sweet weekend

I'm staying at the farm this weekend. Its just me and the two ponies, Penny and Dee, and the two dogs, Reilly and Tootsie, and the two cats, Scampers and Scooter, and one extra large spider, Vince, who only has 7 legs... More about Vince another time.

It rained mostly yesterday but today is lovely so far. I'm on the deck soaking up some sunshine, enjoying the breeze, and admiring the view which includes the ponies way down yonder. The birds are singing lively tunes and the humming bird visits nearby often. The flowers are in full bloom all around me.

It is a lovely day to drink in the Lords creation.

birthday boy

Yesterday was my Handy-Hubby's birthday. It was a great day. Slept in slightly. Stopped at Sbux for coffee. Then out to the farm where we cleaned stalls, tried the grazing muzzle on Penny but couldn't bear to leave it on her. We admired her beautiful dark color for a while. She's so pretty. Then we lazed at home for a couple hours before heading to Pittsburgh for the Pirate/Reds game. We won! Wahoo! I even sent a text to the electronic board at the game... "Happy Birthday Ke-Ke Luv, JJ".

blessings monday

I am blessed with the Lords provision. We have a home, vehicles, jobs and a pantry full of goodies. Thank the Lord for the essentials and then some.

blessings monday

I am blessed with the Lords provision. We have a home, vehicles, jobs and a pantry full of goodies. Thank the Lord for the essentials and then some.

saturday snippets

Today was relaxing.handy-hubby was working all day. I did laundry and dishes and even took a nap. Spent a few sweet moments with my Honey and then dropped him off in Wexford. He's going to the big city for dinner and drinks with some work pals. They are celebrating a couple bdays. That's not my scene and I don't do crowds so I skipped out but he's cool with that. So... A quiet night it is! Love it.

friday was good

Work stress ugh!

Took Penny on a solo spin around the back woods. Started out sweet and slow. Half way the boogie man started stalking us and she was fired up. None the less we had a nice enough ride. She keeps me on my toes.

Love her.

Hubby-time now. G'night.

thankful thursday

My work has been incredibly stressful lately. To make matters worse my boss has been the victim of some sorely unfortunate circumstances. God bless him and give him the strength to endure.

I'm thankful for my barn-time most evenings. Its where I find my peace of mind. Penny is so precious and so beautifully golden...that paired with her sassy personality just warms my heart.

Tonight we rode for about an hour and a half. My body is adjusting well, getting stronger all the time. I'm doing some daily strengthening exercises at home and I think that's helping. Penny is maturing. She is brave and walks out nicely.

I am so thankful to have her. I'm thankful for Ke and Renee for making sure she found her way back. I thank the Lord for His faithfulness and answering my prayers.

blessings monday

I am counting the blessing of my wonderful Handy-Hubby. We remind ourselves often that God is the center of our marriage. I am blessed to have a spouse who puts my needs before his own. He loves me that much. I am so blessed.

progress... sweet progress

Our home was cluttered. Did no dishes or laundry all week. My excuse... My sweet pony was calling me out to play on all nice days.

Today I cooked cleaned did dishes and laundry. I changed the linens. I cleaned the bird cage.

Handy Hubby upon return from work proclaimed "Honey you busted your hump today.". He noticed. It makes me feel good.

And now I shall enjoy his company.

Easter

Happy Easter!

uh oh

I wrote a post from my BB and it went to the wrong blog. Uh

Out of Commission

Our old computer went caput. We turned it off, disconnected it, and cancelled our internet services. It's a shame, but at the same time it saves us a few bucks and it eliminates the distraction that steals us away from eachother and other more useful tasks. SO... so much for my blog for now. I still have email and I can post sporadically from other computers, but it's not the same.

Things are good. We are both working hard. Handy-Hubby's car died a few times and after sinking over $1200 into it, we traded it in on a new big-bad-truck... I call it "Big Bird."

Penny is well and has behaved this spring so far... although we've only been on one ride. I'm ready for more! How about some sunshine!!!

That's about it... same ol' same ol'

Maybe someday we'll get the computer fixed or a new one??? Right now it's just not on the top of our list.

Take care all...

The After Christmas Card

We did not send Christmas cards this year. I actually feel somewhat guilty as I open cards from family and friends that I rarely see and remember that I did not even send them a little hello this year. I thought maybe I'd send an "After Christmas Card." What do you think? Or maybe I should do one of those holiday letters that some people do. Hmmm...



The past year was full of ups and downs. I'm not even sure what was happening a full year ago. Let's see...



