BE PRESENT.........DISCONNECT SO YOU CAN CONNECT

In the last 48 hours, I have heard several conversations regarding how we treat those with whom we work. The suggestions are we must learn to treat our co-workers with compassion and respect.
Andi Campbell, Human Resources Laz Parking, gave a Ted Talk saying that we must bring humans back to work. She states that connecting takes a true conscious effort.
There are studies that prove that ones health, and well being are impacted by our treatment at work. I can attest to this, as I had a most stressful incident at work in January of this year caused by a co-worker, and consequently ended up in the hospital with a heart condition called Takotsubo. I wasn't aware of the intense stress, but my body reacted, and it mirrored a heart attack. I am pleased to say that I am perfectly fine today, and so much wiser.
With the current President setting a very poor example of civility and respect for others our society is in a contentious place.
I work in retail and I have noticed customers are much more aggressive and ready to "fight" when receiving an answer they don't like. We are combative and agitated. What happened to the "Golden Rule".........treat others as we wish to be treated.
Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn, speaks about compassionate leadership. He feels that leaders must be able to put themselves in their employees shoes to understand them and treat them with grace and dignity.
Mr. Weiner also finds it necessary to laugh and have fun at work.


I am delighted to see leaders in large corporations are addressing civility, but am concerned that management got so caught up in the bottom line that it forgot to listen and respect those in their employ. 
We have a culture where  we are encouraged to have more, more and more. But isn't more sometimes just more.
 I love technology, but feel that this obsession with being connected 24/7,  and more, if that were possible is making us lose the ability to communicate.
We need to re-learn how to communicate with each other in real time. Along with this constant wanting more makes us lose the appreciation for what we have.
Corporate America is so obsessed with the bottom line, and doing more that it forgot those who are producing to make that bottom line profitable.
Mr. Trump, get off Twitter and learn to communicate. You have demonstrated that you have very little regard or appreciation for those that work for you........you are the leader of the free world, and are setting an example that would not be tolerated in a kindergarten classroom.
The Harvey Weinsteins and Donald Trumps should not be the aspiration of Americans. Certainly monetarily well compensated men, but such poor examples of "good humans".

IT'S RAINING OUTSIDE

This is one of my favorite art pieces done by Art Head Studio...........could it be any clearer...
hello TV newscasters, it is raining outside during a hurricane.......go inside. Who stands outside in a hurricane. The sensationalism all weekend with Hurricane Irma was over the top. There are people who lost everything and their lives were in peril...we don't need storm chasers being blown around searching for their 15 minutes of fame. TV people you want a story, cover the clean-up, and help expedite the funds to arrive and help. The people in Houston are cleaning up toxic sludge from their houses, and in need of help. It may not be dramatic, but certainly critical and necessary.
My mother used to say "an empty truck makes a lot of noise". When news coverage is broadcasting 24/7 there really is nothing more to say. You have exhausted what's news worthy!

DINNER WITH FRIENDS

IN MY OPINION..... I had dinner last night with friends at La Tavola in Grandview, Ohio. The atmosphere is rather "old school" Italian, however the restaurant is not old.
The food was mundane with a limited menu, and the service was adequate, but not great.
I did not order a salad, however the salads did look fresh, and well prepared. We shared bruschetta which was nice. It was served cold, which I prefer to have warm. The house bread they served with olive oil was delicious....great salty crust.
I ordered gnocchi, several ordered spaghetti with meat balls, and one ordered chicken parmesean by default, as he really wanted veal parmesean, which was not on the menu.
We had to ask for parmesean cheese which was not freshly grated.
The server  was pleasant, but we never saw him again until we asked about dessert. We had to ask......don't  servers know that if they sell dessert their tip will probably increase!
We did order several desserts which we all shared. The lemon tart was  delicious, the tiramisu was very light and tasty, and the chocolate cake was fine. I ordered decaf coffee which was lukewarm and burnt. All in all, I would not rush back to this restaurant.
There is, however nothing better than having dinner with old friends, even if the dinner is just OK.........."it really doesn't matter so much what is on the table, as who is in the chair".

