The Greatest Gift

Day 30 of a month of me comes to a close, I only missed 2 or 3 days so I'm still calling it an accomplishment. It's been fun, enpowering and enlightening. I want to thank all who sent cards, gifties and wishes, it meant alot to me. But the greatest gift came from my 25 yr. old son who gifted me with words, written from his heart. I had to hold back the tears, I'm so blessed! I guess I'm doing something right! Just remember you don't always have to go out of the way to find that special gift, you can grab a pen and let the words flow from your heart. They are priceless! It's been a good month, thank you all!!

Day 29 of a month of me is full of excuses, none that really matter, but I failed to go the distance and complete the whole month of me, but hey, I maybe 50 but I'm human! I've been busy, the grandkids have been playing T-ball for the last month with Friday night being the last game and then on Saturday, a little program was compiled in their honor with each receiving a little trophy, it was so cute! Then on Saturday we took off to Arkansas for a nice dinner with the kids, it was SO hot, when we got home, we mulched the raised beds and sweated so much, it was unreal! But yesterday we woke to a light rain and back to normal temps so everyone's spirits have been lifted and it's a pleasure to go outside again!

While blogging this morning, I came across this sweet treat that I knew you would want to try, and if your not a fan of The Farmchicks yet, you will be after reading their charming blog, you can find the recipe for these 4th of July treats there. It is time to think about the 4th isn't it? Were having a 4th of July bash here, a cookout, bon fire, fireworks and good times with family & friends, I wish you lived closer!

I've enjoyed posting everyday, and although I won't be able to keep it up, I am gonna post more often, it does get easier to find things to post about when your committed to do so. And I'm enjoying reading all about your summer projects, reading and gardens........life is good, isn't it!

Day 26 of a month of me has been skipped again, sorry about that! But, I use to love to skip, play hopscotch, twister or my all time favorite child hood game, chinese jump rope! Do you remember those? I didn't mean to skip any days here, I think I'm doing pretty good with only a few days left of the month, so I hope you don't mind me skipping.......

The birthday flowers are fading, so I saved the best ones and made a little bouquet, the rest went outside to dry. I hate to see them go, but nothing last forever. Yesterday was a sad day wasn't it, with the news of Farrah passing and the shock of Michael Jackson later on, both icons and both leaving us the same day, and to make it three in a row, Ed McMan just days before. Odd how we lose three celebrities in a row like that. Not a good day to be famous! My heart goes out to both families, prayers right behind! Have a good weekend, stay cool!

Can you help me?

Day 24 of a month of me skipped a day, but I made it to my birthday so I don't feel too bad, I did feel bad yesterday for another reason though....I got my birthday dinner, grazed on the salad bar and came home with a salad bar bug, my stomach hasn't been the same since! I do feel better today but yesterday was just miserable. This heat wave isn't helping either, we could see 100 on Saturday! Needless to say, I'll be inside crafting!

Thank you all for the birthday wishes, your so kind! See my birthday flowers above, aren't they pretty! Hubby got me a MP3 player so I'm trying to figure it all out. I can put music on it, movies, videos, ebooks and photos so there's more to it than plugging it in! Maybe you can help me, where can I find free music downloads for a MP3? I've searched some but so far no really free downloads, do you know of any? I never thought I wanted one, that was before I knew you could put photos and ebooks on them, how fun!

The wedding was hot but lovely, I got some great shots and now I"m working on a collage for them. I must say, I don't feel 50, it's had a day or so to settle in and I feel the same? Not that I really thought I'd feel older but with age comes some reality, maybe it is just a number? lol

I Made It !!

Day 22 of a month of me is sweet, I made it and I'm ok about it! lol Thanks to you all, I've really come to accept it and I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my life. You guys are the best, I never thought I'd be this calm about turning 50, but all your comments, emails and support has shown me that life is great at any age! So, I'm gonna take it one day at a time, work on my bucket list and just treasure each day's worth. "It's a wonderful world"

Thank you also for all the birthday wishes, blogging has become one of the best gifts I could ever give myself! Where else can we meet heart to heart and bond like we do? You guys got me through it and I highly recommend a month of me whenever you face a birthday in doubt, such good therapy!

