2015 Is Going, Going & Almost Gone

So long, farewell, ‘Old’ years must say, “Good Night!” 2015 will go to bed and forever sleep tight. No one knows if the ‘New’ year will please or fright. But it’s coming with a polar express might.

2015 IS DRAWING TO A QUICK CLOSE. IT DOESN’T MATTER IF WE CHEER OR OPPOSE. WILL YOU CELEBRATE AT MIDNIGHT OR DOZE, GLAD THAT WE ARRIVED AT 2016, I SUPPOSE?

The minutes are ticking away, with little more than a day and a half left to play or finish all those goals we set for 2015. How did your year play out? We had: 1 - Heart attack & one new grand baby, Cooper. 2 - Boys turn 8 and got baptized. 3 - Years taking piano lessons, New tables for the house. 4 - Quadruple bypasses completed, 4 Theme Parks: 2 Universal Studios, LEGOLAND & Sea World. 5 - Weeks vacation and used up most of it. 6 - Trips - Washington, New Jersey, Florida, Uintas in UT & Idaho x2. 7 - Students in Primary class taught. 8 - States visited: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Florida and Wyoming. 9 - Pounds gained - Yuk!! 10 - Days solid driving to the hospital and back. 11 - Years celebrated with Sarah Vawdrey. 12 - Weeks of Cardiac Re-hab. It was a wonderful year. May you enjoy Sweet 2016.

What's Your Favorite Christmas Event

What favorite Christmas event do you go to? Is it concerts, shows, plays or something new? Where loved ones perform, waiting for their cue, To celebrate the Savior’s birth with crèche scenes to view?

Are you a Grinch as Christmas gets close, And think the falderah is very verbose? Is the pressure or lack of sleep, that makes us gross? Will magic, love or kindness be our ‘happy’ dose.

Do your best to get into the mood, by thinking of the Savior and the true meaning of Christmas.

Take it slow and easing into the holiday. Some days we may feel ornery and others buoyed up. Just hang in there, taking it a day at a time. Eventually, we all make whether we are ready or not.

What's Your Favorite Christmas Treat?

What’s your favorite Christmas treat, That makes the mouth water and can’t be beat? Special for this season and famous on the street. Is it chocolatey, gooey, salty or sweet?

I love the cereal candy, my mother used to make. None of us can copy it, the secret she did take. Cheerios, rice cereal, coconut and corn flake, Mix it all together just so. No need to bake.

Fudge is another favorite of mine, but I can't make it rich and creamy. My economical self won't let me use 1 cup butter, 2 chocolate bars, marshmallow cream and a whole bag of expensive real chocolate chips. I try to substitute yogurt for part of the butter and cut it back. You can tell every time. It doesn't stay soft & creamy. No one eats it, so I end up consuming the whole yucky batch. The cheapskate in me, again. I am first in line to select the biggest piece when it is set out at a party. If it has nuts, I hear it calling my name from across the room.

What’s your favorite Christmas song?

What’s your favorite Christmas song? Or do they play them way too often and long? Bouncing around in our heads like a ping-pong. To start before Thanksgiving is just wrong!

My favorite song is ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ It is poem written in 1872 by Christina Rosetti, Was put to music in 1906 by Gustav Holst and Voted best Christmas carole in 2008 by Choral experts. It begins with: “In the bleak midwinter, Frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow… And ends with…”What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Tweeking Thanks for Thanksgiving

I got crazy sending out a thankful rhyming poem for seven days before Thanksgiving. I knew I wouldn't make time for doing it tomorrow. The site is full of thankers and grateful folks. Here is my week of tweeking and thanking.

Thanksgiving’s in a week, the days are seven. We’re thankful for our new grandson from heaven. Before him, we had ‘grand’-blessings of eleven. But none by the name of Kate, Kurt or Kevin.

Thanksgiving will be here in days, counting six. We’re grateful for a heart that has a good fix. Add amazing children, and in-laws to the mix. Or neighbors so kind, who give us some kicks.

Thanks is on its way in days under five. How glad we all are to still be alive. The year has been like a sweet beehive. Blessed with fun & food, it’s sure to arrive.

Thanksgiving is near, the days number four. We have a blessed home and a red door. A house full of loved ones, that’s for sure. Ne’er a complaint here and need no more.

We are thankful for friends. The countdown is three? We live in America and glad to be free. Thank you Lord, we pray on bended knee, For our Savior, He gave all for you and me.

