Peaceful Thoughts

October 02, 2009

October Days

So October has arrived and it's been a chilly rainy one at that...

We enjoyed a nice weekend in CT/MA the 25th and 26th of September. The girls and I drove down with Mom and went shopping in Holyoke and then went to Phyllis and Ed's and had dinner with them and visited a while. The next day we all went to the Big E. Saw Susan for a few minutes too as she met us in Agawam to take us in a back way to avoid some of the traffic. Had a nice time...it's a big fair, but didn't have too many crafts I thought...but I could have missed some!

We enjoyed fair food and Hannah went on quite a few rides too. We left around 4:30 after having been there since 10 am and headed home and Andy let me stop off at Walmart in Woodsville too to get some groceries before heading home.

Work is crazy as ever. We did get one nurse back that left, Marlene, but we are still short. Thank goodness we haven't had too many admissions though, none actually.

I'm on this weekend and hopefully won't have to work doubles! Should be an ok weekend.

Plan to check out Jay Peak's annual arts and craft fair next weekend for our anniversary...10 years!!

Posted by tracey at 05:46 PM | Comments (0)

September 12, 2009

Wonderful Day

I had this weekend off including Friday and today was lazy, yet productive. I made some homemade crab apple jelly from apples Devon picked at Lucy's, the 101 year old lady she stays with on the weekends. It jelled up nice this time and tastes good! She plans to bring her some tomorrow!

Hannah had a friend over for a couple of hours, Emily who lives just down the road, and they helped me make homemade carrot cake and cupcakes. Delicious!

Tonight we all watched the movie Abraham, and it was long, but very good and Andy actually enjoyed it too!

Dodie's Dad died this past Thurs. I have not called her and need to do that. She texted tonight to let us know about the calling hours and funeral. I'm hoping to make the calling hours on Tuesday.

Otherwise, this wonderful weather is holding out! It was a bit overcast today, but no rain...September is turning out to be the BEST month so far!

Posted by tracey at 08:32 PM | Comments (0)

September 07, 2009

Indian Summer

So September has been wonderful weather wise! Gorgeous Labor Day weekend,,,even though I had to work all three days! It was a pretty good weekend all in all. Someone didn't show up for second shift, but it could have been because the schedule was screwed up too! I just hate it when people can't show up for work. It's always someone and it just makes for a lousy shift all the way around...and very unfair to the patients. I get so riled up about how the higher ups absolutely refuse to come in either. It's like they are above having to help out...they take a paycheck home every two weeks though,,,regardless. Someday...someday there will be a reckoning...

School is in full swing and all is going good so far. Devon is busy with her two part time jobs plus picking up babysitting jobs here and there. She has just English to pass this year and her Early Childhood class so shouldn't be any problems there.

We had a great supper tonight of ribs and potato salad and fresh cabbage and carrots from the garden! I'm in the mood now to bake and have been looking up several different apple recipes and want to try the crab apple jelly again too.

I'm off tomorrow so plan to do some house cleaning and cooking.

I'm in hopes that this weather holds out! It's wonderful...

oh...and we sold the sleds...money in the bank for a boat,,,maybe!

Posted by tracey at 05:26 PM | Comments (0)

August 29, 2009

It feels like snow!

It's rained all day today and it's been brisk out. The thermometer read almost 60 around 2 pm, but it felt cooler than that. Certainly a fall like day, but it's too early!

Hannah and I visited Andy's mother yesterday and then went out to see my parents this afternoon. Now I'm baking a loaf of homemade banana bread...what a great day to bake! The house smells good.

Andy cleaned out the garage and pulled the sleds out and cleaned them up so I could take some pictures. I'm hoping we can sell them and put the money away for a pontoon boat for next year!

Val Chase and her husband may come for a visit sometime next month so it will be nice to see them. Otherwise just a very peaceful, lazy Saturday!

Posted by tracey at 07:27 PM | Comments (0)

August 26, 2009

End of Summer Time

It's the end of August...already and autumn will soon be upon us once again. The weather has changed, it's cooler and you can feel fall in the air. I LOVE this time of year!

July was very wet and soggy, lots of rain and not very summer like at all. August was warmer and WAY more humid and it's rained some, but not so much as July.

Devon had her 17th birthday on the 21st and she spent the morning having her senior pictures done and then chose to spend the evening and night at her Uncle's camper in Charleston. Andy and I had wanted to take her out for supper and have cake and ice cream, but...

Her pictures came out nice and now it's time to order the ones I want. She has her parking permit for school and we met with the principal on Monday and hopefully her schedule will get straightened around and she can go to school just in the morning and then she has also signed up for a class at CCV this fall. So...she's moving onward and upward and I'm quite confident she has a pretty good head on her shoulders, surprising since I'm told I'm such a stupid >>>> >>>> by a certain somebody...very stupid actually...but I've done the best I can and I can only hope she will always be healthy, happy, content and faithful to our Lord.

Hannah has had a VERY busy summer despite my concerns she wouldn't since she couldn't go to the summer day camp through Newport this year. She ended up being able to stay home the days I worked and did things with Devon. Went to the beach ALOT and spent quite a bit of time out to Charbo with Debbie and Shayla. Last week she actualy spent two more nights out to Norton Pond with Lori's grandchildren too. She's been on walks, bike rides, swimming, Coutts camp for a week as did Devon and then our trip to Maine and Norton and then in late September we plan to go to the Big E down in Springfield MA. We are skipping Essex Fair this year in exchange for Springfield, something different, but I do plan to still go to the annual craft fair in Essex in October. LOVE that place! Val and I always have a good time.

It's amazing how I come to life with this weather change and how the hot summer humidity just totally zaps me, not to mention I had some weird flu bug last week that lasted about 5 days or more. Severe body aches and diarrhea and nausea and one night a TON of gas! Wholly smoke bandit!

Weekends at work just get better and better. I had a melt down last Sat and called the big cheese and told her she HAD to come in and help me. She did, but she's still being a piss ant about it all. We are now down to agency nurses and candidates from third world countries who want to stay here in the US. I don't get it,,,I guess it's called integrity and the major LACK of it in society as a whole these days. I'm praying for divine intervention at this point because I see no change forthcoming...it's put up and shut up and I want to maintain until my 10 year plan can unfold.

Well,,,guess that is all for now. Loving the cool breeze this evening coming from the porch windows into the livingroom. All for now.

Posted by tracey at 07:40 PM | Comments (0)

July 27, 2009

Summer Weather is

finally here...I think...

I hung out a load of clothes today only to have it start raining about 15 minutes later. Then the sun came back out, rained again and on this went for most of the mid to late morning until finally this afternoon it stayed out with a nice breeze and so...they finally dried.

I stayed home today as I ended up having to work a double shift yesterday and was none too pleased about it. The place is just crazy and I wish I could find a job less demanding, but it's probably not in the cards, not around here anyway.

Lately I've been sick of Derby VT and I'm not too sure why. I want something different and that is something I NEVER thought I would feel. I've always loved it here, but the winters are long and this summer has been nothing but rain and rain and more rain and now it's hot and humid and still rains! I'm sick of my job...not the folks I take care of, but all the politics and crap you have to put up with and the fact that those that make all the rules have NOT a clue what it's like to make the butter that sweetens THEIR bread. They are lazy, unrealistic and most of all GREEDY. Where is Robin Hood when you need him??

I'm looking into traveling nursing jobs, not that we are planning to head out any time soon, but I do have my 10 year plan in the back of my head. When Hannah has graduated highschool I want to sell this house and get out of Dodge! Live somewhere nice and warm for the winter and then come back for the summers. I figure we'll have to work til we die or can't function anymore so why not enjoy ourselves til the very end. 0wning a home is getting to be such a PIA, insurance co. is giving us a hard time again about the woodstove. I said to Andy, "see why I wanna live in a camper!" Jerks, but nothing you can do about it...

Hannah has had a pretty fun summer so far. She has spent several weekends out to Char Bo with Debbie and Glenn and plays with his daughter Shayla. They go swimming and keep each other occupied. She really looks forward to their visits. Then the week before Maine she went to Dodi's and stayed for the Bible School and played with Molly. She was a little homesick on that trip though, first time she ever went away like that without Mom, Dad or Devon. By the end of the week she was just fine though!

This coming weekend she will go to CT again with my mother and then when she gets home it's off to Coutt's for a week and Devon will be there as well as a counselor this year again.

She's very busy with work and just took on a part time job as well. Spending the day on Sunday's with an elderly lady from Orleans. $10 an hour to help her out a little, cook, light housekeeping and basically just being her companion. I hope it works out for her as the extra money will come in handy. She's also looked into college courses this fall through CCV and I hope that goes well too! I'm glad she is at least looking into something for her future as I can NOT believe she will be a senior this fall!

Andy I are off tomorrow and headed to Dartmouth to see if we can't get a better handle on his sugar situation. His blood levels are just WAY too high! He is seeing an endocrinologist (?sp) cuz his regular doctor hasn't a clue, course, I think a lot of it has to do with his diet, but he can't seem to change his ways. He has stayed smoke free for two years though that so is a MAJOR blessing!

Well, I'm off to read a good book...hoping tomorrow is cooler, but sunny!

Posted by tracey at 08:47 PM | Comments (0)

July 21, 2009

Summer '09

So, this summer hasn't been the best weather wise. It has rained and been overcast for the most part! We did manage to get away to Maine, Old Orchard, for a few days and had good weather. Had a great day at the beach and then another day at Aquaboggan waterpark which the kids really enjoyed, esp Hannah!

Last Thursday evening right after dinner we had a TERRIBLE thunderstorm. The lightening was INSIDE the house sizzling at outlets and shooting sparks! I was glad Andy was home to witness it as he might not have believed me otherwise! It was awful and he finally just turned all the power off so it would stop. The thunder and lightening was right over head -- on top of the house! I thought for sure the house had been struck! I hope that doesn't happen again...

Hannah is out to Crystal Lake today with the Liz and the girls. She is pretty sunburned from Maine, as are we all...hoping it tans and doesn't peel for me anyhow!

I've certainly enjoyed these days off from work. I'm getting pretty frustrated with my current position. I feel like an unappreciated glorified babysitter of a bunch of whiney brats that do as they damn please! I'm really getting tired of it, but I'm stuck...so, I'll pray on it and try and continue to make the best of it til Andy and I can go forward with our plans after the girls are grown.

Otherwise, things are quiet. Enjoying these summer days, which today is actually a nice somewhat sunny day, but it looks like more rain in the forecast is coming! I'm hoping August turns out to be a bit better! We have our cabin rented for the second weekend out at Norton Pond. Let's hope the owner mows the lawn for us!

Posted by tracey at 11:57 AM | Comments (0)

June 28, 2009

What a week

Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon have all passed away this past week. Farrah and Michael in the same day. I was totally shocked about Michael, but now it sort of doesn't surprise me so much as he has been on a downhill spiral for years now and looked just awful. I'm sure it was drug related, time will tell. Poor Farrah finally succumed to her cancer, she put up quite a fight though and I had seen her documentary on her journey with this dreaded disease just a few weeks ago.

The weather stinks! The humidity has arrived and we've been running the A/C quite a bit. Every day it rains or gets to looking like it's going to rain, then it clears for a bit and then back to clouds. We've had a few thunder boomers pass through, but nothing too bad yet.

Hannah was sick with a stomach bug yesterday and spent the day on the couch and didn't go to the campground as planned. She did go today though and played with Shayla til around supper time.

Devon has been running the roads and decided to just not come home last night from work til I called looking for her at 3:30 this morning! She certainly knows how to push her luck with me that is for sure. Dear God give me the grace to endure with my sanity intact this next full year! She did manage to pull off a pretty good end of the year report card though, but it's the company she keeps that's getting her into these tight spots with Mama! She knows better, it's just a matter of how far she is going to push me...

There was a suicide this past week too. David Willis. His entire family is realing and understandable so. I ran into Sherrie at RJ's yesterday after work and she said Caitlyn is doing ok. Lots of troubling stuff in that family and now this...it's becoming such a sad sad world --- no it IS such a sad sad world...

I can't believe the 4th of July is nearly upon us. We plan to go to the parade and then up to the campground to spend some time with friends and maybe overnight in our new tent. I need to get that out tomorrow and sew it!

Otherwise the summer has started off not so bad. Our gardens our growing and the flowers look nice. Tomorrow after my car appt I need to weed the veggie garden some and plant the girl's sunflower seeds up there.

It's going to go by fast though...this summer time of ours!

Posted by tracey at 06:25 PM | Comments (0)

June 20, 2009

Summer is officially here!

So June has turned out to be pretty much rainy as usual! A few thunder storms have rolled through and a few nice sunny days too. The humidity so far hasn't been too bad. We do have the A/C in our room and Andy tends to use it at night. I have three different nightgowns hanging on the bathroom door as each night tends to be a little different in temperature.

I had yesterday off and this weekend and it's been very relaxing and lazy! Andy finished fixing up the porch and I've been puttering out there putting things away and throwing stuff out as well! Always so much clutter!! I've also tackled my upstairs desk, UGH!!! Too much junk up there to even begin, but I made somewhat of a dent in it all.

Devon had her four HUGE wisdom teeth out yesterday and she's been laying low all weekend. She has some big holes in her head and her mouth is quite sore, but they all came out fairly easy...well I guess they did anyway. Originally the doctor had thought it was going to be worse, but come to find out they had read the WRONG x-rays and he told me this after the surgery and said not to worry if the insurance didn't pay it all as it was their error and they would write off the amount not covered. So, good enough. Her teeth weren't as bad and I won't have to pay extra either way.

Tomorrow is father's day and the first day of summer and the longest day of the year! I'd like to go out on the motor boat, but it will depend on the weather. Andy and Hannah went fishing with it this afternoon and went all over the lake to Newport and Prouty Beach.

Last week a wretched little bat found his way into Devon's room in the middle of the night as her top window wasn't locked and she was in our room around 1 am screaming about it! Turned out he spent the night in her room with her and she kept the light on! The next night around dinner time she ventured back in there and saw him clinging to her ceiling just above her bed so Andy caught him in his fishing net and set him free. UGH UGH!!! That is like the 4th bat in this house in 11 years! Buggers!

Well, here's to a nice Father's Day to everyone and may the sun shine just a little! God Bless.

Posted by tracey at 05:55 PM | Comments (0)

June 02, 2009

5 Reasons I love June so much

1. It means summer is officially here! The snow is gone, except for maybe atop Jay Peak and the flowers are blooming, I can begin to weed in earnest, my many many flower gardens. I can choose new perennials to plant and think about different ideas for my annual planters as well. The grass is growing and will need to be mowed and I so enjoy the peacefulness of my beautiful yard.

2. I get more excercise, it's the start of the year where we can get out and walk and bike ride. We live very near a local bike path and it's a great ride along the lake and the other way is shorter, but surrounded by open hay fields and trees and a trickling brook.

3. I sleep better at night, the days are longer, I'm more active during the day and at night when dusk comes, I change into my nightgown, go upstairs to my quiet darkened room, turn the TV on for background noise and read or look at catalogs I've received in the mail until I fall blissfully asleep under my ceiling fan.

4. I eat WAY healthier. There are fresh fruits and vegetables more readily available from local growers and farmers markets and into July, after planting our own garden, will come our veggies that we can cook on the grill. And grilling...LOVE grilling all kinds of things!

5. The gorgeous sunsets from my front porch windows overlooking the lake. I can enjoy these just about every evening uless the weather happens to not be so nice. The sky turns purple and pink and the colors are fabulous.

Posted by tracey at 06:35 PM | Comments (0)

May 29, 2009

Where have I been???

It's been months since I posted here! Time flies...spring is upon us in earnest and a wet and chilly one it has been. Memorial Day weekend was early this year and the girls and I took Mom to the Indian Head in Lincoln for their breakfast buffet and then we went to the cemetary to plant some flowers and had a nice day. Two weeks before we went to Woodsville together to Walmart and had lunch at the truck stop. We also stopped at my favorite greenhouse, Houghten's, in Lyndonville, and Smith's in Orleans.

We have our veggie garden in and many of the perenials have come up and I have planted some annuals too, but we had a pretty good frost this past Monday night and so some things were hit...

It has rained buckets the past couple of days and it's just plain cold and damp! June does not seem like it is that near to us, but it is!

Hannah has been in CT with Mom since Wed after school got out. She went down to visit for a few days as Aunt Phyllis is home from the nursing home, still without her knee, but doing better! Devon is working tonight and again on Sunday. She didn't like her job at CRMI so didn't last too long! She never did leave Wendy's and that is where she is planning to stay for the summer.

She has had awful luck with cars. The Ford Escort she bought turned out to be junk! Now it sits on our front lawn with a for sale sign, but we can't give it away! She hopes to finance a newer one this summer, but unfortunately she will pay a LOT for insurance!

The girls will be finishing up school in the next couple of weeks. Hannah will be looking forward to 3rd grade and Devon her senior year! Pictures, rings and proms will all be upcoming in the fall. I do hope she sets some goals for her future, right now it's a car and running the roads ALL the time!

Speaking of which, gas is on it's way UP again! Getting close to $3 a gallon and from what I hear, it will well surpass this by the fall as well. The world is in chaos...on SO MANY levels!

Otherwise, life is good...

Posted by tracey at 06:09 PM | Comments (0)

November 17, 2008

Another Holiday Season Upon Us...

I usually LOVE the holidays, but this year they seem sort of hum ho or is it ho hum? I have been pretty emotionally charged the last few months. I wonder where I get that from???

The weather is changing and it's beginning to feel like Christmas and in just a little over a week Thanksgiving will be here and then onto Dec. I am planning a little dinner party on the 22nd. Happens to fall on a Saturday this year and it's my 38th birthday too. Friends are coming that I see a lot and others whom I haven't seen in a long time! Should be fun and a good time.

Hubby and I dined out the other night and we had a good time and enjoyed the dinner a lot. We don't get out much so it was nice to have an evening together without the kiddos. They spent the night with their grandmother and cousins and Hannah brought home a ginger bread house that she decorated. We ate some of it last night for dessert!

I'm hoping my car will be ready today so I can pick it up and return the rental I have had now for a month! Then I need to get winter tires on my car, esp if Dev is going to drive it again!

I also experienced jury duty for the first time last week. Interesting, but boring too! Sat around most of the day doing nothing! Now I have to be back for Dec 5, if this case goes to trial.

I recently joined this new internet community thing, Facebook, and have been reaquanted with some long lost friends, one being from my childhood in NH. She now lives in Florida, but it was so neat to find her and chat with her again! Kind of neat this facebook is!

So, I'm enjoying my day off, need to do laundry and keep the homefires burning as it's cold today and snowing a little. November is half over already!

Posted by tracey at 08:06 AM | Comments (0)

September 28, 2008

Autumn Days are upon us

The seasons they are a changin' that is for sure! I feel a bit renewed in spirit and in health! The trees are now a beautiful hue of reds, golds and orange. The skies are cloudy and more overcast and there is a bit of a chill in the air to let us know winter is just around the corner.

I do love the fall, it's my favorite time of year.

