Sunday, December 7, 2008


My Christmas List.

Over the years I have made out a Christmas wish list that has been quite fun for everyone, since I am only a few years older than my nieces and nephews I at first exchanged list with them so we would know what to ask Santa for... Then I made out my list with my own children , My granddaughter will soon be old enough to exchange lists with but this year I have no one to send it to so will publish my list on line.
My list has changed over the years but always starts out with those few things I am still watching every Christmas morning to appear under my tree.

1. Neil Diamond (at one time it was Paul Newman but he passed away)
2. A Diamond Ring Pink please.
3. Mink Coat (that’s the reason those little animals are raised.)
4. Corvette red or pink please.
5. Jeep pink with leopard seat covers.
6. New set of cookware, The red set of Paula Dean's.
7. Very nice leather boots (black)
8. Yoga toes.
9. Black, brown, navy and red leather gloves.
10. Maid service for a month.
11. Rumba the remote vacuum sweeper
12. Sony Television HD please
13. 10 day cruise or maybe to Alaska.
14. DVD’s of old movies like “White Christmas” and other Bing Crosby movies, the set of Shirley Temple movies and other musicals.
15. Heated Throw.

And of course we could all use a cup of Christmas Cheer and World Peace.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Loved that Cruise




Oh how I love a good cruise”
Alas we have returned from our cruise. I wandered if a seven day cruise would be too long… No Way! I think I need to try a 10 day next. I was just getting my sea legs when this one came sadly to an end. We flew to Fort Lauderdale on Fri night.. After a long delay at the airport we had a good flight I was not the one to get sick while in the air it was poor little Nessa this time I really think it is the person who sits beside Jennifer that has the trouble. Jennifer says we all have to stay away from McDonalds at the airport. We found out the long delay was because of the Space Shuttle launch thankfully we were in the new airport and it was not too bad. I would not recommend AirTram as a comfortable airline to fly but they had the non stop flight and no problems other than cramped seating. We stayed in Fort Lauderdale that night and left for the boat via limo the next morning... Don’t expect limo’s to have a lot of luggage space, they don’t. Other than no space for luggage the trip to Miami Port was great. We arrived at the dock and the Porters were right there to assist us with luggage and off to the processing center we went... Wearing yellow shirts saying I’m on Vacation, we met several of our friends we had made on the Cruise Critic. The process was very quick and smooth. We were on board very quickly. By 1:30 our suitcases were in the room and we were ready for Sail.

Life Boat drill was a little rocky for us. Otila could not stand that long and we had to get her help and she finished life boat drill sitting in the dining room.

We had a day at sea then arrived in San Juan at 4pm we were off the boat by 5 and met Steve Spears at the dock he showed us the high lights of Old San Juan and told us much of the history of the places we were seeing. Then took us to the most amazing place to eat... It was called the Parrott Club. It looked like a little bar but with out a doubt the best Steak I have ever eaten and everyone in our party enjoyed the food and drink they ordered. Too bad we had to be back to the ship so soon as I would have liked to explore Old San Juan.

The next day we landed in St Thomas where we took a tour bus and saw all the sights shopping and went swimming before heading back to the boat for dinner.
St Marten was our port for the next day. Another tour and beach time… This time a nude beach was right next to where we were sitting and the whole area was tops optional. This tour operator had rum punch on the bus so did not care if the other people had clothes on or not. Just glad I kept mine on.

The rest of the trip was on board Ship several glorious days at sea Water was a little rough one day and everyone ran into each other often but it was great. We ate every evening but one in the dinning room. Had a very bad waiter the first two nights so got that changed and had wonderful service the rest of the trip. They fixed me a special Gluten Free Meal each night, complete with desert. That was a treat as I don’t normally get to enjoy desert.

We all enjoyed the Spa on board, Otila had Acupuncture treatments and got relief from her back pain... I had a facial and massage and the others enjoyed various treatments. I spent time in the steam room and sauna, wish I had them here to enjoy daily. The Hot Tubs were popular places but we found the pools a little cool.

