Friday Fave Five - February 21

 

Another month almost gone! It's been a cold couple of months, and I've been so appreciative of the blessings God sends my way in the simple things I take for granted - a warm home, cozy nights, warm, nourishing food and the blessing of family and friends. With so many in this world lacking, it is even more important for me to think of what I I have and not what I have not. Join us over at Living to Tell the Story to share what is wonderful in your life. And thank you, Susanne for hosting this!

1.  Snowfall: Although I'm ready to see the end of it, I was thankful to see the gentle snowfall we had on Wednesday. It amounted to not quite 2 inches for me, but it was so pretty, and the air is always so crisp and fresh when it happens. It's pretty much gone now but I did enjoy the freshness of it.

2. Preparations for a move to France: No - not me! But my daughter and son in law leave the first part of March for their adventure of living in France. Preparations are going well. Things are being sold, and all looks in good shape. My daughter is having a roller coaster of emotions, but she and her hubby are excited for this new adventure. I'll be blogging off and on as they settle in.

3. Brushing up on my school French: I told my daughter that I would be living vicariously with her in France, so I decided to brush up on my 4 years of high school French. It's coming back quickly which is fun. I've been using Duolingo which is a free learning program online. It progressed you very slowly so I'm tired of translating the same words into French and am ready to move on. Just ask me about "cat" and "dog" and "girl" and "woman" and "pizza" as well as "croissant" and I'm your person! I will eventually change to Babbel which does cost money, but it will get me much farther. On the bright side - I have learned a new word in French - cheval. That means horse.

4. Knitting going well: With some online help from a knitting friend - Willow, I've completed two mitered squares for what will eventually be a blanket (size TBD). I had decided to use a #4 worsted yarn and have discovered that not all worsted is the same. I knit one square of one yarn and then another in a different yarn - same weight but they are definitely not the same size - by any stretch. Maybe it's my tension but I've decided to continue with one particular yarn and will order more of it in different colors.

5. Sleeping well: I have lots of problems with insomnia but lately I've been sleeping much better. I fall asleep in a reasonable time and when I wake up during the night, I fall asleep quicker. That is truly a blessing. My muscle aches have been much better with better sleep.

My prayers and attention have been on the releasing of the hostages from Gaza - those alive and those deceased. My heart is breaking for those still in captivity, for those who are adjusting to "normal" life again and for those who are mourning. I pray that someday such violence and hatred will end. For those of us who understand, we all know Who the answer it. . .

I hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

Friday Fave Fives for February 7

 

It's been almost like spring this week here in east Tennessee, so I thought I'd use our spring icon. I love how Susanne at Living to Tell the Story gives us this opportunity each week to share our blessings. Some weeks, they come to the mind easily. Other weeks, I have to think a bit. Either way, seeing all the blessings and things to be thankful is balm to my spirit. Come join us!

1. Feels like spring:  This week, I've walked in the sunshine and already see buds on the Bradford Pear trees. The grass has tiny blue flowers peeking through. No sign of daffodils yet but they'll come. That rodent up in Pennsylvania saw his shadow this week and predicted 6 more weeks of winter. But I'm holding out that he is wrong. 

2. Lavender bliss:  While in Florida, we visited a trendy small shopping district in Venice. There is a store called Naples Soap Company, full of all sorts of body scrubs, lotions, bath "bombs", scents - anything to make you smell nice! The only other store I've ever found like this was Basin at Walt Disney World. My daughter gifted me with a set of body salt scrub, body butter and a bath bomb - all in lavender scent, my favorite. There are places to try out some of their products and the body sea scrub left my hands feeling so smooth. 

You can buy their products online should I wish to get more. They are a bit pricey but worth the occasional splurge.

3. Knitting:  Jill and I spent some time together knitting and she gave me some helpful tips and corrections. I know the basics of knitting but haven't been happy with what I produced. Jill helped so much in that area, and she renewed my interest in the craft. Right now, I'm working on a lap blanket made with knitted squares. Very simple but it's allowing me to get my tension and stitches looking good. I came home, sorted through my yarn stash and have been finally enjoying knitting.

I want to keep the colors on the pastel side and this light blue yarn is so pretty in real life. It looks a bit faded in the photo. I have a good amount of stash to use up in some pretty colors. I only need to buy some in the pink or coral palette. Stay tuned and I'll be putting updates here.

