18.4 and Counting

Went today to Jenny Craig and weighed. I could not believe it. I lost 3.4 lbs. this week. So, that means I've lost 18.4 lbs. since March 1st.-8 weeks. I think I'm doing very well. And, I'm still loving the food. They have added a few new items and so far, they are really good, too.

We found out this week (Wednesday) that Michelle and Vance are having a girl. How exciting! That's pretty rare for the Rutherford family, but I think Chad and Tabitha broke the curse, cause now other members of the family have had girls. Our nephew, Chris and his wife, Amanda, had a girl the end of last year; and our great-nephew, Corey and wife, had a girl on March 17th of this year.

I came home after church and Vance had bought me flowers to celebrate the news about our granddaughter. Isn't he the sweetest?

Thursday, I went to intercessory prayer at church for the first time in a very long time. Mrs. Sandi said it lasted exactly an hour, so that's what I told Vance. Well, wouldn't you know, it went until almost 10:30. We had emergency prayers being called in and I didn't even realize the time. I had left my phone in the car, so I didn't know that Vance had called three times. I tried to call him as I left church, but he didn't answer. I got home and he wasn't there. I knew he was out looking for me and I felt awful about worrying him. Sure enough, as I was getting out of the car, he drove up and I could tell he was mad. I told him I had tried to call and he yelled "I don't care!" and went into the house, then out the backdoor. I just sat on the couch and waited. I guess he was out for about 20 minutes, then knocked on the door cause it was locked. I opened the door and he apologized for yelling at me. He told me he was scared to death that something had happened to me, then he got mad. I apologized for worrying him. He really was scared that something bad had happened to me. Does the man love me or what??? I don't think I'll be going to prayer again for a little while. Or, at least, I won't give a time limit, cause you just never know when you may have to pray longer. He goes to the doctor on Tuesday and is going to ask for another prescription of Chantix to help him stop smoking. Cause I told him I didn't want him to get sick like my mother.

Speaking of Mama, she's doing pretty good. She's cooking for herself and is even vacuuming the floor. Penny texted me today and asked if I could buy groceries for Mama tomorrow. She's not feeling good.

Today, after going to weigh, I stopped by the antique store and bought four old postcards of P.C. landmarks. I think I will go to those places and take pictures and make scrapbook pages "Then and Now". Cause all of them have changed and some of them are not even here anymore. The Dixie Sherman Hotel was the first building in the U.S. to be imploded in 1969 or 1970. Daddy used to have a key to one of the rooms. I wonder if Mama still has it. I could make a shadow box with the postcard and key. And a picture of the demolition if I can find one on-line.

Well, I guess I better go to bed. Olga and I have just been on the phone for an hour and it's past midnight, so I'm headed off to bed. Goodnight and God bless........

15.2 down and only 56 to go

This weekend sure has flown by. Friday was timesheet day and I had to stop and go weigh in. I've lost 15.2 lbs. so far. I'm loving it! Jenny Craig is adding some new food and I think it's going to be even better.

I finished my timesheets early, so I decided to take an hour vacation so that I could go to the drug store for Daddy and then go to Vance's mother's to see Robbie before she left. So, at 3:30, I walk out the door of my office, get in my car and realize I have left my rings on my desk. I took them off when I put lotion on. So, I drive around to the front of the office, grab my office keyring and lock my car. I go inside and retrieve my rings and back out to the car. The key on my keyring that I thought was to my car door wouldn't open my door. So, there I stand with three sets of car keys inside my car and not a one outside. Stupid, stupid..... I called Vance to come and unlock my car. He came and it was 4:30 when I finally left the office. Spent the hour's vacation waiting for my car to be unlocked. Vance went to pick up Hope and I went to get Daddy's medicine. After I finished with him, I went to see Robbie. Hope called to find out where I was and to let me know that she and PawPaw were on their way to see Robbie. We sat around and talked for about an hour, then Vance left Hope with me and I brought her home. I had planned on taking pictures of her, but she decided she didn't want to do a photo shoot. So, we just watched TV and talked. She and I went to Captain D's and got us some food.

Saturday morning, I got up early and took a shower. Hope came in and wanted to take a shower, too. I wrapped her in a towel and put her on the couch and went to get dressed. When I came back to her, she was sound asleep. I dressed her while she was asleep and she woke up while I was putting on her shoes, climbed up in my lap and said "Nonna, I'm just not a morning person." Vance and I cracked up. I took her home and then went to the beauty shop to meet Marsha. She colored and straightened my hair. We finished up around 1:30. I heard on the radio that it was supposed to rain on Sunday, so I called Mama and asked if I could buy her groceries instead of waiting until Sunday. You see, I can't get my hair wet until Tuesday night. The Keratin Complex straightener has to stay on until then. Can't sweat, either. I've prayed for cool, dry weather. Bought Mama's groceries and spent a couple of hours with her. She's doing good. She's cooking for herself and cleaning her house again. Chip came by and cut the grass.

Today was another beautiful day. Wore a skirt to church. Haven't worn a dress in ages, but I finally was able to get into it again and decided to wear it before it got too big. Then, I'll give it away. We had a great service.

Came home and didn't do much all afternoon. Cleaned the kitchen. Vance had washed clothes and folded them before I got home. He worked on the Oldsmobile and worked in the yard. I organized my stamps and some other craft supplies.

