Sleeping Problems

This past weekend when my sister, Jeanne was here, we were talking about sleeping problems. I told her that I never realized she had so much trouble sleeping. She looked at me, quizzically and didn't seem to know what I was talking about. It was just an observation. For a few years now, she has talked about her nightly sleep aid that she takes. Then she talked about how her husband can't come to bed right away as she needs time to wind down. She mentioned that while here, she noticed the ticking of the clock that kept her up. Now, doesn't that sort of sound like sleeping problems?

I've always given her a hard time for sleeping so late. She responds with, "Well, I don't take a nap." I told her it's not a contest.

I'm a morning person. Always have been. It was a real bummer when I was a teenager because I had to wait around on Saturdays for my friends to wake up so we could start our day.

Even now, I know who I can call early and who I can't. On Saturdays, if I need to call Stephanie, I'll wait until 8 a.m. She answers the phone exactly like this: "Seriously, mom, 8 a.m.?" Then I get to the point and she's happy I called.

Mindy, on the other hand, is a morning person like me. She's usually at "boot camp" by 5:30 a.m and 6 a.m. on weekends.

I can always call Sandy early because she's in a different time zone---it's an hour later in Charlotte.

Here's how I feel about sleep. It's a necessary evil. I need it, I know it. But, every single day, I wake up bright-eyed and excited to start my day. There's always so much I want to do. And yes, I lay down every afternoon (if I'm home) for an hour to read/nap. Sometimes I don't nap and mostly read. Of course when I really want the nap, the phone will ring. Doesn't matter what time it is---the phone won't ring all day until I'm trying to nap. Murphy's Law.

Most of the time, I can fall asleep anytime, anywhere and pretty quickly. We all have sleep patterns that work for us. For me, I go to bed somewhere in the neighborhood of 11-11:30 p.m. I read with my little book light for about 20-30 minutes until I get drowsy. Then, I wake up anywhere between 5 and 6 a.m. (a little earlier now that I'm back on the prednisone). Works for me.

I have friends that like to lay around in bed when they first wake up--rolling over and dozing.Butch likes to do that. Still, he is up by 6-6:30. I don't get that rolling around. My mind kicks in and I'm up! I've got places to go, people to meet and things to do!

So, what is your sleep pattern? Would you change it if you could?

And the Productivity Continues...

Wow, I got a lot accomplished today. I got my Project Life layout for June finished and started on July. I finished writing a class handout. I planned a couple of layouts. I did my layout for the photo scavenger hunt. I sorted, edited and printed pictures and wrote a couple of stories. Plus I have my room in order. A lot of little stuff that added up to big accomplishments. I love it when I have a day like this.

 Project Life for June.

Other than making my bed and unloading the dishwasher, I just played ALL day. It was a good one!

We'll be closing on our beach condo at the end of the month. If you want to see some pictures, you can check it out here: "It's a Good Life" (The previous owners named it, so we're going to keep the name---at least for awhile). We have some snowbirds coming down for 3 months---December, January and February. Apparently, a lot of the renters are repeat customers. We're excited to continue those relationships. The current owners have been so helpful.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Karolyn and I are taking a class together. Can't wait to show what we're doing. I have a feeling it's going to be another productive day!

A Few Things

Just a reminder about the modified version of the photo scavenger hunt. Your 5 items to find this month  are: a clothesline, a dandelion, a sprinkler, an American flag and a roadside market. I've already received two layouts and will post them all at the end of the month. If you leave a comment, or email me (orgnz4u@comcast.net) I will add you to my direct list.

Remember last year---that show called---"Who Do You Think You Are"---sponsored by Ancestry.com? I loved it so much and was really upset when it was cancelled. Well, it's back, but on another channel. It debuts on The Learning Channel on July 22. I'm going to set it to tape. I just love anything having to do with genealogy.

I forgot to mention that the big topic of conversation while Jeanne and Janet were here was about peeling tomatoes. We from the midwest, never heard of peeling tomatoes. After 28 years, I've come to take it for granted---my friends (specifically Pam and Nancy) peel their tomatoes. I just figured it's a "southern" thing. Then when Nancy mentioned her "congealed" salad, that opened up a whole new topic. Here in the south, they say "congealed" salad where we in the midwest say "jello" salad. There's something about the word "congealed" that sort of makes it seem a little unsavory---like congealed fat or gravy. Either which way, I like most congealed salads---and peeled tomatoes too!

