Ten On Tuesday

1) So how has your Tuesday been?  Mine?  Didn't start off so well.  Small freezer.  Full of food..... dead.  Yes, another victim of the power surge it would seem. So instead of heading to work when I thought I was ready to go I found myself making multiple trips across the yard, out to the garage to an old fridge/freezer we have out there!  OK... so I could be bummed right?  But I am trying to think of reasons to be thankful instead.  Like that God gave me a nudge to check the freezer in the first place.  Not sure why I opened it last night, and then remembered to check again this morning to see how it was doing.  Also Thankful that I had another freezer to cart it all too and that I think most of the food is OK.  There may be a few inedible frozen pizzas.... The best news?  The Strawberry Freezer Jam was saved.  For that... we are truly thankful.  I mean have you had Strawberry Freezer Jam on a fresh hot biscuit?  YUM. 

2) More remodeling progress!  Yay!  We have the trim painted and installed!  Door trim is up and painted.  Windows are painted and trimmed AND we have curtains in place again.  They were in place for a short while until we discovered we had to take them back down to paint the windows... duh.  We are good like that. 

3) Since Monogirl has been like in major crochet mode she has been perusing Pinterest for what else?  More crochet patterns and ideas.... I mean it's like chocolate or scrapbook supplies you can never have too much.  The most um unsettling crochet idea I've come across?  A men's... obviously... crocheted jock strap.  Oh and with a matching pair of mesh shorts. I'm all like seriously?  I had to show my husband and make him promise me should I ever start to crochet things like that that he would take my hooks away from me immediately never to be returned. 

4) The sound of Christmas music could be heard from my car here recently.  Something like this one.... and this one.... which have long been favorites.

5) It's Operation Christmas Child time again.  Does your church participate?  We have a goal of 500 boxes this year and I might have done a little Amazon Smile (do you go to smile.amazon.com to shop thru Amazon?  It's such a cool way to help your favorite charity.  Mine is Nourish Our Children) shopping today to get a thing or two to contribute.  So fun. God has been putting ideas in my head about things we can do for next year with crafty stuff.... like crochet stuff... and woodworking stuff.... Stuff Monogirl and her husband just happen to enjoy.  It might involve some sort of crafty challenge... .perhaps some of ya'll would like to join in?  Stay tuned... more info to come soon. 

6) Date night this week had a much better start considering there was no threat of power surges and um fire..... I am thinking that is a big improvement.  It did however include starting with a funeral visitation.... But after that Home... PJ's.... Movies... Pizza.... and popcorn ensued.  A good time was had by all.

7) Have you ever tried to live without your microwave after you are used to having your microwave?  I mean one night Darrel had a plate of left overs all ready to reheat until he walked over to the microwave and remembered oh hey... this doesn't work.  Grrr... What did one do with left overs pre- microwave?  Then there was date night.  All ready for the movie.  Ready for our popcorn... but oh wait.... you can't make microwave popcorn without a microwave and that was all we had.  Until... Monogirl wondered if one could break into the bag and put it in a pot on the stove... Guess what?  It was pretty yummy that way and tasted even more movie theatery.  Might need to do that even with having a microwave. 

8) It seems the good ol' insurance company would now like some sort of expert to fill out some sort of Affidavit to prove that there was a power surge and to prove that our stuff was damaged by said power surge..... Well lets see.... my husband took electrical stuff in college.... he made the right diagnosis according to the electric company guy... .does he count?  I'm guessing not.  I supposed its some sort of coincidence that the power line broke..... the power got all weird and too strong on one side, and not enough on the other and then when it was fixed... .Viola... like magic like 10 things no longer will even turn on.... I'm sure the surge had nothing to do with it right?  Darrel was thinking they ought to be thankful we aren't asking them to pay for a whole house and contents since we actually prevented a fire... hello!!  Just help us out here!  And oh... while you are at it add the freezer mentioned above to the list!

9) I am currently again THREE books BEHIND in my yearly reading goal.  The year ends like um NEXT month.  I really really want to make that goal.  And I really really want it to stop telling me I'm behind.... Guess there is only one solution for that problem... I apparently have serious making my reading goal issues.  You'd think there will be some kind of penalty or something rather than Monogirl just wanting to MEET THAT GOAL. 

10) Is it just here in Southern Indiana or did winter arrive sometime during the day today in your neck of the woods too?  It is cold out there!  And um Monogirl was thinking when she got in the car after work that it only takes sitting on a cold leather seat once to figure out why the person who invented heated leather seats was a genius.  I'd now like a portable one to take with me wherever I go please. 

And looky there.... I made 10... On an actual Tuesday.  Perhaps its a Thanksgiving miracle? 

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

Yes!  You guessed it!  The Internet and Wifi has been restored!  Happy Dance! I mean 6 days without Wifi.... who knew it was possible?  Ha. 

The saga began on date night last week.... or shall I say what was supposed to be date night.  We had planned carryout and movies and The Amazing Race at home.  That was until I got home and discovered our house smelled like our church did the day it was on fire.  And no.... I am NOT fond of that smell and it does not bring up good memories.  It scared me.  Good.  Next I realize that some of our power is on and working and some of our power is acting like it's not getting enough power with lights not coming on, or humming or flickering.  I immediately get my husband on the phone and the conversation went something like this..... "I need you to come home NOW."  Apparently my panic came across because he said he was shutting things down to head out the door before I finished that sentence.  He had me turn off our furnace and shut down the power to the house until he could get here. 