As promised, my birthday bash giveaway has a winner! Funny, how my birthday is the 22nd and I got 22 entries, so I asked the hubs for a number and he picked 22 since it's my birthday and that means..........Sharon from "A Merry Heart Journal" is my winner! Congrats Sharon!! Send me your mailing info. so I can get your goodies off to you soon! And check out her blog if you haven't already, a nice treat!

No big plans, too hot to do much but hubs is taking me out to dinner, my choice so I'm thinking a nice big salad bar where I can graze and beat the heat! Thanks again, your all such a blessing to me! I'm 50 world, watch out!!

I'm a Herbie!

Day 21 of a month of me is really all about Father's Day, but since both my hubby and I no longer have our father's, I celebrate him and our boys who are now daddy's and husbands. Happy Father's Day to all Dads out there, we appreciate you!

If one passion best described me, it would have to be my love of herbs. I'm not sure how or when it started, but I'm convinced it's been in my blood from the beginning. I've been told my grandmother ( on my Mom's side) played with herbs too, used them in concoctions like I do and grew many, just like me. I never knew any of my grandparents so I've never known that bond but sure do miss it. Funny how things like this skip a generation but I love the fact that I'm continuing with her passion, making it my own and hopefully passing it onto another generation.

I love herbs, can't get enough of them! I make my own salves that really work and are much more gentle on your skin. I grow and dry many kitchen herbs that I use to cook with plus I make teas and such. I'm self taught but like to think my grandmother is guiding me. A few years ago I made my first flu syrup from wild elderberries, it was easy, good and did help to keep us well and flu free that winter. I'll be making more this year for sure! My love of herbs lead me to start my Herbal Farmstead blog, if you love herbs too and wish to learn more about them, I have many articles there including one on Elderberries and my famous tea jellies. The link is to the right under my other blog. It's not updated as often as I had hoped but once things slow down a bit, I hope to write up another article for it.

Herbs are a big part of who I am, and I'm so glad they are! Lavender is one of my favorites along with rosemary, sage and dill. The smell off each herb is amazing, I grow many just for the aroma when touched! If you're a Herbie too, I wanna hear about your herb garden. I've created a small one that will do till I can expand, can't have too many herbs, now can we!

Weddings, I do!

Day 20 of a month of me is dedicated to weddings since I'm getting ready to head out to one, in fact, I'm photographing it as a gift to the bride and groom and favor to the parents, so I'm excited too! But, it's outside and it's still hot here so it should be interesting but fun all the same.

I love weddings no matter the season or weather, who doesn't? It's a symbol of hope for all who attend, I think. I've been searching through Flickr for inspiration on wedding photos and had to share these with you since I love them so. Also thought I'd share the little love story behind my wedding and marriage. Nothing exciting but we were set up, a blind date. My best friend was married to my hubbys best friend and they thought we should meet, and we did. Have been together ever since! We were married one year from the day we met and it's been almost 17 years come September. It's not the first marriage for either of us and I think that's probably why it works for us?

Feel free to share your wedding story with us, I'd love to hear all about it! Off to brave the heat and hopefully get some good shots! Have a wonderful weekend and keep cool, I see from the comments, I'm not alone in this early heat wave!

Motherhood book winner

Day 19 of a month of me is a hot one! When it's too hot to go outside I get crafty, so I put together this scrapbook page for my wall, it's two of my grand daughters who had their photo taken the same time, same poise and same charm! This is May and Chloe. One of the best things about becoming a Mom is becoming a grandma! So, with that in mind, guess who's name got plucked out of the basket? A fellow grandma..........Marybeth! Congrats girl, I'll be sending you a book related to grandmas since this giveaway just turned that way! lol

Back to the heat, amazing for June and no relief in sight for the next 7 days? I'm hoping it will all even it's self out by a cool July or early fall, something's gotta give! What's your weather like where you are? Normal for June? I've got a wedding to go to tomorrow, a friends daughter and I'm doing the photography as a gift, wouldn't you know it, the wedding is outside! Should be fun no matter how hot it is, who doesn't love a wedding?