After Jeanne and Janet left yesterday, I read for awhile. I'm reading a really good book: Defending Jacob. It is so very good! I really don't want to put it down. I napped, worked in my scrapbook room and put together the following layout:

This is for The Scrap Room Survivors Challenge Club. I haven't been able to go in months. When I saw that I could swing it this month, I decided to participate. On this layout, I masked and misted. I added hand-stitched "chicken feet" with brown jute. I love that chicken paper and was happy to have an opportunity to use it. It's also in an upcoming kit.

Mindy took Jordan to a concert---"Lil Wayne" this week. They had a lot of fun on their one-on-one date. They were able to walk to the venue since it's right downtown near Mindy's condo. 

Speaking of concerts, Victoria and Elizabeth attended their first one in Charlotte. They saw Victoria Justice and Big Time Rush. Sandy said they probably indulged the kids a little too much---letting them get two tee-shirts each---they had to have one of each. Of course there were no shirts that combined both headliners.

 Victoria is sporting her new Ray Bans that she got for her birthday in June. Her first!!

Mindy impressed us all yesterday with her little trivia. She posted on Facebook: "Rocking a King Louis XIV necklace for Bastille day. I don't know what makes me proudest about that: the fact that I know who King Louis XIV is, the fact that I know when/what Bastille Day is, or the fact that I was able to appropriately accessorize for another country's holiday." She always makes us laugh!

The productivity continues today. I updated my Gypsy, registered 4 cartridges and updated my image chart. I put together a little treat for my St. Louis friends coming this weekend and have just about finished my June Project Life layout. I had to print a couple of pictures and do the journaling. Almost done.

I've planned Jordan's "kick-off" to college party and ordered invitations. She's going to be surprised at what I have planned. 

Anybody watching "So You Think You Can Dance?" This is one of my favorite shows. If you've never seen it, you are in for a pleasant surprise. I'm sure you'll see why I love it. Each number is like a little Broadway play. I wanted to post a link, but for whatever reason, the audio on You Tube was not working. Maybe another time.

I am eagerly anticipating the birth of the Royal Baby!  I just can't wait. So for all of my friends from the UK---be sure to let me know!!! I know we should get the news pretty fast, but I want to feel like I'm "in the loop!"

I guess that's about "it" for now. 

Sister's Weekend

Our weekend has been so much fun---yet gone by too soon.

We started off Thursday morning with pedicures. We spent the day floating in the pool. I barbecued some pork steaks and cooked fresh lima beans, zucchini and corn on the cob. For dessert, I made a:

Mandarin Orange Cake

1 yellow cake mix

1 small instant vanilla pudding

4 eggs

1/2 cup oil

2-11oz. mandarin oranges & juice to measure 1 cup liquid

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour bundt pan.

Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil and 1 cup of juice. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add oranges and beat 30 seconds longer. Pour in pan. Bake 38-43 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 20 minutes. Invert onto plate and dust with powdered sugar. Serve with Cool Whip.

After dinner, we watched a movie---Perfect Pitch.

Friday morning, we went out to Nancy's for a pool party. Her house is one of my favorites:

 And her garden is gorgeous.

 The garden shed is so cute too.

And of course, the pool. Karolyn made the pool drinks and Pam made the lunch. I can't believe I didn't take any pictures of the gang!!

After a fun afternoon, we went home to get ready for happy hour with the girls. We went to Mindy's so Jeanne and Janet could see her high-rise condo. Mindy had everything looking so spiffy. I couldn't resist taking a picture of her still organized closet. That is down right amazing!! She has all the hangers going in the same direction with like things still together. Good girl!!

 I thought her idea of storing nail polish in a big jar was the perfect accent for her bathroom.

After dinner, we came back here and played poker. I won 85 cents. We think Mindy was the big winner. 

On Saturday, we met my friends to go to Rippavilla Plantation to a vintage marketplace. We shopped. I think everybody found some goodies. Here are mine:

 I loved the delicate picture frame with the metallic bow. The clock goes in with my Christmas decorations. I also found the 1950's style butter dish. I do really like the retro stuff!! Then there is box of embossed postcards. I'll put them in a class kit to use for journaling. 

 The numbers and bird flash cards will turn up in a class kit sometime soon.

I thought the tag and business card attached with baker's twine and an old key was an added touch.

 I planned to make Jeanne jealous with my little pin. Do you know what it is?

