Blogging and Jogging

Now that fall is here and it's raining--yippeeee--I am feeling a bit more like doing some blogging. I got caught up with Facebook for awhile after coming home from Scotland so I could share the photographs and memories with the people we met there.

I had another goal to help my mom find our ancestors that would get us over the pond to Scotland. I subscribed to Ancestor.com and have been researching a few different branches of my and my husband's family tree. It's so fascinating; something I never thought I would be that interested in, but after I experienced the thrill of the hunt, I was hooked.

My interest really peaked when I discovered a relative named Isobel Muir who was born in Scotland around the same area as John Muir, the naturalist. Our family has spent many vacations around and about the Yosemite Valley and in the high country camping, hiking, and backpacking, so a connection with John Muir would be such a thrill!

Another branch of our family tree, the Sundays, is rumored to be distant cousins to the famous evangelist, Billy Sunday. That's another one I want to figure out...

We also had a full-blooded Iroquois indian gggggrandmother, if I'm not mistaken on the number if greats... I still need to research that.

The main one I have been trying to crack is my gggrandfather, Alexander McGregor, who was born 1820 in the US and died 1902 in Hespillar, Ontario. There are a few Alexander McGregors born in 1820 in the US, so it's important to find the right one. We have been looking at one for years that turned out to be the wrong one! Some nice lady sent me a copy of handwritten pages from their family Bible that showed the births, deaths, marriages--dates and places. Our Alexander didn't match up with theirs! That was so nice to confirm so we didn't continue to look for evidence of that link!

Our other quest is to find my husband's long-lost brother that was given up for adoption a couple years before he was born. We have nothing but the mother's name and an approximate year of birth! My new favorite show is "Find My Family". I know it's hokey and the novelty will probably wear off after awhile, but I just think it's a neat concept for a show. A lot of babies were given away for adoption, so they should be on the air for awhile.

The jogging part of this blog is the balance I intend to have so I don't turn into Jabba the Hut. It's very sneaky that weight gain thing, especially since I am nearing 53 in a month, I have experienced the weight creep that happens when I'm not paying attention and enjoying life haphazardly. So now that we have a running store nearby with running groups and clubs, I'M ALL IN! I jogged/walked 6 miles this weekend! Woo hooo! It's nice to have a group of people to encourage me and to be accountable to. I didn't realize how many people there were that were so dedicated to running; am I the only one? This group I have been invited to join starts at 6:42 in the morning on Sundays and 6 am on weekdays! I guess that's great for the summer heat, but the winter I would think it'd be different. Nope... It does feel good though and even after 2 3-mile runs I can see a hint of my waistline coming back! I guess I need to start going to bed earlier... That's okay, my hubby needs to leave by 6:45 in the morning to get to work now, so we are up at 6 am anyway.

Funny thing about this group I have been invited to join is that most are over 50 and the nice man and his wife that invited me are in their 70's! I got to jog with the man Sunday morning, and he was in better shape than I am... He was sympathetic knowing I was just getting into it and ran at a slower pace than he normally does! I really want to keep it up. Since we are getting into a more rainy season, I asked what they do when it rains. His answer was: get a 33 gallon trash bag and cut a hole in the top and run. Huh? Like that's gonna happen... Hasn't he heard of rain gear?

Well, that's my new goal. I gotta do something! Desperate times mean desperate measures! Go, go, go, get in there and fight--grrrrrrrrrrrrr.......

Until next time, Barb

PS The picture above was taken after my 3-mile jog/walk... A nice man sends everyone e-mails of the people that were at the event from the group I running club. I am the newest "member" and the slowest--waaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

Just a Thought....

Sometimes it gets lonely in here looking to see if anyone has left a comment, and it still says "0"... Thank you, all who have taken a few minutes to say something; it really makes my day, even the simplest remark... I am encouraged to know that there have been 620 visits since I started after Thanksgiving last year... Thanks for stopping by--;)

Where Was I?

I feel like I've been to the moon and back, or something. Scotland was fun and a great adventure for me. Traveling to Idaho for Bill's cousin's wedding was an event not to be missed as far as family events go... Then Facebook started to become a diversion to my normal life that continued some of the friendships made while we were in Scotland. The fun part was sharing--sharing pictures we took with each other, sharing information about our family trees, and even sharing post-trip posts and pictures of what we are like in our normal environments...

