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.

Blessings Monday

Today I am counting the blessing of creation. This weekend I was afforded the opportunity to take my Penny to Moraine State Park/Bear Run which surrounds Lake Arthur in Western Pennsylvania. As the effects of the fall season are in the midst of erosion, I found it quite pertinent to enjoy this trip where I could gawk in awe of all that the Lord has created. I am most grateful for pleasant, comfortable weather and a safe ride.

After we unloaded and before we tacked up, we spotted a bald eagle soaring gracefully overhead and close enough to truly notice just how awesome and elegant they are. Before we started the brunt of the ride, Penny took her first steps into the Lake. She reluctantly approached the line where small waves were lapping onto the shore. She stepped into the chilly water and was shortly startled to find herself in such circumstances. That was a big step for her. I'm not aware of her ever being introduced to a large body of water like that before. Honestly, she was more interested in eying up the boats across the way than playing in the water. She isn't always the bravest soul, but for some reason she will go anywhere that Rambo goes and he was going into the water...

I thought that all the leaves would have fallen by now. A week or so ago they were falling so very fast. But today there was an elegance about the forest that we drank in over and over. The sunlight glistened through the leaves of gold. The fallen leaves crunched loudly under pounding hooves, almost like a padding from the hard surface underneath. The wind blew ever so softly over the vast body of water causing subtle waves. We encountered only one small stream aside from the lake, and a good many hills and valleys. I could not have asked for a nicer day to enjoy creation.

I'm pleased to report that my little trooper led the pack for the majority of the ride, YES she was in the lead! This actually amazed me. She was quite content to lead the way that she did not know. She made an occasional stop rather abruptly over uprooted trees that apparently resembled the Boogy-man and the occasional gigantic ant-hill that she thought must have been crawling towards her. Silly stuff, but nothing earth shattering.

Rambo was the only other horse she actually knew. There were a LOT of riders out there this weekend. I think there were at least five other riders that went out with us, but we passed groups of riders with more and less along the way. She behaved quite well and seemed to enjoy the jaunt. I'm glad to have been afforded this opportunity. It was truly a beautiful day.

God has so graciously provided this world for us to enjoy. I'm forever amazed at the intricate detail of its design. Today it seems only appropriate to thank the Lord for this blessing.

Marci at Down On The Farm hosts Blessing Mondays each Monday. Come and share your blessings won't you... and be blessed to read of others' blessings too.

I won I won I won

I won a prize over at Down On The Farm. Go visit Marci to see how that happened, what it is, gather up a blessing, and leave a little hello. THANKS Marci!

Sweet Success In Progress

After poking a little fun at him in my last post (with his permission), I must also toot his horn a little bit. My Handy-Hubby is having some sweet success in his desire to quit smoking. This battle has seemed never ending for much of our lives together, but this time he seems to be doing remarkably well.

For those of you considering it... If you go to Nicorette's website, you can sign up for a free sample, which he did. Inside was a $10 coupon. THIS WEEK Riteaid has the gum on sale with a $5 rebate, so he saved $15 on like 100 pieces of gum. It is expensive, but seems to be very helpful. He has not even been mean this time, for which I am quite grateful. I mentioned it to him and asked him how he's managed to do so well this time. He said "It's God." and my heart skipped a beat! YES!!!!

Funny

Handy Hubby was taking the air conditioner out of the kitchen window this morning. He opened the window and it fell right out!!! A whole story down! It landed on his Red Lady bush, bounce off, and is now looking pretty crushed in the back yard. I'm sorry...I can't help it! I laughed so hard and said "What made you think that it was going to stay in the window once you opened it?" HA!!! On the flip side, it was very old and actually broken and we didn't expect to get any further use out of it anyway.

Tuesdays With Jen... My Memoirs

<-- That's me and my bro' with our Gram'Ditties!


My sweet Granny's birthday would have been this week... Here is something from my journal in October 2003...





"Annabelle called this evening. She was with Grandma today. She said that Grandma talked about me a lot today and was obviously missing me. I called Grandma and made a dinner date for tomorrow night. I do miss her and am looking forward to seeing her.





Grandma said that Annabelle took her to Kings for lunch. They shared a meal and were quite satisfied. Then they went shopping at Giant Eagle. I suggested that she use a motorized cart, but she insists that she cannot drive. I told her that we could get her a portable wheelchair for these kinds of trips. She doesn't think that is necessary. I told her we could get some chrome on it and she replied "With Harley wings too?!" Jokingly of course. She said that on the way home they realized that they had forgotten to pay the bill at Kings!!!! Oh how funny! Annabelle took her home and then went back and paid the bill. What a day!"

Blessings Monday

I know I know... I'm a day late.

