Christmas time

I have a list of people
All written in a book -
And every year at Christmas time
I go and take a look.

And that is when I realize
That those names are all a part -
Not of the book they're written in
But of my very heart.



For each name stands for someone
Who has crossed my path some time -
And in that meeting they've become
A treasured friend of mine.



And once you've met some people
the years can not erase -
The mem ory of a pleasant word
Or of a friendly face.

So when I send an email

That is addressed to you -

It's because you're on that 'Special list'

Of folks that I'm indebted to.

And you are one of several folks

In times past that I've met -

And happen to be one of those

I don't want ever to forget.

And whether I have known you

For many years or few -

In some way you have had a part

In shaping things I do.

So this is the Spirit of Christmas

That forever still endures -

May it leave its richest blessing

In the hearts of you and yours.

 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

Hello ... And Good Evening

Hello ... And Good Evening. I forgot to tell Jerry "Happy Birthday" this morning before he left for work. I called him to tell him "Happy Birthday" and he had just gotten off the phone with his twin sister. She's doing fairly well. Nothing tastes good to her any more. Not sure if that will change after she finishes Chemo but the doctor said most likely not. She's still loosing weight.
(12:00)
I've hung up some of the wet clothes and need to go see what's dry and hang up more. I took the dogs out for a long play time

My bedroom looks like a Chinese Laundry now. I strung some clothes line (I got it for a craft) back and forth between two shower rods I have up at each end of the bed area and the line goes between them 4 times. I have the rest of the whites on the line and I hope they dry quickly since I still have at least one more tub to hang up (it's not full but it's enough to fill the lines I think) and I have to put Jerry's jeans up on lines as well.

Outside my door ... (7:30) It's still pre-dawn outside. Still a bit too dark to really see any color outside of what's in the edge of the horizon and I can't see that through the trees here. I'll be so glade when the days start to get longer again.. only a few more days and that will happen.
(12:00) It's SUNNY out!!! and breezy. I have the door open since the breeze is from the south and our door faces north(ish) and I have all the blinds open I didn't need a jacket while I had the dogs out although it was a bit coldish it wasn't un-pleasant. There are a few high clouds in the sky right now and it's suppose to get much cloudier but I'll take this any day. I'll take the shield out of my window when I go back to take care of more laundry. I would tie a rope between the trees but I'm sure I would forget I have stuff outside and then I would have to re-wash.

The Dogs ...(7:30) Rocky slipped his collar last night. Good thing he's not one for running off. Jerry had come home from work just after I took the dogs out and Rocky got excited and wanted to greet him. Jerry waited until I opened the camper door before getting out of the van. Rocky came back to the door for me to slip his collar back on him, then was outside again to meet Jerry.. then all three jumped back in the camper and I had to call them all back out so Jerry could get into the camper, then the dogs jumped back it. Jumping in and out of the camper is part of a game we sometimes play. Rocky sometimes will slip on the step so he's more than willing to jump over that step most of the time.
(12:00)
The dogs had a blast with some play time outside this morning. They got to run, chase each other and play tug of war with a knotted rope toy we have for them. I traded the older two out to play with Barney on longer lines so that Barney would be worn out. The older dogs are now sound asleep on the beds and Barney is still trying to find something to get in to.

The Cats ... (7:30) Are all sleeping on my bed. They spent the night outside last night but were more than willing to come in at 5 am to drink some water, then curl up on my bed and snooze. Fuzzy was insisting that she was suppose to sleep on the couch beside me, but I finally convinced her that I need the space on the couch to put a few things and she's better off with her siblings. Last night, I fed them in a kennel because it was just too damp outside to feed them on the picnic table
(12:00) The cats have learned that, When the dogs play, They may as well find a high place to watch from. They were sitting on the picnic table watching the dogs run amok for a few minutes each.

From the kitchen...(12:00)
Well, I made a version of Mix Fruit Smoothies. I used 1/2 of a banana, about a 1/2 cup of frozen mixed Fruit instead of strawberries and I left out the honey. I need to find a better way to crush ice. I have large chunk of ice in my glass but that's ok.

Mixed fruit smoothies
1/2 medium banana
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (unsweetened)
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/4 cup apple juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 cup crushed ice
Place all ingredients in blender container. Blend on high until smooth.

(7:30) Yesterday, I crushed up a couple of handfuls of pretzels and put them on a small baking tray, I then covered them with chocolate, red and green chips then sprinkled a few pecans over the top of them, then I mixed them together a bit, and put them in my roasting oven set at 250 for about 7 minutes. Long enough to soften the chips but not to cook them. When I brought them out, I mashed them together a bit more, then put in the freezer to become solid again. I removed from the freezer and broke it up into many smaller pieces, then put into two small containers I picked up over the weekend. They were part of our dessert last night. Today, I have to make a German Chocolate cake for Jerry. It's the one cake he really, really loves, and Jerry loves cake. He had a piece of Red Velvet Cake when we ate out Friday and I had one bite of it. I fixed me to hot dogs for dinner last night. I may have two more for my dinner tonight. I did bring out the hamburger to make meatballs with, once it thaws.