All this is good and lots of fun since there are so many different personalities interacting with each other. I think I have reached the point, though, where I need to get back to normal and re-evaluate what I'm doing in life... And what activities are worth pursuing in this short time I have been given here one earth.

At first I was interested in sharing my thoughts and things going on in my life in paper journals, but then learned about the fascinating blog world. I thought, how cool--a place where I could put my thoughts, experiences, and possibly share them with friends and relatives, as well as, some people who just happened to stop by... It opened a whole world of great places to go to to meet beautiful, creative blog ladies that shared connections with lots of other beautiful & creative blog ladies. I've even made a couple friends here, and that makes me very happy! Ever since I started blogging last November; this has been the best place to be, right here...

The numbers of different kinds of people and the need to know how to do all the various privacy settings and the potential for 3rd-party kooks to invade your world is much greater on Facebook. I think, after experiencing all the various viewpoints, antics, and personalities in the FB world, I have reached a "been there, done that" kind of feeling. The novelty has passed.. I am more comfortable here on my blog. This is where I can share what's on my heart. And that's important to me...

So I'm saying No to Facebook from now on. I will miss my friends there, but I want to get back to basics since I really am a very low-tech person and I don't want to lose contact with the the sweetness of the outdoors and nature, real relationships, and the FB-free life...

My Kiddies....

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our Trip to the Lake District--N. England

A week before we were to meet in Edinburgh, my sister, brother-in-law and I took a trip to N. England to visit the Lake District and the area Beatrix Potter lived since we have always loved the tale of Peter Rabbit. Mr. McGregor is mentioned quite a bit in that story, so I like to think we have a special connection...

After driving a ways on narrow, winding roads we arrived in a quaint little village filled with outrageously beautiful flowers and greenery...

The details in the architecture had an old world feeling...

The roofs decorated with pretty details...

And lots of lovely windows to admire...

The number of swans there was unbelievable; they were all over the place!

And you could get up close to them too...

Look at those feet--they were humongous!

This one was taking a nap...

And the hydrangeas really thrived here; they were everywhere!

The hanging baskets overflowed with gorgeous flowers...

I've never seen such healthy flower baskets!

We just had a couple of days to explore; it was a quick visit to a place that seemed like a fairy tale or a place from a dream...

Clan March Up the Royal Mile--Edinburgh, Scotland

Saturday, August 1st, 2009 was a historic day in Edinburgh, Scotland. Around 125 different clans marched up the Royal Mile from the bottom to the Edinburgh Castle. This is the front row of Clan Gregor group...

It was fun being in a parade...

There were pipe bands...

People as far as the eye can see coming up the road...

And people stood on the sides and cheered us on...

Our clan chief, Sir Malcolm and his lovely wife, Lady McGregor took part as well...

People were waving flags and cheering out their windows...

Mom, Dorothy McGregor Seager (81) and Tom joined us near the end...

And a few cried tears of joy...

Here are a couple videos, compliments of my wonderful brother-in-law, Rob...

Yes, I was there too; so thankful Rob thought to get my mom, sister, and me walking together in this unforgettable event...

That was definitely a high point in my life, and it was a privilege to be able to take part in it. Something like this leaves one with a feeling of pride for their culture and heritage...

I'm Here, Really...

Lest you think I have abandoned the blogosphere, I am here, but not very much since I am still stirred up by my wild megavacation! And next weekend company coming to town which requries the "sea cottage" to be guest ready. Oh my, this place looks like a tornado hit it... Well, enjoy these scenes from my dear Aunt Diane's garden in N. Idaho for now until I can get back. Ciao!

Still On the Road...

Just dropped in to say, Hi! now that my laptop and I have been reunited and internet service is available. It's a damp, overcast day here in

Woodinville, WA, but I hear it will be a beautiful day, later. That's okay. I learned from living here in the Northwest 17 years (81-98) that more often than not there will be clouds and/or rain, so if you have a sunny day, it's a major blessing that you enjoy for all it's worth...

PS Picture taken at the Highland Games in Edinburgh with my sweet mama (81) while enjoying tea and scones...

In Vacation Mode--Please Stand By...

