It could be MY YEAR...ya never know

My wish for 2011 is kinda selfish I suppose,

but the possibilities for this year are

endless in my eyes and it's

All about "ME"

I wish for no pain and heartache

I wish for laughter that makes my gut hurt

I wish for Happiness

I wish for a love that makes my Heart sing

I wish for a year of new triumphs

I wish for success in whatever I do

I wish for forgiveness in my heart

I wish for less 'Shrink" appointments ;-)

I wish for Peace within my soul.....

I'm really not in need of anything...
and these things are not materialistic

but are of importance for my
emotional health and well being.

These I wish for Me and only Me.

I miss "Me"

For you.....I wish you most happiness
and joy in the New Year.

{{Hugs}}

Lynne

Merry Christmas!

The Brunch Dish is in the oven, The Fruit Cocktail is chillin,

and the Muffins are warming.

Hope you have a most blessed day!

Did somebody say SNOW?

UGH! It's a dang BLIZZARD for cripes sake! Yep, Minne"Snowta" is going to live up to it's name once again! Up to 14 inches of the white crap! O.K. It's pretty and all I'll give ya that but this is wayyyy over the top!

The only thing good about this weekend is I can stay hunkered down and get some serious
preparations done for Christmas! Already have the Crockpot Peanut Clusters in the crock and melting away! ;-) I wish I could eat Just ONE though.....LOL

Tonight it's Frosty the Snowman on T.V. for me and then Christmas Movies I've DVR'd the last few weeks. I have yet to watch November Christmas with Sam Elliot....excuse me drooling here :-) so that will be my First pick tonight and I can't wait.

Since I won't (Can't) go anywhere today.....I can't complain I guess. There's nothing better
than being cooped up with Chex Mix and Cookies abounding. Tee Hee

Well I better go hunt for the newspaper that is buried somewhere out there. The Snowplows have even been called off some roads, so you know it's a bad one.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Ta Ta for now.......

My Christmas Tree at work....

Yep.....My very own

Charlie Brown Christmas Tree !!

I was driving by Walgreens the other night and as I passed I saw this little tree shimmering in a display window. For some reason my Car veared into the parking lot and in I went to purchase the "Perfect Tree" for my desk at work. For the last 14 years,

I have been the ONLY Girl in my office so for some reason that makes me the chief Christmas Tree put~er upper and take downer. I decided this year I was going to go "Simple." Thus the Charlie Brown Tree. LOL It has drawn so much attention, and everyone that sees it laughs and it brings a *Smile* to their Face.

Here's a Pic of it at my desk.....(Ignore the clutter :-)

When I told my Boss THIS will be the only tree this year he gave me that "Look" that clearly said.....You're Kidding right?? Ummmm....N-O I'm not. Get over it Pal!

So much left to do to prepare for Christmas at home......I'm gonna do some serious baking this weekend! Yummm...I can smell the ginger cookies now.............. ;-)

Ta Ta for now......

Am I still a "Kid" or what??

Tonight Rudolph is on!

There's just somethin about the Holiday Season that always brings the "Kid" out in me!

Ever since I can remember, I NEVER miss the airing of

Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman,

How the Grinch Stole Christmas,
The year without a Santa Claus,

and Santa Claus is coming to town!

How can I watch these over and over again some may ask or even roll their eyeballs when I admit I still imbibe! LOL It's like this.....If I give in to total adulthood I'm losing the inner Child in Me forever and grow "Old". ;-)  The Child in me that enjoys Hot Cocoa with marshmallows, licking the spoon when baking, the excitement of the first Snow, watching my favorite Holiday Cartoon type shows, *Presents*, singing Carols, Candy Canes, Seeing Santa at the Mall from afar, Making a Snowman, Snow Angels, sliding, and so much more.

I LUV the Holidays more than Autumn even.
(Which I can't believe I just typed!)

