My Crafty Corner

When I first started Stamping I had the dining room table that then moved into a corner of the family room where I stamped for years. Then my children grew up and began moving out which gave me a craft room.  Actually two, each of the girl’s bedroom at one time or another. Then we sold the house and I was back to the dining room table in. The RV where I stamped for years.  When we moved to Tennessee I had the ultimate Crafty Cottage.  A whole building that was mine to “play”.  Now I am back in Florida and staying with me daughter and she created a space in her studio for me to create.  I am back having a Crafty corner again and I love it.  Thank you Jenny and Nate for creating a space for me.  Hmmm, now that I think about it I created on the dining room table twice and now I am on my second Crafty corner which can only mean one thing; I may get a Crafty Cottage back too some day.  LOL!

Baseball Season Is Coming To An End

This is the last week end of the regular Baseball Season and with the Cubs, yes I am a die heart Cubs fan, neck and neck with the Brewers there is a possibility that they may have to play a tie breaker game to see who will win their division.  The same may be true for the Dodgers and Rockies.  All I can do is hope the Cubs win their next two games and the Brewers lose their next two games. So, with that said; Go Cubbies!

A Surprise Visitor At Choir

Last night we started practicing Christmas music at choir but the way it was passed out was fun for all.  Santa and a special little elf came and delivered the music.  It was a fun surprise by all.  My son in law, Nate, and granddaughter Rory came to help us out.  The choir loved it and Rory looked so cute.  Every year Doc, the Choir director likes to do something special in passing out the Christmas music.  It has always been fun and last night went well.  Thank you Nate and Rory.  You were a hit!

The Thrill Of Victory

Looking at some pictures of Rory making a goal made me realize that the thrill of victory is a glorious feeling.  I remember that feeling while playing sports and watching my kids experience it enjoying that feeling.  Rory ran across the field into her mom’s arms just like her mom did to me after they won their championship.  It is a thrill and it is okay to win and lose.  After all, in real life that is what happens.  So way to go Rory and keep striving to win but also accept your losses.

Zucchini Noodles

Jenny decided to try and make zucchini noodles.  She bought a little device that turns a zucchini into look alike spaghetti noodles.  She used two zucchini then took the noodles and sautéed them in a tablespoon of butter in a pan for 3 to 5 minutes.  She added salt, pepper and garlic while cooking.  All I can say is they were delicious!  I am ready for more any time.  Yum!

Playing Bells

I tried something new last night and it was something I have always wanted to do but did not think I could.  It is playing the bells.  I grew up watching Bell choirs play at church and and have always been so amazed at watching and hearing them.  To think that each bell finger only play a couple of notes through out a piece yet makes it sound so coherent just amazes me.  Now that is teamwork.  My mom was a bell ringer almost my entire life and now I am in the same bell choir she was in along with some of the same people she played with.  I hope I can learn my bells so I can continue to play with this group.  It was fun but challenging!

A Great $5 Buy

After putting the little fake LEGO vehicles together it was a great buy.  A $1 a piece and they hold together well and the vehicles roll great.  Rory had a great time playing with them.  Oh yeah, also telling me how to build them.  I followed the directions but in a couple of days they will be in piece and then Rory will build her version of the vehicles.  Can’t wait for those!

Rory Scored A Goal!

Every week Rory’s Soccer team gets better and better.  Her team did not get a coach until a week before their first game where the other teams had coaches for a few more weeks so they have been a bit disadvantaged.  The first two teams they played had super dad coaches and the kids had been practicing.  Yesterday the team they played was more evenly matched and the game was tied.  The most important part of yesterday’s game is that Rory scored her first official goal.  We were all so excited but Jenny was really excited and I understand why.  Jenny loved playing soccer and now Rory is.  It is a good moment as a mom or dad.  I remember watching Jenny running the hurdles, my event, she hated them but did it for two years.  I suspect Rory will be playing soccer for a while!  Way to go Rory!❤️

My $5 Fun Night

Rory and I had another great Friday night together (Mom &Dad went out on a date) and it cost me a mere $5.  Well, plus Chinese food.  We started our night building my $5 investment from the Dollar Tree imatation lego vehicles, we got the people last week. We got hungry and decided that we wanted Chinese food.  We went to the little place just about a mile away from the house and ordered.  Then we waited! I knew we would wait but they had not told me how long,  although I figured it would be 15 minutes because every phone order was 15 min, and probably 15 minutes later we got our food.  We took it home and ate it watching the movie “Monster’s Inc.”   Rory loves that movie but hates monsters.  It was a good night!

It’s Wear Teal Day In Jacksonville!

The Jacksonville Jaguars are a much loved team here in Jacksonville and today the Mayor asked everyone to wear teal today to show support to the Jaguars for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.  I am still a Chicago Bears fan, my number one team...Da Bears, but I also root for the Jags.  Duuuval!!!

You Know Christmas Is Coming When...

I just received a wonderful gift in the mail from my sister and it is a sign that Christmas is coming!  I got a box of goodies from Stampin Up.  Now this box has a few meanings.  One, my sister spoils me, two, I have new things to play with, three, the Christmas SAS is coming, four, I will be going to San Diego soon, and five, I have a lot of work to do!  All are great and I have some amazing new items.  Thank Pam; I will get to work now.