4. Computer issues: The day before I was to leave for Florida my laptop died. One minute it was working and the next I came back to it and no graphics. I have no idea what's wrong with it and not even sure if it turns on as there is no image on the screen to tell me anything. And, since it wasn't an expensive laptop, it may not be worth repairing. But I had a spare laptop kept back for just such an emergency. It works although it's slower than the other one and it has Windows 10. But it does the job. I received a notice that Windows 10 is not supported after October of this year, so I'll have to either buy or repair with something that has Windows 11. But it's a blessing that my old one is working.

5.  Sorting and cleaning:  I've spent this week going through drawers, cabinets and the like and getting rid of things either expired or no longer needed. And there are those things I completely forgot I had. I've got three boxes full of things for the thrift store. I even have parted with a few books, which is distressing for me, but now I have more space on the book shelves (for more books!). I love cleaning things out and freshening up. I have more to do but I go slowly. 

I've seen several memes about January being so very long.

It sure has felt like it and I'm very happy to see the end of it. In that vein though I hate to wish time to pass so quickly. Next month is March and spring...the summer....then fall ...and then winter is back before you know it! This year, my one word - simplify - is causing me to stop and reflect more and cherish the days. 

Until next time. . .  have a blessed week.

Weekly Chat

 

DATE:  April 23, 2024

WEATHER: 59 degrees at the moment. It was 40 when I first got up. Sunny skies and it's pretty out there. 

READING: I began to read "Summer in the Scottish Castle" and quit by the end of chapter 2. Too much profanity for my liking. I'm expecting an Amazon delivery tomorrow - "Lenten Lands - My Childhood with Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis buy Douglas Gresham. Ever since reading "Becoming Mrs. Lewis" I've been fascinated with their story. Meanwhile I'm still in "The End" by Mark Hitchcock. Reading about prophecy and the Apocalypse is heavy stuff!

FUNNY OF THE WEEK: I might have shared this before, but this describes my brain right now!

THANKFUL FOR: Less knee pain and a daily walking program that my daughter has suggested. I'm even more thankful that so far, I'm committed and haven't missed a day.

KNITTING:  I'm in a stall here. I'm not really liking the shawl I was working on and am thinking of something else - beginner-like, that I can use this beautiful yarn. A while back, one of the hanks of yarn snarled pretty badly when I tried to wind it into a ball. I tried but got frustrated and put it in a ziplock bag for later. When my daughter was visiting, while we chatted, she un-snarled. Such patience! You can see the 'before' and 'after' in my previous post.

PRAYING FOR: For Israel and Jerusalem. For various family and friend needs. For our country and the upcoming elections. 

A QUOTE:

"Human history is the long, terrible story of man trying to find

something other than God, which will make him happy."

C.S. Lewis

SCRIPTURE:

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper who love you."

Psalm 122:6

Weekly Chat

 

Date: March 25, 2024

Weather: 41 degrees. It's supposed to be a cloudy day but no rain until tomorrow. Right now, as I type this, it's still dark.

Reading: "Words, Attitudes, Actions" by Barbara Arnold Linkous.  "The End" by Mark Hitchcock.

Funny of the Week: 

Thankful for: Another week, payday today, my DIL's mother coming through surgery successfully, and God's provision and grace.

Knitting: No progress whatsoever this week. There was too much going on to settle down to knit.

A Peek into my Life: 

Afternoon tea many years ago with Mom at the Garden View Tea Room - Grand Floridian Resort at Disney World. Mother's Day weekend, if I remember.

Pondering: Changes I need to make regarding my health. 

Quote:

Scripture:

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him."

Psalm 34:8

Wishing everyone a blessed Holy Week.

Weekly Chit Chat

 

DATE:    February 26, 2024

WEATHER:  57 degrees and sunny. A pretty day.

READING:   Shoes to Fill by Lynne Gentry. This the second in the Mt. Hope series. I was semi-impressed with the first book. This one I'm liking so far.

FUNNY FOR THE WEEK:

For those of you with cats, you know exactly what this means.

THANKFUL FOR: Good friends who you feel comfortable unburdening yourself to and they listen and care. 

KNITTING: 

I'm knitting this along with my daughter, or rather, she is knitting along with me. Using this yarn...

 A sport weight which is the smallest weight I've ever knit with and size 5 needles. Also the smallest I've worked with. 

A PEEK INTO MY DAY:

Not my photo, obviously but I have a special love for sheep, especially related to The Good Shepherd. Sheep don't always make good decisions. They need care and protection and need to be led. They are also very vulnerable to attack from enemies or even from their environs. They need a devoted, faithful shepherd to care for them. That sounds a lot like me!