Just in case anyone's wondering... The scoop is that it's summer now and I spend a lot of time out doors and travelling so I am sitting in front of the computer a lot less. I'm leaving in 13 days for an exciting trip to Scotland and England for the historical all-clan Scottish Gathering!

Then when we land in San Francisco, I will start another 2-week trip up to the Pacific Northwest to attend a wedding and family reunion on my husband's side of the family...

So, I won't be home for a month!!!!! Ahhhhhrgh, that's a long time to be away, but I say, you gotta go for the gusto, and hope for the best!!! Getting to go to Scotland with my mom, the honorable Dorothy McGregor Seager and attend a once-in-a-lifetime wedding for a cherished relative and a family reunion are things that I don't want to miss, if at all possible, you know, Lord willing... Family experiences are way more important to me than anything material in this world and I am very, very thankful to have the chance to participate and be a part of them--even if it takes a lot of effort and can be stressful, I wouldn't miss it for the world!

Wake Up America--Get Involved!!!

Just wanted to post this for all of you out there that love our country and are thankful for the bountiful and blessed lives that God has given us. I know, myself, day after day I have felt helpless and feel a sadness seeing all the "changes" being made to our country without our having anything to say about it... My uncle sent this to me via e-mail this morning and I want to share it with you too... Make sure your volume is up so you can hear all that Thomas Paine has to say!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeYscnFpEyA

Wow, here's another Utube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKFKGrmsBDk&NR=1

We need to do something before we and the generations to come lose everything that we and the generations before us have worked so hard for!

Six Things about Me....

A friend over at Gingerbread Crumbs & Company asked her blog girls if anyone was game to do a 6 Things About Me list and since I haven't done one in awhile--I'm all in!

1. I love everything that has to do with having tea or tea parties--the beautiful tea cups, tables set with delightful scones and tea sandwiches, tea pots and flowers. My Grandma left us a some pretty tea cups and I have collected some too, so it's a blast to use them! (For pretty teacup viewing, go to my other blogspot Cottage Beautiful!)

2. I'm a novice quilter, a mediocre knitter/crocheter, a wannabe painter--you get the picture; I love all the arts and don't spend time on just one, so I haven't perfected any of them.

3. I'm crazy about jewelry--mostly the kind that has a folk artsy or cultural feel... I like to pile them on; the chunkier or more layered the better... Colorful, cultural beads and vintage buttons are my passion; I use recycled jewelry to make necklaces, bracelets, and earrings too.

4. I love words and the wonderful things you can do with them, but I don't read books unless I can grow and learn from them or if they are special. My mom was reading "Gift from the Sea" in the delivery room before I was born; that's one of my favorites, besides the Holy Bible...

5. I'm an adventureous person--I love to meander around a quaint area and stop to explore at the drop of a hat. Love serendipity and spontaneity...

6. I love people, especially when they're creative, adventurous, and spontaneous!

My Wonderful Father

Well, Father's Day weekend is upon us and I didn't want it to slip by without paying tribute to my dear Dad even though he has not been here with us on earth since 2002. Mom has since remarried--at age 75--and there is a new father-figure in our lives, but my sweet daddy still holds a special place in my heart.

I only have one picture of my Dad and I; back in the late 50's, especially if you were the fourth child, pictures of those precious days were very seldom taken... So I have this one that I hold near and dear to my heart, the only one I know of that exists. It's like gold to me... (Click for larger picture.)

Dad was a kind and gentle fellow and a genious of sorts; that man could fix anything! He was the "Honey Do" man and alway came through. He could fix cars, washing machines, televisions, plumbing, do any kind of home renovation from painting the house inside and out, laying floors, doing electrical wiring, heck he built our first home in Bath, Michigan. It was a 3 bedroom brick house with a basement, and he did it all by himself, except the foundation, and he was only 28 years old!

Dad was a perfect match of Mom since she just loved to travel, and still does. We did it all by car too. When we were little and just had 4 kids, we got everything into a VW Beetle and would travel all over the country in it! Mom's favorite color was aqua, so Dad must have gotten it painted for her... What a guy!

We didn't just travel all over the US, we camped! That little beetle was packed with a canvas tent, sleeping bags, duffle bags, stove, lantern, eating utensils, and food. Dad was a trooper to drive us--safely--all over kingdom come! Day and night too... Mom had to pinch him if she notice him getting drowsy before we reached our destination.