Back in 2010  (you might remember this post) we had an electric issue.  The power was acting very similar to that time, but the smell of hot electric wires was new.  My husband got out his electric meter thingy and discovered that one side of the main was reading way too high like 185-190 volts and one side was like 50 volts.  He thought it could be the breaker going out so we tried replacing that first.  That solved the problem for like a minute and a half.... and then everything went goofy again.  Plan B?  Call the electric company.  By this point it's after 11 PM and the house is dark... and COLD.  I mean it was seriously the coldest day we've had this fall.  Darrel has proof of this because when he came home with the new breaker.... and dinner... cause yes... we still needed to eat..... he discovered his wife wearing long john pants, a thermal night shirt, ugg slippers, her favorite pink hand warmers (that her friend Lori made for her), and lets see... um like 4 layers of blankets?  I practically had a little blanket fort for me and my Kindle... which I am glad is a Paperwhite so I could see it! ha!! 

Electric company shows up and Darrel tells him about the readings he got and the man says well that means we need to check "neutrals."  I have no idea what a neutral is.... but was happy it was something repairable.  Next thing I hear is the sound of a chainsaw.... Yes.  At midnight we were cutting off tree tops and fixing a broken neutral.  The neutral wire turned out to be in our fence line at the top of the electric pole.  It was a really windy day and the tree had hit the line and broken the wire.  This caused an electric surge to part of our circuits and brown out conditions to the rest of the circuits.  So yay... power is back.... but um boo.... now to discover all the things the surge/brown out fried. 

Furnace was out.  Bedroom ceiling fan.. .dead ... and one of the things that had a burning up motor that was causing the smell.  2 tv's dead.  Modem... dead.  Small window Air conditioner in our bedroom... yep.. Fried.  Modulator thingy on the satellite.  Bedroom alarm clocks... also toast.. um literally.  ha!  There was also a surge/strike thing on the electric meter that did it's job.  It was burned and melted inside and definitely was part of the smell.  Also killed our Microwave/Convection oven. 

But... reasons to be SO thankful.  Furnace was repairable and was fixed the next morning for a reasonable price.  Although the strike plate was singed and burned and the surge strip on our electronics by the TV was also singed... Our home was protected and no fire.  Thank you Lord.  We have prayed for the protection of our home and God has done just that many times.  Also thankful it wasn't the middle of winter so we didn't freeze to death! ha.  And... thankful for insurance which will help with all of the replacements.  I am also thankful for my iPhone with Internet access which was a definite plus during the dead Wifi. 

So yes... a saga... and yes still some hassles with all the things needing replaced BUT we are feeling thankful and cared for because God always takes care of us and provides for our needs.

So did you see the picture up top?  Yes!  Finally I can show you my secret afghan project.  This is the first afghan I've made in over at least like 15 years.  I used to crochet like I had a hook permanently attached to my hand.  Then scrapbooking entered the picture and it pretty much took a backseat.  But now?  I think the crocheting itch has definitely returned!  I first saw this pattern on Knit & Crochet now.  It's on TV on PBS on Saturdays.  They had a free pattern and I fell in love with the look of it and this cool "Bavarian" style and just had to give it a try.  Due to the back post treble crochet decrease stitches it also has this cool raised stitch effect.  Love!

I liked the sample look so much I didn't want to change a thing so I ordered the same yarn and colors recommended in the pattern.  The yarn is cotton so it has a really nice feel to it. 

I made the blanket for my new great nephew Elliot that is due in January.  We had his Mom's baby shower this past Sunday so I finally got to give my gift. 

And this face?  When she first saw the blanket made every stitch worth it.  Crocheting can be very calming and therapeutic.  I also found it was a good time to pray over my stitches and the blanket with lots of prayers for little Elliot.  So thankful for crochet and for my Mom and Mother-in-law who both have so much to do with my knowledge and abilities in the crochet realm. 

And now that I have returned to the land of crochet I currently am working on 2 more gift projects for Christmas with another 2 waiting in line and I have supplies ready to go for that living room throw I mentioned quite awhile back and this wrap and an adorable snow people couple.... of course while I was looking for links I also spotted this free snow people pattern... how cute are they?  Will have to add that to the list.  Goodness.... the crochet list is growing... I better stop blogging and get to crocheting!

And OK...since I am nearing novel length at this point... OK Novella length.... lets close with a thankful list....

Feeling so thankful for:

• No fire to our house
• crocheting
• a husband that knows how to fix things
• working Wifi
• that there were not more things damaged by the surge
• fall weather
• warm blankets and ugg slippers
• reading.  Yes.  I read an entire book while the Great Electric Saga unfolded
• my Kindle!
• a date night candlelight dinner.  OK.  We didn't plan it that way.  And OK.  We didn't have a choice.  It was still pretty nice.
• homemade chicken and noodles for dinner tonight
• Saturday pancakes
• my job
• good good friends
• Ugg boots.... they feel like you are wearing the Ugg slippers!
• new Modem!
• sweaters... boots... and tights
• the microwave... when it works.  Darrel got a plate of left overs all ready to heat up... walked over to the microwave... and then it hits us... um it doesn't work.   And yes, we've repeated that episode a few times over the past 6 days. What did one do with left overs before the microwave? 
• the approaching holidays.  already in a Christmas mood this year and that hasn't happened in a while.  There might have been Christmas music playing in my car yesterday.  And yes.  I know it isn't Thanksgiving yet.  It just puts me more in the mood for that too!
• hugs from my favorite little ones at church
• a working furnace! It's 44 degrees outside right now and the 30's are showing up in the 10 day forecast.
• Running water... heat... electricity... you stop taking them for granted real quick when you have to do without them. 
• Miss Sophie... Tris... and Tanner.  He had a birthday this week.  13 years old and has the little ol' dog grumpiness to prove it some days...
• smart phone GPS which got me to an appointment yesterday way quicker than I thought was possible

And now... it's time to get started on that Chicken and Noodles I mentioned.  Hope you are having a wonderful Thursday.  Blessings!

