tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50370993134842561102024-03-13T18:12:04.683-04:00Cathy's Cookin'See About Me...I want to spread the word about infertility and the horrible way these couples are treated as far sensitivity and insenstivity by insurance companies.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-30495931706098815862010-04-18T11:45:00.005-04:002010-04-18T11:50:03.350-04:00Mary Kay Online Party<div align="center">Hey, Everyone! </div><div align="center"><br />It's me! </div><div align="center"><br />The Hostess with the Mostest!</div><div align="center"><br />I am hosting a Mary Kay Online Party for my daughter-in-love with all proceeds going to the Baby Knight Fund.You can also go to this <a href="http://growingourowngarden.blogspot.com/2008/08/starting-over.html">LINK</a> for more details.<br /></div><div align="center">Please check out all the specials below and then go to <a href="http://www.marykay.com/liannaknight">Lianna's Mary Kay site</a> to place your order!<br />This event will run from April 18th until HIGH NOON on May 2nd, just in time for Mother's Day!</div><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://bethouaknight.blogspot.com/2010/04/guest-postonline-party.html"><img src="http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr278/liannap1/Decorated%20images/FLOWER.jpg" /></a></center>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-2620759197099578502010-03-10T20:19:00.003-05:002010-03-10T20:29:44.205-05:00Jilly Beans<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/S5hHYzeUq6I/AAAAAAAAAc8/QAbEAz6DLME/s1600-h/Jilly_Beans_4th_REV%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 382px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447182240764439458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/S5hHYzeUq6I/AAAAAAAAAc8/QAbEAz6DLME/s400/Jilly_Beans_4th_REV%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><div>For all you lovers of your furry friends and their true sense of fashion, this is a must!<a href="http://bethouaknight.blogspot.com/2010/03/unique-boutique-for-dog-lovers.html">http://bethouaknight.blogspot.com/2010/03/unique-boutique-for-dog-lovers.html</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My BFF Jill, aka Lianna's Mom, is your connection. Check out her website, <a href="http://www.jillybeansshihtzushoppe.com/">http://www.jillybeansshihtzushoppe.com/</a> for additions to your family and then go shopping! What more could you ask for?</div><br /><div></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-89012919145121926332010-03-06T15:38:00.006-05:002010-03-06T16:02:28.039-05:00Here's to G-Ma!<div>It's really hard to believe it's been this long but four years ago today my mom, Millie Hagen, passed away after an 8-month bout with lung cancer at the age of 84. I won't go into all the details but I just wanted to propose a toast to her...she loved her some Jim Beam every day at 5:00! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SbHBHMtpxsI/AAAAAAAAALY/j2oQ9qcymw8/s1600-h/images.jpg"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div>It's been a long cold winter this year so the azaleas haven't bloomed yet but I'm hoping she can see these pictures of the gorgeous azaleas that will bloom soon in her back yard.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/S5LBksp7EeI/AAAAAAAAAc0/JaPK9WjReMs/s1600-h/100_0972.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445627735650800098" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/S5LBksp7EeI/AAAAAAAAAc0/JaPK9WjReMs/s400/100_0972.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/S5K_ms-95GI/AAAAAAAAAck/z9_CRu9VIQI/s1600-h/100_0974.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445625571075548258" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/S5K_ms-95GI/AAAAAAAAAck/z9_CRu9VIQI/s400/100_0974.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/S5K_mFpQoJI/AAAAAAAAAcc/tWxSnIkehI0/s1600-h/100_0973.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445625560515518610" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/S5K_mFpQoJI/AAAAAAAAAcc/tWxSnIkehI0/s400/100_0973.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Please raise your glass and join me in this toast!<br /><br />Cheers G-Ma! <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/S5K_m3vfKHI/AAAAAAAAAcs/S0dXrssXu8A/s1600-h/100_0977.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445625573963409522" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/S5K_m3vfKHI/AAAAAAAAAcs/S0dXrssXu8A/s400/100_0977.jpg" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-3397743506820842092009-11-23T21:11:00.002-05:002009-11-23T21:20:39.174-05:00Renewed...Obviously, it's been forever and a day since I've posted. I think I've finally come to grips as to the reason for that. I am sad...and I am tired of being sad...and I want it to stop!<br /><br />With the holidays approaching, I am bound and determined to have happy times! I want to go back to the days when we had fun. When we were happy just to be together and having fun.<br /><br />There is definitely a TON of sadness in the world... and I definitely don't want anyone to think that I'm going to forget that or stop caring, sharing, thinking, praying, supporting or loving any of you. I just want to be able to smile...I want everyone around me to embrace this holiday season and feel happiness.<br /><br />Please join me and make this the best holiday season ever!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-33193134209279930602009-10-21T21:11:00.002-04:002009-10-21T21:20:54.561-04:00Somer Renee Thompson...I am devastated over the outcome of Somer Reneee Thompson's disappearance. Please pray for her family...this is very close to home...I work with a girl who's 6 year old child plays ball at Grove Park Elementary. I am having a very hard time dealing with this...I am not sure why this is harder because this thing happens way too often but this is killing me...Please lift your hearts up for the family of Somer. You can read this...