Trick Shot Titus

 

This little boy is simply amazing, I guarantee you’v never seen anything like This.  Oh, what a feel good video on this cold winter morning.  Enjoy ~ Jan

Frozen Football Fans

 

Ok, I’m not a football fan, the only thing more stupid, in my opinion,  than a bunch of men jumping on top of each other in an attempt to retrieve a ball, is the reaction at home of the armchair quarterbacks who just go bat shit crazy.  But what’s even crazier is this game tonight in Minnesota.

I saw pictures of fans filing into the stadium, 80,000 people, lots of old people, all bundled up, miserably trudging to their snow covered seats in sub-zero temps. They are gonna sit down and their butts will melt that snow, they are freeze their backsides.  Stoopid…...

Am I the strange one, the person who doesn’t get the total obsession with football?  Guys that can barely form a coherent sentence are paid millions and millions of dollars to get their bodies pummeled every week and end up even dumber than they were before they started playing.  Duh...

Just don’t get it, I know a lot of you do, but I . Just . Don’t . Get . it !

Today's the day...

 

It’s a new year, time to totally redo the Daily Dish from the ground up.  I’ve been limping along for months now, just quickly slapping up new headers, my margins aren’t aligned, I have issues, I can do better!  It’s time to totally revamp!  What better time than this, it’s miserable outside, frigid arctic air moving in, the fireplace is on, smooth jazz is playing in the background and  I’m in design mode.

Soon you will click on The Diah and it will look totally different.  Will you like it?  If you like whimsy you will, if you don’t, meh….

Back to the drawing board, catch ya later…. ~ jan

Brrrrrrrrrrr

A Winter Storm is possible this weekend in Heavensville.  Accumulating snow will begin late Saturday and continue into Sunday along with Arctic air and polar wind.  We're talking about temperatures falling to their lowest levels since 2004 next week!

Okay, I’ve had enough of winter.  I’ve alway said I wouldn’t be a snowbird, that I enjoy being home too much, but I’ve changed my mind.  This winter is terrible, and we’re just getting started.  It’s going to snow this weekend and be at least -6 by Tuesday night.  

Putting up pictures of tropical islands as my computer desktop wallpaper just isn’t working for me!  Waaaaaaaaa

A healthier you in 2014

As the years advance, the need to be healthier is forefront and center for yours truly.   I took a gigantic step last May 23rd when I started eating low carb.  I’m still excited about it, feel so much better eating with only a few healthy carbs, my weight is steadily going down, it’s really working for both hubby and I.  But exercise, meh, I know I need to do it, but I absolutely hate feeling winded, painful, sweaty, I’m not a fan.  Okay, let’s face it, I’m lazy when it comes to exercising, I know I am, but I’ve always loved the thought of Yoga.  My daughter-in-law Lindsay loves it, but she’s hardcore, and her Yoga is intense.

I’ve been searching for easy, age appropriate yoga and I’ve found it.  It’s chair yoga for seniors.  You don’t sweat, you don’t feel pain, you just stretch and relax. You can do it sitting at your computer, just try it, nobody will know, and you will feel so relaxed when you finish.  Pinkie swear you will.  And the best part, it’s free, just watch this YouTube Video for Gentle Yoga, bookmark it and you can do it anytime.  There are several chair yoga videos and yoga for seniors on YouTube, and if the one below doesn’t ring your chimes, try another.  It’s the perfect time.  I like to mix things up, so if I find other videos I prefer, I’ll post them for you.

 

And now for vitamins….

A couple of months ago my gynecologist sent me home with a  list of vitamins that I should be taking.  It was the usual supplements, calcium, B12, etc. that I am taking, but he also listed Magnesium, twice daily, 250-350mg per dose.

I actually picked up a bottle last weekend, and this morning Coconut Mama posted the following link on Facebook, and I thought it relevant enough to share with all of you.

What a good time to reevaluate what we are doing to stay healthy, read this article, maybe you need to be taking magnesium as well.

Happy New Year my blogging friends, let’s all make it a healthier one.  ~ Jan

Here’s Coconut Mama’s Article

The Best EVER Blackeye Peas Casserole for New Years Day

My daughter-in-law was talking about Black Eye Peas for New Years, and I told her about this recipe.  It’s from my almost 96 year old next door neighbor, the gourmet cook. Oh, this is such a great dish, if you’re thinking of eating Blackeye Peas tomorrow, you might want to check this out.  ~ Jan

Here’s the link

Upworthy, stuff that matters...

 

 

An interesting site for you on this Friday morning.  My friend, Ang, told me about Upworthy, it’s about things that matter.  Their mission is to distribute Internet content that is visual, meaningful and sharable.

If you’re not familiar with it, bookmark it, like it on Facebook - it will make you think...

