When I see an opportunity to order a sample of any particular product, I usually go for it. Why does that work for me??? First, they usually send a coupon. So if I like it, then I have a coupon. And more importantly, I keep a stash of sample size toiletries. Especially soaps, shampoos, conditioners, etc. When I have guests at our home, there is a large selection of these to choose if they are not looking for what's already in our bathroom. Likewise, when I am vacationing, this is the perfect size to take along and not have to bring home.
So there you have it.... it's Wednesday and it Works For Me...
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tuesdays With Jen... My Memoirs
10 Random Recollections...
1) The grass at the farm, the old homestead was rarely cut. There was a path from the barn to the house.
2) We used to put the kitties in a feed sack, swing them around a few times, then let them out. Cruel yes... my brother taught me that. The mind of a child is often twisted.
3) Mom butchered chickens. We helped pluck them. I don't remember eating them though.
4) Grandpa had a jar of cologne on his dresser. It was shaped like a train. What kind was that anyway?
5) There was a GIGANTIC spider in the upstairs. In Grandpa & Paul's room in the attic doorway.
6) We used to pick daffodils on the hillside near the house. They grew in abundance there.
7) I once saw my grandfather beat a groundhog to death with an old pipe. I'm pretty sure it was a sickly animal.
8) Grampy used to take me into the springhouse and dip us some water to drink. It was a cool treat on a hot day. I think there were also black snakes in the springhouse, but he wasn't afraid of them.
9) There were some shiny stones in the driveway about half-way up from the farm. I'm not sure what kind of stone it was, but it always caught my eye.
10) There was a HUGE puddle at the top of the driveway. It was FULL of tadpoles in the spring.
1) The grass at the farm, the old homestead was rarely cut. There was a path from the barn to the house.
2) We used to put the kitties in a feed sack, swing them around a few times, then let them out. Cruel yes... my brother taught me that. The mind of a child is often twisted.
3) Mom butchered chickens. We helped pluck them. I don't remember eating them though.
4) Grandpa had a jar of cologne on his dresser. It was shaped like a train. What kind was that anyway?
5) There was a GIGANTIC spider in the upstairs. In Grandpa & Paul's room in the attic doorway.
6) We used to pick daffodils on the hillside near the house. They grew in abundance there.
7) I once saw my grandfather beat a groundhog to death with an old pipe. I'm pretty sure it was a sickly animal.
8) Grampy used to take me into the springhouse and dip us some water to drink. It was a cool treat on a hot day. I think there were also black snakes in the springhouse, but he wasn't afraid of them.
9) There were some shiny stones in the driveway about half-way up from the farm. I'm not sure what kind of stone it was, but it always caught my eye.
10) There was a HUGE puddle at the top of the driveway. It was FULL of tadpoles in the spring.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Blessings Monday
I've been so out of the loop on blog-happenings and postings etc. It's all because our computer crashed BIG TIME and I refuse to spend a lot of money to fix it. Let's face it... as much as we love it, the computer is a huge distraction in our lives. It distracts me for hours of working from home and it distracts K with games. It meant we'd spend countless hours apart from one another. I mean, who wants to just sit by and watch the other play on the computer. Sure it was fun to blog and email and chat... but we finally found a way to chop $50 from our monthly budget and spend more time with eachother. THAT is why it was worth it. Someday we'll get back to it, but for now we are hit or miss computer wise.
So... for Blessings Monday I'm counting my blessing of extra time with my Handy Hubby. I appreciate that we have a lot more meals together... and some down-time together too. It's well worth it. God is good and knows what's best for us, and right now... a lack of daily computer is what we need. Thank you Lord.
So... for Blessings Monday I'm counting my blessing of extra time with my Handy Hubby. I appreciate that we have a lot more meals together... and some down-time together too. It's well worth it. God is good and knows what's best for us, and right now... a lack of daily computer is what we need. Thank you Lord.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A Week Away
I'm just getting back from a week away. I really needed it!
We spent a week at Good Evening Ranch in West Virginia. It was relaxing and entirely enjoyable. Keith's Dad, Step-Mom, both sisters with spouses and our nephew all piled into a cabin sleeping 8. We had a hot-tub on the back deck and full run of the ranch including swimming. There were private ponds for fishing, which we took full advantage of. There were horses, llamas, tigers, lions, goats, cattle, horses, camels and even a 3-day old camel. That was very cool! We went horseback riding at Babcock Stables. Our guide was incredibly patient and extremely knowledgable. Of course, Keith and I were the only ones on the ride with much experience. Rob had ridden before, but not like Keith and I. It was beautiful and the ride was lovely. I want to do it again!