PONDERING: The faithfulness of God and how He answers our questions and confusion. It may not be right away, and the answers may come little bits at a time. They may be a completely different response than you expected. But He's always faithful.

QUOTE: 

"Until Jesus is enough, nothing else will be."

SCRIPTURE: 

"But as it is written,

'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

Nor has entered into the heart of man

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.

I Corinthians 5:9

Weekly Chat

 

Date: February 5, 2024

The Weather: It's 45 degrees and sunny. We're supposed to hit 61 today.

Books I'm reading: The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul; Widows and Orphans by Susan Meissner. 

I am thankful for: Warmer weather, and that I have all I need.

Currently knitting: I'm about to begin a shawl using some of my stash. It is knitted diagonally, beginning with 3 cast on stitches and increasing every other row. I'll keep you updated.

Dulcimer progress: I took three workshops this weekend with the QuaranTUNE Winter Fest. I learned 4 songs, one of them being my favorite:"Star of the County Down." Now it's practice...practice...practice.. It's slow progress for this senior brain but the workshops renewed by confidence a bit. It was a very profitable weekend.

A peek into my life: It's coming up on 7 years since I made the move from Florida to Tennessee. I went from a 2-bedroom house to a 1-bedroom apartment. It was quite a change. I came across one photo of apartment move in day. A clean slate.

Part of the living room.

Seven years later. 

Quote:

Scripture:

Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Philippians 4:11 (KJV)

I hope you all are having a wonderful week so far. All the wonderful possibilities! 

Friday Fave Five

 

With the dust settling from holiday celebrations, I wanted to sit for a moment and tell you about the blessings of this week. Thank you, Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for hosting this spot. 

1. A quiet, restful week: After all the festivities and fun of Christmas and New Year, it's been nice to just relax this week and unwind. Except for a quick run to the grocery store, I've stayed put in my warm home, reading, watching movies, a little arranging of things as the idea came to me. . . . It's been lovely. 

2. My church's 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer: Every year, my church spends 21 days, beginning soon after New Year's Day in a period of prayer and nightly services at church. Some people fast food except for fruit juices. Others fast things like social media or other pursuits. Some fast just one meal a day. Every night (except Saturday) there is a service with special speakers. Since my eyesight just doesn't handle night driving very well, I'm so thankful that the services are live streamed. And if you watch it on Face Book, it's even closed captioned. Another blessing. We began January 3rd.

3. A tea station: I've wanted to set up a dedicated spot for all my tea things. It may be coffee first thing in the morning, but tea is a treat for the rest of the day. After Christmas decorations were retired for another year, I set up a spot on top of a cabinet. It looks cluttered because I have accumulated a lot of teas. Now that I have them all together, I know what I have, and I'll stop buying for a while and use up what I've got. My lovely teacup and little holder of Old Country Roses is there for display. As my mother used to say, it's "more for show and not to blow."

4. Knitting progress: A few weeks ago, I showed you a photo of the beginning of some fingerless gloves I was working on. The yarn was a dark gray and I was having all sorts of problems. My daughter suggested using a lighter color wool which I did. I also switched from my circular needles to aluminum straight needles. It's made all the difference. So, here is what I have so far....

Hopefully, these fingerless gloves will be done this winter (while I still need them!)

5. Quarantune:  No, I didn't spell that wrong. 

Quarantune began in 2020 when dulcimer (and other folk) had to curtail their usual festivals and workshops due to the pandemic. Besides this being an economic hardship for the musicians, it was a disappointment to those who attend their workshops and concerts every year. Thus, was created Quarantine 1.0. It brought all the musicians together in a big 2-day event filled with workshops at a very nominal fee for the participant. For $10, you could participate in a one-hour workshop via Zoom with the great ones out there - Bing Futch, Stephen Seifert, Brett Ridgeway, Jessica Commeau and many others. It was such a success that even after restrictions lifted, they continued the event. Now, about every 4 months, it happens again. It's fantastic for those who just can't get to a real live event like me. Quarantune Winter Fest begins February 1st to the 4th and I'm all ready to register for at least two workshops. Always fun!

With the new year begun, I've thought of all the things I want to accomplish this year. My mother had so many sayings - one being that "my appetite was too big for my stomach." For me, that means that all my plans and goals might need to be tempered a bit. This is the time to sit back and ask God - "What do You want me to accomplish this year!" 

