Monday Daybook

I'm not sure why, but I got up this morning with this song on my mind:

"Monday Monday, so good to me,
Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be".

The day is starting off sunny, but rain is in the forecast.

With our drought conditions, I'm not going to complain about rain.

I am really tired of dealing with allergies. 

This year has been horrible and I'm tired of coughing all the time --

so are the kitties. My coughing disturbs Cassie's beauty sleep. 

I don't feel like doing anything -- including blogging!

But, as always, I am thankful for another day on Mother Earth.

There isn't much action in the kitchen.

I need to go to the grocery and replenish the pantry.

I have a yearning for baked tomatoes -- with some garlic and a little parmesan.

YUM!

I'm a fashion plate today (yeah, right, sure) in my Land's End navy crop britches

and Seattle Mariners t-shirt. 

My feet are really happy in my pink and purple Eeyore socks. 

After finishing my circular scarf, I've taken out the counted cross stitch.

This is my first return to cross stitch since I had the cataracts removed.

So far, so good! 

I am reading THE SNOW EMPRESS by Laura Joh Rowland.

I love historical mysteries.

Snow Empress is the 12th book in the Sano Ichiro  series.

Sano is a samurai detective who has risen to power in the shogun's court.

As with most long running series, some books are better than others,

but I always enjoy visiting with Sano and his wife, Reiko.

I can hear Teddy meowing.

He and Cassie are running down the hall.

They sound like they are wearing combat boots on their paws! 

My kitties are definitely 3 of my favorite things.

College baseball season has started.

Yippee!

The Rice Owls had a three game series with the Stanford Cardinal this last weekend.

The Owls won 2.

Great way to start the season.

Time to dry my hair!

Wishing YOU well, much joy and a Happy President's Day!
(Do you have the day off? Going to do something fun?)

To Mull

Mull: verb. Mull over, ponder, pore over, consider, reflect on, deliberate, think about for a while, give thought to, study, meditate, weigh, ruminate.

Here are my Monday Mullings for July 20, 2009.

***

I do love when the post arrives. On Friday, I made a trip to the post office to pick up a package from my friend, Kim. Inside was my Pay It Forward prize and I had such fun opening everything. I saw the collage first on Kim’s blog. I loved it there and I love it even more in person. The birds and the bees in a garden with a kitty. Couldn’t be more perfect. (Kim said she couldn’t get the thought of Musashi’s Garden out of her mind).



The meditation string of beads is in my pocket. She based them on the 17 bead bookmark she saw at the Daily Om. Every time I touch the beads (each one different), I smile and spread a little joy out into the universe.



Thank you so very much, Kim. Everything is perfect and sooooooo me! You aren’t late. Everything in its own time and I get to celebrate a little more, my good fortune in knowing you.

***

Do you remember where you were when Apollo 11 landed on the moon? I was at university. I do remember watching and crying and being amazed that we were on the moon. Amazed that we got the men there and we got them back home -- all in one piece. The whole world seemed to hold it’s breath and watched as one, the trip to the moon.

I watch each and every shuttle launch and watch the NASA channel to see what the latest news is or to watch a space walk. We seem to take so much for granted now. Everything is old hat. Where’s the joy, the imagination, the knowledge, the excitement, the fascination that life seemed to have *way back then*?! Was going to the moon the last frontier and now there is no interest in science or space? Ruminate on that!

There was a lot going on in 1969. The Jets won the Superbowl and the Mets won the World Series. Nixon was sworn in as president. The Beatles’ had their last public concert. Golda Meir became Prime Minister of Israel. The premiere of Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In was in 1969. That’s just a few of the happenings in 1969.

***

It is still hot. The weathermen promised us rain. Actually, I believe they said 60 percent chance for two days and then chances would lessen. Well, we got one day of a 20 minute gully washer. In other words, didn’t do much good. We need a day long, soaking rain. I’m afraid I may have to resort to a rain dance. Not pretty.

***

You might have noticed on other Mondays, I have said prayers for Ann Marie and Cydney Marie. I am happy to report that after 14+ weeks in the hospital Ann Marie, by C-Section, gave birth to Cydney Marie on July 17 (also Ann Marie’s birthday). The story of Cydney Marie and her big brother, Coy is an amazing one and I invite you to visit their blog to read more.

***

The piglets are finished. Mrs. Piggy and the little ones will be traveling to California this week for a birthday celebration at the end of the month.