Ate at Tommy's on Lane Avenue last night.......pizza was a delicious, savory experience.  It came out with a crispy crust, and was so hot, hot hot, as it should be served.  

I ordered a salad, as did my husband and friend. I requested no croutons, however the waitress put the croutons in a small cup on the side on all three salads..........No Croutons means no croutons, not in the salad, not on the side.......NO CROUTONS.......does anyone listen??????????

(painting by Audrey Hackman)

As Julia would say.....Bon Appetite or should I say Mangiate, Mangiate!

 

IN MY OPINION........EVERYTHING IS A CHOICE

Ok..........well here I am again, basically reiterating the same thing I said over a year ago.
I don't know why I seem to get the urge to write annually.....my intention is always to write on a regular basis.  
My plan is to talk about restaurants that I frequent, and give my opinion of food, atmosphere and above everything else the service. I of course plan on throwing in various other opinions on day to day happenings, and news stories whether fake or not.........Actually I think it will be a potpourri of my daily thoughts and opinions.
Today, I am going to address restaurant service.
In Europe a restaurant server is valued and respected.......unfortunately in this country, it is almost a default job. Servers make a decent  hourly wage even in small casual restaurants, and do very well in more upscale locations.
I think a big part of the problem is that few are properly trained, as many restaurants view the position as replaceable, or maybe the restaurant doesn't really know the elements of great service.
Anticipation is the most important quality a server can have. The server needs to know what the customer wants even before the customer knows.
I want to know the server's name, so I can ask for him, but I am not there to make friends with him.  
I want my food delivered, as ordered, in a timely fashion. It is extremely important to listen to the customer who may have certain requests, and it is the server's responsibility to make sure the kitchen executes these requests.
Please don't ask me if I want more water, just keep the water glass filled, as this would be an example of certain tasks which should just be taken care of without conversation. 
The position of server is the most important in the restaurant. They are the  main representative of  the restaurant, and are the ones who take the praise, and certainly are the ones who hear the complaints. It is the server who is responsible to create an atmosphere that makes the customer want to return.
Food is important, but in my opinion the atmosphere and service are more important.
I have experienced extremely poor service twice in the last 72 hours, and unfortunately it was at the same restaurant. I am not going to mention the name right now, as I know the owner, and feel I should address it with her first.
My husband does not like to eat dinner at home......I don't think it is my cooking, because in my opinion I cook as well as the restaurants we frequent, but regardless the reason I am forced to eat out much more often than I would like.
Please check back often and see where I am dining and how I rate the location.

RED NOSE DAY

Red Nose Day is put on by Comic Relief, although I am not feeling very funny at this very moment. I am watching the Red Nose Day program, and am sad and angry seeing children in the United States going to bed hungry. Children in the United States should not have to "push" in their stomachs because they are hungry. I am seeing children here in the United States going to bed on the weekends with no food..........this is unacceptable.
Through the Red Nose Day program children are receiving food at school to take home in back packs for the weekend.......thank you Red Nose Day.
If the cast of 17 characters in the Republican party who ran for the presidency, and who had no chance of receiving the nomination had donated the millions of dollars that they raised, children would not be going to bed hungry.
Jeb Bush, alone raised and wasted $150,000,000. Chris Christy, Rand Paul, Ben Carson, John Kasich, and the list goes on..........shame on you. Talk about fiscal responsibility....I am thinking perhaps over a half a billion dollars was wasted Shouldn't this be the conversation the candidates are having. Are Hillary's emails really an issue? Let's try to keep our eyes on the ball, let's take care of the children, let's take care of the people.

IN LIFE YOU ARE EITHER A PASSENGER OR PILOT...
THE CHOICE IS YOURS


Well, here I am March 26, 2016, and I see that I haven't written since February, 2015. It seems like only yesterday that I was here, but obviously not.

So much has happened in the last year, but where to begin.