A late Happy New Year to you all!

A completed project (finally!)

 I've considered myself a 'beginner' knitter for a couple of years now - never finishing anything I started. It either wasn't looking right, or I made a big mistake, or I didn't like it and I'd unravel and try again. My daughter, ever the hopeful one, bought me some yarn from Knit Picks and shared with me a pattern of a cowl from Ravelry and I decided to forge ahead. My first attempt at this wasn't good and I put it aside and then, with more from encouragement from my daughter, and this luscious yarn, I tried again.

The pattern was a free one from Ravelry called Madelinetosh Honey Cowl. Not perfect by any means but here it is.

Then ends need to be woven in and I need to block it, but for a first attempt, I'm pretty pleased. 

The yarn is so pretty and squishy - 75% cotton and 25% acrylic.

My daughter invited me to a guest membership at Craftsy so my next project is their beginner class for fingerless gloves. I already have some lovely yarn from Lion Brand ready for the project.

I'm pretty excited to finally becoming comfortable with this craft. I may never reach the heights of skill as my daughter but that's okay. And if I may brag a bit. . . .

Jill's sweater from this year.

My son-in-law Kent took this photo. I joked with her that this should be in a Yarn advertisement!

Our temps here in Tennessee are chilly again and there is a forecast for snow in the higher elevations. We won't see any here in the valley. Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Friday's Fave Five - last one of March

 

It's been a harrowing week for some - tornadoes in Mississippi and Alabama and another senseless school shooting in Nashville. In my area, Knoxville, a school was evacuated the other day after it was discovered that a gas valve was left on. It was discovered that a contract custodian had opened it and left it open deliberately. What the man thought he would accomplish with that is anyone's guess. A strange way to begin a post about gratitude, I know, but it makes me look around and see how, in the midst of tragedy and chaos, I am able to find so many blessings. Thank you, Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for this spot on the web to share our blessings, great and small. Come join us!

1. Prayers for my grandkids: I think of it as the highest honor to be able to pray for my children, their children and their children's children. Sometimes, that's all we can do is pray. When my children were going to school, there was never a thought for their safety. Now, I'm thankful that my grandchildren who are of school age are all home schooled, out of danger of the random school violence we are seeing. I treasure the mornings and even during the night when I can bring those dear ones to the Lord for safety, guidance and whatever they need. Prayer has been my biggest blessing this week..

2. Reorganizing and some rearranging: I got into my large storage closet once again to see if I could rearrange it better to fit my needs. I've lost count of the number of times I've done this since I moved here so I don't know that I accomplished that much. But it makes things a bit different which is refreshing. I also moved a couple of pieces of furniture from one room to another and I'm liking the result. My next project will be to go through my big tote of Christmas decorations, eliminate some of what I no longer use and put them in smaller totes to take to my son's storage unit. 

3. A quick visit with my son and daughter-in-love: Their clothes dryer went on the blink, which necessitates a drive to a laundromat just down the road from me. I met them there for a chat. Mike brought some Wendy's and it was one of the more pleasant times I've had at a laundromat.

4. Enjoying my knitting: I began this knitting project out of pure grit. I can crochet (the basics, anyway) and when I tried in the past to learn to knit, it was awkward and frustrating.But, I was determined to learn to knit - just to prove I could. I'm now at the point where I really enjoy it and am beginning to look for other projects when this one is done. My daughter is very proud of me!

5. Quiet mornings: I love my mornings. I feed Apollo, make a cup of tea or coffee and sit down with my Bible. A wonderful way to begin the day. It took a long time for me to establish this special time with God and I don't know how I ever coped before without it. 

After some very nice temps, we've had a cold snap and tonight and tomorrow are supposed to be very windy. Spring keeps popping in, grinning and then saying "Never mind." and leaving again. She's a tease for sure. I hope you all are doing well and are looking forward to a pleasant weekend.

Friday's Fave Five - March 17

 

I apologize that I skipped last week's party, but here I am today. This week we're back to cold..cold...cold. There are still signs of spring here and there but with cold temps once again. I won't elaborate on how that's affecting my sinus issues and coughing. It's St. Patrick's Day!  Also, the 6th year of my mother's graduation to heaven. This week has been very reflective, and I've had to look closely for those blessings. But they have been there. Thank you, Susanne for giving us this spot.