Here’s the quick click...

It's just wrong that Merry Christmas isn't politically corect

I’m 64 years old now, and I’ve wished people a Merry Christmas my entire life.  Now the store clerks say  “Happy Holidays” after they ring you up and this year, especially, it’s just rubbing me the wrong way.  This political correctness is a bunch of hooey, in my opinion.  One of these days, I’m just going to say MERRY CHRISTMAS EMPHATICALLY when they say Happy Holidays.  Maybe as soon as tomorrow!

Yes, I know you didn’t ask me, but I’m telling you anyway.  Just on my soapbox this afternoon, ya think?

That is all...

Red and Jan, not a good combination...

 

 

Everybody wears red for Christmas, it’s just what you do.  Right?  Wrong!  I used to wear red and I loved it.   I bought a new red sweater earlier this month, put it on last week, and wasn’t a fan, I thought maybe it was me having a bad hair day, so I tried it on again today - Wrong!

What happened?  Is it old age kicking me in the butt?  Should I just be wearing purple?  Red + Jan = Yuck  

It’s going back to the store…  And I liked it, I really liked it!   Grrrrrrrr

How did this happen, it seems like it should just be the first of December.

Stumped...

Drats, shopping is 99% complete, okay, so it’s 95% complete, and I’m hung up on a couple of gifts.  I would like nothing better than to get opinions from you, but can’t do that.

I thought that if I just put this into words it would help me decide.  Of course it doesn’t.   Hope all of you are finishing up, as well.  We have wrapped nothing yet, tomorrow is the day.  Oh joy...

 

 

 

You were a beauty my old friend, oxblood leather, nailhead trim, we were best buddies for years and years.  We were growing older together, you and I.  Cracks started showing in your leather, your arms wore through to the underlayment, but that was okay, I could live with the aging, I’m aging, too, I understood. And then your padding started to go and for awhile that was okay as well.  But this past month you just gave up completely, resulting in excruciating pain to my nether regions, and it was time to say goodbye.  It was a sad morning, watching you being rolled away, bidding farewell to the best chair I ever had. 

 

 

Hello, you ugly ergonomic chair.  You sure don’t have any wow factor, except for your price! You’ve got big shoes to fill, you new kid on the block, will we ever be friends?  Only time will tell, but I’m not one for change, I like things to stay the same.  But you adjust up, down, front, back and sideways.  You have lumbar support, you have a mesh seat that will be cool in the summer, and you better be kind to my nether regions or you will be going right back to the store, and maybe purchased by some big guy who will just hammer you every time he sits on you!  So you better treat me right, got it?

Today is your maiden voyage, I hope we have a smooth sail...

Pioneer Woman's Favorite Kitchen Tools

 

Ree just posted her favorite kitchen utensils and links to them, but thanks to dear hubby, I already have a couple of her favorites. I mentioned often that I loved her flat whisk and her slotted (fish) turner and last December he actually called Ree’s assistant to find out what they were, and he ordered them both for me, the Stainless Steel Flat Wisk and also the LamsonSharp Pro Slotter Turner and gave them to me for Christmas.   I meant to blog about it, totally forgot, but you can imagine how thrilled I was to think that he took the time, actually made several phone calls, eventually getting to the right person to find out what they were.

So now I’m looking at the rest of the things she loves, and I’m thinking that I really need her offset spatula.  *grin*  And the knife, heart be still, but dang, it’s pricey!

I continue to be such a fan of Pioneer Woman.  She’s just the best!

Here’s the link to the tools, and you can also enter here win them, along with the other 1,478,972 people who are trying to get them.

Oh, I do love what he got me and use them all the time, always with a smile because it was so thoughtful.  They’re just awesome!  ~ Jan

11 THINGS TO WRITE DOWN BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS

 

Apparently I’m still on Oprah’s email list, and I got an email this morning that intrigued me.  I’m not a fan, not for years now, but some of the things she writes about really does make you think.  So here are the 11 things, and my answers.  It may bore you, but I will enjoy looking back at it in a few years.  And this picture I posted doesn’t exactly look like a journal, but you have to admit, it’s gawjus.   And if I actually wrote in a journal, I would want this!

1.  WHAT YOUNGER YOU WOULD LIKE ABOUT PRESENT YOU

I think that the younger me would admire the older me, seriously.  Why?  Because I’m more sure of myself, I’ve learned to trust my gut, I’m not a pushover like I was when I was younger.  But I’m a broad, not a lady, unfortunately, because I really wish I was (were?) a lady.  But I’m not, and if I tried, I would be phony, and that’s one thing I’m not, I’m the real meal deal.  What you see is what you get.

