O Come, Little Children

 O Come, Little Children is not a carol that one hears very often.  It's almost never played on the radio, especially commercial radio.  And, honestly, I can't recall ever singing it at church when I was growing up.  I'm sure we did, but it did not make an impact on me.  I was, ironically, listening to my favorite radio station this morning (101.7 WDFC) and they played this version.  It's beautifully sung.  A quiet, peaceful version of this carol.  Enjoy!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

 I do enjoy a good Andy Williams song and he does the holidays very well!  This is a classic and a must listen to during the season.  Enjoy!

Candlelight Carol

 Today, I'm returning to John Rutter with one of my favorite carols he has written.  I first heard this in 1993 on a Christmas at St. Olaf special on PBS.  I just loved this carol and it's something I make sure I listen to every year.  I hope you enjoy it!

That Holiday Feeling

 The Steve & Eydie Christmas album is honestly one of my favorites.  It's just fun.  And, honestly, they both have pretty amazing voices.  I like this song because it's simple and fun and bouncy and light.  A very nice holiday song!

Angels' Carol

 I have heard this carol many times on various Christmas programs and cds that I have.  And I never paid attention to the fact that it was written by John Rutter.  That explains why I enjoy it so much LOL  He's one of my favorite choral composers.  It is another beautiful piece written by him and I hope that you enjoy it. 

I'll Be Home For Christmas

 Anne Murray was a huge part of my music listening when I was a kid.  And she still is today.  I have such great memories of listening to her cassette tapes with Mom in the car and singing along.  Her Christmas album that we had played a lot during the holidays.  This is one of my favorite tracks from that album.

Lo, How a Rose

 I do love the Robert Shaw Chorale and have several of their albums, both holiday and non.  Lo, How a Rose is such a beautiful song that their rendition is equally beautiful.  I find it to be a haunting melody.  Hope you enjoy!

Some Children See Him

 Some Children See Him is another one of Alfred Bunt's Christmas card songs.  It's a beautiful song with simple and touching lyrics.  This version, by Diahann Carroll, made the rounds on Christmas albums in the 1960s.  I have it on several different ones and I always enjoy it.  We had several of the Great Songs of Christmas albums put out by Goodyear when I was growing up (and yes, I still have those) and that is where I first heard her rendition of this song.  I hope you enjoy!

The Little Drummer Boy

 It's just not Christmas without The Little Drummer Boy.  And no one does it better than the Harry Simeone Chorale.  The song was first recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family Singers.  The Harry Simeone Chorale recorded it in 1958 and it truly became the standard version of the song, charting for several years after its release.  Enjoy!

Silver and Gold

 This is a classic holiday song from Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer from the 60's.  In that show, it was sung by the great Burl Ives.  I first heard Vanessa Williams' version on one of her Christmas cds.  I think this is a lovely, easy version of the song and I really like her take on it.  

Where Are You Christmas?

 This is one of the Christmas songs from the last 25 years or so that I really have grown to love.  Admittedly, I have not seen the movie this is from, but the song I really do enjoy.  Hope you do too!

O Holy Night

 O Holy Night is one of those carols that I go back and forth on.  It's like Amazing Grace to me.  When people sing it the way it's written, it's absolutely beautiful.  Unfortunately, most singers put there own spin on it and many times you can't even recognize the melody.  Frankly, I hate those versions because you just can't tell how special the song is due to the singer trying to show off.  This is Leontyne Price's version.  It was on one of my Firestone Christmas albums and I think it's perfection.  I truly love her version and hope you will to. 

The Star Carol

 This carol is another one that you probably will not hear on the radio.  It is one of the beautiful carols written by Alfred Burt as a Christmas card for friends and family.  If you don't know this story, do some research on it because he wrote some amazing carols as Christmas cards:  Caroling, Caroling and Some Children See Him.  I was watching a Lawrence Welk Christmas special yesterday (yes, you read that right) and the Lennon Sisters performed this and did a wonderful job.  Enjoy!

Christmas Is...

 This is the title track from Percy Faith's 1966 holiday album.  I really enjoy this album.  So much so that I have 2 copies of it.  Actually, that was by accident but oh well.  I listen to it every holiday season.  This doesn't get a lot of airtime on the radio...go figure...but it's one of those staples from the 60's that deserves to be heard.  It's just a warm, holiday song that puts me in the Christmas spirit.  Enjoy!

Let There Be Peace On Earth - Harlem Boys Choir

 This is another song I post every year.  This version by the Harlem Boys Choir is absolutely beautiful.  It's message of peace, hope and good will is still much needed today.  Carry that message with you every day!

Quote of the Week

 I have watched a lot of versions of A Christmas Carol in my lifetime.  Actually, I've watched quite a few versions here in the past week LOL  As I was searching for a Christmas quote, I came across this one from A Christmas Carol.  While I rarely hear this line in the adaptations I watch, this quote from the novel is very spot on for not only the season but for all year.  

