Out of hibernation

Well, I figured I'd better post and let everyone know I'm still alive and well. A lot and not much has gone on since I last posted. (Is that an oxymoron or what??) Medically I have been through a lot but all with good results. Had my 5 yr MRI ck-up for my tumor and that showed all clear, but they saw something else on my pharynx that they wanted me to have checked out by a specialist. I went and had that done and after my appt with him, he was not concerned with that but found a lump on my thyroid. So I had to go have an ultrasound done for that, a biopsy and bloodwork. Ultrasound and biopsy results show negative for any cancer, but I do have an underactive thyroid, so I am now on medication for that. No big deal. Had my mamagram, that came back good. So all in all I'll live for another year or so, God willing.
Still have a personal issue going on here at home. Not quite sure how that is going to turn out. That is what has kept me away. Not that the computer has anything to do with it, but my mind has just been preoccupied. Also had some computer problems that I think I finally have taken care of. I have reformatted my hard drive twice in the last couple months. I am now using Firefox browser and it is proving to be MUCH better than Internet Explorer. I also am using my IP's security program. So hopefully those two things will keep my computer running smoothly.
The end of the winter season is not my favorite time of year. By the time Feb rolls around, if there is no good snow, then I am ready for Spring. Cold, wet, windy. Time for me to go into hibernation. The sun is finally starting to shine and temps are getting above 60. Actually it got into the 80's for a day or two, but rains came and that didn't last. But nice weather is right around the corner and guess what that means?? GOLF!! Yea! I can't wait.
I am looking into going back to school. I took a placement test and have an appt with a counselor next week. I am looking at getting a degree and certification as an ultrasound technician. Not sure if I have the qualifications and exactly all it is going to take, but I'm taking the first steps.

Well, that's a quick update on me. Hope everyone is doing well. I will slowing make it around to check in with each of you. I'm sure it will be a while before many of you make it around here, but I hope to hear from y'all soon. Take care!!!

Happy New Year

I couldn't let today go by without wishing each and everyone of you a happy and healthy New Year! I will try to get around and wish you each personally. My work schedule seems to be letting up with the holidays over and hunting season gone. We are at our slow time of the year so my hours will be cut and I will have a little extra time. This new blogger is driving me nuts! I have tried posting to a number of your sites but then I get switched to the "new" blogger and lose my whole post! Then I get frustrated and quit, thinking I will come back later. I'm sure I'll get the hang of this sooner or later. Any suggestions?

This past year has been quite a year for me. As many of you have probably surmised, I have had a lot going on that I have not shared here, and I thank you for keeping me in your prayers. This year is starting with a lot of uncertainty. I am trying to put it in God's hands and pray that 'His will be done'. That is just so hard to know sometimes.

My Christmas was blessed. I was in a warm home, opening love filled gifts with my family. Food for the table and a beautiful lit tree. A lot more than many had this year. I know of a young boy (23) I work with who was in a coma in critical condition due to a car accident a day before Christmas. He continues to remain unconcious. I pray for him and his family.

New Years Eve I spent with neighbors playing cards and eating WAY too much! This whole holiday season I have eaten too much! But enjoyed every minute of it ;)

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and start the New Year with joy in your heart!

Early Merry Christmas

Well, I figured while I have a few moments I'd better update this. Work has been extremely busy and what free time I have had I have used getting ready for Christmas. I'm about done. Still have a few last minute items to pick up, but the big stuff is taken care of. Now I need to work on my house....AGH! Never enough time.

I miss cooking too. I need to try some new recipes. I think I probably have more time than I realize (in fact I'm sure of it) but I am lousy at time management. Another one of my faults. Hmm, do I hear a New Years resolution? I'll have to think about that one.

I suppose while I'm here I'd better take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry and Blessed Christmas! I hope the joy of the season fills your heart and lasts through the New Year.

I may try and post again, but.....

Oh, btw (that's short for 'by the way', for those of you not hip with computer lingo) I figured out why y'all can't hear my music. Won't go into detail, but now I have to figure out how to fix it. That's a project for another day. Take care!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I got my Christmas lights up this past weekend! If you remember last year, I never got around to it, but the weather was so nice I took advantage of it and got them up. I'm happy with how they look, but I'd still like to put a few more up. First I'm going to get my tree up and decorated. As of this morning the tree is up and I'm about to put the lights on. I've got Christmas music playing and I would be drinking eggnog, but I finished it off yesterday, and besides, I have to work later today. Also, while putting up my tree I watched a movie last night. It was a Hallmark Special and I cried my eyes out! It was called "Candles on Bay Street". It was a WONDERFUL movie! I encourage you to get it. It will be for sale on the 17th I believe at Hallmark stores. I know I'm going to buy it. And this is how bad I am....I was even crying during most of the commercials. Have you seen those Hallmark commercials? They are really sweet and touching. For those of you that know me, greeting cards mean a lot to me. I've been a bit neglegent lately, but when I DO get a card, I will go to half a dozen places to find the right one if I have to. Anyway.........

