the stores are filled with kids.

We had thunderstorms last night.  My heart goes out to the folks in the Dallas Texas area that suffered devastation yesterday from the tornadoes.

I need to make my rounds to visit you all.  I hope you all have a great day.  Stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Shopping for a…

new TV is a lot like shopping for a new car.  Very nerve wracking.  Each salesman is different but alike in their determination to make a sale.  I really wanted to buy locally, but that is hard to do when there is only one place in town that sell’s TVs and they had only 3 TVs in the store to choose from. 

We finally went to Peoria.  I thought about Best Buys but they are not one of my favorite places to shop.  I don’t like their return policy and restocking fee.  We finally settled on Sherman’s in Peoria which is a gigantic furniture store with a large television section.  I looked at a smart TV and thought boy, if only I was a bit younger that is what I would want.  The front of the TV is like an iPhone where you can connect directly with the internet, you tube, Facebook, twitter, etc.   http://www.lg.com/us/smart-tvs?s_kwcid=TC|10189|LG%20smart%20TV||S|b|9549056827

I decided that was not for me.  What I was really looking for was a TV to replace my 42 inch Samsung.  I could even go as high as 47 to fit on my glass table.  The TVs in that size range are new models that are to arrive at the store within the next week or two.  I am hoping my TV will keep clicking away and finally keeps coming on for another couple of weeks.  For $99 this store will deliver and set up for my cable.  If anything happens to your TV while it is under warranty they will come and get the TV and bring you a loaner to use while it is being repaired.  Now, I have to see all of this in writing before I believe it.

My niece in WV is back in the hospital again.  Her family would appreciate a kind thought and a moment of prayer if you are so inclined.  Thank you.

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I am back after a trip to Bergner’s where on the yellow dot clearance I found 3 items that I saved $80.77 on.  So this means I have started my Christmas shopping.

It is a beautiful sunny 73 degrees right now but the rain is to move in tonight.

You all stay safe and be happy!!

Beth

Monday, April 2, 2012

Another…

beautiful day in the works for the heart of central Illinois.  It is 53 degrees now and is supposed to get into the mid 80s today.  I like that!

I am beginning to get used to the ‘thing’ Sandi.  However, I am waiting for the ‘oh you will feel so much better’ stuff that all of the doctors involved fed to me.  I hope that will come to pass.

I have asked my daughter and she said she will help me television hunt this morning.  It took my TV about 5 minutes and lots of clicks before it came on yesterday.  This was very important as Desperate Housewives was on last night.  That show is winding down, only two more  episodes I think.  I really hate to  see it go as I have watched it from the very beginning.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day.  I stepped out my back door and took a couple of pics.  These are the scenes that I can see each day when I look out my back door.

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In the second picture you will see the tree that I have been taking a new picture of each month this year.  So far there is no green on it at all.  I will take a new pic of the tree on Wednesday.

I hope you all have a good week.  Stay safe and be happy.

Beth

Sunday, April 1, 2012

It is a miracle…

After sleeping with the thing for the past 13 nights I had such a surprise when I looked in the mirror this morning.  Instead of seeing my dear mother’s face I saw a beautiful princess.  She had lovely green eyes, dark brown hair and no bags under her eyes.  She was a sight to behold, and I thought hooray, Murphy has left me and I had a wonderful night’s sleep and I am finally used to the ‘thing.’

GOTCHA!!  And

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The fact of the matter is, I saw my mom’s face in the mirror this morning.  My eyes are still green but puffy from restless sleep and I think my dark brown hair turned silver when I was in my 40s.  Ask my sister Rae as she remembers things better than I do. 

I have so many things I want to accomplish today so I best get started.  I will visit with you all later.

Beth