***

I haven’t decided what to read next. I finished The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz and really enjoyed reading this novel. Here’s info from the back cover: “In 1959, a young woman, Haruko, marries the Crown Prince of Japan. She is the first non-aristocratic woman to enter the mysterious, hermetic monarchy. Met with cruelty and suspicion by the Empress, Haruko is controlled at every turn, suffering a nervous breakdown after finally giving birth to a son. Thirty years later, now Empress herself, she plays a crucial role in persuading another young woman to accept the marriage proposal of her son, with tragic consequences.”

***

On the calendar I have a dermatology appointment and we have an Astros baseball game. Still trying to stay cool!

***

I’ll leave you with this picture thought:

From The Stitchery

I am thankful for another day on beautiful Mother Earth.

Have a beautiful week.

Joy to You!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman’s Daybook

For Today...July 13, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is shining brightly. Not a cloud in the sky.

I am thinking...that I’d better get a move on. Off to the gym.

I am thankful for...another day on Mother Earth.

From the kitchen...bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches. Still using home grown tomatoes. It has amazed both of us how long our tomatoes have lasted on our balcony in all this heat. They came to an end today when I picked the last one.

I am wearing...my standard gym clothes - red shorts, gray Planet Hollywood T-shirt, tennis shoes

I am reading... Miss Julia Takes Over by Ann B. Ross. This is the second book in the Miss Julia series. It is a southern cozy with just a little bit of mystery. Quoting from Publishers Weekly “Imagine Aunt Bee from the Andy Griffith Show with a lot more backbone and confidence and drop her smack in the middle of a humorous, rollicking plot akin to that of the movie Smokey and the Bandit and you have the tone and pace of Ross’s entertaining second novel.” What’s funny -- Ross’s characters remind of people I know (or have heard about)! Great summer reading and I have 8 more in the series before I’m caught up.

I am hoping...for a break in the heat! We did have some rain last week -- one day when it rained in the morning, stayed cloudy, and broke the heat advisory (feels like temperatures are between 105-110 degrees F. or more). Wish the high pressure would move on down the road!

I am creating...Mrs. Piggy is finished (crochet), but I have to get some more yarn to finish up the little piglets. Here’s the finished Mrs. Piggy. Piglet photos to follow when they are done.

I wanted to make sure you saw her tail. She makes me laugh out loud!

I am praying... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie, Jean and Carol

Around the house... it’s too quiet! I wonder what the kitties are doing? Mr. Dragon has feed the birds -- I can hear them outside talking to each other (Mr. Dragon and the birds).

One of my favorite things...rain!

A few plans for the rest of the week...staying cool is big on the list. I need to get to Sam’s Club. Make a dermatology appointment. Mr. Dragon has two more color pencil workshops. I need more pink yarn to finish the piglets -- Michaels here I come. Otherwise, stay at home and stay cool.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...I’ve always had a fondness for Mary Engelbreit and this card was in my mail this week from my Saurian Sister in California.

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook. While Peggy is on summer vacation, more Daybook posts can be found at Grandmother Wren’s

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...July 6, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is shinning brightly. There are a few wispy clouds in the sky.

I am thinking... yikes! Half the year is gone. How time flies as you get older (have more fun, are busier -- take your pick).

I am thankful for...another day on Mother Earth.

From the kitchen... I am going to make one of Mr. Dragon’s favorite meals, Red Curry Beef stew. We don’t eat a lot of meat and this will be a special treat for him.

I am wearing... gym clothes - red shorts, gray Planet Hollywood Paris T-shirt, tennis shoes.

I am reading... The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz. Marie at A Year from Oak Cottage mentioned this book in her Daybook post last week. It looked like something I would enjoy and I put it in my amazon stack. Lo and behold (some things are just meant to be), I found a much cheaper copy at Costco. No waiting for shipping. I’m really enjoying it. There will be a short review when I’m finished.

I am hoping...the weathermen are correct and we get a little rain to break this heat cycle for a few days.

I am creating... I finished the counted cross-stitch and should have the pig done this week (crochet).

I am praying... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie, Debbie, Jean

Around the house... I can hear the water running. Mr. Dragon is outside watering the plants in pots.