I've heard from one blogger friend who says she can't hear my music playing. Is there anyone else? If I'm not mistaking you have to have Quicktime installed to hear it. I'm not sure. Let me know if you would. (right now I have 'Feliz Navidad' playing) I also have a picture posted above. Click on it to see a really cool video of a Christmas display.

Well, back to the tree. Everyone have a wonderful week!

MI deer granted a stay of execution

No luck for the Great Hunters, but my son had a really great time. Dad says he'll take him again. I'm glad he enjoyed it anyway.

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! If your traveling, I pray for a safe trip for you. I'm going to start some of my meal tonight and get a jump start on it.

This song is dedicated to all my blog friends. *Smile!*

Watch out deer!

Well, my husband took our youngest out hunting this morning. They rose early this morning at about 4:00 a.m. AJ was so excited. He had his clothes all layed out and ready to go. It's now noon and I haven't heard anything. I don't know if this is a bad sign, or if they can't get cell service out where they are. I really hope AJ gets something. Karl has already gotten one doe and has it hanging out in the garage. He is taking it to a friends this afternoon and they are going to process it. Karl told AJ if he shoots anything then he is going to have to gut it. I really don't think he'll mind. I think it's a guy thing. I didn't even like dissecting frogs in biology. Yuk! But I do like venison, so I hope they come home with a big one! One thing I thought of this morning- I should have sent a camera with them so that if AJ got one with a good size rack they could have gotten a picture. Oh well. Next time. I'll let y'all know how it went.

*be sure to listen to audio*

Movies and music

This afternoon my son and I went to the movies. It's been FOREVER since I've been to the theatre. The last movie I saw was The Passion of the Christ. In fact I saw it twice. I can't even remember the time before that. Anyway, AJ and I went to see Santa Claus 3. It was really cute and I enjoyed the time with him. It was a nice way to spend a cold rainy afternoon.

Then upon returning home I heard a beautiful sound. My daughter was upstairs playing her clarinet. She hasn't played that in quite a while. She played in the band when we lived down south and started in the band up here, but was really disappointed in it. They were way behind what she was used to playing and it wasn't enjoyable to her. You have to understand that the band down south was the band that was chosen to go to Australia to play during the Olympics. Although she was not yet in high school to go with them, she was still under the same director. They were an awsome band. Even the middle school ranked way up there. I encouraged her to stay with it and signed her up to play at a local college with a youth orchestra they had assembled, but she was young and didn't feel comfortable playing with older people that she didn't know. It's a shame, because she has the talent. I was thrilled to hear her playing tonight! I hope some day she plays again and uses her gift.

Weather here has been really yucky. Cold, rainy. They are calling for storms tonight and a mix of snow tomorrow. Joy, joy. (can you hear my sarcasm?) I actually would love a good snow storm (sorry Ches), but not this wet yucky stuff. Oh well. I went to the tanning booth today and got my dose of sun. That helped some. How many days is it till summer?

Teenagers....Ugh!!!

I saw ths cartoon just days after having a talk with my 18 year old about letting me know what he is doing. I understand that he is of age, but he is still living under my roof and still needs to let me know what and where he is going. This is just a courtesy you live with all your life when you live with others. I try hard to give him his space but I would just like to know when to expect him home and have an idea where he is. This comic was priceless at the time! I'm sure many of you will be able to relate. Those of you with younger ones, remember this in years to come.

I cheated on dinner tonight. Yes I had soup, but it was packaged soup. I still highly recommend it for a quick but good meal. It is made by Knorr. It is their Meditterranean Style Minestrone soup mix. It comes in a green package. I add a pound of sliced sausage. It is one of my kids favorites!

Work is really becoming a mad house! Especially seeing as how tomorrow is opening day of gun season here. It's only going to get worse as the holidays approach. I don't expect it to slow down till maybe.....March. Ha! Well, to all of you hunters out there....Happy hunting and good luck. And to all of you deer widows....enjoy the quiet time!