Tag: Birthday

New Year Goals and Why You Shouldn’t Give up on Resolutions

On By BackporchwriterIn Uncategorized2 Comments

All the Christmas has been gathered. It’s time to load them back up in the tubs and send them back to the basement for another year. It’s kinda sad to see them go. Although I really am not a fan of red, I do enjoy our house being a “Santa Land” for six weeks or so. It’s kind of a lot of trouble, but I enjoy doing it.

I normally have them packed on the 1st of January, but have been doing some other things. Today is the Day!

Blog Boom!

WordPress sent a note that my traffic is spiking. It’s true that this blog is gaining momentum. It’s never been a goal to increase the blog’s readership and I’m not really trying to. As with growth, comes a lot of other things too, but I’ll take it. Welcome! For someone just chatting about her life and thoughts – I’m shocked that 33 people an hour would be here.

Much to my surprise Little Bit hung out with me in the laundry room yesterday. I asked him if God sent him to me to be “my Maisy girl” for a while as she was always at my feet (actually though she didn’t like the laundry room). Later I figured out that he was scared of Roger and wanted protection. LOL How anything can be scared of Mr. Roger dog is beyond me. LOL

Coffee Club

So…..George gave me this coffee club from Driftaway for Christmas. I hadn’t been using it because I wasn’t sure I wanted flavored coffees in the flavors of Tropical Fruit and Peach and Lemon. I am a real fan of totally black and unflavored coffees. He’s been after me to try them. So I finally told him that I was waiting til I was in the mood for “flavored” coffees. He laughed and said they were NOT flavored but the listing at the top, such as tropical fruit, fudge and molasses, etc., were just the “tone” of it. “Ohhhhh” I said, “that makes all the difference”. So we had a pot of coffee in the afternoon yesterday, and I set up my account from George’s gift order. And soon (after two more days), I’ll go in and rank them.

I’m trying them backwards. So the Profile 4 we had yesterday and the Profile 3 is today. Surprisingly the Profile 3 seems to have more taste than the Profile 4, even though 4 is darker. But 4 (see very bottom of the coffee envelope) is from Brazil and 3 is from Guatemala. And Guatemalan Antiguan has always been our favorite flavor of coffee. But I have to wait to order so it won’t deliver while we are gone.

Much to my surprise, George grabbed the china cups to drink it from. Now I think he has started a trend. Coffee tastes REALLY good out of a china cup. My china is “Barrymore” by Noritake. It’s a Japanese made china set, which is interesting considering that it’s called “China” and most everything comes from China.

The coffee club by Driftaway has certain regions in which they obtain the coffee. And you are basically picking your region, at least that appears to be the way it works. I’m sure Guatemalan will win with us because it always has before.

New Year Goals for 2021

Wow don’t we ALL have hopes and dreams for this next year? How could one NOT after 2020. These things below are a compilation of everything including a bucket list, a resolution list, a to do list, an obtain (get it) list, an aspiration list, and a dream list. Because – WHY NOT just go “WHOLE HOG” here? So 1, 2, 3, here I go and these are not in any order of importance.

  • Vlog goals/improvements – This is deep and all inclusive from learning my camera, learning YouTube, YouTube Buddy, growing the channel, enriching the content and on and on.
  • Weight loss/Self Care – Always on the list. We can’t give up. Seeking fun ways to slim down while still being true to our foodie selves and not having to drink shakes on a cold winter’s morn.
  • Taking care of family
  • Pet situation is a big concern for 2021. I think we will be losing Roger soon.
  • Flooring – Praise the Lord, we get new flooring.
  • God – Intensive studies, journaling, and being more accepting of His day to day guidance and protection, in a more personal way.
  • Developing a study area – chair in my office which will also be a YouTube watching chair for watching shows on the iMac when George is using the other TV or listening to music! I’m so excited about this.
  • Reconsider all the Subscriptions that I have. Some need to go.
  • Reconsider our phone and cable costs. We need to rightsize everything based on usage/needs.
  • Big Sur Update on the iMac. Ditching Sophos’ internet protection and finding another that works with Big Sur.
  • Complete the entire Canon Camera Series (part of the first goal listed actually)
  • Use the InstaPot – I’ve never used it. George has.
  • Begin reading REAL books again.
  • Keep growing and learning.
  • Keep trying to be a better person- this could be a whole entire blog session in itself. lol
  • Be excited about life even though we are still in a Pandemic but hopefully crawling out of it before long (?).
  • Minimizing a few things and maximizing a few things. (Also a whole new blog post).

