Spring Into Change....

CHANGE...... This is the most feared word in Any language. We all like to stay in our comfort zone and just mosey along. For me this a word that I like in some ways and completely fear in other ways.

Let's look at change in clothing. Losing weight opens up a fear of changing the types of clothing one wears. We hide our bodies for years and then there is a more curvy one emerging. What to do, What do we buy , What do we show. These questions all weighing hard on me. For I am a late 50 year old. However do not feel that, maybe around 30.So, do you think dressing 30ish is right?

Next we look at Family Changes. Hubby's health is going down hill. Daughter is looking at a new college life. Driving and moving out of state. Ya the empty nest has arrived. Do I go back to school? Perhaps to update my education. Do I look into going back to work. Then there is my Father...I really want to be with him and support him in his life. Looks like I have a lot to consider.

Right now I am working on Changing the color hue of the Home. Painting the kitchen and then the dinning room. Looking at flooring to change the look. Still deciding what to do with all these rooms. Soon to be empty. Do I get rid of furniture , or just downsize. Hubby wants to buy a new house where ever daughter decides to go to school. Am I ready for that Change?

On to the yard.....A new Rose garden to put in. So many changes to make outside. The porch needs a new color, the driveway needs to be resurfaced, and our Spa house needs painting. Now to decide on the color.

As you can see Change is all around me. And some time I am overwhelmed with it! I need to start this blogging thing again so I can have an outlet to this madness. So, How do you Handle Change?

Aloha Friday-The Question#2

I posted a question on my Kitchen site this morning. Now I will post the second one here.

Part 2.....

Do you worship on every Sunday, or are you a special occasion worshiper, just maybe you are a daily worshiper?

Please stop be An island life to visit other Aloha Friday Bloggers.

Aloha Friday-Home Crafting

Home crafting is one thing I have enjoyed through my Life. Whether it be Quilting, Knitting, Painting or anything that my hands can do it was very interesting to me. this year I want to get back in the Vintage Sewing Room to start all those items awaiting me.

My question to you....

Do you have projects awaiting for you from years gone by? What is your enjoyment besides the Computer and blogging to do? Are you the Crafty kind or the Designer person?

Oh I know more then one question. Hope you can find one to answer for me.

Be sure to stop be An Island Life to answer more questions and Visit more Bloggers.

You can link here if you are not part of Aloha Friday. Today it a free Link Day, enjoy. Let's visit some new sites.

Aloha Friday-The Plan versus Resolution

So, how many of you have continued with Your New Plan for the year?

As for me.... I really am just continuing on the road to a healthier me. This week I have done well on the Meat twice a week Plan. Having Soup and Veggies mostly. Still on the Sensa Plan. Loosing slowly but I am loosing!

I really do not call these thing resolutions. That is because my feeling is resolutions seem to rarely make it to the third month of the year. However a Plan can be modified as needed, making it easier to get done or achieved. This months plan is working well so far.

Answer more questions or just join in the Aloha Friday Blog hop fun at An Island Life.

Aloha Friday-Favorite Tech tools.

Here we are in a new year 2012. When I was in my teens ( 1960's) the thought of being alive in the year 2012 was unheard of. Guess the mind just didn't conceive it. My grandmothers were in their late 40's, parents in the 30's and I had only a couple great grandparents alive, They were in their 70's. Therefore at the age of 16 the thought of the year 2000 and being here was not applicable.

do you remember the year 2000? everyone thought the world would end as we knew it. It did not, In fact we have made great progress in technology. Smaller cell phones, No longer distant fees, Internet that go all over other the world and new ways to cook food. Music at the drop of a hat, any time you want it. Paying one carrier for TV, Internet and Phone. Games to play with folks from far away and Cars that run on Solar and re chargeable Batteries. I am still waiting for the ones the Fly!