My Mother-in-law became gravely ill this past year. Getting out of town to be at her bedside was not an easy task. As it goes, we were able to meet up with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law at the airport half-way and we visited while we sped our way into the night just to arrive at the hospital in time to catch the surgeons report after emergency surgery. It was a difficult time, but she grew stronger slowly and steadily. Even after we departed, my Handy-hubby would return every couple of weeks to check on his family and see what he could do to assist around the house. We thank the Lord for his healing touch.



In the summer I was able to bring back the love of my life... my pony. This was the highlight of my year by far. Most of you know the long story about her, but those that don't... just know that when you set a loved one free and it comes back to you... it's meant to be. The Lord heard the pining of my heart from the separation from her and answered many prayers. My bestest friend went way out of her way to help me get her home and to find a place for her to stay. Now she's in a new home and loves it. I love it. I love to take care of her. I love to brush her and spoil her and I'm happy to say that I've put a few miles on her this year. :) I even took a spill... first time in at least 10 years! First time ever off of her! WOW! I'm all recovered now.



Also this summer my Handy Hubby went to another Nascar race. He was delighted to have gotten Keifer Sutherland's autograph and many others. He is now fully set with racing attire... hats, t-shirts, and the like. He LOVES racing. Oh and his other sporty love is football. He got an authentic Steelers jersey for Christmas. He didn't want to take it off! I practically had to bribe him out of it!



The car inspection was an ordeal this year. The Saturn has pretty much run its course with us. Our good old trusted mechanic gave us a run for our money this time. After calling every day for a 2 weeks asking how much money it was going to cost and getting no answers I was a little irrate to say the least. In the end I was so furious and trying so hard not to be ignorant, but the mechanic's response was stuttered "I-I-I We-We-We..." I think I made my point. They appeased me by not charging us any labor fees, only the inspection fee and actual repairs. It's a good thing. The car is inspected for another year, but we'll be hard pressed to go through that scenario again. The search is on for the next vehicle, but not for a while yet. We need pay off the Corolla and figure out what the best next vehicle is going to be. Of course we both have differing opinions... so we'll see.



Our jobs are nothing to brag about. My Handy-hubby continues to work for Starbucks Corporation. He made a move to a different store this year. He likes what he does and thrives in the social environment that it provides. I love that he loves his job. The economy is cutting some of his hours. That's not a good thing. My job is forever challenging, stressful, and overtime is expected. After losing a co-worker last year we had a temp worker for a full year before the institution pulled the plug on that. I'm supposed to get some help from another avenue, but we'll see how that pans out as the upcoming days unfold. Overall I do love what I do. It protects not just the hospital, but the community as well.



My Dad's health has declined and at least one of his doctors indicates the severity of his illnesses. All of us kids have reached out from time to time to assist him with whatever needs he may have; however it is difficult to realize the actuality of the deterioration. The Zombecks have made lifestyle changes right alongside him and assisted with meal-planning and the like. Mom is taking him swimming occasionally. It is very important for the both of them to exercise on a regular basis, especially in this phase of their lives. Trying to maintain the focus that overcomes poor health choices is a battle we all face. It's no great wonder that I struggle with it myself. We celebrated Christmas with my Mom & Dad by taking them to the Symphony. This was my first show of this sort. It was an interesting trip. I do thank the Lord for special times with my parents and ask for continued healing and increased focus and incentive for improving their health status and especially strength for my Mom who is my Dad's primary caretaker, that she will fully embrace her role as his helper and caretaker. I am grateful that she is a nurse and able to understand the needs of a diabetic husband.



We visited Kentucky again for Christmas. My Mother-in-law was again recently hospitalized with chest pain and my Handy-Hubby's grandma was hospitalized with some health problems that will become bigger issues as time goes on. She did get home for Christmas, and we did get to spend some time with her. She has an apartment in a building that used to be a school. It's an interesting place with very high ceilings and windows. My in-laws have a new dog, Toodles. He's still a puppy, a minature poodle. I'm not much of a dog fan, but he does have a cute personality. We also got to visit with our nephew, Hayden for several days. He likes unwrapping presents, but could pretty much care less about what's inside. He's so darling.



It is difficult to witness the declining health of loved ones. It's even more so difficult to be so far away and unable to do practical things to help out. If we learned nothing else this year we have learned how precious our parents are to us and to cherish each moment with them.

Welcome To The Chirstmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends

Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Wrapping paper is way more fun to unwrap, but bags are pretty too. I think bags are the "easy way out" for wrapping gifts, but I also have to admit that I do use them sometimes.

Real tree or Artificial?

