Geocaching

I have been hiking a good bit the last couple of months.  Running is fine, but hiking is a much more exciting kind of exercise.  I’m really enjoying it.  I always was an outdoor type person anyway.  For my birthday, Keith bought me a GPS and hiking shoes.  He’s a gem!  I went out with my friend and her family yesterday at North Park.  I logged my first 4 cache finds.  I even logged them on www.geocaching.com 

 

This is an interesting activity.  I can’t say that any of the cache’s were overly exciting.  Maybe they were for the kids.  For me it was more about finding the destination, although it was neat to see what was left behind in the box.  After sharing about the experience with Keith last evening, we were trying to think of a trinket that we could leave  behind that is standard for us.  His idea:  monkeys from the Barrel of Monkey’s toy.  Interesting.  So if you followed us from cache to cache you could end up with a Barrel of Monkeys. LOL

 

I was surprised with the number of cache’s on the map.  They are everywhere, even less than a mile from home.  This activity may become a traditional part of our vacations.  There are cache’s all over the world.  Keith even wants to buy a ‘bug’ and give it a destination of Palm Springs, where he would then ask his sister to go find it.  Great idea.  We will see. 

 

My final thought before I wrap this up… last night I dreamed that we planted our own cache on our anniversary.  I have no idea where we put it, but it had a wedding theme of trinkets and a poem about our anniversary.  I cannot remember the poem.  Can you believe I was writing poetry in my sleep?  The trinkets were a bottle of bubbles, a candle, some of those wedding bands like you tie onto favors, and packets of daisy seeds representing my flowers.  WOW… this was a really cool idea.

 

Doesn’t it make YOU want to go geocaching?!  Check out www.geocaching.com to find cache’s near you and for more information about how it works.  

Post Birthday Thoughts

I got some birthday money.  Thank you very much… you know who you are.  I put it in the savings account for safe keeping.  I’m still thinking about what I’d like to spend it on.  I thought about buying the cast-iron grilling skillet that I’ve been eyeing up for a while.  I can always use new clothes and shoes.  I would kind of like a new bridle for my horse.  I’d also like to invest in some riding breeches, but they are kind of expensive and I have to order them via mail so I can’t try them on first.  I really like Robert Duncan artwork.  There are some photos I’d like to have printed/framed.  Hiking gear?  I’m enjoying hiking at least once a week for the past month.  It beats the treadmill any day!  I’m going to try geocaching, but I don’t have a GPS yet.  The one I want is the Garmin eTrex Venture.  I’ve researched this.  It seems like the best model and accessories for the price.  There are cheaper models with less features, but you have to pay more for accessories.  Amazon has it for $116 compared to Dicks $169, but I don’t have THAT much birthday money.  The nice thing is that we have all that we need.  It’s fun to think about what to buy with unplanned money in the budget.  We are so blessed to be provided for and to not be left wanting at the moment.  God is good.  I think I’ll hold that money until I get the nudge on what I should really need it for. 

Family Photo Friday

LETTER "B" = Birthday Ride

Loved it!

Family Photo Friday is hosted at According to Jemit

Tuesdays With Jen – My Memoirs

August 17th is my birthday.  I share that with a cousin and a brother-in-law.  There is no such thing as Christmas in July… It’s Christmas in August with my family.  I don’t have many significant birthday memories.  I remember Mom making a cake with several layers, one for each of the August birthdays.  I remember one year as a teenager that nobody remembered it was my birthday until it was over.  That was kind of depressing.  What’s the big deal about birthdays anyway?  It is nice to get cards and to have that feeling like it’s okay to spoil myself just this one day.  I guess I’m getting older, but I still don’t feel old except maybe first thing in the morning when my knees don’t want to bend to go downstairs.  I wish I could look back and say remember that one birthday…. but I just don’t.  (and it’s not because I’m too old to remember… yet!)  LOL 

Blessings Monday

My bosses wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  She’s in her early 40’s.  They have 4 lovely children.  She is heart-broken, afraid, angry, sad, frustrated, the works.  It’s a very sad thing.  She will have surgery with hopes of survival, but they still don’t know the extent of the cancer yet.  She has had some other symptoms that could point to a rather bleak future.  My heart aches for this family and the trials they will face in the days to come.  It’s situations like these that remind us to count our blessings every day. 

 

I’m grateful for the blessing of health and happiness.  God has blessed me with a wonderful husband, whom I adore.  I’m counting my blessings in abundance right now. 