We are busy this coming month with a wedding and visiting family out of state and then I am going to the annual craft fair that I so enjoy! It's time for cooking, baking and buttoning up for that cold wintery weather!

Soon the holidays will be upon us as well and this year I plan to do things a bit differently. I usually have to work the holidays so it's hard for me to even plan anything. But more importantly I am cutting back on the buying and spending money. I'll be thinking up more creative things, maybe just money put away for the future instead of toys and things these youngin's don't even appreciate or need. Time for some new traditions I think.

On a sadder note I was a bit blue about the passing of Paul Newman. I loved and admired his character as a person and all he gave to human kind in his years here on earth. He was generous and something the hollywood of today should look up too and admire as well.

Otherwise, Hubby stays busy on the garage!! It's coming together quite nicely. We shopped for garage doors yesterday and he has one up already! I think he may be a part of the family again starting sometime around mid May!!!

I also hope to get some nice family pictures this fall as well. I have a sister in law that takes really good photos so I am in hopes she will be willing to photograph the four of us somewhere colorful for an updated family portrait to share around the holidays!

Posted by tracey at 02:24 PM | Comments (0)

September 13, 2008

Tag under a full moon

Hannah played tonight at the park under a full moon at dusk that quickly turned to dark. We went to the park around 7 pm and she ran into an old friend of hers from kindergarten, her sister and two brothers. Their Dad and Mom were playing tag, running around the slides and behind the trees and bushes. Hannah played for a long time with them and it was fun to watch from the swing where I sat trying to see them in the dark and light of the full moon over the tops of the trees.

They laughed, screamed and sometimes you heard someone whimpering from running into someone else or stumbling. The Dad quickly came to the rescue to check for anything that might be broken, told them they were ok and to run away giving them an extra 5 second start!

I stared at the moon and the fluff of dark clouds that would pass by every so often and thought of how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful and peaceful place on earth. I listened to the kid's laughter, their Dad roaring every so often behind a tree to scare them and they would squeal and run the other way!

It was fun and relaxing after a busy day and Hannah really had a good time. About 45 minutes later I told her it was getting pretty late and we had to head home to take showers and get ready for bed. She was hot and sweaty from all the running around, but she sure had fun!

I was itchy from all the grass and dirt I got into today between mowing lawns and cutting back some of my flower gardens. Alot of work, but things look better and ready for winter now.

So nice hot showers tonight have made us all feel better and it's off to sleep so we can do it all again tomorrow!

Posted by tracey at 09:29 PM | Comments (0)

August 24, 2008

100 Things About Me

(just for fun)
1. My favorite time of year is Autumn
2. My favorite soft drink is Diet Coke
3. I’ve watched the Young and the Restless for nearly 30 yrs!
4. I always admire a beautiful sunset
5. I’m not someone to take advantage of for any length of time
6. And if you do - I will tell you what I think, like it or not
7. Since graduating from LPN school in 1990 I have always worked a full time job
8. I have two daughters nearly 9 years apart
9. Both are the absolute light of my life
10. I met my husband when I was 26 years old
11. We married 3 years later
12. I have nearly zero tolerance for laziness and immaturity
13. I have made many life long friends
14. My favorite junk food is pizza with the works
15. My husband is my best friend
16. My first job was as a chambermaid in Laconia NH the summer I was 15 years old
17. That same year in the fall, I lost most of my possessions in a horrible fire that destroyed our home
18. From the time I was 12 I knew I wanted to be a nurse
19. For 8 years I worked full time, raised my oldest daughter as a single parent and put myself through college earning my RN degree
20. Family has always been very important to me
21. I love cats
22. We have three of them
23. I have been a nurse for almost 20 years
24. I never went to a high school prom
25. Drugs and alcohol have never been my thing
26. I consider myself to be very organized
27. My home is my haven
28. I strongly believe that responsibility for one’s actions is the most important virtue one can possess
29. Wanting to help others is why I became a nurse
30. I truly believe giving is better than receiving
31. I know Jesus is my savior
32. I pray often for those who are not saved
33. Hard work and character are very important to me
34. I don’t ever think I am more worthy than the next person
35. What I have is mine and I’ve worked hard for it
36. I dabble in coin collecting
37. I have traveled to 24 different states
38. I love to flower garden and have many of my own
39. I have never had good luck with dogs as pets
40. Being supportive of my children through good times and bad is VERY important to me
41. As a parent I have tried very hard to instill my values onto my children and I'm pretty confident I've done a good job of that
42. I believe in a job well done
43. I can overlook a lot, to a point
44. I dabble in genealogy
45. I’ve come to realize a true friend is worth their weight in gold
46. I love fresh tomatoes from the garden
47. I try to exercise as much as I can
48. I recently started riding a bicycle again
49. I love to read
50. I was diagnosed with MS in Dec of 1999
51. I have been symptom free for 4 years now
52. I have always had a good rapport with doctors
53. Spending a few extra minutes with my patients everyday means a lot
54. I use to be more of a night owl, now I’m in bed by 8:30 pm!
55. I use to write poetry
56. I always thought I’d someday write a great novel
57. I love to listen to the rain
58. I love time alone with my husband
59. I enjoy road trips
60. I dabble at photography and have taken some great shots
61. I have a pretty large extended family
62. I’m the oldest of four kids
63. I married a middle child
64. I’m a guardian and protector
65. I am introverted, but can also be judgmental
66. I love the water, esp the ocean
67. I someday hope to travel to Europe and see England and Italy
68. I’m a natural born country girl
69. I love a good laugh (but not at someone else’s expense)
70. If you don’t agree with me, just say so and leave the name calling out
71. I try to find the inner most good in people
72. I’ve learned that simply loving someone isn’t always enough
73. Life of the party I am not
74. I can chat on the phone with a good friend for hours
75. I believe in following the rules
76. You can always take me at face value
77. I admire logic and good sense
78. I’m not afraid to call a spade a spade
79. Show me respect and I’ll return it
80. I will pray for those who persecute me
81. If I come off as being stiff or haughty it’s because truly I am a shy person
82. I base the foundation of my relationships on trust
83. If you break this, it’s hard for me to overlook it
84. I do believe in the end of the world as we know it
85. I love a tear jerker
86. I admire very few movie stars of today
87. I appreciate the real deal, no matter what it is
88. When flying I always feel a mixture of trepidation and excitement
89. To see my children grow happy and healthy into adulthood is my biggest earthly dream
90. I do believe everything happens for a reason
91. My honesty may offend you
92. I believe in taking GOOD care of your family and home
93. I don’t believe in sugarcoating the truth
94. I’m not good at immediate comebacks
95. But just wait until I’ve thought about it!
96. I’m not above forgiveness – if it’s sincere
97. I believe in inner harmony
98. I love Chinese food
99. I use to smoke a pack of cigarettes a day
100. I know how to milk a cow by hand

Posted by tracey at 09:28 PM | Comments (0)

August 14, 2008

Moving on

August is half over, already! I noticed the other day that the leaves on the maples are already beginning to turn, a bright red and orange color. I think then of the 7 cords of wood we have coming and have to stack...and sigh...

But, I am also very grateful to have that method of heating our home this winter as the winters here can be brutal and with the cost of oil these days, well...

Summer has winded down quite nicely actually. We spent a week out to camp and it rained and rained and rained some more, but hubby and I did get to enjoy an evening out on the lake in his old row boat and the kids did more camping and then spent the weekend at another campground in NH with family members. I would dare say those two are CAMPED right out this summer, but they sure did have a good time. These are the memories I wish for them to cherish, always!

Now I am planning a short get away with the oldest who is soon to be 16 in one short week! We want to go shopping out of town and then stay over night somewhere and relax and hopefull "enjoy" each others company!

The younger one will stay home and help out Dad with the continuing construction of our new garage. It's HUGE!

Otherwise, I guess autumn is nearly upon us with school soon to start again and another summer gone.

Posted by tracey at 07:17 PM | Comments (0)

August 02, 2008

August Time

So the month of August is suddenly upon us and I ask,where has our summer gone? July was wet wet wet! It rained a lot and August isn't looking too promising for sunny weather either!

Elton John ROCKED, btw!!! We had an EXCELLENT time and I am SO glad I went. He gave a GREAT performance, one I will not soon forget. All his hits and more!

Our shed is coming along, finally...The framing is going up and hubby is hard at work this weekend working on the upstairs part where I will finally have some storage space! WOOHOO! It's been a LONG time coming! Our old shed was just that...old and sinking into the ground and caving in! We now have a nice cement slab and three bay entrances for our cars and other stuff plus a place to work on things. So I am very excited to get this done. Hubby has done most of it himself with some help from a few friends and neighbors.

Otherwise, things are ok. We head out to camp tomorrow afternoon for a week and hopefully the weather won't be too bad and I plan to loaf, enjoy the water, catch up on some reading and movies!

Posted by tracey at 04:20 PM | Comments (0)

July 19, 2008

A glimmer of Grace

Seeing others through Grace, that hurt us and disappoint us is not an easy thing to do. It's actually quite difficult at times.

How do you find Grace in someone or something, that has caused you heartache and despair. Someone who constantly feels resentment towards you no matter how good you have tried to be towards them.

I'm pretty content with the person I have become. At nearly 40 years of age I feel I have made some pretty good strides so far, made LOTS of mistakes too, but have tried to learn from these mistakes and move on. Sometimes though, it is hard for me to move on or let things go because sometimes it's just always the same stuff I'm trying to let go of or move away from. I think I have let a lot go, more than I use too, I try and overlook the little annoyances and keep my eyes set on the good. It's not worth getting upset over every little thing in life right?

I'm NOT perfect, far from it. I do have my opinions, my beliefs, but I don't think I try to shove that down anyone else's throat or at least I'm pretty sure I don't. I'm a hard worker, always have been. What I have I have earned on my own and with no handouts. I don't expect them. I wasn't raised that way. I mind my own business and allow that to others so long as their business isn't causing me distress in some way, directly or indirectly. I go to work everyday, raise my kids and have tried to teach and instill in them the most important virtues in life which I believe are honesty, respectfulness, modesty, purity, justice, generosity, perseverance, loyality and patience. (That last one I struggle with ALL the time!)

I raised my oldest daughter on my own for the first 8 years of her life. I worked full time as a licensed practical nurse and we lived three years in the same apartment and during this time I traveled every other weekend to a University 90 miles each way, to study towards my RN degree. Being a single parent was tough financially and I wanted things for my daughter that I couldn't always afford, sometimes I would charge these things and that was a mistake! But...those bills too, did eventually get paid.

I met my husband in 1997, moved in with him in 1998 and we married in 1999. We have lived in the same home ever since. Another daughter came into our lives in 2001 and completed our family. I graduated with my associates degree in nursing the year we married and have continued to work full time and provide for my family their basic needs and for others in my life things they need and things I have wanted to do for them.

I don't ask alot of anyone except kindness and respect and this I especially ask of my children and I don't think that is asking too much?

I don't expect privileges and indulgences, and I certainly don't feel entitled to exploit other people without any trace of reciprocation. I really try to just go about my own life without causing a lot of grief for others. I don't believe I display any nasty behaviors that would be considered emotionaly stressful to others. I am not entitled to anything in this life, but a little common decency and respect.

I try and remember everyone near to me during difficult and good times, holidays and just visiting because I want to visit and not because I need or want something in return.

I've been told it's better to look for the good in others even if it's buried deep. I've been told we will see the Grace in others if we look hard enough. Sometimes there is only a glimmer that is quickly extinguished! But it is still there, somewhere.

So I try to do this. I look for this in everyone even when I have reached the end of my rope with some. Life is short. I have seen the end in many during my 20 years of nursing. To go out of this world without respect, without grace, without dignity is very sad and I pray for those who persecute me now, from my past and those to come. For Grace is the dignity we harbor in ourselves of who we truly are and can become.

So, I feel very strongly it is not wise to be envious of what others have in life and then become vehemently critical of them when you have just tried to give some positive criticism in hopes that they too will search deep within themselves for that glimmer of Grace... and somewhere...find it.

Posted by tracey at 08:40 PM | Comments (0)

July 11, 2008

Personalities and the summer time!

Without God in our lives things can get pretty complicated. More so then when He IS in your lives. Then throw in all the different personalities we have, envy, resentment and social skills and it makes for a BIG mess!

I try to be as family oriented as possible, I love my family, I want only the best for them and this includes my extended family as well. I've always been at the hub of family. I have especially enjoyed geneaology and have spent hours on this research. I love get togethers and just time spent with one another.

I'm starting to wonder though, why I enjoy this so much? Maybe I shouldn't. I guess I need to back off, make some room and continue to pray for all my LOST loved ones, as there are MANY.

The Devil has a hold at this moment, think he always has actually. So prayer is in desperate need.

The summer, actually, is turning out to be ok despite the choppy start. The girls are off to camp next week with some very dear friends. They will attend their church's Vacation Bible School this year and then spend the rest of the time camping in tents at a campground. Should be a good time for them both and to be with fellow believers is a PLUS!

Our weather has been good, finally cooled off a little and that nasty humidity has let up for the moment.

Hubby and I plan to enjoy our "kidless" time next week and work on our new shed/garage and visit with his brother and wife and maybe have dinner out one night with them as well.

I can't believe it's getting to be that time again to start thinking about school starting and clothes and all that! Our summers just go by WAY TOO fast!

But I am blessed for all I have and all there is yet to be. Time will and can, only tell.

Posted by tracey at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)

July 05, 2008

Bullies

DEFINITION OF:

1. a blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.
2. Archaic. a man hired to do violence.

–verb (used with object) 6. to act the bully toward; intimidate; domineer.
–verb (used without object) 7. to be loudly arrogant and overbearing.

To treat in an overbearing or intimidating manner.
To make (one's way) aggressively.

noun
1. a cruel and brutal fellow

CRUDE:

–adjective
1. in a raw or unprepared state; unrefined
2. lacking in intellectual subtlety, perceptivity, etc.; rudimentary; undeveloped.
3. lacking finish, polish, or completeness
4. lacking culture, refinement, tact, etc.
5. undisguised; blunt
6. Obsolete. unripe; not mature.

All definitions of a person who is considered a bully and VERY crude. And this pretty much sums it up for me. I just wonder though, is this behavior inherited or learned? Or, maybe it's both...I'll have to do some further research.

Let's just say, having someone like this in your extended family is NOT a lot of fun.

Posted by tracey at 08:31 AM | Comments (0)

June 15, 2008

Long week at an end

Thank the LORD!

It's been a trying week for sure. I've had a never ending headache and stuffiness, part from the pollen in the air and part from tears that seem to turn on as fast as they stop.

No, it's not the change of life, but it sure feels that way.

My mother always said, "Pay back is a bitch dear." and OMG, was she ever right!! But I'll be damned if I'm going to admit it!

Things take time I guess and I'm just hoping that this one will work it's self out, in time. I can only pray that it will and I've been doing a lot of that as well.

On a lighter note, Hannah and I enjoyed dinner out with Andy tonight for father's day. We went to a small out of the way little place and it was very good. Then we took the long way home just enjoying the warm and sunny evening.

I tried calling my father this afternoon to wish him a Happy Father's Day, but there was no answer.

Otherwise, it's peaceful tonight and I will enjoy my day off tomorrow to rest and maybe take another bike ride!

Posted by tracey at 09:03 PM | Comments (0)

June 06, 2008

Just a blog

And that is all this really is. Do people come here to read it, I'm not real sure, but my counter does indicate that someone reads it, occasionaly and that's all I care about, or not. I've always liked to blog ever since I discovered this online several years ago and it's popularity has since grown, a lot!

I don't blog often, sometimes more than others, but for the most part I just enjoy logging some of life's events or thoughts or occasions.

As of late, I've pondered my faith and what is going on in the world around us. It seems that no one, especially this younger generation, say 18 - 30, have no clue what kind of economic problems we are in and the hardships we are facing. They go about life spending on credit, buying things they don't need, driving beyond the speed limits and wasting fuel and I could go on, but basically, I just want to say, how grateful I am for what I have. My home, which isn't a mansion by any stretch, but it's ours and our mortgage is a livable one. We have land to grow a garden and can heat with wood or oil and fortunately my father still cuts firewood and gives a us a deal every year.

I love where I live, here in the green mountains of Vermont where crime isn't running rampant, people, for the most part, are still pretty decent to one another, you can count on your neighbor for a favor and vs/vs. We live near farms where many products are grown organically. We can pick strawberries or grow them yourself!

Recently someone in our community, an out of stater as we refer to them, complained about the smell of manure when it is spread in the spring in summer months. It was a bit entertaining to read her letter of woe and then even more entertaining to read the replies! Basically, she was told to put up or get out, but more importantly, someone, the one accused of the terrible smell, said he understood, it's not pleasant, but to remember it's people like them that work the land here to help feed the millions of people that populate this earth and I applaud him for that.

I'd much rather smell the manure then sticky foggy air pollution or live near a nuclear power plant.

It's a wonderful God given blessing to live in a place such as I do. I am grateful for my family and that my children are growing up here as well.

Maybe it's just the old farm girl in me myself, but whatever the reason, I just felt called to thank God for all I have here...

Posted by tracey at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)

May 22, 2008

The Weather

Sucks, almost as bad as the gas prices!

Where did spring go??? We are turning the furnace on again and starting little fires in the woodstove here and there and...it snowed over the mountain Monday night on our way to buy my wicker set!

Yes, finally I have my white wicker set for our back porch and it looks very nice if I do say so myself! I will certainly enjoy sitting out there in the early mornings and late afternoons. But... I will miss my Beethoven who use to always lay up under the big pine tree in our back yard. I had to have him put down this week. He was my big rotty/retriever mix dog that we had for eight years, but he had become quite aggressive over the past few years towards other dogs and had recently attacked one of our neighbor's dogs while their young daughter was walking her and it scared me enough to finally have him put down so no one, including ourselves or kids, would be hurt. It was a very hard thing to do, but for the best and I'll miss not seeing him out there everyday.

So, now we are without any dogs and I plan to keep it that way. We have had such a bad streak of luck with animals in the past year and half! I like dogs though so maybe someday the right one will come along and be with us for a long time.

I'm also worried about hubby tonight and his diabetes as of late. His sugars are WAY out of control and I know his diet is part of it, but not sure all of it. So, I've decided we all need to take a better approach to our eating habits and serving sizes and start our walking back up again and if this doesn't help I want him to call the doctor as I think he may need to start a sliding scale of insulin in addition to the long acting he is already on. Here's hoping the diet and excercise will help!

So, it's been a long week and I'm glad I have a long weekend ahead of me. I plan to finish Mom's quilt and have a HUGE yard sale to get rid of some junk and work more on my flower gardens!

Posted by tracey at 10:28 PM | Comments (0)

May 16, 2008

Gardening for the soul

So this spring I have found myself in my flower gardens just about every evening. I should be taking my regular evening walks with Hannah, but she's playing til dusk with neighborhood kids and I'm in my gardens, weeding away.

I have come to find this once, daunting task, now to be very relaxing and soothing. I sit or kneel and pull and pull. The weeds actually come right out fairly easy as I've weeded and mulched in the past, but there are still quite a few to pull!

I counted last night and I have 8 flower beds! And I'm looking around the yard to see what else I want to do with it!

