Wednesday, March 31, 2010

What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.

~Oscar Wildes

Some issues with some kids have me fighting a helpless feeling. ALL children deserve caring parents and a stable home.

Once again, I'm blown away by the creative cruelty of some adults.

On a happier note, I'm optimistic that things will get better. No need to lose sight of hope. Not yet.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Seder Plate

We had our Passover Seder Dinner tonight instead of last night thanks to me being calendar challenged. It was a blast! We had 15 folks for the meal... and no one had to be sacrificed.

I think I gained 10 pounds tonight.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Napoleon Complex

She may be short but she is the ruler over the garden.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Cookie Condo = Passover Fail

Seriously, these cookies aren't for Passover. They are merely my contribution to the Relay for Life bake sale at my school tomorrow. For fifty cents, I'll send you two.

The family (including me) has already made approximately a ten dollar contribution (in cookies) to the fund.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Wound tight

Waiting on all the colleges to send acceptance letters and/or emails is stressful. Today, my son found out that he got accepted to Emory University (yay because they have a 24% acceptance rate!). Now we are waiting to hear from the other six schools.

I guess the next thing I need to start stressing over are the scholarships.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Days gone by

Went downtown to eat a burger at one of the local pubs and realized there was a fantastic piece of history on the building across from where we were sitting on the terrace. I wish I could have seen what my town looked like back in the day when people traveled in buggies and wagons (and what is the difference between a buggie and a wagon?).

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Beginning

Tonight was senior night for my youngest son's marching and jazz band. He received an award for his trumpet playing and the Director's award. I am so proud! This marching band has almost 100 seniors graduating in May ~ so, he was picked from many.

Part of me is sad that this part of his life is almost over. Another part of me is excited about all the opportunities that await him.

This upcoming empty nest is a little overwhelming.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Trees are the earth's endless efforts to speak to the listening heaven.

~Rabindranath Tagore, Fireflies, 1928

My husband and I went to visit a friend who had recently moved into a new house. On the way, we passed this magnificent tree. It has three different bloom colors - magenta, white, and pink. I wish I knew what kind of tree it was. I'd plant one by my office window.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

A bird does not sing because it has an answer.

It sings because it has a song. ~ Chinese Proverb

The Cedar Waxwings have moved back to Georgia. They'll move again after the kumquats are ripe and eaten.

I am loving the longer hours with daylight. The only downfall is that I can't figure out where my evenings are going.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Lettuce blooms

The winter lettuce shot up with blooms a few days ago.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Take me home, country roads

Since we spent the weekend at St. Augustine Beach, we thought we'd have a day in the sun today. The weather gods disagreed with that plan and sent rain. We went shopping (yay) instead.

I'm a seagull. I like to fly, maybe...

Yesterday, I went with my catering husband to help him with a wedding reception at a house at the beach. During a lull, I went down to the shore as the sun was setting for a few minutes of shutter time. The low tide made for some fabulous reflections of the birds. I can see why they call this time of day the sweet light.

Friday, March 19, 2010

I love my job!

Tonight, we had our annual talent show at school. The kids were so stinking cute (too bad I can't show them here because you would think they were cute, too). It is one of my favorite nights of the year because I love getting to see the kids show off their talent. It was a long, tiring day but I have a big smile on my heart.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Fern fronds

Baby ferns are popping up all along the house! I love spring in Georgia.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Miss Poopy has a little freak out

Today, my husband cleaned out his mother's room at the assisted living facility. We moved in the dresser, a few chairs and some pictures. As a result, Miss Poopy flipped out for a few moments.

How dare we not revolve around the Miss Poopy universe! What do we exist for if not to share our food, throw the ball, and snuggle on the sofa?

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Horse's Rear

After attending the most stressful funeral of my life, I decided to take a picture in honor of my husband's brother. No one holds a candle to him.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Orange you glad it's Monday?

After a week of hacking and coughing (and sounding much like a 2 pack a day smoker), I finally got out for a run. It felt awesome!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

A little sad today

My mother-in-law died early this morning. Her health and mind had deteriorated so much that this is really a blessing. Still, I'll miss her.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

As the sun sets

I stayed in my pajamas all day today. Finally, the cough from the bronchitis is getting better and I no longer feel like falling on a sharp sword. Guess a day of rest can make a difference.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Earth laughs in flowers

As said by the great Ralph Waldo Emerson. The rain made a lovely blanket of petals on the ground.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Green, green leaves

The rain and warm weather just heal my soul.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Plum Happy for Spring

I love spring! The Japanese Plum tree is blooming. Have I said how much I really, really love spring?

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Truth in Advertising

My blush didn't survive the trip this past weekend. Somehow, it seemed like poetic justice.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Post half marathon crash

Yesterday, when I woke up, I *felt* like I was fighting something but I convinced myself to ignore that rattle in the chest feeling creeping up on me. This morning, it hit me fairly hard. As soon as we rolled into town, I went to the doctor - even before picking up The Supreme Leader from the vet. He gave me a steroid shot and four different prescriptions. The culprit? My husband shared his bronchitis.

He is a sweetheart because I dragged him all over Animal Kingdom and Epcot while he felt horrible. He didn't complain, he merely coughed and coughed. And this just proves that the family who hacks together, stays together.

A Fairy Tale Run

The Princess Half Marathon in Disney World was an amazing experience! I'm totally ready to sign up to do the same thing next year (and now I know I HAVE to practice more on hills).

This was me at 3-ish in the morning. We got on the bus at 3:30 a.m. to head to the line up. And then stood outside until our corral (the last one) started at 6:28 a.m. It was COLD!

Instead of resting, Page and I dragged our husbands all over Epcot so we could eat our way around the world. Apparently, we run so we can eat carbs.

The Path of Bubbles

Saturday, we spend the day with my parents at Animal Kingdom. This picture was taken at the end of the Nemo show (it was awesome!) as the bubbles fell from the ceiling.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Picture Window

We made it to Disney World today. Despite the cold-ish weather, there are fabulous flowers all over the place. I got to meet Krystyn (who blogs at Someday I'll Get There) and her adorable son as we headed over to the Expo to get our bib and running swag.

Tonight, we met my parents at House of Blues for a fun and delicious meal. Once again, I'm reminded of what awesome parents I have. And that sweet potato fries are awesome!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

The Sweetest Friends

Tonight, Ray (my little buddy) and his daddy brought this homemade card (thanks Kippy! I want to be as creative as you one day!) to me for encouragement before the half marathon. I have some of the sweetest friends! Not to mention the perfect timing as I was pondering what to do for the shot of the day.

Tomorrow, we head to Orlando for the Princess Half Marathon. I am so excited! A year ago, at this time, I couldn't even run for 5 minutes. I couldn't have come so far without all the encouragement from my family and friends.

You guys rock!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

My stove is friendly and other reasons why I prefer home cooked food

Lately, we've declared many nights a "fend for yourself" night which is usually synonymous with eating cereal or ravioli. Tonight, my husband and I worked together to make Buffalo Tilapia (with blue cheese crumbles), asparagus, orzo, and cucumber salad (it was delicious!). While cooking, my husband noticed the stove trying to strike up a conversation. He is a friendly guy. The stove. Well, and my husband, too.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Thanks to Kimberly at Under the Umbrella for this sweet award!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Dandy Daffodils

Daffodils have been popping up in some of the fields outside of town. Daffodils just make me smile because their arrival means spring is almost here. That and the word daffodil is just darn funny.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Count your chickens

On my way home, I saw these chickens pecking away in the yard. I don't live in the country, so I imagine these chickens got loose from a backyard cage.

We ate chicken pot pie to honor the lost chickens.