Lazy Daisy Log

Wordless Wednesday....some of my favorite folks

2009-07-01T13:31:00.003-05:00

Mr. Wonderful, with our Kansas Clan!

This is my Mr. Wonderful with his big sis Annabelle .

Ten on Tuesday...10 Guilty Pleasures on TV

2009-06-30T19:58:00.002-05:00

10 guilty pleasures I watch on TV

1. Project Runway.....I enjoy the outrageous designers and the challenges they give them.

2. Top Chief..... I love cooking shows and again it's the outrageous contestants and challenges.

3. Chopped.....a food show where contestants are given a basket of ingredients and must come up with an appetizer, main dish, and dessert.

4. The Amazing Race.....challenges, travel, and foreign countries, what could be better?

5. The Next Network Food Star.....cooking show, contestants, challenges (big surprise huh?)

6. The Next Design Star......are you seeing a pattern here?

7. Bones.....I like the way they are able to solve crimes through forensic evidence and I like the
chemistry between handsome FBI agent Seely and forensic anthropologist Bones.

8. Designed to Sell.....staging homes in order to sell them.

9. Grey's Anatomy....medical soap opera on prime time which has me totally addicted.

10. Biggest Loser.....weight loss contest, great tips and great transformations.

Wordless Wednesday....Oz and green beans

2009-06-24T14:54:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to our daughter Suzy and son-in-law Tim on celebrating ten years of marriage. The three are currently on a whirlwind trip to Canada. This is Oz's first major travel outing to a foreign country. Yes....my grands both have passports.

Suzy had researched several places they wanted to see in their self guided adventure. Oz started out the trip with a temperature of over 102 due to teething.

This Diva has kept them prayed up and we haven't heard from them so feel things must be alright. All prayers for safety and good weather, and health happily accepted.

Oz loves his food and green beans seem to be the entry of choice in this photo.

Monday Memories.....fond memories

2009-06-22T08:55:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was Father's Day. It was a time to honor Fathers. Mr. Wonderful celebrated by puttering in his basement (often referred to as the Man Cave).

My man tends to need "cave time". There is always a big demand on his time so time to "tinker", putter, or just unwind" is a real luxury.
When he does relax he feels guilty since there is something pressing that he could, should, or have already done.

After church I made him a steak dinner with fresh vegetables and corn on the cob. He also had the luxury of reading an entire book without interruptions (good thing he is a fast reader!) I even made him dessert!

Thinking about Fathers made me start missing mine.

Several days ago we had a new volunteer ( a 17 year old girl that is very quiet) she was working on scraping off loose paint from the window sills before we could caulk, sand, and paint them. Our Suzy always plays questions and answers whenever we are on a road trip so I started asking everyone questions trying to draw her out and learn a little more about her.

The question asked was, "What is one of your first memories of church?"

Various answers followed, VBS, church camp, a wedding, stain glass windows in the sanctuary.

I was transported back to my childhood and the one memory that stood out in my mind was sitting next to my dad in the church service. I was a wiggler and a giggler so was assigned to sit next to my dad so he could give me "the eye" when I got too antsy. I was intrigued by my Dad's big hand compared to mine. I would study it and play with his hand. Occasionally we would play a game where he would suddenly grab my fingers and my job was to keep him from entrapping them in his grasp.

This normally would keep me entertained and quiet for at least 20 minutes till I would suddenly break into gales of laughter causing my mom to give both of us "the look" that instantly brought both of us to attention and make my Dad suddenly stop playing and start looking stern. We both knew it was to satisfy my mom because there was always a twinkle in those merry blue eyes.

I miss my Father's Hands. He was a good hugger, tickler, coach, adviser, and the first man in my life. I miss his "Dutch Uncle" talks where he would tell me what he was thinking and why without trying to spare my feelings.

Our son was named after my Dad and I see many characteristics in him that were in my dad.

I am so blessed by the men in my life. They are all wonderful husbands and fathers or (husband and potential dad in training). May each of you be a special memory in life of your child.

Wordless Wednesday...anatomy of an ice cream cone

2009-06-17T13:22:00.003-05:00

Oh Wow, my very own cone! I can't believe that I don't have to share it.

Too good for words....vanilla soft ice cream with rainbow sprinkles!

Diva introducing her baby to my favorite ice cream.

Throwing herself into the ice cream.

All done....she ate it all and is wearing most of it!

Gone but not forgotten

2009-06-15T12:49:00.002-05:00

Having to say goodbye to our family is really hard. We had a good trip to D.C. to get our Canadians off to New York for a few more days of visiting.

The nest is way too quiet now and this evening will start the ritual of putting away the toys, wagon, swing and high chair.

I have some great memories and cute photos I'll share tonight but for right now this "Dita" is missing her babies.

