SO TRUE!

Like getting to see good friends on very short notice!

Home again. Very quick trip. Got there in time to have dinner with friends before bed. Up early for breakfast and the funeral and then back in the car and traveled home. Tired today, but happy to be home.

Thanks for your sweet messages.


Hugs,
Kat



"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

WHERE I'M GOING

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."
~Dr. Seuss

I'm going to Atlanta in the morning with George. For another funeral. The 5th one since November 4th. Actually the 3rd one in less than 2 weeks. This one is for the wife of one of George's really good friends. She was only 61.

Dr. Seuss, that very smart man, is right. We can choose where we go (and how we look at circumstances and how we react).

So... deep breath

I will not go crazy.
I will not go into a depressive funk.

I will go to celebrate the life of a very sweet woman who fought with courage. I will go to support her husband and family and gather with friends.

I will go to celebrate Dawn's new life in heaven.




Hugs,
Kat



"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

EXCUSE ME

Just heard on the news that Florida could be sunned-in for the next several days. Residents are urged to hunker down at their nearest beach or tiki bar for further instructions. Use extreme caution when braving this sunshine. We are asking our friends and relatives to the north to please keep us in their thoughts as we deal with our 2 feet buried in the sand.


Just when I started questioning why we moved to Florida, out pops the sun! Thank you Lord!

Excuse me please...I've just GOT to get outside!!!!!!!!!



Hugs from the beach,
Kat



"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

SORRY $TARBUCK$ BUT....

...a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. In this economy, I can't keep doling out big $$$$ for a "fancy shmancy" cup of coffee.

Did I hear an AMEN?!

Photo is clickable, but here's what I enjoy in my favorite pink cup:

Grove Square light roast coffee in my Keurig (thanks Bree & Jay) I buy the coffee at Wally World.

Belladonna Gourmet Syrup. I like their caramel or vanilla. I found mine for a $1.00 at our local Dollar General. I know. Amazing. And NO calories!

I whisk some warm skim milk using my Bonjour Primo Latte "thingee" for the top and then add just a shake of Sugar In The Raw on top of the foam.

Perfect! Wonderful and soothing, especially since our crazy weather is VERY un-Florida like.

How do YOU like your coffee?




Hugs from the beach,
Kat


"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

I WILL CELEBRATE

"A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes." ~Hugh Downs

I've had a little talk with myself. Have you ever had to do that? Sure you have! I had to remind myself of some things that I know in my heart are true.

Attending four funerals in three months just isn't right. It stinks. It really does. I'm not even going to try to convince myself otherwise. But I reminded myself tonight there is still reason to celebrate...as strange as that sounds.

I read something (somewhere) a few months ago that has helped. I think it was right after our great niece was killed and I copied and saved it. I wish I could give credit where credit is due, but like a dunce I failed to copy the source. Anyway, here's what they had to say and it's a great way to think:

So, as with most people we miss when they're gone, we start to think of others in our life we've lost. I remember my grandmother and grandfather. When my grandmother passed away my grandfather was, of course, devastated. To make the anniversaries of her death less of a day of mourning, and more of a day of celebrating he announced that every anniversary of her "death" would be a birthday in heaven. The first anniversary was her First Birthday in Heaven. Then her Second Birthday in Heaven. He imagined how wonderful it was for her there, in heaven. Because he loved her so much, where she was (paradise) was much more important on that day than where he was (sad to be without her). You may or may not be helped by thinking about a "heaven," but we can all find it in our hearts to celebrate life, even after someone's gone. They will forever be a part of YOU, of your life's story, and of your now and future as you have been blessed with knowing—and loving—them. I would love to think people could be happy when they think about me after I'm gone. And I'm going to find a way to do that for my friend Rich today. Happy First Birthday in Heaven, Rich.

I don't know who Rich is, but isn't that a nice way to think? I think so.

So....

Madison, Achilles, Carl and Marty Happy first season in Heaven.

You are missed!



Hugs from the beach,
Kat



"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

IF PIGS COULD FLY....

If pigs could fly I'd fly a pig
To foreign countries small and big
To Italy and Spain
To Austria where cow bells ring
To Germany where people sing
And then come home again

I'd see the Ghangis and the Nile
I'd visit Madagascar's isle
And Persia and Peru
People would say they'd never seen
So odd so strange an air machine
As that on which I flew

Yes everyone would raise a shout
To see his trotters and his snout
Come floating from the sky.
And I would be a famous star
In all the countries near and far
If only pigs could fly

It has been a little over 4 weeks since I began my new diet and fitness routine. It's going well and has actually been pretty easy. I've lost about 7 pounds, give or take a few ounces. Since I didn't actually weigh myself the first day and don't weigh myself much, I'm guessing 7 pound. My clothes fit better and I feel better. I still think using myfitnesspal.com to journal my caloric intake (for me) has been what has helped the most. I've learned quickly that foods I LOVE and crave have A LOT of calories. Shocking amounts! Especially since I'm trying to only eat about 1,200 calories a day. NOW you see why I'm walking an hour every day on the treadmill so I can add more calories to my allowance. LOL

I love pizza and wine and chocolate. Doesn't everyone?