REAL please, but it's not always practical. We have an artificial tree. It never compares to the real thing, but with two kitties and no kiddos... why bother with the real thing?

When do you put up the tree?

Sometime shortly after Thanksgiving. No specifics.

When do you take the tree down?

Sometime shortly after New Years. Also, not specific.

Do you like eggnog?

It's ok, but I'm not gung-ho about it. My handy-hubby likes it tho.

Favorite gift received as a child?

Probably jewelry from cousin Steve. He once gave me a gold necklace with a heart pendant that had 2 rubies in it. I still have it. It is the first real jewelry I can ever remember getting.

Easiest person to buy for?

My handy-hubby. He gives me a million ideas and I know what will make him smile.

Do you have a nativity scene?

No.

Mail or email Christmas cards?

Mail please. I have trouble keeping up with my emails and sometimes its difficult to download them. I love snail-mail, so that's my pick. Also, I have been known to recycle Christmas cards from past years by cutting the picture and using it as a gift-tag. Sorry friends, we aren't sending cards this year. As much as I enjoy it... it's not in the time or funding budgets. Gotta cut somewhere...

Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Can't remember any bad ones.

Favorite Christmas Movie?

"Christmas Vacation"

When do you start shopping for Christmas?

I shop all year round.

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Yes. As a matter of fact, our very first married Christmas was a very poor one. My father-in-law gave us $100 gift-card that arrived before Christmas. We used it to buy eachother presents.

Favorite thing about Christmas?

Anticipation. I love surprises. Also time off to relax and enjoy.

Lights on the tree?

Yes. I think that white lights are most elegant, although occasionally the colored ones are pretty too. I will also take the opportunity to say that Christmas lights are made for a certain kind of tree. I think that lights strung around a maple or oak type of tree is tacky... real tacky! Especially when they run out of lights half way up the tree.

Favorite Christmas song?

Away In A Manger (sweet pony hay)

Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Yes please. If we aren't traveling, then I want somebody to travel to us.

Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s?

Of course, but I'm not going to give it away for the next guy.

Angel on the tree top or a star?

Angels are prettier.

Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Usually Christmas morning, but my handy-hubby and I like to have a private one-on-one gift exchange, so that is sometimes on Christmas Eve. Besides, if he gets me something pretty I might want to wear it on Christmas?

Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

Crowds and traffic. I can't stand people in stores that aren't respectful of other peoples space. (yes I have a space issue) I don't like it when someone with a cartload of goodies is pressing me forward through a line or bumping into me.

Favorite ornament theme or color?

That's three things!

1) Ornament - the ugly ones! We have an ugly ornament contest and that is the life of the party.

2) Theme - I like to remember the religious aspect of the celebration. It's Jesus's birthday. That's pretty cool. It's a reminder that our Savior is both 100% man and 100% God.

3) Color(s) - burgundy and gold

Favorite Thing for Christmas dinner?

My mother-in-laws tea ring and cranberry nut bread. YUM!

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Top items on my list this year are...

New pitchfork - a green one please, just like I used to have

Breastcollar with running attachment for my pony

Socks for work - you know, to go with dress clothes

Fuzzy slippers - because I'm too cheap to buy them for myself

Pasta bowls - I have always wanted these

Jewelry - my handy-hubby is all over this one

Belgian Waffle maker - YUMMO!

Warm but lightweight barn boots would be a plus.

Dish towels - one can never have enough of those

Snow Christmas morning?

A white Christmas has always been lovely.

Feel free to play along... grab the questions and insert your own answers. Then post on your blog!

Just Stuff

It's C-O-L-D, but our home is warm at 70 degrees. We have to keep it at least that warm for the sake of our birds. The kitties don't mind, with their furry coats. They scout around for a ray of sun and then plop down and soak it up. Penny on the other hand... she's living in the fridgid temperatures. Once locked inside for the night with her other three pals, the temperature rises and she's roasty toasty for the night. It's warm enough that the water does not freeze in the barn, so that is good. Besides, she's got a nice thick fluffy coat of fur to keep her warm.

I got a new pair of jeans at Old Navy's $12 jean sale last week. I wasn't too keen on them at first, but my handy hubby says they are slimming. I guess I'll keep them then. As a matter of fact... I might just wear them every day!

Work has been overwhelming lately. I'm more behind now than I've ever been. I hate that feeling. I was already sore for not being effecient after losing a co-worker, but now it's even worse. My boss is trying to help me. Deadlines are looming over our heads. Important projects are being put on hold for things with greater priority. Overtime is standard right now. It would be nice if I got paid for overtime... I guess I'm banking a lot of comp-time to add to my 5+ weeks of vacation I've saved up.