 Here's some things I most love about the Holiday Season as an adult!
(In no particular order)

Baking for Friends and Family

Candle Light Church Service

Chex Mix

Christmas Morning brunch

Miracle on 34th Street

Decorating

Sitting in the darkness and looking at the lights on my
Tree and Mantle

Snowmen

Relaxing wrapped up in a super soft "Blankie" ;-)

Fireplace glowing

Rice Pudding warmed with Cinnamon Sugar and Raisins

Hershey-ettes

Traditions
Potataskur
Being complimented on how My Oyster Stew is...
 just like Mom's was
(I only make this because some of my Family actually enjoys the crap!
I say yucky poo-ie)
Rosettes
Krumkake
Lefse
FAMILY

I am made up of Swedish,German, and
Norwegian bloodlines!
You may have guessed by some of the foods I listed? Ha Ha
Tradition has always been big in my Family. Even though my sweet Mother is no longer with us I strive to honor her each year in the role model she was for me. She taught us kids alot about Love, Memories,
Traditions to be carried on, Cooking,
and that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Hoping you all enjoy the hustle and bustle as it soon will be gone again for another year.
Hug your loved ones......and most of all
tell them you LOVE them.

Ta Ta for now.....

Life *Sucks* when your computer takes a "Dump"

Yep.....I've been gone for a long time and it's gonna be a bit longer. Hopefully I'll be back to blogging after Thanksgiving......This "Sneaking" on at work is tough! LOL

For now I'll leave you with a Pic of my sweet little Christmas Tree :-)

Ta Ta~

Happy Halloween!

Wow! Did October fly fast or what?! It's Halloween today....one of my favorites days of the year. When I was married we lived on a corner lot and had anywhere from 120-175 kids every year! Sure kept me hopping but I loved it! Seeing all the little kids dressed up so darling was so much fun. Everytime the doorbell rang our Lab Willie thought they were sure to be there to play with him! He would always pick up his ball and wag his tail patiently waiting.....

I have always spoiled the "Boys" at work with "Treats" on Halloween and as it worked out today is my 1 Sunday a month to work! I tried something new this year...Candy Corn Cookies! Aren't they frickin cute?

I got the Recipe from "Taste of Home" Magazine. Here it is......

30 Servings

Prep: 20 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Yellow and orange paste food coloring

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
• Divide dough in half. Tint one portion yellow. Divide remaining dough into two-thirds and one-third portions. Color the larger portion orange; leave smaller portion white.
• Shape each portion of dough into two 8-in. logs. Flatten top and push sides in at a slight angle. Place orange logs on yellow logs; push the sides in at a slight angle. Top with white logs; form a rounded top. Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 4 hours or until firm.
• Unwrap and cut into 1/2-in. slices. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool. Yield: about 5 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (2 each) equals 165 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 174 mg sodium, 20 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 1 g protein.

Our Plant Manager is allergic to butter of all things, so I substituted Margerine instead and  sprinkled a little extra sugar on top before baking. Now they are calling Me Julia Child! They think I totally outdid my self with these. LOL If they only knew how easy they were......but I'm keepin tight Lips on that!

I hope everyone has a Super Halloween Day. I can't wait to go home and take in a spooky movie after work!

Ta Ta for Now.....

Ahhhhh.....FALL

Can you believe I made this?!? I'm pretty darn proud of myself! LOL

Yep.....Walmart, Me, and $11.00 later Voila!

Finally was able to get some good shots of my remaining Fall Decor.....

And how could I forget my Little "Punkin" Girl? Miss Shelby got groomed yesterday and is all decked out in her candy corn bandana! LOL

Some Minnesota Fall Foliage

 I can't believe how fast Autumn is going...it seems like just yesterday I was anxiuosly waiting some Fall Colors and now they are almost gone! Makes me so sad to think of what lies ahead. Old Man Winter will be soon upon us. Can you say Yuck, Icky Poo? I can.....and do.

I am on Vacation this week which has been a *Perfect* week to take so far. We hit 89 degrees on Saturday (With NO Humidity, Gotta love that) and Low to mid 70's for the last 2 weeks.

Yesterday I took a day trip with my Dad and his GF Joyce down to Southern Minnesota to take in the colors of Fall. Unfortunately, most of the colors have faded but I did manage to get a few shots.