The only disappointment was Miami the hotel would not let us check in early not fun sitting in a lobby and secondly they would not let us use the pool or walk on their private beach. Then the weather was cold and windy. So Miami Beach will not be a highlight of this trip.
Early the next morning we took a limo to the Fort Lauderdale airport and returned to reality... Cold weather and no People… Nessa had People that looked after her and brought her room service and cleaned her room and left her candy on her pillow. Sure wish I had some of those people here.

Monday, October 13, 2008

The Grand Tour




Sunday we took a tour of the New Airport in Indianapolis. It’s large and impressive. The baggage area already had lost luggage aimlessly going round and around the carousel. Some of the new security measures looked and sounded good. And it looks like it will be user friendly.
Nessa was impressed with the BIG Trucks that were being shown off on the Tarmac. Reminded me of the snow plows in “Airport” the movie with all the trucks lined up and their snow blades ready to clean the runways. Thought I heard some one say runway one niner it’s a go.
Too bad the concessions were not open, from the signs some of them sound interesting. A few of the vendors had tables set in the hall one popcorn place sounded really good and of course the South Bend Chocolate Factory is always a winner. They were giving out chocolate covered raisins. Just one, now who can eat just one raisin and not want more. See if they had been open there would have been a sale.
The airport itself looks easy to get to you will come in off I-70 and right into the complex the parking garage looked to be twice the size of the old and not nearly as confusing. You can again go into the building and see planes land and take off and will be at a good place to greet passengers. Lots of seating and people movers for the long hallways.
We will be flying out just 4 days after they open hope they have all the bugs out before we get there. That was why we went on the tour so we would know what to expect the day we leave, and what to expect when we return.
This is our year for grand tours we took a tour of Lucas Oil Stadium and now the airport and when we get to San Juan we will tour Old San Juan. Oh what fun, I’ll let you all know about San Juan later.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Changes


Year of Changes
This year although not over yet has brought many changes. Some events affected only me personally but others to everyone around town.
With my 63 birthday I became one of the people drawing Social Security. That was something I thought I would never see. .I was not going to get that old... What I thought I was going to do I do not know but getting old was not one of the options.
In April I lost my mother she was 96 years old I really never believed I would outlive her. She was always so strong and determined.
The whole family is dealing with the hole she has left in our lives.
Today they deflated the Hoosier Dome... RCA Dome to some but to me it will always be the Hoosier Dome… My playground in Adult life there I had many friends, and a good part time job. Working Security for events that I would have never been able to see otherwise. All the Colts football games I saw from the field. I was on hand for the Rolling Stones Final tour. Farm Aid, Black Expo, High School and College Basketball Games, Band Contest and many more things that were held in the Dome, I met my third husband working there so everything was not good about that job. The Skyline will change and people will have new memories of a new Stadium and I wish them well.
I have a new part time job doing inventories in small retail stores making new friends and learning new things. The landscapes change and we move on.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

My Back Yard

The bunnies are at it again. So far my garden has produced one tomato. There was another almost ready but as dawn shown upon the garden this morning that was gone. It had teeth marks on it and lay half eaten upon the ground. The limb of the tomato plant is also broken as this little tomato was near the top. Must have been a short bunny.
I have a red clematis that the bunnies really love every time it gets about 3 inches tall they cut it off. It all summer has not made it to the first run of the trellis I envisioned it growing on. In fact I was afraid the pretty trellis would be covered up by the vine. I had the prettiest little petunias in one pot that were hanging down almost to the ground. No more it’s been trimmed. The thing about these little bunnies is there is a big bunny with them. It looks like she would have more control over her little ones. But no she just lets them run wild and eat anything they want.

Saturday, June 7, 2008


And then the rains came down.