Mom was always crazy about going to Alaska, so Dad made it happen twice in two years back in '68 and '69; now that's a long drive, especially on the Alcan Highway. Thank God we got to take the auto ferry back to the states. The next year we took the ferry up and drove back. On these trips we had our 2-toned VW microbus since we had taken on 4 more foster kids! The second time Mom talked Dad into interviewing for a pipeline job since she had had this dream of having a log cabin and homesteading in Alaska. It was not to be; nice dream, but we were comfortable in our suburban life in SF Bay Area and wow that would have been a culture shock!

When I remember my dear Dad, I think about how he was such a family man. He was all in! He would work all day at work and always be home at night. It was comforting to know we could depend on him to be there for us. He was stable and strong and lived to take care of his wife and family. Later when I was able to compare him with other types of dads, I was proud that he cared for us enough to not smoke or drink like so many of his peers probably did. We didn't have to deal with the heartache so many families had when they had to live with an alcoholic father and didn't know from one day to the next what will happen next. I am really thankful for Dad's faithfulness and devotion to living a sober, yet fun family life.

When I think of my Dad I can see his smiling face and can still hear him call me "Smiley" because he was always making me laugh and smile with his funny antics and gentle, loving ways. As kids, we were so happy to see him when he got home that we would each jump each of his feet when he would walk in the door... Oh, that must have been after mom ran up to him and jumped on him and gave him a big hug and kiss... We were all crazy about him!

As Dad approached his later years, I always tried to express my appreciation for all the great times and memories he gave us the opportunity to experience in our lives. I remember at one time he had said something to the affect that he regretted not being able to give us more even though we had everything we needed, but I quickly reminded him the value of all the happy memories and times together that were worth more than gold to me, and I meant it...

I sure miss you, Dad... I know I'll see you again some day... Happy Father's Day and, again, thanks for everthing you did for us...

With love, your baby daughter, Barbara

VideoCam Computer Calling

I feel like I've just had a breakthrough; I feel like I've just walked on the moon! Okay, I've only just discovered how to use the videocam on my laptop to make video calls to my dear sister and all others who may be in the room at the time---yipppee!!!!

Okay, you might think, why does she think this is such a big deal? Well, the thing is that I only get to SEE my relatives every so often since they live in Northern California and we live down in Southern California. Sure we do a lot of talking on the phone since we got our friends and family cell phone plans, but this is much better, I think... It's so great to see everybody's face and smile and especially see how the little ones are growing and starting to talk. I'm so jazzed!!! Someday, I'm sure I'll look back and laugh probably like the people who first drove the Model T and couldn't believe they were riding around in a horseless carriage.

Well, if this type of phone catches on, I guess the days would be gone that I could talk on the phone in any type of dress or undress... and any old wild type of hairdo! Typically around the house when the weather goes over 80 I usually wear a bathing suit and/or a sarong since I don't like to use the air conditioner and it makes me feel like I live near the beach, even though it is 25 miles away.

We're pretty casual around here, we love to eat our meals outside in our little courtyard, and let the breezes blow though the open doors and windows--natural air conditioning--and turn on the misters if it gets unbareably hot... I like to have a theme for our home, so right now anyway, I call it our "Sea Cottage". I could even "do a tour" with the videocam for anyone who hasn't had a chance to visit lately or ever since we live so far away... eh, well, we won't go in the back room though; not a pretty sight! Well, I can't wait to make my next video call, yahoooo!!!

Trip to Scotland!!!!

Wow, I've been so preoccupied with scheduling the airline tickets for our trip to Scotland at the end of July that I forgot all about blogland. Thank God, I'm done with that and I can move on and even spend some time here and there whilst I gather together what I'm taking with me and researching places to go and things to do in our spare time.

I checked out 8 books to study the lay of the land and other things that might help to know about when we get there. I was thinking about how limited it is to not be able to drive around and how much more business the little towns and shops would have if they hadn't made everything backwards over there in merry old Great Britain. I guess there's no changin' now... That was a dumb decision, whoever made it! I was thinking how fun it would be to be able to adventure around serendipitously here and there just for fun. Not going to happen--that way anyway.