 

Prayers for this family are appreciated. 

 

  

Count Your Blessings Monday is hosted by Marcy over at Down On The Farm.

Saturday’s Savings & Meal Planning

Ok that’s it!  We MUST re-focus!  FOCUS people!!!!

 

We ate out twice this past week.  We spent almost our whole weekly grocery budget doing it.  Why?  Lack of preparation.  Why?  Lack of focus!  Seriously!!!  We have to get a grip!

 

I did successfully deter the desire to shop at Sam’s Club today.  Don’t get me wrong, there are some deals to be found there.  It’s just dangerous to shop without a list or even an idea of what we need.  YES!  Won that battle. 

 

Used a coupon for a free fruit smoothie at McDonalds.  It probably had too much sugar in it, but it was cold, tasty, and FREE!

 

I must plan our weekly meals before I go in search of the deals at the grocery…  Hmmm…

 

Mexican Bake – I have most of the ingredients already.

Personal Size Pizzas – I have them in the freezer, just need thawed.

Chicken – I have that in the freezer.  Would love to grill it but we aren’t using our grill… so maybe not.  :(

Ham Slice – will need to get that.

Spaghetti – I have that too.

 

So to recap, my grocery list consists of…  salad makings, fruit for snacks, a ham slice, sour cream & milk.  That’s it!  How do I do that?  Why couldn’t I put this together the two nights we went out? Oh, I was exhausted and didn’t want to fire up the oven.  I’d like to try some make-ahead meals, but I’m not sure when I can get that done. 

 

I feel good just having this plan.  :)

Sweet Vacation… It’s never long enough.

We went hiking at Salt Springs State Park.  It was SO worth it!

 

 

Wow! How about that look?!

She HATES the mask. She despises the mask. She abhores the mask! It is a necessary evil. One good thing is that she gets a treat in it every time I put it on her. She EXPECTS that treat. It's the only reason she even lets me put it on her. Silly girl. It's better than a girdle. Poor Baby.

On Our Way Home...

We stopped at this most incredible bridge-like structure just to gawk. Wow it's huge! We couldn't pass up the photo opportunity. Perfect sky... such a beautiful site!

Thursday’s Thankful Heart

 

My Daily Thankfulness Journal stayed home while we were on vacation last week.  A few sites, moments, or thoughts I cherish and am thankful for are:

• Time OFF work!
• Having a plan, a list, a direction.
• Lovely drive with good conversation.
• He loaded the car & unloaded it.
• Comfortable and Free accommodations.
• Steam rising from the water in the morning.
• The sun reflecting off of the water.
• The joy of catching a fish.
• The bigger joy of watching HIM catch fish!
• The sounds of the birds singing.
• God’s beautiful creation.
• He went hiking with me.  He helped me up the steep hills and over gigantic logs, always watching out for me.  Such a sweet gentleman.
• We shared a cool drink.
• The wild sounds of the nieces and nephews discovering our arrival.  So precious!
• The excitement of giving them cheesy gifts for birthdays past.
• Delicious meals provided and shared by family.
• Children vying for my attention.
• Wine tasting.  Mmmm…
• Beautiful sites.
• Snuggling with my man.
• He rubbed my feet. (again)
• Plenty of food prepared in advance this week.
• He said my lasagna was delicious!  Yay!
• He’s thinking about our future and considering a possible investment.
• A special date with my niece, Essie.  She brushed all the horses and they loved it.
• Life, family, journey…

Thursday’s Thankful Heart

Here are some snippets of my Daily Thankfulness Journal:

General Thankfulness

• Cool morning breeze
• The sound of the pouring rain
• Sweet tasting ham steak
• Good health
• Date Night
• Sleeping next to my Sweetie
• Found a simple recipe for a deodorizer that works
• Quiet moments alone
• Dishes DONE!
• Teamwork at work
• Phone call from a friend
• A/C in my car!!!
• Sweet cuddly kitties
• Falling asleep in my Sweeties arms
• Taste of fresh super-cold milk
• Family time with the Hubby
• Coffee and Bible Study with my Lady friends
• Laughing with friends
• Quiet ride in the car with sweet reflections
• Squeaky clean shiny truck

About My Husband

• He asked to go on a date
• He helped me get caught up on dish washing
• He did NOT scold me for giving the cats a few tastes of ham during dinner (they love ham)
• He fixed the A/C in my car (or found the solution)
• He went horseback riding with me and said it wasn’t long enough
• He thanked me for making him coffee
• He left for an overnight trip and said he wishes I could go along
• He found my Daily Thankfulness Journal and asked if he could read it.  :)