Looking forward to the Holidays. One day I gathered up all of our loose change and took it to the bank. $152 later I think it was worth it. My Handy Hubby claimed it to buy me a Christmas present. He's sweet. He's never had that much money to spend on me before. I did some babysitting a month or two ago and used that money to buy him a nice gift. It's something I know he'll love. Thanks to my sister for assisting me with getting it. Various other gifts were purchased a little here and a little there. We don't have a lot of room in our budget for gifts, but we do try to be thoughtful, creative, practical, and frugal.

My side of the family does not have an adult gift-exchange. Years ago we all did, and then kids came along and lets face it... we all wanted to spoil them. So we started drawing names from a hat for the adults. That was fun for a couple of years, but it's been at least a year or two since we've done that. Seriously, for adults... I think that husbands and wives should spoil one another and aside from that it's about the kids.

I do like to do something special for my parents at Christmas time. Last year we decided that we would not be buying them anymore things that they probably don't need or don't have room for anymore. We think it is more precious to spend some quality time with them. They don't go to "town" as in "Pittsburgh" much if at all. They don't go to social events other than church, work, or family gatherings. So we like to take them for something that they would not normally attend. Last year we saw the Raleigh Ringers in concert at the Soldiers and Sailors museum. This year, tonight actually, we are going to Heinz Hall to see Handel's Messiah. This is such a festive thing to do and such a nice little tradition to do with my folks. We are really looking forward to it.

We plan to celebrate Christmas with my Handy-hubby's family this year. Christmas Eve dinner at his Aunt's house has always been a grand affair. Each year it seems I fit into his family a little more. It's a shame that we live so far away. Christmas with my family will likely occur closer to New Years day... one never knows though. If we can pull ourselves away from the hustle and bustle of life before that, then perhaps we will make a surprise visit to the little ones?

My sister is expecting again, number F-I-V-E!!! Her first 4 will be here to celebrate New Years. That should be grand. We are planning to ring in the new year with a few drinks, snacks, and games at our place with the usual New Years day dinner the following day.

That pretty much sums up the happenings of late and the happenings in planning. I best go get ready for our night out.

Happy Holidays

I had my head examined... literally.

My neck is not just sore. It is OUCHY. The only way I can describe it is to imagine your head pressing, almost crushing down upon your spine and sholders. I never dreamed that my little mishap last weekend would cause me any lingering harm. I figured I'd be sore for a couple days and then snap out of it. Yes, I was sore for a couple of days, but this neck pain is for the birds. I really didn't even hit my head. My hip and shoulder absorbed the impact, but maybe there might have been some whiplash or something.

I went to see my doctor's associate. She is a DO and I thought perhaps she might jump in and manipulate my spine, but noooooooooo... She said that the cervical spine is the LAST area she recommends manipulating and not without x-rays first taboot. She gave me a script for the x-rays and some muscle relaxers that are NOT supposed to make me too tired and suggests that I save them for when I'm really hurting, maybe evenings and nights. Good idea. Alas, the pharmacy could not fill my order today, so I shall get them tomorrow. Until then... ibuprofen is my friend.

I'm waiting to hear back about my films and what other direction she might have for me. Until then... ouchy ouchy ouchy!!!!

This Weeks Grub

I need to get back to my menu planning habit. I got a few good deals at the grocery store this weekend. Chuck/Arm Roasts were BOGO - FANTASTIC!!! I also got some cheater-mashed potatoes for 30 cents a box. Steamfresh veggies were on sale for $1/bag and I had a couple coupons, so I stocked up. I also got some good pasta for half-price.

Here is the menu for the week, in no particular order:

1. Crockpot Chicken - boneless chicken cooked all day long in a sauce of cream of chicken soup and some seasoning. We might have this with rice, or maybe stuffing. Not decided yet. AND as always... a vegetable.


2. Pot Roast - served with mashed potatoes and vegetables.


3. Beef Vegetable soup with barley (from left-overs)


4. Pasta with marinara sauce served with salad


5. Breakfast - pancakes

Want to share your menu and see what other's are serving up this week? Go to I'm An Organizing Junkie and link up... browse a while while you are there.

Blessings Monday

This morning I am counting the blessing of warmth. More than a year ago, our furnace quit on the first REALLY cold day. It wasn't long until the new furnace was installed. We've been plenty warm ever since. As I gazed out the window this morning, clutching my warm cup of tea, I noticed a dusting of snow on the ground. Brrrrrrr... Tis the season.