1. My sweet mother: Mom was 90 years and 6 days when she passed on. She was a feisty, independent lady who had strong opinions and beliefs. She was my best friend and she taught me so much about life by words and example. She lived with me the last 6 years of her life and passed away at a rehab center recuperating from surgery. She had a great love for the Jewish people and chose to worship God in a Messianic congregation. She knew Jesus as "Yeshua" - his Hebrew name and discovering the Jewishness of her Messiah and Savior was a tremendous blessing in her life.

2. Signs of spring: Despite temps in the upper 20s and low 30s at night, we can still see signs of spring. I saw my first robin the other day and yellow and white daffodils adorn the highways. The Bradford Pear blossoms are gone, but the Red Bud trees are in full bloom. The photo below was taken quickly at the grocery store parking lot.

3. My grand-cat, Gus: Gus belongs to my son and daughter-in-law and is around 14 years old. For most of their married lives, they've been "cat rescuers". At the beginning of 2020, all five of their cats were around the same age and elderly. One by one, they've crossed Rainbow Bridge with the exception of Gus.

Yesterday, they were concerned about his suddenly not eating, and acting very listless. Because he was also vomiting, they feared the worse. Off he went to the vet where he stayed overnight so they could observe him. His blood work was good, and they think it's was perhaps a stomach bug. Hopefully he'll come back home today if all goes well. I know he's not happy at the vet. The photo doesn't show his piercing blue eyes! 

4. Knitting coming along: I'm pleased at how my knitting is coming along. My daughter and I spent an hour on Zoom the other day while she gave me a some tips and instruction. No photos yet but I will when there's more to show.

5. A ministry at church: This past Tuesday was our monthly meeting of Servant's Hope. This ministry is for shut ins and those in nursing homes as well as taking people to doctor appointments and whatever else is needed. This month is the 25th anniversary of its inception. We have a short devotion, pray and share what has been going on in the ministry. And there were a lot of memories to share. After that, we went out for lunch. It was a special day.

I hope all you are doing well out there. Forgive me when I whine about the cold temps. Many of you may be snowed under. I think we're all ready for the warmth of spring. 

Until next week. . . .

Friday's Fave Five - March 3

 

Here we are at another end of the week - another Friday with an opportunity to reflect on the many blessings throughout the week. Today is a day I need this. It was 22 years ago today that my husband, Alan graduated to heaven. Some years I feel more keenly than others. This year is feels almost fresh. You never quite get over losing a loved one. You just learn to cope. 

There have been good things this past week. Right now, we're under a high wind alert until 3 am. The birds on the wire above may not stay too long! Come join us at Living to Tell the Story and share what's been going on in your life.

1. My new knitting supplies: My order from Knit Picks came in this week - a set of needle tips and several sizes in cables for knitting in the round. The needle tips are the size I need for the cowl which I'm going to to knit. The yarn I will use can be found here. My daughter is ready to help me begin. Updates to follow.

2. Spring is in bloom! My apartment complex is surrounded by Bradford Pear trees, and they are blooming in all their splendor! So beautiful! I'm seeing daffodils now along the interstate. It makes me smile.

3. A new way to learn dulcimer: I've struggled to learn to play my mountain dulcimer, using You Tube videos and whatever I could find online for free. I finally bit the bullet and decided to invest a monthly fee for a subscription to a learning platform called Dulcimer Crossing. I've started "string side up" - absolute beginner just to refresh and I enjoy the site very much. Nothing like investing money in something to suddenly spur you on!

4. Lunch with a friend: Yesterday my dear friend Barbara and I met at Red Lobster for lunch. We do this every month and I always look forward to these times. The seafood was great, but the conversation and friendship is even better!

5. My newest grand cat: I told you about him a few weeks back but at that time, he had no name. Now he does - Ziggy! How he came by that name is a story in itself. My daughter in law said she and my son were discussing a name for him, calling out different prospective ones. The cat basically just lay there. He could have cared less! When the name Ziggy came up, he popped his head up and looked at them. So, Ziggy it is! He is pretty frisky and playful and his older brother, Gus is learning to adapt.

I hope you all are having a lovely weekend and looking forward to some fun. My prayers and thoughts to you all who are still under lots of snow. Weather people in the know say we have entered "meteorological spring" so I supposed that gives hope!

Friday's Fave Five - February 24

 

I'm using the spring icon because it feels just like spring right now. Never mind it will become chilly by the weekend and some parts of the U.S. may see snow. Right now, the windows are open, and spring is in the air! Time to list what's been going on this week - favorite things that I've enjoyed. Thank you, Susanne-Living to Tell the Story for giving us this space! 