I am hearing...
(12:00)I have Y & R on right now. I'll have to remove it from the DVR after it's finished. I'm all caught up with it, now. I have a few other shows I need to catch up with but only one other is a daily show (Rachel Ray)

(7:30) I am Not watching much of the news shows right now because they are all about Sandy Hook and Gun control. I agree that assault rifles had no place in the average home. Blaming guns for what that young mad did is like blaming cars for drunks driving them. This young man had a problem. No one took care of his problem. Not sure if it was how his mother raised him. but again, that would be placing the blame someplace else than on him for his actions. She is gone and can not defend or speak up about how he was raised. Speculations will continue until something else takes over the news.

I am wearing... (7:30) My house dress that Donna gave me. Not the flannel one but the pastel one. It's so warm that the heaters are not running much.
(12:00) Black Sweat pants and a dark blue top. I'll wear my Christmasy tops this weekend. I have two sweat shirts (I wore one last weekend) A button up shirt. (needs a button on the sleeve) and a red sweat shirt I may decorate up for next year.
I am reading... (7:30) emails and I did my chapter in the Bible
(12:00) Reading more emails

A few plans for today... bake Jerry's cake, hang out the things that didn't get dry when I did the laundry Sunday (hoping they are not smelling) Wrap Jerry's Birthday Gift. Clean the camper, vacuum the floors

 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

BOO-LETIN BOARD

http://thegreenbeanscrafterole.blogspot.com/2011/10/boo-letin-board.html

 

BOO-LETIN BOARD

well...keeping in the halloweenie spirit...this project will keep you organized and spooky all at the same time!....introducing the boo-letin board!...



attach some googly eyes to plain 'ol thumbtacks with glue dots...



grab a 6 inch by 6 inch cork square...punch some holes and use a little festive ribbon to finish it up!...



eye i think it would be perfect for any little ghouls or girls door during the holidays!...

 

 

 

 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

MISFORTUNE COOKIES

http://thegreenbeanscrafterole.blogspot.com/2011/10/misfortune-cookies.html

 

MISFORTUNE COOKIES

well...i was trying to decide if i was going to do halloweenie cards or not...then realized...i stink at making cards...lol...so...ended up doing a twist on my paper fortune cookies!...oh...you don't remember those?...you know why?...'cause i never showed them on the crafterole...but that's all about to change!...

so here you go!...my eek-citing misfortune cookies!...



package 'em up all up in a take out box...or just do singles...witch which ever way you like!...but make sure to top off with a boo-tiful mangled bow...



by taking some patterned paper and using THIS tutorial....you can whip these up in no time!...grab some spooky sentiment stamps for the fortunes...or just print out your own!...



i think they turned out pretty terror-ific!...what do you think?...can't wait to give these to zom-body special!...wow...could i use anymore bad puns?...

 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

BRAIN FOOD

http://thegreenbeanscrafterole.blogspot.com/2011/10/brain-food.html

 

BRAIN FOOD

well...more like brain candy...lol...ended up making this spook-tacular treat that would be perfect for any zombie...just took some candy melts...microwaved per directions...tinted with a little red food coloring...and poured into brain shaped molds...



see...how great these turned out?...



yeah...there's a couple bubbles in there...maybe i could've tapped the mold a little bit to get the air out...note to self for next time....



decided to package 'em up to look like specimens in the laboratory...perhaps from young frankenstein's?....lol...



of course...chocolate can be used too!...but since i had the vanilla on hand...it was a no brainer to use that...insert evil laugh here....

 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

Good Morning 12 12 12

 

Hello ... And Good Morning.  I'm doing well.  Stayed up after Jerry left for work and did a few things on my computer. I've done a little housework as well.  I've gotten my breakfast (Oatmeal with fruit in it) and my first cup of coffee.

 

Outside my door ... It is cool and Gray.  I don't need my coat just a jacket to take the dogs out. But that's because we are not outside for very long. I hope to play ball with Barney this afternoon for a bit.
I opened a can of Beef Stew and had that for dinner last night.  It's a store brand from when we were in Clarksville and I got it at the Hilltop grocery store. It's nothing to brag about but it did fill me up. Just seemed a bit too bland for me.
We had two cats sleep in the house last night (Strips and Fuzzybutt) I haven't seen Tupelo since I fed the cats last night. I put some dry catfood out this morning for the cats. I'm sure she'll show up sometime soon for her share of it.

 

From the kitchen... I have some All-Beef Hot dogs that I'll fix for my dinner tonight.  That and a salad will most likely be all I have.

 

I am hearing... Local news on Channel 7. The heater fans are going well.
Someone is blowing a car hom in the other section. Just a beep or two but that makes Rocky bark and it took me threating him to get him to stop barking. Now he's asleep on his pillow again.

 

I am wearing... Black Sweat Pant and my black Spirit Horse shirt. I will be looking for more lighter colored Tops next time I get to do some shopping.

 

I am reading... Exodus 9.

 

I am hoping... That Jerry gets 4 days off for Christmas. I found out that some of the fellow's are Requestiong days off at Christmas and the rumor is that if enough ask for it then everyone will get it. I did tell Jerry I would love to visit Williamsburg If he does get 4 days off. According to mapquest it's only a 3 hour drive.  We can do that.
I am creating... I didn't have enough store bought Christmas cards last week for everyone. I found the ones I cut out back in October and I am decorating up a few of those to send off to some of the people who were not on my card exchange lists.

 

One of my favorite things... Sitting with my Hubby on the couch after he gets home from work.