The Primary season has enough information to fill several posts,  many with enormous amounts of humor. However, I think I will save Mr. Trump and the other Republicans for another day.

There have been wonderful moments in the last year, and there have been tragic and unfortunate moments as well. A blog is supposed to be current, consequently I will not rehash the past year at this moment.

I was speaking with my dear friend, Denise, recently, and have decided that I am going to be the voice of opinion. I am going to share my opinions with all who will listen, and with many who don't really care.  As my husband said last night, I acknowledge others have opinions, but I don't really want those opinions voiced in my presence. Ok, so maybe there is some truth there.

This blog however is mine, and my opinions. The inspiration for my new direction is a result of my observation of posts on Instagram. I have also observed people on television giving opinions, or should I say handing out information. Is most information opinions? I think this is often times true.

Yes, of course, there is information that is fact and only fact, such as 2 times 2 equals 4, and George Washington was the first president of the United States, but so much information is the opinion of the person giving it out.

I work at Macy's in the Home department, and give information to customers all day. I always tell bridal couples who are registering that if you ask 3 different sales associates for information on cookware you will get 3 different opinions. Dragnet's top cop, Jack Webb, would say give me the facts, just the facts, but seldom do we give just the facts. In my world I give opinions, not necessarily advice. And yes, my husband is correct I rarely want the opinions of others. I have lived a full life with many interesting experiences which give a sound base for my opinions.

I don't give opinions unless I am confident and sure my opinions are the best, in my opinion. I am not adverse to changing my opinions if I learn that I am incorrect.

Now that I have clearly stated the facts, and only the facts regarding my opinions, let the posts begin.

Friday night I attended a wonderful opening at Art Access. Audrey Hackman's work is worth making a stop at the gallery.

After the opening we had dinner at the Nazareth

Restaurant on Hamilton Rd. which was a victim of terrorism in February. It is necessary to support our neighbors when tragedy has occurred. We cannot allow evil to take away our freedom.

The food at the Nazareth Restaurant & Deli is delicious and the service was very nice.

AMINAH ROBINSON EXHIBIT

Wonderful exhibit at the Hammond Harkins Galleries...........

Aminah at 75: The Continuing Story

The show is up until March 22, 2015. I had a very interesting talk with 

Chet Domitz, art consultant, today at the gallery. He is a wealth of knowledge regarding Aminah and her work. Hands are an integral part of her work which she believes are the window into the soul of a person, more than the eyes.

I find this so very interesting, as I too have always been able to understand a person by observing their hands.

 Aminah is preserving the history of her neighborhood for generations to come. It has been said that you can't know where you are going if you don't know from where you came. Roots keep us grounded. Roots give us a sense of direction and belonging. We must never forget our past, and all the injustices that came before us. Story tellers are a vital part of society whether through the pen or the brush.

I am also looking forward to an opening at Art Access Gallery on March 6, 2015. This is a collaboration with the Goodwill Studio and Gallery. 

The residents of Bexley are very fortunate to have several galleries in the community that provide such wonderful access to original art.

BREAD IS IN THE OVEN

I went to the Dispatch Home and Garden Show today, which was very disappointing. My reason for going was to glimpse a bit of Spring, and glean a few ideas for my garden. To be honest there was little Spring blooming, and the new ideas for garden design were negligible. I did see an interesting idea for a fountain in the Oakland Nursery space, which would work nicely near my new wall in the rear part of the garden. I have been looking for a water feature for over a year, and this series of rocks would be perfect.

As I mentioned yesterday, today I am baking my crusty bread that I left to proof overnight.

