Last day of 2014

Where does the time go?  I swear the older I get the faster time passes by...

Our day started out with clouds and as the day progressed we had sprinkles, then by 1330 the misty rain turned into a gentle rain.  I hope all those who had outdoor plans for the night made indoor plans too!

Sonsearae, Jim and I went for a walk before the mist descended.  I headed home when the mist started while they continued to walk.

Jim is doing very good with his walking.  He does a mile or more each day and I'm proud of him.  I'm pretty sure he gets frustrated not being able to do a lot of activities because of his breastbone and chest muscles healing.  And he still has some discomfort in his leg where they harvested the veins for his bypasses. Overall he's looking good!

Looking back over the past year this would have to be the thing I'm most grateful for.  

We traveled and saw some beautiful places, we spent time in Vermont with our good friends Anne and Scotty.  But having Jim healthy and on the road to wellness is the best thing!

We had some beans and rice for lunch, then we both snoozed for awhile.  Jim napping on the bed while Boo and I lounged downstairs.

We had a lovely evening with Sonsearae and Chris.  Pizza, 7 layer dip, hummus and veggies for our dinner. We did indulge in a tequila drink or two.  Not sure what the drink is called but it involves two tequilas and half and half.  Pretty tasty! Afterwards we played Phase 10, a new game for Jim and I.  Don't you know Jim won!

I hope wherever you are you're enjoying the evening.  Out partying or staying at home watching TV, ring out the old year!  I hope the new year brings you happiness, good health and prosperity!


What I'm reading: From the Ashes by Jeremy Burns

Afternoon of Shopping

How was your day?  My morning was busy....bed day.  Doing laundry and dishes aren't very exciting but necessary in our daily lives.

Our weather the past few days has been superb!  Exactly why people flock to southern Florida to live, vacation and spend time during the winter months.  

After Sonsearae worked all morning she came home, changed clothes and I hope had some lunch, then we went shopping.  She and I both love grocery shopping!  

We left around 1400 and it was almost dark when we came home!

We had to get some goodies for our New Years Eve 'dinner'...we don't party much and all four of us will probably be sleeping at midnight.  But we'll eat good before we go to bed.


What will you be doing New Years Eve?

The Tall and Small

I've been getting up to foggy mornings around here and that means a lot of humidity.  Temperatures in the 60's.  Once the sun breaks through it clears up quickly.

Yesterday we took ourselves to a park with a boardwalk on the St Lucie river.  Saw some raccoon's, a few pelicans and white ibis.  Then we drove up to Ft Pierce and picked up a Subway sandwich and enjoyed lunch overlooking the ocean.    It was beautiful on the beach.  We both like this warmth and the area is beautiful with lots to explore.

After a leisurely drive south on A1A we headed inland and home

Around here we have our fair share of birds!  These Sandhill Cranes can be seen and heard daily.  Seen from a distance you might think they were Great Blue Herons but their body is a bit bulkier and of course they have a red cap!  I'm pretty sure the Florida cranes live here year round, why would they want to leave?

We are blessed with lizards and frogs which is fine by me!  They eat bugs which include those nasty spiders I do not like.  This little guy is a brown anole and he is about 6-8 inches in length.  According to Audubon they can get almost 9 inches long.  This is an introduced species originally from Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas

What have you seen around you this week?  Santa?  Critters?  Maybe that elusive family member?  

Look around and observe your surroundings.  As they say, take time to stop and smell the roses

Writing, in general

Do you write?  Do you send cards for special occasions?  How about post cards when you travel?

Is letter writing a thing of the past?  With cell phones and social media keeping everyone up to date on family and friends .... why bother to send a letter?

I admit I don't write many letters since my mother died.  And even then I sometimes found it a chore.

I do send post cards to my sisters and a friend, my daughter when I'm not living in her back yard.  I also send note cards.  I try to do this on a regular basis but I slack off on occasion.

I sent out a dozen or so Christmas cards.  Did you?  I only received two cards this year and this saddens me.  