For the next 2 months, this is what is going to be on my mind; I'm so excited to be able to go, and, as I said on my Facebook post, I consider it a huge blessing--Thank You, Lord!!!!! I'm in awe of it all, and I just put all my trust and hope in the Lord...

Problems That Concern Women (Part 3)

MENOPAUSAL DIFFICULTIES

Now that I am 52 1/2, the subject of menopause has become increasingly important to me. Even though there are more and more books out on the subject, it seems like it is still a mystery to a lot of women how to deal with it. I'm glad I read this; it makes a lot of sense and explains a lot I didn't know. Here's Adele again this time on menopause difficulties...

At the end of the reproductive period, the ovaries gradually become inactive. This process is the reverse of changes that occurred at puberty, and a healthy woman on an adequate diet is as unaware of any disturbances as she was at adolescence. Furthermore, normal adrenal glands produce a number of sex hormones which take over when menstruation ceases.

Problems at menopause are often much more severe than at puberty, largely because the diet has been deficient in many nutrients,--protein, calcium, magnesium, vitamins D, E, and B5--for years prior to its onset. For instance, persons who spend much of their time indoors may have no vitamin D whatsoever in their blood. Moreover, women who have a particularly difficult time during this period are usually those whose adrenals are exhausted.

Because calcium is less well absorbed and the urinary losses are greater when the output of estrogen decreases, such calcium-deficiency symptoms as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, headaches, and depression are common. These problems can be easily overcome if the intakes of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D are all generously increased and are well absorbed. Any woman having difficulty at this time should probably supplement her daily diet with 5,000 units of vitamin D, and 500 mg of magnesium, and obtain 2,000 mg of calcium daily. She suggests 500 mg of calcium with magnesium with all meals and before bed.

During this time the need for vitamin E soars 10 to 50 times over that previously required. Hot flashes and night sweats often disappear when 50 to 500 units of vitamin E are taken daily, but they quickly recur should the vitamin be stopped.

I also thought this was important to know about calcium absorption. She says, "Normally the hydrochloric acid in the stomach dissolves the calcium supplied by foods and holds it in solution until it can be absorbed the the intestinal walls. Sugar and other sweets, however, stimulate the production of alkaline digestive juices so rapidly that calcium becomes insoluble before it can reach the blood." In other words, sugar keeps you from absorbing the calcium...

I also read in this book somewhere that after menopause, women have a week that seems to still need a little more calcium just like before. So she was saying we still go through a monthly cycle, but not the same way, that produces a slight dip in the calcium levels and just to be aware if you feel more edgy than normal to get out the cal/mag.

I've found that it doesn't do much good to analyze it too much, but to just keep it in mind when I'm making my choices and understand that if I'm feeling edgy, I can reach for the cal/mag bottle and not have to medicate myself with any number of other things that people commonly use. As they say, the body cries out for something it's lacking, not a drug to silence the cries...

I want to say here that even with vitamins, the answer isn't only a pill. Ideally, our diets should be close to covering what we need, and the vitamins supplement. You can't live on vitamins; they just pick up the slack and if you are caught short, it's okay to use them to get rid of a deficiency while you are trying to eat a healthier diet. I know most of us know this, but I remember back in my teens and 20's sometimes I thought I could get away with just taking the vitamins and not eating much--wrong--just like you shouldn't eat protein bars or shakes three meals a day...

Anyway, that's all for today!

Problems That Concern Women (Part 2)

PMS AND CRAMPS

Today we will talk about the fascinating topic of PMS and cramps! Here's what Adele has to say about it...

When I was an undergraduate at the University of California, each girl in our department gave blood daily for a study being made by Dr. Ruth Okey of the blood calcium levels in relation to the menstrual cycle. Often we looked at calcium levels before and during menstruation and looked at blood samples from girls complaining of menstrual cramps. Dr. Okey's work showed that starting 10 days prior to the cycle, when the ovaries were the least active, the blood calcium level drops steadily and progressively. Such a calcium decrease results in PMS, nervousness, headaches, insomnia, and depression. As one woman put it, "That's the time I spank the kid's, yell at my husband, live on tranquilizers, drink too much, and can't stand myself."

