Warm Welcome

I am slowly but surely recovering from the process of moving from one end of Phoenix to the other. The move - from a two-bedroom home to two rooms in my son's home - required a lot of decisions about what could come with me and what had to be given away, either to family or the Salvation Army. I probably brought too much with me, but I'll know more as I get settled in.

My commute to visit/babysit grandchildren has tripled, but the trip isn't too bad. Good thing I like to drive!

My son and daughter-in-law (and their five dogs!) welcomed me with open arms, always a plus. I'm getting acquainted with my new neighborhood and I plan to go on a photo safari soon.

The beautiful sunset shown above greeted me on the night I moved in. I took it as a sign that all will be well. So far, so good.

Until next time,

Bubble Wrap and Boxes and Tape, Oh My!

My son James is making a huge batch of gruel for me, which is all I'll be allowed when I move in with him and his lovely wife Aubrie. I will be limited to one bowl per day and will not be allowed more, even if I say, "Please, sir" like Oliver Twist. You see, I will become part of their household by the end of this month. I think he's kidding about the gruel.

I'm actually doing something smart, which is an extremely rare occurrence. No matter how much I enjoy living on my own, I simply can't afford to live on my Social Security income and my present health concerns, while not major, don't make looking for a supplemental job a good idea.

So when James and Aubrie lovingly invited me to live with them and their dogs, I hemmed and hawed and finally accepted. There was no mention of gruel at that time.

They have a lovely, two-story house on the opposite end of Phoenix from my present home. My bedroom will be on the ground floor, but it is tiny, so I have also been given a large office/sewing room on the second floor. I love the area, and I'm looking forward to decorating my new digs.

This will probably be (unless I win the lottery) my last move. Of course, I said that when I  moved into this place a little over a year ago. And the place before that.

I have listed my home for sale and am busy packing. I've moved so many times that I'm quite expert, but that doesn't mean I like it. Because I'll have much less space for my stuff, I am purging like crazy and trying to be practical, which is not one of my best attributes. I think the Salvation Army will be pleased.

One thing that kept me from leaping at the offer is the distance from my grandkids. I babysit three of them two or three days a week and have the other two spend the night, go to movies, etc. fairly often. But I think the increase in my gas costs will be more than offset by the expenses I will no longer have.

It seems like a win-win at the moment. I'll be with people I love and who love me, and I'll still have plenty of my things about me. I'll let you know how it goes and how much weight I lose on my gruel-only diet. Now back to packing before I take a break to watch The Golden Globes.

Till next time,

I Won!

Just before Christmas, I was notified that I was one of the winners of a LoveFeast Coffee Cake giveaway hosted by Pizzazzerie!

I chose (wisely, it turns out) the Triple Berry version. They also offered their Signature version, along with Pumpkin or Chocolate Chip. I'm sure they all would have been delicious, but I doubt they could top this berry-loaded treat, which featured raspberries, blackberries and blueberries.

Colorful and delicious, this coffee cake would be a great family brunch addition. Or pop it in the freezer and warm up a slice to go with your morning coffee or tea. Go to LoveFeast to try it for yourself!

Till next time,

Welcome, 2012!

Currier & Ives print courtesy of The Stock Solution

Every new year seems to sneak up on me, and 2012 is no exception. I saw the old year out with a snore rather than a bang, which may have something to do with it. My granddaughter spent the previous night with me and I stayed up till 1:00 a.m.(!), but two nights in a row was more than this old bod could take.

But 2012 arrived before I had even made my New Year's Resolutions, so I had to scramble to come up with these:

1. Be more appreciative of what I have
2. Take better care of myself
3. Find a cure for procrastination, the bane of my existence
4. Reorganize my priorities
5. Love more, laugh more, live more, blog more

I think that just about covers it. It all boils down to wanting to be a better person when I go to bed each night than I was when I woke up that morning.

I wish you all a healthy and happy new year!

Till next time,