Which makes me ask, do you write letters, notes or send post cards?

I think I'll try harder in the future just so I can make sure my handwriting stays legible!

Vanilla Body Scrub

Christmas is over and so what if you didn't get everything you wanted...all that matters is the fun you had, sharing with all the folks around you.  After all it is the season of giving!

We had a quiet Christmas, exchanged our gifts and had a lovely dinner.  Just the two of us.  Sonsearae and Chris went to Disney World Christmas Eve Day and came home in time for gift giving Christmas evening.

After all the hustle and bustle do you need some pampering?  You should have all these ingredients in your kitchen so just whip up a batch and give it a try!

Vanilla and Brown Sugar Body Scrub

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil (olive oil will work)
1/2 T vanilla extract
Combine sugars in a mixing bowl and mix until there are no lumps.  Add coconut oil and vanilla extract to sugars and thoroughly mix.

Store in an airtight container up to six months.

Merry Christmas Y'all!

From Jim and I,

We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year

Good tidings we bring
To you and your kin
We wish you a Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year!

Sunrise, Sunset

Christmas Day is almost upon us and I hope, with all the hustle and bustle that comes this time of year, that you take some time to look around and observe your world.

Look around and really see how beautiful your world is.  We're in southern Florida, so no snow for us.  We do have some gorgeous skies!

Sunrise a few days ago looking out over the cow pasture

Sunsets through the trees can be quite lovely

Thanks to my wonderful family I'm enjoying reading books on my iPad again...so far I've read three.  Most recently The Bride Price by Tracey Jane Jackson.  A romance novel so it was a quick read.  And I'm sure it was a free book as I don't normally buy romance novels.  But I love starting my day with coffee and reading.  Jim and Boo sleep in and the time is mine.

What have you been reading?

I've been here...

Daily....just didn't feel like typing...Life goes on and we're enjoying it.

We are set up and the space is lovely...we have a big yard to call ours.  The property is fenced in, so it's private.  Just a few feet from our front door is their back door and it's almost always open.

Every few days we hear the owls...it makes me smile when I hear them (him?).  They are big!  In a tree out front there is a big nest and I wonder if it's theirs.   Do horned owls use nests?  or hollows in trees or boxes?  In any case I'll keep an eye on all the nests I've spotted around here.

We've spent some time driving around, getting our bearings and exploring the area.  We've been west to Lake Okeechobee and east to the ocean.  The last couple of days have been perfect.  Temperatures in the mid 70's during the day, dipping into the 40's at night.

Jim is getting stronger every day.  To look at him you wouldn't know he had surgery such a short time ago. But he did and still healing and there are a lot of things he still can't (shouldn't) do.  He tries to do to much and then suffers the next day.  

Sonsearae is back working at the Post Office so we don't see her as much as we did when we first arrived here.  Chris is busy settling in as Warden.  This young couple are hard working and we love them for putting up with us and letting us stay for awhile.

Happy Birthday to Me!

The last twenty four hours have been wonderful.  

Except for the Saints losing!  I think we all stopped watching at halftime....just pitiful..

Anyway, we went to an early dinner at the New England Fish Market and Restaurant in Jensen Beach.  Sonsearae chose it because it has mussels on the menu and she knows we've been wanting some.  Apparently the Olive Garden no longer serves them.  We ordered some and I have to admit they were quite tasty!  Jim and I also shared a broiled seafood dinner that had shrimp, crab cake,scallops and Atlantic salmon along with potatoes and slaw.  Plenty of food and we brought some home.

While we were enjoying our drinks I was presented with a new iPad Air...very generous and much appreciated!  I've really missed my tablet...

Today we re-positioned the rig and got it leveled better.  I say better because of the wooden planks we used but it's still off a bit but livable.  We'll have to keep an eye on it and adjust if we sink into this thick grass we're parked on.

