Thanksgiving and Gratitude

READ all the way thru this post before you judge, please. I wish we could celebrate one holiday at a time. The other night, Nov 1 we were driving home from a lovely night out. We turned into our neighborhood and were struck

with Christmas. Mind you, I love love love the holiday. But, shouldn't we take the time to be grateful for what we already have before we bring Christmas out. The marketing part of it. That's what gets me. It's been in the stores for weeks. I went to a store on Halloween and they were clearing the shelves to put out more Christmas, which has been out for weeks. 

 

Back to my story: We turned onto another street and again. Wham! 2 more houses with lights and actual Santa's and reindeer out on the lawn not just the lights.

 

Christmas is about the birth of a child and the gift of life, the gift a child gave to us. So glorious is the holiday. I'm just not ready to give up being thankful for the gifts I have previously received. Thank You so rarely used. Isn't there lights or stickers or something to put up to honor Thanksgiving.  The holiday is more than pilgrims. 

 

I just want to share some thoughts about having a heart full of gratitude.

 

 God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say “thank you?”  ~William A. War

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
 November 30th

So, I've had some time to think about my pre-post. This now being 2 days after Thanksgiving: First of all, I'm grateful that other families can celebrate Christmas whenever and how they choose. I was wrong to judge the joy. I'm sure they all have their own reasons why they put out the decorations. Maybe someone has been called to active duty, or someone passed away and the lights remind them of that person. Maybe, just maybe they have so much love in their heart that it's just so hard to contain in those short Dec weeks. I am sorry for the rant. FYI, still not happy about the stores and their excuse that if the people didn't buy they would stop.

I have so much to be thankful for. This Thanksgiving makes it 2 years since the beginning of the hospital purgatory, bed rest, infection, pain, and surgeries. I am so very thankful that I can watch the snow fall from inside my warm house, instead from a hospital bed. I am thankful I can open my pantry and have choices for dinner, instead of the hospital food. I am thankful for my best friend, Scott who is the kindest and most loving man, Any other man may have not faced all that I bring and just stick with  me. I am thankful for my first son and his wife, and my second son. Thankful for so much more.

 

What are you grateful for?

Gas in the tank

Today we are out running errands. 

My Sweetie has a bad habit of not paying attention to his gas gauge.  Inevitably he will have an empty tank when we have to be somewhere. 

This frustrates me.  Being raised to not let the tank get lower than a quarter full. I can remind him the day before. He will still forget to remember the gas. Grrrr. 

He's so light hearted that while he pumps the gas he dances and makes me smile. He makes me smile a lot!

The lesson for me is not to forget to smile. 

Moab

So, we have been in Moab Utah during the government shutdown. The town was empty for a bit. Then Governor Herbert met with the County and City Mayors to propose a solution to the Department of Interior.

A resolution was reached that the State will fund our parks and monuments for 10 days. Hopefully within that time The President and Congress will negotiate a budget with the Obama care issue.  

I don't agree with all the political crap that goes on. I do know this health care thing is Obama's legacy. If it doesn't go thru what does he have. The steps to end the war in Iraq were in place when he took office and the Afghanistan war was already started. Even though Obama gets credit for ending one war and starting another. 

He can't close Guantanamo bay, for reasons I can't disclose. When Obama ran he made promises based on information he had then. Now that he has access to more critical information, he knows that he can't. So, I don't hold him responsible. 

Anyway finding fun things to do outside of a national park. This taken from the inside of the cab of the truck. 

                                                                                                                                                         Going thru some State parks down here. We are down here for the Moab Plein Air Art Festival. Fun times. Scott's been a painting and they are all turned in. We'll find out if he sold any or gets a ribbon tonight.

later....Scott didn't win a ribbon, but he sold 2 paintings Yah! I was so happy for him. It makes the treat successful.

Yard Sale

It was an awesome day today my adorable husband and I went out into the community yard saleing.  Did we get any great finds you ask? You bet! A kitchen light fixture, a push toy, a  juicer recipe book, some LP's, crochet hooks, sewing patterns and a funky bowl. We spent all of 10 bucks. Plus time with each other. 

We already put the light fixture up. The picture doesn't do the glass justice. It's beautiful. 

World War Z

After waiting in the cheap theatre for what seemed an extra 10 minutes to fix whatever it is to get the dvd to play...the horror movie finally began. Yes, a horror movie.

Once upon a time their was a pig or a bird or something to infect someone somewhere. The possible first one to be infected and named as the grand zero victim is a small boy in Taiwan a virus spreads and spreads quickly.

What begins as any ordinary day for the Gerry Lane family quickly changes.

In the first scene when we see Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane with his wife I thought "Oh, he has greasy hair.  When is he going to wash and cut that. Yuk!" The hair only gets worse, as does the movie.

Back to the horror show, After seeing zombies bite and maim and re-infect other beings, the terror sets in.  Lane is reactivated into the "army of armies". How would the world have survived with out him? He is able to win battle after battle with the beasts.  At the climax of this movie, our hero Lane is chased by a zombie into a room with only one way out. The zombie stares at Lane while he clenches his teeth, up, then down in quick succession. Sooo scary! Or it should have been. Sadly, laughter filled the theatre. I couldn't help but join in.

The movie ends well for some, not for others. I must say that I didn't bother with the movie reviewers on this one. I tried to get my son to see this one with me an he refused. He said he wouldn't waste $1.50 + popcorn on this.

My recommendation is wait for it to be on Netflix. Hulu, or other cable channels.

Austenland

 I was supposed to be shopping for clothes to wear for a family picture. Surprise, I don't like shopping. With my odd shaped body I don't get it. Trying to coordinate colors and have fun props. When I realized I was near the theatre. So, I jumped at the chance to go see Austenland. I went to a matinee, so as usual didn't pay full price. I think I would have anyway.

I went all alone. I didn't have the theatre all to myself, which I love. There were about a dozen other women there. All as excited to see this movie as I was.

The movie premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and one of the favorites.

I'll try not to give any spoilers. If you have read the Austen books and seen other movies from her books, then this movie will be one you will enjoy. As I was watching I kept thinking this is just so fun. I love Keri Russell. Her portrayal of Jane Hayes is grand. She is over the top addicted to Mr. Darcy. Truly living and breathing her Jane Austen when she learns of a trip to get the experience of a lifetime and live out her fantasy.

Jane Seymore is beautiful as Mrs. Wattlesbrook, the proprietor of the great estate. She is the person that orchestrates the feel of the era and promises that every guest will have a true Jane Austen experience with a concluding ball and love interest.

Jennifer Coolidge is delightful as Elizabeth Charming. She is charming. I adored her.

JJ Feild plays a reluctant Mr. Darcy and there are obviously some issues with him and his mother. I felt uncomfortable for him and he was hard to warm up to. I won't go into the story line. (Don't want to ruin it).

Georgia King made me enjoy this movie. She plays Lady Amelia Heartwright. I didn't think there was anyone that could sing worse than me, but she managed to do so. She has fun with her British accent and so did I.

At one point poor Jane is asked to play the piano. What a fun moment. Better than I could do, that's for sure.

Coolidge and King play their roles with the finesse of beautiful swans. Their depiction of their roles made me chuckle.  Their love interests are so over the top.

Make sure to stay for the credits. I was so glad I did. They were worth it. Who wouldn't swoon for Martin, Bret McKenzie? I was drawn in by his smile and his awkward singing.

Okay, this movie may have its flaws, but if you enjoy period pieces and just mocking them. Go and have fun with this one. I don't buy many movies; I think I'll get this one.

 

The Lone Ranger

I had trepidation at seeing this movie because any of the reviews by movie critics didn't favor this movie. I went to the $1.50 movie. So, not spending much and going with lowered expectations. Here's what I think (As usual, spoilers).

I thought the movie was very good. The movie begins with Will, played by Mason Cook who is wearing the Lone Ranger hat and mask. He is looking into a western scene where there is a shriveled looking Native American with the crow on his head.

Will is darling as a modern little cowboy and he believes the Native American is mistaking him for the actual Lone Rancher.

As I was watching, I didn't realize I was looking at Johnny Depp as an older Tonto. I suspected, but wasn't sure. I couldn't confirm until the next flash forward.  I thought the scenes in the museum were humorous and endearing. I just loved that Tonto narrates the story. Sharing both characters back-story was very helpful, especially that of Tonto. We discover why he wears the crow atop his head, and how he is tortured by his own guilt from greed. This is a traditional Lone Ranger & Tonto story where they are trying to right the wrong.  We learn how a lawyer, John Reid played by Armie Hammer becomes the Lone Ranger & unites with Tonto.

Johnny Depp is eccentric, and I laughed out loud at his antics. His character isn't much different from some of the other characters he has been playing.  In some ways he is much tamer. I've heard he is truly Native American, and I also heard that he is not, but he was given honorary status as a Native American. Either way the group approved of his characterization.

This movie has a lot of violence, implied cannibalism, and discussions of cannibalism. There are also issues of rape.

Dan Reid played by James Badge Dale as the Lone Ranger's brother is a Texas Ranger in apprehension of Butch Cavendish played by William Fichtner. I am quickly becoming a fan of James Badge Dale. I recently saw him as the bad guy in Iron Man 3. I wish there were more of him in this movie. It wasn't until the credits ran that I saw Dale was Dan Reid. James Badge Dale's charm had more appeal to me than Armie Hammer.

William Fichtner was an amazing bad guy. His stunts in this movie were "off the charts".

Armie Hammer is very cute, and he is funny. The collaboration with Depp in this duo works for me. Even though there were times I felt he was a little flat in his delivery.

Butch Cavendish is the bad guy. Very bad, he is a cannibalistic, ruthless, and crazed outlaw who escapes from the Texas Rangers and then sets out to become rich with his brother Tom Wilkinson, as Latham the railroad tycoon. They have a plan to take the silver previously owned by Native Americans.

Helena Bonham Carter owns the saloon and helps our heroes.

Ruth Wilson as Dan Reid's wife, Rebecca and is the love interest for John. We never find out why she married the older brother. I think Ruth is just a charming woman with strong convictions.  I first saw her as the crazed villain in Luther, a BBC series, adults only. I would recommend this as you are able to see a different side of her abilities.

My biggest disappointment was that the William Tell Overture didn't play until the near ending of the movie with the famous last line, high-ho Silver.

On the whole this was a great movie. I recommend 13 and up.

Iron Man 3

It's raining out. I love the rain. It's not the torrential downpour, just a little more than a drizzle.  What do I love doing on days like this, a movie?  Yes!  So I dragged my son to see Iron Man 3 at a dollar fifty movie.

Although this movie has been out for months, I think it's still fair to share.  A note, there are spoilers.

I enjoyed the movie immensely. It may not be the best Iron Man, but I was taken on a thrill ride. I thought there was just enough of Tony Snark, as in his snarky jabs were just enough to carry a slight edge of mean and wit that made me laugh. I earlier had said Mr Robert Downey, Jr did not wish to film another  Iron Man.  I learned today, filming is taking place in (Georgia?). This information comes from The Today Show 8/27/2013. Yeah!! This movie was fabulous and everything I expected. Love Mr Downey. 

Up front I have never been a Gwyneth Paltrow fan. I don't get the love affair with her. Gwyneth as Pepper is the weakest character in the series.  At the beginning of this movie Pepper is shown to be in charge of Stark Enterprises, very strong and intelligent. During the course of the show her character becomes weaker. Pepper is taken by Guy Pearce as Aldrich Killian. We are to believe she is weak when she is adorned in her workout attire, with her athletic arms and ripped abs showing?  Her hair as if it has been freshly combed and blows in the wind.  She must be terrified because her skin is glistening. Now she is the weak Pepper?  Pepper is the damsel in distress for our hero Iron Man. This just doesn't work for me. 

On the other hand Don Cheadle is amazing and there just isn't enough of him. He is funny, serious, and athletic. I wish there could be a spin off of this character.  The powers that be don't think he could carry one.  I truly think he is a gifted artist. I wanted more of him since the first movie. The play on the War Machine or Iron Patriot armor bit throughout the movie is comical and does lend to the heroic attitude of the movie, since the suit is red white and blue.

The best scenes in the movie are with Ty Simpkins as Harley, a sort of sidekick to Iron Man. This young man is cute and entertaining. The banter between Harley and Tony is just plain fun.

Ben Kingsley is remarkable, as always and he has a great twist. James Badge Dale was great as the bad guy. And who doesn't love his middle name? The rest of the cast were also great.

This movie is rated PG-13, for violence and brief sexual innuendo. I don't remember any foul language although there may have been.  If I had youngsters I would allow my mature kids say 10 and up to see this movie.

Here is a link that has some very excellent information in regards to the Iron Man and Avengers movie.
http://screenrant.com/robert-downey-jr-avengers-2-3-contract/

It's All Up To You

While I was out to lunch with my cousin, I came across this sign....

 

 

This made me think that I keep forgetting to remember how relevant my attitude, my behavior, my actions, my reactions, and my choices play in my story and those closest to me. 

 

"So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment."

President Thomas S Monson

The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints

I can choose to be angry and feel cheated about the unfair hand life dealt me.  I choose to make lemonade out of my lemons. 

 

Yesterday, I wanted to surprise my husband and weed. I have to be very careful because leaning forward can cause migraines and the pain in my legs increases. He has forbidden this activity. But, me being me: I don't like having limits placed on me, I push myself to do things. Challenge on.

 

So, while trying to pull weeds, keep my head level, my legs positioned just so, and avoid creepy crawlies I received a shocking jolt of cold water raining down upon my face and body. The cold water took my breath.  My mind was not quick to process this situation. Finally my wet self yelled, move it. 

 

Now I am not much quicker than the fasted of turtles. I rolled this way, then that trying to get out of the mud and onto the grass. You would have thought the weeds had come to life making shackles at my ankles and wrists.  My inability to respond with any speed made me shriek.  Incredible! 

 

During my ordeal my sons believed this scene was hilarious.  Really, what kind of warped sons have I raised. Laughing at a gimpy old lady. I should have known they wouldn't come to my rescue. 

Doomed, my failure to give a Weed free flower bed. To top it off I was looking like a drowned rat. Now I had nothing to lose and I joined in the laughter. 

 

After all that, I was able see the joy my predicament brought to my sons.  I was successful in bringing unexpected joy. I cleared a 12 x 18 patch of noxious beasts. 

 

The joy and laughter I shared with my sons is memorable and I have more lemonade. Love to be brimming with the lemonade. 

 

I have taught my sons that we must take the high road in our experiences. To forgive, move forward, and be an example. 

 

Sadly, even at this stage of my life I am still learning how difficult it can be when someone you regard in high esteem lets you down and breaks your heart. 

I'm going through the process of trudging up the rocky, creviced, thorny, stinging nettled road. 

In relation to this, I was talking with my youngest son. We discussed the poem by Robert Frost, entitled The Road Less Traveled. We came to the conclusion that an apropos interpretation of life's road less traveled is giving forgiveness, love, kindness, generosity, and service to those that hurt us. 

 

We need to let go of those heavy burdens. Those words and emotions of blight. It's hard. Life Is Hard! You can heal, have laughter, make progress and yes do hard things. 

I choose to take the road less traveled. It isn't easy, but I can do hard things. It's my journey. I get to choose the beauty I create. 

I have a migraine

I get a lot of headaches/migraines. This picture is one of my surgeries (2010).

I've always had headaches/migraines, the docs say it is one of the complications from having spina bifuda. 

There hasn't been a prescription that has helped. The best thing to help me has been one ibuprofen and one Tylenol with a Dr Pepper, an ice pack on the back of my neck. Sleep mask and quiet. My doctors actual prescription. 

The prescription does help when I remember to catch it before the sparkling lights. 

I have tried oils. I think they also help.

So, what works for you?

Rain Boots

I had so much fun putting this together. I had been watching for children's galoshes at yard sales for weeks. I bought them for $2.50 a pair. I don't know if that's a bargain, but I didn't care. If you are willing to experiment you can make these using any type of boot, just add a plastic lining to help keep the moisture in.

The day was sunny and I had all the tools to build a fun flower bed o' boot(s). This project took about 20 minutes. First use a large drill bit to make the holes in the soles of the boots. I made about 8 holes. I left the foot liner in the boot, but pulled out the insole. Be careful not to slip, the drill bit bounces a bit (ha ha). After drilling the holes fill the boot with pebbles up to the ankles. Place the garden soil in the boots 4 inches from the top.  Don't forget to fertilize. I like Miracle Grow. This is both fun and pretty!

 

 

 

Freezer Drink

I don't know how many of you out there have ever placed a can of pop in the freezer. I do it all the time. It is so cooling and refreshing, especially when experiencing the high 90's and low 100's.

Thing is...sometimes I forget to remember to go get it out of the freezer before the can explodes. I always set the timer on the microwave to remind me. I usually wait 20 minutes. Makes a nice frosty drink.

This time, as things go, I was at the back of the house when the microwave beeped. I was distracted and didn't hear it. It wasn't until later when I opened the freezer door and the pop rolled out and onto the floor. To my relief, the can didn't burst! I've had them explode in the freezer before. Not pretty. I wasn't brave enough to open that one. So, I put a new one in the freezer. I had to wait 20 minutes again. It was still worth it.

Here is another freezer drink you can enjoy courtesy of www.allrecipes.com

Ingredients

Original recipe makes 8 servings       

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

1 cantaloupe, halved and seeded                                       

1/2 c white sugar, or more to taste

 2 c milk    

 6 c cold water, or more as needed                    

Directions

1. Shred the cantaloupe into a large pitcher using a fork, making sure to catch all the juice and pulp. Stir in the sugar, mashing any large pieces of cantaloupe. Stir in the milk and water, adding enough to fill the pitcher. Serve cold.

Footnote

 

• This drink is best served ice cold. Serve in a tall glass with a spoon so you can eat the little chunks of melon as you drink the liquid. You could skip the step of shredding the fruit with the fork and just throw it all in the blender, but you wouldn't get the yummy chunks (which to me is the best part!) The amount of sugar listed is a guideline. Adjust to how sweet your melon is/your personal taste. I hope you enjoy this delicious drink!

 

To see more reviews and nutrition information go to http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cool-and-refreshing-cantaloupe-drink/detail.aspx

 

For this and other great recipes, visit  www.allrecipes.com

 

White table and chairs we might paint yellow and blue

Aching legs

Yesterday, My hubby and I drove to Ogden to get these really old metal chairs. We are going to paint them. Green I think. We are still trying to decide.

I'm really excited to see how the backyard will come together. We have been going to yard sales and picking up old furniture. I think the table and chairs we picked up will get pained baby yellow and blue.

We Don't have the energy or funds to get much this year, but we are on our way.

On our way to Ogden my legs were hurting. I kept them elevated to help, but the pain just kept creeping up on me. By the evening I could hardly stand. I was putting heat pads on my legs and laying down.

When I woke up this morning, my dear hubby went to hand me my pills, and I realized I didn't take them yesterday. I keep forgetting to take my medications. I have my phone set so an alarm goes off, but if I don't have pockets or water near, I wait. Then I forget.

Old style metal chairs

Grown Ups 2

I was meeting some friends for the afternoon show. I knew I needed to leave in time for the 4:15 show. I was easily distracted and didn't remember to leave on time. I arrived with a few previews to spare.

Well, went to see the movie Grown Ups 2. The movie was exactly the type of entertainment that I expected from this group. A lot of burping, farting, peeing, boobs. As my son said, a movie my husband would enjoy.

I did laugh, a great deal. I went for that purpose. I wouldn't want my youngsters to see this movie. Teenagers are good.

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