Did you know that one glass of red wine has approx. 100 calories? Some more! (depending on which kind)

Did you know a slice of pepperoni pizza has 290 calories (and I like mine with mushrooms and caramelized onions on it too!)

Did you know one Bliss Dark Chocolate has 35 calories?

If pigs could fly, I'd have a glass or two of Cabernet Sauvignon, three slices of my favorite pizza and some Bliss dark chocolate at the end of the meal to finish off my wine. I do so love dark chocolate and red wine together. A little slice of heaven, for sure!

I could easily use all my daily allowance on one joyous meal!



What would YOU do if pigs could fly?




Truth time - I still have wine and pizza and chocolate, but NOT in the portions I would love!

Having my jeans fit better is the BEST reward!



Hugs from the beach,
Kat



"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

REMEMBERING MARTY

We got the sad news this morning that our oh so sweet friend and former neighbor died this morning. Her funeral on Saturday will be the fourth I have attended in 3 months. sigh

I want to be like Marty when I'm in my 70s and 80s (she was 88). She was spunky. And fun. She was smart. She was kind. She loved to play bridge. She loved football. She loved her church and her family and friends. She was an excellent cook. Oh how I remember her blueberry bran muffins. She would ask what day we were going to be home for breakfast. (She knew we were always off early to play tennis or golf and she wanted us both to be home when she made them.) When I told her a day that would be good for us, she would show up that morning in her robe with hot from the oven muffins and I would have the coffee ready and the butter out. Oh, what I wouldn't give to have another basket and another morning with her! She also made the best homemade applesauce. She was a spiffy dresser and always had packages being delivered from Talbots, etc. Until she was diagnosed with cancer, she got regular manicures and pedicures, massages and facials. She always looked her best. She loved George's cologne and told him so every time she hugged him. He teased her about having boyfriends and she would blush. And guess what? She had one! I could go on and on, but it's hard...

I will miss you sweet friend.

Lord, you really got a good one today!



Hugs from the beach,
Kat


"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

TOO MANY BUTTONS

I looked down this morning and thought "I've got to take a photo of this!".

Every day I walk on my treadmill armed with my iPhone and my iPad. AND... I'm serious...sometimes I hit the wrong button! I forget what I'm doing and I hit a button on the treadmill instead of the iPad or iPhone. LOL I've lowered my speed or incline a few times instead of trying to get back to the main screen on my iPad. Duh!
Some of you have asked about my treadmill, so I thought I would show a few photos. Mine is a NordicTrack and it is one that can be "stood on end" to reserve space. Love it! It's pretty heavy, but I'm able to do it by myself. (I have BIG muscles. HA)

Our master closet is a pretty big walk-in, so I keep mine in there. We have two windows so there is plenty of light, plus I leave the door open. As you can see, I also keep my ball and hand weights close by.
Here's a side view when the treadmill is closed up. It doesn't use much space.

And...did you notice mine has fans on each side? (lst photo) What a blessing! When I start getting warm, I can turn those babies on either low or high.
Once it is closed up and locked in place, I can roll it towards the back wall. Honestly, I keep it up most of the time unless we're having guests that might ask for a tour of the house. :-)

It also makes a great place to hang clothes when I decide what I'm going to wear for the day! LOL

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Many of you have expressed an interest in getting a treadmill. I can definitely suggest the type I have. I bought mine about 5 or 6 years ago from a friend who was working out at the gym with me. She had just had a baby and decided she wouldn't have the time to use it as planned, plus she needed the space for baby equipment. I got it for a good price. The hard part was transporting the darn thing, but I'm so glad I bought it. You might keep an eye out in your local newspaper want ads OR post a notice at your gym asking if anyone has a treadmill for sale. I think LOTS of people buy them in January (New Year's resolutions!), but never actually use them.

I'm using mine! Every day :-)


Hugs from the beach,
Kat



"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

AN HOUR A DAY IS PERFECT

"An hour of basketball feels like 15 minutes. An hour on a treadmill feels like a weekend in traffic school."

~David Walters

Funny quote and cartoon, but a little true too. I can run around on the tennis court for 2+ hours and not even think about it, but 1 hour on the treadmill is plenty, thank you very much!

Actually, I love my treadmill. I'm so glad I have one at home. I truly look forward to my workout every day. It's MY time. Without the convenience of having it here, I'm not sure I would have enough discipline to go to the gym every day. Honestly, I KNOW I wouldn't.

Another big help is using my iPad while I'm on the treadmill. LOVE it! I can check emails and facebook, but I especially love reading my book while I walk. Time really does go by nicely and I feel like I get some things accomplished during that time too. A real win/win!

How's YOUR fitness program going? I'm happy (and a bit surprised) to say that I'm sticking with mine. I'm trying to stay away from the damn scale, but my body feels better and my pants are fitting better...so I feel better :-)


Just wanted to say thanks again for all of your sweet comments, emails and cards. It's been a rough week, but YOU really helped.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What a nice surprise I got this morning. Candace at Mi Chiamo Candace awarded me not one, not two, but three awards. Wow! I am truly touched. Thank you so much!
