On the way home, K and I stopped at a couple of wineries. One was kind of back-woodsy. They were selling moonshine too. We didn't buy any. Then we found a really nice one where I could have spent my entire day! We also stopped to tour an old West Virginia State Asylum... you know for the insane. When we walked up to the desk and was greeted by a strange looking fellow wearing a Marilyn Manson t-shirt, I wondered to myself... what have we got ourselves into. We bought a ticket and as we were waiting I read the sign on one of the doors "Ghost Hunters prohibited in this room." Hmmm... What HAVE we got ourselves into? We only toured the lower level of the facility. It was actually fascinating and quite historical. Some of the building was used in Civil War time too. We found out that there is a show called Ghost Hunters that came and did a show there. The guide could tell that we were more into the historical aspects of the place... not the ghostly aspects... though it did spark some interesting conversation on our trip home.
So Tammy and Rob headed back to California. It was sad to see them go so soon. But Keith and I have kept busy all weekend as well... We helped our friend Andrea move to New Wilmington. Her new place is rather dreamy. She's renting the downstairs of an old house with mahogany woodwork and hardwood floors. It's really quaint. From there we parted company (K and I). I went to the farm to visit my pony... I missed her SO MUCH!!!! And now I'm house-sitting for a friend for a couple of days. By now K is needing some time away from me anyway.
So that sums up my week of vacation thus far... I'm still off for two more days! Stay tuned for more!
We spent a week at Good Evening Ranch in West Virginia. It was relaxing and entirely enjoyable. Keith's Dad, Step-Mom, both sisters with spouses and our nephew all piled into a cabin sleeping 8. We had a hot-tub on the back deck and full run of the ranch including swimming. There were private ponds for fishing, which we took full advantage of. There were horses, llamas, tigers, lions, goats, cattle, horses, camels and even a 3-day old camel. That was very cool! We went horseback riding at Babcock Stables. Our guide was incredibly patient and extremely knowledgable. Of course, Keith and I were the only ones on the ride with much experience. Rob had ridden before, but not like Keith and I. It was beautiful and the ride was lovely. I want to do it again!
On the way home, K and I stopped at a couple of wineries. One was kind of back-woodsy. They were selling moonshine too. We didn't buy any. Then we found a really nice one where I could have spent my entire day! We also stopped to tour an old West Virginia State Asylum... you know for the insane. When we walked up to the desk and was greeted by a strange looking fellow wearing a Marilyn Manson t-shirt, I wondered to myself... what have we got ourselves into. We bought a ticket and as we were waiting I read the sign on one of the doors "Ghost Hunters prohibited in this room." Hmmm... What HAVE we got ourselves into? We only toured the lower level of the facility. It was actually fascinating and quite historical. Some of the building was used in Civil War time too. We found out that there is a show called Ghost Hunters that came and did a show there. The guide could tell that we were more into the historical aspects of the place... not the ghostly aspects... though it did spark some interesting conversation on our trip home.
So Tammy and Rob headed back to California. It was sad to see them go so soon. But Keith and I have kept busy all weekend as well... We helped our friend Andrea move to New Wilmington. Her new place is rather dreamy. She's renting the downstairs of an old house with mahogany woodwork and hardwood floors. It's really quaint. From there we parted company (K and I). I went to the farm to visit my pony... I missed her SO MUCH!!!! And now I'm house-sitting for a friend for a couple of days. By now K is needing some time away from me anyway.
So that sums up my week of vacation thus far... I'm still off for two more days! Stay tuned for more!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
beautiful day
I was up early this AM. I met with my lady friends for a couple hours of chatter and way too much coffee. We do it twice each month for Bible Study and fellowship.
I'm housesitting again. After letting the dogs out for some fun and frolic I headed back homeward to spend some time with my handy hubby. We went shopping at furniture stores. We hit everything from discount to custom made and even looked at a $17000 bedroom set. We were SO out of our league in that store. WOW. We did find a bed on clearance that was very pretty but it was about $150 over our budget. Bummer! Oh well... Well keep looking.