As we finished up Jim says we're going out for Mexican for lunch!  We spotted Dos Amigos when we were shopping the other day.  Just the three of us today as Chris was working.  We had fajitas, tostada salad and taco salad...of course we had beer and Sonsearae made us taste some Coffee tequila....have to admit it was yummy and reminded me of Kahlua

This morning Sonsearae made a vegan German Chocolate cake and we enjoyed some this afternoon with our coffee...it was outstanding!  Thank you Sonsearae for a treat I've not had for a few years.  My mom used to make this for me when I still lived at home.

I have to apologize for these pictures.  Both days we had overcast skies and I had to take pictures in poor light. I've heard the owls and spotted one the other night out by the road but this morning I saw a movement in a pine tree and searched him out.  I was pleased to see a pair of them!

Great Horned Owl

The squirrel was descending a tree and I had to hurry to get my camera and take some quick shots as he traversed the trees and fence line 

Fox Squirrel 

Hopefully I'll see them again on sunny days

here for the winter

Or when hitch itch strikes!

Last Thursday we packed up and headed south.  Since it was a long drive to Indiantown Florida we left around 0930.  Our drive was an easy but long one.  I-75 then the Florida Turnpike.  We stopped several time just to stretch our legs, eat lunch and buy coffee and doughnuts.  The turnpike has nice rest stops providing more than just snacks and fuel.

We got off the turnpike at Port St Lucie and drove a few miles on I-95 to reach our destination.  Chris is now the warden at Martin Correctional Institution and he and Sonsearae invited us to stay with them while Jim recovers from his surgery.  So far we like this area.  Since it's new to us we'll get to explore and check it out while we're here.

We're parked in the back yard and we need to tweak our position a bit and when we're properly set up I'll take some pictures.  There's an owl somewhere as I've seen and heard him.  So far I haven't located where he roosts at night. We've seen Wood Storks, Egrets, cattle, Sandhill Cranes and various other regional birds.  Even though we're out in the middle of nowhere, shopping isn't that far away with all the usual grocery and major stores.

According to some charts our average highs during December will be around 70 and the lows 46.  Today we're having some issues with heat....cloudy and foggy and it's only 65!

By the way Jim is doing great as long as he remembers not to overdo it!  His leg is almost healed and his chest doesn't bother him unless he lifts to much.  He's been walking more and his activity level is increasing.

DIY Hand Sanitizer

Cool crisp day here.  We had blue skies but it was chilly outside so we stayed in.  Did make a run into town to get Jim's glasses adjusted and we picked up some milk.  But other than that we just watched movies.  Starz and Encore are free this weekend on Direct TV.  Saw the Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp...I found it amusing.  After that we watched Monuments Men with George Clooney also a good movie.  Have you seen either one?

Had leftovers for dinner...the stuffing is gone as well as the gravy and peas...Jim also polished off his cranberry sauce.

Now that Autumn is in the air and Winter being felt everywhere, cold and flu season is right around the corner!  Do you use hand sanitizers?   This product is easy to make.


Found this recipe in Mother Earth Living magazine:

Whip up this simple hand sanitizer from Betsy at DIY Natural with just a few ingredients.  Lavender and tea tree essential oil are natural antiseptics.  Astringent witch hazel contains alcohol, for an alcohol free version just use water.  You can squeeze aloe vera from the plant's leaves or buy 100% aloe vera gel.

Homemade sanitizer

10 drops lavender essential oil
30 drops tea tree essential oil
1/4 tsp vitamin E oil
1 Tbl witch hazel or water
8 oz aloe vera gel

Combine first three ingredients in a bowl; swirl to mix
Add witch hazel or water; swirl to mix
Add aloe vera a mix well

Store in a sanitized container with a pump and use on dirty hands when you can't wash them right away.

I keep a small container of this in my purse.  I use it when I've been pushing a grocery cart or pumping fuel or any time I feel I need to wash my hands.

Have a super weekend!

Thanksgiving

No matter where you are I hope this day was all you wished for.  Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and friends.

After a leisurely morning dawdling over my coffee and breakfast (homemade pumpkin bread from Sonsearae and an apple) I finally got dressed and made the bed.  Then I started in the kitchen.  