Sorry this blog doesn't have smell-a-vision, because my bread smells delicious. Tonight I am making dinner to go along with my bread,which actually is a fairly rare occurrence, as my dear husband prefers to eat out nightly. I think I am going to write  about the dining experience on a future blog, and what is required for excellent service.  Service is my main criteria for rating a restaurant.
Tonight is the Academy Awards, which is always fun to see what the rich and famous have chosen to wear........THE MEASUREMENT OF A GREAT LIFE IS NOT HOW WELL YOU ARE LOVED.....BUT HOW WELL YOU LOVE OTHERS.........
Check out the jewels the stars are wearing, and know that pearls are the perfect accessory.....SO PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS, AND HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK

THE WEATHER MAN GOT IT RIGHT

Although I have never made bread before, today seems like a great day to try it. This recipe is from my friend Annette who insists this is easy and foolproof. I believe she got the recipe from SimplySoGood.com. I am going to put the ingredients together later today, letting the dough sit overnight, and I will bake it in the morning.

Recipe...........
3 cups unbleached all purpose flour

                          1 3/4 tsp. salt

                          1/2 tsp. yeast

                          1 1/2 cups water

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt and yeast. Add water and mix until a shaggy mixture forms. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set aside for 12-18 hours. Overnight works great. Heat oven to 450 degrees. When the oven has reach 450* place a cast iron pot with a lid in the oven and heat the pot for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, place dough on a heavily floured surface and shape into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap, and let set while the pot is heating. Remove the hot pot from the oven and drop in the dough. Cover and return to oven for 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes remove the lid and bake an additional 15 minutes, Remove bread from over and place on a cooling rack to cool. **Depending on your oven watch the bread the last 15 minutes while uncovered, so as not to over bake. A Le Creuset  dutch oven is the perfect pan to make the bread. The enamel interior prevents sticking, and the cast iron core is preferred.

My mouth is water already. I will let you know if I have a new career as a bread maker.

My plan was to go to the House and Garden Show, however Mother Nature is playing the snow card, making tomorrow look like a better day.

Today is a good movie day, and since there are several movies that are up for Academy Awards which I have missed, Drexel here I come.

AND SO ANOTHER WEEK HAS FLOWN BY........


I had my four wisdom teeth pulled yesterday. I was quite nervous when I walked into Dr. Steiner's office, as having wisdom teeth pulled at my age, gave me pause. It went very well.........4 teeth removed, no pain, no swelling, no worries. Today is day 2, and I am feeling great. Hopefully I don't develop those dreaded dry sockets, that people speak of with horror and pain. Dr. Steiner told me about 25% of the time this occurs, and they don't really know why. It usually happens around the 3rd day, so I am hopeful I am part of the 75% that remains pain free.
I have taken 3 days off work in anticipation of discomfort, so now feeling great, I have time to write this blog, and catch up on things I have let slide during the holiday season.
I was reading a blog today by Erin Souder who had posted a link to a personality test which I just took. To my amazement this test was so accurate. I am an INFJ which includes less than 1% of the population. I am in very good company with Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Sister Theresa......... www.16personalities.com took less than 10 minutes to complete. 
I am off to an art opening, Aminah at 75, at the Hammond Harkins Gallery on E. Main St. I will post pictures later tonight.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE GREAT TO START.......BUT YOU HAVE TO START TO BE  GREAT........the sun is shining, the days are a minute longer, not yet warmer, but the thought of Spring is on my mind......SO PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTENING

YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can not believe that I have not written a post in a year. In my mind it was only a moment ago that I sat down and wrote about the things that were on my mind.
Well, OK, enough about my lack of, shall we say tenacity. I love writing the blog, and somehow the time gets away, and what is news worthy and timely becomes staid and less than interesting.
Today and for the last week the only topic of conversation has been the weather. It is winter, and the last I checked winter is cold and yes there is often snow. The weather people in Columbus, don't really have major weather to discuss, so they sensationalize the possibilities of what the weather could be. And often the possibilities are not even in Columbus, but often north of us in Mansfield or in Mt. Vernon, or Utica. My geography is very bad, so I am not really even sure where these surrounding towns are, but what I do know is I don't live there. I live in Columbus, Ohio, the capitol of the state of Ohio, and since the TV station is located in Columbus, Columbus weather should be the lead city, whether the weather is interesting or not........how was that for a run on and on sentence.
Is this sensationalism of the weather any different from Brian Williams' faulty memory. Everyone just accepts the fact that the weather person never gets it right. Should we be comfortable with such low expectations? 