I also discovered gardening gloves this year!! I, of course, know they exist and have, I just never thought to buy me a pair! Saves your hands and nails a lot!!

So, I am really enjoying my gardens this spring, more so than in years past. Is it because I'm getting older and these types of things will now give me such pleasure, reserve and a great sense of peace?

Posted by tracey at 07:42 AM | Comments (0)

April 28, 2008

It's raining and cold

today and I'm not sure what happened to our summer like weather?? It's gone! Miss Hannah and I stayed home from work/school today as she hadn't felt well all weekend and was complaining of her ears hurting and I...can't seem to kick this nasty cold I have had for almost two weeks! So, I got her in to see the doc today and sure enough, she has a DOUBLE ear infection and her cold is back as she is all congested again. So got some antibiotics to clear up the ears and lots of juice to flush out that congestion. Sure hope it works.

It's raw outside and I had to go around and close up the house and turn the furnace on for a bit to take the chill away. It is only the end of April, but this past week sure did feel like July! So much for that.

I've been enjoying my little birds once again. Black and white finches and yellow chicadees. They come right to my window here at the computer and eat the seed and suet I have out for them.They are so sweet to watch and enjoy.

I did up some cooking today making a big pot of spaghetti sauce for dinner tomorrow, it's always better to let it set one day after it's cooked!

Off to the grind tomorrow and hoping we are all in better shape!

Posted by tracey at 03:59 PM | Comments (1)

April 25, 2008

Week's End and our Trip

So, Dev and I had a GREAT time in Washington DC. We saw every monument ever erected!! And we walked about 6 miles everyday, sometimes more!

Dev LOVED the subway, don't ask me why??? She thought it was the COOLEST thing ever and had it figured out, how to use it, but the end of the first day!

Our Hotel was not new and flashy, but clean and an easy walk to the Metro in Arlington.

The first day we spent the morning at Arlington National Cemetery. What a beautiful serene place and the cherry blossoms were still in bloom. I captured some great pictures! Also saw the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown and they played TAPS for a someone just being buried that day and that is all it takes to bring tears to my eyes!

From there we walked over to the Iwo Jima memorial. Something to see, it's HUGE!

After lunch at Union Station we walked over to the Capital and hung out there for a bit before heading down the National Mall towards the Smithsonian Castle and then onward to the White House where we hung out by the wrought iron fence and took pictures of the protestors and police!

Everyday was an adventure and we traveled miles on the metro, ate lunch the second day at the famous Ben's Chili Bowl and had dinner one night at the Cheesecake Factory!

We had a great time and the last day traveled to Mt. Vernon where we got caught in a down pour at Washington's tomb and then thunder and lightening as we ran as fast as we could back up towards the mansion!

It was a great trip and so glad we went!!!!

I had Monday off which was good as we didn't get home until 5:30 am! The drive home took us 13 1/2 hours due to traffic out of NYC because of the Pope's visit which also created LOTS of people in DC during our week there! One morning we stumbled upon five bus loads of Bishops leaving their hotel! Quite a site...

Now the weekend is here and I'm ready to kick back and relax as this beautiful weather surely won't last!!!

Posted by tracey at 09:15 PM | Comments (0)

April 11, 2008

Getting a little nervous

So we are 4 days away from our trip to DC and I'm starting to get flight anxiety! I don't give it much though until the time draws nearer and it is!! I'm really excited to go, the weather is looking a lot better there than here, that is for sure!

Tomorrow is Hannah's birthday party and Dev will be gone most of the weekend to help take care of her nephews for the weekend, she's nice like that...

Otherwise, it's been a hell of a week and I am SO glad today is my last day of work for a while! It's been a tiring and frustrating few days and mainly due to the people I work with. They really know how to stress one out, but every night I ask GOD for calm and his grace to get me through...

And it helps...

So, here's to a crappy weather weekend, but time with my family before heading to the big capital of our nation!!!

Posted by tracey at 07:48 AM | Comments (0)

April 06, 2008

Guardian

So, I love taking these personality tests. I've done it for work in-services we have had and I think I did some in college as well. I always come out the GUARDIAN --- and by GOD, I'd have to say, this IS me, in a nutshell...

These are the general traits of a guardian...

Guardians pride themselves on being dependable, helpful, and hard-working.

Guardians make loyal mates, responsible parents, and stabilizing leaders.

Guardians tend to be dutiful, cautious, humble, and focused on credentials and traditions.

Guardians are concerned citizens who trust authority, join groups, seek security, prize gratitude, and dream of meting out justice.

Posted by tracey at 05:16 PM | Comments (0)

March 30, 2008

Cleaning House

So, it was finally nice and somewhat warm out today, the sun is still shining and our local ice cream shop has opened up!! YAHOOO! And...when Hannah asked if we could go after supper I had a hard time saying no, so...I said YES!!! We still have a ton of snow on the ground, but it's leaving, slowly but surely.

After church today I visited a friend I hadn't seen in a long time. She hurt her a leg skiing a couple of months ago and I've been bad about stopping into say hi. I've called and sent a card, but finally got over there today with a few things from the bakery. Spent a couple of hours visiting with them and then came home to a house that was totally trashed!! WAY too much junk and our front porch, forget it, back up the garbage truck. So, Devon and I kicked out hubby and Hannah and went to work. An hour or so later, much better, but the garbage man has a load and half for tomorrow!

It's terrible the crap we accumilate and going through two toy boxes I decided, "none of this is ever played with..." So I picked out things Hannah still plays with some of the time, kept a small card board box for some toys my nephews play with when they are over and the rest went out the door! You can actually sit out on the porch again without killing yourself trying to find a chair!! And...we hung up our big poster from Wyoming and the Grand Tetons. It's a bit weathered from our trip, but looks nice, forgot we had it! It's amazing the things you come across when you start going though stuff you don't need/use anymore.

So, I feel better now with my house back in order, the weather is better and enjoyed a day shopping with Mom yesterday. I am already for Hannah's 7th birthday which we will celebrate on the 12th and do her birthday dinner on her actually birthday this coming Friday.

Then Dev and I are off to DC for five days! Then it's on to planning Mom's 60th! I am so grateful her best friend is on board with planning and helping out, my younger brother is going to help out as well and of course Devon. Should be a fun time and hoping she enjoys it too!

So, a clean and orderly house sure does improve one's mood, or maybe it's the MUCH needed sunshine!

At any rate, life is good!

Posted by tracey at 04:53 PM | Comments (1)

March 23, 2008

Easter Blessings

So another Easter time come and gone and we all enjoyed a nice day. I had to work, but it turned out to be a pretty good day after a minor melt down with the LNA'S. I guess I expect too much from them sometimes, but I am someone that wants things done and done right, not half done, what's the point???

During lunch time Andy and Hannah surprised me with a nice bouquet of flowers in a ceramic easter bunny! When I got done my shift I ran home to shower and change and then we headed out to Mom's for a nice ham dinner and cake and ice cream for my youngest brother who turned 27 this past Wed. It seems impossible that in three short years he will be 30 years old already!!! Time flies for sure. He wasn't feeling well, has a nasty head cold and I can relate as I spent last weekend home and sick with something very similiar!

Our weather continues to SUCK! I am SOOOOO sick of all this snow and the wind that blew for three days straight. I want spring time and my flowers and birds and sitting out on my front porch and taking the dog for walks!

I know it's coming...it's been a loooong cold winter for sure!

Happy Easter and God's Blessings...

Posted by tracey at 08:41 PM | Comments (0)

February 26, 2008

Dreaded snow

I know I know, I've talked about wanting snow, but now I've about had it with ALL this snow!!! Yesterday was so nice and warm, 45 degrees around 1pm yesterday, felt like a spring day!!! Now we under a storm warning until tomorrow night!! I want spring to come, I want to see the grass, the flowers in bloom and get my new shed built!

Enjoyed a great day of shopping yesterday. The girl's and I and Harriet spent the day shopping and had lunch out, boosting the economy I guess you could say, but it was stuff we needed. Dev and I are going to make a quilt together. We picked out the material yesterday. It's called a rag quilt and you need to make it with flannel type materials. I think, if it comes out good, which it should... we will give it to Mom for her 60th birthday in May. Speaking of which, I'm trying to decide what I want to do for her BIG 60 this year. I kind of wanted to keep it simple, just a small party here at our house with a card shower from others who live away. Now as the time gets a little closer it seems like I should have a big get together and invite lots of people including all of her siblings, she's the baby, so it would be nice to have them all together and get some good pictures. I'll have to see which way I'm leaning more towards as good weather gets here...if it ever does!

Posted by tracey at 05:16 PM | Comments (0)

February 16, 2008

A Stroke of Business

It always feels so good to get some bills paid off, put a little money in the bank and know things are ok for the moment.

I feel so lucky and fortunate and blessed to have such a wonderful family, a great and caring, understanding husband that would and does, move heaven and earth for me. Two amazing daughters that fill my life with more joy and pride than I could ever imagine, even if the oldest one does test my nerves on a daily basis. I know in my heart of hearts that I have instilled all the good I can into her, I know she knows right from wrong, good from bad even if she doesn't always make the right sound decisions. I know she is learning from these choices, good or bad, and that is all I can ask for.

Our home is warm, our cupboards full and life is very good...

We enjoyed more trail riding on the sleds last night, but it was pretty cold so we didn't stay out too late. Tomorrow we plan to make a day of it and despite the chilly temperatures today the sun is shining bright and it almost felt like a spring day today even with our high snow banks! It's coming...

Here's to a splendid weekend of fun and family time!

Posted by tracey at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)

February 13, 2008

Sick? Snow Day...

So, I'm home again, but this time I'm playing hookie from work. Haven't missed any days in like six months, but today, I got up when the alarm went off, went to the bathroom and looked out the window at all this snow, coughed and started sneezing and then my nose was running and I said to heck with it and called out!

I love riding the snow machines, but I must say, this winter has been a rough one! They say to expect at least 8-10 inches today along with freezing rain. School was cancelled, again, and I figured I'd stay home too to keep the fires going and enjoy some time with the kiddos.

Dev is very excited to have her first job this coming summer. A counselor at a camp she has gone to for 10 summers. Now she is old enough to be a counselor there and spend pretty much the whole summer at camp. I plan to send Hannah for a couple of weeks as well. She went last year for two weeks and had a pretty good time.

Hubby is SO excited to have this snow. He LOVES to ride the snow machine, more than I do!

I hear the plows, I'm wondering if I should call someone to plow us out or wait for hubby to get home to do it?

Oh well, we are nice, warm and cozy and glad I went grocery shopping last night!

So, we'll sit and watch the snow today and maybe venture out in a bit as well!

Posted by tracey at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)

February 08, 2008

Day off

So, we are into February and have a lot of our snow back thanks to some nasty weather the last 3-4 days. The kids had a snow day last week and then two days this week that were late arrivals. It's pushing their time in June to be a bit longer and we still have the rest of this month and March to get through!

Today is my day off and I must confess, I hate to do anything on my days off but stay at home, drink my morning coffee, catch up laundry and housekeeping and veg on the computer! I told a friend who was recently injured in a ski accident that I would stop by today and I just haven't wanted to go anywhere. Awful aren't I? But...my job is so consuming sometimes that on my days off I like the time for just me!

Hubby finally got his snow machine fixed, thank you LORD! He was about having a hyper the past two weeks trying to get that fixed. Of course taking it somewhere that does that sort of thing would have cost us well over a $1000, but thanks to someone he works with that knows how to work on them and has a nice heated garage to work in, helped him and they finally got it going last night for a little under $300! Tomorrow afternoon will be the big test as once we are done work we plan to head out and enjoy a big bon fire, sledding and hotdogs in the deep woods! Hannah will go with us as Dev is off to NH with her Gram to attend a friend's 60th birthday bash.

Otherwise, it's been an awfully LONG winter and I'm starting to look forward to spring, despite the fun I have had on my new sled! Hubby is also anxious to get working on our new garage, he's become quite resourceful in his older age!! He's beginning to figure out it's cheaper to do things for yourself rather than hire it out. Everything costs so much today it's crazy.

And...I can't forget about our upcoming trip to DC either. Dev is actually getting more excited about it as well.

Here's to a great evening on the trails tomorrow and safety and LOTS of fun!!

Posted by tracey at 12:25 PM | Comments (0)

January 27, 2008

Winter is half over

So, the days are getting a wee bit longer and we haven't had anymore snow storms, which I would kind of like a little more snow since I have now own a snow machine, but... we may not get anymore this winter. Hubby says not to worry, it's only January, guess he's right.

The weekend at work went off without a hitch. It was busy, but enjoyable and now I'm glad to have tomorrow off and get some things done around the house.

I really need to get some scrapbooking done too so maybe if I can't go out on the trails next weekend, I'll get to work on some of that. I've been going through a can of old pictures, some REALLY old ones and I need to do something with them as they are going to get ruined. It's just I have to be in the "mood" to do that kind of stuff and usually this time of year I am!

Nothing to much else happening at the moment, which is good, I like things to be quiet, calm and peaceful...

Posted by tracey at 06:14 PM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2008

DC Bound!

So, I bought our tickets to Washington DC last night and now I need a drink! The thought of flying always makes me feel strange and nervy! I don't particulary care for it, especially our last flight out to Las Vegas, that was WAY too long! I could never fly to Austraila or China, they'd have to knock me out! But...we are going, Dev and I and I'm excited for the trip! I have never been to DC and Dev was suppose to go on an 8th grade field trip, but they weren't able to raise the money needed to go.

I can't wait to see all the monuments and Arlington Nat'l Cemetary, those will be the highlights for me and the Halocaust Museum.

Right now though, the temperatures have plummented once again to below zero and we lost all of our snow! I doubt hubby and I will be able to go out on the sleds this weekend either, not enough snow and it will be too cold! I offered to take one of my nephews on Saturday so he should keep me busy. Hope we can at least play outside a little.

January is going by fast, the days are getting longer anyhow and because of our upcoming trip I'm getting a little anxious for spring time!

Posted by tracey at 07:35 AM | Comments (1)

December 27, 2007

Nearly a new year!

So Christmas 2007 has come and gone and another year too!

We had a very nice Christmas. Everyone got what they wanted and needed and the only blemish is that Dev's new computer doesn't work right!! Not sure what is the matter with it, but looks like I need to call someone to see if they can fix it. Poor Hubby has spent several days on it trying to get it to work right and it will for a while and then all of sudden out of NO where the screen turns blue, calling it's self a blue screen error, hah! Then it says it is going to dump the memory to protect Windows etc etc etc. I don't know, have never seen that before and it's a real bug a boo because it's "brand new!"

Otherwise, I am very happy with my new sled hubby got me for Christmas. It's used, but in good shape and something for me to be able to go out on the trails with this winter and it looks like we have a little more snow coming this way.

On the family front, we all got together for the day and enjoyed more gifts out to Ma and Pa's and a very nice Prime Rib dinner with all the fixin's! I especially enjoy watching the little ones open their presents and it's nice to get together with everyone and enjoy ourselves, visit and laugh.

Me and the girls attended our church's Christmas Eve service and it was very nice as always. The Pastor recites scripture from our Saviour's birth and we sing songs to rejoice!

Now I'm looking forward to the New Year and I actually will have some time off around that this year! I usually work the Eve and New Year's Day, but this year I took them off. I'm hoping hubby and I can get out on the sleds a little.

Today, my house is a mess and I'm contemplating taking down the Christmas Tree, but I think I'll leave it up a few more days. The girl's are still sleeping! I think I should get them going, but then I think I kind of like the quiet, alot!

Wishing everyone a blessed and healthy New Year!

Posted by tracey at 10:39 AM | Comments (0)

November 28, 2007

Thanks

Thanksgiving was nice this year, it was also my birthday and I endured the Happy Birthday song and my mother couldn't leave out the "How old are you now..." part, but it was cute. I tried to not pay too much attention as I was doing the dishes at the time!

Dinner was great as usual. Mom insists on cooking dinner every year so we always go to her house. This year I was off and usually I work so that was nice for a change. Then...Dev had the "great" idea of driving to Burlington that morning at 4am to hit the sales on Black Friday. I've never done that, but a few people I work with have done it and "love" doing it every year. So, since I was working the graveyard shift that Friday I thought, "What the heck, I'll go." Turns out I didn't get up at 4, but rather 4:30 am when Dev woke me up. We were on the snowy roads by 5 am and made it to the Big B by 7:30, I drove kind of slow because I didn't trust the roads or my new little car, but I was pleasantly surprised with my little car!!

Things weren't too bad until we hit the mall, man oh man! I did get a couple of things for a very good price, but that was about it. It was fun, but not sure I'd do it again!

Then, I awoke the other morning having dreamt of people, cousins, I hadn't seen or heard from in years and I mean like 20! My dream was so vivid and surreal that I awoke, made me a pot of coffee and looked one of their numbers up in the phone book and called him and we talked for nearly a half hour and caught up on sooo much! It was like 20 years hadn't passed! Strange, but nice and now we plan to get together and meet each other's children and reminisce some more! He only lives a couple of hours away, but we have just never kept in touch.

Now it's off to work, it snowed a little last night, but not enough to really say so. I really would like a nice big storm to come for the holidays, we'll see what happens...

Posted by tracey at 07:12 AM | Comments (0)

November 15, 2007

White stuff

It's officially here and I was kind of excited to see it coming down today...snow that is! It's almost Thanksgiving and I was hoping we'd have a little snow for the holiday!

It seems that Christmas is coming too quickly this year as well! I'm trying to rap up my lists, ordering the last few things I need to get and trying to figure out when I should order things for family that lives afar. I only send gifts to my sister and her family in FL and this year I'm thinking just a nice Vermont Maple products basket for them all to enjoy.

I have to work this Christmas and I'm a little bummed about it, but we've decided to have our Christmas on Christmas eve instead and still enjoy dinner out to Mom's after I get done work. I don't mind working really, I do enjoy making the patient's day a little brighter if I can, just haven't had to work Christmas in a long time.

Otherwise it's quiet around here, well, I did holler at the neighbor's the other night, 3:30 am to be exact! Now I feel bad about it, but I'd had it with their pesky dogs howling and barking all night long and waking me up! It totally blew me away that they did not hear this at 2 am!! Other neighbors have complained as well so I finally made a call at 3:30 am the other morning and kind of told him what I thought of his barking dogs. Haven't heard them since and so now I feel bad, but maybe it took care of the problem.

Oh well...

Guess that is all for now!

Posted by tracey at 06:35 PM | Comments (0)

November 08, 2007

Goodbye old friend

So we had to have little Bandit put to sleep today and it about broke my heart to do it, but I couldn't stand to see him suffer anymore.

The vets said his kidney's weren't working anymore, yet he was peeing a lot, but he stopped eating, wasn't drinking, wanted too, but couldn't. Then when Dev got home from school she took him out of his crate and he fell forward onto his head and could hardly stand up.

I didn't know what to do. I had them do blood work, x-rays and then they didn't call me back today to let me know what the results were, but when I got home and saw what condition he was in I knew I couldn't let him suffer like that anymore.