2.  THE WATCHED/READ LIST

It’s no surprise to all of you that I’m a shallow reader.  I devour trashy romance novels.  Well, not so trashy anymore, I’ve honed my reading skills, the trash is boring, I want a good storyline, and always a happy ending.  The best reads of 2013 - has to be my ongoing serial reading of Robin Carr’s Virgin River Series.  She’s up to book 15 now, and still going strong.  Such good books, set in a small mountain town with colorful characters, what’s not to love.  Anything Mary Kay Andrews writes is always on my to read list as well.  She has the best sense of humor, she’s always a fun escape.

And my watch list, Downton Abbey.  Hands down the best ever series that I’ve watched, possibly forever.  Wasn’t crazy about the direction the story went last year, but those Brits, they sure do know how to produce fascinating television.

3.  THE MISTAKE YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO MAKE

To intentionally or unintentionally hurt someone’s feelings and not to take anyone for granted.  Live in the moment, it’s all we have.  Good friends and a wonderful family are truly a gift, keep those you love close to your heart.

4.  YOUR IDEAL OUTFIT

Oh, this is an easy one.  I’m a jeans girl, always have been, always will be.  Of course I would need to be thin to pull this off, but it’s the ideal outfit, right?  Okay, skinny jeans with a great fade, awesome boots, vintage look, distressed soft, supple brown butter leather, high boots that come to my knees.   Tuck those jeans into the boots and top it with a long loose tunic sweater, preferably asymmetric, cream or oatmeal, fuzzy angora or soft cashmere.  Lots of bangles on both arms, some kind of long, statement earrings, hair a shoulder length bob, slightly shorter in the back, shiny and sleek, with fresh streaky color, super smoky eyes in shades of brown and gold.  Purse?  Oversized brown hobo bag, very distressed, leather soft as butter.  And what do I need to make this happen?  Well, first I need to lose lots more weight and have a boob job.  Can’t forget making the girls smaller, and a weave in my hair.  Cough up the big bucks for the clothes, hair and jewelry and that should do it.  Yeah, sure Jan, when pigs fly this will happen...

5.  A DEEP DARK-SHHH-SECRET

Oh boy, like I would give it away on here.  Ya, I probably would since I have no filter.  Ummmmmm, oh, I’ve got it!  I would really like a great picture of me and the grandkids, a natural pose with all of us laughing.  Sounds like a simple thing doesn’t it, but it never seems to happen. And to accomplish that we would probably need to take 100-150 pictures minimum to get a good one.  So I would also ask for patience from the photographer that took the pictures.  Family are you listening?

6.  THE MOST UNEXPECTED COMPLIMENT THAT YOU EVER GOT

Well, it happened a few years ago at Canton Inn, our families (not the girls, just LC and the boys) favorite restaurant.  And for the most part, compliments make me uncomfortable, I’m not one to seek attention.  But I was at the buffet and this nice older gentleman (75ish) came up to me and said I was absolutely beautiful and wanted to know if he could hug me.  He didn’t look like a pervert, I was stunned, but I laughed,  opened my arms and gave him a big hug.  I was always glad I did that, such a simple thing and it was obviously important to him.  Maybe I reminded him of someone he once loved, or maybe he was a pervert, but I prefer not to think about that.

7.  THAT ONE QUOTE

I have two, “When we know better, we do better” ~ Maya Angelou - and my favorite, the one Ryan told me “You can do just about anything if you just take your time."

8.  THE BEST SURPRISE YOU’VE EVER HAD

Has to be when the kids told me they were pregnant with my grandchildren.  And now grandbaby No. 3 is coming in the spring.  I’m so blessed with these precious little souls.

9. YOUR TRUE HAPPINESS

We’ll, it’s obviously family and friends and my adored fur child, Maggie Moo.  But if I had to pick one perfect happy peaceful moment it would be about 15 years ago when hubby and I were landscaping The Gingerbread House.  We had gone to pick up a load of top soil in LC’s company pickup one pretty summer day, and it was down by the river.  The guys that loaded the dirt had just begun their lunch break, LC went off to talk to them, and he was parked right next to the river in a grove of trees.  Both doors were open, dappled sunlight twinkled through the trees and this warm, gentle, breeze was blowing over me.  I lay down and slept and it was the most perfect, blissful sleep I’ve ever had.  Then the workers finished lunch, fired up the backhoe, hubby came back, slammed the door, started the truck motor, and poof, it was over...

10.  YOUR FAVORITE FAILURE

Would have to be blogging.  I began blogging years ago when Ryan was just out of college and living in Washington State.  I wrote a few entries just to keep in touch with him and he told me I would never do it.  Boy, was he wrong!  I’ve blogged forever now, and maybe it was a failure initially, because it took me a couple of attempts before it took hold, but wow, I have sure blabbed a lot of  nonsense over the years, with no intention of stopping now.