The Saga

Yes. Have been trying to post more. But your are thinking Um no....not seeing you around much. Well.....there is a saga. One that involves non working Internet and wifi and a near fire at our house. So I am posting this from my iPhone to let you know I will be back soon. Hopefully internet fixed tomorrow ? Maybe. Unless we discover something else fried. See....you are curious now right ? Stay tuned for the tales of the unending electrical saga. And pics of my crochet project...yes...finally. Oh and 2-3 book reviews.  One which was completely read while the saga was taking place. I mean what else is monogirl to do without heat electricity or Internet ?  

So as Arnold said.....I'll be back. 

Thankful Thursday

Hello?  Anyone here?  Or have ya'll grown tired of my continual absence and migrated over to Heidi Swapp's blog?  I mean she is Heidi after all and a fellow pink lover! 

I hope you are still here...and for anyone that is... for that I am truly thankful. 

Sorry to be so hit or miss this year.  I've been trying to figure out what the deal is with that and OK...I have a few thoughts on that subject. Are you up for hearing them? 

So I'll just say it.... I am in full blown blog burn out.  Is there a support group for that?  I used to look forward to blogging.  Lately?  Not so much.  I'm like eh..... what do I have to say that is even remotely interesting today?  Another day dealing with depression and chronic fatigue.  Another day not feeling good and struggling.  Another day not where I was.  And I mean really.... I wonder if I will just sound like I am whining and who wants to listen to that?  So not me.... 

I was reading Courtney Walsh's blog yesterday where she wrote about a particularly difficult time for her and her family and how she hadn't been blogging as much because she wants to be "authentic" and honest and sometimes you just feel like you can't do that so you'd rather say nothing.  That spoke to me.  I think I am in that place.  I have been holding back.  You've been with me thru a fire at our church.  Through weight loss ups and downs.  Through Mono.  Through my Dad's cancer.  And now through Chronic Fatigue and depression.  But in the name of being honest.... let's just put it out there.  Things aren't going so well right now. Summer of 2010.... well that was the last high point I can remember.  Then the weight loss stuff really stalled and turned into a huge plateau.  Then early in 2011 came the Mono which knocked me off my feet.  I was a good girl and did all the DRs told me to get thru the Mono... but it still lead to Chronic Fatigue and it's companion Depression... which yes, I have dealt with before.  And OK... the weight that I lost?  It found me again.  Or OK... I found it.  There were people that I thought were supportive and helpful and friends but when things started going bad they took things I had written on my blog and used them against me.  And yes... that has a lot to do with when the holding back started.  There were people that seemed to be waiting for me to fail when I was succeeding and when the failing started... they actually seemed happy about it.  Ouch.    So then one figures OK... who wants to share if they are going to get punched?  I mean punch me once it hurts... and I struggle and I forgive... but um not going to stand there and get punched again.  So... I've withdrawn.... which let's face it is a part of depression anyway. 

I've heard and seen attitudes about how Chronic Fatigue isn't a real illness. Depression isn't either.  Which leaves me wondering how come my DR whom I trust says I am too hard on myself and that Mono and CFS are REAL things and serious illnesses that take time to recover from.  And yes again... I withdraw and wonder who wants to hear my stories anymore.  But then I read on Courtney's post yesterday something I had already been thinking.... she said:  God reminded me...nobody else can benefit from your pain if you refuse to talk about it.

I believe God uses ALL things for Good (Romans 8:28) I believe there are things he wants me to learn from my current situation.  I believe that even though I've gotten off into the ditch.... OK... I didn't just drive off into the ditch... I've spun my wheels so much... I am good and sunk in.... God can show me how to drive out.  I think maybe it starts with gratitude for even the hard things.  So today I am choosing to be thankful for the Mono.  Thankful for the weight gain.  Thankful for the depression.  I already see how he uses it.  He has shown me so many times in the past that when I talk about it, when I bring the secrets, the hard things out into the light?  It takes away the power of Satan trying to use them against me.  Often you find out that 3 more people in the group you are talking to are struggling with the same things!  And when you have courage to speak about it... they think hey!  I am not the only one!  God can use even what we think are the bad things.  He uses all things for good.

So... OK probably more than you expected or perhaps needed today... but that is where I am.  I like blogging. I LOVE hearing from people that say they liked reading my blog. I like to write.  I like having this record of our lives.  It helps me with my scrapbooking and I've always been one to like a journal and a record of daily life.  I love to go back and read old entries.

So I am thinking  this blog needs some new life breathed into it.... perhaps so does the author.... I have been tossing around ideas of what kind of things I want to share.  If I want to have a schedule of posts... what kind of things would that include?  I still want to share about daily living and books!  Books... ah... definitely a bright light in the darkness at times.  So yes, will continue to share and review books.  I hope I can again pick up my scrapbooking and share about that.  I have also recently been heavily back into crocheting.  I've currently got at least 3 projects going... but all are gifts so I haven't been able to share... but they are coming soon.  I also hope to get back on the weight loss road.. which yes is a serious thing to me.  But I am also feeling maybe I need to take it all not quite so seriously..... or perhaps obsessively this time.... Because God has been showing me reasons it wasn't lasting before.  Perhaps I can share about that on another post.  I've also been thinking about Christmas already and would love to share some thoughts about that.... especially the extensive reading list I have made of Christmas Christian Fiction I have on hand! 

Are you still there?  Are you interested?  Are you with me?  I'd love to hear from anyone that says yes to those questions.  Please leave me a comment. 

And OK..... since it is in fact "Thankful Thursday" let's close with a list. 

I am thankful for.....

