MARCO ISLAND, HERE WE COME....

Our bags are not only packed, but already in the car. We leave early in the morning. Our friends Jack and Linda are going with us.

I just checked the weather one more time.....


ThuFeb 12
Partly Cloudy
high 81° low 59°
chance of rain 10%

FriFeb 13
Mostly Sunny
high 81° low 57°
chance of rain 10%

SatFeb 14
Partly Cloudy
high 81° low 57°
chance of rain 10%

SunFeb 15
Mostly Sunny
high 80° low 58°
chance of rain 10%

MonFeb 16
Partly Cloudy
high 75° low 52°
chance of rain 10%

Can't wait!!!!!

Kat

TUESDAY

I spent all afternoon and evening playing games. Can you guess who arrived today?

If you guess my Mom and Sherry, you're right. They will be house sitting and keeping Miss Daisy while we are on our trip to Marco Island. (We leave early Thursday morning.) It's wonderful having them here. We had a lot of fun playing Chicken Foot, using double 12 dominoes.

~~~~~~
Becky at Looking Through The Eyes Of Luv passed along this "Life is Grand" award and I'm suppose to list five reasons my life is "grand".

1. Life is grand because I have my health.

2. Life is grand because I love my husband as much today as I did the day we married (31 years next month!)

3. Life is grand because we have children and grandchildren who are all happy and healthy and who love us and each other.

4. Life is grand because we live in a place we love...our personal "paradise".

5. Life is grand because I have many wonderful friends, not only in real life, but in this "Land of Blog".

Soooo...if you read my blog and enjoy it, please accept this award from me to YOU.


Thanks Becky!



Kat

MY NEW HANDBOOK

HANDBOOK 2009

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile. Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

(Our daughter sent this to me in an e-mail and I thought it was well worth sharing. Thanks Bree!)

Kat




ps....they need to post this warning for the movie TAKEN...oh.my.word! I was still shaking when we left the theatre.

ANY BODY THERE?

Oh.My. Gosh! It has been an absolute gorgeous day here. Finally! The kind of day where you just want to stay outside, which we pretty much did.

I guess everyone else is spending the day outside too. I haven't gotten many e-mails or comments today. I keep checking every few minutes...silly, I know... so I thought this cartoon was cute. I'm reminding myself of when I was a teenager and would wait by the phone, willing it to ring. Remember those days thinking "why won't he call" LOL

We're going to the movies tonight to see Taken. I hear it's very good. It's gonna be a nail biter I'm sure. Just watching the previews, makes my heart race.

Kat

MY SATURDAY

Funny story:

While George played golf today, I decided to run a few errands. While shopping, I had a lady stop me and ask "Pardon me...may I ask your advice please?" Of course, I said yes. She preceded to explain that she had a formal dinner to go to and needed some advice on what color stockings to wear. She went into great detail describing everything...from head to toe. I gave her my best advice. She thanked me and said "I knew you were the one who would know best." I thought "Wow, she must think I'm a "Fashionista"! "She must think I'm the best person in this whole store to ask advice about fashion."

Until....

Drum Roll Please!

I remembered I was in Walmart! LOL

~~~~~~

We had dinner tonight with our friends Jack & Linda and Dick & Linda (too many Linda's in my life LOL). We enjoyed a wonderful meal at Borago in Grayton Beach.

I ordered my favorite salad - Arugula with Gorgonzola, toasted walnuts, lemon and extra virgin olive oil and my favorite entree - Fusilli with toasted pine nuts, artichokes, calamata olives, fresh mozzarella and basil pesto sauce and I added grilled shrimp to it. Oh.My.Word! Delish!

Dick & Linda brought along two bottles of wine they brought back from Italy. Really really really good wine. It looks like Dick was feeling his wine!

Kat

IT'S SATURDAY

Tardevil at Confessions of a 40-something Mama Queen posted this:

"This one is not to be passed along TO others (after all, that wouldn't be very nice, would it?)...it is to be TAKEN. If you consider yourself eligible to receive the DORY AWARD, then by all means please take it and display it proudly on your blog! You know best if you deserve it!
And if you do, WELCOME to the DORY CLUB! If you're not qualified to join, be thankful!"

You know the old saying "if the shoe fits....", well this award fits me to a "T". My memory is so bad I'm surprised I remembered to post it! LOL

TAKE it if it fits you too.

~~~~~~

Sssssh...I don't want to say this too loud 'cause I might jinx myself, but I think my cold might be backing away. I started my normal routine of Zicam (the gel spray) and Advil Cold and Sinus as soon as I felt it coming on. And it seems to be working! And that's a good thing since we're leaving next Thursday for our trip to Marco Island. We love to celebrate Valentine's Day there.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday.



Kat

OKAY, I'VE PUT IT OFF LONG ENOUGH

But lately, I feel like my computer is asking....

And not just my mailbox, but my document folders, photo program, etc.

I seem to be collecting lots of "stuff".

And as I go through it, there's a lot of "stuff" that I just don't need to be keeping.

So today, since I'm staying in and trying to nip this darn cold in the bud, I'm working on my sweet computer. I must take care of her! What would I do without her?!

Kat

COLD

The word today is COLD. Brrrrrr !!!! It's cold outside. I've had to cover my plants for the last two nights. That just doesn't seem right for the Sunshine state!

And...
Darn it! A cold snuck up on me today. I woke up feeling just fine and before I knew it I could feel a cold coming on. My ears are itchy feeling and my throat is a little sore. A few sneezes. And some sniffles. Darn. Darn. Darn.
~~~~~~

I was tagged by Angie at Love Being A Nonny.

