When Did It Hit You...."I'm getting OLD"?

Time To Chat.......

I was playing this questionnaire thing that a friend of mine sent me. I used to do them all the time, but for a while there they were the same ‘ole same ‘ole, so I stopped. I decided to do the one she sent me. One of the questions on there really hit me. It was “When did you realize you were getting old”. Most people would answer, “when I began developing wrinkles”, “when my knees and body started making cracks and aching” the list goes on. But her answer (When I went to the bar and noticed all the younger girls around me doing what I used to do) got me thinking. My answer is similar minus the “bar scene”. When I first realized I was getting “old” I was at Justin’s graduation party. And I saw all the teenage girls hanging out together just being a young teen. I really can’t explain it but it was a strange feeling. Almost like I felt “left out”, but I wasn’t left out. I had Michele there sitting next to me and a few other “adults”, it was odd…kinda like I was seeing how I used to be with my friends years ago. On other occasions I’ve felt like I was getting “old” would be when I’m out shopping and notice teens…the way they talk….dress…etc. I’m not really in their “league” I’m an adult…I’m “older”. Other times I feel like I’m getting “old”- when my younger brother Joshua graduated from High School and started college, when Martha my younger sister graduated from college and when I hear of kids I used to baby-sit, are pregnant or married. Man I feel “old”. So with all that said. When did you realize you were getting old? Was it a physical appearance about you, or the everyday things and people around you?
Now don’t get me wrong….I’m happy to be the age I am. I’m blessed to be healthy and alive. I know that as I grow….God has bigger and better for me as the days, months, and years go by. I think of aging as a blessing.

Our Weekend Getway to Sanibel

For our 2yr Anniversary, Mark and I decided to take a little trip to Sanibel Island. We both had a wonderful time. We left Friday evening after work and drove the 3hrs to Sanibel. We got a little lost at first and ended up on Fort Myers Beach. So we called up the owners and they were able to help us get back on track. The Island was very dark at night. When we finally arrived at The West End Paradise Resort, we were so thankful. The place was cute and cozy. We were the only ones there that weekend. The garden was very pretty and relaxing. The next morning after breakfast, we took a walk around the grounds and admired everything. There was a canoe and a little pond. We declined on the idea since there was a warning sign in the pond (Alligators). With us being the only ones out there, we thought that might not be wise. Anywhoo, we had access to bikes. We took a morning ride around the area. The cool breeze was refreshing. We later met up with the owners and checked in and they gave us a handy dandy map of the island. We found the beach!! It was right around the corner. We were able to ride our bikes over there and admire he quiet clean beach.
We decided to venture out to J.N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. “The refuge consists of over 6,400 acres of mangrove forest, submerged seagrass beds, cordgrass marshes, and West Indian hardwood hammocks. Approximately 2,800 acres of the refuge are designated by Congress as a Wilderness Area. The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge was created to safeguard and enhance the pristine wildlife habitat of Sanibel Island, to protect endangered and threatened species, and to provide feeding, nesting, and roosting areas for migratory birds. Today, the refuge provides important habitat to over 220 species of birds. The entire complex is approximately 8,000 acres.” http://dingdarlingsociety.org/
We were able to ride our bicycles throughout the refuge. We even spotted an Alligator as we entered the park. He was crossing the road we road our bikes on. Oh course I had to snap a picture of him. We road many, many miles. Needless to say, we were tired afterward.
For lunch we dined at The Island Cow. Afterward we browsed a few shops and had a frozen mocha drink at a café. The coffee was a bit too strong.

That evening we decided to hang out on the beach till the sunset. It was cool and pretty. We practically had the beach to ourselves. The sun began to set. It was gorgeous!!
Dinner time and decided to head over to Captiva Island. Captiva Island was about 15 minutes from where we stayed. We ate dinner at The Bubble Room. It was a strange little place. Yet interesting. It had everything you could think of it the place- (clowns, Hollywood legends, disco balls, beads hanging- odd!!) Where we sat, these little men were lined up looking down on us. How strange and freaky we thought. Ha ha ha!!!
Sunday we took another morning bike ride and spent some time on the beach. We built sand castles and shelled. It was nice. The rest of the day we browsed little shops and just enjoyed our little getaway weekend.
It was wonderful to get away for the weekend with each other and just be carefree and have fun. To play in the sand like a little kid, to ride bikes all day and not worry about what’s next.

We enjoyed our Anniversary weekend away and we thank God for another year and more to come.
You gotta enjoy life with those you love; friends, family, your spouse, your pets (smile). Just enjoy life to its fullest.

Showing off my Girls!!!

Hey!!!!

Yep...just showing off my sweet girls. This was taken

after a run one evening. I think Bubble is tired...wonder what she's dreaming of???!!!!

Whatcha think?

Bubble and Shanaynay are the sweetest doggies!!!

They love to pose for the camera. Do they take after their Mommy or what?

Ha ha ha ha!!!