The Bells of Christmas - Julie Andrews

 Here is another wonderful Christmas song that I have on many different records.  It's Julie Andrews singing The Bells of Christmas.  She recorded this classic multiple times over her singing career, several times for the Firestone Christmas Albums series.  It's not one you will hear on the radio very much, but it definitely deserves to be heard!

There's No Place Like Home - Glen Campbell

 This is not your traditional Christmas song but I have run across it on several different Christmas records that I have.  The sentiment of the song rings very important to me this year and I have grown to really like this song.  And Glen sings it beautifully. 

A Cradle in Bethlehem

 I think that Nat King Cole can do no wrong when it comes to Christmas music.  I've not heard any of his recordings that I just do not love.  His 1960 album "The Magic of Christmas" included this beautiful song.  It's one of my favorites and no one does it better than Cole!

Decorating the House

 

I started to decorate the house today for Christmas.  I still have a long way to go, but I'm enjoying the process.  Now that class is done for the semester and I can take a breath, it's nice to have the time to do something like this and not be stressing about other things.  And I can take my time with it.  There's no rush as I don't really have any holiday plans.  I am doing this simply for myself.  I love it and it brings me joy.  And it does take a long time because, you know me, I have to stop and go through every box and look at everything.  Oh, the memories they all bring back to me of Christmases past.  It is the wonder of the holiday season that decorating brings to me that I love.

When I was growing up in Monroe, we always decorated sometime the first week of December.  Sometimes it may have been in November but only...and I mean only...if Thanksgiving was early.  Thanksgiving was sacred to Mom and nothing was to take the focus away from that holiday.  However, the decorations were always up by my birthday.  Not always the tree, but by my birthday.  There were some years that decorating the tree occurred on my birthday, which was just fine with me.  Dad and Bill always got the lights put on and then Mom, Grandmother and I would decorate the tree.  Later on, Bill was allowed to help us decorate LOL

There was always great anticipation from me in getting the decorations out.  The nativity Grandmother painted was always a treasure to see.  There were decorations that Mom and Dad had since before Bill and I came along that were always put out.  Some were broken and mended but they still made their appearances.  Now, I have some in my house and Bill has some in his.  I love that we have taken that part of our upbringing to pass on and share with others.  There were some decorations that got tossed for reasons I don't know.  We used to have this huge set of three bells that hung on the closet door in the front hall.  They were made of gum balls. Not the kind you eat but the kind that are a pain to rake up in the yard.  I have no clue who made them or whatever became of them but they were there for years.  We also had a wax candle nativity set that Uncle Bill and Aunt Jan gave to my parents one year.  Of course, we never lit the candles, but it was put out in the front hall every year.  I remember I always loved the way it smelled.  There was also a patchwork quilted wreath that hung over the mantle.  It was very colorful and handmade and no clue what happened to it.  But these things live on in my mind and my heart.

So, as I continue to decorate the house, I will continue the trips down memory lane.  Maybe I'll get it all done by my birthday.  If not, no worries.  I will enjoy the process either way!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

 

One of the few traditions that I have created in the past few years is sharing this song at the beginning of the holiday season.  It is definitely in my top ten Christmas songs/carols.  To me, it perfectly embodies the spirit of Christmas and how we should appreciate all that has been given to us.  I heard this song every Christmas but it was not until a Christmas episode of Fame, of all things, that it pushed the right buttons for me.  Debbie Allen was seated at a piano and played and sang this.  I was mesmerized.  I did not actually see Meet Me in St. Louis until I was in high school.  It was showing on Turner Classic Movies and I honestly had no idea that's where this song originated.  Of course, I was blown away with Garland's touching and beautiful rendition of the song.  The scene with her and Margaret O'Brien is one of the all-time best in holiday cinema.  The entire movie is enchanting and one of Garland's best, but this scene....just amazing.  I was soon to bond with one of my best friends from college over this film and I gifted her the special edition VHS (remember those?) for Christmas one year.  It's a beautiful song and the perfect way for me to start the season.  Enjoy!

Thanksgiving

 For my entire life, Thanksgiving has been a time filled with good food, friends and family.  Growing up, Thanksgiving was always at Grandmother's house.  There was no other option.  There was never an alternate plan.  It was always there and that was that.  In fact, Mom never spent a Christmas or Thanksgiving away from the house she grew up in. That was what she wanted and that's how it was.  Fine by me.  Early on, those Thanksgivings were filled with friends, mainly from church.  I remember Jim and Lucy Reich came several times.  The Herrell family was there quite often.  Becky Hartzog came as did Scott Walker and his family.  Doris Martino was a guest one year.  I'm sure other friends from First Baptist attended our gathering at different points, but those are the ones that stick out in my mind.  