One of my favorite things...seeing what the postman has left for us! This came in the mail from Kelley at Dragonfly Reflections. Isn’t the card fun?! I do love birds and this is just perfect. I also enjoy the list of easy ways to move from autopilot to mindfulness. Thank you Kelley for all my goodies!

A few plans for the rest of the week...staying cool is big on the list. Mr. Dragon starts a color pencil workshop this week. Staying cool. We have a baseball game on Wednesday (good thing that Minute Maid stadium has a roof that closes and air conditioning). Hair cuts. Staying cool. Off to Hobby Lobby with a coupon to look at color pencils and rubber stamps. Staying cool. Sending off a few packages. Staying cool.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


Isn't he a little doll? This photo and a few more came in an email - one of those emails that gets sent to everyone on your list type emails. I couldn't resist sharing!


To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook. While Peggy is on summer vacation, more Daybook posts can be found at Grandmother Wren’s.

Joy to You!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman’s Daybook

For Today... June 29, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is shinning brightly. Not a cloud in the sky.

I am thinking... that Hades couldn’t be hotter than it has been here the last several weeks. And, summer has just started! Ouch!

I am thankful for...another day on Mother Earth.

From the kitchen... despite the heat, I am going to bake. Banana bread and strawberry muffins are on the list. Sort of necessities -- use up the bananas and strawberries before they ruin.

I am wearing...white shorts, white World Wildlife T-shirt, no shoes

I am reading... just finished Happiness Is An Inside Job: practicing for a joyful life by Sylvia Boorstein, Ph.D.

I am hoping...that it rains soon. (Seems I have a one track mind ... hot, hotter, sweltering, sultry, torrid, simmering, steaming, scorching, sizzling.)

I am creating... still working on the counted cross stitch (watch for a post later this week) and have started crocheting a wonderful pig for a little girl’s birthday.

I am praying... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie, Debbie

Around the house... Mr. Dragon is in the shower. Kitties are sleeping. I hear the Doves cooing and the air-conditioner running.

One of my favorite things...Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice

A few plans for the rest of the week...I do have to grocery shop. Mr. Dragon has pen and ink workshops. That’s about all we have to get out for.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

This is from the Stitchery Catalog. Too good to pass up!

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook. While Peggy is on vacation you can find other Daybooks by visiting Grandmother Wren.

Stay cool!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman’s Daybook

For Today... June 22, 2009

Outside my window... the sun is shinning brightly. Another hot day!

I am thinking... how happy I am to be having lunch today with one of my *sisters by choice*. I’m an only kid and I’ve picked some great women to have as sisters and tribe members. Mar and I will celebrate our birthdays today and catch up.

I am thankful for...another day on Mother Earth.

From the kitchen... I have portobello mushrooms and will make a marinade with pineapple. Yum! Also, fresh cherries and strawberries. Munchies!

I am wearing...real clothes for a change. Navy blue trousers, Navy blue blouse with tiny white fish all over, Navy blue shoes.

I am reading... I just finished The Death of An Irish Sinner: A Peter McGarr Mystery by Bartholomew Gill.

I am hoping...there is a break in our hot weather,but the weather guys say not until this weekend -- maybe. We are now officially in a drought. I’m not going to like the water or electric bills.

I am creating... counted cross-stitch continues, and online class. Also, see plans for the week!

I am praying... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie, Coy, Debbie

Around the house...the kitties are waiting for their treat. Mr. Dragon is out watering the garden.

One of my favorite things...tea

A few plans for the rest of the week... lunch today with Mar, two Astros baseball games this week with the tribe. I’m going to look at crochet and knit patterns today. I have plenty of both. I’m looking for some good ones for a little girl -- a farm animal toy. I want to find some autumn patterns, too. That should keep me busy.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...it was sent to me in an email with others. This was my favorite.

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook. While Peggy is on vacation, you can find more Daybooks here.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Simple Woman’s Daybook

For Today... June 15, 2009
Can you believe? Half of the month of June has flown by!

Outside my window... the sun is shinning brightly. I watched the city water truck come by and water the new sod.

I am thinking... how much we both enjoy Musashi’s Garden. The butterflies have been beautiful this year and the birds! They have been so much fun at the bird bath.

I am thankful for...another day on Mother Earth.

From the kitchen... bacon and lettuce sandwiches today. Have to use up our tomatoes.

I am wearing... navy blue shorts (I’m not going anywhere), white World Wildlife t-shirt, no shoes (as usual).