Bubble looks up to her big sister Shanaynay. They love to play and just hang out. Shanaynay loves to take care of Bubble....she treats her like she is the mama. She keeps lil Miss Bubble in line. Oh how they make me soo happy. Those girls make me smile.

Happy Anniversary to Us

October 23

Two Years and Still Happy as can be.

Monday will be Mark and my 2 year wedding anniversary.

Can't say our marriage has been an easy breeze. We have our ups and downs like all couples. But with God's leading and guiding...our trust in God and what He has for us...and the love we have for each other....we have made it another year. And we are still more in love than ever.

Oh how I remember that day......

Full of some crazy, fun, sweet, nervous memories. But hey...we had a blast!!!

It will be a day I will remember forever!!!

I really like my wedding dress. I remember putting it on and all my other accessories. I remember walking down the aisle and seeing my incredible man waiting for me at the alter. My wedding bouquet was marvelous....thanks to Michele!!!!

My Bridesmaids were awesome. Thank you ladies for everything.

I remember smiling all day....and then after everything was done....my face was sore...ha ha ha.

I love my husband Mark and enjoy every moment being married to him!

Sweetest Day- October 21st

Sweetest Day began in Cleveland, Ohio, and yes, one of the largest greeting card companies in the world, American Greetings, is headquartered in the same city. But that’s just a coincidence. Sweetest Day, which is Oct. 21st this year, actually originated with the kindness of a Cleveland candy company employee.

It was Herbert Birch Kingston, in 1922 who decided he would bring a little cheer to local orphans, shut-ins and others he felt had been “forgotten.” With the help of friends, the big-hearted philanthropist distributed candy and gifts to these less-than-fortunate citizens.

The generosity and sweetness of the gesture caught on, and today Sweetest Day is commemorated by sending greeting cards and gifts to family and friends to remind them that they are loved and appreciated. This remains primarily a regional observance celebrated in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast. However, the observance is gradually spreading to other areas of the country. Industry wide, Ohio is the top state for Sweetest Day sales, followed by Michigan and Illinois.

Texas and Florida also observe Sweetest Day, but if you ask someone in Wisconsin or Connecticut or Montana about Sweetest Day, chances are, they may have no idea what you are talking about.”

On the first Sweetest Day, movie star Ann Pennington presented 2,200 Cleveland newspaper boys with boxes of candy to express gratitude for their service to the public.
Another popular movie star, Theda Bara, distributed 10,000 boxes of candy to people in Cleveland hospitals and also gave candy to all who came to watch her film in a local theater

As people become more mobile and jobs take them to different regions, the once-regional celebration of Sweetest Day is spreading throughout the country. In addition to remembering those sometimes forgotten and showing appreciation for family and friends, Sweetest Day also has become very much a romantic day in most locations.
In time, the Sweetest Day idea of spreading cheer to the underprivileged was broadened to include everyone from family members to sweethearts, and co-workers to acquaintances.

Whacked up Warning Labels

Ever took a good look at the "Warning Label" or "Directions" of a product you own, saw in the store, or planned to buy? Ever saw an "odd" "ridiculous" label....a "Wacked up" label or direction? And you think....WHO on earth would do this or that???? Well the reason behind these crazy labels is....well "someone" has done it in the past....and the manufacture(s) has to cover their booties and make sure it doesn't happen again. So here are some I found. And I think to myself....."Who...why would you do this"??????

On Sears hairdryer: "Do not use while sleeping."
On a bag of Fritos: "You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside."
On a bar of Dial soap: "Directions: Use like regular soap."
Some Swanson frozen dinners: "Serving suggestions: Defrost."
On a hotel-provided shower cap in a box: "Fits one head."
On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert: "Do not turn upside down" (printed on bottom of the box).
On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding: "Product will be hot after heating."
On packaging for a Rowenta iron: "Do not iron clothes on body."
On Boot's Children's Cough Medicine: "Do not drive car or operate machinery."
On Nytol (a sleep aid): "Warning: May cause drowsiness."
On a Korean kitchen knife: "Warning: Keep out of children."
On a string of Chinese-made Christmas lights: "For indoor or outdoor use only."
On a Japanese food processor: "Not to be used for the other use."
On Salnsbury's Peanuts: "Warning: Contains nuts."
On an American Airlines packet of nuts: "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts."
On a Swedish chain saw: "Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands."
On children's shampoo: "Keep out of reach of children."
On a child's Superman costume: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."
On a bar of Dial soap:Directions: Use like regular soap..