When I was in middle school, Mom had the idea that we, as in she and Grandmother, would host members of Dad's family for Thanksgiving.  First it was Uncle Tuck, Aunt Betty Jean and Grandma Fornes for a few years.  Then Uncle Bob and Aunt Faye and their family started coming.  Soon, all of Dad's brothers and his sister and their families would come.  It was always such a joyous time for all of us.  As an adult, I have spent Thanksgiving in many different places.  Once Bill and Heidi were married, we had to divide holidays and spent every other Thanksgiving together.  Some years we would drive out to where they lived and some years, we would meet somewhere in the middle to celebrate. On those other Thanksgivings, I would normally be with the in-laws and that was always special.

This year's, of course, was going to be different.  Finding myself single at almost 50 for the first time in years throws tradition right out the window.  I really had no plans for Thanksgiving for awhile.  My good friend and next door neighbor always hosts a Thanksgiving dinner and invited me to be a part of it.  I was thankful for the invitation.  Through a series of conversations, we decided that I would host.  Lois works at a hotel and would have be on duty Thanksgiving morning, so since I was going to be off it made sense for me to have everyone.  Of course, I was delighted as I love to entertain and had not had anyone in the house since Easter.  After many versions of the guest list and the menu, our Thanksgiving ended up being small.  Just three of us:  Myself, Lois and her sister Ruth.  

I spent my Thanksgiving morning cleaning, cooking, setting the table and finishing up last minute details.  Even with only three of us, I still enjoyed putting together my simple table.  We had a wonderful meal and good time together.  It was good for me to forget about work and school and just spend time with people I love.  Lois and Ruth are family by choice, and I think it did us all good to be together.  For me, personally, it was good to reconnect with a part of myself I haven't used in a while and that's hosting.  I love it and that morning I felt better than I have in a long time.  

Admittedly, I did have a few moments of melancholy.  I was not where I normally would have been this year for Thanksgiving and I missed seeing that side of the family.  I often wondered if my absence was noticed and acknowledged or was it just not talked about, which is fine too.  But life changes and we change along with it.  In the end, the tradition of spending Thanksgiving with family and friends continued this year.  It may have been different, but it continued none the less.  And for that, I am truly grateful. 

Quote of the Week

 Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I have spent a lot of this week high with emotion.  Sometimes good, sometimes not so good.  But that is life and I'm happy to be living it.  The one consistency in my up and down week is the gratefulness I am for what I have in my life.  I may not always recognize the importance of things right away, but eventually I do see the light.  This quote I found captures that for me. 

Recipe of the Week - Orange Glazed Beets

 

I haven't written on here in awhile simply because I have been busy with school projects.  And frankly, after the stress of writing homework all week I don't exactly want to sit down and blog LOL  It's a feeble excuse, yest, but there you have it.  I also realized it has been months since I posted a recipe of any kind so I thought I would start my Saturday out with one.  As an adult, I am liking beets more and more.  I only have a few ways that I prepare them so far and you can find those recipes on the blog.  I'm always on the lookout for a new beet recipe.

I found this recipe for orange glazed beets in an issue of Our State Magazine.  They really do have some good recipes in there and sometimes they're even not super complicated.  This is one of those.  I've made it twice and I like it.  It's easy, has a good flavor and looks nice on the plate!  And it can be made relatively quickly because you pretty much combine prepared ingredients.  Hope you enjoy!

Orange Glazed Beets

3/4 cup Orange Marmalade

6 Tbsp Orange Juice

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup of butter, cubed

3 14.5oz cans of sliced beets, drained*

Combine the first five ingredients in your pan.  Bring to a boil.  Stir and cook about 5 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken.  Add beets.  Stir to coat thoroughly.  Cook 8-10 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed** Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm.  

Enjoy!

*you could slice and cook your own beets if you wanted but the original recipe called for canned, which makes it much easier.

**I have always had a hard time getting liquid to absorb, so I just use a slotted spoon to dish out the beets if there's still too much liquid in the pan. 

Pewter Candlesticks

 I will often peruse Ebay looking for items from my childhood that somehow got lost to me along the way.  Why they were lost, I don't know.  It might be because my brother has them now, or they got donated to someplace or they broke.  Just no clue, but I enjoy looking around for things and if they are a good deal, I will buy them.  It brings me a lot of comfort to have things from my early years be a part of my life now.  That's how I came to own these candlesticks.

My parents had a pair of candlesticks just like these.  Being that I was obsessed with handbells as a child, of course I was in love with these bells and played with them often.  They were pewter so there was little chance I could do damage to them and never did, actually.  They always sat on a small Martha Washington sewing stand that was in our front hall.  Sometimes they would have candles in them, sometimes not.  Still, they were a staple of our household for years.  Whatever became of them, I don't know.

