Poopie, doopie, doo...

We all have our own idea of heaven. Not particularly what heaven is like once our journey on earth is over...but our dreamy idea of what we think heavenly delight is here on earth. I do believe...other than being surrounded by grandchildren that don't live 700 miles away...this, would be mine. Ahhh, surrounded by corgis...... I cannot believe that lil' Emmy Lulu is old enough to be getting her kindergarten photo taken. School pictures have come a l-o-n-g way since my day back in 1957, and my kid's pics in '80-'81.

Living so far from the grands, and then seeing this photo, I realize just how much we have missed of their lives. It burns my butt. We get one go round, and I'm not happy missing out on so much. Granted, living closer could make the "big kids" uncomfortable...but, a nearby town...close enough to babysit, share holidays, being able to see them more than once or twice a year would be delightful. When we were rv'ing, we were able to see more of the kids, and be housed in a campground nearby. We could do our thing, and visit, and then go away. Perfect for everyone. We hope, and pray we'll be able to do that again, now that we're on the wrong side of 60. Retirement can't come fast enough. Will it ever happen? Sigh, we're wondering. Surely there is a money tree we can shake to make this happen. Why the heck do we have to be old and gray and bent and spent before we can retire and live, live, live? The last of my hormones must be kickin' in. It ain't pretty is it? Grrr, hear me roar!??

Fall Rites

There's just something special about Fall. The smells, the sounds, the sights of it just evokes so many memories, all pleasant. Well, except for that necessary raking, raking, raking. Overall, the sunshine on colored leaves, those impossibly blue skies, and the crisp air is enjoyable for all. People pull out their soup and cobbler recipes. Crock pots get the dust blown off them. Jackets and long sleeved clothing that we haven't thought of for months, feel oh so good to put on! Socks and flannel and afghans are pulled out of bottom drawers! Today just seemed like the perfect day to pull out the portable fire pit on wheels from the garden shed and use up that nice dry wood from 2009, leftover from our RV'ing days. Boy! Did it burn fast! The corgi girls sat at our feet as we encircled the warmth. Later, we brought out the hot dogs and enjoyed them as we gazed into the glowing coals. The day was overcast and cool. All the right elements for the rites of Fall.

Sometimes the truth hurts...

I miss being frisky, and having energy, and feeling peppy. Inside my head, I'm 22, but the mirror shows the ugly truth. Young people today seem to know and go for what they want, rather than float and play their youth away. Life is a pretty bumpy ride. Hearts get broken, we suffer loss and betrayal. When we're a fresh-faced seventeen year old, we think we can plan our life path with few broken sidewalks. We don't listen to the seasoned ones who have already ventured down life's road and survived. Teendom into twentydom is lah-lah land. Thirtydom is when reality sort of hits. By forty, you're either starting over with new vim and vigor or plodding along wishing life was better and different. Fiftyhood is when freedom comes back, and we locate old friends again, and if lucky find ourselves again as well. Sixty is even more so. I feel less guilt now. The clock is ticking, and with that knowledge, one begins thinking about that bucket list, and actually doing a few things on it. If not now, when? Each decade has its joys and sorrows. Out of them all, my thirties was the least happy time. How about you? Reflect a minute, replay the pages of your life, and give it a grade. When I do this, I feel more grateful. I also shake my head in wonder and say to myself, "what...was I thinking". It's so obvious that God has been in our lives during those ups and downs. The right people have come into our lives just at the right time. We've crossed paths with others, and learned lessons, painful and healthy. We learn that family truly IS everything. Life truly is a journey. It can always begin anew. There's always time to change. There's always hope. The blessings are out there, and have always been part of our days. Isn't that wonderful?

The New Kid...