<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33410779/ns/today-today_people">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33410779/ns/today-today_people</a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-55189792476174148262009-10-16T19:35:00.003-04:002009-10-16T19:45:23.553-04:00Christmas Giveaway...<center><a href="http://bethouaknight.blogspot.com/2009/10/best-christmas-giveaway"></a><br /><br />Christmas, believe it or not, is right around the corner...start early with a small donation to a VERY worthy cause so dear to my heart! Great prizes and lots of ways to enter! Head on over to <a href="http://bethouaknight.blogspot.com/2009/10/best-christmas-giveaway-ever.html">The Best Christmas Giveaway Ever </a>and see what's cookin'!<br /><br /></center><center></center>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-32419445926133709322009-10-09T13:53:00.003-04:002009-10-09T13:56:46.770-04:00Prayer Request....Please keep my dear friend, <a href="http://ourdailyblessinglife-amyb.blogspot.com/">Amy B</a> and all her family in your prayers. They are heartbroken over the sudden and tragic loss of her 4 month old nephew, Jackson. Needless to say, this is beyond difficult for them.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-80324273273637154562009-09-27T17:53:00.004-04:002009-09-27T18:30:56.893-04:00Mihali Shrimp<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Sr_m2vRyTAI/AAAAAAAAAcM/LHikHaL5kPQ/s1600-h/IMG_0010%5B2%5D"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386277507436792834" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Sr_m2vRyTAI/AAAAAAAAAcM/LHikHaL5kPQ/s400/IMG_0010%5B2%5D" /></a><br /><div>I recently visited my sister and her husband in SC over the Labor Day weekend (actually it was about a week). Anyway, the first night that I arrived, we went to a little Greek Italian restaurant called Athens. My sister recommended a dish on the menu called Mihali Shrimp. Ordinarily, I would choose to order something I was sure of, but I went with the flow and ordered it. Well, it was awesome...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So since I've been home, I've wanted to try to re-create that dish. I googled the recipe and came up with several but this is what I finally put together last night. Between the shrimp and feta cheese, it stunk to high heaven, smelled atrocious but if I do say so myself, I cloned it and it was delicious!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Mihali Shrimp</strong></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1/2 cup olive oil</div><br /><div>5 or so scallions, finely chopped, including the green tops</div><br /><div>1 bell pepper, finely chopped</div><br /><div>Crushed red pepper to taste (you know I like a LOT!)</div><br /><div>2 tbsp. parsley</div><br /><div>black pepper to taste</div><br /><div>oregano to taste</div><br /><div>1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined</div><br /><div>1 can diced tomatoes</div><br /><div>8 oz. feta cheese, crumbled</div><br /><div>3 tbsp. milk</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil and saute scallions and green peppers until translucent. Add the parsley, black pepper, oregano and crushed red pepper and continue sauteing another 5 to 6 minutes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Reduce heat, add shrimp, cook uncovered until shrimp is pink. Add tomatoes and simmer another 5 minutes. Add the feta cheese and milk and simmer uncovered over lowheat for another 20-25 minutes until the feta cheese is melted. Serve hot over brown rice.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think chopped spinach would make a great side for this dish too!</div><div></div><div>The vacation was sweet, the food was wonderful and can you tell from the picture how relaxing it was??? More pics to come when I figure out my iPhone and where they are saved! lol (I am seriously challenged)</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-2671448058236100372009-09-20T20:01:00.002-04:002009-09-20T20:12:20.697-04:00I'm Back...I have been MIA for about 6 weeks now from the blogging world. Do I have a reason? I wish I could say that I do, but I don't. I just haven't been feeling it...depressed, maybe? Maybe, I don't know. Why? Lots of reasons, no reason in particular. Just one of those things, I guess.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm not really posting a catch up post tonight...way too much to catch up on. Just wanted to check in and let you all know I'm still around and I will get back to posting some great recipes and hopefully some happy news from the heartless world of infertility very soon.<br /><br />And I also just wanted to ask you to say a little (or big) prayer for our dear friend, <a href="http://ourdailyblessinglife-amyb.blogspot.com/">Amy B</a> and her son Philip. He's going through some very difficult times right now and Amy is too. They have a long road ahead and need your prayers and support.<br /><br />Thanks and I promise I'll be back very soon with some pictures from over the summer, new recipes and better things to come!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-54432786066573404952009-08-11T19:16:00.002-04:002009-08-11T19:35:31.720-04:00Super Giveaway...Anyone that has visited my blog before has probably read my About Me profile and knows that my son and daughter-in-love are in a battle with infertility. They just had an appointment last week with their specialist and so much optimism has come from that. The problem is the $$$ it takes to move forward. They have raised quite a bit since their last attempt last April, 2008, but they still have a little way to go.<br /><br />Lianna has put up this <a href="http://bethouaknight.blogspot.com/2009/08/lily-j-designs-giveaway.html">Giveaway</a> which is awesome and a little insider info...there is another awesome giveaway to follow. So please check this one out and stay tuned for the next one! <br /><br />And also please visit <a href="http://www.lilyjdesigns.com/">Lily J Designs</a> to see all the pieces she has to offer!<br /><br />As always, I love you all and any help you can give is so appreciated by all of us!