I guess I better start getting ready for bed (or should I day, couch?). I can't really sleep laying down. Have to try to keep my hair from getting crimped, so I sleep pretty much sitting up on the couch. Poor dogs. They don't know where to go when I'm on the couch. They always stay close to me, but at night Vinnie is in our room and Shadow is laying in the hall outside our bedroom door. When I'm on the couch, they go back and forth between me and Vance. They don't know who to sleep with. I don't know what I will do without them when they die. They are both getting old and I know it won't be much longer. I cry just thinking about losing them. I pray very long lifes for both of them.

Goodnight and God bless...........

Wednesday Night After Church

Today has been a really good day. The guys in my office were gone all day to a meeting out of town, so I had the whole place to myself. It was so quiet and peaceful. I got so much work done. I still worked till 5:30 to get caught up, cause I'll have a lot to do the next two days. We sent crews to Birmingham to help with the outages there, and I haven't gotten any of their timesheets yet.

Been having so much trouble with the internet, so this is the first time I've been able to blog. Had a wonderful weekend. Saturday, I went to Tally to visit Vance, Michelle and Fox. Poor Vance was sick the whole time I was there, but Michelle and I took Fox to a birthday party/egg hunt and Vance was able to sleep while we were gone. Took Fox back home and put him to bed, then Michelle and I went to Kohl's. Got Fox a cute outfit and bought Michelle, Tabitha and myself a blouse. We couldn't find anything for Vance. We stopped by Anna's house and she gave Michelle a massage to get rid of her headache and worked on me to get rid of numbness in my left hand. I could tell a difference immediately. The ring finger was no longer numb. She said I needed more work over several days to get the little finger fixed. It has been numb for about six months. I need to find somebody here to work on it. Had a wonderful supper and then I headed home. I had a great time.

Sunday, we had a great time at church. The youth/children put on a wonderful program. Chad, Tabitha and the kids came. Tabitha had a flat tire, Chad changed it and then came to church with them. The whole church was full. Afterwards, I gave Tabitha her blouse. She loved it. She, Chad and the kids went to see Mama. I went with Penny, Tiffaney and Swayde to Tonya's to see the rest of the family. Haven't seen them since Christmas. We had a good time. I met Tonya's babysitter, Keely Raquel. She is gorgeous and a country singer (hoping to break into the business). She also works with the young kids at her church. Check her out on my Facebook page. Or go to Keely Raquel on MySpace. Listen to her music. She writes the songs herself. She's really talented and so sweet.

So far, I've lost 14 lbs. on Jenny Craig. I go on Friday to weigh-in. I have been a little bad the past three days. I was asked to made potato salad for Sunday and had some left. I'm sorry, but I love my potato salad and I've had some every night for supper. I sure hope that hasn't slowed down my weight loss. Tonight was the last night, so I will get back to normal tomorrow. According to my scales at home, I've lost another pound. Hope their scales show the same or better...... ;)

Monday night, we had a guest speaker at our Ladies Meeting. She was so good and has an awesome voice. She's one of the P&W Leaders at Living Word Fellowship. She prayed over me after the service. I didn't get home till almost 10:00 and my sweet husband was waiting up to make sure I got home safe. I love that man!

It's getting late and I think I want to get to bed. Got two big days ahead of me.
Goodnight and God bless.........

Early Friday Morning

Took off work yesterday because of a horrible headache. Went back to bed and slept till almost 11:00. Ate breakfast and swept the living room. Tabitha called and asked if I could pick up Hope. Ran in and dressed real quick and threw on some makeup and went to school and picked her up. We stopped in at Office Max so I could pick up some ink for my printer. They had photo paper on sale, so I got some. I only buy it when it's buy one, get one free. I do so much printing, I'm not about to pay full price.

We went to Beef O'Brady's and hung out while Tabitha finished work. I ate a salad since I hadn't eaten lunch. We had so much fun. Roberta, one of the other servers, sat down with us and ate her lunch. We cut up and told about pranks people have pulled in our places of business. We were laughing so much, one of the other servers got jealous and told us to be quiet. We weren't desturbing anybody, cause there were only a few people there. Of course, that only made us laugh more.

I'll be off today, too. Going to Jenny Craig to weigh in. I am still loving the food. Haven't gotten bored yet, but this week, I had a hard time getting all my food in. Like today (yesterday I guess it would be). I missed a fruit and my lunch. The salad was only part of the lunch. Was supposed to have Swedish meatballs.

Wednesday night at church, we had a lady come and explain the Jewish Seder meal. It was so interesting. I took pictures and tried to take notes at the same time. Found out, I just can't do that. I either missed the notes, or missed a great picture. Gave up on the notes and focused on taking pictures. Sat down and talked to the lady afterwards. She is an interesting person. She's in the process of writing a Christian play. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Planning to go to Tallahassee on Saturday. Can't wait to see Vance, Michelle and Fox. Will be going to a birthday party with them, too. I've just been missing them and need to see them. I sure don't want Fox to forget he has another grandmother.

Well, it's almost 1:00am. I guess I need to get in bed. Goodnight and God bless.....

It's Cold Outside

Yep, here it is - April - and we are having our usual Florida cold snap right before Easter. It seems to happen every year no matter what month Easter falls in. I can remember buying a pretty, short sleeved dress for Easter Sunrise Service and having to wear a heavy coat because it was freezing outside. Never took my coat off the whole day. That was a waste - buying a new dress and nobody even saw it. Not even going to bother buying one this year. Will wear my usual black pants and a pretty top to church. Didn't think we were doing Praise and Worship, but we are. Then, the children and youth will take over with their special program. I know it will be great. They always do a great job.