On Saturday, April 21st, we met up with Monica (better known as Classy Chassy) in Kalamazoo for a meet and greet at a Cracker Barrel with her and her little dog too. Dixie Doodles needed a new home. We needed a new corgi. We lost of beloved Jake one week shy of his twelth birthday the end of March. We had a hole to fill, and Monica needed to find a home for a corgi. Dixie is well trained and was much loved by Monica. It wasn't easy for her to part with her. Sometimes though, L-I-F-E gets in the way and changes have to be made. Because Dixie was much loved, Monica made the tough decision to let her go because she knew that Dixie wasn't getting the life she needed at the time. She offered, and by golly we jumped to get the little girl in Michigan. Now, nearly a month later I'm so glad that we did. Dixie is such a little sweetie. She'll be six on Father's Day, but she seems like a pup. She's bouncy, kooky, silly and extremely lovable. Addie seemed to accept her right away. Addie is stiff and old and grouchy, but seems perkier, and is wrestling again with the new kid inhouse. She needs a buddy, and now that she is with Dixie, I realize just how much she must miss Jake. Thank you Monica for sharing your heart and little princess with us. We'll love her and treat her right. She's filled our house with pep and love again. The little dickens.

Simple and true...

So easy to share one of these...

Kid fix coming...

Jim's son and family (including two grandsons) will spend Easter week with us. They currently live in North Carolina. My daughter and family (including Emmy Lulu and lil' Liam) will spend the first week of June here. Needless to say, we are both tickled pink. So is the local motel as they'll have a booming business during the kids' stay. Our tiny little abode, all 720 square feet of it, was made for two. Oh, and there is room for a corgi or two.

Speaking of corgis; we've nearly made it through week one without Jake. Addie is adjusting and she and I take a walk around the block each day. I count out five little biskeys to give to her daily. Her food intake is being cut back. She will be going in for a through health check-up next week. Jim says we can't lose another one...at least yet. So, we are actively taking preventive measures.

Jake's grave is encircled with field stones and has a bronze corgi garden statue. We added a solar light which glows during the night. It's lit when I take Addie out for her last potty of the night...and it grabs me by the throat when I see it. It says to me..."I'm here mama...all is well". I say hello each day, and tell him I love and miss him. Our hearts are broken, but we'll survive.

Darn little dogs...they just don't live long enough, do they? But...they give us all they have while here. Bless 'em.

Jakie Joe...March 31, 2000-March 24, 2012.

We lost our corgi boy today. Jake was one week shy of twelve years of age. He was the sweetest, best tempered, happiest boy I've ever known. We were blessed to have had the joy of being in his life. He enriched our days and made us family. Jake, the boy corgi. My first corgi, and the bestest ever.

Words to the wise...

It doesn't matter what kind of day you're having...it doesn't matter if people have been unkind....or if the boss yells.....or if you hit nothing but red lights on the way to work....small gifts come in a puffy cloud, a child's giggle...an unexpected note from a friend....or no waiting at the drive-thru when your heart is going pitter pat for a needed cup of joe...

Glorious!

What glorious weather we have in northeast Indiana. It's 68 today. Motorcycles, walkers, dog people, and baseball players are out and about enjoying the day.
I gathered up my white vinegar and paper towels and attacked the windows. Winter left its dinge and dullness on them, but now they shine.
The corgis had fun sniffing in the woods behind the high school earlier this afternoon, and running free. The robins are fat, and the birdhouses in the back yard are filling up with new nesters.
I hope, that wherever you are, your world is shiny and bright too this Sunday.

Ummm...

Somehow...I don't think that "no, no, bad dog" would cover this one...do you?

Senior Discounts Galore! Finally...a perk for getting older!

Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby’s: 10% off (55+)
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan’s: discount varies by location
Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Captain D’s Seafood: discount varies on location (62+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Culver’s: 10% off (60+)
Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)
Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior pla tter (55+)
Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off (55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)
Long John Silver’s: various discounts at participating locations (55+)
McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney’s: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off (55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)

Retail And Apparel
Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
Big Lots: 10% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
Clarks: 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 20% off (50+)
Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)
Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)

Grocery
Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)
Rogers Market pla ce: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe’s Market pla ce: 5% off (62+)

Travel
Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)
Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members
American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Best Western: 10% off (55+)
Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)
Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)

Activities And Entertainment
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+)
Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 30% off
Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+)
SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)

Cell Phone Discounts
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).