Our last full day together

2009-06-13T12:12:00.002-05:00

Mr. Wonderful and I have had an advanced tutorials on "Dora the Explorer" this past week. We have had a most patient teacher in Miss Emma.

This is our last full day with her so it will be filled with visits to the "Tot Lot" at the park, making cookies with Diva, swing with Poppa, and stringing beads (our new skill!)

We will be leaving very early in the morning to get our travelers to the DC airport. We would appreciate your prayers for our travels. Emma and parents will be going back to New York for a few days before the long trip home on Wednesday. Our nest will certainly be quiet and we will miss all our hugs and giggles.

Thursday Thirteen...13 great memories so far

2009-06-11T08:33:00.003-05:00

We have been blessed to be able to be with our family the last few weeks. Here are some of our best memories so far....I'm sure we are in for lots more!

Having Becky, Jerry and Emma here to spoil for a little while!

Watching the divine Miss Em enjoy fresh strawberries!

Picking Strawberries in the strawberry field!

Stolen kisses from a reluctant cousin!

Piggy Tails and Sundresses on a special Canadian Cutie

Feeding the fish with Emma at the Park

Playing at the park with Emma!

Babysitting with the grands and especially with Mr. Wonderful!

Having both grands together in one place!

Sharing Ice Cream at Klines Diary Bar

Reading the "Belly Button Book" to Emma .

Uncle Andy trying to understand why Emma loves Dora the Explorer!

Watching Uncle Andy playing with his nephew.

Wordless Wednesday...One lick says it all

2009-06-09T21:20:00.001-05:00

The Wisdom of the Ages

2009-06-01T15:07:00.003-05:00

I received this as an email and was so impressed I decided to post it so I wouldn't forget the message.

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Congratulations Becky

2009-05-29T00:16:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to our beautiful, brilliant, and talented daughter Becky who graduated with her Master's Degree in Rhetoric from the University of Saskatchewan.

We are so proud of you babe! I know how hard it is to work, be a mom of a two year old, as well as a wife, home maker, friend, and wonderful daughter.

We look forward to celebrating with you, Jerry, and Emma in New York in just a few short days. We love this picture of you both and wish we could have been there to see you walk across the stage to receive your diploma. We would have stood, clapped and cheered for you as you across the stage.

Sending you lots of virtual love till we see you in person!

crawling out from under a rock

2009-05-28T23:14:00.002-05:00

Just me! I'm coming up for air and surfacing from the rock I've been living under the past few weeks. We have had lots of volunteers at the mission coming from Suffolk, VA and as far away as Ormond Beach, Florida.

Lots of work gone done at the mission but not without a lot of time and energy getting ready for large groups. It's amazing how much time it takes to be prepared for a group to help you.

We literally spent days assembling the tools, and clearing out "stuff" in order for a group to have a beginning, middle and end. We want our volunteers to be able to see results from their labors.

This last group worked so hard that we were exhausted just trying to stay ahead of them .

Don't give up on me. I'm trying to catch up on the all the people, situations, and stuff I let slide, while the groups were here. I'm also trying desperately to finish up a huge project that got dumped on me in the last two weeks so we can be free to enjoy our family gathering in New York with our kids and grands!

Say a prayer for me! Miss you more than a cold drink on a hot dusty day.

Wordless Wednesday..Coming Soon!

2009-05-13T11:11:00.001-05:00

Miss Emma is coming to see us in June and bringing both her parents.

My garden week 2

2009-05-12T14:23:00.004-05:00

My garden is really starting to get colorful. This week my flower beds got a boost. I was thrilled to have my daughter Suzy and Oscar spend a week with us while her husband was gone to a conference in Seattle.

We had a great time despite the rain. We went shopping at our favorite stores and walked all over Dayton and Harrisonburg. For Mother's Day I bought some beautiful bedding plants for the garden. What fun digging in the dirt and actually seeing some beautiful colors in the landscape.

Suzy enjoyed digging in the dirt and planting flowers and plants. We actually had our first picnic on Mother's Day. Mr. Wonderful and Tim fixed us a wonderful lunch under the huge shade tree in the back yard.

Oscar enjoyed the grass, the breeze, the birds, and the leaves dancing in the wind. I love his hat. He reminds me of a little Amish boy in this picture.

Mr. Wonderful picked out this hanging basket for me. He knows I like red geraniums. This basket is red, white, and blue so will be great for the fourth of July too.

I love this picture of Suzy and Oz! Tim came on Saturday and we got to spend all Sunday together. We got some really good spoiling time in with Oz. They left Monday and I'm already looking forward to seeing them in June along with Becky, Jerry, Emma and of course our son Andy.

Wordless Wednesday...Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-06T08:03:00.002-05:00

My daughter's tribute to May 5th! Oscar the Hombre !