Yesterday, I got to go out with my boss to observe the crews. We decided to go out and observe a different crew once a month for my performance evaluation. Since I love what I do and have no desire to learn a new job, we had to come up with something to put as a goal. It was a good experience. I got to see them work on a bad underground cable that had been chewed up by a squirrel (he finally got fried while chewing the aluminum). It happens all the time. For some reason, they are attracted to aluminum. Then, we went and watched a crew change out a transformer. I got to wear a traffic vest, hardhat, my steel-toed boots and safety sunglasses. You get bad hat hair from the hardhat, so I had just pulled my hair into a ponytail and didn't bother with straightening it. The guys at work have seen me at my worst - during hurricanes with no makeup and a month of just bursting into tears when my brother died. They are like brothers to me, so I really don't care about impressing them with how I look. The only man I want to impress is my husband. He loves me no matter what. He's such a great guy.

Called and talked to Trent this morning. He's in St. Augustine on a field trip. Tabitha and I were a little concerned about him being so far away, but he seems to be having fun.

Guess I better get to bed. Work tomorrow and that test. Goodnight and God bless.....

Weekend's Almost Gone-Flying By!

Boy, the weekend sure flew by. I took pictures yesterday at church during the Easter Egg Hunt. Actually, I didn't take picture "during" the hunt; but we had props set up and I took pictures of families afterwards. Took a little over 100 photos. Printed out 123 of them and took them to church this morning. We sold most of them (donations) and made $90.00. I donated all the developing costs which I did myself. That way, I could edit them. I love playing around with Photoshop. The money will go for the children/youth trip later this summer.

Mrs. Sandi preached this morning and it sure was good. She talked about Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread and First Fruits. She's trying to find someone who will prepare a Passover meal Wednesday and explain all the elements involved to us Wednesday night. Should be great. I went to Niceville about 20 years ago to a Passover Feast and it was awesome. I was a member of our Expressive Worship team and we signed and danced to some Jewish songs. You could really feel the presence of God in that place. I wonder if they still carry on that tradition?

I came home and took a nap. Haven't been doing that the last few Sundays. Then, I spent the rest of the afternoon playing around with some of the photos I took yesterday. Made a cool slideshow to play at church maybe Easter Sunday.

Now, I'm really exhausted, so I'm heading off to bed. Goodnight and God bless.......

Still Losing

Yep, I'm still losing - 12.4 lbs. so far. I'm real excited. I'm still loving the food, though I did eat a few mixed nuts the other night. About 10 - and I put on my menu under the question "unplanned foods eaten and why" - because I wanted them. Leslie, my counselor, loved my comment. And she told me a little secret, but I can't tell, cause it's a secret. :>)

I'll try to get someone to take a picture of me tomorrow at church. I'm going to be there taking pictures of the kids - portraits, actually. Should be fun. They will be hunting eggs, watching the puppet show, having praise and worship and eating hot dogs. Should be a lot of fun.

Did it rain yesterday or what?? It was scary to say the least. Kept hearing reports of funnel clouds spotted, but they never touched down. Thank You, Lord! Heard there was one right over the main gate at Tyndall and Vance works just a few blocks from there. I called him and told him to get to a safe place. I was worried about him. The lightning was spectacular. Wish I had my camera when one bolt struck several times in the same place. It lasted several seconds. Never seen anything like it. There was a tornado that touched down in Vernon, so we sent crews up that way and they worked through the night, rested a few hours and headed back up there today.
Today was sunny and beautiful. Heard a lot of P.C. folks on my Facebook page headed out to the beach today. I'm not a beach person, but I could have been talked into going if I didn't have to work. Will I ever get a day off where I can just go and do something fun???

Was supposed to buy groceries for Daddy yesterday, but it was storming too bad. I told him he'd have to wait until today. Right now, I'm a little upset with him. He's not supposed to be drinking. That's what caused him to get so sick and almost die five years ago. Well, he's found some neighbor who will go to the store for him and buy him beer. He's knows I won't. So, now, he's drinking again and getting mad at his landlord (wants to find another place to live), cussing like a sailor. I'm going to have to have a long talk with him about that. It just grates on my nerves some of the words he uses. When he's sober, he's so respectful of my feelings. Not so, when he's had a few beers. I don't enjoy being around him anymore, but I go do my daughterly duty because I do still love him.

Kim is off in Tennessee having a blast. I'm so glad she got to go on vacation. She really needed a break from work. It's really been rough on all of us lately. These new programs are the pits. They make our lives miserable because we have to keep making corrections to things we didn't do because the systems won't talk to each other. They should have developed friendlier programs. These guys just seem to have bad attitudes and won't work together.

Today, after I weighed in, I had to rush home to take the frozen food and put in the freezer. I knew it would thaw out by the time I got Daddy's groceries. So, I ended up taking a 2-hour lunch. No problem, just made it up at the end of the day. On my way back to the office, I passed this 18-wheeler with a huge flatbed with nothing on it. Or, so I thought. Right in the middle of the flatbed, an old Tonka dumptruck was strapped down. It made me smile. Chip and I had Tonka dumptrucks just like that one. You know, the real metal ones. Not plastic like they make today. These were made of metal and you could sit on them and they wouldn't bend. Wish I still had mine. The kids would love playing with it. I was able to snap off a couple of pictures.

Mama is doing pretty good. I bought groceries for her last Sunday. Penny was sick and couldn't. She wanted to make chicken and dumplings and cabbage. That's the first time she's really cooked on the stove in about a year. I think she's doing pretty good now that she has the right amount of oxygen.

I'm very tired, so I guess I will go to bed. Very busy day tomorrow. Goodnight and God bless...............

It's Been A Very Busy Week

Last Wednesday, the 25th, was my youngest son's 32nd birthday. That's hard to believe that my baby is 32. I guess that means I'm getting old, huh?

