$50 Lost and Recovered!

I was out shopping last week carrying a $50 bill in my pocket, because I didn't want to pack a purse around. I was going to treat my daughter's family to some fun. I had placed it in a pocket that I wouldn't be putting my hands in and out of, so as not to loose it. My son-in-law was too fast with his credit card, before I could offer to pay at the bounce house, lunch and such. At one time I put my phone in the same pocket the money was in. I got a phone call from my husband and pulled the phone out forgetting about the money.

Over an hour later we walked into an ice cream shop for a treat. This was my chance to pay up. When I reached for the $50, it was gone!! Oh no! I checked my six pockets each three times and came up empty. Thinking back of where I could have lost the money, into my mind, as clear as day came the thought that it had fallen out of my pocket when I answered my phone. I had been in a busy bookstore. Distinctly another thought came to me, It said to call the store. I asked my son to look up the number. We called and to my surprise and relief the money had been turned in. Thank you to the honest soul that returned my $50.

Great Things to Do With Grandkids

The grandkids are in town from Washington for their semi-annual visit. I love to find fun things for them to do. This trampoline, climbing wall and circus gym was perfect for a rainy afternoon.

Emma made it all the way across this tight rope several times. It took a few suggestions and tries to master the footing and remember to smile.

It didn't take long for Jacob to scale the climbing wall. He even jumped off the high jump with the big boys. He is very brave and a real athlete. Next up, the zoo, Bean Museum, swimming and much more. I will be exhausted before the week is out.

Terrific Trifle Take-Down

I tell people, I like to 'wring a dollar to death'. Sometimes that is hard to do when you want to cook or make a delicious dish. If the stars a-line correctly (just teasing), you may be fortunate to find great deals at the grocery store. This 'Trifle' was made for $4 the minimum amount with several 'Dollar Finds'. Be sure to buy the deals when you find them and freeze for when you need them. I found some frozen premade red velvet cakes for $1 as well as Wilderness strawberry filling at the same price. $1 fresh 1 lb. strawberries and $1 32 oz. yogurt. Yes, I put yogurt in my whipped cream. Which was only $.25 for 1/2 pint. You may substitute 8 oz whipped topping this time of year for $1 and cream cheese, too.

Jello pudding and 2 cups milk were $.50 each. TO PREPARE: Cut cake into 1/2"-1" squares. Whip cream (or use whipped topping), 1/2 package cream cheese and 1/2 cup yogurt together adding 1/3 cup sugar & 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix 3 oz package chocolate pudding with 2 1/2 cups milk. Cut up 1/2 carton of strawberries (reserve four slices for garnish) and add to 1/2 can of Wilderness filling. Gently stir to mix. TO ASSEMBLE: In a fancy bowl add 1/3 of cake cubes, 1/3 whipped cream mixture, 1/3 pudding & 1/3 fruit making layers. Continue doing 1/3 of each until your bowl is full. On top layer, be careful not to spread the items (they look smeared and messy), but gently spoon them on top of or amongst each other in small blobs. Garnish with sliced strawberries. For pennies you have made an amazing dessert everyone will be fighting over to get a taste of. Yeah!! Success and simple. TERRIFIC TRIFLE TAKE-DOWN!!

Calling for De-Clutter Courage

I need to get rid of my long ignored JUNK. That’s hanging out on a spare BUNK. It cost me quite a large money CHUNK,

When I purchased it new and full of SPUNK. But now, I’ll put it in the TRUNK. And haul it off!

It takes courage and lots of energy to get on a de-clutter kick. I do best if I'm mad. Yeah! Stuff flies out of the house when Mama is angry. Come make me furious to give me a reason to get rid of all my surplus. Train me to look the other way when at the store. Just like color-blindness, except not see or want for more.

Opportunity to Open Your Mouth

I have been praying for a missionary opportunity to share the gospel. There are a few friends I have in mind. I put their names on the prayer rolls of the temple and pray for them. What would I say and how as I prepare for the chance to share and show my love of and to the Lord. Today it happened!

My dear friend, Lori, who is our letter carrier at work, said she was looking for a new church to go to. She wanted one closer to home. Instantly the Spirit began whispering, "Open your mouth. Tell her about it! Now!" "I know one right by your house, I said." "What is that?" she asked. "The L.D.S church, and you could walk there." 'I'm going a different direction," she replied. "That is okay, but know I love you and will be happy to show you the way, if you would like." That was it, but it happened! Now I am really praying that she will think about what I said, and want to give it a try. What can it hurt? Thank you for helping me to 'open my mouth'. It wont happen today or tomorrow, but maybe soon. Lori, please consider the great blessing in your life the Gospel will give you.

Hey, Happy Halloween, from Colleen

Yeah, I love Halloween because of all the decorations everywhere. I have a few, but nothing to brag about. That doesn't stop me from taking pictures of and driving around admiring others great talents. Usually I decide to snap a photo after its too late, then ask myself, "Is it worth it to go back?"

The orange lights on this horse statue at my neighbor's that sells hay, also has a Christmas wreath. It is great to see at dark. The skeleton rider is a great addition. I spotted this house with ghosts all over the windows and a big spider at the front door.

I actually had a black widow spider in my garage. I kept an eye on him for a few weeks. He liked to come out during the day to get warm. At night he was tucked inside the boxes. One day I smashed him with a 2x4. Goodbye, to you spider.

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Washington Irving's home in Sleepy Hollow, New York was a stop we took at a recent trip. He wrote the Legend of Sleepy Hollow here and the graveyard is a pretty happenin' place, too. Happy Halloween to you, from Colleen.

A Fancy For Flying

Aren't Groupon's absolutely the best? You can eat, play and take a vacation rest. I flew a plane! What an adventurous test, Over the valley & along a mountain crest! Life is great and we are blessed.

Why not, I said while contemplating a plane ride. I signed up and paid the price to fly a plane at Bountiful Flight. Arriving at the airport I was given some instructions in the flight room, then I met the plane. After going over the flight safety list, more instructions and putting on head phones, we buckled up and started to taxi out to the runway. Pushing the left rudder turns the plane left and so on with the right rudder. Pressing forward applies the brakes. Turning to face the runway, we were ready to take off. My instructor radioed our location and intention and we took off.

He was in charge until we were air borne, at which time he turned it over to me to pull the joystick/wheel back until the horizon was even with the cockpit window. Up, Up we went and down below the earth dropped away as we sailed into the sky. A few times I felt like a detached autumn leaf in the wind as we rocked a bit and flitted about. Flying at 130 mph we were at Lagoon in minutes then along the mountains to see the wondrous fall colors. All too soon, it was time to land and my flying experience was over. Roger that!!