Such Silly Girls

It is really hot in Florida and last night after Rory’s soccer practice (6:00 at night and it was still 95 degrees outside) we decided to go to Ruby Tuesday’s for dinner.  I had a free Cheeseburger coupon to celebrate National Chesseburger day so why not use it!  Service was a bit slow and it seemed to take forever to get our food.  That meant I had to entertain and keep two very tired and hungry girls happy.  We played games and one that worked well was who could do the best pout face.  Of course that only made them laugh.  The food finally came and they ate and were happy.  Love these girls!

The Bears Win!

The Bears played Monday night football against the Seattle Seahawks and they won!  Both teams went into the game with a 0-1 record.  The Bears played well and won!  Way to go Bears!  This is a short and sweet blog and a late post too!  Bonus - all four of the NFL teams I am following Won!

What??? The Jags Beat The Pats???

Yes, the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the New England Patriots for the first time in a regular season game.  All the years they have been playing each other and the Jags have never won.  Way to go a Jags or should I say Duuuval!!!  Needless to say Jacksonville is happy minus the Jacksonville Patriots fans.  Broncos also won by a last second (8 seconds) field goal.  The Tampa Bay Bucs beat the Steelers and the Bears play tonight. It was a good day in football and hopefully it will be tonight! Let’s go Bears!!!

Second Soccer Game!

Rory played in her second Soccer game and it was a huge improvement over last week’s game.  They finally scored some goals because they knew where they were this time.  They did score one goal for the other team but that did not bother them too much.  Rory played a lot better and is a lot more comfortable with a bunch of kids around her. All in all it was a good game!

Watching ATennis Match

After running Rory to school I headed over the The Oakleaf Tennis Center to watch the Women’s Tennis team play a match against the San Jose Tennis club.  Jenny plays for Oakleaf and she and her partner, Danielle, played well.  It was very hot outside but that did not seem to bother the tennis players.  It was a good match and a Jenny and Danielle played well!  All the ladies did!

A Surprise Gift

Have you ever worn a Life Is Good t-shirt?  They are one of the softest and well made t-shirts there is.  I know they are a little pricey but once you own one you understand why.  They don’t shrink, they wear well and they stay soft!  I have a very generous sister who loves them as much as I do so when there is a sale we both benefit.  They recently had a sale on their discontinued winter shirts and I was lucky enough to receive a surprise gift of  four of those shirts.  Thanks Pam I love them and can’t wait to wear them once it gets cooler!  Check them out!

Do I Have A Green Thumb?

Di I have a green thunb?  Well I guess we are going to find out.  With my new job my great friend Jean gave me a beautiful orchid for my desk.  I was in panic mode at first thinking, oh my gosh I am going to kill this thing until Jean told me all I had to do is give it three ice cubes once a week.  Well I can do that.  Week one is over and the orchid still looks beautiful.   My wonderful daughter, son in law and granddaughter sent me a plant for my desk.  A beautiful bunch of potted succulent plants.  Once again I panicked but once I read the instructuons I knew I could keep these alive.  I only have to place it in a bowl of water once a month for an hour.  Well I can do that too!  So, maybe I do have a green thumb!

The Insanity Burger

Yesterday I got to experience something I would never have thought of.  I had an Insanity burger from M Shack.  Now the name does fit the burger. It basically is a double cheese burger that comes with two burgers and TWO grilled cheese sandwiches.  It also has lettuce, tomato and pickles.  It was truly a delicious burger(s) but oh my gosh it was a lot of food.  I was taken out for lunch and surprised with this meal.  Needless to say I did not eat dinner and may not have breakfast.  If you are ever so hungry you could eat a horse don’t!  Instead have the insanity burger at M Shack!  Wow!

Ant Man And Wasp Woman

I went and saw the movie Ant Man and Wasp Woman, the sequel to Ant Man byMarvel.  It was good, very entertaining and had lots of laughs.  It was a fun movie to just watch and enjoy.  The only downfall to the movie had nothing to do with the movie.  It was the woman sitting next to me who was always on her phone so I had the cell phone light in my eyes through out the movie.  Very annoying!  She was a lot bigger than me and could of taken me so I just kept my mouth shut.  If you like Marvel and want a fun movie then this is your movie!

NFL Football Has Begun

It truly is Fall now with College Football and now NFL football beginning.  My picks this year have changed a bit.  I watch four teams just to keep it interesting.  My number one team is the Chicago Bears!  I grew up with the Bears and who ever they are playing, including the teams I am following they are my number one team.  Hey, I am from Chicago, we support our teams win or lose.  Yes, I am a Cubs fan!  My second team is the Jascksonville Jaguars.  I have followed them since they began and I was here when it happened!  I am back following the Denver a Broncos again just because and I threw in a new team this year the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  So those are my picks!  First week is in the books.  The Bears lost to the Green Bay Packers...yuck!  The Jags, Bucs and a Broncos won!