• Miss Tris!  Yes... that is her being quite busy in the yard stalking anything that moves.
• date night.... which tomorrow may include Endless Shrimp! 
• my job and co workers. 
• singing! 
• days at home. I love home
• pink stuff
• fall temps
• the beautiful colors of the trees right now
• Ghirardelli hot chocolate weather
• crocheting!
• reading!  Just finished Snowfall
• new sweaters and jeans
• more work done on the house!  We need a catch up post!
• Miss Sophie.  She decided to play fetch with Darrel last night. 
• 4 new little friends at church... sweetest kids ever
• new curtains
• sleeping in
• my blog.... and you!
• Darrel finally getting past a sinus infection that has been plaguing him
• my husband.  Best husband ever
• Saturday pancakes
• Hilton Head.... I hope we can go again next year.
• pedicures
• Tanner
• good friends
• Kids Hope!  We did some birthday celebrating yesterday!
• thanksgiving approaching....

And soooo much more.  God is good.

Thanks for listening..... um reading.... and thanks for being here!  

Blessings

Once Upon a Time There was a Pretty Pink iPhone.................

So yes I was going to blog for Thankful Thursday... um yesterday.... but then this happened.  The dreaded.... "aren't you oh so happy to discover your iPhone is in recovery mode" screen.   And no... I was not Oh so happy. 

See I was trying to burn a mix CD of Christian music for church for before and after service.  A worthy task right?  So why am I being punished?  ha.... iTunes tells me oh, you need to update iTunes, which I did.  Then it tells me oh... you need to back up your iPhone... which I did... thank GOD.  Then it tells me oh..... there is a software update for your phone, do you want to update?  So of course I say yes because I have not heard that some people are reporting issues with ios 8.... so what do I do?  I say yes... sure.. please update my phone and life will be wonderful. 

Life was not wonderful when I come back to my computer (after making my husband's favorite spaghetti) to find that I have an error.... and oh... your iPhone is now in recovery mode and you must restore.  Sounds easy enough right?  Until you read the fine print.... which says it will put it back to factory settings.  WHAT?!@! Um... what about my pictures, my ring tones, my text alert tones, contacts, text messages, and did I mention my PICTURES? 

So of course the next step is to google what the heck iPhone recovery mode and restoring it really means and I am assured that the phone will then recover from back up and every thing will be right back where it belongs and all will be happiness and light again. 

I was of course happy about this UNTIL I got brave enough to hit restore and then it tells me oh.... I'm sorry.... we don't recognize your phone.  What?  How could it not recognize my phone?  It's the pretty pink one in the happy Vera B case sitting right here.... and it does not deserve this punishment.

So I google again and find out what to do when it doesn't recognize my pretty pink phone... which tells me to restart my computer.... iTunes... and my phone.... which I did. 

So OK... hold your breath.... plug the phone in again... hit restore..... and then be afraid to look if you are going to get that same stinkin' error.... But NO.  It appeared to go right into recovery.... so now Monogirl held her breath that it would make it all the way thru this time.....

Oh and did I tell you that somewhere in the middle of this drama Monogirl's husband shows up and as she starts to unfold the tale to him he says "it wasn't update 8 was it..... I've heard people are having problems with that."  Um really.... thank you for sharing that info with the wife....ha!

Well this time we make it thru recovery...... and the computer restarts and the phone restarts and it brings me back to back up recovery.  Do you know what it did?  It put everything.... well almost everything.... back like it was.  I mean my wallpaper pics were there.... my icon groups were there.... my pictures were there.... hallelujah and thank you Lord..... my texts were there.... even apps that had info. in them... info was there!  The only thing I had to re-set up was to re-do my fingerprint thingy and it didn't grab my purchased ring and text tones.  I discovered they were in iTunes though and hadn't synced because they weren't checked.  My bad.  Once I checked... and synced... viola!  Back on the phone. 

So.... although there was drama..... although there was stress......Monogirl and her pretty pink iPhone lived happily ever after.... or at least they will until Monogirl can afford a 6..... which she will do at some point because after the drama?  And how well it recovered and put everything back the way Monogirl likes it?  Well Monogirl may be an iPhone for life girl now......

What was I thankful for on Thursday?  A fully restored.... fully recovered... and fully backed up iPhone. 

Blessings!

Ten on Tuesday

1) Yes....seeing peeks of colors in the trees. LOVE. I especially love the orange ones. So pretty. Isn't God cool ?  All the gorgeous color when they could just turn brown, shrivel up and fall off!

2) They have been doing a tar and chip process to the road I take to work. They already have part of that road closed and now tar and chip the rest? Really ? Have you driven on tar and chip? It's loud. Rocks spit up on your car and then to make sure they stick we add tar to it. Wonderful idea. I am not a fan. I told Darrel they say they are prolonging the life of the road but it's at the expense of shortening my life from the aggravation. 

3) Yesterday was 13 years since we moved from Illinois to Indiana. Started out losing my job and ended up with the biggest blessing living in the Indiana country. Love how God uses hard things for good. 

4) This arrived today. Yes. I ordered it. Apparently I am in the mood for some Christmas crafting this year. 

5) Wonderful date night this week. Carry out Italian beef combos. The season premiere of The Amazing Race. Oh and there was a movie called The Signal. Not a bad movie but definitely odd.....

6) In home remodeling news the trim boards and the rest of the ceiling goes up this week and trim boards means curtains can go up! Hallelujah to that news. 

7) A giant spider might have crawled across the living room floor last night. Monogirl might have screamed "giant spider giant spider " until her husband came to slay it.  Monogirl does not like spiders ....or snakes...or mice. Just for future reference. 

8) um we are going to have to call 8 a 10 cause monogirl is fresh out of ideas for tonight. But hey at least she showed up...improvement right ?

Blessings. 