And my hubby just asked me if a "Googled it"! Let's add that to the mix. We can find out anything from car symptoms to health problems. Boy that can keep the doctors and auto mechanics on their toes.
Oh and one more thing shopping. We can get anything delivered to our door and pay just as much or maybe less for it online.

Technology in this century as so great. I am happy that I am here to see it and share in it.

Now to your questions.......

What is you favorite Technology tool in this year? What are you hoping to see this year in a new tech tool?

My answers.... I love the internet and the ability to interface with so many folks from around the world.
I am hoping that they will discover how to clean my whole house in 10 minutes. Now that I think I will work on. Start timing it folks and let's get those patent in. Think of the millions we could make. Beware "Shark Tank" we are coming your way.

don't forget to visit An Island Life to see more Friday questions.

Forever Young?

c John Wagner
Hallmark Inc.

Here is a question for you...... How Old Do You Feel?
In this century it seems that we hear all kinds of things. I remember My Grandmother on my Fathers side, saying" Act You Age". She use to say it to my Granfather. They Both have passed on, however those words stayed with me.
Here I am in my late fifties, however I do not feel like or act like that age. According to my grandmother measurement of age I think I would hear her words. I think I feel like I am in my thirties, and sometimes in my twenties. At time I wish I could just go back to that time.

Perhaps it's the music, a piece of clothing, a movie, or a smell in the air. Whatever it is, my mind will retreat to that time in my life. For that moment in time I feel young again. Do you think that is what keeps us young?

I have read where it is thought that keeping the mind working and learning new things keeps us young. There are so many fifty and sixty year old doing all kind of new things. Somethings that the teens like to do. Then the teens are wondering why these older folks are there. Oh they will find out later in life. We are as old as we let ourselves be. I Love that commercial that has the college boy saying " I moved back home ......, And my parents went to bed early and did not leave me any dinner, this is not what I expected..... get older to not fun......." Meantime the commercial show the parents out partying! OH YEAH I LOVE THAT.... The boy thinks they are asleep in their room. Now that being young again.

Well, all I can say is feeling young will keep us living longer. I have a 94 year old Granny, from my mothers side, and she is always saying "I can still dance and do not feel old". Now that's how I want to be in my 90's!

Now is is time for you to answer the Question..... How Old Do You Feel?

This is also part of Aloha Friday Post participation.
To see more Friday questions visit
An Island Life.

Friday Questions- Your holiday fun?

We are at Norfolk Virginia now. My daughter and I drove down on Wednesday. Yesterday we went to the Botanical Gardens. Dad and I haven't been there for over 20 years. Last time we went it was called Azalea Gardens. It was really enjoyable. I posted some photos on my Auntie E On the Go Blog.
They have Eagles nesting there. So we we able to see the nest and chicks. We even got a eye view of the adult eagle. What a sight!

Our Easter Celebration will be spent with Dad. We will go to Church and then out to our favorite Easter Brunch. Walk along the beach and just enjoy our freedom from bondage and the wonderful earth our Lord has created. Easter is a time to remember the true sacrifice and release from the sin that kept us from Gods Presences. A time to hold close our families and friends, to share the good news of a Everlasting Life and a hope of a New Earth and Heaven to come upon Lord Jesus' Second Coming.

Until that time I will enjoy this Earth and its wonders. Happy Easter Y'all.

My question to you....

What will you be doing this Easter Sunday?

Part of Aloha Friday Meme.
To see other questions follow this LINK to An Island Life.
There you will see other entries.

Friday Questions- What's your Cup of Tea?

Blogging is sometimes frustrating. I have been thinking about how to improve my sites. Trying to figure out what folks like to see on blogs can be tough. With so many different followers, one has to guess what will be of interest to folks. So, for today's questions I will ask.....

1. Do you like Photos or Articles?
2. Does Food blogs interest you?
3. Is seasonal information your cup of tea?
4. How about Current News interest, Is that on your eye catching list?
5. Or are you one that likes to see into the family life of the blogger?

