weekend snippets

My HandyHubby's Mom and Step-Dad were in to visit this weekend. We've tackled the weekend festivities rather casualy.

Friday night we went to the barn. Mom and K brushed Penny and spopiled them all. We drank in the beauty of the farm scenery there. It was delightful.

Mom and I spent some quality time shopping. I got 2 birthday gifts. Now they need wrapped.

Last night we went to the Fair. We spent some time looking at the animals. The drafts have to be my favorite! I also especially liked the bunnies. I want one so bad!!! K isn't on board with that idea just yet. Maybe someday? They look so soft and cuddly!
Today we went for a liesurely Sunday drive that took us to thr glass blowing center. The demonstration was fascinating. I've seen it a few times and its still interesting to me. Mom bought herself a pair of earring. They are really neat.
I cooked a few things this weekend. Sweet Ham with cheddar mashed potatoes and green beans... Enchilada casserole... Catalina pasta salad-YUM... And we've had an array of snacks as well.

The visiting will sadly come to an end in the morning, for me anyway. I have to work and they will depart before I'm home.

Hope you all had a safe and happy July 4th.

Tuesday's Stuff

Not much happening. I'm off work tomorrow. Gonna clean house like the president's comin... But its not the president... Its my MIL and her hubby, Jim. Yay!!! Just as important as the president tho. :)

I worked today. Same ol' stuff. My desk is over flowing with work. I'm mentally exhausted. I need a vacation so bad!!! Thank God I have a reason to leave work every evening. Otherwise I'd lose my mind. I am thankful to have gainful employment. I hate to complain but sometimes I just have to vent.

Keith gave his sermon last weekend. I'm very proud of him. He really stepped out of the boat with the courage to speak. All I can say is "God is so faithful." Its awesome!

That's all for now. Gonna rest up. Wish I had an influx of energy now, but I don't.

Speaking of Anniversaries...

As of tomorrow... June 28... my darling Penny will have been home with me for one full year. It's hard to believe. It seemed to go by so fast! I can report that she LOVES being home. She is spoiled so badly! Her sassy attitude is noted by most visitors and her beautiful palomino dapples are so gorgeous this year. I started riding her again late last summer. At first just short trip here and there, but eventually longer more challenging rides. By late fall I was trailering her to beautiful destination rides where the beauty of the season took my breath away. She has become more and more brave all along, and so have I despite the one mishap last fall.

Riding this summer has been a dream. She's way more settled now and seems to enjoy our jaunts. I too am stronger and more confident. Sometimes Keith comes and rides one of the other horses. I'm so grateful to have that resource to share with him. It's been great. We've even gone on a gallop or two... and Keith thinks that is way cool! So riding has been great aside from one more tiny mishap involving a strong trot in a field of high grass where a groundhog caused her to zig when I zagged... oops... I fell down. Thankfully she's not that tall. It buggered up my hand pretty good. The reins literally burned thru my fingers causing a tremendous instant blister. It's all healed now... thankfully. But aside from that I wasn't hurt and neither was she. Imagine that... I've fallen off of her twice... and only twice in her entire life too. Wasn't her fault... stupid groundhog!

So tomorrow is the anniversary of regaining my "Peace of Mind" so to speak. I love her so much and I am very blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to have her again. This was a HUGE answered prayer! Thank the Lord! For he is good!

Saturday's Snippets

Today was a relaxing day... it's welcomed after a long week of work and play. Monday I worked long, hard, and late bringing another month's worth of files to fruition at an evening meeting. Tuesday was the usual... try not to work late and get to the barn on time to do the chores. Wednesday I helped with baling hay at the farm. That's the annual chore that I try not to miss out on. Sure it's hot, dusty, dirty work, but the feeling of accomplishment is welcomed when the barn is full. I also squeezed in a night of chores that evening and caught the end of one of Keith's softball games as well. Thursday and Friday were status quo... work and chores at the farm... Except for the dog at the farm getting sprayed by a skunk. That was an ordeal... but Saturday... oh how I love Saturday. I slept in an extra hour. I did some housework. I even took a nap before I went to my Sister's to use her computer. Most of the time I don't miss not having the computer at home, but today I actually needed it.

Keith is preaching at church tomorrow. I'm not sure if you'd call it preaching or just delivering the message. Either way, he's presenting the words that the Lord has laid on his heart to share with His people. Agreeing to do this was a bold step on his part, but the Pastor obviously thought enough of him to ask and that says a lot. I'm so grateful that K is stepping out of his comfort zone on this. It's something that shocked me. It's one of those things that I know he can do, but just never thought he'd be brave enough to do it. I'm delighted in his obedience. I'm sure that the Lord is too... He'll shine thru him tomorrow.

Anyway... that's the snippets of this past week.

Tomorrow we'll worship with friends and family. Then rest a bit before heading over to my Sister's place for an evening birthday party picnic. That reminds me... I need to ask what to bring. I have had a gift for Joyce tucked away for a while, but I need to stop tonight and pick up something for David.

So that's my story...

anniversaries

Happy Anniversary to Mom and Dad today and to Wendy and Cory yesterday.

(And to Keith and myself last week)

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