Summertime Blahs

I know, I know...most people can't wait for summer with all the outside activities and vacations to take. We go all winter saying "boy, it is so cold and dreary, can't wait for summer". But come late July I am wanting it to be over, knowing full well that the real "heat" probably hasn't even begun. August in Arkansas is the hottest (usually).
We have had some wicked sunsets this summer and earlier today we had a big thunderstorm roll through bringing lightening & heavy rains in some places. When I went to Hobby Lobby last weekend, I was appalled at the sight of Christmas ornaments already being on the shelves but this week I am wishing Fall would start. Actually I wish we could be "forever stuck in Autumn"...it is my favorite time of year. One grand thing happened this summer, we were blessed with our 5th grandchild. A beautiful baby girl!!!

CAPTIVATING SUNSET

When a picture is worth more than a thousand words.....

THE STAR TOWER IN ARIZONA

Going south on Estrella Parkway, south out of Goodyear Arizona you will come to "The Star Tower" perched on a hill on the edge of the Estrella Mts. It is a beautiful structure with a rusty red facade, spiraling up to a viewing area. Looking up to the heavens and down to a man-made stream with mini water falls meandering on the grounds. It is a very peaceful place for a break. Very quiet and serene.

BIG DOGS VS. LITTLE DOGS

I might have mentioned the "Rocky Ridge Refuge" in Arkansas before in another post but will always come back to it because it is such a wonderful place. You should all go there at least once, here. I love this poem from the site:
BIG DOG RULES FOR “STUFF”
*If I like it…it’s mine.
*If it’s in my mouth…it’s mine.
*If I had it a little while ago…it’s mine.
*If I can take it from you…it’s mine.
*If I saw it first…it’s mine.
*If it looks like mine…it’s mine.
*If it’s edible…it’s always mine.
*If I chew something up…all the pieces are mine.
*If you have something & put it down…it’s mine
*If it’s mine…it must never be yours.
*If it used to be yours…get over it.
*Except if it’s broken…it’s yours.
My son & daughter-in-law have a large brown lab (Leroy) & a very small chihuahua (Peanut)so this fits them perfect. Although Peanut tries to "act" ferocious sometimes...Leroy just ignores him. It it so funny to watch.

TREASURE HUNTING FINDS

Today I would like to tell you about an estate sale find from a few months back. I found this beautiful "Luther Travis" table cloth in a pile of old linens...the color is what caught my eye. It is aqua, which is the color of my kitchen so I pulled it out and was pleasantly surprised. My treasure cost me a whopping $3.00After washing it to get out a couple of old stains (with a little advice from a blogging buddy, Diane Mc over at Luv2Luv Antiques...it turned out perfect and I have been enjoying it all Spring. It really brightens up my table.

AWESOME IMAGES

I'd like to share a few photos with you today of our earth in all it's beauty & awesomeness...Sedona ArizonaGrand Teton Mts.Snake River Grand Tetons.

SPRING THOUGHTS

I always feel Spring is really the time to think of starting a new year. Since it is the time when flowers start to bloom & the trees start budding and leafing out. Everything is so fresh and new. And the time when we start saying "Here we go again" when our allergies start kicking into full throttle. Fall is my favorite time of year but Spring has it's moments too. I've been hearing the frogs croak and lawn mowers growling. Turtles are in abundance...lined up on any exposed logs in the afternoon sun. Birds are building their nests and mosquito hawks cover the ground. It's also a time when we want to take weekend trips around the state...enjoying all the outdoorsy things in Arkansas. I just heard yesterday that gas prices are going to get up to $3 a gallon by June or July. That will put a damper on our outings...you know for every $1 that gas goes up...Iran earns billions of extra dollars. Maybe we will put more of our efforts into gardening...we could always benefit from more home grown produce...I might even do a little canning this year. That reminds me...I need to make a run to Lowe's SOON.This was taken on a record pollen count day.Tulip tree in full bloom.

THINK SKINNY

Yes, it is that time again...to think about losing those extra pounds I've gained in the winter months. It is just not working for me so far. Up two, down one, up three down two, up one, down three & so we are right back where we started a week before. It can be very frustrating but I'm not giving up. SO, now I am trying a new approach. Only eat when I am hungry and when I do eat, fill up on protein, fruit & veggies. I don't eat processed foods so you would think it would be easier for me but I guess my body is used to it so it holds every ounce it can. It just doesn't want to let go! I have been drinking 7-8 glasses of water a day now for about a week & still nothing. I will also be increasing my exercise from walking 20-30 minutes several times a week to at least 30 minutes every day for at least 5 times a week. With a trip to the gym thrown in several times. My goal is to lose 10 lbs. by May 1st. I will try to see it this way...so many pounds together make for too many but as soon as they start shedding...it will help break them up and pretty soon...Wha-Lah! The new me...IT WILL TAKE A MIRACLE...but miracles happen every day. I can feel it...it IS happening as I speak (uh..write). Wish me luck