Thanks are in order, in days just two For a rock of a spouse, who is like glue. He fixes all problems, who even knew How he makes my everyday - sky blue.

Yeah, tomorrow’s “The Day”. I’m grateful for one Great life, this beautiful earth and warm sun. May you enjoy your family & have fun. Is my wish to each and every person. Happy Thanksgiving and may you enjoy and recognize the blessings we all have.

Not Frosting on the Fake

It was the first frost of fall Shriveling everything to small We’re lucky it took so long to call Let’s pull out our hats, gloves and shawl. Now we can move on. That’s all.

This was the very last and tiny rose. From my garden after the others froze. The growing year has come to a close. Except for a few carrots, I suppose.

The past autumn months have spoiled us big. Are we ready for the bad weather pig? We’ll have to gear up and take our swig Get out our shovels and begin to dig.

Pomegranate Picker Upper

Its pomegranate season, hip, hip hurray! I could eat one each and every day And be covered in the juicy red spray. They are only one dollar, get yours today.

As I picked away this week of many a pomegranate, people would stop by and say, "Have you tried cutting it in half, then pounding the round side with a wooden spoon? They will fall out all clean and no work to eat them. Also, as I was preparing to put the gems in a salad and dessert, my daughter-in-law, Sarah, used another method with a bowl and water in the sink. She separated one for me in minutes to use. Everyone loved the added tart flavor. I can never get enough pomegranate. Go get some for your family today. There is also a way to divide it up with the tricky filet. I just like to pick away and eat it a little at a time. Right now my tongue hurts and I think I've had too much.

All Arrayed In Awesom

I’m in search of the grandest autumn tree. Or group, in shades of yellow, gold and red. Let’s see You snap a shot before the wind blows them free Of leaves and send to me. Do you agree?

Each day some trees transform to shades of deeper gold, brown or just begin to fall gently to the ground. The storm we had a few days ago, sent many leaves flying north. When the wind turned and was blowing from the north, it seems they blew right back to where they began.

Multi-colors of green, gold, red and burgundy leaves inhabit single trees. What glorious creatures they are arrayed in flaming colors. It is a wonder how one tree can be all things. They are truly God's creations by giving shade, cooling the earth, blocking the wind, producing oxygen, providing wood to burn and build with, homes for birds and animals, then in the autumn turn each day into a picture that a thousands words could not describe. Take advantage of the outdoor eye dazzling colors today.

Which Way to the Witches

I stay away from witches night. It puts me in a terrible fright. My skin crawls and my throat gets tight. I don't want to scream, but I just might.

A quaint village in a nearby town has an annual witches night celebration over a dozen nights in October. People come from all over the state. Traffic is at a standstill and parking is a premium. The locals try out for the coveted Witches Ball and winners get prizes, perform and enjoy perks. The place used to be fun to visit, but has become impossible with a young family.

I have never really attended during 'Witches night', because I hate crowds. Maybe next year I will give it a try. Yeah! may next year, I will.

Have Tomato Will Travel

A mighty fortress is this tomato plant. It needs major pruning, but I just can’t. From an Heirloom seed, to leaning at a good slant. The first frost may my wish soon grant.

The large tomato fruit is yellow. I had forgotten that the package showed big juicy golden tomatoes. But they have been hidden by the massive green vines. I found a few and discovered there are two tomato plants, not one.

I got courageous on Saturday and pruned the dickens out of the plant. It was surprising how much fruit was ripe but I couldn't see it. Now it will ripen faster and he will know who is really the boss.

Two plants masquerading as one. Got the courage and trimmed them a ton. Now their fruit can bask in the sun. Could be too late, is the season done?

A Young Man Baptized

Zach is eight. He accepted the challenge to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We traveled to New Jersey to enjoy the special event. He's a little camera shy. When I pulled it out he took off.

But he came back and stood for a moment to be included in a picture with Jesus. Actually, it looks like He is speaking to Zach, kind and wise words to live by. Little brother,Josh seems to be listening and willing big bro to listen and obey.

Dad & Zach, then Zach, our newest member of the Church are posing so politely. I didn't even have to bribe them. Big sis, Sarah, performed on the violin and both grandfathers talked about baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was a beautiful day for a wonderful ordinance. Thank you for the opportunity to spend it with you, Zach.

Schmidt's Spend Time At Shingle Creek

We were more than lucky to accompany our daughter, Alicia and family to Florida for an UHC business conference her husband attended. We called ourselves Mr. & Mrs. Nanny, otherwise known as Grams & Gramps. The name of the hotel, wasn't my favorite, Shingle Creek, because it reminded me of the disease, shingles. But it isn't anything close. This very beautiful place is surrounded by golf courses, away from the city of Orlando and the many theme parks nearby.