Thankful Thursday

Ok so I can't completely keep the secret anymore. I have to show you this peek of one of my crochet projects. It is coming out sooooo cool because it uses back post stitches which means parts of the design are raised. Cool right?  Loving crochet again at the moment and feeling quite thankful for the peace and relaxation it brings me. Also pretty thankful for.......

My mom learning crochet when I was a kid because that is where my crochet experience began.

My ikea cart of crochet and stitching and reading goodness sitting right next to me.

New season of fall shows. Who watched survivor and how about that first eviction blindside? Y

Wonderful yarns and all the cool textures and colors. 

A fresh gel manicure that did not make my fingers peel this time. 

Books books and more books. Right now I am loving authors Lisa Wingate and Lisa Samson. Just read The Passion of Mary Margaret from the latter. Loved the way she loved and talked about Jesus. So awesome. 

Fall temps !

Our new DVR that will record 5 shows at a time. LOVE

Miss Sophie even though she is currently stalking my crocheting. 

Saturday pancakes

Date night. Always

My planned Christmas projects

Riding with the sunroof open. 

New devotional books 

A new devotional and prayer journal. 

Making stuff 

Hot chocolate time again. 

Cuddling with my husband. 

Our church and church family. 

Singing. 

Sunday lunches. I love when our waiter brings me what I need and calls me by name without me saying a word. 

Gods provision protection and grace. 

He is so good and I am feeling blessed. 

And on that happy thought .....I bid you goodnight for now. 

Blessings. 

Ten on Tuesday

Ok.    Trying this blogging thing from the iphone app. Could be a good thing.....or not so much. A result something like mad Libs comes to mind.

1) Mind.  Perhaps a good place for monogirl  to start because yesterday....driving back to the office after lunch.... She stopped at a speed limit sign. Not a stop sign. A speed limit sign. No one knows why. A group of psychiatric experts are looking into it.

2) How cute is the picture ?  Yes. That is Miss Sophie all curled up. Darrel and I were watching tv. He was holding my hand. Yes.... We do that. Miss Sophie comes along and settled herself down in the space between our arms. Awww too cute right?

3) God bless the nice Directv man. He was at the house today upgrading our receiver and he gave us two extra remotes. How cool was that? 

4) ok.... So far I am liking the blogger app. Quick. Easy to use. And more convenient than firing up the laptop. Two typing thumbs up. Perhaps it will also be a good work out for my texting speed. 

5) Yes....it is that time of year! Endless Shrimp time at Red Lobster. Yum. It is also Never Ending Pasta Bowl at Olive Garden. So basically it's fall which is apparently pig out time. Works for me. 

6) Fall. Did someone say fall?  Yes. That also means it's Bath and Body Works pumpkin soap time and fall candles. Yes. I've already placed an order. Yes. It has arrived. As soon as I get my pumpkin filled up....we may officially declare a beginning to fall. Which also means the leaves need to immediately start turning colors too. 

7) Who is looking forward to fall shows ? We can't wait for the start of Survivor tomorrow and for The Amazing Race this weekend I think?  Also the Chopped Ultimate Champion tonight and Big Brother finale tomorrow. Do we think Derrick will win ?

8) The downside to a new dvr? We had like 40 some series set to record. Yes this  means now I get to set all that up again. Someone needs to invent an app for that. 

9) It is still September. Yet somehow I have Christmas crafting on my mind. Trust me when I tell you my minds plans are much bigger than what my hands will likely complete. Some things like mug cozies or scarves would be gifts. Other thoughts are a new tree skirt and stockings for us. Christmas tree skirt and Christmas stockings just to be clear since after I typed it I was thinking a skirt and stockings sounded like a whole other thing. Ha!  

10) And let's end with food shall we ?  What do you get hungry for in the fall ? We've had a few almost fall temp days and I am allllll ready for some pumpkin bread. And peanuts with candy corn. And beef stew. And I'm sure my husband would put in an order for pumpkin pie. Since I am thinking no one is likely to show up at the door with any of those things....perhaps I should head to the kitchen. 

And there you have it. A first. Ten hopefully somewhat interesting thoughts typed entirely on an iphone. Yes you witnessed it here first. 

Blessings !

The Vacation Report

OK so yes, I was gone.... again.  I had a really good reason this time.  See what's behind us there in the picture?  Um that would be the ocean. The beach.  Palm Trees.  Are you remembering how much Monogirl loves and adores the beach?  Yes... I was gone... but while I was gone... I was on Hilton Head Island!  3rd year in a row!  Do I hear 4?  I am really hoping I hear 4.... cause sign me up for that. 

We spent a week on Hilton Head Island.  Sunday to Sunday.  What did we do?  Sat in the ocean.  A lot.  We also sat on the balcony.... ate breakfast and dinner... and looked at the ocean.  Are you getting the idea that we have a thing for the ocean?  Yes. You would be most correct!  We also watched the dolphins, did a little shopping, ordered in some amazing Asian Bistro food, and generally had a peaceful, amazing, wonderful time.  I even fit in a little scrapping.... see!

I took stuff along to start and possibly complete... but of course that didn't happen... a little We R Memory Keepers Instagram (4x4) size mini album!  I took my selphy... printed my pics in the evening and Viola!  Vacation Album.  I need to go back now and add my journaling and some embellies and I shall be good to go.  I also have an idea to use with some sand and shells collected from the beach!  I also might have bought a different color album when I was shopping for more page protectors... that this one might be switched out for.  Why?  Cause the new one just goes better with the color of the ocean water OK?  Yes that made total sense to me and its a Monogirl's prerogative to change her mind.

And just in case you didn't get a good enough look at the ocean in the picture above here is some more wonderful scenery for you....