These were taken at the Hill Top of a restaurant we ate lunch at called the

Branding Iron in Preston, Minnesota.

Below is my Dad and Joyce.

I stopped by my old house last week and shot a few Pics of
my Maples in the back yard

I miss my House so much but certainly not the Raking. In the front I had HUGE ass Ash trees that always seemed to take a dump all at once. I counted 27 Bags of leaves by the time I finished up last year. And that didn't even count the Maples.

This  is my view from my Patio Door looking out at my new home~

We drove 300 miles yesterday going through tons of quaint little towns, and even stopped at an Amish Home to look over their Produce, Jams, Canned Pickles and Peaches they had for sale. I bought some gorgeous Tomatoes and some refrigerator pickles to take home with me.

I have always been intrigued by the Amish Lifestyle and was thrilled to see many roadside Horse and Buggies trotting along. There usually are some roadside stands where women sell their Home made pies, etc but not yesterday :-(

It was actually a pretty warm day, and you know what that means! Dairy Queen!

Yes, I had may Favorite Plain Ol Vanilla Cone. I know I'm boring but honestly they are so yummy! Especially that last bite of cone with Ice Cream inside. Delish!

So tomorrow my Sister in law Diane and I are taking a trip South once again to go to a Huge Craft Fair in Kenyon Minnesota with over 100 vendors. It's a really cool place to find just the right gift for anyone or for yourself which is what I end up doing most times! LOL

I am heading up a Snowman Swap with my Girls from GLU once again. I've already started shopping but just know I'll find something there to tuck inside the pkg! So many cute ideas and fun things await us.......Is it Thursday yet?

Well I have to scoot for now, but I'll be back with more pic's tomorrow.

Hope you are having a wonderful day wherever you are!

Ta Ta for now...... 

Dating is not all it's cracked up to be.....

UGH! I swear I am so done with Men!

I hadn't divulged earlier but I've been dabbling again with Online Dating. For me it is the smartest and easiest way to meet Singles locally. Why is it that I continue to put myself in front of the BUS and all I get is J-E-R-K-S!?!

For example...yesterday I met a guy named Barry at a restaurant for Bloody Mary's and Breakfast. We had been chatting online and phone for almost 2 weeks and we had so much in common it was almost scary.

Anyhow, he greeted me with a Big Hug and we proceeded to go inside. I was nervous as Hell but once I got that Bloody Mary in my hand I began to feel better. LOL We had a really nice breakfast on the outdoor Patio and flowing conversation for 3 1/2 hours.

He actually was better looking than his Pic and I was pleasantly surprised. As for him, he commented more than once what a classy and beautiful woman I was. When we decided to part he walked me to my car and gave me another big ol Bear Hug and then kissed me twice on the lips. Ummm Yeah I was surprised he kissed me, but then thought to myself things MUST have gone good for him too. I left with a smile on my face and happiness in my heart. I was sure I'd hear from him again....

Ummmm....W-R-O-N-G

This morning I wake up to a Text message from Mr. Shmooser that said~

Good morning Sunshine, I hope you have a great day! I think we should just be friends. You are a nice lady and very pretty but I don't think it's gonna go any further. Sorry, I hope you understand and we can be friends.

 O.K. it wasn't like I had us walking down the aisle or anything but.......

WTF!

After going back and forth with him a few times I asked him why he kissed me and that I was kinda confused. He said: I'm sorry if I confused you that was not my intent.

O.K. AGAIN......WTF?!?

I will NEVER understand MEN. It makes me never want to try again, but I know I will cuz I'm STUPID plain and simple. I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face because once again I am hurt. Is it really worth it all?? I'm beginning to think NOT!

So for now....I remain "Single"

Next time I'll share with you the"Funny" things that have happened to me since searching for a mate. These Men definately gave me something to laugh about......



Tuesday thoughts....

I don't have it all but I've got time....