I had so wanted to post a picture of the hibiscus in my dining room that is in bloom, however, being techno impaired most of the time, I could not download the picture. It is a beautiful salmon color, and along with the hyacinths in the kitchen which have the most fabulous aroma I know Spring is not too far away. UPDATE...thanx to my tech savy, brilliant son, I now have the picture of the hibiscus.

These cold winter days are a great time to catch up on your reading.......I just finished reading "Flirting with French" by William Alexander. I am presently trying to learn to speak Spanish, and according to this book, a person my age will never become fluent in a foreign language. C'est la vie, but I am going to plod along the best I can. Regardless of my success I think it is good for my brain to be challenged.

LOVE THE PEOPLE WHO TREAT YOU RIGHT.......AND REMEMBER.......

PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS, AND STAY WARM.

SPRING FORWARD............
HOW FABULOUS TO HAVE AN EXTRA HOUR OF DAYLIGHT, NOW IF ONLY WE COULD HAVE A FEW EXTRA DEGREES ON THE THERMOMETER. YESTERDAY I SPENT 20 MINUTES SITTING IN MY CAR TRYING TO CHANGE THE CLOCK......I DID FINALLY GET THE TIME CHANGED, HOWEVER IT IS SET FOR AM WHEN IT SHOULD BE PM.......TODAY IS ALWAYS ANOTHER DAY FOR THE  TECHNO-IMPAIRED.
I WAS CHECKING OUT THE TRENDS AT FASHION WEEK, AND SAW FAB FASHION ON THE STREETS OF NY.........LOVE, LOVE LOVE STREET FASHION
BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM AN INFLAMED SCIATICA,  I HAVE DECIDED TO LIGHTEN MY LOAD, AND TRADE IN MY LEATHER HANDBAG FOR A NYLON ONE.........NEW FAVE HANDBAG TORY BURCH TOTE

DELICIOUS FOR DINNER TONIGHT....mushrooms with dipping bread
LET'S DANCE..........ENJOY DEAN MARTIN......GREAT BEGINNING FOR THE WEEK

BE THE REASON SOMEONE SMILES........SO PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS AND HAVE A GOOD WEEK

APPRECIATE THE PAST........ENJOY THE PRESENT

YESTERDAY I WAS REFLECTING ABOUT THE OSCARS  WITH A YOUNG FRIEND, PERSON UNDER 45, WHO WANTED TO KNOW WHO IS KIM NOVAK...IT OCCURRED TO ME  THAT THERE  ARE ENTIRE GENERATIONS THAT DON'T KNOW THE HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY FROM THE 40'S, 50'S ETC.
I AM NOT GOING TO ADDRESS THE FACT THAT PERHAPS MS. NOVAK MADE A POOR DECISION TO APPEAR ON TV.  SHE WAS AN ICONIC ACTRESS WHO APPEARED IN CLASSIC FILMS SUCH AS "VERTIGO", "BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE", AND "PAL JOEY". HER BODY OF WORK SHOULD BE KNOWN.
I LOVED THAT A TRIBUTE WAS GIVEN TO JUDY GARLAND FOR THE  75th ANNIVERSARY "THE WIZARD OF OZ", BUT DO YOUNG PEOPLE KNOW HOW INCREDIBLE SHE WAS, AND WHAT A LEGACY SHE HAS LEFT. IT WAS FABULOUS THAT HER CHILDREN WERE AT THE OSCARS, ALTHOUGH I WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT ELLEN MADE A TOTALLY OUT OF CHARACTER, MEAN SPIRITED COMMENT TO LIZA MINNELLI.
THERE IS FABULOUS TALENT TODAY, BUT MUCH OF IT IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE HARD WORK OF THOSE THAT CAME BEFORE. WE MUST KNOW OUR COLLECTIVE PAST, AS WELL AS OUR INDIVIDUAL PASTS, IN ORDER TO FORGE INTO THE FUTURE AND BE SUCCESSFUL.
EVERYONE KNOWS GEORGE CLOONEY, BUT HOW MANY YOUNG PEOPLE KNOW HIS AUNT, ROSEMARY CLOONEY.... DEAN MARTIN, FRANK SINATRA, THE ENTIRE RAT PACK... CLARK GABLE, JEAN HARLOW.......TALENTS THAT INFLUENCE THOSE TODAY.
THE SUN IS SHINING BRIGHT AGAIN TODAY, WHICH MAKES ME FEEL ALIVE AND PRODUCTIVE.......

