Story Time with Beaded Accessories!

To Eat or Not to Gym, That is the Question

No 10,000 steps today.  After a long day at work, food won out!

Lunch with a Good Friend!

Today I had lunch with my friend Paulette.  We've known each other for over 30 years, now!

My first memory of Paulette was when I was a student.   Paulette helped with registration as a finalizer (the person that asks how are you going to pay for this?).   She left an impression on me; she was very kind and had a genuine, warm smile.  After I graduated, both of us were hired about the same time at the university I still work for.   Since we worked with the same software at the university, we traveled together for many a conferences .  Philadelphia, Orlando, Honolulu, Anaheim, and New Orleans!!!! We've been places and have a story to tell!  One of my favorite stories is the time I won a sweatshirt.  We were standing together in a crowd of conference participants listening as they called out winners of various items.  When they called my name, Paulette started shouting and "WoooHooo-ing" as if SHE won a a million dollars!  Or the time we were in a Disney store and we found a stuffed goat that sang the song  The Lonely Goat Herder from the Sound of Music and she started singing the whole song with the goat!!!  It was so funny I found the goat on-line and got one for her retirement! Or the time in New Orleans when we wanted to take the last afternoon we had there to walk the French Quarters.  It was pouring rain and we were drenched by the time we got back to the hotel.  Our clothes didn't dry out before we had to pack them, so we used all the plastic bags we could find in our hotel room! She is retired now and we get together for lunch now and then.  She still has her beautiful smile!!!  I know we'll always have something to talk about-30 plus years does that for friends-good memories!

10,000 Steps and Counting

I got one of those FitBits, actually it's my second one.  I lost the first one, somewhere!  Anyway, I started wearing it after I got back from vacation.  I hit 10,000 steps today (did on Saturday, too!); but that required me to walk an hour on the treadmill.  I don't walk much at work!  I love my sneakers and always get comments on them.  They are comfortable!  And, I do wear them on the correct feet - I just noticed the right is on the left and the left is on the right in this photo.  Must have been my frame of mind after my 10,000 steps.  And counting.    :)

Chocolate Lover!!

Can't you just smell the chocolate?!?!?

Another Breath Taking Sunset!!!

Saturday Morning Walk

Not everyday you see a man in a tree.

Cuddles (the dog) seemed to enjoy the company for her walk this morning.

Beautiful Sunset!

Blooming

I could smell the fragrance of the Hyacinth as I came down the stairs last night before I saw the lavender flowers in full bloom.  By tonight, a few of the flowers have already faded.  Flowers are reminders of how beautiful and fleeting life can be.  Anticipation of a moment only seems to make the moment go faster.  Soon my flower will be gone, but right now it's a day brightener.  And it's a reminder that Spring is coming.  On a very cold day, looking forward to Spring and warmer days is worth the anticipation!

Quilts, Inspired? Nope!!!

Joyce bought her quilts in that her mother cross stitched from material Jil's aunt had and pasted on to Joyce, who is giving the quilts to her daughter!  I love the colors and the pattern, and everything about quilts.  But after my experience, I will only admire them!!!  I am not inspired to try again! 

MLK Chapel

Dr Charles Johnson, the founder of the Meridian Action Committee of MS-testified in the Mississippi Burning trial and played a role in the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  Very inspiring speaker!!!!

Shopped till I Dropped

I had some more of those coupons for my birthday I just had to use!!!!!

Christmas is Past but Winter is Still Here!

Working Saturday Is the Pits

In addition to my job, I also work for a church and had to get busy and complete donation statements, W-2's, and 1099's.  Done and filed for another year!  My Saturday is gone.  :(

Your Time Has Come To Say Goodbye!

Hopefully Santa will be out of here by the end of the weekend.  I was so happy to miss all the below 20 degree weather while I was in Hawaii, but Christmas past is still present and really needs to go!!  I'm ready for spring now.

Please Remove Your Shoes!

I got this for my beach-themed bathroom in the downtown Hilo marketplace.  They will remind me of my stay on the Big Island!  Removing your shoes is a sign of respect.  I was Auntie Arlene, was greeted by hugs, picked tangerines from a tree, got to spend some time on the beach listening to the voice of the ocean, soaked in the sun and learned to play Hanafuda Hawaiian style.   

Raggedy Ann is feeling a little more raggedy after an evening with a 3 year old and her twin 18 month old brothers!!!

I kind of feel like an ol' Raggedy Ann in a Barbie doll world.  :)

New Year Goals

One of my goals is to read some books I have started but haven't finished!  One is Walking from East to West.  On my accounting team is a young woman originally from India.  She brought me back the pretty tunic and Chi Tea from one of her visits.  She read this book and really helped her bridge the gap between her traditions and culture and her new-found belief in one God.

Happy Birthday to Me

Busy Monday back to work, so my birthday went by really fast, but not without some cards, gift cards, a flower and my favorite, Cream Puff Dessert!!!

Back to the Cold Reality

I feel a little like this little bird.  I got use to wearing shorts, flip flops, NO COAT, GLOVES OR BOOTS!  I think I could adapt very quickly to a tropical climate.  :)

Another Visit to Nelson!

Short visit - couldn't find a parking place!  Had enough time to view my favorite French Impressionist paintings!  This is a photo I took on my way out.  Hope I can make it one more time before the exhibit closes! 

Hawaiian Sand in my Suitcase...I think I might just leave it there....

Four Mile Beach in Hilo

Got up close to huge sea turtle!!!!

Not Everyday I Find Squid in the Local Grocery Store!!!

Just Another Day in Paradise

Sunny Day at Waimea Park!

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get!

My friend Joyce and two of her adorable grandchildren.  Fun times!

Beautiful Flowers and Mountain View of Ocean

Kona, HI

Wondering

I am not sure what these are, but they are interesting!!!

Found out they are a form of Silver Sword.  These are flowering - they flower only one time and then die.  Underneath these plants are new shoots ready to start growing once these are gone.  Cycle of life goes on.....

Hilo, HI