So, he's gone and we will bury him tomorrow near the cedar hedge he liked to lay in during the summer when it was hot. He would always bark to let us know when the kids were coming through the hedges to go play.

I'm going to miss that little stinker...

Posted by tracey at 09:10 PM | Comments (0)

November 06, 2007

Pets

So my poor little Bandit isn't well and I fear he may have to go down. He's been acting funny for about six weeks now and despite my best efforts to get him well, he seems to not be able too. He's painfully thin and now he's not eating at all.

I put off taking him to the vets because I really don't have a lot of good things to say about the vet I have always taken my pets too. For one, they charge you an arm and a leg before you even walk through the door, then they tell you not too worry, we'll do this and that and take your $400 and then your pet has to be put down anyway...

So, this time around I decided to get Bandit all cleaned up and nicely trimmed, which did make him look better and I'm sure feel a little better. Then I went about cooking him special treats and trying to get vitamins and iron into him, but that doesn't seem to work anymore. His mom had cancer so I'm starting to think he may have it too. Then I discovered tonight he's starting to drool and has a HORRID odor coming from his mouth. Can't really see anything out of the ordinary, but the stench is AWFUL.

So, I will take him to the vet's tomorrow just to see if they can tell me what it might be, but I have my doubts it's going to be a good prognosis.

Poor little guy...

I love my pets and just hate it when they get sick and there is nothing you can do to fix them.

Posted by tracey at 09:06 PM | Comments (1)

November 01, 2007

The month of "gloom"

So November is upon us and the weather has finally taken a turn. The days are a bit warmer than the evenings and I like the cooler nights. The woodstove warms the house just enough to take the chill off and it's back to crock pot favorites for supper!

November can be gloomy though, cloudy and overcast skies and that chill in the air with a few snow flakes slying about here and there, but despite the dismal days, it can also be a month to reflect and enjoy the changing seasons, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and my birthday!

A friend and I enjoyed an annual craft fair this past weekend and hubby and I had friends over for dinner to show off our vacation pics and then I developed some nasty cold symptoms and a bit of laryingitis that kept me home from work one day this past week. Hannah has been sick as well with a nasty cough that acts up at night when she is trying to sleep! But I think we are both on the mend now!

The kids enjoyed a nice Halloween this year and had fun dressing up and trick or treating (even though Devon is a bit too old to trick or treat now!) with the neighbors this year. Because they went with the neighbors I forgot about their grandmothers who always like to see them dressed up! Will have to make up for that this weekend!

I've also started my Christmas shopping already! Have my lists made and quite a few things already bought. I'm staying practical, getting things people need, not necassarily what they want!

I've also started some home projects, quite by surprise actually. Got home from work one evening and began pulling wallpaper off the downstairs bathroom. Created quite a job, but hubby got right into it and it's half newly painted now and looks WAY better!

Now I'm picking out paint boarder for the kitchen!!

Posted by tracey at 11:00 PM | Comments (0)

October 21, 2007

Well...

I thought the winter was coming, not sure where it went!

72 degrees today and for the end of October, that is just plain strange!

Had a very nice visit tonight from old friends that live about 2 hours from here. They surprised us this afternoon and we had a nice dinner and then enjoyed homemade desserts compliments of Dev. She baked all afternoon and it was good!

We've actually had a lot of company these past few weeks and have enjoyed showing off our travel album of pictures and the videos we made! I still can't believe we saw ALL those places and traveled to so many different states! I still can't believe we did it all in 12 days!

Worrying about my oldest brother lately and hoping he can get out of this huge rut he is in. It's so hard to watch someone you care about so much, suffer unnecassarily, but there is only so much you can do. I keep him in my prayers and hope he can see the light pretty soon and realize, there is light at the end of this tunnel.

I'm off tomorrow and will have the house to myself for the day so I plan to do more scrapbooking and cook a roast, but hubby says it's suppose to be near 80 degrees tomorrow! Not roast weather for sure!

Posted by tracey at 08:51 PM | Comments (0)

October 10, 2007

A chilly rainy day

and I'm off to work this morning, but my heart is heavy. I received a phone call last night from another co-worker and she didn't have very good news. An old friend of ours, mentor, boss and a terrific lady in general is on her death bed in a hospital a couple of hours from here. We visited her last year during her 50th wedding anniversary get together. She's been fighting cancer for 7 years and it has finally gotten the best of her. Her husband called us because she has asked to see us one more time and say goodbye.

So, after work this afternoon Judy and I will travel down to say goodbye to her. This is a little strange for me as I've never been summoned to someone's death bed before, but leave it to her to ask that of me! She always knew how to keep me on my toes! The neat thing is, I've been praying a lot for her lately. I know how much she has suffered and knew the time wouldn't be much longer and I've prayed for her to have peace and comfort in her final days and now she has asked to see me one last time...so I really feel my prayers have been answered, not because she wants to see me, but because I knew somehow she needed prayer even though it has been over a year since I've seen her.

God does work in mysterious ways.

Posted by tracey at 07:42 AM | Comments (0)

October 04, 2007

The Harvest Moon

has already arrived and I haven't even had time to decorate much for fall! Our trip has really put me behind and I was actually quite tired after getting home. I didn't really feel tired, but I was yawning ALL the time and finally it dawned on me, "I think I'm really pooped out from all of our travels!"

BTW, if anyone is interested in reading about our trip and seeing some fabulous pics, if I do say so myself, you can go here and have a look see. I'm only about half way through posting on our photo blog about the trip and uploading pics, so check back from time to time.

It's been quite a task getting all 800 photos checked out and trying to figure out what you are going to do with them all!

We had such a good time though and am so glad we took the time and money to go. It was something hubby and I always wanted to do and never thought we would get the chance.

The leaves sure are changing fast and next week will be our 8th wedding anniversary. I want to do something special that weekend, but not sure what yet. Maybe try and get in a nice foliage drive before the stormy weather of winter days get here!

I also can't believe the holidays will be here soon. It seems like once Halloween has come and gone things move fast toward Thanksgiving and Christmas! I've actually started my shopping already and can't wait to hit the Essex Craft Show the last weekend of this month. I LOVE that place and will go every year that I possibly can!

Well, I need to hit the hay, it's been a long week at work and I do have tomorrow to myself once I get Hannah on the bus so I'll be hanging out doing some housework I'm sure and more picture playing!

Posted by tracey at 11:26 PM | Comments (0)

September 25, 2007

Back on track

Well, September is quickly winding down, but mother nature has forgotten it's autumn time! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the nice weather, but 80 degrees here in the northeast in late September is a bit too warm for me!

I hear the rain drops tonight though outside against the window and it is MUCH needed rain indeed!

We've been back home nearly a week now, how time flies! Finally getting back on track as far as work and school schedules go. Devon is all caught up on her work and Hannah still has a few things to get done and turned in. Her open house is tomorrow as well as picture day! Dev missed her pics this year, but hopefully she can still get them done if I make an appt with the photographer. Need to call him about that!

The leaves are turning quick, our anniversary is in a couple of weeks, my little brother's 3rd anniversary is today! I want to plan something special for ours this year, it will be our 8th. I'll have to get to thinking on that.

My boss also wants me to think about taking a trip to Washington DC in April too. Andy would stay home with Hannah, but Devon wants to go and she is old enough to enjoy a trip like that. I've got the travel bug I guess!

So, there may be another, shorter, trip to plan here in the next few months!

Posted by tracey at 08:27 PM | Comments (0)

August 27, 2007

Starting Out

Autumn is fast approaching and with it thoughts on the summer days we enjoyed, canning veggies from the garden, it was pickles I made this year and maybe some salsa if my tomatoes ripen up.

The kids enjoyed a bon fire Saturday evening and slept out in their tents in the back yard. I left the porch light on for them which attracted the bugs and moths.

I've entered a pie baking contest for our annual facility carnival day where I work. I think I'll make apple this year.

I've been looking at pictures of Montana and Wyoming, AWESOME scenery and gorgeous sunsets. I told Hubby that we MUST get up early every morning while we are there to see the sun come up over those magestic mountains. And...we can't miss any of the sunsets either! SPECTACULAR and it's going to be SO much better than any picture could ever paint.

Posted by tracey at 09:06 AM | Comments (1)

July 26, 2007

July

has almost gone by!

Time sure does fly and the older we get the faster it seems to go.

Our wild west trip is fast approaching now. With August nearly among us we are down the final days of getting ready to go!

I've been packing things here and there, checking my list of things we need to bring, I can't wait to go! Even the girl's are getting excited about it and in the beginning the oldest one wasn't too keen on the idea, but she's coming around. Of course buying her a brand new luggage set from LLBean helped her along some too! She said it could be her birthday present for this year and I thought, "Hey, what a great idea!"

The weather certainly has been warm this week so the girl's have had a great time out to camp, better than their first week the beginning of the month.

I'm hoping this weather holds out until Heather, Randy and the kids get here next week. We want to make a trip to our favorite water park and hoping it's a day like today!

Posted by tracey at 05:47 PM | Comments (1)

July 07, 2007

Just Breathe

So summer is winding up, but cooling down! It's been nice weather, but chilly the last couple of days, it rains a little and then the sun comes out.

The girls had a great week at camp, Hannah's first year and Devon's 9th year. She attended the counselor in training week and earned another free week towards the end of summer so she is happy about that! Me too, a free week of camp! Hannah is going to go for another week as well, if there are openings.

Weeded and pulled weeds and weeded some more tonight, but the gardens look MUCH better now!

I think I'm finally on a regular schedule again at work so maybe I can get on track again, if no one else quits before fall!

Our wild west trip is coming together pretty well. We have most of our rooms booked now and a pretty good itinerary in place for which days we plan to be where and places we want to see. I'm getting pretty excited! It should be a fabulous time, one we will enjoy for sure! I've even started packing some! Making lists of things not to forget to take with us, Devon says it's my OCD kicking in, can't help it, want to be prepared as the time is getting near!

It's been a good weekend to relax, the girls are both home for a change, Devon didn't want to be, but I decided she needed to be, it's good she's on the go so much, but I think it's also good to reign her in a little too!

Heather and Randy will be home in August so hoping I have some time to spend with them as well and then before you know it, it's school shopping and pumpkin picking time!

Summer sure does fly by!

Posted by tracey at 10:24 PM | Comments (1)

June 06, 2007

Thoughts on Life...

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Posted by tracey at 09:49 PM | Comments (0)

May 18, 2007

Thinking of Mom

So my Mom's birthday will be in a couple of weeks and she is going to be 59 years old, 59, that kind of freaked me out! I thought, WOW, she's almost 60 years old, 60, it's not that it's ancient, it's not, really...but it just made me step back a little and think, Holy Cow, how can that be?

Mom and I have had a strained relationship, at times, over the years, but I do have very fond memories and a pretty good relationship with her now that I'm grown and have a family of my own. My mom has always been VERY strong willed, yet in some ways, she's kind of complex and difficult to understand too. Hard to explain, I guess you would have to have grown up with her.

Mom is loyal, dependable and absolutely adores her grandchildren. She's old fashioned, to a fault sometimes, but she never faulters in her love and devotion to her family. She maintains relationships with her own siblings and their children, she is always there for her grandkid's birthdays, basketball games and to keep them over night whenever needed.

Mom is a hard worker, she rarely misses a day of her job of 21 years at the local hospital/medical offices and she's always worked hard at home too. When we farmed back in the 80's and early 90's Mom was up every morning at the crack of dawn to help with the milking, taking care of the calves, haying in the summer months and then going to her job in the afternoon until 11 pm at night.

As teenagers us kids always thought we had it pretty tough having to do chores in the afternoon, make supper and keep an eye on the younger ones, but Mom never said anything about the days work she had to put in.

Now as an adult, I like to pride myself on her work ethic and loyalty to my family and children. I too put in long hours at work, but am always there for my family, immediate and extended. I never miss one of my kid's outings for school, games, concerts or dance recitals. I stay in touch with cousins, aunts and my own brothers and sister and their families. I remember them at birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. I've even made lasting relationships with some of my husband's family members.

I credit these attributes to my Mom, a woman that has lived her life for her family in all the ways that truly count, no she's not perfect and we have had our battles over the years, but at this particular time in my life I'd have to say, she's about the best Mom anyone could ever ask for!

Happy Birthday Mom with Love!

Posted by tracey at 04:29 PM | Comments (1)

May 11, 2007

Memoirs

So, I've been writing my memoirs. For Christmas this past year I received a very nice leather bound journal and even though I keep a personal diary outside of my online blog, I wanted to use this nice journal for something other than just writing about our day to day events. So...I put pen to paper and started writing about my life and the most memorable parts I can remember and...it's not easy to remember stuff, at first. You have to be in a nice quiet place, usually my bed in the evening time, with my night stand light on, the window open so I can hear the crickets and frogs and the TV playing in the background with the volume on low, and then I start to think back to my earliest childhood memories of growing up in northern NH.

My earliest memories seem to be of my grandmother, my mother's mom, Delima, the only grandparent I ever knew. I remember her old farm house and her porches, how I LOVED her porches! I think back to how us kids use to explore her attic and play house upstairs in all the bedrooms, I recall the big old Maple Tree in her back yard that stood on the hill leading downward to the riverbank and how in the winter we would slide down that hill and in the summer months we often walked on the rocks along the river leading us down stream.

So, that is where I am starting, at my Gram's house and I'll go from there...and see where it takes me!

Posted by tracey at 08:10 AM | Comments (1)

April 30, 2007

The elements of humanity

The Definition of Human in the adjective form:

a : having human form or attributes b : susceptible to or representative of the sympathies and frailties of human nature

The Definition of Element as a noun:

a constituent part: as a plural : the simplest principles of a subject of study

A constituent part, the simplest principle of a subject...

Simple, is that how I would describe human emotion, thoughts and actions? A simple act of kindness, a simple excerise in compassion, a simple way of saying I'm sorry.

The last one, I suppose, would not be so simple, depending on what it is you have done.

It's sad how some go through life, hating instead of loving, ignorance vs awareness, thoughtlessness vs kindness and understanding.

Unable to forgive others trespasses when we have trespassed ourselves.

The element of humanity, simple? I would say NOT, trying to understand what makes another tick, impossible.

Praying for what we don't understand...

Is all we can do.

Posted by tracey at 08:36 AM | Comments (0)

April 26, 2007

Siblings & Father Time

I was thinking today about my brothers, both live here in town, well, within just a few miles of me, and I don't see them much, but do make it a point to visit or call every so often.

Both are younger than me, one by nearly 11 years. Growing up it was my job and my sister's to keep an eye on them, babysit until my father would get home from work and make supper for them at night and put them to bed.

My older brother, still younger than me, but the older of the two, wasn't home much during the school year as he attended a school for the deaf nearly 3 hours away from home. My younger brother, was a pure hellion, but now as adults, I feel somewhat closer to him than my older one, I think because he was home all of the time.

As kids they drove me crazy, wise, surly and always into something, hiding so I couldn't find them even though I would yell and yell their names and they would be right behind a door somewhere and never make a peep! Oh how that use to make me mad! Because for some reason, I was scared I might have lost them!

I went to visit the younger of the two tonight, he lives about 15 miles from here, he was tired from a long day at work, took a shower and then fell asleep on the couch! So I continued to visit with his wife and of course played with his two little rugrats, 2 years and 1 year and I kept thinking back to when their Dad was little like that and how I played with him, took him for walks and tried to protect him from all the bad things in the world.

Time sure does keep moving on but it's nice to be able to remember the days gone by and how even in this hurried world of ours, things somehow, remain the same.

Posted by tracey at 10:37 PM | Comments (0)

April 23, 2007

The hardest word...

Elton said it best...

It's sad, so sad
It's a sad, sad situation
And it's getting more and more absurd
It's sad, so sad
Why can't we talk it over
Oh it seems to me
That sorry seems to be the hardest word

Posted by tracey at 07:38 PM | Comments (0)

April 20, 2007

It couldn't be

a nicer day! And thank goodness it finally is!

Hannah and I have been outside bike riding and walking and now hubby is beginning to work on the yard and getting things picked up again for summer time.

I always enjoy this time of year before it gets too hot and muggy which, in the last few years, it has. So from now until say around the middle of July it will be just right!

Posted by tracey at 01:47 PM | Comments (0)

April 17, 2007

It's a sad sad world...

What is happening to our society? Does anyone have any thoughts on that? I have many, but the one that haunts me the most is how this world is crumbling around us and no one really gets it.

People get angry when things like Va Tech happen, they blame the school for lack of security, I'm sure it's out of their own grief, but let's think about it, these things are happening all the time, everywhere, they just get worse and more gruesome. Look at 911. Can we truly prevent these horrible things from happening? Do we all need to start living in bubbles and staying home behind iron walls?

I personally, don't believe there is much of anything we can do about this kind of stuff, it's become the way of the world and I believe, it's suppose too. Do I like it, do I feel safe everyday? NO. Do I worry constantly, more than normal, about my own children, family members and friends, you bet. I hate the thought of my kid's growing up in this menaced society, I sometimes feel guilty as hell for ever bringing children into this mess of a world because it's NOT safe anymore, what are they facing in 10 - 20 years from now if things are this bad right now as I write this?

I HATE turning on the news, there is never one good thing to announce, look at the weather, just as irratic. Nor' easters in April, heatwaves of dramatic proportions in the south, people dying from this stuff. Pollution, radiation killing our birds, causing cancer, the War in Iraq and now our children being massacred at a college.

Does my opinion really matter? I'd like to think so, but will it make any difference in the world at large, doubtful. But I'm sharing it anyhow and I pray for those in Va who have lost loved ones and suffered in this terrible heinous act of another so called human being.

God be with you.

Posted by tracey at 09:28 AM | Comments (0)

April 12, 2007

So much for spring time

What a spring we are having, six inches of that white stuff today, heavy sugar snow that weighs all the branches down and telephone wires. Now the weather report says a Nor'Easter is on it's way for Sunday.

It's April!! NOT January! It's getting me a bit depressed!

I know it's been good for the maple sugaring, but...

Come on spring time, you gotta get here and fast!

One thing that did crack me up today was when my husband told me that Don Imus got fired from CBS radio. I laughed, I don't like him and never watch him, only when I come down stairs in the morning to get ready for work and my husband has the TV tuned to him and I hear his "commentary sarcasm, vulgar insults and sour pussed voice of droan - and so on..." UGH! Thing is though, he'll make millions on this! Don't they always??

Posted by tracey at 07:49 PM | Comments (0)

April 04, 2007

Addiction & Insurance

So my hubby is trying to quit smoking, he's a heavy heavy smoker and it's going to take all his strength and then some to stop, but I'm praying he will.

He's talked about it for a while now, but he hasn't really ever tried that hard. My suggestion was to cut down first, go outside to smoke so when you want a cigarette you actually have to get up and go outside no matter the season.

He smokes alot in the basement which the kids and I never go down there and then in the spring summer and fall he's outside, but in the winter time he tends to smoke in the house after we all go to bed. It's not so much where he smokes, it doesn't really bother me as I grew up with it, but it's the amount and the terrible cough he has, that nagging smoker's cough, which with time, is only going to get worse.

His biggest time of smoking is when he's driving the car. He chain smokes then!