Now for me I like Current New interest, food blogs, and if I find a blogger I relate to, I love reading the going ons with them. Photos bring life to a post and I do like reading articles.

Part of Aloha Friday Meme.
To see other questions follow this LINK to An Island Life.
There you will see other entries.

Aloha Friday- Favorite Brand?

I have been sick this past week. My household has been down for over a month. So I have not been blogging much. Feeling a little better now. Still under the weather though I have this Spring Flu, I think.

Have been trying out different Chicken Pot Pies. I got a craving for them and sent hubby out for my favorite one. Marie Callender's . However he came back with three different ones. Is that a man for ya.

I still like my favorite. So now question to you is.....

What is your favorite Brand of Chicken Pot Pie? I would love to give it a try.

Part of Aloha Friday Meme.
To see other questions follow this LINK to An Island Life.
There you will see other entries.

Friday Questions- Serious or Humor?

Some days I feel like a serious show watcher. Something like a Murder mystery or a True story. Then there are days I just want to laugh. That is the two sides of me.
Really do not know why I am like that. Married a funny guy, who loves to joke. At times I just can not handle the joking. But then again I find myself using his type of humor! What has gotten into me, Is it the 33 years together and now I am him!?
Oh well The Two will become one at some point.

So Today I am in the humor mode. I really have been there for sometime now. I guess it is because I am looking for the happy part of life. Trying to not be so serious in everything. It can be a downer to some folks. Trying to be more laid-back in my attitude.

So, shows like "Raymond" and "According to Jim" makes me laugh at family life. How funny things can look at times. I even love to watch The Defenders. Jim Belushi is so funny that it make this Lawyer show humorous as well as serious. Now I like the two( Serious and Humor) together. I think a good balance of the two is great to have.

So my Friday Question for you is.....

What is your fancy...Humor or Serious? Can you tell me why you like the one you choose?

Part of Aloha Friday Meme.
To see other questions follow this LINK to An Island Life.
There you will see other entries.

Fridays Question- That Early Spring Feeling

We have been enjoying this warmer weather , one more day of it here. Then the cold returns and maybe some snow. I have a little feeling of Spring fever. You know the kind , When I want to get out and work those garden plots. Last year I was not able to do it, Due to a Broken Arm. Today I will get out there and work my new herb garden. Looking forward to that garden. I have a great big area that needs to be revamped.

That got me thinking, Are you starting or working on a garden? If not, what would you love to see in My garden?


Part of Aloha Friday Meme.
To see other questions follow this LINK to An Island Life.
There you will see other entries.

Fridays Question.-February celebrations.

February, A month of Love so they say. It is said that this month was created by the Card companies to sell cards. So be it, according to my way of thinking. I love getting the special treatment for my hubby. This got me thinking;

What is your thought on this special month?
Do you like Valentines Day?
Do you just do something on the 14th or are you a month celebration person?

We are a month celebration household. It starts February the first and last until the 28th. After all it's the shortest month of the year. It's the coldest month here also. So all those gifts and loving duties are so much enjoyed. Bring on the chocolate and flowers, Let's brighten up the home.

Part of Aloha Friday Meme.
To see other questions follow this LINK to An Island Life.
There would will see other entries.

Friday's Question- Favorite thing?

Well, the Snow Storm is hitting and the mountains are prime. Nice powder and fresh snow falling! I love the mountains this time of year. It's a great time to go for winter sports. My favorite thing to do is snowshoeing. This year For the first time I will be Snowmobiling . Yeah that right My family talked me into it. Last year my daughter and hubby got injured when they took a flip. Yes I will be careful. Not like hubby the daredevil !

So that got me thinking... What is your favorite Winter Sport either to do or just watch someone else do?

Part of Aloha Friday Meme.
To see other questions follow this LINK to An Island Life.
There would will see other entries.

Friday's Question.....Got plans?