Summer Yum!

Day 18 of a month of me brings us to a favorite summer time recipe, since it's been so hot here for the last few days with no relief in sight, I thought I'd share one of our favorite desserts with you, one that won't heat up the kitchen since it's not baked. This recipe came from a book that was gathered from employees as a way to raise money for a local hospital, it was a gift to me and I've tried many recipes but this pie is a keeper!

Pink Lemonade Pie

1 small can frozen pink lemonade, thawed

1 can Eagle brand milk

1 9oz. cool whip

Blend all together real well. Pour into a 8 in. graham cracker crust and chill for 2 hours at least. Enjoy!

See why it's one of my favorites, easy, quick and only 3 ingredients! That's my idea of summer time yum! Mother Nature is off again, as I stated, we've been having record and early heat plus humidity, feels more like Aug. than June. So, I'm not cooking much, light dinners and cold desserts till it gets back to normal, can't complain with a sweet pie like this one!

Don't forget to get signed up for the Motherhood book I'll be drawing tomorrow, you can leave your comment on the post below for that giveaway, then you have till Monday to get in on the giveaway of my favorite things. The odds are pretty good on both giveaways so good luck to all and enjoy your summer day!

Seasons

Day 17 of a month of me explores the seasons I love so much! I was raised in Las Vegas where you have one maybe two seasons, HOT and not so hot! So, living here in the Ozarks exposed me to all four seasons and I love them all, the good, bad and ugly humidity even!! But when asked which is my favorite season, I'd have to say spring. After a long, cold winter it's nice to get outside and play in the dirt again, plant a garden and flowers anywhere I can cram more in. Yes, that is a real critter in the photo above, it was taken at our old house, he let me get that close too!

Fall is my second favorite season, after a long, hot summer it's nice to curl up with a quilt and sip hot tea at night, take in the fall colors and just wind down a little, get prepared for winter. I love to decorate for fall, and Christmas but I love all four seasons just because I have them, summers are short and can get hot but those few months of outside chores, fun and play are nice. Winters are magical, the snow covers everything like a blanket making it look new again. I'm not a fan of the ice storms like we had last winter, but we survived. It was a pretty site!

I'm grateful to live here, to have all four seasons to enjoy. I wouldn't have it any other way! We complain about the weather but each season has a purpose and we should get out and treasure each one for the glory they hold! What is your favorite season?

Friendships

Day 16 of a month of me has to be about friendships since it's following motherhood, because we do "tend" to our friendships to keep them strong and loving. Friendships are like flowers too, sweet, pure and reblooming, but we have to work at it and keep the weeds from spoiling the growth! My theory is you can always tell a good Mother by the way she tends to her garden and friends. Our friends are important to us, I'm so glad I'm a woman for this reason if none other but I have many! We value our girlfriends! I guess that is why I enjoy blogging so much, it's like having girlfriends all over the world!

We all have or had that very best friend, you know the type, your Ethel. I lost mine some years ago, she was only 52, I miss her. We were friends for almost 30 years, it's hard to replace that bond, not sure I have yet either. But the friends I have now, my sweet sister , family and blogging buddies sure fill the gap, and someday I'll find another Ethel, I'm in no hurry!

I can't imagine not having friends to talk too, confide in, hang out with and learn from. I've found a connection at MaryJanes Farm, just click on her button to the right if you too are looking for friends that are just like you! I've been a farmgirl for almost 5 years now and the gang is a endless supply of whatever you need! I know some of you are farmgirls, aren't we a hoot! lol

I'd love to hear about your Ethel so share if you will, if not, just treasure your girlfriends, you never know when you will lose one!