Tabitha and I met up at Lisa's Nails on Thursday night. She treated me to a manicure (or pedicure if I wanted one. I decided on a manicure.)It was a late birthday present. She also gave me my favorite perfume and body lotion from Victoria's Secret. How did she know I was just about out? We had a lot of fun. She got acrylic nails, so I waited around and just sat and talked with her. The guy that did my nails was an older gentlemen from Viet Nam who has been in the business 20 years. He wasn't very talkative. The young man who did Tabitha's nails was only 20 years old and he was a lot of fun to talk to. Especially when he said I didn't look much over 39. Yeah, right!

We had a fish fry at work on Thursday and the weather was horrible. The execs couldn't fly in, so I was asked to take pictures and send them to P'cola. I didn't take very many, but I did take a few. I did so good not eating. I sat down with the guys and only drank unsweet tea. I know the meal was great, cause I had it before; but I wasn't even tempted to eat any of it. After it was over, I popped my meal into the microwave and ate. I was very satisfied.

Yesterday morning, I went to Jenny Craig to weigh-in. I've lost 10.8 lbs. and 10 inches. I was very excited. I'm still enjoying the program. I went to Hobby Lobby and walked around just trying to get some steps in. I went to Chad and Tabitha's to pick up Hope and take bring her home with me. They were planning to go to Pier Park and the weather was too bad for Hope to be out in. She's got a bad cough and complaining of an earache. We enjoyed playing with stamps and just watching TV together. She wanted me to do a photo shoot of her, so we took a few pictures. I don't know where she is coming up with the model poses, but she's got them down pretty good. :>)

Vance didn't play golf. It was raining. The last three days have been really bad weather around here. He was watching TV while Hope and I played in the dining room. I took her to meet up with Chad and Tabitha and I think I lost my pedometer in the parking lot of the Dollar General Store. I guess I'll have to buy another one. This time, I'm going to tie a ribbon on it and tie it to my jeans belt loop. I have never been able to keep a good one for very long and I get cheaper ones and they don't work.

I missed Friday night prayer. Our church had a prayer service from 9:00 p.m. till 6:00 a.m. I had planned to go, but a friend came to my office reeking of cigarette smoke. She stayed for about 30 minutes, then hugged me when she left. I am very allergic to cigarette smoke and I had the smell on my sweater. I got a terrible headache that I just could not shake. It got so bad that I knew I wouldn't be able to see to drive and I was getting nauseated. I didn't have any migraine medicine, so I just took two Aleves. It didn't work, so I went to bed early. They said it was an awesome night of prayer, praise, worship and some teaching. You could tell this morning that something had happened, cause church was awesome. Pastor Fred always talked about an open door in the heavenlies and we just had to step through to another level. Well, I think our church stepped through today. Awesome time of ministry going on during praise and worship. I believe a man got healed of MS today. And a lady got saved. We don't have to wait for altar calls to have the freedom to get saved. I'm excited about what is happening.

Penny called this afternoon and asked me if I could go get Mama's groceries. She is sick with a migraine. She is dealing with some upsetting health issues and I think the stress is getting to her. I went to Mama's and got her list and went to the store. We had a nice visit when I got back. She is actually wanting to cook chicken and dumplings. She hasn't cooked in about six months, so I know she's feeling better.

Came home and scanned a few pictures. Didn't get a nap, so I'm planning to go to bed in a few minutes. My computer would not connect to the internet for very long for the last few days. It was getting pretty aggravating. I couldn't check Facebook. I'm hooked on that. I love being able to keep up with old friends. I'm connecting to girls I went to grade school with. This is lots of fun. And, of course, I'm addicted to Puzzle Bee. I hate all the quizzes and extra junk on there, so I just don't participate in that.

Well, next week will be very busy, so I guess I need to get some rest. Goodnight and God bless...........

It Wasn't a Bee Hive

Found out yesterday that the bees have moved leaving nothing behind. So that was just a bunch of bees (probably protecting the queen)with no hive at all underneath. Pretty cool, huh?

This morning when I woke up, I really couldn't wake up. I felt so groggy and my insides were all shaky, so I called in and took my birthday holiday off since I didn't get to take it last week. I thought I would sleep till around 10:00, but I was up at 8:45. I felt pretty good, so I jumped in the shower and washed my hair. I need to go have it straightened again. It's beginning to get really curly. I need to do it before it gets too hot. You're not supposed to sweat during the three days you have the conditioner on your hair.

I went to Winn-Dixie and bought some stuff for Daddy and some fruit and yogurt for me. Had to bring it back and put in refrigerator, then took stuff to Daddy. Wasn't able to find the small florescent light he needed, so I went to Wal-Mart, then back to his house. Then, I headed to Mama's to sit and visit with her and go have some keys made. While she was in the hospital, someone came in her house and stole her Xanax and pain meds. That's all they took. We're pretty sure it's her neighbor. He comes in and does little chores for her and knew the pills were on the counter and knew where she kept the spare key. He has been in trouble with the police several times and I think even in prison for drugs once. Mama believes he wouldn't come in while she's there, but we're not so sure. She wanted to leave the key in it's hiding place, but I convinced her that we all needed a key and to take it in the house and put it up. I guess I visited with her a couple of hours before I went and had the keys made and took them back to her. Stayed about 30 more minutes, then came home. We didn't have praise & worship practice tonight.

I ate breakfast and a banana before I took off running errands, so I was starving when I got home around 6:00. I ate my lunch sandwich, waited about 30 minutes and ate my dessert. Ate my supper around 9:00. I don't think I got all my food in today, but I'm too tired to eat anything else. I'm off to bed early tonight. I'm exhausted.
Goodnight and God bless............