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-13383427654808080972009-08-03T21:30:00.007-04:002009-08-03T22:11:57.480-04:00Unfaithful Blogger...<div>My blogging has been almost non-existent of late and that's almost like any oxymoron. Blogging is supposed to be an outlet...a place to share, to vent, to think, to feel, to care, to love...you name it! Every emotion we own can be expressed in a blog.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And yet sometimes, I feel like maybe I should keep things to myself and not put them out there. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, step on anyone's toes, have anyone worry about things that might just be something I need to work through on my own.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But I see so much help from everywhere. If you've read anything <a href="http://dramainreallife-d-ma.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html">about me</a>, you know I haven't always been in an easy place. But I have always pulled myself up and I'm still here kickin' and screamin'!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Right now I have a couple of things though that I'm struggling with and I would love some advice. I am fully aware that advice, given or taken, is very subjective. But I love thinking outside the box and maybe I just need to see a bigger box!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The first thing is...I am very unhappy where I live. I inherited my mother's house and it is paid in full. I cannot express how thankful I am for that! But I'm in a not so good neighborhood...for example, this is my next door neighbor's yard. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SneSgj8qQxI/AAAAAAAAAcE/Ty8OqOLD-EM/s1600-h/100_1238.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365918569138373394" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SneSgj8qQxI/AAAAAAAAAcE/Ty8OqOLD-EM/s400/100_1238.jpg" /></a><br /><p> </p><p>That's just a small example of what goes on (or doesn't as the case may be) in my neighborhood. So I have decided that it's time to move. I have been so on the fence about this because I don't have a mortgage payment but... There is so much more that I've always had and I want to be in that place again... I don't want to spend the rest of my days HATING where I live. So that's where I need some unemotional advice. Is that a wrong decision? Is that a stupid decision? Or should I just do what I can to be happy? STRUGGLE!</p><p>Also, yesterday, now get this! Are you sitting down? My ex-husband's current wife called me and started spilling her guts. I''ve been divorced since 1988 and they have been married for almost 12 years. Well, times are not good for her and guess what! The story is not much different from mine from over 20 years ago for me! But she asked me if I would make a statement referencing some things I really would rather not go into here, but it made me uncomfortable. Although, there are tons of things I could say, I left all of that behind me a long time ago. But I hate that someone else is experiencing some of the very same things that I did. Should I help her? I don't know. What do I do? Again, STRUGGLE!</p><p>I am doing some really cool things in the house though to get it ready for sale. There is painting going on and replacing switches, sockets, vents...unbelievable how much better things are looking! I'll post some before and after pics in a day or two along with my 2 more recipes from the MckLinky Recipe blog.</p><p>Please, if you can find it in your heart, I would really appreciate any advice you have to offer.</p><p>And on a super happy note, Abby is home, Stellan is home and Amy B and Philip B are maintaining! I love you ALL!</p>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-31926024493454097312009-07-30T20:36:00.004-04:002009-08-01T17:05:01.652-04:00Summer Soup...aka Gazpacho...Okay, I have put this off because of all the medical emergencies going on but here it is...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Gazpacho</strong></span><br /><br />2 1/2 cups tomato or vegetable juice cocktail<br />1 cup peeled, seeded, finely chopped fresh tomatoes<br />1/2 cup finely chopped celery<br />1/2 cup finely chopped cucumber<br />1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper<br />1/2 cup finely chopped green onion<br />3 tbsp. white wine vinegar<br />2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil<br />1 large clove garlic, minced<br />2 tsp, finely choppped parsley<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce<br />1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper<br /><br />Combine all ingredients in a large glass or stainless steel bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve cold.<br /><br />Increase or decrease ingredients to suit your needs!<br /><br />Now, I need you to pray for...and I mean hard! :<br /><br />Stellan<br />Abby Riggs<br />Amy B<br />Philip B<br /><br />Thanking God for all of you!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-76236999967951941282009-07-26T17:55:00.008-04:002009-07-26T18:37:57.428-04:00Stellan, Abby and Philip...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SmzQ8lGXokI/AAAAAAAAAbs/UQXu05b-f5Y/s1600-h/3758627926_60e17ce366.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362890995460973122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SmzQ8lGXokI/AAAAAAAAAbs/UQXu05b-f5Y/s400/3758627926_60e17ce366.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;"><a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/">Stellan</a></span></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SmzVPwLFb_I/AAAAAAAAAb0/Pj4FbVUgVHo/s1600-h/0721096.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362895722897567730" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SmzVPwLFb_I/AAAAAAAAAb0/Pj4FbVUgVHo/s400/0721096.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#cc66cc;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc66cc;"><a href="http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com/">Abby</a></span><br /></span></span><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SmzXL3LL7DI/AAAAAAAAAb8/YBuc86nAw4w/s1600-h/philip-tag.