 

A few plans for the day... Put the window clings on the window by the door.
 I'm going to put them on the outside and see if they will stay on with this weather. If not, then I'm move them to the inside of the window behind the couch.
make the bed, wash the dishes, vacumn the floors and so on.. daily house chores that I've been neglecting.

 

Billie C
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

I love Flash Mob songs

Click here: Christmas Flash Mob by Journey of Faith at South Bay Galleria - official video - YouTube

 

Billie C

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

Ode to Joy, mob style

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=GBaHPND2QJg&feature=youtu.be

good afternoon

Hello ...  and good afternoon. I got Jerry off to work on time and went back to bed. I was surprised that the dogs leet me sleep until 9am.  I must have needed the rest. I feel good though and have gotten a bit done on my daily list.  dishes done, bathroom straightened up and the laundry is  folded up.

Oh man.  we have some idiots here in the campground. There is a list of rules. and one that is in bold print is Not discharging of Firearms.  three days now, I have heard a gun going off not that far away. And it's funny how it happens before the men working on the pipeline get home around 3 pm.  A couple of times after, but then again only the two trucks are in the area when I hear the gun.. Macon shakes for at least 15 minutes each time.  This time, I called the office about it. I don't want to call the law, just a quiet word should suffice. at least for now.

I had mail today so I took Rocky with me this time to go pick it up. The cats followed me, of course. The boys at the office got a kick out of how they always follow me to the office then follow me back home again, as well. 

 

Rocky was a very good dog.  When we got back, I sat on the step into the camper a few minutes, and the fellow down the way came out of his camper and his dog came out (without a lead on) and did what a dog has to do. Rocky saw her, but he stayed at a "sit" for me.  He didn't move until his friend whistled for the dog. Rocky thought it was for him. But he didn't pull very hard when I told him it wasn't for him. He came back and sat at me feet, looking for his treat he knew I had in my pocket for him.

When I woke up this morning it was drizzly and damp but now (3pm) it's sunny and I have the door open and it's warm enough that I didn't even need a light jacket to walk to the office. I'm thinking, if I have mail tomorrow I'll ask her to make me a burger from their restaurant and have that as another reason to walk over there.

 

Billie C

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

Good Afternoon

 

Hello ...  I slept in this morning. Rocky woke us up at 3:30 and I went back to bed after walking all three, When the alarm went off at 4:20, I didn't want to get up and asked Jerry if he would buy breakfast on his way to work today. He said he could do that. I slept until 8 am. I at least feel rested now. 
I've been busy this morning. After Breakfast, getting dressed and walking the dogs, I've been cleaning the back of the camper.  I know, it's is a small space but when I clean, a lot of small things add up quickly.
I made the beds, washed up the few dishes, made a pot of coffee, made up a bottle of flavored water for this morning. rinsed out the bathtub and scrubbed the toilet. Brushed my hair and watered and cared for my plantes that are in the back window.
 I moved the cat litter tub so I could vacumn that space. That's where I also store the vacumn cleaner. I pre-sweep the floor as well as sprinkled some carpet fresh. I've only vacumned the back half so far. It raises the dust so much I have to empty the canistar and let the dust settle. I'll have to dust everything in the camper after I get the rest of the floors done.
I packed up into a box the blanket that I tied for my Grand daughter. It's ready to have the address put on it, Then I'll have Hubby take me to the main post office in Danville to ship it off. I did find out what my Grand son wants for his Christmas Gift and I'll be able to pick that up this next weekend. He wants a remote controled car.  I know I can get one at Hobby Lobby if we can get there before they close. If not there, then I'll try Target or Sears before going to Wal-mart.  At 5 I want to get him a good one.  I know his daddy will play with it as well. I may get two of them so they can have races. That would be fun. I will get one that can be run outside as well as inside.
I still haven't looked to see what I want to send to my younger Grand Child. Her Mom has a wish list on Wal-mart and I may pick up a couple of things from there. 
I went through my Christmas CD's and found I have two repeats. I left a message to my youngest daughter to see if she would like  to have them. One in Mannheim Steamroller and I know her 1 year old loves Mannheim Steamroller. She's wiggle and dance when she hears any of their music.

 

Outside my door ... It's another wonderful day here in MIddle Virginia.. Yes, yesterday I wrote Tennessee instead of Virginia.Guess my mind was elsewhere.  The more we think about it, the more we would like to have a small place in Tennessee to retire to.

 

The Dogs ...  Besides needing out 1/2 an hour earlier than usual, are doing well.  When I took them out at 10, after doing what they are out to do, They wanted to play and didn't want to come back inside.

 

The Cats ... are wondering why I don't want them inside, then realise its too nice to be inside. I have the back window open and it has lost it's screen long ago so they are using that to come in and go out. I also have the door open but closed the port so they couldn't just jump in that way. Every time one would jump in, Barney would check out who it was and not let them come right in.  Then Macon would come to see what Barney was checking out. 

 

From the kitchen... I bought some large Chicken legs to fix for a couple of meals for me this week. It's hard enough to cook for two, now I'm cooking for one 4 days of the week.  Last nights stir fry was ok, but if I do that again, I'll change the vegetable for it.