Miscellaneous
Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+)
Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)

Word for the day...

POLLY-FOXING...Sounds naughty, doesn't it?
This word appears on page 102 in Gene Stratton Porter's book, Daughter of the Land, copyright 1918.
It means to do something with hesitancy.
(I probably should have polly-foxed before making this post!)
Happy Hump Day and welcome March tomorrow!

Honest Abe was a smart fella...

Seasonal Crafts from the trusty ol' Farmer's Almanac!

Here's how to make homemade note cards using potatoes; you can also make journal or book covers, checkbook covers, and wrapping paper!

Potato Art

In these days of e-mail, faxes, and texting, communication may be instant, but not necessarily thoughtful. These potato-printed cards are easy and fun, and something that the children can do with you, too.

First, you'll need a few potatoes, white or colored note-card paper, and paint (poster paint, acrylic paint, or water-based inks).

Cut a large, clean potato in half. Put one half in a plastic bag while you work on the other half.
Dry the surface with a paper towel then use a paring knife to cut out a relief design, cutting down about 1/4 inch (try heart shapes for Valentines). Dry off any excess moisture.
Dip the potato in a shallow dish of the paint. Test the design on a piece of paper before printing on your cards.
Try using different designs and colors on the same card.
A potato stamp can be kept for several days wrapped in plastic and refrigerated.

Text borrowed from F.A. I love that website!

THIS IS WHAT CUPID CAN BRING THIS YEAR....

Thank you...thank you very much!

~Retro Nostalgia~

Are you like me...someone who finds comfort in the past...comfort in a slower paced world? This high-tech decade is not my world. I-pods/pads, Droids, smart phones, blackberry's, do not interest me. I yearn for heavy dial faced phones, matches in folded packets, front porches with swings and legs covered in pantyhose. What is this with the bare-legged look anyway?



Two inch thick catalogs from Sears, and Montgomery Wards marked the seasons.
They came late in October for the holidays and July for the autumn school fashions. What a delight they arrived in our mailbox! Spiegel was the catalog we really yearned for though. Those clothes had an edge, were more fashionable and reflected a "big city" influence.



Remember wearing "can-cans" under a dress when young? We wanted all that fullness in those days. It's funny how fashions change, go to the extreme, then slowly return.
Maybe we'll see this style again.

Remember letters with rural route addresses? Mail postage in single digits? A sixteen year old could have a great time on the two bucks earned from babysitting. A cherry coke was a nickle, a pretzel rod was two cents. The adult price for a movie was sixty-five cents. A gallon of gas was thirty-two cents. Fast cars, drag racing, and a beer on a back road was really the worst of it when I was a teen. Drugs missed me totally...thank heavens!


Most girls owned a jewelry box. Most girls had a dressing table in her room of some sort with a large mirror. Mine had a huge circle centered mirror, with drawers on both sides. Makeup, hair rollers (dog food and juice cans because my hair was curly), and a bottle of Evening in Paris, Tabu, or Chantilly made me feel womanly.
Most of us slept on curlers every night. Wore girdles, and hose requiring garters. Would we do that now??? Heck no!

Daughters dried dishes every night, and that's when moms and daughters talked about things. Daughters helped clean the house on Saturday, with her washed hair up in rollers, anticipating a fun Saturday night. Sunday, the entire family went to church.
We stopped at the newstand to pick up the Sunday paper. There was no shopping on a Sunday in those days. Sunday was family time. Period.
I do admit to enjoying a more "relaxed" way of dressing now. Thank God for Land's End! It's handy to shop online when one lives in small town USA. No spanx (today's girdle) for me. I bulge freely here and there, so be it. Unless I spot myself in a window or a mirror somewhere, I don't have to see it!