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362897855080819762" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SmzXL3LL7DI/AAAAAAAAAb8/YBuc86nAw4w/s400/philip-tag.png" /></a><span style="color:#33ccff;"> <a href="http://ourdailyblessinglife-amyb.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">Philip</span></a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#00cccc;"></span> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Please pray for these children. Stellan is in the PICU and not doing well at all, Abby and Philip have both had trips to the ER this weekend...and throw in some extra prayers for their parents too...they need them too!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-582476343948170512009-07-23T18:51:00.006-04:002009-07-23T21:46:35.281-04:00Recipes from Blog Hop<div align="center">As promised, I'm back with a few recipes that I posted on the <a href="http://dramainreallife-d-ma.blogspot.com/2009/07/recipe-blog-hop.html">Recipe Blog Hop</a> the other day.<br /><br />The first 2 are appetizers and/or snacks and can be found on this <a href="http://dramainreallife-d-ma.blogspot.com/search/label/Snack">post</a>. One is <a href="http://dramainreallife-d-ma.blogspot.com/search/label/Snack">Buffalo Chicken Dip</a> and the other is <a href="http://dramainreallife-d-ma.blogspot.com/search/label/Snack">Spinach Artichoke Dip</a>.<br /><br />Today, I'm going to post the recipe for BLT Salad. It's a macaroni salad and goes super great with any summer meal, whether it be a cookout, barbecue or just your regular day to day menu.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><strong>BLT Salad</strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">5 green onions - finely chopped</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">1 very large or many small tomatoes - diced (I like to use plum tomatoes)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">1 1/4 cups diced celery</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">1 1/4 cups mayonnaise</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">5 teaspoons white vinegar</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon pepper</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">1 pound bacon - cooked and crumbled</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, green onions, tomatoes and celery. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over macaroni mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, add bacon.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">Stay tuned for a recipe for Refreshing Summer Soup a.k.a Gazpacho!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"></span></div><div align="center"></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-83366787525290989342009-07-21T17:11:00.011-04:002009-07-22T16:47:49.963-04:00The Recipe Blog HopToday I checked out the The Blog Hop for Favorite Recipes over at <a href="http://www.riggsfamilyblog.com/">"...where laughter lives", </a>the family blog of Brent of Michelle Riggs, and of course, their 7 children! I haven't tried the MckLinky thing before so I hope I did it right. It was super friendly!<br /><br />I started out with one recipe and before I knew it, I was on a roll! I ended up sending 5 recipes, which I think I'll post one at a time over the next week or so. Two were appetizers which I've already shared but they can always be resurrected and the others were a soup, salad, and main dish. Brent is going to publish a downloadable cookbook with all the recipes submitted and there's already 450+ entries! <:) <:) <:) Me...getting excited...I can't wait for that...always looking for new ideas! So HOP on over and join the fun. I also wanted to let everyone know what a generous giveaway <a href="http://jennasjourneyblog.blogspot.com/">Jenna</a> is hosting on her blog. The cause is very near and dear to my heart...yes, she is trying to help my son and daughter-in-love raise funds for their next IVF attempt. So PLEASE click on over to <a href="http://jennasjourneyblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/meaningful-giveaway.html">Jenna's</a> post, check out the giveaway and of course, as a bonus, you'll be thoroughly entertained with new stories about her little miracle baby, Brayden! Thank you so much, Jenna!<br /><br /><br />Start here with your content. Replace this paragraph, and everything down to AND INCLUDING the word: STOP. DO NOT REMOVE OR CHANGE THE CODE BEYOND THE WORD STOP BELOW! This has been the most requested theme, so I hope we have a record turnout. Please put up a post with your favorite recipe, or if you don't have the recipe, a photo of your favorite dish and a description. Here's a sample post I did for you: http://www.mcklinkyblog.com/2009/07/mcklinky-blog-hop-for-july-21-2009.html Also, be sure to submit your recipe here too: http://www.mcklinky.com/recipes.asp! I WILL CREATE A MckLinky RECIPE BOOK, AND MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO ALL BLOG HOPPERS FOR FREE! ...STOP <!-- Begin Blog Hop --><br /><a href="http://www.mcklinky.com/blog_hop.asp" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyBlogHop.jpg" alt="MckLinky Blog Hop" width="300" height="98" border="0" longdesc="http://www.brentriggs.com"></a><br /><script src="http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_bloghop.asp?id=790" type="text/javascript"></script>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-62007020571258194702009-07-16T18:20:00.004-04:002009-07-16T18:34:51.080-04:00Happy Birthday...Meet the <a href="http://twitgoo.com/1hwtw">Birthday Queen</a>***...one would think she is off on a luxurious cruise to places only the rich and famous go...but alas, she is off to get her camp on!<br /><br /><br />***(just a short aside...sorry, but I had to steal this picture from Twitter to get this post done)<br /><br /><br />Happy Birthday, Lianna, and I hope you have a wonderful, safe and relaxing vacation...I only wish I could be there too! Take lots of pictures and tweet often!