Wednesday’s C.O.W. – Coupon Of Wisdom

Romans 7:15-17

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

 

This was the topic of discussion with some friends lately.  I’ve been thinking a lot about FOCUS.  Isn’t that the answer to almost every ill?  We can lose weight, meet a special goal, keep a cleaner home, save a few dollars, etc… IF we focus!  I can’t always keep my focus where I want it.  I can for a while, but then I lose it and have to start over.  Why is that?  It’s the sinful nature living within.  So in my quest to accomplish much, part of that is learning what tangible things I can do to squash the sinful nature and latch onto continual focus!  It’s a documented fact that the most significant key to weight loss is…. keeping a journal of every single item consumed.  That’s what helps keep the focus!  What are some tangible ways to stay focused in other areas?  Here are some of my ideas… 

• Keep a journal.  What kind?  I’m currently keeping a journal of thankfulness.  I wonder what would happen if I kept of journal of sinful thoughts, words, or actions?  Ouch!  That would not be pretty!  I suppose it could be very helpful with confession and repentance.  I’m not sure I’m ready for this one, but it might be a good tool.  Hmmmm…
• Surround  yourself with those who are positive and working towards the same goals.  That’s why I participate in my Bible Study groups.  It helps me to stay grounded, in the Word, and reminds me that I’m not the only one struggling with lack of focus!  A good support mechanism is essential to success.
• Tap into resources.  Books, magazines, support groups, visual aids, etc.  I want to get back to running.  I ordered a fitness magazine.  It comes once every month.  Just getting it makes me want to read it and that helps me get back to it. 

What else?  Got any ideas?  How do we win the battle of focus!

Tuesdays With Jen – My Memoirs

Random things I remember from being a teenager:

 

• Trips to Penn State main campus for FFA week
• Loved my Penn State t-shirts from the above trip
• Tie dyed t-shirt that I wore until it completely wore out
• Every day on the way to my job at the stable (in the summer) I stopped at McCormick’s Market for a diet Pepsi and a brownie.  That was my usual lunch aside from the occasional Marburger Buttermilk with Doritos.  Mmmmmm…
• I used to run
• Riding my horse at least 6 days a week
• I had a phone with gigantic buttons and it would click before it rang, so I could answer it without anyone else knowing that a call was coming in
• Grandma made me breakfast every morning (school days)  It was either fried potatoes or grapefruit that she pealed and skinned. 
• We used to ride by the pool to catch a glimpse of the lifeguards there. 
• Dates with a few boys… some good some bad
• Showing my horse at the Fair
• Showing my lambs at the Farm Show
• Working Saturday’s at Market

Blessings Monday

I am so blessed.  I have a loving husband.  I have an adequate home that is affordable for us.  I have a job that I enjoy with a boss that is exceptional.  I have a reliable car.  I experience the sites, smells, and sounds of the world around me created by the Almighty God.  I have friends and family nearby.  The Lord has provided a freezer and pantry full of sustenance.  I have a closet full of clothes to wear.  I have my pony and her home is affordable.  I have a heart that wants to be pure, seeking righteousness each day. 

 

Thank you Lord for these blessings that remind me of your presence in my life. 

Selfless Sunday

Yesterday was an entirely lazy day here at home.  Neither of us needed to be up early and we had gone on a date the night before.  I was still the first to crawl out of bed, so I went and made a fresh pot of coffee for my Sweetie.   He really appreciated it. 

 

K spent a few evening hours mowing grass and then washing and waxing the truck.  By the time we retreated to the bedroom for the night, he was complaining of having achy shoulders.  I massaged his shoulders for a good long while.  I know he appreciated it and it made me feel good to spoil him. 

 

An old friend/acquaintance was in the hospital this week.  I took some time to visit and wish him well.  I think those who are ill and especially those in the hospital appreciate when people take time to visit and wish them well. 

 

Another friend is vacationing this week and was looking for a small cooler to take along.  I just happened to have one she could borrow.  She said it was the perfect size and really appreciated it. 