I started looking for some on Ebay.  When I found them, I was surprised that there were more pairs out there than I'd anticipated.  I suppose they were popular in the late 60s/early 70s.  I have no idea where my parents got them, a wedding present maybe?  I was very happy to find them and decided to bid on them.  I didn't bid more than $10 and I ended up winning them.  I have had them several places around the house and will probably bring them back out for the holidays.  It's the little things that make me happy these days and these bells are included in that.

That is all. 

This Is My Song - Petula Clark

 I have several of Petula Clark's records.  Yesterday I was listening to one that is simply a greatest hits albums.  For a single record, not a collection, there are a good many songs on there.  This one was towards the end of the second side.  I'd forgotten how much I really do like this song and her version is top notch!  Enjoy!

Things That I Enjoy Doing Part 2

As the stress of the semester builds as I near the end, I still try to find time each day to do a few things that I enjoy.  I simply need to allow myself to relax some each day so that I do not drive myself crazy! And it's nice to give myself a reward after doing homework.  It makes my goals seem more obtainable that way!  Here are a few more things that I like to do for myself when I have/make the time for them.

Cooking

We all know that I love to cook!  I don't do it every day anymore because I don't need to.  I try to eat what is already prepared until it is all gone.  That saves on my food budget immensely LOL  but I do love to try new recipes.  There's just something exciting to me about that.  And I always stick to the recipe the first time I make it.  I'm not one to add my own spin to it until I see how much I enjoy the original recipe.  Most times, I learn that the original recipe is the best and there's not any need for me to change it.  But sometimes, I do.  That's part of the fun of it.  I love collecting recipes and recipe books and finding new ones to try is something that I love to do.  It's fun to put new recipes into my dinner canon!

Collecting

I've been a collector long before I knew I was a collector.  Even before I fell in love with antiques I was collecting.  When I was in first grade, my teacher, Mrs. Richmond, introduced me to the world of music boxes and I fell in love with them.  I collected them for years.  Then, in 4th grade, Mrs. Goebel taught us about gnomes, so that became my collection of choice for over a decade.  I got my first one for Christmas that year and that became a regular Christmas gift for me.  Nowadays, I collect all sorts of things.  None of my collections are huge, except for my vintage records, but I love to go on ebay and peruse my saved searches of the different things I have collections of:  after dinner cups, angels, Strawberry Shortcake, green glass, Lenox Jewels nativity pieces, etc.  I don't often buy anything but when I do find a good bargain, I most definitely go for it and add to my collection!

Listening To Music

I have music playing constantly in my home.  It just brings me joy, plain and simple.  Often, I will take a break and sit on my sofa and simply listen to a record or a cd.  I just relax and enjoy the experience that music brings to me.  Sometimes I will sit and listen to my favorite radio station, 101.7, as they play the best music.  You never know what you'll hear on there and it's always fun.  I'm especially looking forward to their holiday music because they play the largest variety of it in the state and it's not the typical 35 songs you hear on every other station LOL  Still, just enjoying music is very relaxing to me.

Disney on YouTube

I love Disney.  The movies, the parks, all of it.  I have been four times to Disney World and hope to go back one day.  I'm thinking graduation maybe, if I can talk anyone else into it LOL  But I have multiple playlists on YouTube dedicated to Disney.  There are behind the scenes videos, many videos about food at the parks, videos of the history of the parks and Disney and Walt Disney himself, and POV videos of the many rides.  I just enjoy it and it brings a smile to my face.  I will go down my Disney playlist rabbit hole sometimes after a long, long day and it just brings me a sense of calm and enjoyment.

Afternoon Coffee

Most afternoons, I treat myself to an afternoon coffee when I get home from work.  Now, it's nothing special, just coffee with cream.  I don't normally put cream in my coffee in the morning, but in the afternoon I do.  Not sure why that is, but there you have it.  And for my afternoon coffee, I always use a cup and saucer, never a mug.  That's Grandmother's influence on me....one of many.  But I love to give myself that down time after my day and before my evening of homework to sit and just let everything  wash away for a few minutes while I enjoy my coffee in a cup!

A Prayer for Perseverance

 As I get stressed out about my schoolwork right now, I need to do what I can to let go of that stress.  I have a tendency to make things more difficult than they need be.  So, as I was searching this morning for some guidance, I came across this prayer. It is a prayer for perseverance.  It was exactly what I needed in that moment.  I'm sure I'm going to say this prayer many times this weekend!!

A short student update :)

 I only have 3.5 weeks left in this semester.  That hardly seems plausible to me.  It has just flown by and I do feel like I am learning a lot...in a short amount of time.  I do with, sometimes, that the classes went the full semester and not just the half semesters.  I understand why it needs to be like this but sometimes there is so much to try to digest.  And if you know me, I can get very overwhelmed and stressed out over it.  