Sunday Night 10:46/Clock on Here is Wrong

Had a great weekend! It started Friday morning at work. Of course, I was working. It was timesheet day, but I was pretty much caught up, so I got to go to one of the substations and take pictures of a bee hive that is hanging on a pinetree limb. It was pretty cool. From the side, it looks like a huge pinecone.

I had to go at lunch to weigh-in. I really thought I hadn't lost any weight, but I was wrong. I have now lost a total of nine pounds! I was excited and decided to treat myself to an outfit to wear to the conference tomorrow.

I finished my timesheets about 30 minutes before time to leave work. That's not something that happens very often. I actually got off work at the right time. I headed straight for Kolh's. They were having a big sale. I got a pair of black slacks and two tops. One is lime green (I love that color and it looks good with my red hair); the other one is black, gray and white. I almost bought a pair of gray capris, but I would have had to buy shoes to go with the outfit. Now, I kick myself for not buying them. They really looked good on me.

Saturday morning, I got up around 5:45 and jumped in the shower and got ready to go to the Aglow Women's Conference. Nine of us went and it was great. The speaker was awesome. Met some really sweet ladies. The conference ran till 2:30. They fed us some really great sandwiches from Honeybaked Ham. I had forgotten to carry my Jenny Craig food, so I just took the top off the turkey sandwich and ate a pickle with it. Gave away my cookie and chips. One of the ladies who goes to our church is on the board of Aglow in P.C. I didn't even know we still had Aglow here. I remember signing at several meetings back in the late 80's. I found out that Mrs. Sandi, Missy, Carol and Ginnie all go and it's one Saturday a month at 9:00 in the morning. I think I will start going with them. I don't have anything else to do on Saturday mornings and I'm getting pretty bored hanging out by myself.

After the conference, we went shopping at Silver Sands in Destin. Carol and I went together and got some Skechers sneakers. It was buy one, get one half off. I'm not much of a shopper, so I just followed the rest of the ladies while they shopped. We went to the Oneida store and it was going out of business and had a great sale. I bought a rectangular cake pan with lid that has a handle and a big bowl for only $8.00 total. I wish I had gotten some of the serving spoons that were 99 cents, but I didn't. After Silver Sands, we went to the Bealls Outlet store. I ended up buying three tops for less than $20.00. All in all, it wasn't a bad day for somebody who doesn't like to shop. I actually liked going with all the ladies. It's more fun that way. And Missy helped me find the tops that I bought. She's got great taste. Learned it from her mother, Mrs. Sandi. After shopping, we went to Cracker Barrel. I was very good. Only had a salad (only ate half) and unsweet tea. I think I did okay with my eating. We got home around 11:00. It was a long day, but I had fun.

Today, of course, I went to church. We had a good service. Pastor Sammy is doing so much better physically and it shows in his preaching. I stopped by Chad and Tabitha's on my way home. They weren't in church and I had Hope's backpack in my car. They have both been sick. Hope told Tabitha and me a story about a sea creature that really cracked me up. She is sooooo expressive. Before I left, I took some pictures of Chad's flowers that are blooming.

Came home and took some pictures of the birdnest on my porch. The wrens are back and they have found another plant to build their nest in. They have been building a nest on our porch for probably about 10 years now. It used to be in the Christmas cactus, but I had taken it down when I put the baker's rack on the porch to hold my plants. So they found another plant and are building their nest. I pray the baby birds live this year. Something got to them last year and killed them before they were old enough to fly. I also took pictures of the flowers blooming in our yard. We don't have many. I wish I liked to garden, but I really don't like to. Mosquitoes just love to bite me when I get outside. I try to stay out of the sun because I've already had one skin cancer cut off and I don't want to go through that again.

It's after midnight now, so I need to get to bed. Goodnight and God bless.........

It's Been A Busy Week

It has really been a busy week. And a very emotional week. So many things have gone on that I can't even begin to list. I turned a year older this week. That didn't bother me. Had so many well wishes from friends and family - except the husband. He totally forgot and I'm not one to remind people because I don't want to make them feel bad. Hey, he's 60 now, so I can't expect him to remember everything! :>)But, that didn't bother me. Just some things with someone who got a bad report from a medical test. That has me totally bummed out. But, I know that prayer works, so I'm praying for a miracle. Also, my mother has been in the hospital since last Friday. She got out yesterday and seems to be doing pretty good.

I think I have lost some more weight. I feel thinner anyway. I go tomorrow to weigh instead of Saturday, because I'm going to a Women's Aglow Conference in Niceville on Saturday. So looking forward to that. We will be leaving at 8:00 and don't have a clue when we will get home. We plan to stop in Destin on the way back to shop and eat supper. I've already been looking at the Dining Out book to see some things that I can eat. It won't be a problem at all. I can still stick to the plan. I've saved up some money to shop, but I don't know what to buy. No junk for the house. Michelle would kill me! :o) Don't know if I should buy any clothes; maybe buy something a size smaller? Shoes are always a good investment, but I've got tons of shoes. Will need to give some away when I can find time to go through my stuff again. Though I would love to have a new pair of Sketchers. The blue ones I wear are probably about 8years old. They are all faded, but still so comfortable.

I have reconnected with so many of my old friends on Facebook. It has been great catching up. A lot of the youth that I used to work with at church. It's great to see them and their babies. Does make me feel a little old though.