 

Still another friend is on vacation (different friend this time).  I’m making sure that all the horses are cared for and that the barn is cleaned every day.  I’m also trying to desensitize her horse to being sprayed with the hose.  He’s such a chicken.  The few times I’ve seen her spray him he’s pretty much run circles around her.  I can’t stand it.  (my horse stands still and I don’t even have to hold her)  So I’ve been spraying him every day and insisting that he stand still.  He’s come a long way.  I can’t wait to show her the progress!  Honestly I think the horse actually enjoys the discipline. 

 

I need to be less lazy about selfless things… Have any ideas to share? 

Saturday’s SBavings & Meal Planning

We saved BIG this Saturday because we didn’t do our weekly shopping.  My Sweetie will be traveling this weekend to visit some of his family and there will also be a couple of days this week that we also won’t be eating at home…. sooooooooo  we don’t need much.  As a matter of fact I suspect that there is enough in the freezer and pantry to sustain us for the week.  Yay!

 

So meal plans???

• Breakfast night… either pancakes or eggs & bacon
• Chicken with rice
• Beef stroganoff with side-salad

 

We need to revisit our household budget here very soon.  I recently received word that the last 18 months of my student loan payments have doubled.  We’ve been stretching to save and hoping to one day buy our own home.  It kind of feels like this puts a dent in our plans, but it’s almost paid in full, so that keeps us positive.  Any time we can pay off a debt we are delighted.  We’ve been quite successful in getting OUT of most of our debt and not taking on much more.  We did buy a truck a little over a year ago, but it was much needed after my hubby drove his car for more than 10 years.  Hopefully we’ll find a way to stretch some areas and/or eliminate others. 

Family Photo Friday

These were not taken this week, but in May 2010. We were visiting family in Cincinnati and went to the Conservatory to see the Butterfly exhibit. Such beautiful specimens.

Family Photo Friday is hosted by According To Jemit

Stop over there to puruse and participate!

Thursday’s Thankful Heart

Here are a few things I’ve recorded in my Daily Thankfulness Journal lately…

General Thankfulness

• Good honest tire guy
• Boss that lets me have a flexible schedule
• Sweet lovins from the kitty
• Leftover roast beef Mmmmm
• Squeal of a greeting from my pony – She’s happy to see me!
• Sweet and spicy Asian meat Yummo!
• Overpaid the cable bill, amount due $0, YAY!!!
• Old memories uncovered and relived for a moment
• New fancy stick-its for personal notes (Thanks Becky!)
• Clean barn :)

About my Husband

• He asked me to sew something for him.
• He has a positive attitude about a potential job change
• He looked so sharp today!
• He did not take offense to my constructive criticism
• He let me drive the truck
• He opened the door for me
• He put his clean clothes away
• He said he liked what I made for dinner

Wednesday’s C.O.W. “Coupon Of Wisdom”

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Our friends have endured the heartache of not one but multiple miscarriages.  I search but cannot find words that will help fill that void and make them feel better.  I am so very sad for them.    In times like these I cling to the hope of the word of God. 

Tuesdays With Jen – My Memoirs

This past weekend I cleaned out a few things that were being stored in our back room in the basement.  I stumbled upon an old scrap book that had a few misc. items tucked inside.  The scrap book was from my senior year of high school.  There were pictures, 3newspaper clippings, and misc. keepsakes from my travels and activities back then. 

 

I was in the FFA.  I was a leader of my local chapter.  I received the DeKalb award, one of the highest awards afforded to high school FFA students.  It made the newspaper and the article said that I was planning to pursue Agriculture Education.  Really?  What?  I don’t even remember how that came about.  And why didn’t I pursue it?  I might have been a good one! 

 

I also found some pictures.  I don’t have them scanned yet, but I wish I did.  My best friend and I went to JCPenney and had our portraits taken together.  I wish you could see the outfits and the hair!!!!  This is early 90’s!!!  We look so young!

 

I found a letter from an old acquaintance that I worked with at the stable.  I have occasionally wondered what ever became of him.  His hometown was Harrisville, PA and if I remember correctly he wanted to become a vet, with equine interest.  I wonder if I can find him on Facebook?  Hmmm…

 

I found two love letters from a guy that I went on a couple dates with.  The funny thing is that I remember his first name and what he looked like, but not his last name.  He must have made quite an impression????  The letters were sweet but at this point in my life they make me laugh.  He wrote “every night before I go to sleep I pray that I will have a chance with you.”  Seriously?  Even funnier… I don’t even remember exchanging letters with this boy.  Sorry Pal. 

 

I didn’t even know this scrap book existed until I stumbled upon it.  It’s amazing the things we forget as time goes by.