I do miss how close family used to be. All of our kids, with the exception of Josh, live now in other states. We only see our grandkids once or twice a year. Computers do help in that area too. Skype, online viewing of photos, blogs, and Facebook, keep us connected. Weekly Sunday family gatherings were darn nice though; or at least getting together for every holiday. That does not happen anymore, darn it.

1986 Farmer's Almanac suggestions ...

Herewith, from science and folklore, are over 20 surefire techniques for finding, attracting, and wedding the person you will love forever.

Roast hummingbird hearts, grind them into a powder, and sprinkle it on your beloved.
Kiss as many people as possible. Dr. Bubba Nicholson of Tampa, Florida, says that kissing is a way for us to taste semiochemicals on another's skin. Semiochemicals transmit biological signals of compatability and attraction.
Pluck a stalk of yarrow and stick it up your nose. If a drop of blood appears, your love is true.
Australian aborigines prepare a love potion from the testicles of kangaroos.
Think of the one you love while you swallow a four-leaf clover, and your love will be returned.
Upon hearing the first coo of a dove in the spring, take off your left stocking and look in the heel of it. You will find a hair the color of your true love's hair.
Swallow the heart of a wild duck.
On New Year's Eve, walk from one room to another while throwing a shoe over your shoulder, then look in a mirror and your mate's face will be there.
Place a snail in a pan of cornmeal, and the tracks it makes will spell your true love's initials.
Hide the dried tongue of a turtledove in a girl's room; she will love you forever.
In 18th-century France, a man told a woman three times that she was beautiful. The first time she was required to thank him, the second time to believe him, and the third time to reward him.
If you touch your little finger and forefinger behind your two middle fingers, you can have any sweetheart you like.
Swallow a white dove's heart, point downward, while resting your hand on the shoulder of one you love.
Hardboil an egg, cut it in half, discard the yolk, and fill the egg halves with salt. Sit on something you've never sat on before, eat the egg, and walk to bed backwards. You will dream of your future mate.
Walk around the block with your mouth full of water; if you don't swallow it, you will marry within the year.
Pull a hair from the head of a girl you like, and she will love you.
Pick an apple, prick it fll of holes, carry it for a while under your left arm, then give it to your lover.
If you stub your toe, kiss your thumb and you'll see your beau.
Cut your nails on nine Sundays in a row.

I don't think that I'd try any of these things to find someone, would you?

My mom will be 95 on April 4th. Who else is lucky enough to still have their mom?

'Tis Friday the 13th...

It's a windy, snowy day in northeast Indiana, and our high is currently at 19 degrees. I love Fridays, as each and every one of them is the beginning of my weekend. I'm blessed to work Monday through Thursdays, surrounded by books, and the friendly town folk of small town USA.
Our library is the hub of the town. You want action? Then head toward our library! To visit our site go here. Books have always turned me on, and I'm sure that most of you reading this silly little menopausal crazed blog are affected the same way by reading.

Here's a goodie that I'm currently reading; it's a blast back to your granny's era. It's full of sage wisdom, and common sense. The darn thing makes you laugh out loud. How to Sew a Button and other nifty things your grandmother knew by Erin Bried.A money-saving, heartwarming, life-simplifying guide. Man, it's a hoot!

We could learn a lot from crayons:
some are sharp, some are pretty,
some are dull, some have weird names,
and all are different colors....but
they all exist very nicely in the same box.

(edited from an email)

O' Happy Day...

I wish you a day of ordinary miracles-

A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.

An unexpected phone call from an old friend.


Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.

I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...

The fastest line at the grocery store.

A good sing along song on the radio.

Your keys right where you look.

I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-little bite-size pieces of
perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on
you, holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.

I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy.

(edited from an email)