First up was the pumpkin pie, had to get it in the oven.  Then I did dishes....yuck.  Now it was time to make the stuffing so I sauteed some onions, celery and mushrooms in a wee bit of butter, then added half a bag of stuffing mix and some broth along with some rubbed sage and poultry seasoning.  Loaded this into a loaf pan to cook after the pie came out of the oven.

Now for the potatoes, got them peeled and chopped along with some garlic and set them to boil.  Gravy!  Can't forget the gravy.  Using the same pan that I used for the sauteing I added a wee bit of butter, some flour then broth and added poultry seasoning and some salt and pepper.  Kept tweaking this until it tasted good...

Of course the dishes needed to be done again...sometimes I do miss a dishwasher.

A can of peas, a can of cranberry sauce and some homemade cranberry sauce (thanks Sonsearae) our dinner was complete...

Forgot!  Yesterday I picked up half a rotisserie turkey breast from Winn-Dixie.  All I had to do was slice it, wrap it in some foil and heat it along with the stuffing.

After dinner or should I say lunch, I had everything ready before football started, I finished my wine then I tackled the cleanup.  Within a couple hours we had some pie and yes, there was whipped cream for the pie!

For those of you who know we're next door to Sonsearae and Chris and wondering why we didn't dine with them...Well plans were made prior to our stop here and we were invited to give thanks with Sonsearae's  Papa and his wife Susan but we declined.  We shared this day with Chris and Sonsearae last year and we'll be with them at Christmas.

Jim offered to take me out for dinner so I wouldn't have to cook.  But I don't mind cooking and right now we have several days of food in the fridge!  All I have to do is heat it up!

We have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.  Jim is doing well following the 4 bypasses.  We are both thankful his heart wasn't damaged!  My health is still good.  For our age I think we're doing as well as can be. 

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Do you make pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving?  I will this year because I've had a request.  I prefer Sweet Potato Pie and this spice mix can be used for that pie also

You'll need 
1/4 cup Cinnamon
2 T Ginger
2 t nutmeg
1 t cloves

Just mix all this and use the amount called for in your recipe

Eagle At CCI

As we pulled onto our road home this Eagle flew in and landed almost in front of us.  Jim slowed and as we drove by I captured these pictures

Awesome!

this past week has been interesting

That mighty polar cold front came through and Tuesday and Wednesday nights we disconnected the water line because a hard freeze was predicted for both nights.  I don't think it Tuesday night but better safe than sorry!

I think it was Thursday when Chris and friends (along with some inmates) loaded up a truck for the move south.  It was driven down by the friends and Chris and his son drove down to unload and start setting up.  It's a long a drive for a day trip!

Friday Jim and I went to Big Shoals State Park to walk in the woods.  We stopped and saw Sonsearae at the White Springs Post Office, had some lunch at Fat Bellys (don't ask!) then headed to the park.  I think they need to spend some money on signage.  We drove and drove on a dirt road and began to wonder if it was the right road!

Eventually we found the entrance with just a drop box for payment.  Of course I have a Florida State Park Pass and we just drove in.

The park is just a day use park for hikers, bikers, equestrians and canoes and kayaks.  Rest room facility near the entrance and a nice spot for the camp host.  Bet it gets lonely out there!

After you enter the trail off to the left was a picnic area under oak and pine trees.  Very nice.

The trail is easy to moderate with some changes in elevation but it was easy to navigate and neither of us found it strenuous.  Just have to be careful placing your feet to avoid the roots of trees

The water was calm and placid at this stop

Found some Autumn color!

I love the different colors and textures you can find in the woodlands

As we got closer to the Shoals we could hear them

Obviously Jim is doing better!  It's been two months since his bypass surgery and each day has it's challenges but he is making progress.