8 Things About Me!
It's just for fun!

~~~

8 TV Shows I Watch: (I don't watch much TV at all, but here are shows I occasionally watch)

1) Dancing With The Stars

2) Grey's Anatomy

3) 24

4) Good Morning America

5) 60 Minutes

6) House

7) Private Practice

8) our local news

~~~

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1) Fat Clemenza

2) PF Chang

3) Fabrice

4) Mitchell's Fish House

5) Borago

6) Dewey Destin Seafood

7) Bistro Bijoux

8) Cantina Laredo

~~~

8 Things that Happened to Me Today:

1) I slept until almost 8:30 (maybe that was the first sign of not feeling well)

2) George surprised me by picking up bagels for our breakfast

3) I spent quite awhile on the computer cleaning out files, documents, etc. and worked on catching up with my blog reading.

4) I balanced our checkbook.

5) Laundry

6) I met my friend Beth for coffee and some girl time this afternoon.

7) George and I went out for barbecue tonight.

8) I soaked in a hot bubble bath tonight and got to read some of my book.

~~~

8 Things I Look Forward To:

1) our trip to Marco Island next week

2) our trip to Palm Desert in March

3) my trip to Atlanta later this month to see a play with my Mom and Aunt

4) Spring

5) Summer

6) seeing my grandchildren in a few weeks

7) dinner tomorrow night with friends

8) going to the movies this weekend

~~~

8 Things I Wish For:

1) good health for myself and my family

2) two of the properties we own to sell

3) lose 10 pounds and get in better shape

4) my son and daughter-in-love's adoption from China to be finalized

5) our youngest daughter's engagement

6) a new job for one of our sons

7) a new building for our church

8) a new easy hairstyle (any suggestions?)

~~~

Okay girls...play along!

Kat

MY INTERVIEW BY MARI

I was interviewed by Mari from My Little Corner of the World. Here are her questions for me and my answers.

1) WHY DID YOU START BLOGGING AND IS IT WHAT YOU EXPECTED?

I started blogging August 16, 2005 (1,378 post ago) because my son and two of my daughter-in-loves were blogging and it looked like fun. I never dreamed though that anyone would read my blog, much less sign up to "follow" me. I just thought it would be a fun way to journal. Is it what I expected? Not at all. It's so much more than I ever dreamed possible. I've met so many incredible people. Blogging has been a blessing.

2) IF YOU COULD MEET ANY PERSON, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Okay, I know this is cheating a bit but I immediately thought of 3 people...3 very different people. My first thought was my first son who was stillborn. I lost him in my seventh month and I wonder often what he would have been like. My second thought was Elvis Presley. Oh yes ma'am...I'd have lots of questions for him. And my third thought was Noah. What an interesting story he could tell. I'd love to hear how he kept his faith.

3) YOUR LITTLE SLICE OF PARADISE IS BEAUTIFUL. HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED THERE AND WHERE DID YOU LIVE BEFORE THAT?

We moved to our little "paradise" permanently 8 years ago (in April) from Atlanta, Georgia after my husband quit working (he doesn't like the word retired...LOL), but we had a second home here for almost 7 years before we moved here.

4) WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE?

Beyond a doubt, my husband. He was my friend first and I tell people all the time that I think that's one of the reasons our marriage is so wonderful. We LIKE each other and enjoy being together. And as silly as that sounds, it's important. He's not just my husband and lover...he's my "bestest" friend. My life has been more fun and exciting than I ever dreamed possible. (We will celebrate our 31st anniversary next month - March 17th.)

5) WHAT IS THE FUNNIEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?

The first thing that comes to mind (and believe me, it wasn't funny at the time) is a day that I was at our neighborhood pool when our children were small. Our daughter must have been about three years old. I was laying on a lounge chair by the kitty pool enjoying a book. Bree kept saying "Mommy look". She must have said it a few times before I looked up from my book.

She put the biggest frog I had ever seen in my life right.in.my.face! I almost wet my britches and broke my neck flying out of my chair and practically walked on water trying to get as far away as I could. Seriously, the frog was gigantic! The photo on the right is one I found on line and gives you the idea of how she was holding it (with it's long legs hanging down), but I promise you, the one she held up was much much bigger! It gives me shivers just to think about it.

~~~~~~

If you'd like me to give you an interview, just leave "Interview Me" in your comments, and I'll think of some questions, so I can get to know you better, too.

Kat

TUESDAY

Today there was a big group at our Tuesday Lunch Bunch. We had lunch at Mitchell's Fish Market. I always look forward to Tuesdays because these ladies really are the best!

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The absolutely gorgeous tea cup and saucer that I won in a giveaway recently from Jan at Rose Haven arrived yesterday. Isn't it wonderful?! I love it. Even the gift tag is beautiful. As you can see, tonight I'm having a glass of red wine while I blog, but you can rest assured that tomorrow morning I will be sipping my coffee from this beautiful cup. Thank you so much Jan! Jan is having some wonderful giveaways, so do yourself a favor and give her a visit.