Here it is Friday again. I use to love the phrase T.G.I.F. (thank God its Friday). Back in the day when we worked Monday through Fridays and had the weekends off. In todays world, it seems that there are less folks with the Weekends off. With the new Technology, computers and cell phones, one is one duty 24/7! Even the folks who work Monday through Fridays are on call, linked to their computers and phones. Getting e-mails and text's all weekend long. Just not going physically into a place of work does not mean you mind is not at work. We use to call these folks Workaholics. Now it just keeping my job! since business are weeding out and cutting back. More time is required of the employee. with the underline tone of "ARE YOU LOYAL TO THE JOB!". You better be loyal nowadays, to avoid layoff or being let go.

So I was wondering.... How many of y'all have that Monday through Friday job with your weekend Untethered to your job?
If you do, tell me what's this weekend plans looks like?
If not well, just tell me what you would love to be doing this weekend?

Oh yes this is like research, I find the phrase to be obsolete, perhaps we should just delete it from of vocabulary. Because who can be thankful for being tethered to a Job 24/7. One need to take vacation and ban the computer and phone to be Free at last for the Job!

For more Friday Questions try visiting Aloha Friday at "An Island Life"

Friday's Question- Winter , Summer or Spring

Woke up this morning to a dusting of Snow. Now I really mean a dusting, every thing looks like this. The temp outside is 23F, so I guess that means icy roads. Cause schools called for a two hour delay.
Our winter is starting out Cold with very little snow. The folks South and North of us are getting hit hard. Now I love the Snow and like winter to have it. Looks like we will not be getting much this year. So can I ask a favor of you?

Tell me How is your weather today? I know some of you are in Summer are maybe even Spring like rains. So tell me "What's the Weather in Your Neck of the world?" Oh yes and please say what area you live. I just might want to take a trip there this winter!

For more Friday Questions try visiting Aloha Friday at "An Island Life"

It's Christmas Day!

Well, Merry Christmas to all of you. This year is the start of new beginnings. Christmas Eve we had Family over and we had a blast. It was such a joy to share the day with them. Critter and Alex spent Thursday night with us. We made sugar cookies and watch all three of the Santa Clause Movies. I love them all and the kids had never seen them before. On Christmas Eve their parents, my S-I-L and Hubby, came up and we shared a time of fellowship. Icing and decorating the sugar cookies we made the day before, was a blast. We all sat at the Kitchen table and laughed together. Then we ate a dinner together in the Reindeer room (Dinning room). I made a Fruit and spiced Pork roast(will be posting the recipe on my Kitchen site later). The kids were so eager to eat that they sat at the table waiting for the dinner to be serve. It was so sweet to see that. I guess they love Auntie E's cooking,hehehe.
We opened presents from each other and shared in some fun time watching the kids enjoy theirs. They had to leave and I missed them before the drove away. Don't worry I will see them on Sunday at church.
that evening we went to a local church to attend a Christmas Eve service. Saw a few folks we haven't seen for some time.

This morning we opened our gifts and enjoyed the gifts from Santa. That's right, We believe in this household. So, Santa still drops by and leaves us goodies.

Now I have to tell you...as most of you know, I LOVE SNOW! Now the weatherman said "Sorry no snow for us for Christmas"...well what does he know? I asked Santa for Snow and Low and Behold after we opened presents, IT WAS SNOWING! Big Flakes the kind I like. So there you have it a Perfect Christmas Morning for ME!
Have to go now and put on the Ham.

How is your Christmas Day going?

A Friday Snow Question for you?

It is getting closer to Christmas day. Only eight days left! I love snow during this season. I guess it's because when I moved to Ohio, as a young child, and saw Snow for the first time, it must have impressed me. Every since I Love the snow. As a young child I lived in Ohio, Kentucky and New York State. All have snow this season. Even lived in a snow belt area. Then as an adult I moved to Colorado, Now that's a snow place! Then later in life to the Black Forest area of Germany. Snow all around me. Love Playing in it and just watching it fall in big flakes. Oh I just love this Snow Season.