Our cold temperatures were replaced with rain on Saturday.  We just stayed in and vegetated...I made some doughnuts and did laundry most of the day.  Sonsearae and Chris went to their southern home to get it livable for Chris.  He'll stay until Wednesday and she'll come back Monday after she makes a couple visits to the Post Offices in the area.  She's hoping to be transferred down there.

do nothing day

Saturdays are turning into slow, lazy days.  As reported, our weather is cooler today with the sun peeking out of the clouds every now and then. 

When I got up this morning, shortly before 0700, the outside temperature was in the low 40's.  Time for the furnace!  I also made some scones to help warm the insides...ours and the house.  Always good to pull freshly baked goods out of the oven.

The high is supposed to be around 62 and as I type this at 1330 it's already 61.  We're watching a John Wayne movie with Katherine Hepburn...not sure what the title is.

Once Sonsearae got home from work she came over and before we knew it, we were on our way to Corky Bells in Palatka!  We had discussed it yesterday but we didn't know for sure if we'd go today or next weekend.

Jim drove and while it's a long drive it's worth it for the food.  When we in Welaka last year this was our favorite restaurant....it's always about the food!

There were five of us for dinner.  Chris' best friend Jeff joined us.  Good time and good eats!

Eucalyptus Dryer Sheets

We had a lazy morning and after lunch Sonsearae and I went to a farmers market in Live Oak.  Any time spent with my daughter is fun.  The farmers market wasn't all that big, but it is November!  I bought some radishes and green bell peppers.  We made a couple of stops, mostly to look and check out some stores.  

We finally got official word this afternoon of Chris' promotion to Warden at a facility south of here.  We've known about it for a few weeks  but now we can let others know about it.  We're very proud of him and know he will do a superb job!

Once home the three of us enjoyed coffee, then later we had a dinner of a big garden salad.

This DIY project may take a little of your time to make, but try it, you might like saving money!

Eucalyptus Dryer Sheets

Cotton cloths
1/2 cup white vinegar
5-10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
airtight container

Cut cotton cloths such as old dishtowels or t-shirts into small rectangles...you don't need many

Place in airtight container

Mix the vinegar and oil, then pour into container so the cloths are wet

To use, remove a cloth squeezing out the excess moisture.  Place in dryer

When dry,place cloth back in container for future use

If you do decide to try this, let me know how you like it.  I'm sure other oils could be used, it just depends on what your preference is

Cold Weather and medical stuff

Sometimes I forget it's November.  Then I see a weather report or see posts on Facebook showing snow and folks talking about cold temperatures.  We've been enjoying very mild weather, daytime temperatures in the 70's and overnight in the 50's.  Tomorrow that will change, about 5 degrees lower.   Nothing to complain about here!

I surprised Jim today and showed up at the hospital mid morning.  I brought him coffee from home and he enjoyed that!  Before lunch his doctor came in and said he could go home.  Of course getting released took a wee bit longer and he ended up eating another yummy hospital meal.  I went to the cafeteria and got some hummus and pita chips.  

He has to continue with an antibiotic for a couple weeks and see the doctor in about ten days.  Hopefully all this attention on his leg will have good results and he'll get back to normal.  We're both pleased that he doesn't need any surgery on the wound.  

This evening to celebrate his release we had dinner at Ruby Tuesday.  Sonsearae joined us and we had a decent meal.  Jim had steak and lobster along with zucchini and fries.....I think his hospital meals were lacking in flavor!  I had fish tacos and Sonsearae had popcorn shrimp.

It's good to have him home...things will get back to normal around here in no time at all...

What are you reading?  Any good books?  I'm still plowing through my magazines

Where were you a year ago?

We were in Welaka Florida enjoying the mild temperatures.  I was also getting my eyes fixed!  I had some blurriness (clouds or big floaters) that was zapped and viola!  clear vision.  Anyway you can read about it here.  I can't be positive, but I think this was the last time we rode our trikes...

Jim is in hospital, been there about 24 hours and he won't get to come home until tomorrow.  The area where they harvested the veins for his bypass is still an open wound and the internist thought it should be seen by a surgeon.  Couldn't get into his office for 2-3 weeks so the internist admitted him so he could be seen by the surgeon on hospital rounds!