When daylight peaked though the clouds this morning June 7, 2008, I was greeted with quite a surprise. The nice neat garden that was doing so well was now under water. The fence post I was using to mark the garden’s side was on the other side of the yard trying to enter the storm drain. The three little ladybug stepping stones were now floating across the way. Thankfully I could still hear the sump pump working so the basement is ok.

I had just finished putting new mulch around all the flowers and had put in new flowers and new solar lights. They all looked so neat.
In my garden I have a row of radishes and a row of purple onions the article I read says lots of water is the secret to sweet onions. I wonder if this is too much?

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

SPRING FLOOD

Flood
There’s a flood in my back yard. The critters that live there are none too happy about it.
The big Pleated Woodpecker. (That’s the one that looks like Woody) has been on the deck most of the day. He thinks we should be out there filling up his food stations and getting things done. The little chipmunks I have also noticed on top of the deck to get out of the water. Saw the Squirrels splashing through the water they looked like they were having fun.
I did go out and wade through the small stream going thought the yard to get to my garden was a little hesitant to do that as just days ago a little snake was killed by a flower pot falling over on him. Now did he have friends and do they like or dislike water? What other things are in that water. But I had to rescue my radishes they were all covered over with run off stuff from the back of the garden . Poor little radishes would never grow if I left them like that. My onions had also lost most of the dirt from around them and if you leave them uncovered they get real hot and I wanted sweet onions I think I was just complaining about having to water. Well this week made up for all the water we did not get last time. Be wary of what you ask for. I forget to take that little bit of advice.

Monday, June 2, 2008

AH SPRING


Ah Spring!

Spring finally arrived in Indiana and we have some decent weather.
We have gone swimming twice sure wish the pool would absorb some of the heat from the sun. It has been cold.
My garden and flower beds are doing well they don’t seem to have any critters raiding them this year. I did set a flower pot up awhile ago and under the edge was a little snake just as dead as can be. I guess the storm must have blown the pot over just as the snake was slithering by. By this time next week I should have radishes ready to eat, and the parsley and chives I can use anytime I need. I have two tomato plants doing well and an egg plant. Then I have two pots with Cucumbers. The rest are flowers and some of them are doing quite well. One thing about missing the bad weather last week-end is I have had to water my plants. Just a little north of here they got bad storms but they missed us.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Birds of Prey

Once again I ran into birds of prey at the polls today. That had got to be my biggest pet peeve. When you arrive at the polls I have already made up my mind as to who I wish to vote for. I do not want pamphlets shoved at me I do not want people falling over each other to open the door for me. My ID is not so heavy that I can’t open my own door. I remember the last time I took Mother to the voting place in order to make it to work on time I had to be there when they opened and it was still dark and all the people jumping out at her scared her and she never went to vote again She had an absentee ballot sent to her and she mailed it back in. I wonder how many more people have that happen and they just don’t vote because it’s too much trouble. Mother had a strong desire to vote as her mother and father had instilled in all there children that it was a great privilege to vote. I don’t ever remember a time when Mother did not vote. Of course she and Daddy did not always agree on who to vote for so they went to the polls and canceled out each others vote.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Mother

Mary Grace Mathews
Feb.3,1912-April 11,2008


I thought I would be able to write about Mother passing by now. But it is still very hard to believe she died a week ago and we buried her on Tuesday.
Her request was there be no services for her but we had a private graveside service for her or rather for us so we could say good bye surrounded by friends and family. At a time like that your friends and family are very important. It’s good to know you do not stand alone. There is someone to offer a special song and join you in a prayer. We had respected her wishes and had a closed casket that she had picked out years ago, and no services at the church or mortuary. But we gathered it the cemetery for one last farewell prayer. She has gone to join my father now their bodies are buried beside each other and their spirits have rejoined in heaven. We will and do greatly miss her.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Spring is Here




Yes SPRING is here.