Because of the decreased blood calcium acts as a stressor, the production of cortisone and aldosterone are stimulated and salt and water are retained in the body, often causing the breasts, hands, face, and feet to swell, weight to increase 5-10 pounds, headaches to occur, and resistance to allergies and infections to decrease markedly. Crimes of violence committed by women take place mostly during this period also.

The first day of menstruation the blood calcium takes a still greater nose dive, causing cramps in the uterus and sometimes elsewhere in the body. Should the blood calcium drop dangerously low, convulsions result. Yet if adequate calcium is obtained and efficiently absorbed, both PMS and cramps can be prevented!

When cramps occur, 1 to 2 calcium tablets every hour generally bring quick relief. Some calcium supplementation is needed for the 2nd and 3rd days... As menstruation proceeds, however, the blood calcium level in the blood remains normal two weeks, but after that daily calcium supplementation should be started. Since more calcium is retained when magnesium and vitamin D are adequate, my 15-year-old daughter takes daily and prior to her menses 5,000 units of vitamin D, 250 of calcium, and 125 of magnesium at each meal; she claims to never experience the slightest menstrual discomfort.

If the blood calcium has been allowed to drop so low that it has induced stress, causing puffiness and a weight increase, generous amounts of protein, vitamin C, and B5 are needed in addition to the vitamin D, calcium and magnesium.

Vitamin D increases calcium absorption, retention, and utilization; and because of the demands of growth, the vitamin D and calcium requirements are both unusually high throughout adolescence. Teenage girls given 1,250 mgs of calcium daily--the amount supplied by 5 glasses of milk, and 650 units of vitamin D excreted far more calcium than they retained; when the vitamin D was increased to 3,900 units daily, ten times more calcium was held in the body.

The ovarian hormone, estrogen, and the pituitary hormone that stimulates the ovaries play vitally important roles throughout the reproductive period. They can be synthesized, however, only when protein, linoleic acid, the B vitamins, and particularly vitamin E are generously supplied. Estrogen increases the intestinal absorption of calcium, causes it to be held longer in the body, and allows it to be used over and over; hence it helps to prevent menstrual discomfort when calcium is under supplied. If the diet is adequate, these hormones are produced in normal amounts and menstrual difficulties are avoided.

I just wish I would have had this information during my youth and even paid attention to doing it more recently during my peri-menopause years, that at times I have to admit were pretty rocky... Doing this and eating a more balanced diet would go a long way toward smoothing out our journeys...

Enough for today; tomorrow we'll look at menopause difficulties, a subject close to my heart...

Problems That Concern Women (Part 1)

I have been reading and studying Nutrition books since I was 11; I guess I have always been searching for the key to having more control over the ups and downs of the roller coaster of a woman's monthly cycle... It's sort of been a mystery to me even though I know a good diet, exercise, and enough sleep are a big part of it.

For some reason, I got out my old copy of Adele Davis' "Let's Get Well". There's a chapter in it called, "Problems That Concern Women". She's such a good writer that my summarizing it for you probably wouldn't tell you all the information, so I want to share it with you since it is so helpful for women young and old to know these things...

Faulty nutrition can at times cause women to envy men and mothers to wish they had sons only. Nervous tension, flightiness, irritability, emotional upsets, and much of the erratic behavior of girls at puberty make it difficult for them to live with themselves or anyone else. The output of hormones from the still immature ovaries, needed for the efficient utilization of calcium, is so small that for about 18 months prior to the onset of their menstrual cycles their blood calcium usually remains below normal; and even a slight calcium deficiency allows it to drop still lower. Thus starts a problem that frequently recurs intermittently throughout the reproductive years, becomes worse at menopause, and results in a stooped, brittle-boned old lady nursing an aching back.

Such abnormalities can be prevented at any time in life by increasing the calcium intake and by obtaining adequate vitamin D and the various nutrients needed by the pituitary, sex, and adrenal glands to produce their hormones.

It turns out--I didn't know this--that estrogen has a lot to do with how well our calcium is utilized by our bodies. Since our estrogen levels fluctuate through each monthly cycle and through different times in our lives, sometimes that calcium isn't there to keep us calm and rational...