 You would have no idea unless you were in the Camp Fire Girls. The first level is "bluebirds" and this is the pin. I was so happy to find it a few months ago. Of course, it's not exactly mine, but I used to have one just like it. I'm going to wear it around and see if anybody recognizes it. It could almost pass for the "twitter" bird.

For dinner, I made one of Sandy's recipes. She's a really good and adventuresome cook. Here lately, most of my best recipes have come from her.

Parmesan Chicken

2 tbsp. butter

1 tbsp. chopped onion

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp red pepper

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

3 tbsp. parmesan

3 tbsp. ketchup

1 lb. cooked shrimp

1. Melt butter and saute onion until tender. Add garlic, salt and peppers. Stir in cream, cheese and ketchup.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered until teh sauce thickens (15-20 min.).

3. Stir in shrimp. serve over 1/2 lb. angel hair.

And finally, I had to get a picture of this. Remember when I predicted on January 11 that the old tv would still be sitting here 6 months later? Well, it's been 7 months. Now I predict it will be a year. Maybe the plan of the removal to be my next birthday present!!

We ended our visit with a couple of movies:  DeLovely and The Call. Both completely different, but both excellent. We always have so much fun together. I'm so glad we have this tradition. We missed Janice, Jennifer, Sharon and Joyce this year. Until next year's sister's weekend....

I do hope y'all had a good weekend too!

Christmas in July

When Jeanne and Janet got here, they came bearing gifts. I looked at them---all puzzled---like---what? Jeanne said to just open them. As I unwrapped each vintage item, I came across this darling little swing frame:

I squealed with delight. Jeanne asked me if I remembered it. I said, "no, I've never laid eyes on it before." That's when she "broke" the news that this was the stuff I purchased in February when we went antiquing---but I didn't have room in the car to get it home. I had completely forgotten. It truly was like Christmas. Check out my "goodies":

 I can never have too many of those child's muffin tins. The bracelets are for Mindy. She loves vintage jewelry and has a knack for wearing it. Another clock for my collection too. I'm getting to be pretty particular about them now. They have to be unusual an under $10.00.

Love the frame, but it's the pink bread box that makes my heart skip a beat! I'm doing some cleaning out in my scrapbook room---and I have a lot to do---but I'm only going to keep my favorite things.

Besides my vintage finds, Jeanne an Janet brought me some of my favorite Italian foods. Janet sent Ronnie for the bread, but he got to the bakery too early. He's not a "go back" kind of a guy, so he went to the grocery store instead. Rather than Italian bread, it's from Vienna. Hmmm, maybe he needs to brush up on his geography!! Still, grateful for the gesture.

Butch is going to be most excited about this---which I haven't even told  him about yet:

There's nothing like St. Louis style pizza---and IMO's is quintessentially the best!! That was a nice surprise. I would never have thought to ask them to bring pizzas!!

Indeed, Christmas, in July!! Ho, ho, ho and merry!

Que Pasa??

Outside my window: Still dark---that time of day I love---all quiet.

I am thinking: How happy I am that I've finally caught up on all of my blog reading.

I am thankful for: Predinsone. I've decided I've to stop thinking of it as my enemy when really, it's my savior! Where would I be without it?

From the kitchen: Lovin' all the fresh vegetables at this time of year. Jeanne and Janet are here for our sister's weekend. Last night, we BBQ'd pork steaks, had fresh corn on the cob, lima beans and zucchini. All so delicious.

I am wearing: My comfortable pajamas---remember, it's still dark which means it's still night time.

I am hoping: To finish the handout for one of my AYM classes. Plenty of time. It's up next on my list.

I am reading: Defending Jacob---this one is REALLY good. It grabs you from the start. I don't really want to give anything away, but here's a good little summation: Defending Jacob raises the question: how far would you go to protect your family? But it also leaves you wondering if anyone could answer that question, and whether we really know what we're capable of when push comes to shove.

I am busy creating: This has been a productive week for me. I finished my AYM layout, put together a few classes and am getting ready to work on a little surprise for new friends.

I'm bummed: That my best friend's house was broken in to. They stole ALL of her jewelry---down to the costume stuff. She is happy that she gave here girls a few things a couple of years ago, so at least they have something from her. But I'm sad about her charm bracelet that she's had since she was little. My charm bracelet is one of my favorite things. Then they took the sterling siver flatware (along with a lot of other silver) that her parents started for her when she was a little girl---so we know that was old! It just really ticks me off that people think they can just come along and take stuff from you. We all work hard for what we have---especially the Potters!