The class I'm in now is program planning and evaluation, two things I know very little about.  But I am really enjoying the class.  The textbook we read on team building is probably the best textbook I've had so far in graduate school.  Still, this unit's material is really complex and is hard to follow at times.  There are a lot of steps doing needs assessments and I can't seem to keep those steps in order LOL  It wouldn't bother me as much if I did not have other people relying on me as well.  Of course, that's going to be something I encounter in my career, so I really am looking at this as good growth for me.  

I'm in the home stretch of the semester.  I just need to keep myself focused and on point, not only for my team but for myself.  I can do that.  I will do that.  That is all.  

The Check Engine Light

 It's always very frustrating when my work week has come to an end and I am looking forward to the weekend, albeit a weekend filled with homework but nothing too strenuous, and then something happens to throw everything off.  That's the way life goes sometimes, but still it's frustrating.  As I was driving home from work on Friday, my check engine light came on.  GRRRRRRRR.  I always get anxious when that happens.  I, admittedly, do not know much about cars so I have no clue why this light came on.  The car is driving fine, but it still makes me nervous.

As soon as I get home, I check with my mechanic, and they can't see me until Monday morning.  Ok, I book the appointment.  I really don't mind waiting until then, but I did have somethings that I wanted to do this weekend if possible.  I had set up some rewards in my mind of things to treat myself to in case I got my work done on time.  Now, that's all gone out the window LOL  And luckily I have a grocery store around the corner in case I need something.  Still, it's disappointing not to just get in the car and go when I want to.  

I learned the hard way, years ago, not to ignore the lights that came on my dashboard.  I ended up with a dead car in the middle of a busy intersection during morning rush hour traffic...and I was in a left turn lane.  That is drama I never want to deal with again, so I pay heed to these lights.  So, I will take my car in tomorrow morning and hand it over to my mechanics and see what the problem is.  Hopefully it won't be anything expensive, but that's life.  It will get taken care of and I'll keep moving forward....just this time I'll be moving in the car!

That is all.  

Tara's Theme

 I chose this song to start my Saturday with for two reasons.  One is because, no matter what your feelings are about this classic film, the score is absolutely beautiful.  And Tara's Theme probably ranks in the top ten most recognizable pieces written for film of all time.  The other reason if for John Williams and The Boston Pops.  In the 80's they were a staple of my life.  We would watch Evening at Pops on TV on PBS back in the days when a new episode came on just about every month.  We had many cassette tapes...yes, cassette tapes... of John Williams and The Boston Pops.  His arrangements were wonderful and always fun to listen to.  Enjoy!

Student Adventures - Teamwork

 

As a student, I have always made things out to be harder than they really are.  I have no idea why that is, but it's the truth.  As long as I can remember, every project, paper, etc. was filled with stress.  And there wasn't really a need for that because in the end, I knew what I was doing and what I was talking about.  I've had several experiences this semester when I stressed myself out by doubting my abilities.  It's natural to me, so I don't worry when it happens.  That's starting to change, though.  

The class that I'm taking now is on program planning and evaluation and team building.  My professor, who I've had for several other classes, loves group work so this is right up her alley.  And I'm loving the textbook we're reading.  It's about creative elements of team building, and it's written in such a way that anyone could pick it up and understand what she's talking about.  That's pretty perfect for me because so many times the jargon used is way beyond my knowledge base.  

Anyway, in this class I am a member of a team.  That makes perfect sense given the topic of this class is team building.  And the difference between working on a team in graduate school as opposed to undergraduate is that we're all really focused on our education.  The team I am on has been amazing so far.  We all have different schedules and workloads but we're making it work.  We are supporting each other throughout the weekly process, and it's been fantastic.  

I don't feel stressed about these projects like I normally would because I have this great group of people to work with.  It's new territory for me and I am loving it.  I am working with this same group through the entire class, and I couldn't be any luckier.  I hope that I am able to participate in this kind of teamwork in the professional world after graduation!  We shall see.  

The Playing Cards After Dinner Coffee Cup

 I know that I have talked about this before, but I have a collection of after dinner coffee cups.  They are also referred to as demitasse cups.  Most of my collection came from Grandmother.  Some of it came from other family members and some pieces I have collected on my own.  I did learn, while doing some research on this, that a demitasse cup is half the size of a regular coffee cup.  It was not used as part of a place setting but was used after dinner for coffee...hence the after dinner coffee cup.  Interesting.

Anyway, this particular cup belonged to Grandmother.  It was a gift from her Sunday School teacher, Mary Ellen Hopper.  She was just the sweetest woman and was a great friend to Grandmother.  Their adoration was mutual.  Mary Ellen would go to the Metrolina Flea Market several weekends a month.  I think at some point she had her own booth there, but I may be wrong.  Anyway, she would peruse the market and knowing that Grandmother collected cups, if she saw one that was interesting, she would buy it for her.  And she would bring Grandmother the cup and it would be filled with flowers or candy or something special. 