So above she is talking about a young girl in puberty whose calcium needs are rising as she is growing and as her body is preparing to "switch gears", but her estrogen level hasn't gotten high enough to help utilize the little she does have--unless she is given healthy foods that supply enough calcium and vitamin D, and magnesium, along with some other things that come in a healthy, well-balanced diet. This is just one stage in a "girl's" life that has the potential to be difficult if she is not aware of what's going on.

One of the big problems of not being aware that you can control this problem is that a girl can always feel like she's "broken" and feels helpless know how to fix it. It's hard to have a stable image of yourself when you don't know what's next...

That's enough for this post; I don't want to overwhelm you all at once... This 1 of 3, so I'll see you tomorrow for another fascinating post about helping women with their so called "problems"... I'm sharing this because I want to be an advocate for many good women who struggle sometimes with not knowing what's going on with their emotions and feel defeated; I do it for the love of God, so we can focus more on Him and His will love and to give of ourselves to others...

Home again, Home again, Jiggity Jig 2!!!!

So good to be home. My dear sister and brother-in-law are visiting this week, but I won't hardly see them for a couple of days since they are attending a Four Square conference for a few days before they can spend some time visiting us. That's okay since I need some time to unwind and get organized after returning from three days in (of all places) Las Vegas... Talk about toxic places--for body and soul!

It's just my luck my husband has a good friend who's wife and family just love to have special occasion celebrations there. Since they came down from Washington state to attend Bill's 50th bash a couple years ago, the least we could do is drive 4 hours to his 50th get-together... So we went. Here we all are at the birthday dinner where we presented him with an "old fogey" sippee cup and an "old is better" 50th birthday necklace. He wouldn't wear it around the casino and he wouldn't use his new sippee cup--what a party pooper! O well, we love him anyway...

They did have a nice tribute for Memorial Day on the overhead movie screen complete with patriotic country music--that was one of the best parts about the trip.

It was so nice to see the people on the street handing out tracts and witnessing and talking to people about God. This was on Fremont street. I wished I could have joined them, but we were doing the tourist thing too. The spirit there was so chaotic. I'm so glad to be back to my wholesome, peaceful home.

I feel so overstimulated and need to veg a little to restore my normalcy or something. I went for a nice, long bike ride this morning and I get to "putter around" today as my friend, Cindy says. Laundry is getting done as I write. (Sorry, can't stand that smoke smell around, even in the laundry basket; just an unhealthy, unwholesome smell to me.) I'm carless today, so I am home catching up on my chores, blogging, and look forward to a nice quiet time with the Lord and his Word today since I have all this free time...

20 of My Favorite Things--Right Now

1. Color-Cool Red

2. Dessert-Berries with yogurt

3. Smell-Star Jasmine

4. Flower-Plumeria

5. Animal-Cat

6. Month-May

7. Beverage-Sweet Lemon Delight
(One lemon juice ice cube in a glass of ice water sweetened with stevia.)

8. Pair of shoes-Fuschia flip flops...

9. Snack-grapes

10. Song-Slow Fade

11. Book-Praying for Purpose

12. Fruit-Avocado

13. Hairstyle-Frannnch Twist, Daahling!

14. Piece of clothing-Denim stretch capris from Chicos

15. Store to clothes shop-Family Thrift, Orange, CA

16. Season-Autumn

17. Hobby-Beading

18. Thing to collect-Anything Americana

19. Movie-Pride and Prejudice

20. Restaurant-Rutabagorz, Oange, CA

Care to join along for fun? Go to the Simple Woman blog to get started! Enjoy!!!

Pictures from Our Trip

One of my favorite places on earth--Yosemite. So picturesque I sometimes feel like I am in a living postcard!





The falls were breathtaking and one afternoon the sun was shining on them just right...

When I take pictures of people, I don't like to mess around--get ready for your close-up, handsome!

Here are some my honey took of me at the Ahwahnee...

And enjoying Happy Isles...

Why am I wearing a pumpkin outfit in the middle of May, you ask? My Grantie Barbar gave it to me and I want to make them say "Awwwwe, isn't that cute?"

Of course, big brother wants some of the action too--it fits, but just a little shorter... What a handsome pumpkin he makes! The hat made him look very Frannnch like an artist or something...

I'll never forget returning from the store with my niece Kat and being greeted at the door by this delightful smiling face so excited to see us she was clapping her hands and squealing! What a beautiful memory...