Why you Shouldn’t Give Up Your New Year’s Resolutions

There seems to be a trend in the last decade or so for people to QUIT having new year’s resolutions. Depending on the thought camp there, that can be either good or bad. To give up on all things that have to do with aspirations, dreams, and becoming a better self, is certainly not good. To ascertain that one needs to do this all the time and not just New Year’s is certainly acceptable in thought and practice.

I really think the change of seasons is a good time to jump start any new plans, ideas, self help, and set new targets for the quarter or seasons ahead.

Why should we NOT give up our _________? (Dreams, goals, aspirations)

  • Must keep the hope that our lives are served out in the purpose intended by God or the universe if you choose to think of it that way
  • Must have a direction to steer toward as to not spin in place and surge downward
  • Need to focus on things worth focusing on and reach out for our potential
  • Need to have some control over your life or someone else will
  • Need to have stepping stones to get where you are going
  • Low hanging fruit is within reach and should not be ignored
  • A plan can be made and a plan can be changed, but no plan is to be stagnant or a feather in the wind
  • One can sip wine or coffee while contemplating the next move 🙂
  • Life is exciting when a goal is reached or a project is maintained
  • Often your forward movement opens other doors you never dreamed would open
  • We all have potential that has been untapped.
  • Life has surprises tucked away in corners and treasures tucked away at various turns
  • Sharpen your skills and interests and increase your value to society

We could all go on and on, but we can’t just stop here in life and let the weeds take over. Must keep moving, growing, learning, and defining our lives.

January (New Year) Food Traditions Globally

I was reading the January section of the 2021 Old Farmer’s Almanac and these food traditions are consumed and considered vital in the first days of the new year in many parts of our world:

Of course most of us know that black eyed peas are considered good fortune here in the US?

Dutch homes consider any ring shaped food as symbolizing “coming full circle” and leading to fortune – such as a donut. Wow, I would really like to have a donut right now. I forgot about them. I’ll get one in Texas for sure.

Irish eat pastries called bannocks, which I’ve never heard of.

India and Pakistan – rice promises prosperity.

Apples dipped in honey are a Rosh Hashanah tradition.

Swiss homes enjoy dollops of whipped cream to symbolize the richness of the New Year. Even dropped on the floor and allowed to stay there. What?

Birthday Plans

Today is my birthday! Last night we celebrated with my SIL and BIL, Susan and Kevin. We went to Hermitage Steak House. It was not easy to get this pic. I was in about 8 people’s way and had two get out of the way (George and Kevin), lol. But it was worth it. I love the feel of this steak house in the log cabin.

They have the best steak ever! And it was decorated so pretty and elegantly. And the fireplace was wonderful.

Today’s Specific Goals

Mainly need to get these Christmas things out of the way, get the ironing done, make a Walmart run for snacks for Texas and a few things for work so I have meals to eat this week until we get the word to head South West. I have a big list of things to do including change purses and such, give myself a pedi, and all that.

George is fixing us a steak and egg breakfast as we had a steak thawed that needs to get used. We ended up taking longer to eat the lamb (two dinners) than expected and he’d thawed the steaks already. Then tonight we will be doing Olive Garden Takeout.

Other Notes

Oh we got some gifts in the mail yesterday from my Sister for Christmas. That was nice. We get to shop and eat!

I’m so excited to get to see and hold my Grandson soon. How exciting! I have to remember to go back and see who guessed his birthdate correctly after we get back. If I forget, remind me! I better get going on this day. These days off go by so quickly. It amazes me how I’m so good at entertaining myself. lol I guess it’s a God given talent in itself. I did spend the first 10 years of my life as an only child. So it comes natural. More natural than I thought it would. The internet helps with the blog and vlog and games and Netflix and all the audio books, not to mention regular books. No wonder we never have time for anything anymore. LOL.

Your Turn to Share

Now it’s your turn. What are a couple of your biggest goals for the new year? Do you have any New Year traditions or foods that you do that were not mentioned? Leave a comment below. Love to hear them. Ya’ll have a good day. Check back in with you later!

Tales on Christmas EVE EVE

On By BackporchwriterIn Uncategorized11 Comments

Top of the Morning to ya! We opened a wine I liked that we sipped on over the last couple of days. It had a good taste. I took a pic to remember it.