I looked it up and the pattern is called "Cut For Coffee".  It is bone china produced by Queen's.  It's produced in England.  I couldn't find an exact date for this pattern, but Queen's bone china was produced between 1941 and 1988.  So, it's vintage but not antique...which is fine with me.  I still love it.  I just enjoy having pieces that have history to them.  It was a thoughtful gift from a thoughtful person.  And I'm glad to have it.  That is all.  

10 Day/Overnight trips I would like to make over the next few months

Working full time and being a full-time student does not exactly leave a lot of time for leisure.  However, one of the major components I've learned to be a healthy, successful person is self-care.  With everything I need to do for my job and all of the homework I need to get done, I realize that I'm going to need to take time to treat myself to something fun and relaxing.  Here are some day trips, perhaps an overnighter here and there that I would like to do in the next several months.  And I'm always open to have someone join me or meet me there!

1. Ava Gardner Museum

Ava Gardner is an iconic American actress from North Carolina.  I've never been to the museum that honors her, but with my love of classic Hollywood films, I think I would really enjoy this!

2. Sylvan Heights Bird Park

I saw a segment on this park on NC Weekend on PBS and thought it looked very peaceful and relaxing.  Lots of nature trails, gardens and birds in Scotland Neck, NC

3. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

As many times as I have been to Belmont, NC over the past 18 years, I can't believe that I only just learned of this garden.  It's definitely on my list!

4. Wilmington, NC

I spent a week in Wilmington every summer when I was growing up until I graduated from high school.  And even with all of those visits, so many things I've never done.  I haven't been to the battleship or to the Bellamy mansion.  Both I would love to see!

5. Old Salem

I haven't visited Old Salem in over 30 years.  It's about time for a revisit!

6. Trash 2 Treasure

This is an antiques and collectables shop in Rocky Mount, NC that is run by a Facebook friend of mine and his mother.  The posts are always so fun that I want to go and spend hours looking for my own treasure!

7. Monroe, NC

I haven't been home in 8 or 9 years.  I would love to spend a day going to old haunts and seeing how everything has changed or hasn't changed!  And catch up with good friends.

8. Museum of Art

I've never been and I feel like I would enjoy it.  A good art museum can be both entertaining and educational.  Luckily, I enjoy both of those qualities!

9. The Candy Factory

I can't imagine not loving this shop in Lexington, NC. And I can't imagine not spending way too much money!!

10. Seagrove Pottery

I have never been to Seagrove.  I know it has some fantastic folk art and pottery and would be a wonderful way to spend the day!

So, if you see something that peaks your interest, hit me up and we'll plan a trip!  I would love that!!

One Drawer at a Time - Spices

 I have to start out by saying that one drawer at a time includes cabinets too!  Pretty much it includes any space that involves storage of some kind, not just drawers.  It is definitely a slow process, but I am finding success with it, so I'm happy with that.  The other day I tackled my spice cabinet.  For the past 13 years, it's been this small, narrow cabinet above the stove area.  I always thought that would be the most convenient because it's right there where I cook.  And having the spices close at hand seemed like a natural fit.  Well, I changed that now after going through the cabinet.

I took out all of my spices and sorted them.  Sometimes I had several bottles of the same spice which was brought on by the fact that I couldn't see the bottle hidden in the cabinet and would buy another one for whatever recipe I needed it for.  So, I got those bottles together and discarded anything that was out of date, which wasn't that much surprisingly.  Then I grouped them as best I could into like categories.  The herbs in one section, the spices used in baking in another, and so forth.  

I noticed, however, that many of my powder spices, garlic, onion, etc, had become very clumped inside the bottles.  It took lots of effort to loosen them up and was generally a pain in the rear.  So I did some research as to why that would happen.  What I discovered was that spices need to be kept at room temperature in relatively dry spaces.  That's when I realized that the location of my spices, over the stove, was what was causing them to clump like they were doing.  The heat from the stove and the oven would rise up to that particular cabinet, as well as any steam from pots that happened when cooking.  Oops.

So, I chose a cabinet on the other side of the kitchen and moved them there.  That cabinet had some miscellaneous glassware and boxes of plastic sandwich bags and other such devices.  Finding new places to put those was relatively easy.  I was able to store the spices in such a way that I can actually see them all as it's a much wider cabinet than their previous home.  So, what if I have to take a few extra steps to find the spice I need.  It's not like I'll be walking a mile for my garlic salt.  And end the in, I will be saving money because I won't buy something I already have because I'll actually be able to find it easily now.  

This process has been successful so far and I am happy with how it is going.  It's the little things that make life easier sometime.  That is all.  

Visiting

Yesterday, I had a dear friend that I had not seen in over 20 years stop by the house.  Melissa was on her way to Raleigh, and we made plans for her to stop here and visit on her way. It was so wonderful to see her.  She really has not changed since I saw her last.  I mean, of course, we've all aged but she looks great and still had the funny, sparkling personality that I remembered!  We visited for an hour or so.  We caught up on people and our lives over the past few decades LOL  All in all, it was a good time.