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-70691985511582788522009-07-14T20:14:00.005-04:002009-07-14T21:09:23.767-04:00Just Another Sunless Day...Are you kidding me? I did something today that I almost NEVER do, and that is take a day off in the almost middle of the week just to go relax, get some sun, have some fun, eat some good food, drink some good drink and chill at the beach... Not to be a Debbie Downer, but...yes, today, I will be Debbie Downer at your service!<br /><br />This morning started out to be a glorious day. The sun was shining, I watched 3 hours of Big Brother After Dark on my DVR, packed up my car and was off to a faraway beach with my daughter-in-love. We stopped to pick up some ice and giant subs and off we went to Crescent Beach....oops....Rain on I95. Okay, not to worry, just a shower, no big deal.<br /><br />We arrived at the visitor parking at a condo complex...what a great place to stay...another time! Okay I digress...back to our day. We unloaded chairs, coolers, bags with towels, even my little teeny tiny pink umbrella to protect our belongings and made the trek down to the beach. Of course, by now it was starting to rain but we just knew it would pass over....so we poured an adult beverage and proceeded to get soaked!!!!<br /><br />Finally we carried a few things back to the car and decided to wait it out for about 15 minutes. Lianna even checked out the weather channel on her phone and we were determined to be 'faith personified'. Guess what! It didn't work. We finally went back down to the beach and gathered our belongings and decided to head back to her house to hang out at the pool. And guess what again?<br /><br />It was raining there too! So after unloading a ton a soaked stuff out of the car, we ate our subs in her kitchen and then ventured out to the pool (which, by the way, was so warm!). The rain let up but the sun was incognito....<br /><br />Thus my Debbie Downer post...here are a few parting pictures from my day off at the beach!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Sl0qJohVX7I/AAAAAAAAAbg/URrpUhQBNGc/s1600-h/100_1222.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358485476625178546" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Sl0qJohVX7I/AAAAAAAAAbg/URrpUhQBNGc/s400/100_1222.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Sl0phxMp63I/AAAAAAAAAbY/ViFcSsCYu0M/s1600-h/100_1223.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358484791759596402" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Sl0phxMp63I/AAAAAAAAAbY/ViFcSsCYu0M/s400/100_1223.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />So tell me how you really feel!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-43694009382253112122009-06-29T17:49:00.012-04:002009-07-18T22:02:25.873-04:00A Little Excitement...<div align="center">Well, it's been a while since I posted...not sure I even remember how! You all have the heard the expression, "all dressed up with no place to go", haven't you? Well, that's kind of how I've felt ever since my new blog design came to life. To be absolutely honest, there just hasn't been much to post about. The summer seems to have gotten off to a slow start for me and there just hasn't been anything going on...no cooking, no exciting trips, no nothing. . .<br /><br />Until last Friday. And not to be repetitive, but to be once again to be completely honest, I totally missed it. I'm not sure if I'm living under a rock, I'm just in my own little world or what, but check this out!<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Skk4ezSpMQI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/m1X2oA1Wrd0/s1600-h/SANY0403.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352871733922181378" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Skk4ezSpMQI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/m1X2oA1Wrd0/s400/SANY0403.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a></p><p align="center">From the parking lot of my office! </p><p align="center"></p><p align="center">I happened to leave work a little early Friday afternoon and missed all the excitement. This was taken by my co-worker, Tiffany, on her cell phone from the parking lot of our office. From what I understand, this water spout or funnel cloud made its way all along the St. John's River, so it could pretty much be seen from just about any location in Jacksonville...IF, and only IF, you were looking. . . which, of course, I wasn't. </p><p align="center">Having lived in both Oklahoma and Texas, it looks kind of skinny to me, but I'm sure seeing in the 'flesh' probably caused one to feel quite a rush! Sorry I missed it!</p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></p>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-40933792222209927892009-06-19T19:17:00.007-04:002009-06-19T19:40:32.048-04:00My New Blog Design...Check out my new blog design. Many, many thanks to a <a href="http://www.adesignoffaith.com/">Design by Faith</a>. Awesome job and now I officially feel like summer has officially begun!<br /><br />Loving life!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-15292553293101863062009-06-15T21:21:00.005-04:002009-06-19T19:11:54.723-04:00Happy Birthday Brenna....<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Sjb1Qh5uUVI/AAAAAAAAAbI/5_GcbBtJVFg/s1600-h/Copy+of+brenna+awesome.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 104px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347731271876235602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Sjb1Qh5uUVI/AAAAAAAAAbI/5_GcbBtJVFg/s400/Copy+of+brenna+awesome.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Happy Birthday Brenna! My irrefutable, indisputable, absoluteable, totally beautiful, favorite neicester ever!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Love you!<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-39352117312602511912009-06-14T19:48:00.004-04:002009-06-19T19:11:38.632-04:00Remember When I Said?....Remember, Bunco, Friday the 13th, February 2009? Oh, of course you do...remember this <a href="http://dramainreallife-d-ma.