It’s “Christmas Eve Eve”. George and I have always loved Christmas Eve Eve. Once it was his father’s birthday (also named George) and we always went out to celebrate. Sometimes Olive Garden, with the whole family. Bless Him. He made life fun and interesting. If you had a problem, it was his problem and he would try to solve anything. A very giving and kind heart and a humorous side to him. Just don’t ask him if he wants to buy a chicken. LOL

Why do you ask? He, “Granda” would tell a certain joke only in a loud restaurant, or crowd. He casually asks you “Hey what do you say to a deaf man when you want to sell him a chicken?” And then he yells at the top of his voice “DO YOU WANT TO BUY A CHICKEN?” I mean AT. THE. TOP. OF. HIS. VOICE. It’s a showstopper folks. I’ve been there. The entire restaurant stops talking and looks over.

The fun of course, is later when you go out to eat again and he says “Hey what do you say to a deaf man when you want to sell him a chicken?” And the whole table would go “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO” in unison, also causing everyone to look. lol. He was a mess. And we are thinking of him this morning.

And no, it would not be politically correct for me to blog such a joke in public fashion, but I was telling a story of someone who told that joke to a group of friends/family. So in case anyone is confused, I’ve straightened that out for you. (There’s always a few judgers out there looking to pull the spec out of your eye while the big wooden beam rolls around in their own, rolls eyes. That came from the Bible. Not the eye rolling part. That part came from me. lol)

Here’s George’s Dad holding Katy – she was born on Christmas Day!

And here’s my Dad holding Katy. Only he became Pappaw.

Katy had me get out the pics of her as a baby so she could compare pics to River when he is born. She already has a 3D pic which is very realistic.

Here’s the moment of birth. Look at Mom’s face. It wasn’t planned for her to be in the delivery room. George was in there with me and when the time came they asked if she was planning to stay and I said, “sure” so Mom was thrilled to get to stay in there. I was also relieved to have Mom and George in the room.

I remember this feeling. The overwhelming feeling of “joy and protection” over this baby. I remember thinking immediately that I would do all I could to protect this wonderful being for the rest of her life as long as I am living. That is what was going through my head at the time, that I would eternally protect her and love her. I next remembered seeing her hands and how pretty and long they were. And how cute her feet were. I had no idea how to be a mother. I just new how much I loved her.

I saved this blanket and gave it back to Katy at one of her showers for River.

She was a cute baby. She didn’t look like this for very long. She thickened up. Her Daddy loved to give her an extra bottle just before bed. I would feed her what the doc suggested and he would throw that extra bottle in there.

She was already contemplating her future as a teacher, I think.

I look at this pic and think “why didn’t I comb my hair after delivery”? I had other things on my mind and that was a good thing though.

Our “package” came with a dinner for two in the room with grape juice for the wine. I had that turquoise house coat forever. I remember how that was a sweet dinner. But I also remember how tired I was. And I remember George was anxious to go home and us be released and it took forever. He was getting a bit agitated. All I wanted was rest. I think I was tired for a long while.

Katy was born on Christmas Day. I remember on Jan 3rd, Granny Jan, George’s Mom came to our house and fixed a birthday dinner of Spaghetti for me at our house. I was so tired still. I just wanted to sleep and rest. But of course I wouldn’t miss my own spaghetti dinner. I just remember it was all I could do to sit up and eat. I know young mothers are tired, but I seem unusually tired the first few weeks. I also didn’t want to sleep because I wanted to stay up and make sure she was breathing. I realized I had to sleep while she slept though but could always sleep best knowing someone was on watch or holding her.

Going back a bit. Here I was with Mom and my grandmother’s while pregnant.

So Christmas Eve Eve and Christmas has always been very special. It was also my “Nanny’s” birthday on the left. And of course Mam’ma’s (center) birthday was Dec 14th.

While I was typing this, George came in and said “Merry Christmas Eve Eve”! We have always said that to each other through the years.

George and I are looking for a bit more rest tonight. The last two nights have been rough with Roger. He is just unsettled. I’m grateful that George has been dealing with it. When I wake up I’m awake for the night if it’s after 1:30 unless I go right back to sleep immediately. Night before last I couldn’t go back to sleep until almost time for the alarm to go off. Last night Roger started early wanting off the bed. He gets thirsty we’ve figured out. So at 10:30 after an episode of wanting down, George took him for water and both Roger and George began snoring and I’m lying wide awake. Finally prayed for sleep and got it but Roger wanted down over and over again. I just remembered George getting up. And last night after that first encounter, I was able to sleep again after the others. I got more sleep than he did I think.