There is this new medication out called Chantix and it's a bit pricey, $112 for the starter kit. It's for three months and a man he works with, who is also a very heavy smoker, has been taking it for a little over two weeks and hasn't had one cigarette since he started, says he has absolutely no desire to have one.

So, I told hubby, by all means, ask you doctor about it and see if he can write you the prescription and try it.

The kicker is though, the insurance that I pay over $500 a month for won't pay for it!. They even have the audacity to charge me an additional smoker's surcharge of $12 a month because my husband smokes, but they won't even pay for part of this medication that actually sounds like it would cure his 30 + year habit!

Unreal.

On a lighter note Miss Hannah is 6 years old today! Time flies that is for sure! Happy Birthday sweetie!

Posted by tracey at 07:48 PM | Comments (0)

March 26, 2007

Our Lives in Pictures

So I was spring cleaning, again, today and was looking around at all my pictures...

I thought, maybe I have too many photos around, they all get dusty and need cleaning and that takes a while and is just a pain really.

But then I thought, no, this is our home, these are the pictures of our lives and it's neat to have them around to remember the times that we have had.

(Our girls as they grow up.)

(A corner shelf of all those we hold dear.)

(And some who have left this world.)

(And all the fun times we have had as a family!)

We do have a lot of pictures though, but what's neat is, I have noticed that when people visit they always look around at all of our pictures and smile...

Posted by tracey at 06:25 PM | Comments (2)

March 23, 2007

I sense a bit of

spring in the air as all I have done the last few days between work and other stuff is clean and tidy up!

I began with dusting and taking down blinds and curtains, putting away boots and washing some jackets then I hit the porch, oh my...what a wreck that was! But...it's looking better and better.

The snow is going, slow but sure. I see only a few "snow," probably more like rain showers in the forecast. That's ok, it will take the snow away even quicker! We are starting to see some of the lawn again, but it's muddy!

I've been looking at flowers on line, I want to get planting soon.

Hannah's birthday is coming right up and usually soon after that, we start getting outside and doing things again.

We can't wait!!!

Posted by tracey at 02:28 PM | Comments (1)

March 17, 2007

Holiday Storms

It seems with the last two holiday's, Valentine's and St. Patty's Day, along with them comes big snow storms!

No more holidays from the Saints, PLEASE!!!!

(Looking out my livingroom window this am when I got home from work. UGH!

Poor birdies, haven't seen them in a few days either.

Here's to all you Irish! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

And here's hoping spring is not far around the corner either.

Posted by tracey at 09:13 AM | Comments (0)

March 15, 2007

Ain't this the truth!

Posted by tracey at 09:08 PM | Comments (1)

March 11, 2007

The end of one's life

A patient where I work weighs heavy on my mind these days. She is 61, relatively young for a population that usually ranges any where from 70 - 104.

She is dying of cancer, breast cancer that metastasized to her colon and now, it's every where.

What is hard is she won't talk about it. She won't speak of it with her family or the nurses, but she came to be with us, to die. She didn't want to burden her family with her end of life needs so to speak.

Death is no stranger to me, a nurse of nearly 20 years I've seen a lot of it. As a hospice nurse for five years I dealt with it all the time, young and old, but this lady makes me sad. She has fear in her eyes like I have never seen and I don't know how to help her feel safe, I don't know what I can do help ease her fears.

As a nurse when someone is dying of a terminal illness your first thought, usually, is comfort, keep them comfortable. Don't let them hurt, physically or mentally/emotionally.

It's terrible to have to watch someone suffer, but when they are suffering over the fear of dying, it's the worst.

I worked the night shift last night and nights on these people are hard. It's quiet, it's dark and it's lonely. They lay in bed, half awake, half asleep, half unknowing of when they will take their last breath. You try to comfort, you hold their hand and tell them you are there for them, they can talk to you, they can ask you to listen, they can pray or ask you to pray with them, but there is silence, no response and then you see a single tear streaking their face and it's suddenly impossible to hold back your own tears.

You wonder what they could possibly be thinking, you ask, but again there is no answer.

So you continue to sit with them, holding their hand and praying silently for their peace, their comfort and for God to come and take them home.

Posted by tracey at 09:02 AM | Comments (1)

March 07, 2007

How can one's life

become so crazy??

My father always said that fame and fortune was a mixed blessing and he was right.

I don't usually blog about things of this nature, but I'm getting so tired of hearing about these two on every TV channel, even Dr. Phil!, magazines at the check out in the grocery store and on and on and on, the craziness of Britney Spears and Anna Nicole. No wonder these poor woman have succumbed to such horrid outcomes and for one of them, the end. They are scrutinized beyond belief. There isn't one piece of their lives that isn't commented on, written about, photographed. It's no wonder they "lose" it, become depressed, turn to drugs and alcohol and just plain foolishness.

I've always wondered why they just don't get away from it all. They have more than enough money, why don't they just fly away somewhere peaceful and live a "normal" life for a while. I guess they can't. They want that fame and notoriety, they want everyone to know who they are, what they eat for breakfast and who they go to bed with at night etc etc. And people want to know this stuff, that's what I don't get!

And what saddens me even more is the future of their poor children. They too will and do, get sucked into their madness and on goes the never ending drama, stranger and sadder than some of the greatest romance novels ever written or movies ever directed.

I just wish they would go away...whatever happened to the stars of the past who had some class and character and kept their problems to themselves?

I guess it just goes to show how shallow our society has become.

There, I've said my peace, may they somehow find peace...

Posted by tracey at 08:34 AM | Comments (0)

March 06, 2007

The Winds of March

have been blowin' terrible! We are just about out of wood, had to call the oil company to come fill the tank, again! Doesn't that take care of the pocket book real fast! Sheesh, it's been a LONG winter and I'm looking forward to spring time hence the new look to my blog. You gotta get here spring and fast!!!

I'm anxious, once again, to get back outside and start enjoying the yard, our long walks and having supper on the deck.

Winter seemed to take forever to get here and now it won't go away, ah, such is life I guess.

Posted by tracey at 07:09 PM | Comments (0)

February 23, 2007

It's Been a LOOOONG Winter

So winter is NOT flying by! It seems to be dragging it's stubborn big feet, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, there usually is isn't there? March is almost here, one more month of cold and snow and wind, but the temperatures should rise some, each day actually, should get a bit warmer.

Hannah's birthday is the first week in April, it's usually starting to feel like spring by then, muddy outside, but spring like weather.

All this snow so late in the season just seems to put a "damper" of sorts on things.

Ah well, it could be worse, we've made it through for many years past!

I hope we are done with our last round of colds viruses too! Goodness gracious, first it was Hannah, then me, then Devon and now Hannah and I are still a bit stuffy and coughing some and she also has conjunctivits in her Left eye. I finally convinced the doctor to just order some drops and we'll see how it does over the weekend. Thank goodness school vacation is next week. She's missed a few days in the past couple of weeks from her cold and now her eye.

We have little Josh today too, he's busy busy. I can't believe he's going to be 2 next month!

And then there is my car. Not running right, wants to die out all the time, I did spend $300 on it this past week and it's still not acting quite like it should. I don't know, hubby thinks it may be the gas cap, if that turns out to be the problem it will have been an awfully expensive gas cap!!

Devon is off to a friend's tonight and babysitting tomorrow. I've got to pick up three extra shifts that I hadn't planned on this weekend so I hope I can snooze a little this afternoon, but I bet I won't be able too, I never can when I have to go into work at 11 pm!

Well, here's to warmer weather and brighter days and all our blessings we have for right now!

Posted by tracey at 11:43 AM | Comments (0)

February 12, 2007

It's cold

So I did my Valentine's shopping today, flowers for Devon and some chocolates and rubber stamps and a card for Hannah and a card for hubby, a nice, romantic one which he liked alot. :-)

Then we got a call that Hannah won first place for her age group for a handmade Valentine she made at one of the local grocery stores this past Saturday. She won a $10 gift certificate and her name will be in the paper! She was pretty proud of herself, as was Mom and Dad.

I've heard a big storm is headed this way, they are predicting like a foot of snow, I'll believe it when I see it. What I do know though, is it is too darn cold! BRRRR! Hopefully the snow will at least warm things up.

Hannah is still fighting a nasty cold and tonight my throat feels a little scratchy too. I hope I'm not coming down with it too, I had my annual bad cold back in November. So here's hoping this throat thing will be gone by the morning. I intend to cuddle up snug tonight and go to bed early!

Posted by tracey at 06:58 PM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2007

A little bit of winter

maybe?

It's been a bit chilly the last couple of days and we actually had some snow yesterday, big ol' snow flakes that fell most of the day, but not much accumilation. I hear there is a storm headed this way for Monday, we'll see. That's an awful long ways away.

It's been a strange winter, alot like last year. I've had no good pics of the weather this year, yet...

We'll see what Monday brings.

Posted by tracey at 05:54 PM | Comments (0)

January 02, 2007

2007

Another year has come and gone, how can it be? The older I get the faster time seems to go.

I haven't celebrated a New Year's in a long time and this year was no different and for some reason, this year just didn't seem to be that big of a deal. It felt different, but yet it didn't, strange.

I look back on recent years gone by and those that have long since past and I reflect on what was, what wasn't and what is yet to be.

As always I am wishing and praying for health, safety and prosperity in the coming year. I pray for peace and goodwill and for the things we need and not want.

Father time, he stops for no one...

Happy New Year and God's love and blessings to you and yours!

Posted by tracey at 02:35 PM | Comments (0)

December 18, 2006

A Busy Weekend

I worked this weekend, but it was busy even still. Devon babysat both Friday and Saturday night and last evening we all went to the movies. Andy took Hannah to see Charlotte's Web and Devon and I went to see the Nativity Story which I thought was done very well. I really enjoyed it, Devon did too.

I can't believe it's a week til Christmas and we still have NO snow! I must say, as much as the snow and cold can get to you sometimes, it does seem very strange not to have any yet this time of year. We've had one cold snap and a few inches of snow, which is all gone now! All of it, not a trace except for up in the mountains. Very strange that is for sure.

I think I am mostly done my shopping, but there always seems to be something I need to get still. Since I am off today I need to get more wrapped while the kids aren't home.

It's a little chilly today, but not bad, about 40 degrees, for December! It just doesn't seem right!

Posted by tracey at 08:49 AM | Comments (0)

December 13, 2006

The Ghosts of Christmas Past

Each has his past shut in him like the leaves of a book known to him by heart and his friends can only read the title.

~Virginia Woolf

I opened up my email the other day and what to my surprise, but an email from someone I knew over 20 years ago! A childhood sweetheart from my youthful days that found my website on the big World Wide Web. Who would have ever thought!

It totally surprised me, but it was so nice to talk to him again and catch up on our lives.

It actually flattered me that he remembered me after all these years. ;-)

A ghost from Christmas past indeed!

Posted by tracey at 07:55 PM | Comments (0)

November 23, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving

What I am thankful for...

that I am saved through Jesus Christ, my health, my freedom as an American Citizen, my family, esp my children and husband, my career, my friends, my home and car, good neighbors, my pets and SO much more!

Posted by tracey at 08:30 PM | Comments (0)

November 13, 2006

Shopping and Birthdays...

I think I am pretty much all set with my Christmas Shopping. I've made it to the mall and other places several times in the past few weeks! Just need to pick up a few more things and I will be pretty much done!

Now, onto my Christmas card list and thinking about something different to make for Thanksgiving this year. We always have dinner out to Mom's, but I like to bring something each year to share, usually something I haven't brought before.

My big brother Frankie celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday and we had dinner and cake and ice cream and got to see the little ones for a bit.

I worked an unplanned night shift last night and have tried VERY hard NOT to sleep all day as I won't be able to sleep tonight!

Family get togethers, they are always good for some new photos!

And...in just a few days my birthday will be coming around.

Posted by tracey at 02:41 PM | Comments (0)

October 27, 2006

Winter is on it's way...

So, I've been planning this trip to a big craft fair about two hours away for weeks now and wouldn't you know, tomorrow they are predicting terrible winds, rain and sleet and even maybe some snow! I have my snow tires on anyway! So, I'm still going! I don't care if we get blown away, I'm going and I'm going shopping too and then visiting my friend Dodie and her family and I'm going! Did I say that already? Probably?

It's only October and already this nasty weather is here, it's too early!! WAY too early!

The week seemed to fly by and I'm sure the weekend will fly by even faster!

The kids are off to the neighbors tonight, Hannah is having her first sleepover, by herself without big sister. I'm anxious to see how she does. I'm expecting a phone call anytime to come get her! At least they live just next door!

Posted by tracey at 09:41 PM | Comments (0)

October 21, 2006

October closing in

I can't believe it's already the 21st of October! Where did the fall go?? The leaves are almost gone, the wind has blown so hard the past 24 hours there aren't any left on the trees! I'm surprised it didn't snow last night.

Our pumpkins didn't grow very big this year and I'm wondering if I should have bought some bigger ones to carve out for jack o' lanterns. I guess it's too late now?

I visited a friend yesterday and did some Christmas shopping. My snow tires are on and the mechanic tells me I need new tires for next spring and he said, "You better buy them now because they keep going up in price." UGH. I think about trading my car in, but then think, No, it's almost paid for and I don't want anymore car payments! It's getting to be that time though that now that it's close to being paid for I'll have to start putting money into it to get it fixed up, not that it's in that bad of shape, but you know what I mean!

Hannah just crawled out of bed and is cuddled up on the couch. It's one of those mornings to cuddle up and watch cartoons!

I'm working an odd shift today to help cover some time on evenings. Monday I have to go for my recertification in CPR. I hate doing that! But at least it's good for two years!

To all of you experiencing the chill and wind and rain, stay warm and dry!

Posted by tracey at 08:09 AM | Comments (0)

October 16, 2006

It's official!

I am now a member of the EFCA church and I'm pretty proud to have become a member. I gave my testimony to about 20 people that belong to the congregation after church on Sunday and both Val and I were accepted as members. They believe that all members should be believers in Christ and saved and that is why they have you give a public testiment of your faith. I was pretty nervous to speak in front of so many, but there could have been more and there wasn't so that worked out well! Phew!

It's turned rather chilly here and I know the snow won't be far away now. It's dark so early at night. By the time we get home, have supper and get the dishes done it's way too dark to go for a walk outside. So, it's time to get back to the rec center and start walking there and swimming! Hannah is excited to get back into that routine.

I'm getting anxious to start some Christmas shopping. I've already ordered a few things and am thinking about Christmas cards already and the pictures I want to send out. I know, I'm bad! It's not even Thanksgiving yet!

I've also decided to sponsor a child through COMPASSION. It's something I've wanted to do for a while and this is a Christian based organization and the girls and I want to choose the child to sponsor and we can also send a Christmas gift and Birthday gift as well. We are looking forward to it. A very dear friend of ours use to do this and that gave me the interest to want to do it as well.

A busy week lies ahead with work and visiting an old friend on Friday. She use to be my boss many years ago and sadly she is very ill with cancer so I want to go and visit her as it may be the last time I'll see her. She is exicted to see Devon as she hasn't seen her in over 10 years! I want to get some pictures too.

Posted by tracey at 08:56 PM | Comments (0)

October 12, 2006

The week closing in

So, I've applied for membership at the church I have been going to for just about 2 years now. I really like it there. I like the pastor and his sermons, I like the people and they have some good groups for kids and adults. Dev is enjoying the youth group and Hannah enjoys AWANA. So, I had to take four classes, meetings, to learn more about the church and what it believes and preaches, then I had to write my testimony to share with the congregation this coming Sunday. I am pretty nervous about that, but we had a mini rehearsal on Wed evening when (My friend Val is joining too so we got to do them together,) we met with elders of the church and got to give our testimony to them and it wasn't too bad. I'm hoping I can get through it with the congregation!

We also have some new neighbors and they are very nice people. Devon invited them over for dinner Monday night and come to find out this lady LOVES to scrap book and she has TONS of things and a big basement all ready to do it in! She has invited me over Friday night and I can't wait!

It hasn't snowed here yet, but today I thought for sure it was going too. The sky got really dark and it started raining and then it cooled off, but then it passed. Oh well, it's that time of year and even though I don't really like this time of year, I shouldn't complain!

One more day of work and then off for two. I hope to get some crocheting projects finished up and work more on my scrapbooks.

I heard from my big brother Frankie last night. He lives nearby, but I never hear from him much and I had been thinking about him a lot lately. He's applied for another job and I hope he gets it and I also pray he can get his own place and settle down a little. I asked him what he needed, if anything, he said jeans, so I ordered him some. I guess that is what big sisters are for!

Posted by tracey at 07:10 PM | Comments (0)

October 09, 2006

7 years ago, today...

hubby and I were married! He always knows how to make me feel special everyday, but especially on our anniversary. It started out with a beautiful card, breakfast out and then a nice ride, just the two of us, to take some foliage pics.

It has been an all around very nice day!

You can sneak a peek at our special day here...

Andy & Tracey ~ October 9, 1999

Posted by tracey at 05:51 PM | Comments (0)

September 30, 2006

Raising Teens ~ Lesson #1

Pick your battles. I've heard that so many different times over the years when it comes to raising your teen. I'm trying, honestly I am, but it's NOT easy!!

I'm trying to instill good morals, judgment and being responsible into my 14 year old. I know she is interested in all kinds of things these days, boys, mainly. She tells me she has a boyfriend, but she won't tell me his name?? She talks on the phone constantly, I remember doing that too, but I over hear things sometimes that I do NOT like.

She seems to have friends that have really colorful vocabularies, but when they are here you don't hear a peep out of them! So when I hear the language they are using, whether it be in a note or on the phone, it's quite shocking! I also know she talks this way as well, with her friends and I don't like it!

I'm not perfect myself and probably haven't set a very good example at times, but I really don't like knowing she is this way when she thinks I'm not listening. I guess, at least, she's good enough not to do it in front of me, is that a good thing??? I don't know.

She's off tonight to babysit for my brother and his wife. They are having a get together at their home with some friends. We were invited, but declined. I know there is going to be ALOT drinking there, I over heard her asking her aunt if she could have one, I didn't say anything, cuz she thought I wasn't listening. I really don't think my brother or his wife would let her get sloshed...I know she is going to be doing this stuff at some point, I did when I was a teenager, not at 14, but...I guess I shouldn't worry too much, she's with people I know and hopefully can trust. It's the others there I don't know so well that bothers me.

I told her she had to be home by 10 am tomorrow for church and I meant it. I feel like a bit of hypocrite though, letting her babysit for people who are going to be getting drunk and then making her go to church the next day!

I think it's a battle this time, better left alone maybe and see how far I can trust her since it is with family and not her friends. I don't know, maybe I worry too much.

On a lighter note...

It's the last day of September today, it doesn't seem like October should be here yet!

I took a short ride with the girls today after helping a friend get her wood in for the winter. We have some pretty good color, I hope to get some more pics in a couple of weeks.

Posted by tracey at 05:53 PM | Comments (0)

September 20, 2006

A Fond Farewell

They spoke of him as being a hero, a MAN, a loving and kind individual that valued nature and it's animals and it's children. They spoke of juicy fruit gum, which he always carried in his pockets for the kids. They remembered him loving coconut cream pie and ice cream, basketball games and stopping to listen to the Vermont brooks whenever he passed by one.