Several limos, taxis and arriving guests filled the spacious 50 x 100 foot drive-up entrance. We were greeted by abundant assisting parties. The hallways leading to guest services, dining, conference and lobby areas was cavernous.

Our fifth floor rooms were deluxe and inviting. Since it was after dark, we were happy to get a good night's sleep.

The view from our room was spectacular, which overlooked the four swimming pools. Palm trees swaying in the breeze and the skyline was dreamy. The hours were even better 6am to midnight. We spent every evening we could in the warm waters relaxing.

One last photo of the entire hotel in all its splendor, because I may never stay at anything so swanky again. Five days on the fifth floor in Florida and beyond.

Butts To You

While watering my flowering pear tree in the parkway by the street, I saw a generous amount of cigarette butts at its base. What a treat. No thanks for tossing your waste at his towering feet. Find some other receptical and leave my yard off your beat.

The Blooming Bush

This was the year for the blooming bush. The Rose of Sharon took top honors, with blossoms crowding every spot available. The side of my house looked like pink and purple sunset 24/7.

Tall and tan and young and lovely the bush from Epa-Bloomina keeps blooming. A month of gorgeous beauty and so little up-keep, is the Rose of Sharon. When a co-worker had a bucket of starts to share, I didn't know what the plant was. Thanks to her, I enjoy their aroma and unique flower all month.

While walking one morning I came across this purple splashed bush, with more blooms than a teen has zits. I couldn't resist snapping its photo and staring at it, like an impolite person. It didn't mind one bit, and stretched its branches out a little more as if to say, "Yes, I am beautiful, stare away!"

Funny thing is, I think it's a Rose of Sharon, too! The blooms are the exact same. Probably had lots of fertilizer and attention, unlike mine that were ignored, other than pruning.

Goin' On a Zucchini Hunt

Going on a zucchini hunt. Might catch a big one. I’m not afraid. Yay, it’s the size of a hot dog bun! Can’t leave it, gotta cut it, to grill in the summer sun.

Going on a bean hunt, Might catch a stringy one. I’m not afraid, have some green ‘Where’s Waldo’ fun. Pick a bunch to cook for an evening snack or run. Going on a cucumber hunt. Might catch a fat one. I’m not afraid. Grind it up in relish, give it to a nun.

Back to the zucchini hunt, afraid and never done. Someone missed this alligator and now it weighs a ton.

Busy But Beauty Abounded

I cant believe the month is almost over. It has been busy, with a new grandson, 45th class reunion, family visiting from out of state (9 in all). I have hardly had time to think, let alone blog. Along the way I went to Murray Park and saw some very old trees. I asked a city worker how old they were. 100 years old at least he said. Unfortunately, many are dying from age, disease and the stream that runs by them is eroding them away.

They are truly aged beauty. If you have a chance go see them. Take a look, enjoy their wisdom. If only they could talk. Imagine the things they have seen, heard and smelled. I also chanced upon this lovely purple orchid at the credit union, while making a deposit. The teller said it was her very own. She has several at home and grows them. It looked loved and cared for. Thanks for sharing your baby with us.

Up, Up And Away In That Balloon

We made our first hot-air balloon up close and personal visit. We usually sit on the back row and watch. With out brave (New Jersey resident) daughter, we just marched right down into the middle of the major material filled melee. It was so interesting to watch the owners pull out the yards and yards of fabric that make up these floating giants. The canisters of gas, fans and process to begin and completely fill them is interesting. This particular colorful balloon's owners were from Sweden. They had the Swedish flag flying. We got so comfortable that we almost asked for a ride.

Hankering for a Hike

I would really like to go on a hike. It's been almost a month (July 4th), and my hike hunger has kicked in. Nothing will quench this pain in my mountain lover climb around pack, except a hike. Last time I did Delicate Arch was over ten years ago with a newly broken wrist.

We probably wont make it down to Moab this year, but the Wasatch Mountains are calling my boots. Hopefully, we can meet up this week.

He's Been a Great DAD!

With Father's Day looming close, I just wanted to say that my husband, Allan has been a great father. He does everything he can to help each of our children. When we visit them, near or far, he has been more than willing to complete their Daddy do lists.

You couldn't ask for more. Thank You, Al for being so terrific. Love you.