As spring arrived I was in bed with a horrible cold and so on the first day of spring I called in sick. Now I do not have a regular job at this time but I called in sick. No fair having to use sick days for really being sick. Sick days should allow you to pamper yourself and do what ever makes you feel good and that is not lying in bed with no one to wait on you.




Since I am feeling better today we took Nessa to see the Butterfly’s at the White River Park Consecratory. Inside the building of glass it was very warm and sunny really a plus to boost your sprits. Some of the flowers they have there are incredible. And the butterflies are a bonus for sure. Nessa was very impressed with seeing all the pretty fly’s up close.

Sometimes she called them B’s and sometimes they were Butterflies. But mostly just fly’s and that’s what they did fly, except for the one that is very pretty blue on the top and brown on the bottom he sat with his wings closed and would not let me get a picture of him with his wings open.
I am still learning to us my new Camera and got a few good shots today. Some looked like I wanted them to and a few were “what were you thinking.” Good thing I am using a digital and can delete the awful shots. Like the front of Jennifer’s sweater after the butterfly left. And the single leaf,” I know there was a butterfly sitting there a moment ago.”



Thursday, February 14, 2008

Healthy Diet

Healthy Diet.
Just a word about eating healthy, something that is only a matter of opinion. And everyone’s opinion changes everyday. This week it seems sweeteners are on the no list.
While fixing a salad the other day I thought oh how healthy and if I did this more often I maybe could loose weight. Then I looked at all the healthy things I had included. First I had Spring Greens for the base. On top of that I had added an egg for protein, walnuts for Omega 3’s then cottage cheese for dairy and mandarin oranges as my fruit, then toped this with walnut and raspberry dressing the lite version. Good thing I was not eating anything else because by the time I had all this my calorie count was way over the top. Forget about loosing weight.
I had just read that to have good skin you needed to eat the proper things. Like 10 olives each day. And of course you are to have a handful of nuts and protein from whatever is in vogue this week. I prefer lean meat or eggs but the so called experts want me to eat fish and chicken and I don’t really like either of those choices. But what I was getting at was if you eat everything the experts want you to you are eating all day and still not eating all you should. Like 5 vegs and 5 fruits each day. Then there is the grain issue.
I happen to be wheat/gluten intolerant so no wheat, barley or rye for me. That keeps a lot of things off my table. Some of that is a good thing. But I worry about getting enough vitamin e that you get from wheat germ and fiber from whole grain bread. I know fruit has a lot of fiber but then again do we eat the right kinds and enough. I know I am better off not eating fried foods which are pretty much a no because of the breading. But do you know how badly I would like to have an order of Fried Onion Rings. I have invested in several wheat free cookbooks and can find alternate flours for about everything but that means I have to fix it myself and most of the things I want I am better off without, like the fried onion rings. Although they are a vegetable so maybe I should try to fix them some time.
Donuts are another thing I miss, since I only like yeast donuts and have only found recopies for cake donuts I guess I will just have to let the rest of you have my share of the yeast donuts with chocolate icing and sprinkles.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Groundhog Day

Today is Groundhog Day. Don’t know if the official groundhog saw his shadow but I saw mine. Not a pretty site. Looks like I need to hit the gym a couple more times a week. Today is also my x-husbands birthday now that was a rodent if I ever saw one, and not the cute and cuddly kind. But I could say we were the same age and that would make me a few years younger. Mother was trying to take Daddy’s birthday so she would be younger. Two of my husbands were younger and one older I could combine them and be 6 years younger. That sounds good to me.