Now the little bugger will sleep ALL day! ::sigh:: I’m tempted to wake him up when he’s sleeping so he’ll sleep at night. But I just can’t do it.

So all is on track on the work front. Today is my last day to work for before the holidays. We went to the store last night. We stocked up on a “few things” and ended up with a $200 buggy full. lol.

Tonight I’ll make sausage balls. And Christmas Fire Crackers. I kept calling them Christmas Crack but that was wrong. I got that term from someone else and they were wrong. You have to watch what you repeat. It might be wrong. Christmas Crack is chocolate and peppermint I think. But this is Cheese it Crackers, canola oil, pepper flakes, and dry ranch dressing and you bake them. I’ve had it with oyster crackers too but the Cheese It’s are excellent.

Then tomorrow morning I’ll make casserole and clean up a bit and we’ll have a snack spread for Mom and Aunt Martha and Uncle Ken. And then we will have a prime rib dinner and Christmas morning we will munch on sausage balls until brunch.

We are well stocked. No one will go hungry. And we have 3 desserts we bought last night: Red Velvet cake, cheese cake, ice cream, and a chocolate silk pie. Wait – that’s 4 desserts. George wanted to have enough choices. And I think he wanted some leftovers. 😉 I picked the ice cream – it’s strawberry. That sounds so good right now.

So I better get ready and get to work for this final day. A lot to do today. But the mood is happy. A bit tired but content.

Birthday Weekend & Joy in the Kitchen

On By BackporchwriterIn Uncategorized6 Comments

First of all let me just say that this weekend was glorious. Getting to catch up on sleep did my soul and spirit wonders. I had to make myself stay in bed though at 3 or 4 a.m. for another round. And while I missed “to do” time at home, I made up for it by having double energy and a good attitude. 😉

The early parts of Saturday and Sunday were spent sipping coffee, doing laundry, spiffying up the place a bit, and for me, writing and doing things on the Mac.

And somewhere along the way, while putting up a southwestern towel with cacti on it, another with turquoise and orange and yellow (southwest colors), it occurred to me how well these colors would go with the kitchen. I’d been trying to think what would make me happier with the kitchen since the stove is old and the linoleum is “forever blue” — named forever as I’ll probably never see another color in this house. Maybe one day. I’m trying to be patient but I do realize that it was one of the first things I wanted to change and we have been here 12 years. The counter tops are ugly and old as well. Before I die, I’d like to have an updated kitchen. By the time that happens I’ll be too old to do anything in it. lol. George doesn’t like to replace anything that still works. I’m lucky we got the fridge. So I’m trying to be patient. And decided I’d give the kitchen a facelift. Only in the curtains, decor, and a bigger chalk board for menu planning. I told George about this and was met with a blank face and no return comment, which anyone can give their best interpretation. However, it was my Christmas and Birthday money to spend. ;-). Also I’ve been dumping my Isagenix earnings into our account to help pay for Christmas. And I also quit getting my hair colored saving us about $60 or $70 the other day. ;-). We did Christmas up right. Holidaying and vacays are over.

And now it’s time to save. (It’s really time to start planning the next vacation but that has been halted for now as George says he is unsure about what will be going on with work. This work thing getting in the way of vacations sucks. I think we have to wait til Feb to plan this one as he will have a better idea of what week will work and what is going on – recently taken over by another company.). However, I guess Katy and I can get our time on the books and get the date on the calendar. Then we can pick the place for sure and get that booked later. Getting it on the calendar is the hard part. But it is time to save some. We have been spending like there is no tomorrow. And well, you never know.

We do have a lot of things to do at home and I enjoy being at home so much. We also have our friends who love foodie excursions – either out or on the Homefront. And here’s me wanting to lose more weight, but love my Nashville cuisine and friend time.

We did it up right this weekend too. We went to Mexican Friday after work, already mentioned and then Saturday we headed out at 3 p.m. to go by Farmer’s Market and also the TN State Museum. George wanted a pewter TN license plate holder for his car for Christmas. You couldn’t get them on line but he had seen them there. But They didn’t have them.