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html">post</a>? I said I couldn't wait to share the recipe for the Broccoli Cheddar Soup! Well, I received this email the other day and after I picked myself up off the floor and got my thoughts together, I am ready to share that recipe with all of you.<br /><br /><br />BROCCOLI-CHEDDAR SOUP<br /><br />MAKES 4 SERVINGS<br /><br />2 TABLESPOONS CABOT SALTED BUTTER<br />2 CUPS PEELED AND DICED BOILING POTATOES<br />(ABOUT 2 MEDIUM)<br />1/2 CUP CHOPPED ONION<br />2 TABLESPOONS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR<br />1(14 1/2-OUNCE) CAN CHICKEN BROTH(ABOUT 2 CUPS<br />2 CUPS MILK<br />3 CUPS BROCCOLI (CHOPPED FLORETS AND THINLY<br />SLICED STEMS)<br />2 CUPS GRATED CABOT SHARP OR EXTRA SHARP<br />CHEDDAR (ABOUT 8 OUNCES)<br />1 TEASPOON FRESH LEMON JUICE<br />SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE<br /><br />1. IN LARGE SAUCEPAN, MELT BUTTER OVER MEDIUM HEAT. ADD POTATOES AND ONION AND COOK, STIRRING, UNTIL ONION IS TENDER ABOUT 5 MINUTES.<br /><br />2.ADD FLOUR AND COOK, STIRRING, FOR 2 MINUTES LONGER<br /><br /><br />.3.GRADUALLY STIR IN CHICKEN BROTH AND MILK. BRING TO SIMMER AND COOK UNTIL POTATOES ARE NEARLY TENDER ABOUT 5 MINUTES. ADD BROCCOLI AND COOK UNTIL BROCCOLI IS TENDER,ABOUT 5 MINUTES LONGER.<br /><br />4. REMOVE FROM HEAT AND STIR IN CHEESE. ADD LEMON JUICE AND SEASON WITH<br />SALT AND PEPPER.<br /><br />And now you're going to be treated to another recipe...just because.<br /><br />What do you do on a cloudy Saturday? Well, I obviously waste a lot of time but then start hunting around the fridge, freezer, pantry, and wherever to come up with something yummy for me!<br /><br />So here's the deal...I'm going to call it Baked Chicken Spaghetti. Call it what you will, but I actually think it turned out pretty good. Only problem...it's just me here and I probably made enough to feed at least my side of Jacksonville...<br /><br />At least I will have lunch, dinner and maybe even breakfast, handled for the next week!<br /><br />So here goes...<br /><br /><strong>Baked Chicken Spaghetti</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Olive oil<br />Garlic Pepper<br />Italian Seasoning<br />1 medium onion chopped<br />1 green pepper chopped<br />1 red pepper chopped<br />1 can mushrooms drained<br />1 1/2 lb boneless chicken, cut into bite sized pieces<br />1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes<br />1 15 oz can tomato sauce<br />1 6 oz can tomato paste<br />1 16 container ricotta cheese<br />1 16 oz box of spaghetti<br />2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded<br />Parmesan cheese<br /><br />Saute onions, green peppers, red peppers and mushrooms in olive oil. Add chicken and season with garlic pepper and Italian seasoning. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste and ricotta cheese.<br /><br />Cook spaghetti according to directions and drain, rinse with cold water. Return spaghetti to pot and mix with sauce. Reserve enough sauce to top.<br /><br />Transfer to baking pan (PAM sprayed), top with remaining sauce, mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Bake in oven at 325 degrees for 30 minutes...<br /><br />Not exactly a summer meal...but you have to admit when it's cloudy or rainy, no matter what time of year, the house gets cold and it feels like comfort food time!<br /><br />Stay tuned for a surprise...I have a blog makeover coming!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-58459891008778957962009-06-11T19:38:00.013-04:002009-06-19T19:11:19.332-04:00Last Weekend...Okay, let's just divert from the past few days' revelations and get back to what we do best.<br /><br />Friday...June 5th...Grammy's 85th birthday... WoW!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGZhclR_xI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/tQt02vFE5H8/s1600-h/100_1160.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346223032552783634" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGZhclR_xI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/tQt02vFE5H8/s320/100_1160.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Of course the great grandson's (Mikey) only concern was cake...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGaBhxK-VI/AAAAAAAAAaY/mNXY1iQ2YPE/s1600-h/100_1164.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346223583700646226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGaBhxK-VI/AAAAAAAAAaY/mNXY1iQ2YPE/s320/100_1164.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Then Saturday we had a graduation party for my nephew Nik... Let me preface by saying that this child is one of the only ones I know that has graduated from high school with a plan...I am so proud of him....He's ROTC and knows what he wants.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGbPhFJveI/AAAAAAAAAag/eRtZXJtYg2w/s1600-h/100_1169.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346224923545812450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGbPhFJveI/AAAAAAAAAag/eRtZXJtYg2w/s320/100_1169.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Horrible things have come to light lately, but let's just rejoice in the good!<br /><br />S0 then I had the good fortune of having Mikey Sunday morning for a couple of hours. OOOH...that was great...had him distracted when his Ma-Moo (she hates that_ left). Then he discovered the door was not completely shut...opened the door..stepped outside...I, of course, heard and came to his RESCUE? Not according to him...at that moment, he realized that his Mama was gone, he was not at home and OMG...how was he going to cope?<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGgJKQthZI/AAAAAAAAAa4/oD4TkP2JxUY/s1600-h/100_1174.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346230311899202962" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGgJKQthZI/AAAAAAAAAa4/oD4TkP2JxUY/s320/100_1174.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGf7i4QhgI/AAAAAAAAAaw/X_UceAz0LLg/s1600-h/100_1172.