To live and learn, man I ain't in no hurry

The only thing I don't have time to do is worry

I got this Guy, I met last week

I've seen him twice and he's calling me

He loves to laugh and drink a little wine

I'm not married yet but I've got time

I've got time to live and learn, I ain't in no hurry

The only thing I don't have time to do
right now is worry,

I can do whatever rolls across my mind cause
I've got time.

Life is good, life is tough, it knocks you down,
brings you luck

More days and nights mmmm, i'm just fine

Anythings possible cause I've got time

To live and learn man I ain't in no hurry

The only thing I don't have time to do right now is worry,

I can do whatever rolls across my mind

Yeah, cause I've got.......

Dreams to spare,  cause some may fail

But theres one out there bound to serve me well

The good Lord gave me the sense to realize

I've got everything, cause I've got time

A Sunday "Funny"

No this isn't Miss Shelby, but man it must be a relative somewhere down the line! I could TOTALLY see her getting in trouble like this cuz she is so curious about EVERYTHING. By now I'm sure she thinks her real name is

"NAUGHTY PUPPY" :-)

"No, I have not seen your lipstick! Why would you even ask me that? Every time something goes missing around here, everybody looks for me! WHY???"

  
She HAS done this before but not quite as bad....have to hide the T.P. now. Even looks like HER. LOL

The BEST Pumpkin Bread there EVER was

So I had a little mishap today....

seems somebody threw away the rotten Bananas I had stored in the freezer.

So instead of Banana Bread, Miss Shelby and I whipped up a batch of my all time

FAV Pumpkin Bread. I always add some semi/sweet choc chips to one loaf as it IS yummy too.

Let it sit overnight wrapped in plastic wrap and OH! You have the moistest bread ever!
Here's the recipe I have used for years.......It's out of Family Fun Magazine.

Pumpkin Spice Bread

 

See larger photo

• Any way you slice it, this pumpkin spice bread won't last long once your kids sample it. That's why this recipe makes two loaves.

Ingredients

• 2 cups canned pumpkin
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp. ground cloves

X

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, water, vegetable oil and eggs. Beat until well mixed.
2. Measure the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, nutmeg and ground cloves into separate bowl, then stir until combined (a great job for kids). Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, beating until smooth.
3. Grease two 9- by 5-inch loaf pans and dust them with flour. Evenly divide the batter between the two pans. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Then remove from pans by inverting them onto a rack and tapping the bottoms. Slice and serve plain, buttered or with cream cheese.

The Magic of a few clearance Pillows and a Couch Cover

O.K. Now you tell me.....is this Couch not the UGLIEST thing you have EVER seen? Total 70's!

YUCKY POO

So.....with the Magic of a few clearance Pillows from JC Penney and a sofa cover.....

Viola!

Wish my lighting was better....UGH!
Ooops..kinda blurry to. So sorry

"Miss Shelby" was just romping on the couch.....LOL

Snapped the pic anyways...but it doesn't do the look justice.

I miss "MY" furniture so much.....I was able to bring some things, but my couch not!

And darn it, I can recline in mine. Hummmppff

Here's a few pieces I was able to bring along.....there's a bit more but I can't get good quality Pics!

My Beloved Jelly Cupboard :-)
Which is filled with Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks!

A few pieces of my White Wicker furniture
The rest is at my past home....I miss my Wicker Trunk, and settee :-(
Someday I will see them again.....

And this is my beautiful Antique China Hutch.
 Can you believe I got it at a Thrift type Store for $80.00?
OOOOPS....yes, that is my Summer Tree you see on the left!
I still can't find my Fall/Halloween lights and ornies since I moved!
I totally loathe that!

It's Offically FALL!!! Yee haw!

Happy October 1st everybody! O.K. I know it's says it's the 2nd, but cut me some slack will ya ?

I really did start thinking about this post yesterday. LOL

I didn't think it would EVER get here.....

We have been having some Fall Tastical weather here in good old "Minny" and I am soooo LOVIN IT!

Here's a list of what I love the most about FALL.....