So now I'm chillin with the doggies... Ready to turn in for the night.
Have a great weekend!!!!
I'm housesitting again. After letting the dogs out for some fun and frolic I headed back homeward to spend some time with my handy hubby. We went shopping at furniture stores. We hit everything from discount to custom made and even looked at a $17000 bedroom set. We were SO out of our league in that store. WOW. We did find a bed on clearance that was very pretty but it was about $150 over our budget. Bummer! Oh well... Well keep looking.
So now I'm chillin with the doggies... Ready to turn in for the night.
Have a great weekend!!!!
beautiful day
I was up early this AM. I met with my lady friends for a couple hours of chatter and way too much coffee. We do it twice each month for Bible Study and fellowship.
I'm housesitting again. After letting the dogs out for some fun and frolic I headed back homeward to spend some time with my handy hubby. We went shopping at furniture stores. We hit everything from discount to custom made and even looked at a $17000 bedroom set. We were SO out of our league in that store. WOW. We did find a bed on clearance that was very pretty but it was about $150 over our budget. Bummer! Oh well... Well keep looking.
So now I'm chillin with the doggies... Ready to turn in for the night.
Have a great weekend!!!!
I'm housesitting again. After letting the dogs out for some fun and frolic I headed back homeward to spend some time with my handy hubby. We went shopping at furniture stores. We hit everything from discount to custom made and even looked at a $17000 bedroom set. We were SO out of our league in that store. WOW. We did find a bed on clearance that was very pretty but it was about $150 over our budget. Bummer! Oh well... Well keep looking.
So now I'm chillin with the doggies... Ready to turn in for the night.
Have a great weekend!!!!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
The Morning After
I have no idea why I'm up so early. Usually I'm just starting to wake up at 5AM but today I'm wide awake.
I'm feeling the effects of last nights chores. My eyes are swollen. My chest is heavy. My sholders are achy. The scrapes and scratches on my arms are burning.
After I finished at one farm I found another wagon at the next farm. I lost count when I uncovered a snake. It scared the bejeebers out of me. I was working by myself so I was glad it was only a little one. It was only about a foot long, light brown with a dark brown pattern on its back. I'm not sure but it may have been a baby copperhead. I encouraged it off the wagon and then jumped down and snuck up on it for a closer look. Initially I was going to let him slither off into the weeds behind the barn. On second thought... If it was a dangerous snake that's the last thing we need... So I dropped a big rock on it. I'm pretty sure I pinned it but I'm not going to reach under to check. Creepy Crawly Icky Yuck!!!!
I best get moving and drink some coffee. Then its off to work...then the farm...and my Handy Hubby has a softball game tonight. Have a good day everyone.
I'm feeling the effects of last nights chores. My eyes are swollen. My chest is heavy. My sholders are achy. The scrapes and scratches on my arms are burning.
After I finished at one farm I found another wagon at the next farm. I lost count when I uncovered a snake. It scared the bejeebers out of me. I was working by myself so I was glad it was only a little one. It was only about a foot long, light brown with a dark brown pattern on its back. I'm not sure but it may have been a baby copperhead. I encouraged it off the wagon and then jumped down and snuck up on it for a closer look. Initially I was going to let him slither off into the weeds behind the barn. On second thought... If it was a dangerous snake that's the last thing we need... So I dropped a big rock on it. I'm pretty sure I pinned it but I'm not going to reach under to check. Creepy Crawly Icky Yuck!!!!
I best get moving and drink some coffee. Then its off to work...then the farm...and my Handy Hubby has a softball game tonight. Have a good day everyone.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
hay day
Its hay baling time. Tis the season. We did some last week and yesterday and now again today. That's what I'm doing now...waiting on the next wagon to unload. Thankfully the sun is shining but its not too humid and not unbearable as hay-time often is. Its pleasant and breezy. Can't beat that. What's that? Did I hear the baler and tractor stop? The field is done. Here they come... Time to put my work gloves on and get to work. Have a lovely day!
Sunday, July 05, 2009
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.
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, June 30, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
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!
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...
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...
Sunday, June 21, 2009
anniversaries
Happy Anniversary to Mom and Dad today and to Wendy and Cory yesterday.
(And to Keith and myself last week)
(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.
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.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
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".
Monday, April 27, 2009
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, April 25, 2009
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, April 24, 2009
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.
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.
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