Hugs from the beach,
Kat


"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

CELEBRATING LIFE

Yesterday was a whirlwind of emotions, to say the least. It was really hard to attend the memorial service for our sweet friend Carl. Sitting there watching the video presentation was tough, real tough. So many wonderful times together. It's unreal to think he's really gone.

Late yesterday afternoon we all gathered at their home for food and fellowship. I know Carl was smiling too to know his home was filled with friends and neighbors all there to support Jackie (on the far right).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And although I wasn't sure if I felt like it, I went to a birthday party for our minister's wife Cindy (in the animal print jacket) later last night. I'm so glad I did. I needed some fun girl time.


Life goes on. It really does. Thank you God for reminding me of this.


Hugs from the beach,
Kat

"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

YOU HAVE HELPED

Even when it "rains" in our lives, friends can make a big difference. Thank YOU!


Thank you Lord for always being there right beside us...in the good times, but especially in the hard times. And thank you for placing those in our paths who know just when we need a kind word, a hug, or a prayer. I know how much it means to me, so please Lord use me to help others too.
Amen


Hugs from the beach,
Kat

"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

Luke 23:43
Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Rest in peace sweet friend.


Hugs from the beach,
Kat
"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

"NOT GOODS"

Thank you sweet friends for your comments, emails, and prayers. I'm usually an upbeat see-the-glass-mostly-full kind of girl, but lately I feel like I'm standing under a big black HEAVY cloud and there's a BIG DARK SCARY storm "a-brewing". Some times there are so many "not goods" all bunched together and it's almost hard to breathe.

George and I are literally waiting for the phone to ring about our friend Carl. His family is all here gathered around him and we are told it won't be long.

We feel "sucker punched" after learning on Sunday that our minister (and true friend) will be moving away. There is no way to sufficiently express what a difference he has made in our lives. And in our walk with God. I can truthfully say he has made the greatest impact in my Christian life. Bar none. I keep remembering three questions he asked us on Sunday when he made the announcement. Do you love each other? Do you believe in God? Do you trust God? The answer is YES to all three. Some how some way we will get through this.

We are still struggling with the senseless murder of George's great niece a few months ago and these two latest "not goods" are bringing that to the forefront again.

All that being said, I want you to know that I do feel the love you are sending our way and wanted to let you know.

THANK YOU!



Hugs from the beach,
Kat


"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

NUMB

Today has been hard. Very emotional.

As we were getting dressed for church this morning we received the phone call we have been dreading. Our good friend Carl is at the end of his fight against cancer. His wife has been told 24-48 hours.

Our minister and good friend announced this morning that he and his family will be movings in June.

Dear Lord, surround us with your comfort.


Hugs from the beach,
Kat
"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

PEEK A BOO

Miss Daisy (whispering)

Miss Daisy (quietly while stroking her sweet head)

Miss Daisy (a bit louder)

Peek A Boo

Come on sweet girl, look up at Mommy
What?
Where's Daddy? And why did you wake me?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I think every state has had snow recently except us. This is what our "snow" looks like. Yep, our sugar white sand has been known to look like snow.
Our beaches are empty right now. It's been cool...maybe even cold...but still perfect for a walk on the beach.

Enjoy your weekend.

Hugs from the beach,
Kat

"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

FAIL NOT

"If you fail to plan, then you're planning to fail."

I bet you've heard that quote a thousand times or more. I know I have.

But, you know what? It's a great thing to keep in mind.

I haven't mentioned it lately, but I'm doing good with my diet and fitness. I'm still really enjoying using myfitnesspal.com. I'm keeping that quote in mind when I do my food journaling. It's kinda fun. Every morning it's like a big puzzle that I need to make fit...

so I can be fit :-)

I'm in control...and girls I love being in control.

I sit down every morning and toss around some ideas and plan out my day. My "wants" for breakfast and lunch often sometimes have to be deleted or adjusted. That way I won't get a surprise at dinner. I don't want to find out that I have no calories left. And, of course, I make sure there is some chocolate budgeted in every.single.day. Sometimes twice.

If I know we're going out to dinner, I google the restaurant and get the nutritional info so I know what I'll order. Even the drink. Tonight we went to Bonefish Grill with friends. I had fun this morning making my decision so I wouldn't be tempted once I arrived...and it worked like a charm.

I'm finding (for me) that planning ahead can make the difference between success and failure.

Hugs from the beach!
Kat

"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."

FAITH

Give this beautiful song a listen. You won't regret it. Trust me.



If you're like me, it's hard not to question God sometimes, even though we know we shouldn't. Know what I mean?

Right now, I'm praying for so many people who are really hurting for one reason or another. There are some really hard things to understand and I find myself wondering WHY. Why these people especially. Good people. Christian people. Young people. I know it's not right to feel this way, but sometimes I can't help myself.

I've been doing a lot of praying.

And trusting.

And clinging to my faith.

Because, although I am weak, my God is NOT.


Hugs from the beach!
Kat

"Father, please let me be a blessing to someone today."