Nice view right.... and yes the beach is good too.
Have I mentioned how much we love HHI?  And... we love vacation time together.  Call me weird... or maybe call me in love... but um Monogirl could totally spend 24/7 with the husband and be completely happy with that.

We left 90 degree temps at the beach and came home to what feels like the arrival of fall already here at the beginning of September.  It's kind of confusing actually because we left home with high temps and humidity and um summer.... and we came home to Fall!  It is usually a bit more gradual about changing up.  I wasn't quite done with my flip flops and favorite jean shorts so I was wondering where can I sign up for a week or two of Indian Summer? 

What else has happened since we visited last?  Kids Hope has started again for the new school year and this week we had to put some new watercolor paints to use! 

This is my attempt... yes... at a masterpiece.  On the other hand?  I am thinking artistic expression in itself is a masterpiece... so there you go. 

In addition to art projects my husband and I got to attend our very first middle school volleyball game.  My KH friend is on the team this year so we wanted to go and support her at a game.  It was quite fun actually and I got to learn that there are no innings in Volleyball... and apparently no like halves or quarters either.  I also got to learn that we play to 25, and the winner is the best out of 3 games.  The teams were pretty well matched last night so the scores were close with both the A and B teams so we got to see a total of 6 games and I got a very nice picture of my KH friend serving. 

In the world of tech there have been two exciting announcements since we visited last.... yes... they have announced a new Kindle... the Kindle Voyage... AND there is a new iPhone 6!  I would like to have one of each please.  Now if I could just find the extra cash laying around to run out and get them! I am thinking I'll be waiting awhile on that one.  Do I "need" either one?  Um no... should that be a consideration? 

I have continued working on my reading challenge and yes I am now at 70 books.  However I have also gotten on a crocheting kick which is stealing time from my reading time.  Yes both are worthy activities but I am thinking only Monogirl could have anxiety issues that her crocheting time is going to screw up her chances of reading goal meeting...... Yes.  I have issues.  Can one crochet and read simultaneously?  Or maybe I should ask if one can enjoy both simultaneously?  Cause I am thinking that should be a consideration. 

And so now you are somewhat up to date.... I know you were worried right?  Please stick around.  I will be back on a more regular basis.  Monogirl has really been struggling with Chronic Fatigue and Depression issues.  Perhaps we should have a more serious discussion about that on a future post?  And due to those things many things that Monogirl is usually enjoying like blogging... walking... scrapbooking... etc... well the motivation has left the building which leaves Monogirl frustrated and a little lost on what to do.  Anyway.... probably way more info than you needed on this Thursday night.... but thanks for stopping in.  Monogirl loves and enjoys blogging and doesn't want to leave and she thanks you for being patient while she tries to get her head back to a normally.... well as much as possible... functioning state. 

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

Well... if it's Thursday and we are going to have a thankful list.... and if its summer in Southern Indiana, then I am thinking the list must include fresh from the fields watermelon.  I mean this was picked... it was  brought in to church.... it was GOOD.  So I am feeling quite thankful for watermelon and for the nice friend who shared some with me.  Don't you wish you had a friend like that too? 

I am also feeling grateful that......

• here we are on Thankful Thursday and here is Monogirl actually blogging and making a thankful list.  Another Thursday miracle. 
• the first Thursday miracle was the fact that I also completed 2 book reviews I've been needing to get done.  Monogirl is on a blogging roll today! 
• that it is a day at home day....was really ready for that.  Not feeling fabulous this week CFS wise BUT I've made it to work.  I've gotten lots done in spite of that... so hey, more thankfulness!
• Kids Hope starting again for the new school year.  Got to see my girl yesterday for the first time since summer.  It was awesome! 
• Fresh Indiana peaches which yes, there are still some in the kitchen!
• books.  books.  more books.  that is all.
• texting my husband from another room in the house to ask for a bottle of water and him telling me I am "cute"
• that he also thought I was cute when I told him the story of how I was worried that I broke the car.  Good news and more thankfulness... .I did not break the car.
• that the stress of getting ready for vacation is about to be over... which could only mean one very good thing. 
• new shirts that go very nicely with my anniversary cross necklace
• cute vera bradley stuff.  Have you seen their newest arrivals? 
• Miss Sophie.  We just love her. 
• Air Conditioning!  Is it this HOT and HUMID where you live?  Goodness.
• crocheting.... even when it includes things like 8 treble back post decrease stitches....
• my husband finishing the project he's been working on for his Dad's birthday
• getting to do crafts in Sunday School
• Saturday pancakes
• candy crush friends who send me lives! ha.
• date night
• Amish church cookies
• approval for several more ARC books from netgalley. 
• kindles to do said reading on.
• my husband's hugs
• prayer
• God's promises and protection
• singing at church

and now I am thankful that I finished a whole list.  It's been a while!  Thanks so much for hanging in there with me and continuing to visit my blog!  You are appreciated!  Blessings.

Herb of Grace Book Review

Two book reviews in one day?  Yes.  It's a Thursday miracle right here. 

Book review for Herb of Grace by Adina Senft.  Publisher FaithWords, August 5, 2014.  320 pages.

Here is a summary of the book from the publisher:
Amish widow Sarah Yoder has been struggling to raise her two teen aged sons and provide a home where family and members of her Old Order Amish church can find fellowship and friendship. Though she is close to her in-laws, lately it feels like her relationship with her boys is splintering. Her stepson Simon wants to move out west with his cousins to find work. And her youngest, Caleb, is spending far too much time over at the tumbledown home of a man who left the church long ago. Henry Byler only returned recently to Willow Creek when he inherited the family farm--under protest--and now seems caught in a struggle between the faith of his childhood and the world he's come to know.

