THANKFUL THURSDAYS

Giving thanks today for those "three little beeps" at the other end of  my cell phone -- not too unlike a busy signal on most calls -- but whenever I call my son who is in Tanzania, those "beeps" mean "YES, I've got a connection and he's going to answer!" :)  You see, the alternatives -- which for the last several days I've been receiving are silent airtime followed by what we have come to refer to as "funky Tanzanian dance music" and a recording in Kiswahili I clearly don't understand...or the one which really has had me worried this week, silent airtime followed by an actual ringing but then a recording in English informing me that the number I was dialing has been disconnected or changed.

When one's son is half a world a way (with the Peace Corps since June 2008), one really, really is grateful for those "three little beeps" and delayed voice answering, "Hello, Mom? Is that you?"  Today was a good day!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

MONDAY MUSINGS

Ok, yes, I'll admit it, I'm guilty. Completely 100% guilty of blog neglect. I've ignored this thing first for a few days, then a couple of weeks, and before I knew it months, and now a new decade has dawned -- what was I thinking?! :)

So, new year, new decade, time for resolutions and all that, right? Well, at least I can give it my best shot at breathing some new life into the blog world here and see what happens...

Looking back at 2009 ~ becoming Mimi (welcoming my first grandchild!); finding love and saying "yes" (how wonderful to find and share such happiness); road-tripping with my youngest around the country (just call us "Thelma and Louise") for fun, soccer, and college exploration; saying a too-soon 'good-bye' to my remarkable, strong, and so loving father; celebrating my grandmother's 99th birthday (her "secret"? one highball everyday at 5pm)...

Looking ahead to 2010 ~ celebrating Abby's first birthday (my creative daughter has already selected a wonderful theme - "Winter ONE-derland!") ; celebrating "soccer girl's" college commitment (stay tuned - she's close to making an announcement, I think!), her high school graduation, and her travels abroad (Spain this spring, Nicaragua over the summer); planning our "simply" wonderful (key word is "simply") wedding and terrific trip; welcoming my son home from Tanzania for a three week visit before he returns to Africa to extend his work with the Peace Corps...much to look forward to in this new year and in this new decade, indeed.

Yummy Oatmeal & Friends Across the World

First, let me say that when I logged in today I found the most wonderful comment waiting to be moderated. It was from a former Peace Corps volunteer who had served with Andrew at the neighboring village -- and who had been his best friend and "his sis" for many, many months until she returned stateside this past late spring. She told me that she had been trying unsuccessfully to reach Drew for over a month (he has a new cell phone due to an "incident" in Dar a while back, lol! and she also didn't have his current email addy) and was hoping I would be able to connect them. She found my blog through the spectacular world of internet search and left her email address for me (so, no, Jessica, I won't post your comment, lol!). I'm so very excited to re-connect the old friends, the "brother and sister" back together as I know how much Drew has missed "talking" with her and they have much to catch up on!

Now, on a completely different note....weather has changed here, heading us directly into a chilly fall and the perfect time for this great recipe I just received for "Baked Oatmeal" - a perfect dish to prep the night before and mix together and bake in the morning (and, if you're a "small" crowd, eat off all week long!)

Baked Oatmeal

3/4 c. brown sugar
1 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
3 1/2 c. old-fashioned oats

2 c. milk
1/2 c. oil (can use all olive oil, all canola, or 1/2 & 1/2)
2 eggs beaten
1/2 c. applesauce
1 t. vanilla

1 fresh apple chopped
1/4 c. chopped dried fruit (cranberries, etc.)
1/2 c. ch. nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc.)

Preheat oven to 375 (350 for glass pan). Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir well. Add fruit and nuts. Pour into greased 9 X 13 inch pan. Bake 25 minutes.

Some more TIPS for this yummy oatmeal:

* Night before prep dry ingredients, wet ingredients (refrigerate), and chopped fruit/nuts except apple (wait til morning to chop apple to prevent turning brown).
* I have tried this with all olive oil and it is good, but a little "heavy" - I'm probably going to do the 1/2 & 1/2 next time.
* An easy way to do the applesauce is if you have snack packs - they are 1/2 c. each :)
* Might be interesting/healthy to try this with egg whites/egg substitutes, too.
* I've been told this can be made with Splenda instead of the brown sugar.
* Makes a great breakfast...as well as a simple supper later in the week, lol!

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, July 6, 2009

Outside my window...the afternoon sun is warming and skies are blue, a beautiful summer day.

I am thinking...of Andrew, grateful to have word from him and looking forward to chatting in a short while to catch up and get the full story on his harrowing encounter!

From the learning room...enjoying the wire wrapping and looking over the new schedule of classes being offered in chain maille ~ interesting!

From the kitchen...the couscous salad for the 4th was wonderful (and still is!) :-)

I am wearing...brown and white "batik" print shorts, white tee and my new cross necklace ♥

I am creating...turquoise necklace is laid out, ready to be put together ~ bracelet and earrings to follow.

I am going...to see "Mamma Mia" on Saturday! What fun!

I am reading...John Adams (finally getting into it, I think!), A Year in the World...and still be sorely tempted by Breaking Dawn!

I am hoping...that Mom has a great trip, that Hannah enjoys these summer days.

I am hearing...the lawn mower as it makes it passes and rounds.

Around the house...things are quiet but Hannah is popping in and out which is nice. :-)

One of my favorite things...are smiles from sweet Abigail.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

shop photos, FB shop page, "Miriam" work for Hannah :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY (Thanks, Andrew!)

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, June 29, 2009

Outside my window...a cooler summer evening is rolling in, a welcome break from the heat we've been having.

I am thinking...of Hannah down at her goalie camp and hoping she is having great fun.

From the learning room...more fun to come with the altered pendants and alcohol inks and time to "play" with the turquoise this week.

From the kitchen...it will be a few weeks of learning to cook for one ~ should be interesting!

I am wearing...denim capris and a blue & white striped tee, comfy after my car ride home today.

I am creating...plans to finally get busy with the turquoise creation that's been busy in my head since the beads "found" me in Toronto.

I am going...to relax tomorrow after the go, go, going of the weekend and "road-tripping."

I am reading...(finishing) Conversations with God (1) and looking forward to beginning Book 2 - still finding time for John and Abigail :-) and escaping through A Year in This World ~ also have the last Twilight book waiting for me :-).

I am hoping...that Hannah has an incredible few days at camp and a great trip back to Ohio; that we have a wonderful 4th of July celebration at Mom's.

I am hearing...the wind rustle the blinds at the windows ~ so nice to have them open and feel/smell the fresh air!

Around the house...oh, it does feel good to be home!

One of my favorite things...will be sharing Saturday with someone very close to my heart.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

looking ahead and making plans, continuing to work on the shop photos, new listings.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, June 22, 2009

Outside my window...bright summer morning sunshine is streaming in, promising a glorious day.

I am thinking...of Andrew and hoping that his PCV training film project is going well ~ looking forward to hearing more about it today when we hopefully chat.

From the learning room..."playing" with the new alcohol inks and glass, wire wrapping has resulted in two new pendants.

From the kitchen...we are keeping it "simple" after a weekend of eating out with friends and family :-)

I am wearing...my yoga gear.

I am creating...going to work with the carnelian and turquoise that I brought back from Toronto ~ definitely a couple of necklaces "brewing" and earrings....hopefully a bracelet or two as well.

I am going...to finally meet another dear friend who've I known for several months but it feels like forever :-)

I am reading...Conversations with God (1) and am still amazed with the connections being made...still enjoying John Adams, A Year in This World.

I am hoping...that we enjoy more "pool" time with Abby this week, that Anne and Mike's multiple moves are going smoothly, that our next road trip later this week is fun and safe ~ and brings Hannah what she's looking for in training and her goals.

I am hearing...PS 22 Chorus sing "Don't Stop Believing"

Around the house...you can tell we're home again - LOL!

One of my favorite things...seeing Abby experience her first "big" pool ~ she LOVES the water :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week:
finalize arrangements for Hannah's trip to Vanderbilt; coffee(s) with two wonderful friends; re-doing photos in the shops (a long, ongoing project)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

THURSDAY THIS 'N THAT

A couple of "treats" to share - one for the eyes and one for the mind or the soul...

First, an Etsy treasury I created "in honor" of Dad's love for glads....entitled "4 the Glad man" (Pastor Ann's message at his Celebration of Life Service was aptly titled, "The Glad Man"). Such beautiful flowers were just a small part of his legacy - the field is planted with only a fraction this summer of what he would usually do, but when the blooms arise, we will remember him.

Second, Andrew updated his blog recently and has been painfully, inspiringly honest about his journey and experience, especially in light of the recent challenges. I know that I found it especially meaningful and also motivating - hope you might as well.

Andrew's Peace Corps Blog ~ "Trying Times"

Peace...

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, June 1, 2009

Outside my window...a morning summer thunderstom is brewing...

I am thinking...of Mom, of Hannah, of Andrew and am so very thankful for family and friends, old and new in my life.

From the learning room...Andrew's manual on Photoshop, my wiring books.

From the kitchen...need to call Mom and see if perhaps this might be Hannah's "chicken enchilada" night?!

I am wearing...my robe (early morning run out for a quick car repair and now back to hit the shower!)

I am creating...did some "dumpster diving" at the bead shop this weekend and am eager to identify my finds with help from my online pals :-) and get designing with these.

I am going...Goodwill Hunting TODAY - woo-hoo!

I am reading...just finished a pure indulgence (Mary Higgens Clark - think I've read everything she's written..LOL!) and still working on John Adams - a wonderful read.

I am hoping...that Hannah's week of finals go well for her, that I make it across the border without too much angst (oops!), that Hannah has an incredible, life-remembering trip to France this week, that Mom has a wonderful time with us in Canada.

I am hearing...the sound of distant thunder.

Around the house...we are enjoying a quieter dog ~ who is "enjoying" his new muzzle.

One of my favorite things...will be visiting with my dear Abby and seeing how much she has grown (Mimi picked up a new outfit for her this weekend!).

A few plans for the rest of the week:
paperwork for Hannah's ODP team, more paperwork for Hannah's summer soccer plans :-), more paperwork for Hannah's college plans -- eek! she's going to be a senior now!, enjoying my weekly "check-in" with Andrew and finding out how life in Tanzania is going.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...