- On a massage chair: "Do not use massage chair without clothing... and never force any body part into the backrest area while the rollers are moving"
- On an electric router made for carpenters: “This product not intended for use as a dental drill” - A warning label found on a baby stroller cautions the user to “Remove child before folding”
- A sticker on a toilet at a public facility warning: “Recycled flush water unsafe for drinking”
- A snowblower warning: "Do not use snowthrower on roof"
- On a dishwasher: "Do not allow children to play in the dishwasher"
-Unusual warning on a CD player: “Do not use the Ultradisc2000 as a projectile in a catapult.”
- An “Aim-n-Flame” fireplace lighter cautions, “Do not use near fire, flame or sparks”
- A label on a hand-held massager advises consumers not to use “while sleeping or unconscious”
- On a container of underarm deodorant: “Caution: Do not spray in eyes”
- On a cartridge for a laser printer: “Do not eat toner”
- A 13-inch wheel on a wheelbarrow warns: “Not intended for highway use”
- A cardboard car sunshield that keeps sun off the dashboard warns, “Do not drive with sunshield in place”
- On a Bathroom Heater: “This product is not to be used in bathrooms”
- A can of self-defense pepper spray warns users: “May irritate eyes”
- A warning on a pair of shin guards manufactured for bicyclists: “Shin pads cannot protect any part of the body they do not cover”
- A popular manufactured fireplace log warns: “Caution - Risk of Fire”
- A box of birthday cake candles says: “DO NOT use soft wax as ear plugs or for any other function that involves insertion into a body cavity.

”Weird product labels are a sign of our lawsuit-plagued times. In the ‘good old days’, if someone spilled coffee in their lap, they simply called themselves clumsy. Today, people call themselves an attorney. This "sue first, ask questions later" mentality has not only produced weird warning labels, it has increased the cost of products and services families use daily."


What a world we live in huh????

My "Nephew" Kane

My older brother, Sito recently got a puppy. Well not too recent....6 months ago. Anywhoo here are some pics he sent me today. Kane is a Doberman. He sure is a BIG puppy.

Doesn't he look soo cute and innocent in this picture....actually he looks like he is up to "something".

And here is Kane again.....these next few pictures he is 5-6months old. I remember when Bubble was 6 months old...she was still tiny...well not as tiny as she was when we first got her...but she was still smaller than Kane!
Awe......Good Dog!
Relaxing on the back patio.

Pumpkins! Pumpkins! I see Pumpkins!!

Its that time of year.....Pumpkins everywhere. Its Fall...my favorite season of the year!!! Why you may ask...well I do love the colors, the warmth of family and friends getting together to celebrate, the change in the weather, the leaves changing their colors....well not too much here in Florida, but you know what I mean. And of course its the season Mark and I were married.
So, without further ado I'd like to share some recipes with you that I've come upon. Perhaps I'll try one of these this Fall Season for one of our gatherings.

Pumpkin Pie Milk Shake

1 qt. (4 cups) milk
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Butterscotch Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, softened
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

PLACE all ingredients in large pitcher with tight-fitting lid; cover. Shake vigorously 1 minute or until well blended.
POUR evenly into 4 glasses. Serve immediately. (Mixture thickens as it stands. Thin with additional milk, if desired.)

Pumpkin Pie Bars

1-1/3 cups flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) cold butter or margarine
1 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats, uncooked
1/2 cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
3 eggs
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch baking pan with foil; grease foil lining. Mix flour, brown sugar and 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar in medium bowl; cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in oats and pecans. Reserve 1 cup of the oat mixture; press remaining mixture onto bottom of pan. Bake 15 min.
BEAT cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Pour over crust; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
BAKE 25 min. Lift from pan using foil handles; cool completely. Cut into 24 bars. Store leftover bars in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Frozen Pumpkin Dessert

1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
3 Tbsp. brandy (optional)
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
1 cup chopped PLANTERS Slivered Almonds

BEAT cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add pumpkin, brandy and spice; beat until well blended.
REMOVE 1/2 cup of the whipped topping; place in small bowl. Cover and refrigerate for later use. Gently stir remaining whipped topping and the almonds into pumpkin mixture. Pour into 9-inch square pan.
FREEZE 4 hours or until firm. Top with the reserved 1/2 cup whipped topping.

Pumpkin Pie

2 HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crusts (6 oz. each)
3 eggs, lightly beaten, divided
1 can (29 oz.) pumpkin
1-1/2 cups half-and-half
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1-1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. ground ginger

PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Brush crusts lightly with some of beaten eggs. Bake 4 min. Meanwhile, mix remaining ingredients until well blended.
POUR pumpkin mixture evenly into crusts.
BAKE 15 min. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Continue baking 40 to 45 min.
or until knife inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool completely.

Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Pie

1-1/4 cups cold milk
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Cheesecake Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
1 HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust (6 oz.)
1/4 cup chopped PLANTERS Walnuts
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. butter or margarine

ADD milk to pumpkin in large bowl; stir with wire whisk until well blended. Add pudding mixes and spice. Beat 2 minutes or until well blended. (Mixture will be thick.) Gently stir in half of the whipped topping. Spoon into pie crust.
REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until set. Meanwhile, place walnuts, brown sugar and butter in small microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until hot bubbly, stirring after 1 minute. Cool.
SPRINKLE walnut mixture over pie just before serving. Top each serving with a dollop of the remaining whipped topping.

Special Thanks to Kraft Foods.....for these yummy desserts.