Ruth Lehman, the local Dokterfraa, believes Sarah should use her gift for growing plants to become an herbal healer, too. Sarah is reluctant, however, uncertain if caring for others will take her away from her family--the place where she believes God wants her. But when she feels called to help members of her community, she soon discovers that the heart can be scarred as deeply as the body. As she compiles her herbs, she waits for God to do his healing work in a man who rues a harsh decision, in a lonely prodigal who has lost everything, and maybe even in a herbalist-in-training who firmly believes she will never love again.

I first discovered author Adina Senft at my local library.  As soon as I enter the library....which is often... I am drawn to the New Books shelf like our friend Homer the cow next door is drawn to apples!  I am especially partial to Amish Christian Fiction so when I spotted her Amish Quilt series well you know I was all over that one.  It's a fab 3 book series with each book focusing on a different woman in a circle of 3 friends. 

I was excited to see she had a new series starting with this book, Herb of Grace which again takes us back to the Amish Community. 

Sarah and Henry give us a wonderful story.  Sarah and her struggle to survive as a widow and single mother.  Henry and his foray back into the Amish community that he has been separate from for so many years.  Henry's friendship with Sarah's son is a wonderful conduit to a relationship for these two adults who really did need each other. 

Loved Sarah's gift for herbs and gardening and her creativeness. I also admired her care of her friends and neighbors even when they perhaps were not so neighborly. 

Adina has a wonderful writing style that will easily draw you into this peek into this fictional Amish world she has created and you will find yourself not being satisfied with that peek.  You will be wanting to settle right in with Sarah and Henry and their families for a nice long visit. 

I was provided with a copy of this book for a fair & honest review courtesy of FaithWords via Netgalley

Huckleberry Summer Book Review

Yes.... You are now so glad you visited today because yay!  It is book review day! Especially for this wonderful book.  So fun.  Let's get started.

Book review for: Huckleberry Summer, by Jennifer Beckstrand.  Publisher, Zebra Books, June 3, 2014, 353 pages. 

I was first turned on to The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series because I was eager to read anything by Jennifer Beckstrand after enjoying her Forever After in Apple Lake series. Loved it and yes, had to have more! 

Enter Huckleberry Hill which came out in January of this year.  Huckleberry Hill is book one in the Matchmakers series.  LOVED it.  and loved loved "the Matchmakers" who are Anna and Felty Helmuth... the sweet lovable grand parents of the story.  Or should I saw Mammi and Dawdi? 

I was tickled to find out their story would continue in this book 2, Huckleberry Summer.  (Not to mention the Upcoming Huckleberry Christmas and Huckleberry Spring) And OK.... after typing Huckleberry that many times you'd think I'd be doing a better job at spelling it! Ha. 

Here is a summary of Huckleberry Summer from the publisher:
With one of their grandchildren happily married, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their next matchmaking success. Because there's nothing more rewarding than sparking unexpected love--and putting Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, on the map for romance. . .

Cautious to a fault, Lily Eicher strives to live up to her dat's high standards. She's certainly not the kind of proper Amish girl who would make time for someone as impetuous as the Helmuths' grandson, Aden--even if his lively spirit and caring ways are showing her just how wonderful following her heart can be. . .

Recklessly doing the right thing got Aden into big trouble. A fresh start at his grandparents' is just what he needs. And shy, pretty Lily is turning his world upside down and making him want to prove he can do good within the rules. But now both must find enough faith and understanding to risk pursuing their dreams--together. . .

This was a wonderful story.  Anna & Felty are just wonderful.  Anna has a mission and that mission is to introduce her grand kids to their perfect mate.  Anna is not the best cook..... she might be the best knitter.... and she is certainly the best grandma and wife!  Love how Felty thinks anything Anna does is wonderful.  Felty's license plate obsession is also quite entertaining.  They are just way too cute. 

Anna works to bring together Lily Eicher with their grandson Aden.  They don't have the best meeting due to Aden's giant loveable clumsy dog, Pilot.  I found myself laughing out loud as Lily referred to him as everything from pie crust to pie dog.... never seeming to be able to remember the name Pilot.  Too funny. 

This was a wonderful story of forgiveness and second chances, of not making judgements about people based on reputations and things other's have said, and of love.  When you have the beautiful setting of Huckleberry Hill, Grandma Anna and her freshly knitted scarf perfect for all occasions... even in the middle of summer.... and add in a young couple falling in love.... what's not to enjoy.  And of course... we can't forget Pilot the wonder dog. 

Highly recommend this book, this series, and anything else you can get your hands on by Jennifer Beckstrand.  Enjoy!

I was provided with a copy of this book for a fair & honest review courtesy of Zebra Books via Netgalley 

Ten on Tuesday

1) Ever have one of those moods.... one of those days where you just don't care? ..... You know those days right?  Well today?  Monogirl is tired... she has a headache... she is tired... and she just doesn't care.  She isn't sure what it is she just doesn't care about?  But whatever it is?  She is sure she just doesn't care.  Now... if you are a guy?  You are like huh?  But if you are a fellow woman... a fellow Monogirl?  I know you completely understand because being a girl.... you know that it just doesn't have to make sense on those days. 

2) So since I am failing miserably at being a good little blogger here lately..... let's once again try to get caught up by going in reverse date order and start with the most recent picture which would be this one!  Our niece Lauryn and our nephew Cole and their co-birthday cake, blowing out their co-candles.  I think they even managed not to spit all over one another.... however Monogirl who was in her parent's close quarters RV at the time did not manage to get a picture showing both faces..... so this will have to do.  Besides... we got to eat DQ Chocolate Extreme Blizzard cake after the blowing out of the candles so all is well. 