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346230077989357058" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGf7i4QhgI/AAAAAAAAAaw/X_UceAz0LLg/s320/100_1172.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGfm3H1BuI/AAAAAAAAAao/YxeGnn3FWhQ/s1600-h/100_1173.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346229722646120162" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGfm3H1BuI/AAAAAAAAAao/YxeGnn3FWhQ/s320/100_1173.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well, he screamed and cried for almost an hour non-stop. I tried everything I could think of to help but to no avail...Guess what I did...And by the way, I don't think I would have ever done this for my kids...but I put him in the car (kicking and screaming) and drove around for about 10 minutes...8 minutes in he was asleep.<br /><br /><br />Ok now home..wakes up ...I'm not gonna lie.. he started screaming again but I think that tiny catnap was enough to distract him and he became HAPPY!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGh0dyK35I/AAAAAAAAAbA/8RZVE8X3jeI/s1600-h/100_1175.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346232155385814930" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SjGh0dyK35I/AAAAAAAAAbA/8RZVE8X3jeI/s320/100_1175.jpg" /></a> What a sweetie...yes, I could just eat him up!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-33650485543955416172009-06-09T20:00:00.004-04:002009-06-19T19:10:57.068-04:00April RoseMy heart is so saddened today. Apparently <a href="http://littleoneapril.blogspot.com/">April Rose</a> is just a figment of someone's imagination or her story is, at best. I really don't know how many readers I have or where you've come from, but it seems that everyone I read has been following the story of April Rose as I have. It seems that the whole thing was a hoax and it hurts to have invested so much of my heart into them and now have it turn out this way. I prayed for them, I participated in His Will Wednesday every week...hard to believe that even HWW might have just been a ploy.<br /><br />There is a joint post by <a href="http://theytakemybreathaway.blogspot.com/">Raechel</a> (B's friend, or so she thought), <a href="http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/">Angie</a> (from Bring the Rain) and <a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/">Jennifer</a> ( aka MckMama) . Together after much soul searching and praying, they now believe that it WAS all a lie. No one understands the whys...no one really knows what parts may or may not be true.<br /><br />But whatever prayers we have lifted up for "B" (Beccah), "D" (Dan) and April Rose over the past few months, we need to continue. Just pointed in a different direction as it is quite evident that they are in desperate need for divine intervention.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-64420931979199292162009-06-02T18:08:00.015-04:002009-06-19T19:10:35.493-04:00Later on...In my last post, I said that I would explain my take on celebrating my birthday, the 'milestone', the hating life, etc. later on... Well, it's later on and I think it's high time I do that.<br /><br /><br />First of all, I need to start by saying to my friends and especially my family, that I hope I in no way sounded ungrateful for the birthday wishes and the party. I am truly grateful for everything because without all of you, I would have nothing, I would be nothing.<br /><br /><br />So let's back up and get a sense of where this is all coming from. All my life, I was always proud of my age and never worried about birthdays, no matter which one came along. I had always looked young for my age so that made it a lot easier. Not to mention the fact that I had a lot more going on, on a daily basis and didn't take time to think much about those kinds of things. I was widowed at 24 with two small boys, remarried at 28, had another boy at 29 and divorced by 38. And let's just say that the single parenting part started long before the divorce was final. So yes, I was too busy for thoughts about age.<br /><br /><br />I actually still felt that way up until probably sometime during the last year or two. There are so many reasons for my way of thinking to change.<br /><br /><br />One day you look in the mirror and say, "OMG, when did that happen?" "Where was I?" " Where have I been?" Not having time, or taking time, as the case may be, to notice day to day changes, all of a sudden, you're don't look like the same person that you thought you were, but you still are!<br /><br /><br />That physical change is a given and will eventually happen to everyone. But it's all the other stuff that goes along with it that has been the hardest for me to deal with.<br /><br /><br />I still have a hard time convincing myself that I am still not 18 years old, that I still don't look like I'm 18 and sometimes even that I can't act like I'm 18. And therein lies the problem...<br /><br /><br />The number...<br /><br /><br />The number that changes everything that you are (whether it did or not).<br /><br /><br />You're 18, you can vote.<br /><br /><br />You're 21, you can drink.<br /><br /><br />You're in your 30's, you're thirtysomething.<br /><br /><br />You're 40, you're over the hill.<br /><br /><br />You're 50, you're ??? I don't know what...old?<br /><br /><br />Now you're 60...now you're REALLY old... Like that one day or one year made that much difference....The invites seem to be fewer...maybe you just don't belong or fit in anymore.<br /><br /><br />I've watched people I know turn into different people when they turn a certain age and it just seems to me that it's ONLY because they feel it's expected. Well, I'm just not into that!<br /><br /><br />Hating life? Only because of the perception of me that I feel is out there... People, I am still the same 18, 21, 30something, 40ish, 50ish and plain 60 year old person I always was...Don't take that away from me.<br /><br /><br />I still want the same things, I still want to do the same things, I still want to feel a part of your lives as much as I want you to be a part of mine. Don't take that away from me.<br /><br /><br />I became part of the blog world probably about 10 months ago...first as a stalker and then a real life blogger. The stories I've read, the 'friends' I've made, the knowledge I have come to know have definitely made me a better person. I am truly grateful for that...because in that I know that I will never be alone...<br /><br /><br />It has also made me more aware or my mortality....<br /><br /><br />But that being said...<br /><br /><br />I am hoping that I can truly live up to the following:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SiXUHZEyfAI/AAAAAAAAAZY/X7XztyG1dIw/s1600-h/!cid_E694B2DCD6284876BA173AF33605D8D6%40home88b752cc87.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342909756400106498" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SiXUHZEyfAI/AAAAAAAAAZY/X7XztyG1dIw/s400/!cid_E694B2DCD6284876BA173AF33605D8D6%40home88b752cc87.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio.. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SiXWm_9aIYI/AAAAAAAAAZg/_vVT-bzv_eg/s1600-h/!cid_9638BB3AA4004DC88D4469F9C851C64A%40home88b752cc87.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342912498437333378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SiXWm_9aIYI/AAAAAAAAAZg/_vVT-bzv_eg/s400/!cid_9638BB3AA4004DC88D4469F9C851C64A%40home88b752cc87.gif" /></a><br /><div><div></div><div>I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and Compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. </div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SiXXWu8a_FI/AAAAAAAAAZo/_DjcGdLRohU/s1600-h/!cid_ADA456EEF87941C8994FAFA9B48D710A%40home88b752cc87.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 206px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342913318503513170" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SiXXWu8a_FI/AAAAAAAAAZo/_DjcGdLRohU/s400/!cid_ADA456EEF87941C8994FAFA9B48D710A%40home88b752cc87.gif" /></a><br /><div></div><div>I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their Hair could turn silver.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SiXXr8hf0wI/AAAAAAAAAZw/bAcPvEcUVdQ/s1600-h/!cid_E694B2DCD6284876BA173AF33605D8D6%40home88b752cc87.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342913682925933314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SiXXr8hf0wI/AAAAAAAAAZw/bAcPvEcUVdQ/s400/!cid_E694B2DCD6284876BA173AF33605D8D6%40home88b752cc87.jpg" /></a> you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, But while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it). MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SiXYAzGhkkI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/U_x236gBFYA/s1600-h/!cid_F30C03C0B9E645B0ADD8A8F45969B0DC%40home88b752cc87.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 164px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 146px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342914041174135362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/SiXYAzGhkkI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/U_x236gBFYA/s400/!cid_F30C03C0B9E645B0ADD8A8F45969B0DC%40home88b752cc87.gif" /></a>MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER! FRIENDS FOREVER! </div><div><br />Scary...yes...but....</div><div></div><div>Thanks for letting me get that off my chest! </div><div></div><div>Comments are truly welcomed!<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037099313484256110.post-7980547965542031342009-05-26T22:52:00.010-04:002009-06-19T19:10:10.672-04:00Today is my birthday and I'll cry if I want to...Okay, today is my birthday...I won't lie...I was not looking forward to this one and I am hating life. But I'm hoping I can make that better.. So I am going to show you how my family celebrated this 'milestone' in photos but I will try to explain my take on it later on...later on...<br /><br />My kids had a pool party for me on Sunday and for the first time in over a week, it actually didn't rain. I thank you Mike, Susan, David and Lianna for this. And I have to thank all those who came. Random photos...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy6NhaNGBI/AAAAAAAAAZA/OTzdnjv3rkY/s1600-h/100_1139.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340347999623911442" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy6NhaNGBI/AAAAAAAAAZA/OTzdnjv3rkY/s400/100_1139.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy6NXwd9KI/AAAAAAAAAY4/L29gFKA1NKc/s1600-h/100_1140.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340347997032936610" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy6NXwd9KI/AAAAAAAAAY4/L29gFKA1NKc/s400/100_1140.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy6NCBDsxI/AAAAAAAAAYw/oGL_-HJxJM4/s1600-h/100_1141.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340347991196939026" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy6NCBDsxI/AAAAAAAAAYw/oGL_-HJxJM4/s400/100_1141.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy6MwdoohI/AAAAAAAAAYo/eNJ_zQy99mE/s1600-h/100_1142.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340347986484961810" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy6MwdoohI/AAAAAAAAAYo/eNJ_zQy99mE/s400/100_1142.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy6MW0S_jI/AAAAAAAAAYg/z2QxklzwcoU/s1600-h/100_1128.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340347979600690738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy6MW0S_jI/AAAAAAAAAYg/z2QxklzwcoU/s400/100_1128.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />And I want to say thanks for all the tweets I got from my twitterer friends, facebook birthday wishes, ecards, and look at these flowers I got from my sister! Aren't they gorgeous? Thank you Dottie and Larry!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy8e15bHnI/AAAAAAAAAZI/l1ejqodmmLM/s1600-h/100_1145.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340350496204594802" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_J9yDHbwTRUg/Shy8e15bHnI/AAAAAAAAAZI/l1ejqodmmLM/s400/100_1145.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01654097654421842249noreply@blogger.com1