I RECENTLY FOUND A WEBSITE ON PINTEREST WHICH SELLS LOUIS VUITTON AT THE MOST INCREDIBLY LOW PRICESlouis vuitton lussac.......THEY SAY IT IS REAL, BUT MY DADDY USED TO SAY IF YOU BUY A GOLD WATCH FOR $.10 MORE THAN LIKELY YOU HAVE BOUGHT A $.10 GOLD WATCH........CHECK IT OUT AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF........ www.fashionlouisvuitton.com

DON'T CRY BECAUSE IT IS OVER......SMILE BECAUSE IT HAPPENED
SO..... PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS AND AND ENJOY THE DAY

CLICK THE LINK BELOW AND ENJOY...........

ROSEMARY CLOONEY/VERA ELLEN

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE, BUT LOOK AT THAT SUNSHINE AND BLUE SKY.......THESE 2 WOMEN COULD MELT THE FROZEN TUNDRA........

SO PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS AND ENJOY THE DAY
click the link below

LENA AND JUDY

OSCAR NIGHT


THE RED CARPET WAS ELEGANT AND GORGEOUS AS A NIGHT IN HOLLYWOOD SHOULD BE...........
LOVED Amy Adams IN GUCCI COUTURE, JENNIFER LAWRENCE WAS STUNNING IN HER RED GOWN, AND OH THAT SHORT HAIR IS OUTSTANDING, AND SO VERY FRESH. KERRY WASHINGTON LOOKED LOVELY IN JASON WOO, AND WHAT A JOY TO SEE ROBIN ROBERTS LOOKING RADIANT AND HEALTHY.....IS THERE ANYTHING MORE CLASSIC AND ELEGANT THAN LEONARDO DiCAPRIO IN A NAVY TUXEDO......NAVY, LOVE IT.
AS A NUMBER ONE FAN OF JUDY GARLAND, I MUST SAY PINK PAID AN ENORMOUS TRIBUTE TO HER, AND WAS FANTASTIC 
BARBARA AND JUDY

A MEDLEY, JUDY GARLAND & BARBARA STREISAND.THE COMPLETE 'HOORAY FOR LOVE'...

TODAY IS THE FIRST OF MARCH, AND WE ARE SITTING AROUND WAITING FOR THE "BIG" STORM, AGAIN.........I SEEM TO BE CONTINUALLY WRITING ABOUT THE WEATHER, BUT HERE IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, WE HAVE A VERY DRAMATIC GROUP OF METEOROLOGISTS WHO ENJOY HYPERBOLE AND PANIC.......MOTHER NATURE IS NOT HAPPY, AND WITH ALL WISE STRONG WOMEN, SHE HAS THE LAST WORD..........TOMORROW IS OSCAR SUNDAY, SO STOCK UP ON TREATS, PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS, AND ENJOY THE SHOW........
I AM AGAIN TRYING TO SHARE A VIDEO OF BARBARA AND JUDY SO CLICK BELOW ON JUDY GARLAND AND BARBARA STREISAND, AND MAYBE THIS TIME WE'LL GET LUCKY