MotherHood

Day 15 of a month of me deserves more than a post, so I hope I deliver my message as intended. The best part of my life has been being a Mom, I have been blessed with giving birth to three wonderful sons, and then raising a Fourth son and a daughter by marriage. I don't use the word step, never have. I may not have gave birth to them, but I raised them like my own and we all survived! We are a family. I may not have been the best Mom I could of been, but I never gave up and all five have turned out pretty well if I do say so myself!

Motherhood is a career, not just a job. It's not how you start out, it's how you finish. I'm proud of each one for their own accomplishments, we are family and I treasure mine! Motherhood deserves more than it gets, so I'm hosting a fast little giveaway just for you Moms, a book to add to your library, so leave me a comment HERE, remember this one is just for Moms of all ages! I'll draw a winner on Friday!

Motherhood has been my mission in life, I take it seriously and I honor you Moms for all you do! Good luck !

Blogging to Become Better.

Day 14 of a month of me involves reason, there is a reason for everything, don't you think? I don't know why my brain often wonders such things, but it does? The reason why I started blogging was to become a better person, silly maybe, but tell me if after visiting your list of favorite bloggers, did you come away inspired or challenged at all? I often do and it's forced me to grow, leave my comfort zone for a bit and try new things, and I needed that. I've grown. I'm finding that turning 50 has a reason, it does get you to think about things, and I've realized these last few years that I've been blogging, I'm a bit better, alot happier and more content. I've learned from you, shared with you and hopefully taught you in some way. Blogging has been such a positive thing in my life. I know if I need to find an encouraging word, I can find it on a blog, if I want a decorating idea, or a recipe there's a blog that has it. I've learned alot about photography from bloggers who share their secrets. Bloggers are the best about sharing!

With that said, I'll share a few of my favorite bloggers with you. Please don't be offended if your not mentioned. There's not much difference between my favorites listed to the right and the few that have become apart of me. I love you all, but these are the ones that read like a book and I feel connected too:

Messy, Thrilling Life is owned by Brin. I've followed her for many years, almost from my start. I've walked with her, cried with her and reaped her happyness. She is the woman I thought I'd be.

The Farm Chicks is so addictive, I just love their style. I could so be one. The photo above came from their site and it spills over with country charm. They are living my dream!

MaryJanes Farm is my home away from home. MaryJane Butters is my hero! She lives her life her way and totally organic! I will travel to her farm one day and stand in awe! ( that should be on my bucket list)

There you have it, the top three that if asked would best describe me. These sites and others have made turning 50 challenging and interesting, for that I thank them and you.

A Few of my Favorite Things...

Day 12 of a month of me is all about a few of my favorite things......this list could be long but I'll keep it short since we will be heading south soon for a day of thrifting, geocaching and home improvement shopping. I have many favorite things, each year I seem to find more. I'll keep it simple since I am but it'll give you a little idea of who I am. In no certain order......

Aprons, I love the history behind each one, I try imagine the woman who wore the old ones I find in thrift stores, did she have a large family she cooked for? Aprons are hip again and I'm so glad, we can't lose that tie!

Books, I love everything about books, from the smell of new ink to the dusty covers of olden copies. Words can change lives, books are so important!

Old China, you already know I collect English china but I love old china too, flower themes catch my eye. The designs from days gone by are so much more interesting than the ones available today. Again, I love the history behind china, who sipped tea from that little pink flowered cup?

Magazines, I'm a junkie! I save the ones that can be used for reference. Gardening, crafting, decorating and cooking are keepsakes to read over and over again! It's my favorite kind of comfort reading, a good magazine, cup of joe and the tree swing!

Food, I prefer homemade but I must admit since it's just the hubby and me now, I don't cook like I used too but on the other hand, I do get to cook for us and not 5 pickie eaters! Bread fresh from the oven is a all time favorite! Ice tea, unsweet anytime of the year is always refreshing along with my morning coffee.