The pastor said he loved Jesus and lived a true Christian life, one we could all learn to be more like. He took very little in his life, lived simply and gave generously. Walking into a pasture of grazing horses, which he loved, they would gather around him one by one and he would pat them and talk to them like only he could.

Young and old gathered to remember and celebrate the life of a very expceptional man and it was a beautiful farewell to someone we will all miss dearly.

Rest in peace dear friend.

Posted by tracey at 06:32 PM | Comments (0)

September 17, 2006

A Heavy Heart

It's been a trying week, at work, at home and in the heart.

Work is busy ALL the time, never a quiet moment or peace. With both the kids at school full time now there are all the after school things to look forward too, be prepared for, places to go, things to do.

We are still trying to get our wood in for the winter, just one more cord to go. Hubby has been picking up the yard, cutting down all the dead flowers and turning the ground over of the vegetable garden. Nothing grew too hot this year so no canning as I don't have enough to make it worth my while.

Then later this week a dear friend of the family passed suddenly and it hit me harder than I thought it would. We had the pleasure of enjoying his company this summer for a few weeks when he came to lend a hand out to my parents with the horses, feeding them and watering them. He's someone we've known for a long long time and he was getting old, but in such good shape. I would often remark how he could out walk any one of us, never break a sweat or be breathing heavy when he was done! He lived a good life right to the end though. Took care of himself, did what he wanted, went where he wanted and he was such a character with a kid like sense of humor, always ready to tell a good hearted joke or tale. We miss him, but I know he's gone onto his reward because no one deserves it more than him!

I'm also currently taking two Bible studies, one on my own and one short one with a friend of mine in which we are seeking membership to the church we go to. They are both very interesting and thought provoking.

Tomorrow begins a new week, I hope it's quieter than the past one. I want to get a little more decorating done for the fall and I hope to get some more foliage pictures before the season is all over! We need one good frost to get things a bit more colorful!

Posted by tracey at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)

September 06, 2006

Kindergarten Days...

are finally here and so far so good! Hannah has done really well with starting school this year, but I really think going to preschool a couple days a week for the past year and a half helped her adjust! Going five days a week and riding the bus have all been new for her, but she's enjoying it and I'm glad, but also can't believe she's begun her school years!

As for the season, the leaves here are changing quickly for September and it seems the snow will fly before we know it!

Tomorrow is the BIG day for our Beethoven. The trainer is making a home visit to see what we can do to get him more socialized and at least be able to take him for a walk once in a while without having your arm pulled from it's socket! He's a big boy and gets a little too excited. I'm hoping it's not too late to teach this old dog some new tricks!

Posted by tracey at 09:31 PM | Comments (0)

August 27, 2006

And it rains

So the weekend is almost over and I have tomorrow off and it's cold and rainy outside and I kind of wish we could start a little fire in the wood stove, but then it would get too hot and well, you know.

It was pretty warm again yesterday, but it's all gone today and the rain came, all day actually, even though the weather channel said only afternoon showers.

Hannah and I have been really good about our walking and last night she did two miles with me and as she so fondly reminded me, "She didn't whine once!" See, she usually whines a lot on our walks, but she has been pretty good lately. Today she got to go to the pool at IR@C and she hasn't done that since at least last May. It's getting to be that time again to get back into the rec center. We all enjoy the pool there and they also have an indoor walking track.

Next weekend we are off to the fair and I can't wait to check out the craft center, my whole reason for going actually! Well, that and the fried dough!

Posted by tracey at 04:38 PM | Comments (0)

August 23, 2006

Home Again

Home from camp today. We had a nice time. Always wish we had more time to spend out there, but the summer goes by so fast before you know it, it's heading into fall.

We enjoyed some boat riding and Devon tried out tubing which she found was rather fun! We could only throw her off once though, but boy we tried awful hard to do it more!

Hannah loves playing in the beach sand, making castles and then resting in the big hammocks
under the cedar trees. She wasn't too up on the tubing, but did like the boat rides.

Devon celebrated her 14th birthday on Monday, had her party on Saturday and this morning I dropped a very nervous, but excited freshman off to school for her first day of highschool. (she doesn't look too happy here...)

But, I'm sure she'll be fine. I hope! I remember how nerve racking it was my first day of highschool, but in my case, I knew no one, she at least has some friends she's known all her life.

It seems just like yesterday she was heading off to her first day of kindergarten...

Now she's on her way to becoming a young adult and finding her own way in this crazy mixed up world.

I can only hope that I have instilled some good values and morals in her. I know she will make mistakes, I just hope she always learns from them and is always safe and certain of what she wants in this world...

Posted by tracey at 11:59 AM | Comments (0)

August 17, 2006

On our way to camp

We are on our way to hubby's family camp today, spending the rest of the week and the weekend out there. We usually go this time of year for about a week. It's quiet and relaxing and the kids just LOVE it. This year we will also have Devon's 14th birthday out there! 14 years, I honestly don't know where the time goes.

I had an email this am from my wonderful friend Dodie and she says that her and Bob may come up this weekend for a visit and I am SOOOO happy! I can't wait to see her as I haven't seen her since her diagnosis of breast cancer. She says she is doing really well. Her hair is gone, but she has a wig that looks just like her natural hair! I so hope they can make the trip and spend some time with us.

We did grocery shopping last night to stock up for the week and the kids loved that too! LOL

I've been enjoying the new reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels on A&E. OMG, LMAO! I watched two episodes Monday night and then I dreamt about the beast of a man ALL night long! Why would I do that? I don't even like KISS that much! I certainly never thought he was sexy, but you know, I think it's his voice! There is something about his voice, I like, and NO, it's NOT the tongue!! EEEEW!

Posted by tracey at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)

August 10, 2006

It's raining

It rained this afternoon, rather hard at times, but no lightening or thundering! It stopped us from taking a trip to the park, but hopefully we can do that tomorrow. Both my girls have always enjoyed the park and Hannah, I think has especially enjoyed it!

We finished stacking the first load of wood in our dingy dirt cellar this morning, Devon and I, Hannah helped a little. It seems good to have those three tiers of wood all in a row and ready for the snow and cold that is headed our way. Just two and half more loads to go!

The oil guy came too and left the bill in the door like he always does. You have to take a big ol deep breath before you look at that thing!

We are going to start working with my big dog Beethoven. We want to get him better trained and be more of a family dog. He's a good boy, but spends most of his time on his run. I'm getting some pointers from a dog trainer that will come to the house and show us how to work with him, I'm hoping we can make it work!

I'll have to post on his progress.

All for now.

Posted by tracey at 04:51 PM | Comments (0)

August 07, 2006

The Season is changing

I felt it today, the seasons beginning to change once again. It seems summer had only just begun, but now the winds feel cooler, the evenings seem shorter and I am thinking of autumn, the leaves are already beginning to fall!

I will call to order more oil tomorrow and then start stacking wood again for the winter that lies ahead. It is strange as it's only the beginning of August, but I feel like fall!

The kids are getting ready to go back to school. Shopping for clothes and school supplies. Devon will be a Freshman this year and Hannah will start kindergarten. How the time flies!

This is my favorite time of year though, the cool evenings, the anticipation of the beautiful fall colors, getting ready to harvest our garden and do some canning. Stacking wood, thinking about Halloween costumes and going to the fair!

It's funny, because no one but me wants to think about these things, just yet anyway!

Posted by tracey at 09:06 PM | Comments (0)

July 30, 2006

Happily ever After

This is a blog of peaceful thoughts, so I can't share everything that is on my mind because so much of it just isn't peaceful, but...My sister Heather did get married! It was a lovely service and we had a great time. They looked wonderful and so did all the kids.

Other things happened that weren't so pleasant, nothing to do with them, but just stuff. I hope it all irons out in the end, but I'm not so sure it will.

But, I am HAPPY for them!

Congrats guys!

Posted by tracey at 03:03 PM | Comments (0)

July 07, 2006

Summer Time

And the living is easy...

Is that how that goes? I think so, but I'm not sure.

Anyhow, it's been better weather here in the very northeast, finally getting some sunny days and oddly enough, for July, there is little humidity!

Tuesday was hot! I got my first sunburn while watching the 4th of July Parade. The kids got to ride in the parade this year and they enjoyed that alot. My brother and his boss paraded their new tow trucks for his business and all the kids, including theirs, got to ride so that was fun for them.

Dad is doing better with his broken leg, it finally was set about two weeks ago now and should be healing. Although, he's not staying off it like he should be, so I would imagine the healing process will be slowed a bit, but you can't keep him down that is for sure.

Frankie will be home the end of July as well as Heather, Randy and the kids.

We are planning a small get away the 21st of July, just a couple of days away and going to Six Flags and doing some school shopping.

Work has been busy busy busy! I'm looking forward to a few days off and then before you know it school will be back in session!

Dev has been spending a lot of time babysitting this summer and she also brought home a new kitten, Midnight she calls her. She was good about it though and is using some of her babysitting money to help pay for her to be spayed and get her shots. We now have three cats and we don't need anymore!

So, Hannah and I are off to run some errands. I need to check back in her more often and be a better blogger!

Ta ta for now!

Posted by tracey at 09:24 AM | Comments (0)

June 22, 2006

It's HOT and Muggy!

and it's been so darn busy!! The heat on Sunday was GAWD awful and today wasn't much better!

Dad got hurt in the woods a week ago Tuesday, broke his leg and had to walk a mile out of the woods before he could get to the horses again to ride out. He has been in the hospital since Monday and he called today to say it was looking a lot better and that they plan to set it next Monday and then he can come home. He's so darn stubborn! He wouldn't listen to the doctor's to begin with so now he's stuck in bed for another week or so.

My SIL Sally has been in the hospital with a burst appendix. Talked with her tonight and she is doing well and plans to go home tomorrow.

My dear friend Dodie had emailed me a couple of weeks ago to say she might be facing breast cancer, but so far the biopsies say everything is negative so praise GOD for that! I need to call her tomorrow and see how she is.

Dev was at the ER Tuesday night with horrific back pain, but the doctor said it was just muscle spasms from falling off a swing! (She had fallen off a swing a couple of days earlier.) Now she is in Oswego NY with my friend Kim and her two girls for a few days.

Hannah hurt her foot on the trampoline last night and she is still favoring it tonight, but it doesn't look swollen and it's not bruised so I think she'll be ok, but don't tell her that! Just yet anyway!

She had her first day of summer preschool today and she enjoyed it. She is going just one day a week until the first of August.

Work is busy busy, but I may be changing my hours again to better fit my needs in the fall when the girls go back to school.

Andy and I are going to go boat shopping this weekend. We've decided to sell the ski doo and buy a boat! A boat we will enjoy SO much more!

Well, that is all the news for now and I'm off to a nice air conditioned bedroom to read and relax!

Posted by tracey at 08:44 PM | Comments (0)

May 23, 2006

April Showers bring....

May showers, that never end!!

The weather is just crazy, we had the srangest winter ever and now we've had no spring! It's rained here for two weeks, pretty much non stop. Everything is green green, but you can't get out to weed or mow your lawn. Course it hasn't been as bad as some had it south of here in Mass and NH. Then I heard last night that a tornado touched down in Southern NH. A tornado!!!! In New England??? Who has ever heard of such a thing! I grew up NH, we never had tornados spawn! Apparently it threw a pick up truck with two unsuspecting souls and flipped them and threw them a few hundred feet!

But, on a sunnier note, the skies are suppose to clear, by this weekend actually and we will be in the 80's for Memorial Day, one extreme to the other!

I'm hoping to have a BBQ this weekend and a fire to roast marshmellows and let the kids make smores.

The kids are out of school by the 8th and thus begins the summer fun!

Posted by tracey at 06:40 AM | Comments (0)

May 14, 2006

A Happy Mother's Day

and it was!!! Beautiful flowers and plants, a nice meal out to Mom's and visiting with everyone. It rained a little, but not too much.

The girl's spent the weekend with Josh and Jess and the kids. Little Jacob just sleeps all the time!! Lil Josh doesn't though!

Dad bought two new big horses!!! They are huge!!

Posted by tracey at 07:29 PM | Comments (1)

April 27, 2006

In a nostalgic mood

lately, that's where I've been. Looking back, at my life, my accomplishments, my dreams.

I don't know why this mood has struck me so, but it has!

Looking at old pictures, remembering where I have been and where I have yet to go.

The older we get, the more time just seems to fly!

On a lighter note, it's been darn cold here! We've had the wood stove going just about every night for the past week and the wind, ooooh, it's been a blowin'! No snow though, so that is always a plus!

School is drawing near for another year and Devon will be out of the Jr. High and onto Highschool in the fall. She's already thinking college and what she wants to do after highschool. Ack! College! Where has the time gone?

Hannah will be starting kindergarten in the fall, my baby, starting her school years already!

We will be visiting our dear friends, Dodie and Bob, next week and I am looking forward to seeing them and little Molly! We always enjoy our visits together. Dodie has been a cherished friend for almost 16 years now!

Well, I guess enough on this post, I'm getting a little sappy here!

Posted by tracey at 10:27 PM | Comments (1)

April 18, 2006

Spring is here...

well, sort of. It was cold yesterday, windy and rainy. I shouldn't complain because we do need the rain! Then today it was beautiful out until I walked out of work this evening and it was sprinkling rain drops again! But, I have the next three days off and it's suppose to be gorgeous!!

We had a lovely Easter. Went to church and then out to Mom and Dad's for dinner. We brought little Josh to church with us and he was really good! He kept looking at all the people and dancing to the music!

We ate WAY too much and the kids got WAY too much candy, but it was all fun!

We painted real eggs, one dozen to be exact, but apparently I didn't cook them long enough because they are all gooey, mushy inside! Yuck! I wanted to make a lot of egg salad too!

Posted by tracey at 06:43 PM | Comments (0)

April 12, 2006

Mid week

Well, it's been a gorgeous day. High 60's, sun shining this morning, but it's a bit cloud covered now. Raked some of the lawn today and got more patio furniture out and some of my lawn ornaments. Had the doors wide open to air out the house and then we got a whiff of that fresh country air! The farmers are starting to spread their manure!!! Oh well, just hope it doesn't rain any time soon.

Hannah played at playworld today and got to meet and sit on the Easter bunny's lap!

My new digital camera came and I LOVE it!!! It takes excellent shots and has all kinds of different modes Love it!

I think we are all set for Easter. I found a really cute easter egg idea that I am going to do for the girl's and Jordan. We are having dinner out to Mom's and a big easter egg hunt.

Work tomorrow and then I'm off til Monday.

Happy Easter everyone!!

Posted by tracey at 03:29 PM | Comments (0)

April 05, 2006

Snow covered

So I woke up to snow covered grounds this morning. Not a lot, but it was white and it's chilly too. Hannah and I went out to get the mail and then to the trampoline for a bit and my feet were freezing so we came back in! Brrrrr!!

You just never know this time of year, what the weather will bring your way!

Getting more of the porch cleaned off. I'm debating a yard sale this spring or just heaving stuff. I don't know. I don't really have enough for a yard sale, but yet, I hate to throw stuff away, but I NEVER use it and I don't have room!

Maybe I can talk Devon into doing a yard sale with Mom this spring. Between the two of us we should have a lot of junk!!

Posted by tracey at 01:39 PM | Comments (0)

March 29, 2006

I'm anxious

for April to get here, but I'm not too sure why? Maybe it's because the weather today teased as to what is ahead, but then tonight we had to start the fires again!

I sometimes wonder why we live this way! But, there is always the hope of spring and then summer and then of course fall, which strangely enough, is my favorite season!!

I started some cleaning today and you know how it is, you start one thing and before you know it it's leading into many many other things that need cleaning, scrubbing etc! UGH! But, I am getting there, slow but sure. I actually want to start painting the porch, but need to wait until it's a bit warmer. Our roof is almost done though!! Can't wait for that to be finished.

Hannah's birthday party is Saturday, 5 years old! I cannot believe it. This year she will have preschool on her actual birthday, the 4th, so she wants to make some cupcakes and bring them in for her classmates.

Devon signs up for highschool classes tomorrow! OMG!!! Am I ready for this?? I'm not too sure!

I need to begin a daily prayer regime for this!

Posted by tracey at 09:19 PM | Comments (0)

March 21, 2006

Easter

So, I've been trying to find something different to put in the kid's Easter baskets this year. Something more than just candy and chocolate Easter bunnies. I had been looking everywhere for some pretty suncatchers, preferably ones that were Christian in theme, crosses etc. No luck, well, I found some online, but hey were like $90 a piece! I wanted something small, but pretty that could each hang in their windows.

So I go to work yesterday and our book guy was there setting up his display for the month and there on the top of the pile was a cute little prayer book and I thought, WAHLAH! Just what I was looking for!

He's always looking out for us!

Onto our roof, it sure is taking this guy a while to get just part of the roof up. I hope he doesn't think he can take all spring! It's looking good though, what little he has done so far.

I'll have to take some before and after pics tomorrow and... it's suppose to actually warm up a little!!

On a much sadder note, our cat Tommy has been gone for over five days now. I noticed last Thursday that he hadn't been around all day, which is unusual and we haven't seen him since. He's 8 years old and neutered so I don't think he'd be out prowling this long and he's not that old and has always been in good shape. I hope he comes home soon!

Posted by tracey at 08:16 PM | Comments (0)

March 17, 2006

What's up?

Well, quite a bit actually, let's see. It's still winter here, UGH!!! But, spring is around the corner, I can feel it!! I can't wait to get outside again and start getting the yard back in shape, planting flowers and my vegetable garden and working on the house. That is my BIG project for this year is to get this house spiffed up a little. It's an old farm house that had a lot of inside work done to it before we moved here, but it needs some outside repairs. First is the roof. The carpenter starts Monday and I hope it warms up a bit for him! It's still pretty chilly out!

Once the roof is done then I want to work on our back porch, I think Andy and I can do most of it with a little help from a friend that has a bit more carpenter skills than us! If he can start it out for us we can finish. Hey, you gotta learn to do things yourself these days as it costs too much to always hire someone! (I think anyhow!)

Then, I'm thinking about how we can tear down our current shed and rebuild a much bigger and better one. Not something huge, but big enough to hold all of our outdoor stuff and something that has a cement floor. OMG, I would think I had died and gone to heaven!!!

Let's see, what else, oh, celebrated lil' Josh's first birthday. Can't believe he's a year old already. Time just flies when they are little, as a matter of fact Miss Hannah will be 5 years old on April 4.
5 already!!! Honestly, where does the time go!

My sister was home last week, her fiance and his two children from a previous marriage. Didn't get to visit too much with them. As they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same...

My baby brother is turning 25 on the 19th, now that makes me feel my age!!! I use to change his diapers!

I've been trying to scrapbook some, mostly working on pictures of the girl's and some fishing shots. I need a photo this spring of Hannah fishing to add to the pages I've done on that. Soon, very soon!

Well, guess that is all that's happening for now!!

Posted by tracey at 02:09 PM | Comments (0)

March 07, 2006

Remembering

a remarkable remarkable woman...