I am reading... I just finished a historical mystery Hell Screen by I.J. Parker. Having trouble picking the next read and it’s not because there isn’t an unread book in the house. Wonder what I’m in the mood for? Since I can’t figure it out -- I’ll look for some brain candy.

I am hoping...there is a break in our hot weather. We need some rain. I’m not going to like this months water bill.

I am creating... counted cross-stitch continues and I start a new online class today.

I am praying... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie, Debbie

Around the house...the kitties are sunbathing. Mr. Dragon is in the shower.

One of my favorite things...sea shells

A few plans for the rest of the week... It’s amazing. There is nothing on the calendar except for Mr. Dragon’s art workshops. WOW!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...



Isn't this fun? When I saw it, I knew it should live with me. I ask you. How could a Texas girl pass up a cowgirl fairy wrangling ducks? And, it was so close to my birthday, I thought it would make a nice birthday present to myself. So, I ordered it from my pal, Sarah, at Cottage Garden Studio. If you haven't visited with Sarah, you should. Drop by and say "Hi".

Sarah, being the sweet thing that she is, threw this in as a surprise.
Thank you, Sarah.
I love you and your work!
You bring a smile to my face!

Happy Monday everyone.
Joy to You!

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today June 8, 2009

Outside my window ... the sun is shining brightly. Looks like another hot day!

I am thinking ... how happy I am that the city has finally finished putting in the new water lines, repaired the sidewalks, and put sod down. Now, if they’d get the street lights working again, the *mess* would be back to normal!

I am thankful for ... another beautiful day on Mother Earth.

From the Kitchen ... I think a nice salad is in order for today -- with some strawberries.

I am wearing ... navy blue capris (I know. I’m too short. It’s summertime and its hot and I don’t wear shorts when I’m going out. Ptuiiii!), light green v-neck T, no shoes (yet).

I am reading ... Happiness is an Inside Job by Sylvia Boorstein, Ph.D and The Hell Screen: A Mystery of 11th Century Japan by I.J. Parker. An upstairs book and a downstairs book! How many books do you read at the same time?

I am hoping ... Anthony Rendon’s injury isn’t too serious.

I am creating ... a counted cross-stitch, working in my art journal

I am praying ... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie, Debbie

Around the house ... it’s quiet. I've been to the gym. I’ve watered the garden. The kitties are all sleeping. I hear Mr. Dragon in the shower.

One of my favorite things ... icy cold cherry limeade

A few plans for the rest of the week ... hair cut today, Astros game this week, zoo this week with our god-daughter. Mr. Dragon’s art workshops start this week.

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing with you:

Isn't this lovely? This is a giclee print that Karen Harvey Cox at A Scrapbook of Inspiration sent to me. It arrived the day after my birthday. Wonderful birthday present isn't it?!!! Karen does such beautiful work. Thanks again, Karen. And, by the way, the print is called The Cottage of Abundance. The original painting is an oil on canvas of a little cottage in Kennebunkport, Maine.

I've met some of the nicest, most generous folks blogging. Thanks to all of you and I wish, for all of you, that your home is a Cottage of Abundance!

Joy to You!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... June 1, 2009
The Merry Month of May is over!

Outside my window... the sun is shinning brightly. There’s not a cloud in the sky. It’s going to be hotter than hades today.

I am thinking... how exciting last nights baseball game was. What fun we had. Our section sang Happy Birthday to me and at the end of the inning, after announcing no runs, one hit and no one left on base the announcer said “Happy Birthday Snap”! They certainly didn’t have to do that, but I guess they got into the ‘mood’ since we sit just below the press box! The NCAA can be such a stickler about things during tournament time so we were surprised they said something that wasn’t tournament related! One of our section mates made brownies and I passed them around. I didn't have one until after the game -- too busy chewing Double-Bubble.

I am thankful for...another day on Mother Earth.

From the kitchen...I’m not cooking today! We will use a coupon for lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen. A nice salad is calling my name!

I am wearing... I’ve just returned from the gym and from watering the garden. Grubby best describes red shorts, gray Planet Hollywood Paris t-shirt and tennis shoes.

I am reading... The Celtic Riddle: An Archaeological Mystery by Lyn Hamilton one in a box of books sent to me by Saurian (dragon/lizard -- get it?!) sister in California.