Movies, I'm a hopeless romantic so I enjoy a good love story, along with a good western, crime drama or tasteful comedy. I don't waste my time or money on stupid movies. A few of my all time favorites would have to be: Country, The River, Coal Miners Daughter, Lonesome Dove, Open Range, and there are more, but I just went blank!

If there's a question of one of my favorites that I didn't cover, feel free to ask me, I'd be happy to take questions, anytime! Thank you for the comments left so far on yesterdays post, I love the "best gift ever" replies, a few were very creative and so sweet! Keep them coming, they get you entered in the giveaway! Enjoy your weekend, see you tomorrow with another day of me!

Birthday Bash Giveaway!

Day 12 of a month of me is the day for a giveaway, don't you think so? I'm a giver, I'm better at it than recieving, I just have more fun! So, I'll be taking names till the 22nd., my birthday, and to get entered in this giveaway all you have to do is leave me a comment HERE on what your best birthday gift was ever! Can you do that? I'd love to hear all about it, it's so much fun hearing the exitement in the written word. I'm hoping it'll be a way for us all to share a big birthday bash, cyber style! So, put your thinking caps on and share the best gift you've ever gotten for your birthday. One lucky winner will recieve a goodie box of a few of my favorite things, I love to share the things I love with others! Good luck and love to you all!

Collections & Causes

Day 11 of a month of me is about my collections and causes, those special objects that I must have and are near and dear to my heart, like the causes. Books are a never ending, always on the hunt for collection that is really a addiction. Here are just a few of my favorites that are at hand in my craft room, except for the Farm Chicks book, that's a lender from the library but it's on my wish list. I love books, and by books I mean how to, reference and such. I'm not a novel reader or writer so you won't see many in my house or in my mind, at this point in my life anyway? I collect cookbooks and read them like novels, along with my craft books, sewing, gardening, photography and herbal lore. There's just something so comforting about holding a book and learning from it that empowers you. I hope books never go out of style or disappear into the electronic age. Did you know many books can be downloaded onto a MP3 player to read like that? That's kinda cool as long as they don't do away with the hard copy!

English china is one of my favorite collections, my Mom was born and raised in England so I collect it in honor of her, but I fell in love with for other reasons. The colors, the dainty flowers, the presence of it, I can spot a piece from way off, I'm drawn to it. This is just a sample of my collection, I do have a few more pieces and I hope to add many more. I'd like to have enough to separate and hand down to my grand daughters some day, and hopefully keep that tradition alive since my Mom no longer is.

What pulls at my heart strings in ways of causes that matter to me? Conservation is right up there, water mainly and this stems from living in a primitive cabin years ago (another marriage) where we had to haul our water from a spring. I was younger then and adapted but those 3 years of hauling water are to blame for my bad back, but no regrets. I learned alot about myself in those 3 years and it taught me not to waste much! So, yes I cringe if someone leaves the water on while they brush their teeth or water the sidewalk!

Organics is another important cause that I try to live by and with. If only you knew what was really in our food supply, water sheds and seeds, and don't get me started on Monsanto! We are what we eat, that is why cancer is at a all time high, farmers are being forced out for growing natural and not monster food, and products are being laced with ingredients our bodies were not meant to digest and can't!

Respect for animals and wildlife tops the list today too. We live in their world, they don't live in ours! Respect them, great and small. I do my part by keeping fresh water for birds, feeders full year round and giving right of way whenever possible. I'd like to think my grandchildren will have the wildlife around to enjoy as much as I do.

There are many more collections and causes that I love and care about. How about you, what is near and dear to your heart? Thank you for sharing, these 11 days have been so uplifting making you all near and dear to my heart as well!