I'm having photography withdrawal. I've got to go somewhere and take pictures. I wish I had somebody to go with me to find old barnes and old houses. I do have a friend in Enterprise that has found a bunch around her area. I'm jealous.......

It's getting late and I've got a very busy day tomorrow. It's timesheet day and I've got to go weigh-in, plus the guys have found a bee hive at one of our substations that I've got to go take some pictures of. Yep, gotta go.

My bed is calling my name. Goodnight and God bless...........

So Sad to See the Weekend End

Why can't weekends be longer? I feel like this one just flew by and I haven't gotten one thing accomplished. Dot talked about being in a rut and I think I am, too. I want to photograph something or someone!!!! I have an itchy shutter finger. :>)

Hopefully next Saturday I can take some pictures in Destin. I'm going to a Women's Aglow Conference with several women from church. It will be nice to get away for a day. I'm going stir crazy around here. I've got to plan a trip to Tallahassee sometime soon. I miss Vance, Michelle and Fox so much.

Had a great service at church today. Pastor Sammy is feeling so much better and you can tell in his preaching.

I went to the hospital to see Mama right after church. Chip and Angie showed up after they went to eat. We all had a nice visit. Chip was in a nice black suit with a gold tie. He's an usher at church now. I'm so glad to see them in church. He and Angie, Corey, Katie and McKinley all go to Harvest Worship Center.

I came home and Vance is feeling better. He slept for 14 hours last night, so I think that helped.

Didn't see Tabitha and the kids at church today. And, I forgot to call to check on them. I have a feeling her family came in to celebrate her birthday, which is tomorrow. I'll have to call her tomorrow and wish her a Happy Birthday.\

Well, back to the old grind tomorrow. Guess I better start winding down and get ready for bed. Goodnight and God bless...........

I Love My Sister

Slept a little late, so had to rush to get ready to go weigh. I lost 1.6 lbs. which is a total of 6.2 so far. I'm doing good. Still loving the food. Not going to take any more pictures until I can tell I've lost weight.

I got all my food and brought it home to put away. Then, I ate my lunch and headed to the hospital to visit with Mama. She was asleep when I went in. I sat down for about 10 minutes and then went to another part of the hospital to visit one of the guys I work with. He was about to take a walk while his room was being cleaned. He is doing okay after having double surgery. I left him and went back to Mama's room. She was awake. I stayed and visited with her almost 2 hours. She seems better today, but is still not eating. Was talking about going back into the nursing home.

After leaving her, I went to the grocery store to get salad fixings and fruit and skim milk. Came home and Vance wasn't feeling good. He had played golf, but now he's aching all over and running a fever. Same thing last weekend. Me, I've got another headache that I can't seem to get rid of.

Penny called and told me she had gone and visited with Mama. Mama told her she wanted to go back into the nursing home and Penny said there was no way she was going to let her. She is planning on taking her into her home to live with her, Tiffaney, Andy and Swayde. Penny and Swayde are always at home at night and can take care of her. Between Penny, Tiffaney and I, we can go by and check on her at lunch. Penny and Tiffaney know more about medical things than I do and Tiff is in school right now to be a nurse. They will know what to look for and who to call if Mama needs anything. She wouldn't come to my house because of my dogs. And Vance won't get rid of his dogs. They won't leave her alone when she used to come by for a visit. Vinnie was always up in her lap. They have too much hair and she is allergic to them. I never know what time I'm going to get home from work, so she would be alone a lot at my house. I wish we were all rich and retired and we could take her in without any problems at all. Penny is such a blessing and Tiffaney, Andy and Swayde are in agreement with her to take Mama in. God bless them all.

Goodnight and God bless............

Happy Thursday

It has been so foggy every morning this week. Scary driving. People drive like they can see for miles when they can only see a few feet in front of them. Why do people have to be in such a hurry? I'd rather be late getting somewhere and get there alive than be picked up by the coroner because of a stupid mistake I made while driving.

This morning, I left Vance a real sweet note to find before he left for work. I'm going to try to do the Love Dare ideas. I kind of skipped ahead because Day 1 was "be patient with your spouse". I don't have to worry about that. Vance and I are always patient with one another. We don't yell and scream at each other. Both of us grew up in that type of home and we decided before we got married that there would not be any fighting in our marriage. We work things out quietly. As best as I can remember, the boys only saw us yell at each other once when they were teenagers. I think it scared them pretty bad.

Today was pretty busy at work. Isn't it always? :>) But, I really like staying busy. I got invited to lunch by the Warehouse supervisor. He and Bambi were here doing inventory. The whole group met up at Smitty's BBQ. Since salad is on my diet, I ate a side salad and unsweet tea. I told Neil I was a very cheap date. It was nice eating with all the guys. I haven't seen Robert and Phillip in quite a while. Phillip is on a diet, too, and has already lost 34 lbs. Good for him! Neil is a real good Christian man and he prayed before our meal. I respect that. He told us about he and a couple of the other supervisors going out to eat a couple of weeks ago. He saw one of the contract supervisors eating in the same restaurant and just nodded and waved across the room to him. As they were getting ready to pay, they found out that this contract supervisor had paid for their entire meal. So, not to be outdone, Neil's supervisor turned and looked around the restaurant and saw two older ladies there and told the waitress he wanted to pay their bill. He said "I was blessed and I want to pass the blessing on." That is such a great idea. It is so exciting to see how many people in our company are Christians. It didn't used to be that way, but things are turning around and it's so nice to work with people who share the love of the Lord.

Hopefully, this Saturday, I'm going to be able to take some pictures after I go weigh in and bring my food back home. I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to suggest going to Eden State Park. The azaleas will be beautiful. What a great backdrop........