Nashville’s Farmer’s Market and Capital in the background.
Inside the Food Court and Shopping section of Nashville’s Farmer’s Market

We got a beer at the Picnic Tap room there. As we were leaving a gentlemen stepped forward and asked if I remembered him. It was my friend Mac from Cain-Sloan and Dillard’s. I am not sure he worked long at Green Hills but we had hung out some during that time after Cain Sloan closed. My memory fails but I believe he worked in security. We had lunch some. I was really close to his Mom when I went to the Dillard’s Green Hills location as she worked there in Customer Service and Gift Wrapping. (Dillard’s bought Cain Sloan and that was their introduction to Nashville many years ago – an Arkansas based extended family business at least at that time. I’ve seen Mr. Dillard in person! Although he is probably not around now.). So it was fun running into him and he and George talked about the Gibson and guitars and such.

Then we headed to dinner but we were early so we stopped at Union Common and got a cocktail to pass the time. We had been there on a “foodie tour” once and had always said we’d like to go back. No one is ever there, but as George said “we are early as the crowds eat late these days”. It’s turning into New York lol. Places have to stay open later and later for dinner service I guess as people just can’t get there by dinner time. And to think I grew up when 4:30 to 5:30 was dinner hour – it was ready at some point during that time frame. Then when I moved to Nashville it became 6. George always ate around 8 or 8:30 so we had extreme adjustments on when to eat. I will never get used to 8 or 8:30 as a meal time. And George will try to have it ready by 7:30 or 8. He usually cooks. When I cook, I have to clean and have the kitchen perfect and do the laundry reboot first, so mine is often late too. But there was hardly anyone in Union Common and hardly anyone in Giovani’s.

Giovani’s Nashville, and George on the front steps.
A “lighted” wine list

When you open the wine menu it lit up. How cool is that? There were also some $2500 bottles of wine on there. No Thank you.

Barbera D’Asti, Michele CHiarlo 2016 – an Italian Wine, and a very good one.

We picked one and it was so good. I got gluten free spaghetti. It just seemed better for you since it was available. And there was an awkward moment when the waiter said “ok I will remove the crouton’s then from your salad” and I said “oh please don’t I want the croutons”. (lol). He said “but if you have gluten allergies?”. I said “I don’t have gluten allergies, just cutting back on…” and he looked away and finished taking George’s order. I wasn’t sure if I was cutting back on calories or what I was cutting back on – “bad stuff” I guess. That is it. Cutting back on the bad stuff.

Anyway, we had a wonderful dinner. The food was good. I had a Caesar salad. I wish the lettuce had been broken up a bit and easier to eat without having to cut the romaine, but it was good and served with a crispy piece of bacon. I have had better Caesar salads, but it was still good. No picture of my spaghetti bolognese which was really ziti I think as that was what was gluten free. You just don’t feel as bloated when you eat the gluten free, but often it is not as good. This however, if it was truly gluten free, was good. The sauce was excellent. The bread was good. It was a pretty place. A fine dining experience.

And then Sunday afternoon at 3 my SIL and BIL came over to swap Christmas and also we headed out to do my Birthday celebration.

Susan and Kevin

This is George’s sister and her husband. We had a fun Christmas swap and then went to Bar Taco where I had picked for my birthday.

Bar Taco, 12th South, Nashville, TN
Bar Taco, Nashville, TN
  • Key Lime Pie in a Jar
Nashville

Some may have wanted to go out to another place and I was game if they wanted to, but they let me decide and I chose home. The 4 a.m. hour comes way too early.

I finished shopping on line as I had not gotten to finish earlier and then I realized – yikes it’s 10 p.m.!

Anyway it was a splendid weekend and now that the birthdaying is over, and Christmas events are over, I can go ahead and begin gathering up the Christmas stuff, and look forward to doing the kitchen decor redo. I’ve taken the before pics already. You won’t be able to see much difference I’m sure as it’s only a few small changes. And mostly have to be upclose. So I probably need to take some more unclose photos for my before shots.

Very few “to do’s” scheduled for this week. A birthday gift to send out, and schedule doc and dentist and dog appointments, and see when friends want to set dates for various things. There are about three friend dates hanging out there and I’m afraid they are all going to come about at once. Also friend Christy wants to go see Little Women.

Anyway, I better go get ready for work. I really need to be leaving about now. Probably won’t blog for another couple of days or toward the end of week. It seems to be working well to do it this way. I also have more material to cover, lol. If I blog every day I end up getting too deep and personal and this way I keep it on the surface. For the most part. I still usually thrown in if something is heavy on my mind though.

Hope you all have a great week. I’m about to dive into mine.