Happyness

Day 10 of a month of me is about happyness, just what makes me happy? It's the simple things, my grandchilden for one, that's the oldest above leaving me a heart on the sidewalk. Gardening keeps me happy, even in the winter as I plan for spring. Writing is a happy part of my life, it keeps me connected with the past through journals, and my articles keeps that dream alive. Blogging really makes me happy, the support group here, esp. from yesterdays post, was so uplifting and thanks to you all, I'm gonna take menopause on with a positive additude!

Of course my family and friends make me happy and my home is true happyness but it's the small and simple things in life that just keeps your heart happy. Today on my way home, a mama quail and her cute little babies crossed in front of me, I stopped and just smiled, they were so little and adorable! That's what it's really all about. Sunsets, mountains, flowers, babies and the life around us that doesn't get the credit it deserves.

I'm happy to make it to my 50th birthday, and because of you and all your encouraging words, I'm accepting it from here on out! I've learned a few things from you fine folks who have made it to the other side of 50, there is still alot of life waiting for me to enjoy! Thank you all so much, I couldn't of done it without you! Were only at day 10 so stay tuned, there's still more to come and I wouldn't want you to miss a thing!

MEN-0-pause

Day 9 of a month of me is a serious post, one that affects this birthday more than the others. The average age for women entering menopause is 52, but I think my body is beginning to show signs, and it bothers me. Now, this post isn't for men, unless you want to learn so you can prepare yourself, then read on. I know all women are different but the doctors say you can kinda predict yours by your Mom's. This doesn't help me one bit, I wasn't around or don't remember? See, that's one sign of the change that is worrisome, my memory isn't what it used to be. And my eye sight is shotty, I need bifocals but I won't give in yet! It's harder to lose weight and I don't sleep more than 6 hours at best. My periods are no longer dependable but still average about the same length of time. And why is it called MEN0pause anyway? Men are no help here!

I own two books on the subject: Susun Weeds Menopausal Years and The Secret Pleasure of Menopause by Dr. Christiane Northrup. Both books are a good read and a laugh now and then. I've followed Susun Weed for years and love her, I just hope I can grasp her way of thinking about menopause, if I could, I would be looking forward to it, I'm not there yet. I do admit the title of Christianes book caught me eye, and leave it to her to find pleasure in this passage in life but I don't know if I can find pleasure in it either?

So, I'm turning to you bloggers who are going through it or have made it to the other side, I want to hear from you, any advise you care to share? I really want to enter this stage of my life in a positive way. I have been preparing my body for this transaction for the last 10 years, not faithfully but have tried many different herbs related to this subject. I'm a all natural kind of gal so that would be the way I go. I just hope when the hot flashes kick in that it's winter time!

My Bucket List

Day 8 of a month of me brings us to my bucket list, have you seen the movie? I have never really heard the term "bucket list" till I saw the movie, love it and the idea. Now, I'm not a dare devil so you won't see any scary stunts, in fact, it will probably be boring. My bucket list is just a list of things I'd like to accomplish before I die. I've thought about it all day and the list isn't long, my life has been so blessed, there really isn't alot lacking. Just a few things I'd like to see or do.

1. See England, the home place of my Mom.
2. Write and publish a book.
3. Learn to knit.
4. Geocache across the states.
5. Drive a hummer.
6. Buy a old camper and turn it into a glamper.
7. Master the art of cupcake decorating.
8. Finish a quilt.
9. Meet my favorite blogger.
10. Travel more.

There you have it, I told you it was boring. Do you have a bucket list? If so, leave me a comment with a few of yours. And if you haven't seen the movie yet, do yourself a favor and rent it soon!

Faith has Wings

Day 7 of a month of me and the first Sunday are devoted to faith. Like this bird who is faithful to show up for a free meal, I too am faithful. This secure faith grows deeper with age. I never attended church as a child, my Mom never learned to drive and my Dad usually worked weekends, but I grew up knowing God and having faith. It was almost like I was born with it, a comforting feeling knowing as long as I trusted God, everything would be alright. One aspect of my life that has taught me alot about faith is gardening. You plant a seed, water, weed and harvest all on faith. It's an amazing power to hold.