I am hoping...our Owls move on to the Super-regionals. It’s fun being “grandparents” to a baseball team!

I am creating... finishing a knit shawl and working on a counted cross-stitch

I am praying... for Anne Marie and Cydney Marie

Around the house...I hear Mr. Dragon mumbling/grumbling about the house taxes.

One of my favorite things...college baseball!

A few plans for the rest of the week...Rice baseball tonight, Astros baseball on Wednesday, work/play in the garden, be crafty/arty

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

(Taylor Wall from the Rice baseball web site.)

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today
May 11, 2009
Outside my window ... the sun is shining brightly. Looks like another hot day!

I am thinking ... how happy I will be when the city finishes putting in the new water lines. They are back today laying sod and, it looks like, pouring concrete to replace the sidewalks they dug up.

I am thankful for ... another beautiful day on Mother Earth.

From the Kitchen ... I have a turkey loin defrosting. Haven’t decided on the sides yet.

I am wearing ... gray shorts, a lilac National Zoo T-shirt with small panda, no shoes.

I am reading ... WORMWOOD by Susan Wittig Albert - cozy mystery with Shaker history thrown in.

I am hoping ... to get dental appointments made, arrangements for the AC guys to come and check the units. It’s a little late -- already too hot!

I am creating ... a counted cross-stitch and working on a small canvas give-a-way

I am praying ... for Anne Marie

Around the house ... it is very quiet inside this morning! I need to water the garden. It is so hot at night, I’m sure the tomato crop won’t be very large this year. They don’t like hot evenings (don’t blame them, neither do I).

One of my favorite things ... reading with the kitties curled up close by.

A few plans for the rest of the week ... hair cut, baseball dinner tonight, new Asia gallery opening

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you ...

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate,
visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Today we were given the choice of the regular
Simple Woman's Daybook
or

20 Of My Favorite Things.

Here's 20 of My Favorite Things!

1. Color- green -- all greens -- remind me of Mother Earth

2. Dessert- I love cherries ... cherry anything!

3. Smell- honeysuckle

4. Flower- Iris

5. Animal- kitties!

6. Month - October

7. Beverage- tea

8. Pair of shoes- tennis and a pair of SAS sandals

9. Snack- I try real hard not to snack -- anything salty or a piece of
cranberry walnut bread

10.Song- Almost anything by HEART, soundtrack from Les Mis

11. Book- War and Peace

12. Fruit- if it’s not cherries, it better be strawberries!

13. Hairstyle- I’d love to wear my hair in a pony tail,
but it isn’t long enough and long hair makes me look shorter!

14. Piece of clothing- I really don’t have one .. a favorite, that is!

15. Store to clothes shop- Lands End, Stein Mart.
No more board meetings or faculty shindigs.
I don’t have to shop for clothes anymore, so I don’t!

16. Season-Autumn

17. Hobby- Too many hobbies ... knit, crochet, counted cross stitch, mixed-media, reading

18. Thing to collect- too many collections, too.
Dragons, chickens, books

19. Movie- Still thinking! Not a movie goer.

20. Restaurant - Benjy's

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook.

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today

Outside my window ... The sky is partly cloudy. Perhaps we'll get some light showers today.

I am thinking ... How much I enjoy hearing the birds every morning. One of the first things I hear after the neighbor starts his truck (vroom, vroom) and leaves for work. Blessed birds!

I am thankful for ... Another beautiful day on Mother Earth

From the Kitchen ... I have delicious strawberries from the Farmers Market. I think a strawberry cobbler is in order!

I am wearing ... Gray shorts, a gray Austin City Limits T-shirt, no shoes.

I am reading ... one of my favorite series ... set in Tibet ... Beautiful Ghosts by Eliot Pattison.

I am hoping ... to work on a knit shawl.

I am creating ... a journal page as prep for a new mixed media canvas on cats!

I am praying ... for Coy. He has a viral infection. Carol ... as she undergoes a procedure this morning.

Around the house ... all is quiet! I have the urge to clean out cabinets again!

One of my favorite things ... my cup of tea in the morning. This morning Jasmine Green Tea.

A few plans for the rest of the week ... Rice baseball starts again after a week off for finals, make dental appointments, read. It's nice to be retired. There is a lot to be said for slow motion! Dance and sing!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you ...

To read more Daybook posts or learn how to participate, visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook.