Gentle Encouragement

So i think I told you that I say my prayers every morning at the YMCA. On the leg press I say prayers for people I pray for each morning.   On the elliptical I say my rosary. I started that because I was having a hard time getting my time in while constantly watching the clock.

I work out on the different machines then the elliptical then most of the rest of the machines, back to the elliptical and then the last machine.   I hate the elliptical! I say the first two decades and a half or three then go back to the machines.

Yesterday I just wanted to quit after one decade. I opened my eyes with every intention of stepping off! When I looked up the magazine rack smack in front of me had Pope Francis smiling at me from the Time Magazine Man of the Year cover.

I just laughed and finished the next two decades. Such a small thing to change my attitude! I love that man!

So Worth Every Point!

So I made these amazing banana muffins and totally agreed with the Pinner that it was the best banana muffin I ever put in my mouth.

Then I thought (stupidly) I should make them healthier! NOT!

Went back to delicious today! (Thank goodness!

http://genieinablog.com/2013/09/the-best-banana-muffins-you-will-ever-put-in-your-mouth.html

I know I'm short, but...

That is my hand raised as high as it could go! Supposed to be 39 today, maybe some will melt.

Oh, Oh

Either that Flamingo hightailed it back to Florida or Pat just buried it!

I've had enough snow now!

Slacking!

I haven't been on here in so long!  But the day before yesterday was worthy of blogging.

Everything I touched turned to poop!  The tissue paper and tablecloths did not work (see below).  I went to make muffins and the plug came out of the wall for the mixer. (Easy fix you would think, but I can't reach it!  Had to wait for Pat to get back!)  Took out the 40 year old quilt to continue working on it - folded it right back up and put it away because I don't have the thread, I have to iron more pieces to work on, and there is so much to do I need Robbie to tell me that I will finish it!!!)  I hurt my foot at the Y exercising - ggggrrrr..

So for a project at church I bought tissue paper - should have been cellophane!

Went back to buy it, but couldn't find purple cellophane and of course not available on Amazon Prime for free shipping unless I buy something for $25 and buy the cellophane as an add in.  Since I don't want to buy anything else I thought I would go to the dollar store and buy purple tablecloths.

That didn't work!

So yesterday things began to turn around.....

Went to Michaels, Walmart, and Dollar Stores to look for cellophane to no avail.  Then decided to go to Target.  When we drove in the parking lot I saw Party City!!!!!  I didn't even know it was there.

Oh My Gosh - what fun!  It is the go to place for any occasion.  Truthfully - if you need to decorate for a party they will have all the accessories for any theme party.

And cellophane!!!  Any color!!!  

So I bought the purple and saw there is gold for Easter.  YEAH!

Blueberry Heaven!

The blueberries had an even deeper intense blueberry flavor. It was a yummy breakfast!

Unexpected Fun

Right at the opening of the Olympic Games someone a block over started fireworks. For five minutes, nonstop, red, white and blue fireworks were set off.

What a great show! Thank you neighbors!

Creamy Deliciousness

I made a quick salad dressing last night. It was Creamy Garlic. I cheated a bit! But it was yummy. The purees I use are the best thing since sliced bread!

3 TBS lite Italian dressing
Juice of one lime
1 TBS garlic puree
1 TBS parsley puree
3 TBS olive oil

Stir the dressing, lime, garlic and parsley until well mixed. Stir quickly while adding olive oil.

Finally

We have been faithfully exercising at the YMCA since the middle of December. Six days a week. I say my rosary on the elliptical. I say my daily prayers on the leg press.

We have been cooking at home! Limiting drinks to four a week.

Today - I just lost my first pound!

There are a couple questions I have for God.

Nature's Beauty

Pat and I drove out 46 yesterday. It was like a fairy world. The frost and snow clung to the trees. It was the most beautiful drive.

Ayva!

Ayva is playing with all the houses we bough at a garage sale last summer. She is making all the people talk.

It is seldom she is here without a brother, but she is enjoying herself.