Thank God for the warmth of our furnace, fluffy soft blankets, flannel sheets and jammies, thick socks, and a snuggly spouse.

Have a blessing to share? Stop over to Down On The Farm and link up. Give a blessing. Get a blessing.

Sneak Peak Sunday

I truly don't even remember all of the past week's activity, but I can hit on some highlights:

Friday night I got my nephews, Paul and Daniel, for a couple hours in the evening. I gave them choices of what we could do and they scrutinized over the pros and cons of each idea before proclaiming that they would like to go shopping at Walmart. I have to say, this is not the option I would have chosen. Perhaps they thought they could talk me into buying them some new toys??? I have no idea. At one point Paul told me that Walmart has the best selection of toys. And Daniel added "for the best prices." The truth is that we always purchase some items for at least one child on the "Angel Tree" at church. The children who's names are not revealed, are children who are not expecting to receive gifts for Christmas. We have done this each year since we got married, except for one year when we were just simply too poor ourselves. But this time I let Paul and Daniel choose, within a particular price limit, what they would want for Christmas. Little did they know that I might actually pack up these items for THEM and get our Angel Tree children something else. After all, I did get them to agree that this is truly what they would pick for themselves. HA!!! At least I know they'll like their gifts. They were so particular. They fussed over prices and added the prices of smaller items together to see if they would have enough. "Does the tax count?" Daniel asked. "Is it a big deal if it's a few cents over?" Paul chimed in. "What can I get if I have a dollar left over? A pack of gum?" Daniel added. They were so funny.

After the shopping spree, we had enough time to hit Chuck E Cheese. A pizza and a pile of tokens later we were lost in the world of game playing and ticket grabbing. Paul asked me to ride the roller coaster game with him and it was fun. Daniel was more concerned with playing for tickets. We hit the jackpot on one game THREE times. They combined their tickets and had almost 400 to choose a prize. I tried to talk them into barrettes and bangle bracelets, but they would have none of that. Daniel got an eye patch and something else that was tiny, while Paul chose a gooey squishy green lizard thing that I was fearing might loose its green guts in my car. On the way home they were discussing how many eye patches they could have got for all their points. They chuckled at the idea of getting enough eye patches to give everyone at least one, if not two a piece for Christmas. HA! They are too funny. The boys thanked me for the date. They are so sweet. It was a good time.

Saturday morning my Girls Group reconvened after having a few months off. Oh how I missed my lady friends and the intimate study of the Lords word. I'm looking forward to continuing that in the months to come.

The other highlight of my weekend was another ride on my crazy, I mean sweet, pony. I should have known that a chilly windy day was not the day to ride, but I just can't help myself. I don't want to miss any opportunities to go, especially since I have so many to catch up on to make up for those years she was far far away. Well, as we crested the top of the first big hill, some birds were a flutter in the trees. The other horse spooked first, and Penny followed. I lost my balance, but thought I could regain it when she spun in a circle and off I went! Ahhhh!!!! Just for the record... I haven't fallen off a horse for a good 10 years, and this is the absolute FIRST time I've fallen off my sweet Penny. Luckily, she's not too tall so it's not that far to the ground. I landed on my hip and rolled 3 times before picking myself up and catching my frantic sidekick. Moments later I brushed myself off and got right back on. It wasn't her fault. She wasn't trying to dump me. I just didn't have a good enough grip this time. The rest of the ride was full of anticipation of the next spook. It's the wind I tell ya. It whips up between her legs or something. She was a little jumpy today. I saw spots for about an hour after the fall. Honestly, I don't think I hit my head. But later when she spooked my back cracked. Rene'e mentioned that maybe something was out of alignment from the fall and then re-adjusted when my back cracked. I'm not sure of the timing of when my sight went normal again, but it does make me wonder. I'm going to have to chat with one of my doctor friends about that.

Keith is watching football. We had a nice bowl of soup for an early dinner. I took three ibuprofen and a hot shower. Oh how I'm dreading my work this week. I'm REALLY behind in things and quickly approaching deadlines. There is just never enough time to accomplish everything these days.

And that's a sneak peak at my weekend...

Tuesdays With Jen... My Memoirs

There is an annual event at the county home in the spring. Teams of working horses and mules and tractor enthusiasts come and perform the public service of plowing the gardens. I have attended this event on a number of occasions. While I do not have any "working" horses or mules, I am exposed to a pair that belong to a friend.

Here I am (a couple years back)... Plowing. The hard way. Actually, I had the easy job of driving the team. These are draft mules, Matilda and Merlin.