Your Question:
Do you associate Snow with Christmas?

Now how can Santa come if there was no Snow???

More Friday questions visit Aloha Friday

Do You Believe? Tis the Season!

Now through the years I have become what one would call.....A Believer! Yes you have it right, this 50+ year old women still believes in Santa Clause. Let's see, when did it begin again for me.
I always believed as a child. Then sometime later I just stopped believing. things just went down hill. I stopped celebrating Christmas.

Then about Twenty four years ago, I think. It just happened one year. That year my Mom was working with Santa. Preparing his visit to the town and the Malls. Setting up his home away from home and hiring elves to assist him. One year Mom, known at that time as Mrs Clause (I never knew her secret until that day!)Had me come and sit on Santa's lap. Something happened that day and I haven't been the same since. I still get that tickle deep down inside when I see the Real Santa. Every year since then he has never missed visiting my home. He still get those things that my daughter wants and I can not find! They just show up! Our stocking are filled with things that bring back the kid in us. For that day we are Children again, enjoying the excitement of Christmas Day.

I have read a lot of Books on Santa and I have to say the only one that is right on is; "The Autobiography of Santa Claus" by Jeff Guinn. In that book Santa Clause comes alive. It has to change ones view and cause them to Believe. Read the book!

I have seen many Movies on Santa. The Polar Express is one of my favorites. I love the way Santa makes his showing. Now every year I must watch The Santa Clause with Tim Allen. That one just goes to show how Santa continues through the centuries . As well as the Powers he has. Oh yes he can travel and alter time. Now I know why that night is the longest one for us.

Now you know my secret.. I am a kid at heart and still believe in Santa. This is for you Santa, hope you are reading my blog. For Christmas this year I would like:

Some Vintage Candies
A new Breville Electric Milk Frother

Now that's not too much and I have been an "awfully good girl this year".

Now for a Friday Question for you........

Do You Believe?

For more Friday questions visit Aloha Friday

Friday's Question-Hoilday Music.

How Do you feel on this subject, the start of holiday music?

Every year it seems that the holiday music starts earlier. This year it was on before Thanksgiving. Even in the stores, while shopping their elevator music was Christmas type!
I even saw Santa out before thanksgiving. I guess I'm of the old school when it comes to this subject. I like the music, However I think it should wait until after Thanksgiving.


Would You prefer Grand Openings, like Santa's Arrival, Park events,lighting of trees and carolers, be after or on Black Friday?

Maybe After would be better for the Moms. I saw Santa just sitting there all by his self before Thanksgiving. No line of kids and no activity. Did get to talk to him though...checked my name on his list and Santa has everything covered! I have been oh so good this year. Hurry Santa, will have my signature Almond Snap cookies and Eggnog out for you.
(See photo above, the photo was taken Sunday November the 14th,2010)

How many Holiday lights were up in your neighborhood?

Let's see in ours we had a handful of houses lite up for the holiday. As to our house, not yet. We will start this weekend. Right now I am doing the inside. Today is the first full day of Hanukkah so I have been decorating for the party tonight. Hope to get those winter villages up today.



For more Friday questions you can visit An Island life.

It's a Black Friday Question

How early did you arise to go Shopping?

I woke up at 630AM and my hubby and daughter were gone. Last night they were making a list and deciding where to start shopping. I tried to find out who they are shopping for. With only three of us in the family the question is pretty much answered. ME!

As for My shopping. I do not go out on Black Friday. Crowds and me at stores do not work. Standing in long lines and pushing through folk is just too stressful. I really do not think the sales prices are worth the stress in my life. You know there are great sales prices on line. Also Tomorrow is Small Business day. Now that shopping I like.

Later today we are going to the Holiday Towne at Bush Gardens. Be on the lookout for photos on my Auntie E On The Go site ( there is a link to it on the side bar). I will be sending live shots while on our trip. I'm really looking forward to this adventure. It will put me in the spirit to decorate my home and yard for sure.