(Dana Reeve)

In one of her last interviews she was quoted as saying when asked, "Why, why has all this happened to you?" And she said...
"It's the rent you pay for being here on earth."

Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
~Luke 23:43 ~

Posted by tracey at 08:09 PM | Comments (1)

February 24, 2006

Is this WINTER

ever going to end!!!??? I know I know, I shouldn't complain, but good grief, it's been a LONG one! First I had the inner ear thing, which is clearing up, slow but sure. Now, I have a nasty cold, compliments of Miss Hannah
I am sure! UGH!!! At least it's more of a chest cold than a head cold, but even still, I sneeze so hard sometimes it actually hurts!

I've managed to get back into the swing of things. Was able to work my regular hours at work and am just a little more tired than usual when I get home. (I think it's because all day long I'm trying to right myself to the center and not to the left so much which is the way I want to go!) I'd hate to have to walk a straight line right now, it would not be an easy task! LOL Oh well, as my mother is so fond of saying, it could be worse and indeed it could!

Bought a new dryer today. Our old one died, finally! I think it was like 25 years old or something crazy like that. We bought it second hand when we moved here in '98, so we got 8 pretty good years out of it. Let's see if this new one lasts that long!

It's snowing and blowing again today. What we didn't get in January, has made up for it in February. March is just around the corner though and then we can look forward to spring.

Well, nothing too much else happening at the moment. Drinking a cup of hot raspberry tea with lemon and going to go curl up on the couch!

Posted by tracey at 03:27 PM | Comments (0)

February 15, 2006

Leaning to the left

or maybe to the right...

I am not sure! HAH

This inner ear thing is something else!

I went back to work yesterday. Worked 10 hours and wasn't sure I was going to make it through the morning, but then by mid afternoon, suddenly I seemed more grounded! Driving home was more normal too. How off this thing can throw you! It's so hard to even explain.

Today, I feel weird, not lightheaded like I have been, but I think at times, I am either leaning to the left, or maybe to the right, I'm not sure, but I know I'm not centered!

Oh well, it beats the state I was in just about a week ago today!

And not to forget Valentine's Day, it was nice. Hubby always gets me the nicest cards, they say exactly what he can't always put into words, but I know exactly how he feels!

Warm again today, nearly 45 degrees and what little snow we got yesterday, is melting fast today!

Posted by tracey at 03:37 PM | Comments (1)

February 08, 2006

The quietness

that comes with the new fallen snow. I stood outside this afternoon and just listened and heard nothing, not a sound. It's cold again, hovering just above 10 degrees, there is no wind and with the recent snow that has once again covered the ground, you heard nothing, not a sound.

Kind of eerie, haunting, strange.

I wish it were the end of March and not just beginning February.

Posted by tracey at 03:55 PM | Comments (0)

February 02, 2006

The list grows

and grows and grows and I find it overwhelming at times, but I continue to pray for those I feel need it most. Every night I thank God for all I have, including my own health and safety, but more importantly, the safety of my family and their health. I have people on my "list" that I've been praying for for a long time, years now as a matter of fact! But...I find myself always adding another. I sometimes think I think too much about things and people and their situations and I ask myself, "Have they created this situation for themselves or is it just life in general, the "nature" of things that has placed them in this circumstance?" I can never know for certain and may never find an answer, and so I pray.

My list varies actually. Like I mentioned before, I always pray for those closest to me,as they say, the ones that mean the most. And then I pray for those I have always prayed for, it just seems like they always need the prayers, but lately I pray for salvation. As my relationship with God has grown and become so much stronger, I realize it is salvation that we are all in need of. And I know so many others that need those prayers as well.

My husband is not a religious or spiritual man and when we first met that didn't really bother me. I never gave it much thought actually, but lately, I pray for him alot! Not because he's bad or anything like that, it's quite the contrary, he's very much a good man, good spirited, well mannered, highly devoted to me and our family, but he doesn't have God in his life, nor has he asked for forgiveness and everlasting life. So, I pray for him. I pray that he will become closer to God, find his grace as they say and want to hunger for the knowledge. I can only pray for these things.

I pray everyday for a little girl battling leukemia. She's the same age as my Hannah and cute as a button and I see her pictures and read of her progress and it just breaks my heart that little children have to suffer so in this world. And...so I pray for her safety, protection, health, no pain and that God hold her in the palm of his hand, always.

I pray for many family members, friends that need some guidance, love and salvation. I feel like I pray all the time and maybe I do! But pray I will because to me it brings such peace and a closeness to HIM that you cannot even describe and I feel like I fear no more of anything or anyone.

Posted by tracey at 10:09 PM | Comments (0)

January 31, 2006

February

is nearly upon us and we haven't had much of a winter!

Let's see, I haven't blogged here in a while. Been busy with work and the kids as usual. Devon has something planned just about every night of the week after school. Scrapbooking, helping out at the Rec center, AWANA club etc, etc!

Hannah goes swimming 2-3 nights per week and tomorrow is play world! Thank GOD I have tomorrow off too, I'm beat lately after getting out of work. I'm kind of looking to forward to cutting down to 8 hour days in the fall!

Not too much happening. Haven't heard from Frankie at all. Josh and Jess moved into a bigger house of their own, just in time for the arrival of another baby boy, due sometime early April. Maybe he'll be born on Hannah's birthday!

I've been online buying more coins! I've decided to collect for my two girls, my three nephews and my dear friend's little girl, Molly. So, that's a lot of collecting to get caught up on! I need to limit myself to so much per month or I'd go nutz!

Hoping it's an uneventul, peaceful week!

Posted by tracey at 08:47 PM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2006

Highly Disappointed

So, I was so looking foward to seeing Brokeback Mountain. I love western love stories and having seen the previews I thought, "It looks different, but good." Although I didn't recognize any of the stars. So, I started looking up movie trailers and reviews and I was like, "HUH?????" Not what I thought it was about. I mean, it sounds interesting, but nothing I am going to pay money to go to the theater to see. I told Andy about it, he's like, "No thanks, I'll pass." And when I got to thinking about that I thought, I think most straight men that really like western movies are going to say the same thing! UGH, oh well, will have to wait for something that is more my thing!

In other news it's snowing again today!!! Big flakes and the ground is all covered again. The temperatures are not bad either and it's been such a mild winter! I just hope this doesn't mean ten feet of snow in April or something crazy like that!

Well, off to do dishes, laundry and think about something for supper!

Posted by tracey at 11:43 AM | Comments (1)

January 16, 2006

Coin Collecting

my latest interest!

A friend and co-worker, has just recently gotten me interested in coin collecting and I love it! I've been checking out all of my coins and got to rummaging through hubby's coins and found some really old ones! Not in very good shape, but old none the less. One is a mercury dime and another a buffalo nickel, but that one is pretty worn.

I'm starting my own collection, little by little. How fun it is!!

Posted by tracey at 09:37 PM | Comments (0)

January 10, 2006

Are things crazy

(priced that is...)
or is it just me??

Hannah has been sick with a bad cough for about 4 days now. Coughing, coughing, coughing! It's worse at night of course! We are up a lot and I've been giving her an herbal cough syrup without any alcohol in it and I've even tried honey and lemon. I've been rubbing vicks on her chest and running the vaporizor too, but to no avail.

So, this morning I decided to stay home from work and keep her home from school and took her up to see Doc Bouchard in Canada. $15 and he tells you what's wrong and gives you a prescription! So, he said she had bronchitis and gave me some cough syrup with codiene, (she'll at least sleep!) and put her on zithromax. Well, seeing that he is not an American doctor, although he does have a state license for our state to practice and treat, my insurance, that I pay over $200 a month for, won't cover his prescriptions because he's not listed as a provider. So, the cough syrup was $7 and the Zithromax was $54! For five days worth! Per teaspoon that is about $11 per dose!!! Unreal I tell ya!

Then, I go to the gas station, once I got back across the border and realize that gasoline is now back up to $2.45 per gallon! $15 and it got me a mere quarter of a tank!

So, then back home, gave Hannah her medicine and then we hung out on the couch watching old home videos and Gosh how I laughed and even cried!

I've calmed down now about the cost of things today, LOL. I guess I am tooooo much like my dear father!

Posted by tracey at 11:15 AM | Comments (0)

January 08, 2006

Onward and upward

we must press on! That is what today's sermon was about, moving on, leaving the past behind and looking forward to today and tomorrow and no matter how hard things get, we must have faith and continue to do as God calls us to do.

A lot easier said than done, but, I'm working on it!

Enjoyed lunch with my dear friend Val and did some shopping in Magog. We have such interesting discussions, everything from pillow cases to the rise of the antichrist! Anyone overhearing our conversations, might think we had some sort of "problem!" Oh well, we love each other's company and don't get together too often these days.

Posted by tracey at 04:07 PM | Comments (1)

January 07, 2006

The Postive Side of Life

Living on Earth is expensive,
but it does include a free trip
around the sun every year.

How long a minute is
depends on what side of the
bathroom door you're on.

Birthdays are good for you;
the more you have,
the longer you live.

Happiness comes through doors you
didn't even know you left open.

Ever notice that the people who are late
are often much jollier
than the people who have to wait for them?

Most of us go to our grave
with our music still inside of us.

If Wal-Mart is lowering prices every day,
how come nothing is free yet?

You may be only one person in the world,
but you may also be the world to one person.

Some mistakes are too much fun
to only make once.

Don't cry because it's over;
smile because it happened.

We could learn a lot from crayons:
some are sharp, some are pretty,
some are dull, some have weird names,
and all are different colors....but
they all exist very nicely in the same box.

A truly happy person is one who
can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

Have an awesomeNEW YEAR, and
know that someone
who thinks you're great
has thought about you today!..

"And that person was me.".....
Please don't keep this message
to yourself.....send it to those
who mean so much to you.... "NOW"..

Working for God on earth does not pay much,
but the Retirement plan is out of this world.

Posted by tracey at 11:58 AM | Comments (0)

January 06, 2006

The Week's End

Lately, I have just thoughts here! Well, I guess that is a lot about what blogging is right?

My brother's wife, Jessica, took a fall down her basement steps, the entire stair case and she is five months pregnant! Thankfully things seem to be ok.

It has snowed here everyday since Wed, but I'm not complaining as it is covering the ski doo trails and I'd like to get out on that thing at least once this year! I bought Hannah a new helmut too, she needed an adult medium to fit her head!!

Dev came home early from school today said she had an upset stomach, seems fine tonight though.

Andy's truck needed to be fixed, AGAIN!!! I hate that truck!!! Stinkin' thing costs an arm and a leg to keep running and he bought it just two years ago! Today was another $600 worth of work. I swear, the thing should be just about brand new again by now!

My sister will be home on the 8th of March. She's bringing her "step" children with her this time. I hope this visit goes better than the last. Mom gets a little crazy when sister comes home, it's almost worse than when the queen lands in town! Oh well. She knows where I live.

Gosh, I guess I'm being a bit snooty tonight. Oh well, I'm tired, crampy and just feeling blah!

Posted by tracey at 07:37 PM | Comments (0)

January 03, 2006

So

another year is past and I reflect on the year gone and what may lie ahead. I've always been a little nervous about the future, but I think sometimes we are all a little leary about lies ahead. I sometimes think too far ahead, make plans that I will never follow through with or dreams that will never come true.

The year past was certainly one of growth, both spiritually and intellectually. I've learned alot about myself and just life in general.

I often catch myself pondering things, like, just where does the time go? Why are my kids growing up so fast?? I don't feel any older, but then there are days I do! But really, where does it go?

I struggle with thoughts, things I can only pray on and have faith in God to carry it for me and I look to the future for things not yet known, but fulling believing it is in HIS hands.

Posted by tracey at 10:09 PM | Comments (1)

January 01, 2006

Welcome 2006!

It's kind of strange that I can't seem to write 2006 even though at work, I've had to put 2006 on all documents for the coming month, January, and now I can't remember it! I just got back from the grocery store, made out my check and put 12/31/05! A day late as they say.

We spent a few hours at Kim and George's last evening. Had a couple of drinks, a few shrimp cocktail and other goodies and were home by 10:30! Partiers we are not, anymore! LOL

I then turned the TV to the New Year's Eve channel in Time Square, or wherever they held it this year, Planet Hollywood maybe, not sure. I fell asleep and woke up at 12:17!!! Missed the ball coming down too. Gosh, I guess I am just getting too old or something!

Devon was at a party/dance at the local rec center and didn't get home until almost 1 am, Hubby went and got her. She had a really good time I guess so I hope they do that again next year.

Today, hubby and Hannah are out on the ski doo and I hope Hannah is warm enough. She loves riding with Dad.

Well, here's to you and yours, may the new year be all you want, full of good friends, family, health and happiness!

Posted by tracey at 03:17 PM | Comments (0)

December 31, 2005

auld lang syne

Happy New Year!!!!

2006

Posted by tracey at 11:14 PM | Comments (0)

December 27, 2005

And it was

a very merry christmas!

How about yours??

We had a wonderful holiday this year. Lots of nice new things, mostly stuff we can use and enjoy. Andy found me the PERFECT Last Supper painting that I had asked for. He said he had given up on finding one and just happened to go into one of those "catch all" sort of stores where they have a little bit of everything and he said he was walking down one of the aisles and there it was!!!

He also got me a really nice kitchen aid mixer, which I've wanted forever, and a new coffee maker. Oh yeah, and I bought him a really nice set of cookware and he got me my very own tool set, drill and all!!! LOL My mother thought that was a riot, but you see, he does most of the cooking and I am forever looking for a hammer, screwdriver or drill and can never find it cuz he doesn't put that kind of stuff away so he bought me my very own kit! So, it all works out!

We enjoyed Christmas morning with the kids and my brother Frankie was over as he joined us for the Christmas Eve service at church this year and then Mom and Dad stopped by mid morning to open their gifts and then we all went out to their house mid afternoon for dinner and more presents under the tree! My other brother Josh and his family joined us there.

I bought my new sister inlaw and my youngest brother, a Bible for Christmas, well, a really nice Bible that had many paintings in it by Thomas Kinkade and it also had a lot of pages for family geneaology. I thought it was really beautiful and would be a nice family heirloom and a little bit of religion for them would be a GOOD thing ;). But, I don't think she liked it much and I'm thinking now maybe I should have said something to her about it as I didn't mean for it to be an insult or anything like that. I don't know, but she opened it, looked at it, said, "Nice." and put it back in the box. She didn't even show it to my brother or anything. So...not sure that was a good idea, but at the time I thought it was a really nice gift. Dunno.

Our girls faired quite well as usual, but mostly things they can use or need. Some clothes and Hannah did get some toys. All her money went into the bank this year too.

It's been cold and rainy here, ugh! I was just getting use to the snow too, and now it's almost gone again!!!

Off to do laundry and get this house picked up and maybe even take the tree down, awful aren't I?? Can't stand the clutter though.

More later!

Posted by tracey at 07:13 PM | Comments (1)

December 21, 2005

Goodbye to a dear friend

So, Mom and I had to put Gizmo down on Monday of this week. He was my dog to start out with, I bought him back in '91 after I graduated from nursing school. In '94 Mom inherited him after I went off to live in Florida. He was with her for 11 years and would have been 15 next month.

He was a good little boy and Mom sure did love him!!!

He will be missed and Mom says NO MORE DOGS!!!! You don't realize how attached you are until they are gone.

Christmas shopping is all done and it's getting cold here again. We had about six inches of snow yesterday and more is coming Christmas day. It will be nice for Christmas, always love snow for Christmas Day.

Posted by tracey at 01:37 PM | Comments (0)

December 20, 2005

The "W" in Christmas

I received this tonight in an email and thought it was worth sharing.

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.

I had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing,
endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious
family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season
for a six year old.

For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the
production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his
teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the
presentation.

All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found
a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down.

Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their
seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class,
accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each
group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday
as "Christmas", I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial
entertainment -- songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly
taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy
mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.

Those in the front row, center stage, held up large letters, one by one, to
spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the
letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding
up his or her portion, had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a
small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down,
totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's
mistake. But, she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood
tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued
until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came
over the audience and eyes began to widen.

In that instant, we understood the reason we were there; why we celebrated
the holiday in the first place; why even in the chaos, there was a purpose
for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence.....humbled by His
love.

Posted by tracey at 09:48 PM | Comments (0)

December 09, 2005

Things that really bother me

Hearing about an entire family dying in a house fire. A mother, father and two children.

A 95 year old woman, old and sick and living in a nursing home, telling me how depressed she is because her daughter is fighting breast cancer and a great grandson was just diagnosed with leukemia.

People that drive way too fast on slippery snowy roads and flip their cars over right in front of you.

Wanting to forgive, but finding it VERY difficult...

Posted by tracey at 02:56 PM | Comments (1)

December 08, 2005

The Seven's Meme

Seven Things to Do Before I Die:
1) Visit Europe
2) Pay off all my bills
3) See the Grand Canyon
4) Watch my children grow to adulthood
5) See a play on broadway
6) Complete as much of my genealogy as I can
7) Have a house with a finished basement

Seven Things I Cannot Do:
1) Play the piano (Although I did take some lessons when I was 10 or11)
2) Sing
3) Wear high heels
4) Sew
5) Be faithful to exercise and dieting
6) Draw or paint a masterpiece
7) Grow beautiful roses

Seven Things that Attract Me to My Best Friends (in no particular order):
1) Their love of God
2) Their devotion to their families/children
3) Their honesty
4) Their Intellect
5) Their Wisdom
6) Their Loyalty
7) Their Respect

Seven Things I Say Most Often:
1) Really?
2) Unbelievable
3) You know...
4) Unreal
5) Your kidding!
6) Wicked
7) Ya think?

Seven Books (or series) I Love:
1) The Bible
2) The Left Behind Series (I'm currently on book 5)
3) The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren
4) Women of the Bible
5) Those who Save Us by Jenna Blum
6) The Giving Tree by Shell Silverstein
7) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Seven Movies I Would [and do] Watch Over and Over Again:
1) Gone With The Wind
2) Dr. Zhivago
3) The Thorn Birds
4) Peter Pan
5) The Wizard of Oz
6) A League of Their Own
7) It's a Wonderful Life

Posted by tracey at 08:49 PM | Comments (0)

December 06, 2005

Things have improved

on the teenager front. She's apologized for her awful behavior and fortunatley I had my parents and my sister, who she all reveres, on my side and I think that was the ticket.

I also gave her the option of either putting her phone and tv back in her room or I would take them to work and give them to someone who would appreciate them and as long as she lived under this roof she'd never have another phone or tv. Five minutes later when I checked, they were back in her room! Miraculous! So, given the choice she chose the better of the two!

So, now Christmas, hopefully, can get off onto a better foot with her attitude more in check.

I'm finished writing all of my Christmas cards and need to get them in the mail tomorrow. The time seems to pass so quickly this time of year. We still don't have our Christmas tree yet, but thinking about putting it up this weekend after a little more shopping. Just a little! I don't need too much more.

I did go shopping tonight for our Church food shelf so need to get those things up to them tomorrow as well. I know it's something I should contribute too more often, but I seem to only think about it during the holidays. That needs to be on my New Year's Resolution list this year! That and a few other things, but I won't bore you with any of the details! :-)

Off to finish laundry, so I don't have to face it tomorrow!

