Happy Birthday!

 Another birthday week of fun... I have the sweetest family and friends. Just a few photos of the day...

50 free SwagBucks

Musical e-cards

Kindle paperweight vs iPad mini

The Kindle Paperwhite truly is a great little device for reading especially if you travel a lot. I bought this on a whim this summer with $ from a music job that was unexpected. 

I loved the size and read about 8 books in 2 months but then stopped using it since much of what I wanted to read was not Kindle based. I still enjoy holding books in my hands, too. 

I listed this and sold it in 45 minutes last week and am using the $ for an iPad mini on which I can read and do much more. 

Goodbye little friend, it was fun while it lasted. 

College football UCF

Have to post this since it's the biggest win in my alma mater's history!  UCF beat Louisville 38-35. 

Lessons from the garden

These flowers look pretty from a distance. I see them often on my neighborhood walks. They have even more blossoms in the spring. 

Upon closer inspection there are long, very sharp thorns on the underside.  You definitely do not want to bump your leg against them or trip and fall into these flowers!

Another garden analogy:  how are you--how am I-- on the underside?  Do we just look nice outwardly but have a prickly heart?  Or does the time I spend on my appearance leave little time for renewing my mind and heart in the Word?

Something to ponder...

1Sam. 16:7 ...for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Pioneer Woman

I so enjoy watching The Pioneer Woman. One of my sons gave me one of her cookbooks last year. Wish she could stop by and fix dinner for us --especially on Monday or Tuesday when I work all day!

Local event: Winter Park Autumn Art Festival 2013

I have not been to this in many years.  My husband and I spent the morning at this lovely show that features only Florida artisans.  It was excellent and and lovely fall day for it.

Winter Park Fall Art Festival 2013

Making ironing "fun"

Yes, I iron 5-7 shirts a week for my husband to wear to work.  I switch on a tv program... Today it's JAG. 

I iron one hour till it's over. Whatever gets ironed in that time is all I do for the week. Simple and easy. 

Stillness of the night

Ahhh... I love being the last one to bed at night, even if it's just 30 minutes or so in the quiet. TV is off. Listening to the water fountain trickle, the ceiling fan turn...sipping a hot beverage, reading, thinking, just being still. Love it.   Good night. 😴 

Change up your daily walks

I'm a creature of habit but every now and then I change up my routine.  Had a nice long walk with a friend recently at a local park.  We walked for an hour and the conversation made the time go quickly. A lovely morning. 

National Card Making Day 2013

Not sure how this "holiday" got started but I sure had fun making cards with 2 of my younger friends at a Stampin' Up party today!   I made 12 beautiful cards in a couple of hours. 

Saturday morning breakfast

A rarity for me to cook a big breakfast since we usually go out for Saturday morning breakfast... It was yummy.  

Fall yard work

Some spray paint, some new plants, a new garden flag + a bit of energy = sore back but great results in the yard. 

Fall and Christmas flowers planting

'Tis the season to plant for fall and holiday   color...

Simple pleasures: Morning coffee

Coffee in a pretty cup just tastes better.  

It's the little things - pretty mailbox

I saw this on an afternoon walk yesterday. Wouldn't it be fun to get your mail out of a mailbox like this?

Exercise at home with Leslie Sansone

Getting some use out of our Apple TV. Exercising today with Leslie Sansone on YouTube. Great 30-minute workout at home. -- a brisk 2-mile walk.