Now, I'm going to head for bed. I'm trying very hard to get more sleep. Goodnight and God bless..........

Fireproof Your Marriage

If you haven't seen the movie "Fireproof", please so see it or buy it and watch it at home. It is a great movie. About 15 of us watched it tonight at church. Most of our people were home with kids who are taking the FCAT tests in school tomorrow. That's another subject. I wish they would do away with FCAT. It is really hurting our kids and grandkids. Karen even saw a little boy jump out of the car and throw up in the bushes right before school because he was so nervous about taking the stupid test. Tabitha called me the other night to look up some definitions to some math words and I was blown away with the fact that a 5th grader has to do that kind of math - algebra already??? Okay, I don't need to get so upset right before going to bed. But, I don't believe a child should be put through this kind of torture at such a young age.

Back to the movie. It made me search myself and I realized that I take my husband of 38 years for granted. I know he loves me and he knows I love him, but our marriage could be even better if we followed the Love Dare. How to get him to see the movie or read the book is beyond me, but I guess I can follow the book and do the things for him that it says to do. Tabitha bought me the DVD and the book while we were at Hope for the Heart. So, tomorrow, I will start Day 1 of the book and see what happens.

I think I'm still doing pretty good on Jenny Craig. I really love the food, especially the variety. Fran lost 2 lbs. today. I'm so excited for her. She has the least amount to lose, so she will be at her goal before she goes on the cruise. I was invited, but I'm commiting my money to paying off bills and trying to get out of debt this year. I just paid off two credit cards today. Didn't have much on them, cause I vowed two years ago not to run up credit card debt. If I can't pay for it, then we don't need it. I only use them for emergency purchases - like parts for cars. We ordered parts for Chad's truck and he gave me the cash to pay it off. I am so thankful that Chad and Tabitha have never gotten a credit card and gotten themselves in debt. I've done it before and it is no fun. Had to borrow money from the Credit Union at a lower interest to pay them off. That taught me a big lesson.

It's after midnight and I'm still not adjusting well to this time change, but I'm going to try to go to bed anyway. Goodnight and God bless.........

Busy Day

I'm really not liking Daylight Saving Time. I don't sleep much at night and now I'm sleeping an hour less. It's hard to get up in the morning. I had some issues with vertigo last night and this morning, but I'm better now. I think I've got fluid on my ears and that's what is causing the problem. If it keeps up, I'll call my doctor.

Was very busy at work today, but took off at lunch and went to Sam's with Kim to buy snacks for the guys. While there, Tabitha called to see if I could pick up Hope. We headed straight to her school on our way back to work. She is so funny. Her teacher was giving her homework and explaining how to do it. She drew a line from the word 'bat' to a picture of a bat. Hope looked at her and said "Can you erase that line, please?" She wanted to do it all by herself. Her teacher cracked up and gave her a new sheet. We love her teachers. They are so sweet and really love the kids. Every day as the kids leave, they get a hug and "I love you." I'm sure some of the kids don't even get that at home, so I think it's pretty special.

We went back to work and Hope proceeded to 'work'. She stamped papers and gave copies to Randy and Paul and told them to take them home with them. She got them to write their names on post-it notes and she posted the notes on their desks. She had post-it notes everywhere. The guys love her. They all pick on her and she does the hands on hips look and they crack up. She talks to every one of them like she's known them forever.

Tabitha came to pick Hope up. She wasn't feeling very good. Chad and Trent are feeling better; now Tabitha has it.

Finally got to eat my lunch around 3:30. I was pretty hungry by then. At 4:30, I went to see Marsha to get my hair colored and cut. I love catching up with her. We've been friends since I was in the 8th grade and she was in elementary school. She's been cutting my hair for over 20 years. She's like family.

After there, it was off to Praise & Worship practice. I could see the moon coming up and it was huge. It was beautiful. I was trying to figure out where I could take a picture, when I turned onto a side road and saw the moon reflected in a pool of water. I was about to slam on brakes when I saw a truck right on my bumper. Missed my moment! It would have been a beautiful picture. Oh well, maybe tomorrow night....

We had a good practice, but some of our people were out sick. There is a lot of sickness going around right now.

It's midnight, so I'm going to try to go to bed and get some sleep. Hope I can fall asleep. Goodnight and God bless.

Not A Good Way to Start the Day

I woke up with a migraine this morning. Called and left Karen a message that I wouldn't be at church, took my medicine and went to bed. These migraines are getting pretty frequent again. I used to have them all the time, then got better, now they are back. No fun.

I woke up around 11:45, ate breakfast and sat in my chair in the living room reading a book. Kim called to see if I was okay. Gail called and wanted to know what was wrong. She and her boyfriend were at church. Kim said he went forward for prayer. Debb called to see how church was. She didn't go. She's not been feeling good lately. After talking to all them, I got sleepy and just curled up in the chair and took a three-hour nap.

Got my food together for tomorrow and played on the computer and watched movies on Lifetime all the rest of the day. It's 11:00 and I need to go wash my hair. Guess I will have to change my showers from morning to night or I'll never make it to work on time.

WooHoo, I Lost Weight!!!

Today was such a beautiful day. In the 70's. Wish I had had someplace to go to take pictures, but I didn't want to go by myself. Last time I tried, I had a car accident. So, instead, I went to Jenny Craig and had my first weigh-in. I am so happy. I lost 4.6 lbs. Yippee!!! I'm posting my picture. Yuck, hate this more than anything, but it will be good to look back on when I'm skinny. It is definitely making me humble posting a "big" picture on here for anybody to see. Course, I don't think anybody but Vance and Michelle and Sharon read my blog. Good thing, huh?