I'm Still Here

2009-05-01T10:41:00.003-05:00

Yes, I know I've been AWOL lately. We burned up the roads in April traveling and I've been trying to catch up ever since.

Our trip to New York was wonderful but of course not nearly long enough. Oscar is quite the charmer and growing up much too fast. Suzy says he's ready to crawl will be very soon.

We joined my sisters in Virginia Beach and took our mom to Duke University for evaluation of her macular degeneration. She was given a low vision test and discovered that she could get new glasses that would improve her vision. The best news is that the disease is progressing slowly so they are pretty sure she won't go blind.

They found out that she has scar tissue on her eye from a previous cataract surgery that can be removed in the office that will improve her vision. They also told her that they are looking for people for trial testing a new medication for the dry kind of macular degeneration. She said "No" but the rest of us said "Yes". So now we just have to wait and see what happens.

Meanwhile back at the daisy patch we have been discussing the pros and cons of planting a garden this spring. The pro's are fresh veggies, lower grocery bill, healthy eating, exercise involved cultivating, and weeding.

The cons are time crunch, physical demands of breaking up the ground and supplementing our poor clay soil, access to watering plants, freezing or canning extra produce and the fact that I'm such a lazy daisy.

Result: Square Foot Gardening

Raised beds that are four feet by four feet. Soil is amended and only six inches deep. Plants are concentrated in a small area and weeding is done by a small trowel and harvesting done with scissors.

The beds have a grid and the book tells you how many plants you can plant per square. Tomatoes and broccoli take a whole square. Strawberry plants are four to a square. Peppers take a whole square too.

We have two three foot boxes for yellow squash and zucchini. Green Beans bush plants are 9 per square and they suggest you plant every two weeks to make sure there is a new crop for harvest through out the summer.

So far, so good. We are building our compost pile this weekend. We were very fortunate to get dirt from a friend who owns a nursery. I planted my strawberry plants so the divine miss Em will have berries to pick when she comes to visit Bop-pop and Dita in June.

I'll give you updates throughout the summer!

Friday Funny..Who Knew?

2009-04-24T07:18:00.003-05:00

AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES*

1.Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.

2.Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

3.For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer..

4.A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to
sleep after you hit the snooze button.

5.If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives; then you'll be afraid to cough.

6.You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD -40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

7.Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

8.If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

Wordless Wednesday....Bunny boy and girl

2009-04-23T10:07:00.002-05:00

Contrary to popular belief we did not run away with the Easter Bunny. Here are our cuties, Emma and Oscar with Bunnies in Canada and New York.

Friday Funny.....Some Easter Thoughts

2009-04-09T15:48:00.003-05:00

Mr. Wonderful and I are off to see out kids and grandson Oscar today. These cute little bottoms remind us of our cute bottom boy. Say a prayer for us while we are on the road.

ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE I LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket

Walk softly and carry a big carrot

Everyone needs a friend who is all ears

There's no such thing as too much candy

All work and no play can make you a basket case

A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention

Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day

Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits

Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans

Good things come in small sugarcoated packages

The grass is always greener in someone else's basket

An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare

To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell

The best things in life are still sweet and gooey

Thursday Thirteen....13 reasons for being late

2009-04-08T15:50:00.000-05:00

Here are 13 outrageous excuses for being late to work:

1. I dreamed I was fired, so I didn't bother to get out of bed.

2. My husband thinks it's funny to hide my car keys before he goes to work.

3. I walked into a spider web on the way out the door and couldn't find the spider, so I had to go inside and shower again.

4. I went all the way to the office and realized I was still in my pajamas and had to go home to change.

5. My left turn signal was out so I had to make all right turns to get to work.

6. A gurney fell out of an ambulance and delayed traffic.

7. I was attacked by a raccoon and had to stop by the hospital to make sure it wasn't rabid.

8. I feel like I'm in everyone's way if I show up on time.

9. I ran over a goat.

10. A groundhog bit my bike tire and made it flat.

11. My driveway washed away in the rain last night.

12. I had to take my cat to the dentist.

13. I saw that you weren't in the office, so I went out looking for you.

Wordlesss Wednesday...Gorgeous Grands

2009-04-08T08:28:00.003-05:00

When I was a little girl I got a nurses uniform with hat and cape from my Aunt Aggie who was a nurse . I followed in her footsteps and became a nurse too. Who knows maybe Emma will be a nurse or doctor one day. She certainly looks like she is thinking about a puzzling diagnosis.

Our Oscar is a local celebrity and is on the cover of a newspaper in Scarsdale, New York. This Diva is getting excited about spending Easter with him, his parents and doting Uncle Andy. I'm anxious to see his great smile and hear baby giggles. Click on the picture to read the text.