Fall Soccer Season

Rory played in her very first soccer game and did as well as expected with having no experience and only one practice.  She looked so adorable in her uniform even though it was huge on her.  It was hot so I have to give everyone out there playing soccer an atta boy!  Just sitting there watching the game in the sun I was drenched like I had been playing.  There were lots of goals made just not by Rory’s team.  The other team had been practicing for a few weeks.  I am sure as the season goes on the team will get better.  It was fun to watch and of course cheer! Way to go Rory!

My First Time Making Zucchini

I have eaten lots of zucchini, which was never a veggie I would have eaten about 10 years ago but now I really like it.  I had never made a zucchini dish by myself.  I have worked and prepared lots of items using zucchini at the farm.  Last night I made zucchini baked with Parmesan and it was delicious and super easy thanks to the “super easy zucchini recipe” I found.  It was so good I will be making it again soon!  Here is the recipe:
Super Easy Zucchini Bake
Ingredients
2 medium zucchini (washed and cut into 1/2 inch slices)
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (I made up my own)
Salt and pepper to taste
2/3 Parmesan cheese (divided)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
In a bowl combine all the ingredients and toss making sure the zucchini gets coated well.
Spray a cookie tray with cooking spray
Place the sliced zucchini on the tray and top with the rest of the Parmesan
Place zucchini in the oven and bake for 5 minutes
Then place the zucchini under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes.
It was really good!

Oops, I Almost Forgot...

This morning got busy quickly with getting Rory ready for school and making some shirts for some friends.  All done before 8:30.  Now I realize I may not be making a post everyday but I am going to try. My first week of work is in the books and it was good.  I think I even got a few things accomplished.  I will enjoy this week end off but I will also be ready to return on Monday!

Who Knew $5.00 Could Go So Far!

After my second day at working I picked Rory up from school aka Pre-K and Daycare and we had a mission to accomplish...to find something that started with “A”.  Show and tell today is something that starts with “A”. Now the obvious item would be an apple but I was thinking more out of the box like an acorn or an axe.  So we went to Dollar Tree to find something.  Along with finding our “A” item we also found a few things to do.  Who knew that $5.00 would buy so much entertainment for Rory!  We bought a game like precision, a jumping frog game, a police kit, ring pops and some skittles.  No, she did not get to eat both sugary items yet!  We got home and began to play!  Oh and the “A” item we picked out was a fake apple.  We had a huge felt acorn and a rubber alligator along with the apple but in the end Rory chose the apple.  It is her show and tell!

Back To Work I Go!

I have officially joined the working party again.  It has been seven years and two months since I last worked for someone.  I am happy to say for the first time in 41 years, wow that sounds like a lot of time, that I am not working retail.  I am not saying anything against working retail I just wanted to try  something that was not retail.  My new job is far from it.  I am working at a place that is very inspirational and always has a blessing.  Day one is in the books; now on to day two!

St. Augustine Adventure

Rory and I took a little adventure to St. Augustine. Rory loves carousels and there is an antique one in St Augustine at Davenport Park.  I have not been to that carousel since my kids were little but I sure am glad I took Rory.  Davenport park has a great playground with lots of things to play on and even when it is crowded there seems to be room to play.  Rory had so much fun and was all smiles and laughter while she played. The carousel only costs a dollar to ride and so we rode it a couple of times then played at the park some more.  We then went to the old town and walked around checking out some shops.  We had lunch and walked along the water; looking for fish.  The water was choppy from the wind so we did not see fish but did see a lot of sea foam.  We then went back to the park to play and ride the carousel one more time.  It was a fun day!

Grocery Shopping With Rory

our morning started with saying bye to Rory’s mom and dad.  They were going on a cruise which means it is Rory and Gramma’s week to have fun along with work and school.  We had a couple of hours before we had to leave to go to church and we also needed to go grocery shopping after church so Rory looked through the circular from the Grocery store and I made a list of the things she said we needed.  It was a pretty good list she came up with and after church we went to Winn Dixie to shop. We chose that store because it had miniature carts for kids and she really wanted to shop her list.  She filled her cart and mine.  She was a good shopper and only got two extra things that were not on her list.  She had so much fun shopping and even emptied her cart at the register.  It was so cute!

Week 1 Of College Football Is In The Books!

College Football has begun and there are a whole lot of happy people!  There is something about College Football that is fun to watch.  The players excelling, the bands playing, the crowds cheering and the rivalry.  Pro football just does not have the same feeling.  My teams results were interesting.  NAU and Florida won, WooHoo!  Michigan, NIU and Navy lost, a little surprising!  With Week One in the books it is on to Week Two!  Let’s go teams!

Friday Night Fun

Rory and I had fun playing outside last night.  The temperature outside was still in the 90s but the humidity was not that bad and there was a breeze so it was a nice night to be outside. We started playing with chalk on the driveway then Rory decided she wanted to ride her bike.  She really rides well now and can very fast.  She gets riding so fast that I cannot keep up with her as I walk.  She really enjoyed her bike.  Rory decided she wanted to drive her car and sometimes she is a crazy driver.  We started to draw with chalk some more but the Rory’s Mom and Dad came home with dinner, a little late.  We had fun playing outside.