We are both in a place in our lives where reconnecting with important people is a main goal in our lives now.  We have different circumstances that brought us to this place, but the goal is the same.  And even though I have said it many times before, having these kinds of visits at home are what I long for.  I'm slowly making the house my own and it shows.  And I didn't have to do much of anything to prepare for the visit.  Yes, I had coffee and sodas available.  And some cookies.  But I didn't have to put out a big spread or anything.  Not that I mind doing that at all, of course, but this was simple and relaxing and rejuvenating.  We just enjoyed each other's company.

Growing up I remember people just visiting each other.  Stopping by unannounced or planned.  It didn't matter.  There was always time and room for friends.  I want more people to stop by.  Just to say hello, share a cup of coffee or a drink, and just sit and be with each other.  Talk about whatever.  Have that connection.  It's a level of social intimacy that is often unachieved because visiting is becoming a lost art.  And I want to bring that art back. So, if you want to stop by sometime, just let me know.  I would love to have you!

Rainy Days and Mondays

 I heard this song on the radio the other day and I had forgotten how much I loved The Carpenters music.  There's just something so pure about her voice, it's just incredible.  Ironically, I love rainy days and Mondays are no issue for me.  I just like the song.  And as it's raining here today, I thought I would share it.  Enjoy!

Quote of the Week

 A good thing to remember!

A House Ready for Company

 I know that many of my posts have to do with keeping house in one way or another.  I can't help it, it's part of who I am.  And this post will be no different haha!  I have today off, and I want to work in the house getting things in order.  I want my house to be a place where I can have people over and entertain.  I want it to be a place where someone can spend the night if they need to or just want to.  I know that my schedule does not always work out, but it would be nice to have the house ready just in case someone decided to drop by.  Of course, people don't do that as much anymore, but still, I'd like to be ready.

This weekend, Dad and I went to Georgia to see my Aunt Susan.  Her house was so warm and welcoming.  It was definitely ready for our arrival.  Now, I have no way to know if her house looks like that all of the time, but that's not the point.  In that moment, it was ready.  And it got me to thinking that I really want my house to be ready for guests, expected or not.  My house says a lot about me. It tells you the things that I like. It tells you the things that make me comfortable.  It's an expression of who I am.  I am a very welcoming person and I want my house to reflect that.

I did have some overnight guests a few weeks ago.  Some friends came into town to see a play and spend the evening.  We had a great time together and I loved being able to host.  It has been so long since I've hosted overnight guests that I wasn't sure if I still had the capability to do so.  But, I did!  And it felt great.  It was the first time I'd had anyone in my home since last Christmas.  It just gave me a really good feeling and I want more of that.  And it wasn't about the house looking good or showing off.  It was about welcoming people into my space and into me.  While I like that people remember my house for some of the beautiful things that I have, I want them to remember how being in this house, my house, made them feel.  All of my memories of Grandmother's house, while filled with the antiques that I explored and love still, are enveloped in that feeling of belonging.  That's what I want for my house as an adult.  We shall see.  

It's time for me to go and start cleaning.  Have a great day!

Finding a Future Handbell Choir

 Growing up, the end of summer and the beginning of fall meant going back to our weekly church activities.  For me, nothing was more anticipated than being in handbells.  From 3rd grade through 12th grade, that is what I looked forward to more than anything.  It was by far my favorite church activity.  I absolutely loved it.  I joined the adult handbell choir when I was in 7th grade, so I rang in two choirs at that time.  

Now, as an adult, I still have a huge passion for handbells.  I was lucky enough to join the First Baptist handbell choir for a few years.  But, going back to school put an end to that.  I simply did not have the time to attend rehearsals.  Yes, time management is still something that plagues me.  I'm much better than I used to be but it's a constant work in progress.  And it has always surprised me, in my 30 years association with UNCG that they do not have a handbell choir or any kind of handbell courses.  As many church musicians that graduate from their music department, you'd think that they would have one.  Ah, well.  Maybe one day.  Not that I could ring with them either right now, but it's the principle of the idea.  

Anyway, once I finish this degree, whenever that may be, one of my life goals is to find a handbell choir to be a part of.  There are many other things that will factor into this such as what my job will be and what the church is, since we don't have a community choir here.  But, it's one thing that I want back in my life and I am determined to make that happen again one day!  As long as I don't have to ring the bottom bells...not my favorite and I get put down there often I think just because I'm male LOL  Give me something around middle C please!!

The Cut Glass Compote

 I love cut glass.  I love the way the light reflects off of it and acts as a prism.  It's just beautiful and often has very intricate designs.  I have several pieces of cut glass.  Most are from Mom and Grandmother, go figure!  But I love them and use them whenever I can.  I have started to collect other pieces of cut glass when I see something I love and it's at a good price.  There is a shop that I go to about once a month, and I have found several really nice small pieces of cut glass that usually have cost me one or two dollars at most.  