Anyhoo, there was an infection and he was given a broad spectrum antibiotic yesterday.  Found out this afternoon that the antibiotic will be given today and again tomorrow, at which time he'll be released.

Mostly Jim is just laying around wanting to come home.  Can't say I blame him.  He has his phone, iPad and a book.  But the inactivity is probably driving him crazy.

While some of the country is enduring snow and cold temperatures we've been having wonderful mid seventy days and at night somewhere in the 50's.  My kind of winter!  The forecast says we're getting a couple degrees cooler the next few days

With Jim not here I have control of the remote and what to watch on TV!  Tonight I'm watching PBS, Leave it to Beavers.  It's a rerun but it's fascinating!  Hunted to near extinction they're making a comeback and we're learning how necessary they are to the overall scheme of things.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day originated on Nov. 11. 1919 and was known as Armistice Day.  
It became a national holiday in 1938.  
In 1954, President Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day, paying tribute to all veterans - living or dead, and giving thanks to those who so honorably served.

TODAY there are 23.2 million military veterans living in the US.
-9.2 million are over the age of 65.  -1.8 million are women.

The Veterans in our family enjoyed a free meal at Olive Garden today.  There were seven of us at the table.  Sonsearae, Chris, Jim, myself and Pam, her daughter (Heather I think) and a friend.  I'm awful with names!  

A lot of conversation, wine and good food were enjoyed by all.  We even brought some food home.

While there, Jim got the call we were waiting for.  Everything was all set for him to be admitted at the hospital.  The area in his calf where they removed veins for his bypass is not healing as it should.  Mostly he has a hole that seeps.  We think it wasn't closed properly and it needs help!  

Getting it repaired is an outpatient procedure but the doctor couldn't see him in office for a couple of weeks....so they admitted him!  There is an infection so he's on antibiotics.  A couple more tests are needed but hopefully tomorrow they'll do whatever is needed to close this 'hole'.

So my Veteran is sleeping in a hospital tonight.  I miss him.

Veterans Day

Never Forget

Our weekend

Weather wise the weekend was beautiful.  Mild temperature during the day and cool nights for sleeping.  Just the way I like it.

On Saturday Sonsearae had to work a couple hours and Chris drove Holly to the airport in Jacksonville.  We pretty much had the morning to ourselves.  When Sonsearae got home I didn't even go say hi, I figured she and Chris could use some alone time.

Not sure what Jim and I did...it was just a lazy Saturday with just the normal chores.

Jim hasn't been sleeping well so I let him sleep in this morning.  I dressed and was out the door for a quick walk.  The purple finches were out in force and flitted from one side of the road to the other.

Of course Sunday's are for football and we spent part of the afternoon with Sonsearae and Chris.  Unfortunately the Saints lost.  But our tailgate party was good.  Jim grilled some burgers that we ate along with some waffle fries, bean dips and all the condiments you need for burgers.

Not sure what to call this photo...I just thought it was pretty.  Just some grasses in the ditch.

Fun, Busy Day

Turned out to be an interesting  day!  I took a recipe (just ingredients) over to show Sonsearae and we determined we had the all ingredients to make it.  Next up...how to print it!  Because it was a Kindle cookbook I couldn't copy and paste or right click and print...so we did a screen shot from the phone and I sent it via text but that didn't work as we wanted.  For some reason it printed it weirdly.  So we sent it via email and that worked.  This took about an hour to figure out.  

She already had chili cooking for the cook off later and she needed to bake a cheesecake.  While she got that going Holly and I started prepping the food for Tortilla Azteca-Mexican Lasagna from Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook.  Delicious!  It sure makes a lot and Jim didn't care for it so I probably won't make it again.

I stripped the bed and did laundry.  After lunch I napped. Jim did the dreaded black tank.  

Jim will head to the hospital again Tuesday to have a procedure on his leg.  Apparently it's not healing as well as it should and they need to 'play' with it.  Not sure what all will be done, I just hope this helps with the healing and closing up of the hole in his leg.