WILL IT EVER WARM UP

IT HAS BEEN A VERY COLD AND SNOWY WINTER, WHICH I USUALLY DON'T MIND, HOWEVER THE ICY MIX OF SNOW AND RAIN SENDS ME INTO A TOTAL TAILSPIN, AND I MEAN THAT LITERALLY. LAST WEDNESDAY, I WAS TRYING TO DRIVE TO WORK, SLIDING ALL OVER THE PLACE, AND THEN UNABLE TO PLOW THROUGH THE PILES OF SHOVELED SNOW, WHICH WAS MASSED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I WAS FORCED TO DRIVE BACK HOME, A JAUNT THAT SHOULD HAVE TAKEN ME 5 MINUTES RATHER THAN 35 MINUTES. I WAS JUST GOING TO CALL OFF FROM WORK WHEN CAROLE, "THE SNOW WARRIOR" CALLED.  COMING TO MY RESCUE,  SHE DROVE 25 MILES OUT OF HER WAY TO PICK ME UP FOR WORK. GIRLFRIENDS ARE THERE TO HELP YOU NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER........FRIENDSHIP ISN'T A BIG THING, IT IS A MILLION LITTLE THINGS..... PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER WHAT YOU DID BUT WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.......CAROLE, THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES...I WON'T FORGET THIS RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS.
TODAY, HOWEVER, I AM IGNORING THE COLD AND SNOW, AND ENJOYING SPRING INSIDE MY HOUSE. MY HIBISCUS AND MANDEVILLA ARE MIRACULOUSLY BLOOMING ON THIS COLD FEBRUARY DAY, AND I HAVE VASES FILLED WITH TULIPS, AND FRAGRANT PURPLE STOCK.  

TOMORROW IS VALENTINE'S DAY, AND I WISH YOU A HAPPY DAY FILLED WITH HUGS AND KISSES..........YOUR IMAGINATION IS YOUR PREVIEW OF LIFE'S  COMING ATTRACTION, SO PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL VALENTINE WEEKEND

THE FROST IS ON THE PUMPKIN.......
The weather has been so crazy this last month, but today it is cold and gray, and I am thinking a bad winter lies ahead. The garden peeps showed up today to trim back the ivy from the house, which makes my husband a happy man. There is much clean up to be done, and a brick walk to be laid, but I am happy that there is a beginning today.
Halloween is next week, and to get everyone in the mood I am sharing a story and picture by my friend Kathy Hooper, who writes the most wonderful stories about 2 frogs, Francoise and Nibs. I took Francoise to Paris with me in January, and I do believe she did have a wonderful time.
I ASKED FOR ALL THINGS THAT I MIGHT ENJOY LIFE....
I WAS GIVEN LIFE SO THAT I MIGHT ENJOY ALL THINGS..........PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL  DAY                             
       A Halloween Clue
   From the Collection of short stories

     “The Little Green Gang”

        By Kathleen Hooper

               

          It was mid October in the Sonoran Desert.  Daylight had grown shorter and the evenings were much cooler.  Fall had definitely arrived.

          Many homes were decorated with dazzling orange and black lights and all sorts of spooky things.  This meant one special thing to Nibs. Halloween was coming!

          Farley would definitely be a cowboy but Nibs couldn’t quite decide. He loved writing poetry and thought it would be fun to give Farley some clues about his decision.   

             The Little Ghosts

                   By Nib
 Five little ghosts were sitting in a tree
      Two fell off and that left three
     Another little ghost decided to jump

 Landing in the leaves with a soft ker-plunk!

     Two little ghosts remained in the tree
  With a lighted pumpkin bright as could be
     They sat and sat waiting patiently
       For a special little ghost…me.

 Can you guess what I’ve decided to be

            Happy Halloween

 

 

 

 

Flu Shot.......if you are planning to have a flu shot this season please consider having your shot at a Walgreens.......the staff was kind and professional, and the best part is that Walgreens has a program through the UN Foundation called "Get a Shot, Give a Shot" vaccine initiative, which is providing up to 3 million vaccines to children in developing countries.
It is a win for all.BE YOURSELF......EVERYONE ELSE IS TAKEN
PUT ON YOUR PEARLS GIRLS, AND HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND