I'm a Bloomin' Fool

My hibiscus thinks its springtime.
It's no wonder with the south sun shining in through the bedroom window.

The Devil's Spine is blooming too.

I'm "plant poor."

I have so many that in the winter months,
it's a struggle to live around them,
much less keep them watered.

But, I think I'll follow their lead and make it springtime in my mind.

Taco Soup!

Another Biology test under my belt today, so I'm just happy to be here at this point.

The preparation involved for biology tests just wipes me out. I think it may wear a bit on JB, too.

After coming home from a full day's work yesterday, he reheated Taco Soup and made some mighty tasty grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. I was busy putting notes on 4X6 index cards so I could review key points without dragging around the full size notebook.

I appreciate the fact that he realizes we must eat and really doesn't make any issue of who does the cooking. I cook. He cooks. And it always works out better if we try to keep from doing it at the same time.

Anyway, the Taco Soup... hearty and delicious. I made a huge pot of this last year for last year's apple butter weekend. It reheats excellent. And it freezes well.

1.5 lb. lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic
1 medium onion, diced
2 cans beef broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1.5 cups salsa
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 cup spiral pasta noodles
Shredded cheese
Tortilla Chips

Combine beef, garlic and onions. Brown meat until no longer pink.
Add beef broth, tomatoes, salsa, and seasonings. Bring to boil, then add noodles.
Cover and simmer until noodles are tender.

Garnish with shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese. Serve with tortilla chips.

Come Smile With Me

When I read Boomer Chronicles earlier this week, it was noted that another baby boomer site LifeTwo is presenting “How to Be Happy Week." Who doesn't want to be happy? Or happier?

One of the things suggested on Life Two was to make a list of the things that brought you pleasure or made you happy.

I'm jumping on the bandwagon and sharing my little pleasures so far this week:

• My pal, Patriside, at Father Knows Nothing, has broken his month-long silence and is posting again. I'm delighted with the news he has to share. He's a good read anyway, without good news.

• I made a 93 on my math test. Woohoo! It's starting to look a little less like Chinese and I actually know what to do with those equations these days.

• My youngest, Jeni, has finished her clinicals for summer. She's in her last year of college, majoring in dental hygiene.

• My oldest, Jess, doesn't require surgery for her tendinitis! She is also exploring a career change.

Now, don't be fooled into thinking that everything is just peachy. But, I have made a conscious choice to accentuate the positive.

(I'm also reading The Secret.)

Can happiness really make you age backwards? I'm willing to give it a shot to see.

So from now on, its smiles and giggles and laughs for me. And if you're ready to take plunge as well, check out what my friend Hoss, had to say about living life backwards.

Getting My Second Wind

I hooked up with my Texas women's cult last night.

I had looked for phone numbers in the city's fat phonebook earlier this week and found only one of them listed. After a tongue lashing for "friendship negligence" she immediately suggested an impromptu dinner gathering so we could all catch up.


Rejuvenated, I hung up the phone and anticipated a real meal.

There's seems to be a discrepancy in this apartment as to what qualifies as a meal. The kitchen IS small and the cooking utensils limited. But I am bound and determined to find a small rice cooker--so I can demonstrate adaptability and acceptance.

I have a bit of trouble with acceptance--so she gets it honest. I taught her to treat people fairly and be honest so you start each day with a clear conscience. But I failed to effectively cover the finer points of interaction with those individuals who are somewhat unfamiliar with these concepts. But, I'm still dealing with that one myself.

Honesty is a tough one. Human nature makes us see what we want to see and hear what we want to hear. And perhaps to have a tendency to say what we think the other person wants to hear. It's just easier and causes fewer uncomfortable situations.

I've always been accused of blunt honesty. However, here lately, I open my mouth and my brain is still sorting out the proper words.

My daughter hasn't hesitated to bring this to my attention on several occasions. She's a bit impatient, like her mother.

As I maneuver through midlife, I realize it is more important to choose your words carefully. The message gets across in a very diplomatic sense and there! It's on the table. It's like labor's deep cleansing breath.

And just like the end result of labor, it creates a much different world.

I Want a Self Cleaning House

JB just finished this stained glass screen for a client. Beautiful, isn't it? I told her she could forget he had done it and I would be glad to make use of it. Very colorful...





This is my bit of creativity. I make this "Hey Diddle Diddle" flannel nightgown for Momo for Christmas.
She recently brought to my attention the fact that the sleeves were just a tad bit (5 inches) too long. I gladly redid the cuffs. I asked Pop to photograph her in the nightgown as proof that she is wearing it.



My garden... a week ago. I hope to get outside and grub in the yard a bit later and I'm sure I'll be amazed at what I see. It's so hard to take care of household cleaning when there is so much to do outside. I'm forcing myself to deal with the drudgery of housework before I go outside and play.

Find Out What Works

Just when you think you have everything all figured out, someone throws in a curve ball.

During a recent visit to Momo & Pop's that very thing occurred.

Momo and I were visiting in the living room when I detected a scrubbing sound coming from the bathroom.

"What's Pop scrubbing?" I asked.

Of course this simple question was met with facial contortions and snorts.

Within minutes, Pop emerged from the bathroom announcing the sink and tub had been scrubbed clean. He added the toilet was clean as well.

Well, Momo shot up in amazement and went to inspect Pop's handiwork.

The plot thickens.

Turns out, Momo had mentioned how the sink and tub had hard water stains, etc. and needed to be replaced.



Pop, on the other hand, knew for sure he had SOMETHING that would get them clean (so they would not have to be replaced).

Looks like he rummaged around in his shop until he found something that he knew would do the job.




I guess all Pop needed was the proper motivation.