1. It feels like spring! I've seen tiny violets amongst the grass and our Bradford Pear trees are beginning to bud. I've had my windows open for two days and the heating unit is off. Life is good! This weekend, we expect some chilly temps, but I don't see any temps below freezing so, I guess, that's something.

2. Feeling better every day: My annual sinus/cough/yuck is winding down which is very nice. I'm feeling better and not having to carry cough drops with me everywhere I go. 

3. Progress with my knitting: I knit my first dish cloth in a cotton yarn and I fairly proud of it. The cast on and bind off rows look a bit funky, but the rest isn't too bad. Please don't judge - that yarn was not easy to work with. (grin)

I just received my order for yarn that will be my first cowl. It is Coboo, mauve and tan from Lion Brand yarn. It is so pretty. I'm waiting for my circular needle from another company and then my daughter will get me started. 

I do have to correct a misconception here. Last week I was bragging on my daughter and her knitting skills. I called her a master knitter, not realizing that is actually a distinction through the Knitting Guild Association. A fellow blogger Willow mentioned in her comments that she has that distinction. I've visited her knitting blog and she's amazing.

4. Family cookout: Last Sunday, I attended a family cookout for my daughter-in-law Tina. It was held at a park by a lake about 30 minutes from where I live. Lots of family and good food. I got some "grandma" time and it was fun. The downside was that it was 60 degrees which here in Tennessee is remedied easily by a jacket. But the wind was relentless, and I felt like a popsicle by the time we left. But I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

5. Helping my other daughter-in-law: Stephanie is such an independent lady and it's difficult to get her to let me help her with anything. On Monday, we spent most of the day transferring boxes from home to a storage unit she and my son just rented. She even treated me to breakfast and lunch. Free food and her companionship made the day just perfect!

I've been grieved with all that is happening in our country right now - a country almost unrecognizable from 10 or 20 years ago. Revivals are breaking out though- such as in Asbury, Kentucky. I found this on Face Book that made me laugh and cry, all at the same time.

I hope you all have a blessed weekend.

Friday's Fave Five - February 16

 

Another week gone and time to share some of the blessings of the week. It's wonderful to pause a moment and remember bits and pieces of blessings that I've had this week. Thank you, Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for the opportunity to share. Come join us!

1. Long phone conversations with my daughter: My daughter and I have had several long conversations this week that have been so much fun. She's my best friend and I always feel decades younger after one of our phone calls. This week, it was all about knitting.

2. Knitting: My daughter is a master knitter, and she hasn't been doing it for decades but just a few short years. She's been encouraging me since I've expressed a wish to learn and this week, she offered to do Zoom with me and teach me. Our conversations this week have been about the best project to begin and yarn amounts etc., etc. I've settled on a cowl, a light weight one that I can wear for decorative purposes and not especially for warmth. I ordered my yarn today from the Lion Brand's website and I can't wait to get it and get started. I'm so thankful for a patient daughter!

3. Beginning to feel better: We've had more warm days lately and I'm beginning to feel some improvement in my cough and congestion. Early mornings are still a bit troublesome, but the rest of the day isn't too bad.

4. Snuggles with Apollo: Apollo has been such a comfort to me. From a cat who watched me very warily whenever I moved to now wanting to snuggle all the time, he's been a joy. Cats certainly can teach you patience and it doesn't take long for you to realize you really are NOT the one in charge. Apollo was very wary of me and skittish a year ago when he first came here. I just let him "call the shots" so to speak, approach me when he wanted attention and, in his time, he's become my snuggle bunny. We just celebrated his "gotcha" date on February 3. 

5. Thrift Books,: Such great prices, free shipping and you rack up points for free books. I just ordered two more today - one was a Laura Ingalls Wilder book I had lost. The Long Winter recounted a winter of blizzard after blizzard in N.D. and how Laura and her family survived. I probably have read all of the "Little House" books but this one is my favorite. I'd read it during the Florida summers. Somehow it made me feel better.

We have some potential strong storms coming in tonight and tomorrow. We're not under a tornado watch at the moment, but some counties close to us are. I have a frozen pizza cooking in the oven - probably not the healthiest but, at least, no sugar. It's a kick-back kind of evening (I'm writing this Thursday evening) with my pizza and maybe some Poirot episodes. 

I hope you all have a great weekend!