Around 1700 we headed over to The Columbia Correctional Institution where Chris is the Assistant Warden.  Jim, myself and Holly are the judges for the chili cook-off!  We sampled our way through 9 pots of chili and the winner was a guy from Houston Texas! Then everyone joined us and chili along with cornbread was enjoyed by all.  Meanwhile outside the corn hole competition started and continued into the evening.

We left after Jim had eaten his fill.  Sonsearae and Holly returned home while we went to Verizon to get new phones.  Apparently you can upgrade to a Droid Turbo at no additional cost to your monthly plan.  Now we have the fun of upgrading and installing and playing!

A Fun, Busy Day!

Sugar scrubs are a great way to exfoliate and soften your skin and can easily be customized using different types of sugar, salt, oil, and essential oil. This  sugar scrub using Autumnal oils is gentle on your skin and has a delicious spicy fall aroma. This scrub is naturally white in color but can be glammed-up with some natural, skin-safe, food coloring. 

What You Need:

3/4 cup white sugar (you can also use brown sugar or sea salt)
1/2 cup  Coconut Oil (you could also use almond oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil)
4 drops Cassia essential oil 
4 drops Clove essential oil 
4 drops Ginger essential oil


Directions:
1. Combine sugar and  Coconut Oil into a bowl.

2. Add essential oils.

3.  Stir until the mixture is the consistency of a slushy. You may need to add more sugar or Coconut Oil for desired consistency. 
If you want to add color, now is the time. For separate colors, divide scrub into bowls depending on how many colors you want. If you want three colors, divide into three bowls. Color as desired and carefully pour on top of each layer. 

4.  Add to an air-tight container. You’re done! Use 1-2 times a week on hands, feet, legs, or arms.

Make this for yourself, you deserve it! This could also be given as gifts.  Pick up some jars at a craft store, add a label and some ribbon.  Viola!  No wrapping required.

What are you reading?

I have a confession to make.  Last week I lost my iPad and I haven't been reading much of anything.  I can access my books on the laptop or my phone and I've been looking at my cookbooks.  But I haven't been reading as much as I used to.

Except for magazines.  I have a stack of back issues.  Some I subscribe to and some that Sonsearae shares with me.

These are my current reads.  I love the magazines from Stampington and I spend hours pouring over each story and layout.  The magazines are very beautiful and printed on quality paper

So what are you reading?  Any good books?  

Sonsearae and Holly returned home tonight from their Disney excursion. It's wonderful to see how much they care for one another.  They've been friends for 30 years.

Where were you a year ago?

We were in Welaka.  Read what we were doing, it's all about the food!

Since then many miles have been traveled, all of them enjoyable. One thing is certain, no matter where we go we still want to travel!  So many places we haven't seen.

We didn't have a lot of sunshine this morning but the sky was pretty.  This is our view out our back window.

I went for a walk this morning and I actually remembered to take my camera.  I saw a shrike and a couple killdeer.  They weren't posing so no pictures.  But I did find what was probably breakfast for a hawk, not much left but the feathers

There's No Place Like Home

Beautiful day here.  Mid 70's and we both spent time outdoors.  Jim did more setting up chores and cleaned the inside of the truck.

I re-potted my lettuce and herbs so I have my garden and the mini mingos seem to like it

Sonsearae went to Disney World today.  Her best friend Holly flew in last night.  Today is Holly's birthday so the ladies are living it up!

Chris and Sonsearae have graciously opened their hearts and invited us to stay here.  Almost hourly I can feel my body relaxing.  Even Jim slept better last night

There's no place like home

Look what I found!

Last night it got really chilly!  There was frost on the truck when I could finally see it.   But the day warmed up and Jim worked outside most of the day...except when we were shopping.

Jim and I were both busy today getting all set up and making things neat and tidy.  We needed supplies from Home Depot, Walmart, Ace hardware store and Camping World.

I found these Mini Mingos at Camping World...They're munching on my lettuce.

What did you discover today?  Anything different in your world?