This piece, however, I spent a little more money on.  I was out doing some holiday shopping last December and I found myself at the Antiques Market Place here in Greensboro.  It's one of my favorite places to shop and just walk around and look.  And many times you can find booths having great sales, especially around the holidays.  That particular day, one of the last booths I went to was having a half off sale...as many booths were.  I found several fun pieces in the booth that would be Christmas presents.  I did not get them dirt cheap, but half off prices were very reasonable.  Anyway, this was one of the pieces on sale and I just loved it.  But, I had made an agreement with myself that I would not buy anything for me because it was Christmas time and I didn't know what I might get.  I didn't expect to get any cut glass but you never really know!!

So, when I was checking out, the cashier told me that this booth's sale was going to be its last.  The lady who ran the booth had decided to close it and everything would be gone before the end of the year.  I didn't rush back right then and buy it but I did think about it.  I thought about it a lot. So much so, that I just said screw my agreement and went back the next day and bought it.  And I'm glad I did.  I love the pattern.  When I look at it from above, it reminds me of looking into a kaleidoscope.  It's just pretty and I love it.

I have had it several places around my house.  On side tables, on the dining room table, etc.  Now it sits on my buffet and I love how it looks there.  I really like pieces that are footed and I have several really fun compotes.  I have to be careful with that though before I get too many.  Still, I'm going to hang on to this one and enjoy it!

Quote of the Week

 Taking this quote into today with me!

One Drawer at a Time - Twist Ties

 I started in my kitchen this week.  Whenever I'm doing any kind of cleaning or purging, the kitchen is usually the first place I start.  I believe that the kitchen is the heart of any house and I want mine to be in good order. That isn't always the case, but I do try.  There's almost nothing worse to me, at least in domestic life, than waking up and making coffee in a messy kitchen.  It happens, but I despise it!!

Anyway, I started my "One Drawer at a Time" process in the kitchen.  And that's what I did.  One drawer and only one drawer, which is the purpose of this process.  And I will say it was a success.  It was a small drawer, but one that I utilize a good deal.  I was able to throw away over half of the stuff in the drawer, get a few things ready to donate and then organized the rest of it.  

Growing up, Grandmother had a drawer in her kitchen where she saved twist ties from loaves of bread.  As a child, I thought this drawer was fascinating because it was so colorful with all of the different twist ties in it.  I decided that I should do the same thing and that is the drawer that I cleaned out first.  I realized, when I was taking all of those twist ties out, that I never saw Grandmother actually do anything with those twist ties.  I'm sure they were used on plastic bags that didn't have any kind of closures on them.  You don't really see that in plastic bags anymore these days.  So, those got tossed and I didn't regret it for a moment.  It won't make the memory any less fun for me by not having a drawer full of twist ties on my own.

So, that drawer is done and still looks pretty good.  I'll find another one to work on this weekend and keep this process going!  Good times :)

Carbs Challenge

 

Cutting carbs is a phrase we hear all the time when it comes to dieting and healthy eating.  The truth is, though, that I love carbs.  I love potatoes and rice and bread.  All the good stuff!  So, when I went to see my doctor yesterday for my yearly check up, I talked to her about that.  I want to eat healthier because I have gained weight over the past year....wonder why lol...and I just need get my body into better shape than it currently is.  

One of the dangers of carbs is they are comparatively cheap and when you're shopping on a tight budget buying a 5lb bag of potatoes for $3 is a better buy than a 16oz bag of spinach for $5.  And that bag of potatoes is going to stretch much farther than the spinach.  So, I talked to my doctor about wanting to change my eating habits but not go on a "diet".  For one, a diet sets you up for failure even when they work because that's a lot of pressure.  And frankly, I enjoy cooking way too much to limit myself that way.  I have asked her advice before on things like this before and she's never steered me in the wrong direction, so I wanted to talk to her about it.

Anyway, she talked to me about how she handles it.  She limits herself to carbs at only one meal a day.  And she makes sure that she has a healthy snack in between meals.  She also talked about the importance of breakfast...something I've never been good at doing for myself.  All of these things sound very doable to me.  It's going to be a matter of meal planning.  Oddly enough, I've never been too great at meal planning but am getting better.  I have read up on it a lot and think it's something I can get in to.  I even fixed up some meal planning sheets that I intend to start using next week.  I also need to do some research into carbs and make a list of foods I didn't realize were carbs to help me keep track!

So, my challenge for next week and moving forward is going to be planning my meals out and limiting my carbs to once a day.  She did tell me that it's ok to change things around sometimes because circumstances sometimes dictate that.  I think this will also help with my grocery shopping habits.  I've been good about sticking to my grocery list and not doing much impulse shopping and having meals planned is going to help with that.  It's a win win.  We'll see how it goes and I will keep you updated!