A Simple Woman's Daybook ~ August 9, 2010

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So, For Today...Monday, August 9, 2010

Outside my window...it is pitch dark out and I am up, just like the old days. Jim went out to the Ranch this morning to help them with some problems in the shop. I think I have adapted to the later time of getting up...it seems weird and chilly to be up and about at 5:00 am.

I am thinking...and wondering how it will be for Jim to go back there after six weeks of retirement. I think it will be a little weird to walk back into his old classroom and the shop and see someone else's influence there. He said he is glad he doesn't have to go and doesn't have to stay. He is just going to help out the new teacher as a friend. It was rather weird though to see him walk out the door in one of the school shirts with his little bag of snacks. Deja Vu!

I am thankful for...the cool weather we have been having all summer. I checked the 10 day forecast and not one day will hit the high 80s. Low to mid 80s is hot enough for me! It is weird but we are loving it!

From the learning room...faith precedes the miracle...I have lost some poundage this week.

I am reading...Still plugging along through my WWII series but have added a few other books into the mix. I have pretty much stopped reading magazines though. Kind of weird but I have just lost interest. I'd rather read your blogs!

From the kitchen...we are going to a BBQ tonight to celebrate the return of the high adventure group, so no cooking today but I still need some fresh fruit and veggies for the week. I can take care of that at the Farmers' Market tomorrow.

I am wondering...how Laura and Robert are doing in their move-in process, how far Chris and Missy have gotten on their remodel over the weekend and how Jennifer will spend her time when school starts for girls in a few weeks and both Chloe and Hazie will have school for the first time. It is kindergarten for Chloe and Hazie will be picked up by the little school bus and taken to her classes a few days a week. I am not sure what she will be doing there but I am excited for her to have exposure to lots of other kids because she is so social! So those are the things I am wondering about today.

I am hearing...nothing but I think I'll turn on my music right now. First up on my playlist...Chances Are.
Today if I could change one thing...the negativity of the media and how they present the news. It is no wonder half the population is on Prozac.

I am quoting..."Look unto Me in every thought, doubt not fear not." From the scriptures; D&C6:26, just helping me get through this past week.
Around the house...most of the camping equipment is put away but there are still things drying out in a few places. The white water rafting soaked everything in Jim's pack.

I am going... to start getting ready for the wedding reception that is happening in our backyard this Saturday evening. It is still in pretty good shape from the retirement party so it should be a lot easier than usual. I am looking forward to working in the kitchen with my good friends during the party. We always have fun helping with the weddings of each other's kids and saving each other $$$.
I am missing...the kids, as usual. And my parents. Dad would have been 93 yesterday had he lived. :'-( Miss you Daddy!
I am hoping...that my friends, Helen and Marie and Lee will have great birthdays this week.

One of my guilty pleasures...giving presents to people. I wish I hadn't fallen behind a little this summer and it may get worse with the budget squeeze, but I will be creative and come up with something fun for them.
One of my favorite things...teaching the Gospel on Sundays when I am asked to substitute for someone. It is hard and I get stressed but that forces me to really put a lot of time into it and I really benefit from that. It reminds me of all our blessings and I love it.

An enjoyable movie I have watched lately...Last Chance Harvey.

I am curious about...when I am going to get down to actually researching our east cost trip coming up at the end of September. Any suggestions on what to do during the fall in New England are welcomed and appreciated.

A few plans for the rest of the week...regrouping after the weekend today, catch up on reading blogs and making comments, dropping by to see Helen today for her birthday, visiting teaching tomorrow, Temple Wednesday, Thursday date night, Friday set up for the reception, Saturday Kevin and Rachel's wedding celebration party, Sunday, church and rest.

Here is a picture and thought I am sharing with you...


A couple of you asked to see more of the photo shoot so here is another picture. I am adding it today because I am thankful that my hubby literally survived the high adventure activity. They did the rafting which only dumped him out of the raft once, but the canyoneering they did was really difficult for him. They did a lot of unbelayed cliff hanging and that really reaffirmed his fear of heights. The bolder hopping over deep crevices and walking on granite ledges and jumping off of 30 foot cliffs into water were not his cup of tea. So he is back and alive and I am grateful and so he. He has only scared me half to death twice in the short six weeks he has been retired. Men...what can I say? One nice thing is he did say he would never do a trip like that again. Yay! His guardian angels were very busy this past week and lots of prayers were answered.