Six more weeks till spring and I am thinking of which flower beds to change this year and what to plant in my garden... The books tell me the little animals will not bother my vegetable garden as badly if I put squash or pumpkins around the edges as the animals do not like to go through the sticky leaves of those plants. Guess I will add miniature gourds and pumpkins to my plantings around my corn. Oh I saw a corn plant that was red and white striped in a seed catalog the other day guess I will have to find one of those to plant beside the flower bed that would look nice. Must also plant white geraniums around as the bugs mainly Japanese beetles do not like them and this last year as I had several white geraniums we had almost no Japanese beetles. Will have to put one under my purple shrub at the front of the house the beetles had a field day with that. Hopefully the coon population will be down this year if all of them stay in the park we relocated them to, if to we still have our traps although after 9 raccoons and 2 opossums the trap is a little worst for wear. Those big coons can tear things up plus the tore out the grass under the cage so now we have spots that need reseeded. The drain from the sump pump is clogged so will have to dig that up in the spring to rebury the pipe... It’s on top of the yard right now and we have a little stream going to the storm drain. The birds like it they have running water to drink. Guess I need to put in a fountain for them. Last summer I had a bird bath that the raccoons kept knocking down. So maybe the birds will have it better also with the raccoons gone I know their food in the feeders last longer as they were climbing the poles and emptying the feeder each night. They love suet cakes with fruit. They took suet, wire holder and all.
I don’t know which little animal ate my clematis vines they were cut at the base did not seem to be eaten just cut off. And of course that happened while they were in full bloom
I went out one morning and there were wilted red flowers on the top of the trellis and upon checking they were no longer attached to the roots.

Think I will plant mint plants next to where we store the garbage cans. Last year I had some in baskets and set next to garbage cans but Otila didn’t like them so she moved them and as soon as she moved them we had mice in that area and in the garage. Mice don’t like the smell of mint. So this year I’m going to plant it in the ground she will find it harder to move them, she will not pull weeds or plants as she doesn’t get dirt on her hands. So I think my mint plants will be safe.

Hope you all have a pleasant rest of winter and have happy dreams of a spring to come.
Cinderella

Friday, February 1, 2008

JUST SOME THOUGHTS I HAD TODAY

I read today where a Senator was asking why the NFL destroyed the tapes of the Pats videoing the sidelines of the other team. I wondered that too but do not think it is any of the senates business just like I do not want my tax money wasted investigating sports drug use why isn't that up to the governing body of each sport. And what difference does some of that make it’s the player’s health that is at risk and unfair advantage but that should be regulated by the Baseball commission or the NFL not Congress. If they are buying it illegal there are already local laws that cover that, If they are not enforced the local electorate can take care of that, ever hear of New Sheriff in town. If you don’t like it vote for a better man.

I now have two squirrels in the back yard again for a long time I only saw one. Is it mating season for squirrels? I tried to look up on the internet when little squirrels were born but only found how to care for orphans and how to attract them and how to discourage them. But the point I was making is they are very playful chasing each other along the fence today. The birds are around the bird feeders lots of different types and sizes. We have several pairs of Cardinals; they are beautiful against the snow. The food in the feeders last a lot longer now that we have taken the 9 raccoons for a ride. Hope they are doing well in the park. Maybe I should take some food over to the park where we let them out.

I have been collecting recipes for all kinds of foods lately but never seem to get around to using them. I have purchased 6 books on cooking wheat/gluten free and have tried none of them. I just don’t eat things that contain wheat but that is getting boring so will soon start using some of those books and recipes. Have enjoyed all the wine purchased when I went to all the wineries of Central IN, and have used some or any leftover from a meal in cooking , used a spiced wine on a ham today that was good.

I am reading a very good book right now it is by Ken Follett title is The Pillars of the Earth. It takes place in the 11 hundreds about the building of the Cathedrals in England. It has a good story line and full of interesting bits of information about building and life at that time.
Next time I put a lot of books on hold I’ll have to pay more attention to how many as I have too many books to read right now and can’t renew them all so will have to put them on a list to get later and take them back. Hate to do that I want to read everything and thought I would have time to read while taking care of Nessa but she did not permit that she took my glasses off me and took the book away. She wanted to be held a lot and did not want anything to distract from her.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Milestone

Oh dear, I have reached a mile stone in my life. Today I signed up for Social Security.
In February I will be 62 and old enough to draw money from my Social Security account. Never did I think I would reach that point as I was never going to be THAT old. I was going to be Gidget for the rest of my life and like Peter Pan never grow old. I stopped growing up and just out many years ago, but that is ok I was still young. Does this mean I have to let my hair get gray? Wear old lady shoes and baggy slacks? Can I now wear purple with everything and a red hat?