Posted by tracey at 11:08 PM | Comments (0)

November 26, 2005

Just some random thoughts...

So I spent the day cleaning, reorganizing, doing laundry and cooking. Then I spent some time on the computer updating my web home with some Christmas graphics. I redid my main page and I really LOVE this pic!

See it here.

Now I am just looking for the right scripture for the season to put somewhere on it as well.

It snowed a little today and was quite cold. Our last cord of wood arrived, but it's so nice to know we have it, just because we have such a long cold winter ahead of us!

The girls enjoyed a trip to the rec center today with their Dad. I spent a few hours visiting with a good friend last evening. We talked and laughed. I was trying to think how long we've been friends and I think it's been about 15 years now! It's funny too because she has the same name as my oldest and dearest friend of over 30 years, Val!

Well, nothing too much to blog about tonight. Off to read some more and than hopefully sleep without having strange dreams, like for instance, Captain Kirk! I'm not even a Star Trek fan!!!!

Posted by tracey at 09:50 PM | Comments (0)

November 24, 2005

So full

you could roll me all the way home! I am home now, but you know what I mean? Right?

Turkey and all the fixin's and gosh it was all so good. Afterwards there was pumpkin pie, chocolate cream pie, cake and whipped cream and pumpkin whoopie pies!! God, I couldn't eat another morsel!

We went out to Mom's like we do every year. She loves having everyone over and wouldn't think of doing dinner any where else but her house! If I ever won the lottery though, I'd build her a really nice kitchen and HUGE dining room so she'd have more room. Their old farm house is a bit cramped, but it gets us by!

My two brothers were there, my oldest one being anti social as always. I honestly don't know what ales that boy, but something sure does. I keep praying, that is all I can do.

We had a very nice time though and now I'm ready for a nap! It feels much later than it actually is, but I think I am still going to go to bed early and finish up my book.

And fall asleep after the first two pages! LOL

Posted by tracey at 07:09 PM | Comments (0)

November 22, 2005

Happy Birthday to Me!

Well, today's my birthday, 35 years young! It is time for me to start lying about my age! Ha! I never thought I'd see the day!!! LOL

It's been a nice day minus the crazy day at work, but my co-workers did get me some flowers and then hubby surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of roses, all different colors! He also made a great supper tonight and Devon made some pumpkin pies and then did the dishes for me!

So, relaxation and off tomorrow to run errands and do some last minute shopping before turkey day!

Posted by tracey at 08:01 PM | Comments (1)

November 14, 2005

My Youth

A smokey room
dark yet alive
with hot sweatiness
the smell of a long day.

Music, the band,
spotlight on you
dancing, kissing
laughing, the fun of it all.

Outside it is cold
the air is brisk
it wakes you
shivering inside.

Friends are near
a cigarette glowing
you smile
beautiful brown eyes.

Posted by tracey at 08:12 PM | Comments (0)

November 12, 2005

Distant, yet memorable

Leaves, colorful and dry...crunchy
piled high for jumping into
laughing, singing, fun.

A white barn, old and so big
beams that climbed to the rafters
horses needing to be fed, watered, petted.

A daily chore...
I recall with such fondness
the leaves, the barn, the fields we played in.

While tending to the things
we needed to, as children
while at play.

Posted by tracey at 07:49 PM | Comments (0)

November 11, 2005

What is it

that I am in need of???

I am not sure. I've been busy, work, kids, hubby, life in general. Trying to get more active, lose more weight and all that fun stuff! UGH!!!!

We have really been enjoying our new indoor rec center. I especially have enjoyed the pool and walking track. It's nice to walk indoors without having to deal with the elements, which, in these parts, are starting to change, quite dramatically.

I had my snow tires put on today, Andy's new heavier coat arrived and some more Christmas gifts. I've ordered a lot on line this year. I do want to get to the shopping malls though, at least one time before Christmas arrives.

I have also been working on my Christmas card list too! My dear friend Kim tells me I'm WAY too organized!!! A bit compulsive maybe?? Maybe she is right! But, I do enjoy the season.

Poor Kim, she has NO time!!! Two little ones under the age of 3 and then a 12 year old that gives her a run for her money everyday! I do NOT envy her one bit!!

Had some snow today, just flurries but the air sure is brisk! The skies are overcast and gray and I know the big flakes will be here before we know it!

It's Veteran's Day today and I just finished a book titled, "THOSE WHO SAVE US." by Jenna Blum. An Excellent read for anyone interested in the Holocaust.

So, I guess that is all for an update here. I'm trying to get more creative with my posts, I think that is what I am need of!!! Let me see what I can do!

Posted by tracey at 09:01 PM | Comments (1)

November 09, 2005

The Holidays

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, I begin to feel a bit nostalgic, thinking back to my childhood, remembering friends and family past and present. It often makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside and sometimes, a bit sad.

I think back to places I've lived, times I have shared the times I now have with my own family and so treasure.

It snowed a bit today, began while I was driving Devon home from school, by the way, she made the honor roll this quarter! She kept telling me if she didn't take French her grades would improve, and well, b'gosh they did!! All A's and B's! Very proud of her and hope she can keep it up.

We are enjoying our indoor rec center and it was well worth what we got our three month membership for. Hannah especially enjoys it and I think it's helping her weight some.

I'm wondering if it will snow a lot tomorrow. My last day of work before a three day weekend, which I plan to spend at home, resting, reading and just enjoying my family!

Posted by tracey at 05:10 PM | Comments (0)

November 05, 2005

"So Come With Me,

where dreams are born, and time is never planned.
Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!"

So come with me, where time never counts, where dreams live forever and having to grow up never exists.

Wouldn't this be grand, wouldn't this be nice? To Never Land it is and that is where it is best.

"All it takes is faith and trust....oh, and something I forgot....dust."

Posted by tracey at 07:15 PM | Comments (1)

October 24, 2005

WILMA

Another hurricane and I hear tell that another is spawning somewhere out in the Atlantic as well. Recieved news that all of my husband's family down in Florida made it through, but haven't heard from my sister yet. I've tried calling but her line is busy so I am assuming they me be without power. I hope that is all.

Now, we will get the remnants of this storm, more wind, more rain and the roof will probably leak again!!! Oh well, could be worse I suspect.

Snow is in the coming forecast as well. Snow and I still need to get those dreaded snow tires on, ugh!

But, all else is well, can't complain and do hope that everyone got through Wilma ok with only minimal damage or better yet, none!

Posted by tracey at 06:47 PM | Comments (1)

September 25, 2005

Autumn

So, in getting out of this depressive blog funk...

"Smoke hangs like haze over harvested fields,
The gold of stubble, the brown of turned earth
And you walk under the red light of fall
The scent of fallen apples, the dust of threshed grain
The sharp, gentle chill of fall.
Here as we move into the shadows of autumn
The night that brings the morning of spring
Come to us, Lord of Harvest
Teach us to be thankful for the gifts you bring us ..."

~ Autumn Equinox Ritual ~

Image Courtesy of Charles Freitag.

Posted by tracey at 12:54 PM | Comments (0)

September 23, 2005

Death and Dying

Gosh, I think I'm in some sort of funk here...all I do is think and talk about death. I recently completed my advance directives, well, filled them out anyway. I still need to have them signed by a witness and than disperse copies to those who would need them.

The other day I called around for prices on burial plots and I made the decision to be cremated and decided I would be an organ donor. (I've really struggled with the whole cremation/burial thing,) neither sounds very good, but it's gotta be one or the other and so I finally chose cremation.

Anyhow, it's just weird that I am in this funk, trying to get things in place, as they say, you just never know.

Other than that, all is well!

Posted by tracey at 08:28 PM | Comments (0)

September 20, 2005

This gave me goosebumps

TO REMEMBER ME
~ By Robert N. Test ~

The day will come when my body will lie upon a white sheet neatly tucked under a mattress located in a hospital busily occupied with the living and the dying.

At a certain moment a doctor will determine that my brain has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes, my life has stopped.

When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life into my body with the use of a machine. And don't call this my deathbed. Let it be called the Bed of Life, and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives.

Give my eyes to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby's face, or love in the eyes of a woman. Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain. Give my blood to the teenager who was pulled from the wreckage of his car, so that he might see his grandchildren play. Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist from week to week. Take my bones, every nerve and fiber in my body, and find a way to make a crippled child walk. Explore every corner of my brain. Take my cells, if necessary, and let them grow so that, some day, a speechless boy will shout at the crack of a bat, and a deaf girl will hear the sound of rain against her window. Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow.

If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all prejudice against my fellow man.

Give my sins to the Devil. Give my soul to God.

If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or a word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.

Posted by tracey at 06:08 PM | Comments (0)

September 10, 2005

On a Misty Morn...

I started off to work early this morning, just a little after six. It was chilly and so foggy, I had to wait for the car to warm up a bit and clear the windows.

Just a few feet down my road I came upon the neatest scene and so wished I had had my camera, but, I think even if I had had my camera I would have missed them!

Deer, crossing the road on a hill just up ahead and in the dense fog of the early morning I could make out their silhouette
perfectly. Deer in the fog...

Kind of like this pic, but no, I didn't take it! Just figures hah??

Posted by tracey at 06:29 PM | Comments (0)

September 07, 2005

Try to Remember....

Try to remember the kind of September
When life was slow and oh so mellow
Try to remember the kind of September
When grass was green and grain so yellow
Try to remember the kind of September
When you were a young and a callow fellow
Try to remember and if you remember
Then follow--follow, oh-oh

- Try to Remember, Lyrics by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt

Posted by tracey at 06:36 PM | Comments (1)

September 05, 2005

Autumn is officially here!

The Indian Summer, the dead Summer's soul.
- Mary Clemmer, Presence

So, I've been thinking alot about the summer and all we did. It's feeling officially like autumn too, just because it's now chilly enough to wear a sweater in the evening and I cleaned out my garden this weekend!

We actually did quite a bit this year. Spent a few days out to the lake and Devon did some water skiing. Went to Granby Zoo, The Whale's Tale, Winnisquam NH, Connecticut, Three birthday parties, (Tatum, Devon and Tristan)and the Fair in Essex and an Alan Jackson concert. So, I guess we did ok.

I'm glad we got it all done too before the gas prices went ski high! I think maybe next year we'll be staying closer to home!

Enjoyed a nice day yesterday with Mom, Dad and Josh and his family. My little nephew Josh is growing like a weed!

I can't believe he is already six months old!

And...my girls just grow bigger all the time!

Well, I'm off to bed to do some reading, I really need to get back into the reading mode again. I've tons of books to finish!

More later, have a great rest of the week!

Posted by tracey at 08:26 PM | Comments (2)

September 02, 2005

OMG!

So, I wrote about my thoughts tonight and then see what I got in an email????

The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama. Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama. The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America the Beautiful,
or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride;
I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters,
Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine,
Choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain.

From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray.

We've kept God in our temples,
how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government
that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges
who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer
in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby
before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not angry,
that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait
before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,
will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face
and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land
and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,
if you don't - then you will see,
A sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee.

~Judge Roy Moore

Posted by tracey at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)

Chaos or is it just me?

So, I've been really plaqued with some heavy thoughts since Hurricane Katrina. I go from thinking we are in the end days to, it's ok, things will get better for these people and life will go on. But...I seem to side with the first part rather than the latter.

I can't help but think that we are in the end days. The world is very shaky and seems to get shakier as the days go by. Not only are things just absolutely crazy, for example, horrific crime, very little morality, lost values, enormous greed, terrible disease, child hunger, endless war and the increase in natural disasters such as the psunami and now Katrina. What gives anyway?

Is it just because of the mass media today that brings all this awful news to our ears so quickly whereas years ago when bad things happened you didn't hear about them until it was all over? Or is it just because this is what is suppose to happen? Things winding down, getting totally out of hand until it's all over, no more?

Ugh, it's been bugging me alot! And, being a Christian soul I probably shouldn't let it bother me so as I want the world to be a better place, I want peace and no more war, hunger, poverty, etc, etc. I guess I just don't know if I'm up to the challenge of what it's going to take to get there. Or...maybe I'm just depressed!

But...until I can figure it out, if ever, I'll keep praying for the world and those suffering in the wake of Katrina. I plan to help the relief effort with a small donation and if I was 15 years younger and no family of my own, I'd be down there in a minute to do what I could to help!

Posted by tracey at 08:27 PM | Comments (1)

August 17, 2005

Autumn is nearly upon us

I can't believe August is half gone! As much as I dislike the humidity we've had this summer, I kind of hate to see the summer weather go! I do love fall though, my favorite time of year! I love to see the trees changing color, there are actually a few maples around here that are already changing colors!!

I'm planning to tour the middle to southern part of the state this fall to get some pictures. Vermont is known for it's stunning foliage and I want to get some pics of places I haven't been before! I'll be sure to share.

Spent the afternoon out to the lake on Monday and the kids had a good time in the water and Devon trying her hand at "water skiing" again. She hasn't done that in almost four years, but she did a good job!

It made me a little nervous every time she fell down though! I kept yelling to the driver of the boat, "STOP, STOP!!!" She loved it though!

Then the day ended with a gorgeous sunset!

Two more days of work and then off to go school shopping and visit family.

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!

Posted by tracey at 09:18 AM | Comments (0)

August 11, 2005

So

I must have something to blog about tonight, but I sit here and can't think of a darn thing!

I guess this life is quiet at the moment and that is a good thing, a wonderful thing actually.

I need to go to bed early tonight and actually get some sleep, that has been eluding me for the last few nights and I am not sure why.

The kids are at Mom's for a fews days and I work the next three and then we are off to the big city to school shop and see some relatives I haven't seen in a while.

I can't believe school is nearly upon us once again, another summer nearly gone.

Well, hopefully I'll have something more exciting or interesting to blog about next time!

Posted by tracey at 08:41 PM | Comments (2)

August 07, 2005

Back to the land

So, I've been thinking alot about just living "crunchy." Meaning, kinda hippyish, you know, long skirts, braided hair, bandanas, lots of flowers in the yard and cooking on a wood stove. It just seems like the right thing to do, will I? Doubtful, but as time moves on and things become more expensive, oil, gas, food, etc, it may be the way to go.

I visited a friend today that lives in a nearby town, well known for it's "hippie's." I've always kind of made fun of them, but as I passed by today and looked around I thought, kind of a neat, simple way to live.

Simple, I guess that is what I'm searching for...

Posted by tracey at 09:03 PM | Comments (1)

August 01, 2005

July is over and getting older

Well, I'm thinking, "WOW!" July is all done, over, ended. It's the first of August and the heat isn't too bad. YAHOO!!! I hope it stays nice, but the humidity stays far away, til the end of the month and then it's good to go.

Wow, then fall will be upon us once again. My 35th birthday will be around the corner. 35 years, doesn't seem like I'm that old. Not that 35 is old, but it's just strange to me that I'm approaching 40, 40 years old, now to me, that's getting old, your getting beyond that middle age thing. Turning 30 never bothered me, not at all actually, but 40, that may be another story!

Andy will be 45 on Wednesday. He doesn't look 45 or at least to me he doesn't. Says he doesn't feel it except for when his knees start to ache and his back! LOL My knees and back ache once in a while too so I guess it has nothing to do with being 45!! :-)

I'm thinking about dressing up this year for Halloween too. Maybe do the whole peter pan theme. I could make Andy be Peter Pan, but maybe Captain Hook would fit him better!

I'll keep you posted on all that.

Guess that is all for now.

Posted by tracey at 04:08 PM | Comments (2)

July 08, 2005

Peaceful Thoughts

So, I changed my url because I was in need of something new. I also wanted to concentrate more on the peaceful part of life. The good times, love, sharing and all that.

A few weeks ago I was dumbfounded to learn that a nurse I worked with a few years ago was recently diagnosed with cancer and has little time left. I was so stunned to learn this, it bothered me a lot. I've prayed for her and her family and I continue to do so.

Then tonight, I get home only to learn that my dearest friend in the whole world lost her little sister last night. 17 years old, beautiful young girl that had just graduated from highschool, plans to go to college and died in a car accident. I don't know all the details yet, all I do know is that she is gone. I am just so sad for Val because this was her little sister, but I am even more sad for her parents as she was their angel, their youngest and I can't even imagine what they must be going through.

I said a prayer today for my own children who weren't at home, out with others, on the roads traveling to the lake and what not. I prayed for God to keep them safe for me and bring them home and tonight I crept to Hannah's room and kissed her gently as she slept and just stared at her, thanking God for her.

Devon isn't home, she stayed with her uncle tonight, but I am sending out a prayer for her as well, to keep her safe.

It's times like these you just want to hold onto your kids and never let them go.

I try not to get down on life, but sometimes, it's pretty darn hard not too.

So, for peaceful thoughts, sending prayers that all will be kept from harms way...

Posted by tracey at 10:14 PM | Comments (0)

July 01, 2005

Very True!

Remember -- A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...BUT a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "****...that was fun!"

LOL

So, I emailed my neurologist tonight and told him to go ahead and send me the prescription for Rebif. I've read up on it, talked with several different patients who are on it and I've decided I need to at least try it. The interferons seem to be the most effective against the disease. So, I'll wait for the script and then see if I can handle that auto injector thingy they send along to inject the medicine. I am a little concerned about the injection site reactions that people complain of. I can take a little stinging and pain, but hopefully it won't be worse than that!

I'll keep ya posted on how it all goes!

This has been a BIG step for me!

Posted by tracey at 07:03 PM | Comments (0)

Ah, a new month has arrived

I've just noticed that my last three posts have all been about new! Hmmmm...

It's the first of July and it's cooler than it has been!!! We have a bit of a breeze today as well, good for hanging towels out on the line to dry, which I've done btw! LOL

Nothing much planned for today as Hannah is not feeling well again, sore throat and high temp. It's those darn tonsils I say, but the doc won't take them out! I've never seen a kid which such HUGE tonsils! And they never get smaller only bigger when she is sick.

So, we'll be hanging out at home today, in front of the fan or open window, I'm making a new pasta salad tonight for supper. It's a recipe a girl from work gave me. It sounds really good and something different.

Work tomorrow and then off til Tuesday next week. We plan to meet up with some friends on the lake Sunday night for fireworks, I don't particulary care for fireworks, but Andy loves them and he hasn't had any the last couple years so he's looking forward to it.

Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday weekend and let's not forget our troops, men and women, far away from home this independence day...

Posted by tracey at 10:05 AM | Comments (0)

June 29, 2005

New Template

Found this template on line tonight and kinda liked it! But, can't figure out how get my favorite reads on here yet!! I'm working on it though!

Off today and it is still hot, humid and hazy. It's been threatening rain all day and it just won't get here! I want it to rain, we need it badly!!

It's quiet right now, Dev is off babysitting and just called and said she is spending the night. Hannah is outside with Andy and I'm sitting in front of the fan, thinking about going for some ice cream. Not that I need it, but I LOVE ice cream this time of year. I think I'll do that!

Have a great evening!

Posted by tracey at 07:11 PM | Comments (1)