I am hearing: Barbra Streisand singing All I Ask of You from Phantom---with the hum of the dishwasher in the background.

Around the house and garden: It's hot---of course, it's July. But Butch has really taken an interest in the garden. He potted some pretty pink petunias yesterday. He said that next year, he's going to handle all the pots. That thrills me! He can do anything he wants and I won't say a word. Yea, I know what you're thinking---"no way can I keep my mouth shut." I'm going to try really hard. If he's doing it, he should get to do whatever he wants. I'm just particular in what I like. Whatever he picks will certainly be better than nothing.

In other news: I've been invited to judge the scrapbook division of the Williamson County Fair. It's so funny, when the woman called me, she said, "now, we cannot pay you, but there will be a small gift involved." That made me laugh. There's not much of anything that I do for monetary gain. Passion is what drives me and feeds my ego!!

One of my favorite things right now: Floating in the pool with my friends on our Friday swim parties. Just hanging out together with a frosty pool drink is the best. Today we go to Nancy's. I always love going out to her house. Such beautiful country. Actually, ALL of Tennessee is beautiful country.

I appreciate: Old buildings. Especially cute ones like this:

A little ole firehouse. I couldn't get a good shot of the sign as I was sitting at the intersection. I guess it's still in operation. My "one little word" for this year is aware and I really am paying attention to what's around me. I'm thinking about adding "an old firehouse" to the photo scavenger hunt for August. Is that cheating because I already have the picture? Since we're playing by my rules, I guess not.

I remember: The days when my girls were little as Jeanne, Janet and I talk about the precious babies in the family. I miss my babies.

I regret: That I haven't had time to make my "old people" calls this month. A couple of months ago, I decided that once a month I was going to call my old aunts and uncle---there's really only 3. I'm not a phone person, so this is a big commitment for me. But when I see how happy it makes them to hear from me, it's a small thing. I think I'm going to come up with a few questions  to ask while they are still around to answer them.

How the weekend is shaping up: We have a fun one planned. Tomorrow, we're going to a Vintage Barn Sale at the Rippavilla Plantation. After shopping, we'll have lunch at a cute tea room somewhere. Maybe we'll even have time to tour the plantation.

I guess that just about covers it for now.

What a Feelin'!

Things are really crankin' around here now! I'm moving fast and accomplishing a lot. I do really unnecessary types of things when I get like this. I just go a little crazy. I start with lists:

I make a list for all the types of things I want to do---here I have lists for my sister's weekend which starts today. It includes the itinerary, meals and grocery list. Another list is for my St. Louis friends coming next weekend---same info with other scrap related tasks added. Then there's just the regular list---that ongoing one that is always added to. I keep a lot of master lists on my computer, but I find the "crossing items off the lists" to be particularly rewarding. Sometimes I've been known to add an item that I did, just so I could cross it off! The games I play with myself.

 Then I do these types of things that I always want to do, but never really get around to. I asked for this little Atlas for Christmas. My geography skills are severely lacking. Considering we travel a lot, it would be nice to see where we are in the world. I've gone through and marked EVERY place I've ever been. Kind of silly, I know---just a bit obsessive.

As I was doing this I thought I should ask for one of those gigantic wall maps of the world that I could stick push pins in to. But then, I'd have to give up a wall. I don't have a spare one. Hmmm, maybe the back hallway. That could be cool. Okay, next list to start: Christmas List.

 Connie surprised me with this new vase. I love it and had to fill it right away. I have it on the window sill now.

Of course I had to photograph our first harvest of the season! I can just taste those mini blt's!

And then there are the things that I don't have photos for. I cleaned up my office. I had at least an 8" hight stack of papers that needed to be read. I sorted it all out to smaller chunks so that I can actually get to it.

I wrote and printed the AYM handout for the kits. I did my AYM layout for next week. I planned and gathered materials for the September kit.

I sorted a huge pile of photos and memorabilia. Of course a lot of this is due to the fact that I want my scrapbook room to be in some semblance of order since all of the out-of-towners will be sleeping up there.

There's still lots to do, but I'm moving through it at warp speed!!! And that's what 80MG of prednisone will do for you!!

One last thing. I got the layouts posted on the AYM Blog.