3) Here you have a hornets nest.  They picked a fight with my husband and as you can see.... he won.  He went up to fix a rotten board on the roof and after getting stung discovered there was a nest in the eaves of the house.  After we thanked God that he did not fall off the ladder or break his glasses (when they fell off) after the sting... he then armed himself with some spray and went back to do battle.  He took them all out... including multiple larva.... ewwwww.... and the queen who was twice the size of everyone else.  Yikes.  They may have won the first battle... but Darrel won the war.  Of course he did.  He is good.

4) Monogirl actually stopped at an ATM today just so she could get cash so she could buy a strawberry daiquiri smoothie.... Yes.  It was HOT and it was that just don't care day remember?  Well Monogirl hasn't used an ATM in like literally years.  She usually just whips out the ol' debit card.  Today cash was required.  So she pulls up....she inserts her card... and then looks for instructions which there were none... on whether one was supposed to swipe their card, or put it in and leave it in.....Couldn't they have given Monogirl a clue on a rough day?  My husband tells me now that they changed it recently and even he wasn't sure which way you had to do it.  This made Monogirl feel somewhat less um.... clueless .... on how one operates an ATM machine for future reference.


5) What can I say?  There was a sale.  A CBD.com sale.  How's a girl supposed to pass that up especially when it includes free shipping?  Am I right?  And now look at all this Amish/Christian/Fiction goodness sitting here waiting for me to dive in.....

6) A new crochet project has been started!  Did I finish the old one I was telling myself I had to finish first?  No.  The desire to try out the stitches for the new one won out.  This might have something to do with the fact that it has stitches like 8-bptr dec.... I know... it's like huh?  What the heck is that?  And then... once you figure out it's an 8 stitch, back post, treble crochet decrease.... You're like well goodness.... who even thought of that?  Yikes.  I have to admit though... it's pretty cool looking.... and OK... fun.  Sorry to inform ya'll though... it's a "secret" crochet project... so for now... no peeking. 

7) As I mentioned on facebook, the translation for this picture is Tanner saying... "will someone PLEASE get the stinkin' kitten OUT of MY BED!  Well...we could do that..but it wouldn't help unless we are going to hog tie her or something because the game goes like this.  Tanner lays on bed.  Kitten jumps on dog.  Dog jumps up grumbling and groaning and growling.  Kitten lays on bed.  And repeat.  Could the dog win the fight?  Absolutely.... but he seems to think we should be taking care of it. 

8) Have you seen this COOL little 4x4 size mini album on Pink Paislee's blog?  LOVE.  Totally had already been thinking of doing a little travel album something like this with Hilton Head pictures and now?  So inspired and can't wait to make one of my own.  I mean it's SO cute right?

9) We recently had an all day date at the State Fair.  Yes.  It's one of our favorite days of the year and this year did not disappoint.  We had SUCH a good time.  This was our "we are off to the fair" selfie.  Not to bad for trying to cram both of us into the picture in the car.  ha! 

10) At the fair we headed straight for the Amish soft pretzels first off.  YUM.  I need one of those daily I think.  There was also the famous milkshakes and some awesome Asian noodles and teriyaki chicken with veggies stir fry to enjoy.  We got to see the huge draft horses too.  Including this really cool show where the guy stood on the back of 2 horses while driving 6 of them!  It was amazing.  And the Belgian horses?  Gorgeous.  I had no idea they were so giant.  I think my husband was totally in love.  Surprised he didn't try to hitch one to the back of the car.  So... as I leave you for today... Two more pics of the horses.... oh... and one of my husband with the pretzels! ha! 

And for tonight, I say goodnight and blessings!!

Ten On Tuesday... maybe

1) I want to crochet this wrap/throw for our new... OK in progress new living room.  I keep telling myself I can't start this project because I have not finished the last crochet project so I must do that first.  I don't feel like finishing the previous crochet project.... so therefore I am stuck and am crocheting nothing.  Do ya think I could just give myself permission to start the new project in that pretty green yarn that is going to look oh so nice in the room?  Apparently not... I don't have issues do I....

2) Have you seen the new trend.... well OK... new to me... of having parties or classes where everyone makes their own painting?  I've seen a few online friends who have posted their creations and thought it was a fun idea.  Well today I hear that my LSS is hosting a "Modern Social" class which is one of these painting classes.  It's in November and it will be for a Christmas painting.  When I was looking at samples on their facebook page it turns out the one I like is one we can make in the class.... REALLY tempted to sign up.  Any other Doodlebug girls going? 

3) Just finished the book Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate and A Fall Of Marigolds by Susan Meisner.  Both were SO good.  5 out of 5 stars.  They are not Amish.... *gasp*  You just might LOVE them too.  Run now to your library or Amazon and hook yourself up with a copy immediately. 

4) And on that reading note.... I am up to 60 books completed towards my goal of 100!  Go Monogirl.  Planning to make a BIG ol dent in that last 40 on our upcoming vacation.  All books are better when read sitting by the ocean.  It's a fact.  I looked it up. 

5) Currently Miss Sophie and Miss Tris are chasing one another around the room.  Well... Tris is chasing.  I think Sophie is saying look little kitten... back off... judging from the amount of hissing I am hearing.  And actually I am not sure Sophie has made up her mind.  One minute she seems to want to play.  The next minute there is a hiss that seems to be communicating STOP pouncing on me kitten before I slap you good.  It's quite entertaining.

6) Did you hear the news scrappers?  Project Life now has Heidi Swapp Project Life stuff.  Yes. Me and my bff were alllll over that.  Can't wait to see it in person Cause you know... I might have ordered a thing... or two. 

7) And now.... we arrive at the reason for "maybe" Ten on Tuesday... cause here we are at 7... and Monogirl is out of things to say.  Who knew that was even possible huh?  I'll work on doing better for next time... but for now?  I need my Amish Church cookie... my diet Pepsi and my book. 

Blessings!