I'm counting the blessing of provision. Every now and then we find ourselves scraping the barrell so to speak. The car drained a significant amount of funds and we are slowly trying to rebuild that fund. I'm a coupon-a-holic. I love getting a good deal. I'm as cheap as cheap comes. Who knew that I'd one day be so cheap?! The truth is that I do it for the challenge and also because it is a way to thoughtfully contribute to our home. I'm trying to be wise about our spending and trim the budget where I can. For months I stockpiled things in our pantry and linen closet. I did this to a point where my Handy-Hubby informed me that I was being banned from buying any more cereal, hamburger/chicken helper, deodorant, toothpaste, or air-freshener. Truly I tell you... if it was not free, it was dirt-cheap!!! Periodically I share with the local foodbank. Our church collects items for them and I actually get the hamburger helper specifically for that purpose. (we don't really care for it so much)

I must confess, in recent weeks my cheapy cheap habits have slacked off. Not only have I missed some of the most fantastic bargains... I have not actually gone grocery shopping for say... maybe a month or so, aside from the essential milk and bread. Can you believe that we have not gone wanting? The pantry is still abundant!? There is still a few choices in the freezer?! YES!!!! The Lord has provided for us!!!! We are so blessed with this abundant provision!

I see there are some good deals in this weeks Rite Aid ad. I will probably be hitting there this week. I've got to get back into my routine.

Do you have blessings to share? Visit Marci's blog, Down On The Farm, and link-up.

Change

LAST WEEK

THIS WEEK

Mr Yuck... or Miss

Aint she cute!?!?

Desolation

I took these pictures at the farm this evening. In the spring the rain endures for a long time. In the summer the heat of the sun endures for a long time. In the winter we endure the snow for a long time. Why is the beauty of fall so short?

Blessings Monday

I milked cows Sunday night. Looking back I remember what a blessing such times have afforded me. My grandfather was a dairy farmer. My good friend Ed was a dairy farmer. Ed always talked about Grandpa. I miss them both. So when I have the opportunity to milk cows, it reminds me of them. I was blessed to have known them... and today I count the blessing of remembering them.

So in true fashion, when the milking was done and the cows were fed... I stopped for an ice cream cone, in honor of an old tradition I had with Ed, and enjoyed it as I jammed to the song about the International Harvester. (Because they would both be proud!) It just seemed so appropriate.

Marci at Down On The Farm hosts Blessings Monday. Come join in the sharing won't you! Oh and she has a little contest going on too.

This Weeks Photo Fave

Her dapples are really coming out right now.
I love the way she arched her neck.
She's probably checking him for treats!
I'm sure of it!

Sneak Peak Sunday... Fall Beauties

We were to attend a memorial service for Great Aunt Mary Jane yesterday, but alas another important duty would arise. My friend was out of town and her horse was sick with a temperature of 104 on Thursday and 103.6 on Friday. WOW! So I needed to tend to her before doing anything yesterday morning. I was in luck. The antibiotics we'd been giving her were starting to kick in and her temp was coming down. It was down to 99.5. Yippie!!! So I fed them and left there pleased that all was finally well.

But while I was out that way I figured it to be a perfect opportunity to wipe out my chores at the farm where Penny lives... and we really enjoyed it. What a perfect specimen of a day! As if the sunshine and breeze were not enough... enjoy the beauty of the season that surrounds us! Keith brushed Penny and we both pitched in to clean the stalls and prepare them for the evening.

Greetings! Did you bring treats?!

A glimpse of the Lord's artistry... I love fall!
Dee does NOT look happy. She is cranky!

The leaning tower of I don't know what!
She's such a love-bug.

Sneak Peak Sunday

I was checking the new batteries in my camera when Crystal shot me this cover-girl look... She is forever a delightful pet. She's got such character and attitude and quirks. We just love her.

We live in a neighborhood of townhomes. Our next door neighbor decided to plan a garden this year... in her front yard. She has earned the title "Mid-night Gardner" because she has spent many nights tending her garden into the wee hours of the night. She was a little late getting her vegetables into the ground, but I see she has a nice crop of tomatoes over there and a pumpkin that is still green.... But THIS little number is a sneaky watermelon that crawled over into OUR flowergarden (ignor the weeds) and parked itself along the wall under our living room window. How about them apples... I mean watermelon?! It's really very small and will likely not reach maturity before succumbing to the elements of the season. But hey... Way to go Mid-night Gardner!

Kitty On Crack... Cheap entertainment

Re-Re and I shopped a bit yesterday. Who knew this plastic bag could be such prime entertainment for Wizzy? Is he on crack or what?!

One More Thing

This entire situation with our car has made me into a nasty person that I truly did NOT intend to become. I was annoyed with the mechanics and the staff there... frustrated... and nervous about what our total bill would be. As of yesterday they had our car for two weeks straight. For INSPECTION! That's it! Oh the drama... I busted the owners chops pretty bad last night. We have been calling and calling and all of our messages were either ignored or else we were told they'd call us back. One time the secretary called me back, just to tell me that she'd call me back! I was furious!!!! I asked FIVE TIMES for a total of our bill because we cannot afford to pay more than the car is worth. Nobody could give us a total. I'm not even giving you all the detail here, but lets just say... they did the right thing... They apologized. They got us an inspection sticker. (apparently they had to ask the State for a waiver because they could not get the computer in the car to reset properly???) And they did NOT charge us for any of the labor fees (only for actual repairs). I am pleased, although still annoyed.

THANK YOU ZOMBECKS!!!!! For the loan in the meantime. Sorry it took so long. We are so blessed to have you both so near and dear to us! We owe you now more than we did before!!!! We love you guys!!!