Cool crisp mornings

Days full of beautiful warm sunshine

Decorating :-)

The sounds of rustling leaves

Bon Fires

Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Candles

Pumpkins

Being able to wear my "Sassy" RED BOOTS

Baking

Halloween

Spooky Movies

Craft Fairs

Day trips to look at the leaves changing

Vibrant Colors

Fireplace

Coziness

Lemon Zinger Tea

Baggy Sweatshirts

Socks
Turkey and stuffing
Squash swimming in BUTTER and Salt/Pepper

Blanket Snuggling
Chex Mix
Abdalluh Caramel Apples
Walks in the Park
Crockpot Cooking
Beef Barley Soup w/Popovers

This is just what came to mind in 5 minutes....there is so much more to love about
AUTUMN

Here's a few MORE pic's of my Fall decorating...
Sorry the lighting isn't better in some. For the rest, follow down and you'll see another post :-)

UGH! I'm still struggling with getting a good Pic of my Fireplace Mantel!

 Basements are NOT Picture Friendly! :-(

On another note.....I've been having some dark days lately. Mainly because of my approaching wedding anniversary on Nov 4th 2000. This would have been our Tenth anniversary....I'm so sad I didn't get to reach this Milestone. Also tomorrow is the Twin Cities Marathon where my EX and his skank will be running 26.2 miles together. Probably hand in hand.....Gagging......PUKE

Lately it seems like the tears still come so easily to me. I hate that with a passion but I am grieving a DEATH an end of my life together with the Man I used to love.*Note I said USED to Love* I am certainly not pining for him. I'm angry, hurt, still somewhat pissed off....but mostly I'm just plain ol bitter.

I actually have thought about writing that Skanky *Bitch* (Sorry) a THANK YOU note for opening my eyes to the Man I married. I have uncovered many lies that I was told over the years, and now know the secrets he kept from me.

At times I see a "Couple" so happy and I can't help but wonder if I will EVER have that again.
I put up a front that Men are "Dogs", but deep inside I so want a relationship again. But I'm not sure these walls I've built around me CAN let anybody in. They protect me from future Hurt.....

I am walking the road "Single" but not alone....

Thank god for friends and family!

Gotta scoot-Ta Ta for now

No home is complete without the pitter patter

of Doggie feet! :-)
Here's a few updated pic's of "My Girl"......

"Miss Shelby" is always willing to share the love.......My sister in law loves my Girl and the feeling is mutual.

Last but not least...here's a close up of the shirt she's wearing......LOL

With her help maybe I CAN catch a man. ;-)

I am spoiled I guess....

 He said I could P-A-I-N-T.....OMG be still my heart!

Yep, My Papa (Mr. Whitewalls) gave me the O.K. to paint the entire downstairs where I live. That means, my Bedroom, the Bathroom AND my Family/Dining room. The family room I know for sure I am doing in a color at Home Depot called "A Couples Cocoa".....the rest I'm tinkering with in my brain.

I could just ShReAk! with excitement.

Now I have to call my Big brother Dan.
He's NEVER gonna believe it.

Ta Ta for now...... 

On a Monday morning THIS made me *Smile*

It's the little things......That make my heart *sing*

Ugh! I finally got started decorating for FALL, my absolute favorite time of year! :-)

I feel so far behind as I'm usually done by Aug 15th or so each year. It may seem early to you,

but my Gal Pals over at Girls Like Us say it's totally O.K. after Aug 15th. Muah!
So if they say it's O.K. , it's gotta be and I am all over it!

Here's a sneek peek of what I've done so far. Remember, I live in the basement so the lighting isn't the best,

but here's what I could get a fairly good shot of!

And here's Miss Shelby thinking she's a big helper! NOT!

Not a good pic but still cute of her. She will be TWO in 3weeks.

One of the pic's on here was this past Valentines Day. Her looks have changed and she's grown into a "Big Girl". And will always be Mama's Girl. :-)

Well I better scoot for now.....so much left to do.

Tonight is Trader Joe's and dinner with some very special friends.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend so far!

I will leave you with this quote to ponder over......

~A true friend is one that makes you laugh so hard

You PEE a little!~

Ta ta for now.....