Sharing your faith with others goes beyond fellowship, it's a comfort. Could I blog without faithful readers? Yes, but what fun would that be? The fellowship between bloggers is food for the soul. Again, like this bird, living on a wing and a prayer has new meaning. We rely on prayer so we can fly, having faith is what keeps us from falling! God is good, life is good and faith is divine!

Passions

Day 6 of a month of me is all about my passions, those things that define me, encourage me and make me bloom! Photography is one of those passions. I've always had a camera, but it wasn't until the digital age that it became apart of me. It's now become my revolver, I'm quick to take a photo whenever I spot a subject that intrigues me and I want to learn more. I love taking nature photos the best, they cooperate better than my grandchildren who I love to snap too. But flowers were meant to be photographed and shared. For years I've tried to capture rain drops on petals and I finally did, I'm blooming too!

Scrapbooking is another passion mainly because it includes photos and gives me another reason to take them and it's taught me alot about both hobbies. It keeps me creative and through the pages I design, I'm sharing memories that can be handed down or in my case, displayed on the wall of fame. I don't think these works of art should be hidden away in a album, I've devoted a whole wall in my craft room to them that I change out a few times a year. Scrappin is an addiction, but well worth the money and time invested.

Gardening has been a passion of mine for decades, passed down from my Dad, and I'm so grateful. It's another outlet for being creative, this time with live objects but once mastered you create a beauty only God can take credit for. If I couldn't garden, I would shrivel up and die! The world is a much better place for the beauty of gardens!

I could go on but these are the top three right now, the most important to me, the three I want to learn more about and be better at, always! You are never too old to learn!

Discounts for Dummies?

Day 5 of a month of me deals with discounts for the elderly. I was almost coming to terms with this birthday which isn't for 2 more weeks, till I got this in the mail yesterday. Now, I'm all for discounts, deals and special treatment for our retired folks who have earned it but when did AARP start hitting on the 50ish age group?

I want to thank all of you who have wrote in with comforting comments on turning 50, I like your spunk and hope to find my own, I really think this month of me will help! I'm not going to let this plastic discount card damper my month, I will take full advantage of any discounts I'm entitled too when the time comes, you can bet on that! I just wish everyone was eligible for daily discounts everywhere, wouldn't that encourage spending and help the economy get back on it's feet! But with companies like AARP pushing plans on us so early, by the time we are really in need of them, will the discounts be deals or policies for dummies who think they should have it because they hit a certain age? Anymore you have to be careful what you sign up for and read the fine print real good!

If any of you hold a AARP card and use it, please chime in here and let us know how you like it and how it works for you. I'll hold onto my "invitation letter" till I know more about it. I'm not bashing AARP just a little miffed that companies like this are targeting people who turn 50, I thought 50 was the new 30?

Kitchen Duty

Day 4 of a month of me brings us to my favorite room in the house, this was hard because I love my house, the whole thing! But the kitchen is truly the heart of the home, a place to gather, learn and create. Meals aren't the only products coming from the kitchen, memories are made, ties bind and traditions are everlasting, all simmering in the kitchen.

This isn't my dream kitchen, but it's close. My idea of a kitchen that fits me is a much bigger one, room to house a old fashioned hutch, the kind with the flour bin. A fireplace is a must have too, and with a fireplace you have to have a sitting spot, even if it's just a rocking chair. A walk-in pantry to house a years supply of canned goods, with a built in drying rack for herbs that grow just outside. Big windows to allow the sunshine to cheer up the space all year round! I may never get that perfect kitchen, but it's ok. I make do with what I have and I turn it into the kitchen that fits the house and my needs.

Any kitchen can become the perfect kitchen, as long as it's filled with homemade love! And here's some lovin from my kitchen to yours. This is one of my favorite bread recipes using fresh oregano from the garden. If your like me, I don't do alot of baking in the summer, so stash this recipe away for cooler months ahead. It probably can be converted to a bread machine but since I have yet to use mine.......I know, I'm bad!