Ten on Tuesday....10 Least Liked Foods

2009-04-07T08:28:00.004-05:00

10 Least Liked Foods

As much as I like food you would think that this category would be hard for me.....but it wasn't! I'm the kind of girl who doesn't do moderation. I either love it or hate it and not much in between. So here's my count down on least liked foods. (I'm sure there are lots of exotic foods that I've not tried and would probably dislike so I'm sure my list will change.)

10. Beets.....not my favorite unless they make them into sugar. I don't like beets and like them even less when they are pickled.

9. Hard Boiled Eggs.....I blame my mother for this one. She used to boil eggs and we would dye them for Easter. That was fun! Eating them wasn't. I will eat hard boiled eggs in tuna or chicken salad but never alone. I also do not like egg salad or deviled eggs.

8. Turnips....I turn up nose at turnips. My MIL used to boil turnips and potatoes together. What a surprise....you think you are eating a potato and you bite into a tangy turnip! No thanks, I'll pass.

7. Brussel Sprouts....No offense to Belgium but I'd rather eat their chocolate or their waffles instead of their sprouts. I'm sure they are an acquired taste but not one that this girl has refined.

6. Lima Beans....totally not a fan. Don't like the taste or the texture!

5. Sushi.....Never cared for raw fish of any kind.

4. Rye Bread....so not a fan! I love whole grains but not rye!

3. Octopus or squid....too rubbery and slimy for my taste. I grew up in Texas so never had much fish.

2. Boiled Okra.....again it's the slime factor. I don't like to put anything in my mouth that doesn't need to be chewed. Boiled okra just slides down you goozle. Roll it in corn bread and fry it up and I'm so there!

1. Liver and Onions....my number one choice for most disliked! Liver seems to be the one meat that gets bigger in mouth the more I chew! Mr. Wonderful adores it so I'm always encouraging him to order it when we eat out cause I won't fix it.

Looking for Spring at Walmart....

2009-04-06T09:59:00.004-05:00

Yes, I have been missing in action but I'm back now and as you can see I went looking for spring. I found it at Walmart!

Mr. Wonderful and I just got back from Savannah with all the blooming azaleas, dogwoods, and pear trees. Our grass had grown, and we had a few grape hyacinths in bloom with a few hold over daffodils but for the most part....spring is still on hold in Virginia. So I was delightfully surprised to find tulips in all colors and shades while stocking up on groceries.

We had a fabulous time in Savannah and Floozie is doing amazingly well with physical therapy. She is conquering the stairs and it was difficult to keep the girl down so she can recover. She did join us for lunch with a dear friend of ours at the Olive Garden (always a "must have " since our closest one is about 100 miles away!)

We were able to connect with many friends and I shook so many hands I could have been a politician. The best times were just talking with friends and catching up on their lives. I got to do all my favorite things and checked off everything on my "to do" list.

I'm back at work today. I'll try to make the rounds this afternoon. I've got lots of catching up to do in the blogsphere too.

Thursday Thirteen...Mr. Wonderful

2009-03-12T09:19:00.003-05:00

My Mr. Wonderful bought me a "Mr. Wonderful Doll" here are my 13 favorite phrases .

1. You've been on my mind all day, that's why I bought you these flowers.

2. You know honey, why don't you just relax and let me make dinner tonight?

3 The ballgame really isn't that important. I'd rather spend time with you.

4. Here, you take the remote, as long as I'm with you, I don't care what we watch.

5. You know I think its really important that we talk about our relationship.

6. No! You don't look at all fat in that dress. How could anything make you look fat?

7. Aww, can't your mother stay for another week?

8. Did you have a hard day honey? Why don't you sit down and let me rub your feet?

9. You're going shopping by yourself? How bout I tag along and carry your bags?

10. Hmmm....you look so beautiful in the morning.

11. Hello darling, have I told you lately that I love you?

12. Why don't we go to the mall, didn't you want to buy some new shoes?

13. Actually I'm not sure which way to go. I'm just going to turn in here and ask for directions.

Just remember ladies, he doesn't take out the trash, smash bugs, bring home a paycheck or give hugs! He is good for compliments though so he has a place on my desk when ever I'm feeling unappreciated. My Mr. Wonderful is still the best for this girl!

Wordless Wednesday...Stacked Chairs

2009-03-11T10:13:00.002-05:00

I work at a mission that recycles, reuses, and refurbishes everything from furniture to to computers and kitchen ware. Warehousing donated item some times becomes a nightmare.
I was looking for a picture of " stacked chairs" and this is what I found.

This amazing art installation was made by Colombian sculptor Doris Salcedo for the International Instanbul Biennale in 2003. She used over 1,550 chairs stacked on an empty lot between two buildings!"

With my luck someone would want to buy one on the the bottom of the stack!