11.  AN AMENDMENT TO THE BUCKET LIST

Well, that’s easy enough, I just blogged about this last week.  I want to fly fish, I really want to do this.  And when I think of more things to add to that list, I’ll be sure and give you an update.

So what are your 11 things?  Think about it...

Here’s a link to the original article

 

 

 

Dick and Jane Flannel Sheets from the Vermont Country Store

 

Are you struggling with someone on your Christmas list, somebody that you are clueless what to buy for a gift.  Well, you have to be of a certain age, but if you happen to be old(er), who wouldn’t love a set of these flannel sheets from the Vermont Country Store.  

Sadly, Dick and Jane are not around for kids these days, but people our age have such fond memories of them, and what a whimsical idea for a gift.   Well, not for me because I’m way too hot for flannel, and I somehow don’t think hubby would be a fan, but there just might be someone out there that would love these.  Wouldn’t these be perfect for a schoolteacher?  And if you know somebody, here’s the link...

And if Dick and Jane aren’t your thing, they also have Sock Monkey and Peanuts Flannel sheets.

I’m such a fan of this website, everything is so nostalgic, just takes me back to a gentler time...

Vermont Country Store - bookmark it, they’re just the BEST!

The Grandkids saw Santa today...

Ben wasn’t a fan of the old guy, but he’s oh so cute snuggling with Abby.  They’re  growing up so fast!

Abby's Christmas List 2013

Dictated and signed by Abby.  Someday she will look back at this post and smile.  Grammie loves you, sweet Abby...

The Brach Candy of my childhood...

When I was a little girl we would go to Tresslar’s Five and Dime on Saturday morning, and I would look into the Brach Bins, trying to decided what I wanted.  I was a big fan of Brach Bridge Mix, I loved the chocolate covered brazil nuts best and would always eat them first.

Chocolate covered caramels were a close second, I still love them, never eat them, but they are just so good.

 

And chocolate covered raisins, can’t forget those.  They’re fruit, they’re healthy, right?

And chocolate covered peanuts!

 

 

 

And chocolate stars, can’t forget those!

And a great big picture for you of peanut clusters, can’t forget those!  I think my love of chocolate turtles originated with peanut clusters.

I could go on and on, but I won’t.  I’m getting a sugar rush just thinking about all of this!  You’re probably thinking I ate a lot of candy when I was a kid, and you’re right.  I had a mother with a sweet tooth, it was her one indulgence, and of course I just followed her lead.  That’s what kids do, right, they just do what mom does?  

When a beauty treatment goes bad!

 

It’s now day two of being snowed in and your truly isn’t handling it well.  I can stay home for days and days, be perfectly content, but just the fact that they haven’t plowed us out yet and I can’t get out and about drives me absolutely crazy.

So I’m schlepping around in my ratty bathrobe, and it ain’t pretty folks.  I look in the mirror, shudder and decide that I need a beauty treatment.  Enter the humongous jar of coconut oil, the very jar that I purchased to cook with for my low-carb lifestyle.  The coconut oil that smells intensely of coconut and ruins everything that I cook in it, because I wasn’t smart enough to buy the refined coconut oil with no flavor.

Well, I replaced that jar with the good non-smelling stuff, and relegated the smelly stuff to my bathroom because it works well for a hair conditioner, and it’s great for your skin. I looked so bad that I immediately grabbed that coconut oil and start smearing it all over my hair and face, hoping for some kind of late(r) life miracle.

Then I walk into the den, hubby didn’t say a word, but his pupils dilated, and not in a good way.  I looked like a badly dressed, coconut smelling, ragamuffin in that gawdawful bathrobe with greasy hair plastered to my head and a shiny face.

I leave it on until I’m about to gag from the smell, coconut is just not my favorite odor of choice, go to the shower, knowing that it’s extremely difficult to rinse it out.  I grab a huge glob of shampoo, put it through my hair and it’s just not lathering.  Oh great, I’m thinking that I really overdid it with that non-beauty treatment, so I grab yet another glob, put it on my hair, and still no lather!

Then I look down, and good grief, I had now put a half a bottle of conditioner on my hair on top of all that greasy coconut oil.   Jeezy pete, what a disaster, I thought  I was using shampoo.  So then I open the shampoo, lather once, then again, and  rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse.  And how does this all play out?

Well, my hair is definitely soft and sleek.  Oh get real, Jan.  My hair is as limp as a old dishrag.   There is no such thing as a beauty treatment at my age anyway.   Oh, if I only had a brain...

Vintage Budweiser Christmas Commercial

 

This commercial is circa 1987, and one of my favorites.  This is what Heavensville looks like this morning , we had a big snow yesterday.  Unfortunately no live tree or Clydesdale drawn wagon.   I’ll just have to enjoy the magic of the season via YouTube...