The man maybe I should say young man at the SS office was real nice. Asked what questions he needed answered and could not believe I could not rattle off the exact date of my marriages and divorces. Bet he thought she’s just loosing it. But those are things you want to forget. Oh and he wanted to know my ex’s date of birth well that is another thing I have forgotten just unnecessary information to carry around in ones head. I believe too much information makes your brain stuffy so just forget those bitts of information that do not enhance your everyday life and especially if they cause unhappiness or sad feelings. I was not married to anyone for 10 years so was not drawing off their accounts.
So come next April I will receive my stipend from Uncle Sam. Now if I would win the lottery I could live well.
Later
Cinderella

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

My how time flys


Oh dear is it the 9th of January?
Two of my New Years resolutions have already been broken and the other one is killing me.
I resolved to remember family birthdays better and send cards. Well several have already passed and no cards were sent... By the way if anyone missed getting my Christmas/ New Years cards they were surely lost in the mail.
The second thing was I promised myself to write on this blog often as the many magazine articles I read tell me that is how you keep your mind active and young is to put your thoughts into writing.
The third thing was to get more exercise. Started a water aerobics class last night and I may die from finding many long neglected muscles. Once you wake those muscles up they sure can make a big noise. They whimper and yell with each step I take today.

The Holidays passed quietly for me this year. Just after Thanksgiving Mother took a sudden turn for the worse and she spent 5 days in the hospital and then went to Rosegate Long Term Care. We really like the Nursing home as it is new, clean and has a caring staff.
Mother has stopped asking us to take her home each time we visit, and she is eating better and looking a lot better. You know the thought crossed my mind that I would have a lot more time but I haven’t I go almost every day to see her and bring home laundry and such . Then there were the shopping trips to replace her clothes. It seems she gave most of them away. The nurses caught her one day and put a stop to it but have still not found most of her clothes. Had to take her blankets in for her bed as she said the ones there were ugly and she didn’t like them, but I took her ones she had had here and she thought they were new and was very happy with them. She had on an old sweater and pants today and told me Otila had just bought them for her. So I guess it’s sometimes good to not remember anything it turns your old wardrobe into something new each day.

Over the holidays we tried several of out new wines we had purchased while on the Central Indiana Wine Trail we used our new wine glasses and everything. Liked them all but have been really happy with those from the Mallow Run Winery just south of Indy. The Winery is housed in an old barn the tasting room is something to see. They built a deck out from the old hay loft and you enter the upper floor. They built a bar in the center and have left all the open rafters and such.

Christmas Morning we spent with Jennifer and Family she had a very good brunch and we got to see Vanessa open her presents. Vanessa got a rocking horse and opened the rest of her presents from horse back guess she liked it. Last night when I picked her up at home she told her horse bye bye but did not care if she told her mom and dad bye she just hurried me out the door.
New Years Eve I had Paula and her granddaughter to join Vanessa Otila and me for supper and a sleep over. Ever had a sleepover with a two year old and three year old... It was interesting. I found that before we go to a tea with the girls we must work on table manners like eating with forks and the correct use of napkins. Oh and to eat the food on ones own plate. We toasted the New Year with Champagne made in Indiana and found it very good. That was from the Easley Winery that’s downtown Indy. Of course the girls had White Grape Juice and Nessa didn’t make it to Midnight. She called her mommy and daddy earlier and told them Happy New Year and went to bed. Suzie made it long enough to watch the ball drop.

Hope every ones’ New Year is bright and happy
Cinderella