~~~~~
Sandi at Whistlestop Cafe highlighted my Super Bowl Centerpiece. Thanks so much Sandi! If you have a centerpiece you'd like to show off, let Sandi know.

~~~~~~

THERE'S STILL THINGS I WANT TO DO

I recieved this meme from my friend, Tonja at Gatherings and she has challenged all of us "B" Club members to play along. The things I have done are in red.

Started your own blog

Slept under the stars

Played in a band

Visited Hawaii

Watched a meteor shower

Given more than you can afford to charity

Been to Disneyland/world

Climbed a mountain

Held a praying mantis

Sang a solo

Bungee jumped

Visited Paris

Watched a lightning storm at sea

Taught yourself an art from scratch

Adopted a child

Had food poisoning

Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

Seen the Mona Lisa in France

Slept on an overnight train

Had a pillow fight

Hitchhiked

Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

Built a snow fort

Held a lamb

Gone skinny dipping

Been to a Broadway show in NY

Ran a Marathon

Been in three states at once (maybe?)

Ridden in a gondola in Venice

Seen a total eclipse

Watched a sunrise or sunset

Hit a home run

Been on a Cruise

Seen Niagra Falls in Person

Visited the birthplace of your Ancestors

Seen an Amish community

Taught yourself a new language

Had enough money to be truly satisfied

Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

Gone rock climbing

Seen Michelangelo’s David

Sung karaoke

Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

Visited Africa

Walked on a beach by moonlight

Been transported in an ambulance

Had your portrait painted

Gone deep sea fishing

Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

Kissed in the rain

Played in the mud

Been to Grace Kelley’s grave in Monaco

Gone to a drive-in

Been in a movie

Visited the Great Wall of China

Started a business

Taken a martial arts class

Swam in the Mediterranean Sea

Visited Russia

Served at a soup kitchen

Sold Girl Scout cookies

Gone whale watching

Gotten flowers for no reason

Donated blood, platelets or plasma

Gone sky diving

Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

Bounced a check (it wasn't my fault, really)

Saved a favorite childhood toy

Visited the Lincoln Memorial

Eaten Caviar

Pieced a quilt

Stood in Times Square

Toured the Everglades (going next week!)

Been fired from a job

Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

Broken a bone

Been on a speeding motorcycle

Seen the Grand Canyon in person

Published a book

Visited the Vatican

Bought a brand new car

Walked in Jerusalem

Had your picture in the newspaper

Read the entire Bible

Visited the White House

Killed and prepared my own meat (if boiling a live lobster counts? LOL)

Had chickenpox

Saved someone’s life

Sat on a jury

Met someone famous

Joined a book club

Lost a loved one

Had a baby

Seen the Alamo in person

Swam in the Great Salt Lake

Been involved in a law suit (my injury)

Owned a cell phone

Been stung by a bee

This was fun. If you'd like to play along, let me know so I can read your list.

Hugs and kisses,
Kat

IT'S ALL OVER BUT THE UNDECORATING...

Well, another Super Bowl has come and gone. We had a wonderful time, but I'm beyond tired tonight. The party was easy. It's the clean up and undecorating that will get ya. Plus, I had to be on the tennis court at 9AM this morning. I made it...just barely. The bed wasn't made and I didn't have any breakfast though. I'm sure there was enough calories in me from last night to sustain me until this time next week. LOL Plus, it's a good thing I didn't make the bed, because I ended up taking a long nap this afternoon. And I'm still tired.....

Cardinal fans - Lisa, Jeanette and me...notice the cardinals on Jeanette's shoulder...cute!

Lisa, Linda and Jeanette

Lynda, Carol, Me and Claudia. (Yes Carol and Claudia are twins)
Jack & Linda and Dick

Karen, Linda and Jo

Steeler Fans - Linda, Jo and Erika

One of the guys brought 3D glasses for some of the commercials.

Chicken tortilla soup with cheese, sour cream and chips...it was so yummy

Hot cheese dip and more chips

Hot "smokies"...there was a pot full and they went quick

I never got a good photo of all the food on the dining table. Oh.My.Word! There was sooooo much fun. Everything was really good. Every time I thought to take a photo, there was a crowd around the table. I finally just gave up. (The sideboard held the desserts.)

Hmmmmm...I didn't get a single good shot of George and I together. We were both running around like "chickens with our heads cut off", but here's one of him bagging up trash. Again....One of our friends does the game...not sure what it's called...where you pick a square and take a chance on winning. LOL....see how much I don't know about it all...anyway I won $47.00 at some point for something. I don't know how, don't know why, but hey I was happy to take the money and run.There was people everywhere!

I think everyone had a good time, including us.

Hugs and kisses,
Kat