Oregano Cheddar Bread

1 pkg. active dry yeast
5 1/4 c. all purpose flour
2 1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 3/4 c. milk
3 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. sugar
4 Tbsp. minced oregano or 2 dried
1 tsp. salt

Stir together the yeast and 2 cups of the flour in a large mixing bowl. Heat together the remaining ingredients (except the rest of the flour) till luke warm. Add to flour yeast mixture.
Beat on low speed of mixer for 30 seconds, scrapping bowl when needed. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can with a spoon.
On a lightly floured surface knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a stiff dough. Knead another 8-9 min. till dough is elastic and smooth. Shape into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease all sides. Cover and let rise in warm place till doubled, about a hour or so.
Punch down dough and divide in half. Cover and allow to rise for 10 min. Shape into 2 loaves and place in 2 greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise again till doubled, about 45 min. Bake in a 350 oven for 45-50 min. Cool.

All about Him

Day 3 of a month of me is devoted to a day of him, my sweet hubby who's birthday is today, he's just a year behind me! This is one of my favorite shots of him, sitting content with our granddaughter, Chloe a few years ago. I love it that we share the same month, makes our birthdays seem united like us! He's such a good man, I got lucky here. He's my prince after the frogs! I'm taking him out to his favorite steak house for dinner tonight then off to a movie of his choice! I am blessed, he puts up with me and makes all my wild ideas come to life! Happy Birthday Wes, I love you so!!

Cupcakes for Everyone!

Day 2 of this month of me will be sweet, cupcakes for everyone! I love cuppies, they are the perfect portion control needed to stay on a diet. These cuties were snagged over at Flickr, I would love to know how to decorate cupcakes like this! Custom cupcakes are all the rage now and some are little works of art, just amazing!

I have a weakness for desserts, always have ever since my Dad used to deliever Mother's Cookies and he'd bring the truck home overnight, and if we got hungry, he'd let us go out and raid the truck, it must of began then......I really love to bake desserts and Christmas time with the best. Nothing can compare to a homemade cheesecake. But my heart belongs to cuppies now, your own little cake in a cup, all dolled up cute and sweet! I will master the art of icing them, it's on my to learn list. My favorite cupcake flavor will have to be chocoalte with caramel icing unless you know of one that beats chocolate?

So, grab yourself a cuppie and raise it high in a toast to all things sweet in life!

A Month of Me!

It's June friends, and I'm going out of my element here and declaring the whole month all about me! You see, I turn 50 on the 22nd and it's haunting me. I hated turning 40, I had myself convinced my life was half over, but here at 50, I can't say that, no guarantee's that I live to be a 100 or if I'd even want too? People who have already made it to 50 tell me, it's just a number, embrace the grace, and kick up your heels. I'd love to think like that and maybe I can after this month of me? I do like the idea of being able to speak your mind, I guess at 50 you have all the respect your gonna get? I'd love to be a little more sassy, they say that too comes with age?

I'm always the one who plans the family birthday dinners, buys the gifts, bakes the cake and cleans up the mess! Now, here is the part where I get sassy, I'm not the type who likes the fuss made upon me, I'd rather give than receive but the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of kicking back and letting that big ole number work for me! So, this month here on my blog you will learn all there is to know about me, like you can't wait for that! lol I'll be sharing my dreams, loves, collections and wishes. Favorite photos of favorite things, my bucket list and yes a giveaway too! I'll be putting together a giveaway of some of my favorite things, so watch for that post. I will try to post everyday in June, even if it's just a photo of something I love.

This month of me will be my gift to you, so you can't say I didn't give you anything! The freedom that blogging brings me is a creative way to unleash my fear of turning 50 and I couldn't think of anyone else to share it with! So, please join me in this journey to make 50 nifty by sharing your comments on how you handled turning half a century old! Birthday wishes will be accepted all month long, I'm shooting for 50 of those too! lol