So far, I'm in the lead among the four of us who are on the program. The three of them combined lost 3.4 lbs., but I think they only are looking to lose 15-20 lbs. I keep telling them "The bigger you are, the more you will lose in the beginning." I need to lose more than all of them combined. I hope they don't give up, cause it's fun having somebody to talk to.

I carried my two pictures with the saying on it to show Leslie. She loved them, so I gave them to her. I was ready this morning for my frozen food. I had bought a cute rolling cooler last year when I was at Vance and Michelle's for the 4th of July. It was the perfect size for the frozen stuff. The girls loved it. I left my stuff in the car while I walked over to Hobby Lobby to get some decorative brackets to make a shelf to put the VCR/DVD player on. That way, I can exercise in the dining room while Vance watches TV in the living room. While I was checking out, Leslie came in and said she was going to buy frames for the pictures I gave her. She really did like them. She said she was going to leave one on her desk and take the Pumpkin Bread one home. That really blessed me.

I stopped by Office Depot and got some ink for my printer and some plain white paper. It seemed strange not to go someplace and get something to eat. I came home and ate my pizza. It was pretty good. Can't wait to see what next week's food tastes like. This week has been great.

I don't like the time change. That just means I will be getting even less sleep than before. My body just doesn't change with the time change. I'll still be up late every night (or should I say, every morning?). I guess I need to try and get to bed, so I can get up early in the morning.

Friday at Last!

Whew! What a day. Yesterday was a very emotional day for me. My old boss's wife died of cancer and the funeral was yesterday. It was a beautiful service for a beautiful, precious woman. Her husband actually spoke about her life and how she was still laughing and joking the day before her passing. There wasn't a dry eye in the place when he finished. It made me realize just how precious life is and that we go through life and may never tell the people close to us just how much we love them. I always try to say "I love you" after a conversation with any of my family and friends.

This is not something that I was taught as a child, but something I have learned since becoming a Christian. "The greatest commandment is to love one another." And when you love one another, you won't have to worry about breaking the 10 commandments will you? I didn't grow up hearing those words. As a matter of fact, the first time my mother told me she loved me was in 1978. Working for a utility company, we are not allowed to leave during hurricanes. Vance and our son, Vance, stayed in town while the rest of my family evacuated. Mama told me she loved me over the phone right before they were leaving town. What a shock; I had never heard those words from her. Vance was brought up the same way. It wasn't until after his mother got saved that she told him she loved him. She didn't hear her parents say those words until her mother was dying and her father said "Don't leave me. I love you." We changed all that and always tell our sons we love them. It's still harder for Vance to say those words than it is for me. I say them several times a day to all kinds of people.

Well, tomorrow I go and weigh-in. Can't wait to see how much I've lost. I'm hoping I have lost the most out of the four of us who are going to Jenny Craig. To win this week, I've got to lose over 3 lbs. I have not deviated from the plan at all. The food is really good. I had turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans almondine tonight, plus a salad and other veggies (broccoli, cauliflower & carrots). I was stuffed. That's the biggest meal so far. I was supposed to eat a fruit afterwards, so I ate about 10 grapes. I couldn't eat any more than that. I ate over three hours ago and I'm still stuffed. Can't wait to see what new foods I get next week.

Today at work was really busy. I have only taken 30 minutes for lunch every day this week. I've saved money because I'm not going anywhere for lunch and not using gas. Even though the meals cost money each week, I believe I'm going to come out ahead and save money. I'm beginning to like fruit again.

Tabitha called this morning. Trent is doing better, but still has a cough. He's a real trooper; wanting to go to school. She kept him home yesterday, but he begged to go today.

Well, I'm getting real sleepy, so I'm going to go to bed. Will let you know the results tomorrow. Goodnight and God bless.......... And, if I haven't told you lately - I LOVE YOU!!!

Things Are Going Well

Yes, things are going well. Work is going okay. Was able to get caught up today. That's a pretty major accomplishment. Oops! Wait a minute - I've still got a month's worth of adjustments to make. Oh well, job security. :>)

Trent went to school today, but Tabitha and the kids were unable to come to church because he was running a fever again. Poor baby. I hate seeing the little ones sick. I hate seeing any of them sick. My husband has been fighting a cold or something since Saturday. Having to take Nyquil every night. That stuff is nasty tasting! I have to really be sick to take it and then I don't sleep all night. Since they took the majority of alcohol out of it, it keeps me awake. I used to sleep really good when it was about 25% alcohol.

I'm still loving the food I'm eating. Haven't found anything that I wouldn't eat again. Jessica called from the Centre today to check on me to see if I had any questions or concerns. Nope, I think I'm doing fine. I think I've lost about 2 1/2 pounds so far. I sure hope so. Can't wait to go Saturday morning and find out how I'm doing. Right now, I'm a little hungry because I got home late from work and didn't have time to cook any veggies to go along with my Mesquite Chicken w/potatoes and broccoli. I ate some grapes, but I'm still hungry. I'll just drink some more water and I'll be fine until tomorrow.

Tonight, church was awesome. We had Ken Malone at our church Sunday morning and he prophesied over the Praise & Worship team that we would go to a higher level and break away from the norm. So, Mrs. Sandi called for a whole service of Praise & Worship. It was so good, but I could hardly talk afterwards. I went places with my voice that I've never gone before. At times, it almost felt like there were angels singing with us.

Now, it's time to say goodnight. I've got a long day ahead tomorrow. A full day at work, except time out for a funeral; then grocery shopping for Daddy.