 

I am hearing... Noon news and weather is on right this minutes.. 72 61 52 56 61. Not bad considering it's the first full week of December.  I'll have to find something to fix in the oven for dinner on Thursday when it's only going to be 52, the coldest day of the next few days.

 

I am wearing... brown sweat pants and my Jazz Band T-shirt from when Beth was in School.  I can honestly say I miss not having a kid in school or home schooling one.  Being around kids can help keep a person young.

 

I am reading... emails. I'll be filling in some Christmas cards this afternoon and will be reading addresses then

Billie C

<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BilliesChristmasCorner/

Hello. It's almost noon

Nov 28, 2012

 

Hello. It's almost noon.  Where has the day gone?  Well... I've taken the dogs out twice. both time they wanted to do more playing that pee-ing.  I'm thinking of taking Barney for a walk around to the office. 
Oh my..  I'm be eating my dinners alone for a while. Jerry will be starting 12 hour days, starting today.  I told him I just can't wait that long to eat my last meal of the day. It's just not healthy for me at all... and that's a long, long time for him to go between meals, since he doesn't take a lunch.  I told him, he should buy something to eat on his way home each night he works 12 hours... The way it looks he'll  work 12 hours Mondays through Thursdays. He'll work 10 hours on Fridays and Saturdays.   Friday is payday. Jerry is to work these hours until Christmas break. We don't know when that will start or how long of a break it will be.
 I am going to try a few recipes that I find intresting over the next 4 weeks.
Yesterday was a cold, rainy day. Today is totally different. The Sun is out, and the camper is warming up quickly now that the sun is above the trees.  I only need a light jacket to be outside right now. After I write this up, I'll have to fill a bowl with dry catfood and take it outside for the cats.. I think we have a squirrel who likes cat food hanging around. That's why I try to put it out in the middle of the day.. between 3 and 4 I feed the cats each a can of canned food.. and I sit there with them while they eat most of it.  Yesterday's rain had me feeding them inside.. I had to put them in a kennel so the dogs would leave them alone while they ate.. They were not happy that I didn't open the door as soon as they were done eating. It was almost time forJerry to get in, so I left them in so they wouldn't be under-foot. 
From the kitchen... I'll fix a salad, a small slice of ham and some rice. I'll wait until Jerry gets home for dessert. I made up two different Jell-O's yesterday since there were 4 rings of pineapple in the can. Yesterday we had the Cherry, tonight it will be Lime with a slice of Pineapple in it.  We may also have a Klondike bar. We found some sugar free ones for me.
I am hearing...  A movie on the Hallmark Channel.  I already have the second half of this one, so I just needed to make of copy of this one since its the first part of the story.

 

I am wearing... Dark Grey Sweat Pants. and my Indial spirit Horse T-shirt. 

 

I am reading... Touching Wonder, Recapturing the Aw of Christmas by John Blase.. I got it free from Kindle books.

 

I am thinking... This is going to be a long month, with Jerry working four 12 hours days and two 10 hour days each week. We will have to do so much in just one day each week. Laundry, shopping. bill paying. And I have to pack up and have ready to ship at least three boxes. Bailey's blanket is going to take one box all on it's own.  Then there's the box for Beth and her family and the rest of the stuff for Heather's family.  Reminds me. I need to find out if David is still using the same address he was before.. All three of our kids are getting money cards from Wal-mart... The grand kids will get gifts.

 

I am thankful for... Jerry having a job. Not so thankful for the hours right now. but we know that there are times he will have to work lots of over-time hours . Just like we know there will be times he will have a hard time finding a job, We also know how lucky he is to have a job right now.

 

I am hoping... Jerry gets from the weekend Before Christmas until the day after New Years day for a mini vacation.  We would be able to enjoy that, knowing he'd have a job to go back to. We would not have to worry so much about the next paycheck and maybe be able to take a small, one day trip. I would love to go to Old Williamsburg.

 

I am creating... A clean house so I can put my Christmas stuff up.

 

One of my favorite things... The smells of a clean house, getting it ready for Christmas.

 

Billie C.

<

Hello ...

Hello ... We had a great 4 day weekend, for the most part. Wed's night, we found the Cici's Pizza and ate there. I don't really recommend this one though. When I mentioned that the salad looked a bit sad, all they did was add more stuff to the bowl. They didn't drain off the water in the bottom of the bowl which is what was making it look a bit "off". Jerry ate a bowl of Mac and Cheese and said it was ok. not great, just ok. We both had 3 slices of Pizza. I got the ham and pineapple.. one slice of the pepperoni and I got one that had olives and mushrooms on it. Jerry ate the meat only ones. We ended up at the mall for a little bit. We went to Sears and Jerry found the Kindle Fire and we picked up two of them. They are our Christmas Gifts to each other this year.
Thursday, We had breakfast at IHOP. I got the Eggs, bacon and Pancake special.. I asked of they had Boysenberry syrup and YES they did.. She brought me two of them when all I need is one.. Oh my was it good.
After Breakfast, we drove around a while, We wanted to explore some of the roads near us. We ended up in Chatham VA. They have a food lion there. it's a bit further than driving to Danville though so, unless the way to Danville is blocked we will continue our food shopping in Danville.
We ended up in South Boston twice.. but that's good, because now Jerry has at least two ways to get to work if there is something blocking the road he usually takes. On the second time, we went back to Danville, hoping to find the seafood house we saw our first Sunday we were in town.
We then headed back to the camper to let the dogs out and potty. We spent about 2 hours at the camper, I talked to Beth on the phone while we were home. We left around 4 PM for dinner at Golden Corral. We just beat the crowd in. I had Salad first, then some turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing. I put a bit of gravy over both the potatoes and gravy. I also had a small spoon full of sweet potatoes. I never did find the cranberry sauce. I did find the dried cranberries in the salad area and had them on my salad. They had a turkey to carve but they also had a pan of bits and pieces. I got my turkey from that pan and it was great. I didn't even walk over to the desserts area. I knew I really didn't need any as I was full.
Friday. Jerry needed to cash his check. I did a bit of shopping. picked up my insulin. and wandered around the store for a bit. I found a wreath for the door for around $2. Nothing fancy on it at all, just the green pine tips. Perfect for what I wanted. I picked up the cola's we usually drink,, Remain soup for Jerry's breakfast, Jerry found a Blu Ray on sale, so we picked up one. He picked up a movie for us to watch, as well. I found the CD's bin and picked up 4 CD's. two of which are John Denver. Each one has a song I wanted of his, but they both were not on the same CD. A Burl Ives CD and Bing Crosby... I know where I'll be looking for more Christmas music because I found at least 4 or 5 more I would have picked up but didn't want to spend all my money in one place.
We then went to Home Depot and I found the perfect ribbon for my wreath. I saw some pine cones that were painted and, since we live in a wooded area gave me the idea of just painting my own to put on my wreath. I'll be working on that this week. I have some bells in my Christmas stash and I may put some of those on the wreath as well.
Jerry took me to Hobby Lobby. I restrained myself and only picked up a few things. Some large beads to make paperclip angels with, and a small pack of dark blue rhinestones. I needed only one. while at Wal-,mart I found a locket where you put the birthstones inside and I needed two dark blue ones for September since I was putting in every one's stones. Mine, Jerry, David, Heather, Bailey, Corbin, Beth and Heather. I used some E-6000 to glue it shut. I was in tears while I was trying to put the pieces in it. I dropped one and it fell to the floor. I just knew it was lost.. It took Jerry 15 minutes to find it. That is why I glued it shut. I put it together Friday evening while we were watching TV.
We did the laundry, picked up some Propane for the heater, took that back to the camper, then we went back and did our food shopping for the week. No room in the van to be able to do all that in one trip. Besides, the dogs needed walking again any way.
We ate dinner at home. I picked up two pizza's at the store. and Jerry wanted them. I had picked up a Pepperoni and a cheese pizza. Jerry thought I was going to "doctor" up the cheese pizza. No, I didn't want to do that this time. maybe next time. I just wanted to see if we could bake them in the roasting oven. We can, if we cut them in half. then both half's will fit inside. if we do that. Jerry did the cooking and didn't think about putting half of each in.. He did the cheese pizza first, then the other one.
I made up 18 Paperclip angels while we were watching the TV, as well. I want to give them out this year, to people. I gave one to the lady who was our server at Golden Corral. I left four in Geocaches, The only reason I didn't leave in all 5 we found is one is a min and doesn't have room for one.

Saturday.We had breakfast at Hardies. Apparently it's the local gathering place for the older crowd. Two people walked close to us, before deciding we were not who they thought we were.. (Ha ha)
We went back to the camper after breakfast. I fed the cats some dry cat food. We

We got to meet the neighbors' dog. He's a Husky. He's thin. He came right up to Jerry the first time he got away from her. I was just about to take the dogs out when I saw she had a dog with her. I saw him get away from her, and went outside and he came right up to me. He's a very friendly dog. I was surprised how thin he felt, under his coat. She tied him outside then left.
We went Geocaching. We didn't find a parking area close to the first on the list, so we by-passed it. We did find then next 5 though. I left paperclip angels in 4 of those we found.

Sunday. We had a water problem of sorts. I always rinse my hands before checking my blood sugar. I turned on the hot water and waited for it to warm up.. and I waited and waited.. it was cold. Jerry's "OH Great" was not good.. But then, any time something goes off he's not happy.

We ate breakfast at Golden Corral. waiting for the day to warm up. After we ate breakfast, we went back to Home Depot so Jerry could find out if they have the heating elements for the hot water tank. They have two so we will have to go back to the camper and see which one we need. I found a Christmas Cactus in a small pot and I picked up one. When we got back to the camper, we had hot water again. No idea why we didn't have any hot water at either sink, although it was the coldest night of the season so far.
When we got back, we also discovered that the gal next door left her dog out all night long. He howls.. he's cold. for a Husky he doesn't have a very thick coat. I went over and discovered he's got his line wrapped around a couple of trees and can't reach his water or food. I untangled him and he drank all the water I took over. the water in his water dish was frozen. He ate what food he had in his dish, as well. Of course he got tangled up again not long after I left him.. We kept waiting for her to come and take care of him. We never saw her all day long. Jerry tried to call the campground owners but no one was answering. We found out later that they buried his father in the afternoon.
Jerry and I both took an afternoon nap. Jerry decided we would eat dinner out, He tried calling the owners again and got a voice mail box and left a message. While we were at Arby's they called him back, and Jerry told them the dog has no shelter, gets tangled in the trees, and howls when it hears us outside and we haven't seen his owner all day long, We haven't seen her since yesterday afternoon, as a matter of fact. It was after dark but he came over and saw for himself that the dog was tangled in the trees again. Jerry went over and told him I had untangled it once and made sure he had water and food in him before I walked back to our camper. If we didn't already have 3 dogs, I would ask her for him. He has two blue eyes. Even the cats are not afraid of him. He's interested in them but didn't try to chase them while he was un-tangled. He said that this isn't the first time she's tied him out then left he alone for more than a day.

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

"We Gather Together"

"We Gather Together"

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;

He chastens and hastens His will to make known.

The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.

Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,

Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;

So from the beginning the fight we were winning;

Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,

And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.

Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;

Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

 

 

I remember singing this when I was a small girl, in church. It was a rare day that my Mom went to Church. Being a single mom, she felt like she was out of place and being judged.. and in the 1960's that is most likely very true. The church we went to though, Didn't hold that against us kids. We were picked up most Sunday mornings by the Gobble Family and returned to home by a different family. Mom used the time we were out of the house to renew her own spirit in her own way. She also made a large dinner for us. Using the left-overs for meals for the rest of the week. She did bulk cooking on Sunday's so she could get dinner on the table easier and faster during the work week.

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

Hello ... From a Gray but warming up Virginia

Hello ... From a Gray but warming up Virginia.  We may not even need jackets this weekend while we are driving around.   There are hardly any leaves left on the trees. The wind this past week brought a lot of them down. All brown, Tan and crispy.. and Barney loves it.. He loves to run around in the noisy leaves even when he knows he's outside for a different reason.  The cats have been in, then out, then in again, now they are out again.

Tonight I'm fixing Spegettie with a meat sauce. I'll brown the hamburger in a bit and add it to the sauce in the crock pot to simmer the rest of the day.

We have Dish back, Yay!!  I've already set it up to record lots of stuff. I found lots of Christmas Movies and I had to reset to get Y&R and other shows that I expect to miss in the evenings.  Jerry likes going to bed extra early and I am finding I really do need to go to bed earlier as well. 4:30 comes too early for me.. it takes me about 20 minutes to cook breakfast while Jerry is getting dressed and he wants to be out of the door before 5 because it's almost an hours drive on winding back roads. The GPS shows that both the fastest route and the shortest route are the same. 

I am wearing... Dark Gray Sweat Pants and my Spirit Horse top. 
I am reading... Emails and recipes.  I really need to make a Pumpkin Spice cake soon
I am thankful for... Jerry loving me. I know I am not an easy person to live with but he puts up with me, anyway.
I am creating... I'm planning on tieing the blanket this afternoon, after I get the rest of the camper cleaned up. Which I'm working on slowly.

 

Billie C.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." - Carl Brad

Good Morning this Brr morning

Hello ... Good Morning this Brr morning. I've been a busy little person this morning so far. Not even 10 am yet and I've got the back of the camper all straightened out, laundry sorted and into bags ready to go to the van tonight, to get it out of the way.. and the beds are made. I had to take everything off Jerry's bed because his sheet corner came loose and I had to pick up the mattress and reset that corner. The dogs and cats were not pleased that I made them get off his bed. But now they are back on it and asleep already. I see blue sky outside the window, and some sunshine. I may be able to turn off heaters this afternoon if this keeps up. As soon as I finish this I'll be taking the dogs out for their second morning potty break and play time. Now I just have to find that orange ball for Barney to play with.. um... wonder where he's hid it this time... .. . ... ..

I'll look for it in a bit.

Oh. I had to put a new rope in one of the laundry bags. The last one came loose and the cats found the end and unraveled it a while ago. I didn't need it to close up until now. I have some laundry cord that works just fine and now I can tie the bag shut and not worry that things will fall out of the top of it.

From the kitchen... Last night's chicken was a bit spicier that I expected it to be. I have enough left over to make me a sandwich this afternoon with it. I forgot, when I started the bread maker yesterday that if it and the roasting oven both draw power at the same time, the breaker may trip.. so I had to find an extension cord for the roasting oven. Otherwise my bread would not have turned out very well at all. It was after dark and I couldn't find a flash light.. I found three flash lights today, so far. go figure. I had Jerry on the phone while I was trying to walk around to the back of the camper and not trip over anything to get the electric cord off the back light where he had hung it. I will keep it in the house now.. We draw way more power up front than we do in the back. When this camper was made, back in 1979, there wasn't near as much things that needed plugged in as there is now. and most of it is up front... I run a cord from the bathroom up to the front cause that breaker only has four or five things on it.

I am hearing... The heater fan, water dripping, and my own thoughts in my head..... I miss the sounds of the TV and I got tired of the radio.

I am wearing... dark blue sweat pants and a lighter blue top. I have my leather belt on and it's helping my back feel much better.
I am thankful for... Jerry letting me sleep in this morning. He must have gotten up before the alarm went off because when I woke up he was already getting dressed. He decided to buy sausage biscuits for breakfast on his way in to work. He sure does like his sausage each morning.
I am hoping... that Jerry gets over his cold quick. He seems to get a cold almost every time he starts a new job, and this time, he had to work in a damp ditch on his first working day, and was chilled most of the day because it kept drizzling all day long, as well.
I am creating... I worked on Bailey's tied Blanket. I didn't finish it, but I got all the edges trimmed off and can now tie it together when I cut the strings on it. Beth sent me a picture of a jean quilt her boyfriends mother made and it's much like the one I want to make, but I did notice that when the squares were cut for it, the seams were included as well. I always cut the seams out of the material when I save jean material. but I like how it looks and want to make up mine as soon as I get a few other things out of my way.
Oh. yeah.... (again) I found a subway art, that I printed and put up between the cubby above the couch. I was pleasantly surprised when Jerry noticed it last night. Usually it takes him days to see something like that.

One of my favorite things... A warm camper in the morning. I felt warm enough to take my shower right off and not put it off any longer.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Well. Jerry has to work all weekend long because next week (Thanksgiving weekend) he will have four days off. He'll get his first check on Wed. and I'll have to do some shopping ! I hope to do some shopping before then, but I can make meals with what I still have on hand right now. I hope to send off a box to Beth for Baby Heather and I will see if I have enough stuff to send on to Heather, as well.

 

Billie C.

Hello ... Good afternoon

Hello ...  Good afternoon. Soon to be evening. It's been one of those dreary, dull, cloudy days. (4:45) It's starting to get dark, and I don't think we had any sun at all today. Just clouds, No rain, either.  I just can't seem to get warmed up much at all.
 I've had the dogs out a few times today.  Barney keeps tangling in the trees. He just doesn't get it that he has to go back around a tree after he goes around the first time. He "found" his orange ball outside and brought it back inside. He loves to bounce his ball. He picks it up and drops it, then picks it up again.. He'll do it so often that it drives Macon up a wall. Macon will come in, pick up the ball after Barneu drops it and take it to the other room out of Barney's reach.
I fed the cats a bit early this afternoon. They all three acted like they haven't seen a can of cat food for a week.  I used a stick to dig out the last of the cans and dropped the leavings on the table so they could get to that, as well as putting a full dish of dry food out for them.  They are not sure if they want to sleep inside, in a kennel or outside in the cold. ...
I'm going to bake some potatoes in the roasting oven and I'm thinking of baking some chicken strips in it as well. I was going to do buffalo seasoned tenders but Jerry said No.  Aw well, maybe next time.I decided to use the bread maker today. I've got a loaf of bread going in it now. It should be done about the time I'm ready to start the potatoes in the oven they go in about 30 minutes before I start the chicken.
 I am hearing... I have a "Little House" from where I recorded a few shows for a couple of weeks, on. I also hear the bread maker kneading the dough and the fan from the heater is also working.
I am wearing... my usual. dark sweat pants and a dark blue top.
I am reading... emails all day long
I am creating... I am working on a tied blanket for my older grand-daughter. I trimed the selvages off but haven't gotten any further than that on it today. I really should finish it up but now I just feel like rolling it up and putting it away for a while.

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

Nov 12

Hello, and Good Early Morning. We were up by 4:30 so Jerry could be on his way out the door by 5 for orientation at 7. He needed to make a stop on his way and it's an hours drive, via two lane roads with 45 speed limits. We spent yesterday morning finding places. Breakfast at Golden Corral. When Jerry looked it up, the GPS said 20 miles. I looked it up and got 9. Um... ok... Wal-mart.. he found out was 20 miles. (again) and again I found one closer. I spelled it out, he used a different app on the GPS. But after that, the GPS was spot on for where he had to go this morning and where the job is at, as well.
We did our shopping in the afternoon, after finding the job site. Took the dogs with us all day long, They got to get out several times, but I'm sure they are ready not ride much for the next few days.
We had to make a trip back in to town for some cut wood so we could get camper level. We just lacked a couple of pieces. Because we move often though, I asked for three different size boards to be cut. What we don't need, we can always burn in the fire ring we have at this site.
It's going to take me a while to get through all my emails from the weekend but I will catch up as quickly as I can while I'm putting everything back away and cleaning up.
The cats are not all that happy because they have not been allowed outside, yet.
Today the high is suppose to be 70. After today though the highs will only be in the 50's. maybe some low 60's
It's been very pretty outside. There are still a lot of leaves on the trees despite the wind from Sandy last week. At least, in this area. Beth called my last night, and said they had sleet. The weather said there might be snow if it started early enough but it didn't. So what Kansas City got yesterday I figure we may be getting either late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
I fixed Hot Dogs and mashed potatoes for our dinner last night. For tonight I'm thinking of making up a crockpot meal. Jerry enjoyed it when I cut up a smoked sausage and cooked it with green beans and potatoes so I'll do that for tonight. Its something I won't have to watch too closely. Of course I'll add a salad and I need to make a dessert. I just might make some Buck eyes because he liked them.

I am wearing... The flannel housedress that Donna gave. BTW Donna makes a very great Chili... so great that Jerry ate two large bowls of it and I think he would have eaten more but didn't want to miss out on the Buck eyes. I loved the chilie as well and ate two medium sized bowls of it.
Time to go change clothes. (8:30) going to put on sweatpans and a work top.

I am reading... emails and more emails, trying to get caught up with emails today between cleaning and putting away stuff

I am thinking... I hate unpacking but it gives me a chance to go through stuff and consider if I still want to keep it, ot should I toss it...

I am thankful for... a safe alibet long trip from Niota TN to Danville VA. Not much trouble in getting the camper level this time and a great time with Jerry.

I am hoping... That this job lasts a long, long time. I don't want to have to unpack and repack for a long time.

I am creating... A cosy home for us.. and a clean one, as well.

One of my favorite things... Early morning when the birds start to sing and the world starts to wake up.

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

Hello, for today Nov 4

Hello ... And good Morning (9am)  We were up early, even for time change. I went to bed late and got up early. About 6 hours after going to bed. I got up, dressed in the dark and took the dogs out even though they were not "asking" to go out. Then Jerry turned on a light. (agh)  We went to "The Dinner Bell" for our Sunday Morning breakfast.  We won't really have to eat until we want an early dinner.
We have to go to Wal-mart later as I need more strips for my Sugar checker.
(11pm) I'm watching the Mentelist while I type this up. We got to Wal-mart. I picked up the strips, and a few other things. By the time we left we had spent just over $70.  Jerry got new shoes, I picked up pet food for both the dogs and the cats. (don't want to run out) I picked out two more nail polishes (don't need them, but wanted them so much)  Some Felt.. Jerry's cigars. and I forgot what else.   I tried to cut the felt with my cricut and it failed. The felt is too thin, and even with ironing the freezer paper to one side, it still didn't turn out like I wanted it to. I spent about an hour cutting freezer paper to iron onto felt and I'll cut around that with scissors. (Hey, I didn't have to use spell check to spell Scissors) Jerry had on a football game when Beth called. We talked about 45 minutes.
Another Air Stream moved in across from us. It's only a year older than our but we can see several things differt just from the outside. Jerry and he talked a bit and they moved the bath to the middle and changed the bed from twins to a single in the back.
Outside my door ... It's very dark. (it is 11 pm) Today was nice though. I sat outside for a bit with just a thin t-shirt on. (Of course I was wearing pants as well)  I just took the dogs out for last call a bit ago. I could see a lot of stars so it's not cloudy any more. I read an email that we are under a frost warning.  There are only a few leaves left on the trees. I can see a lot more bare branckes

 

The Dogs ... I have had to squirt Rocky and Barney several times this morning to make them stop rough housing. It's not that they are playing, they are shaking the camper with how rough they are playing. I'm glade to see Rocky play with Barney though. Rocky usuall just lays around all day long.

 

The Cats ...  were more than willing to come inside when I took the dogs out for their last call. I'll be putting all three into a kennel to sleep, tonight. Right now they are all in the bedroom with Jerry., Rocky and Macon. Barney is in his kennel for the night already.   The time change has us all confused.  The cats were ready for their canned food before 2pm. I don't usually feed them until close to 4 but they know if they all three come to the camper around 3 I might go ahead and feed them. I didn't feed them until 5 which was 6 before time change.  There is another black cat in the area. He (or she) Is a bit larger than ours. It comes over to eat once our cats have finished up. It doesn't run when Jerry talks to it but still runs when I open the door.

 

From the kitchen... Salad, Hot Dogs, Remain Soup, and popcorn for desert.

 

I am hearing... The mentalest on the tv. Jerry is in the bedroom watching something else. 

 

I am wearing... splattered t-shirt and black sweat pants.

 

I am reading... emails, emails and more email.

 

I am hoping...  That Jerry hears from a job this week. I'm starting to get worried. It usually doesn't take this long for him to find another job.  We know we may not hear anything until after the elections on Tuesday but we are not giving up hope just yet. It's just stressful not knowing if we are going to find a job here or if we are going to have to move.

 

I am creating... I love the post it notes program. I realized I just totally forget what I really should be working on. So I filled out a few with the different crafts I should be working on. 
My plan is to do things on the computer until Jerry wakes up, if I'm up before him. Clean house in the mornings, the work on a craft in the afternoon each day I have some "post it's" with things like sewing or make jewerly but they don't have details of what I need to work on. These I set up today are for each porject.
One of my favorite things... 

 

A few plans for the rest of the week...  food shopping. If we spent at least $50 at a time at Engles between the middle of October and the week of Thanksgiving 6 times we will get a free 12 to 14 pound turkey.  We are half way there already.  We don't know yet, where we will be spending Thanksgiving.  We will have to do laundry soon, as well. When we do, I'll take the covers and pillows off the couch this time, they need a good washing.

 

Billie C.
Celebrate the happiness that friends are
always giving, make every day a holiday
and celebrate just living!
~ Amanda Bradley ~

Halloween pictures

On October 27, We went to a dance at Bakers, in Englewood TN (  http://www.americantowns.com/tn/englewood/venues/baker-s-place  )

 

We had a blast with Donna and Larry.  It was a Halloween party, so we did dress up a bit.

This is my birthday dress that Donna gave me.  I love the contrast with the side of the van. I was going for a Mardi Gras look.

 

 

Hubby, getting ready to take my picture. 

 

Donna, the Dark Fairy.. Love her mask. She made it a couple of years ago.

 

 

 

Larry, Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 

 

 

 

Donna and I together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This man won first place in the costume contest.. I love it, and if we are here next year, will do a version of this on Jerry.

 

 

Tupelo had to get in on the Halloween action. She's under the toy Rat that is on the dish.

 

 

 

 

Beth said I could post a picture of Heather, as a Dalmation. Even her shoes look spotted.

Billie C.