Getting Ready for my trip to Panama

It's been 5 years since I last visited Panama. That is hard to believe which it's so true that time is flying. I think so myself. I last visited and was there for my mother's 75th birthday. She turns 80 February the 1st and once more we'll surprise her. Sure wish my kids and grandkids could go as well.

Cliff is also very excited about going and says he wants to go fishing. He also wants to go visit the Fish market.

My suitcases are packed with the exception of the carry on. One of my co-workers said there would be no problem if I carry wooden knitting needles. I would like to be able to engage in this activity during the long hours of flying. I don't much care to fly so this will keep me distracted.

I bought some gifts to take to my nieces and nephew, my sister, brothers, my mother.

I've Been Tagged by my daughter

Someone tagged her and to keep the game going on she tagged me. I really don't know any bloggers that would probably participate in this game but I decided to go ahead and write my 6 weird things. Don't know if I have that many....ha...ha...

The rules state:

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. My feet. Someone told me once that I had too much toe nail. My husband calls my two little toes: Yoda Toe.

2. I love the smell of fresh laundry. As soon as the clothes, especially towels come out of the dryer I have to smell them.

3. We recently installed hardwood floors in the kitchen. I love the new look; so shiny and warm. At the end of the day, I'll take a good look for stains, spots, etc...especially around the stove, sink and refrigerator. I'll get on the floor and clean it with this special cleaner "Orange Glo"

4. This lady I used to work at one elementary school told me I had "Coon eyes" for racoon. I do have very dark circles around my eyes. They are even more pronounced on the days when I don't sleep well.

5. I require 3 pillows to sleep well. One goes over my head, covering one of my ears, one to rest my head and one just to hug. It all started during my first pregnancy. The one I use to rest my head is one of those which are full of tiny beads and gives excellent support. The pillows are promoted/sold by Tony Little.

6. I sometimes sing in the shower....not all the time.

I need a lesson from my daughter to be able to put my pictures under each number. My blog is a little weird, too. The pictures are all showing at the top. One of these days I'll sit down with my daughter and get a good HTML lesson.

Very Easy Acorn Squash

I picked up some recipe cards at the Harris Teeter store where I shop. I love vegetables and do my best to eat them daily. This recipe was pretty good, quick and easy to put together. The hardest step was cutting the acorn squash itself. They are very tough. Please be very careful. With the help of my Pampered Chef Santoku Knife (I think that's how you spell the knive's name) the job was made easier.

Autumn Acorns

2 Medium acorn squash, halved
2 to 4 tbsp dried cranberries (I love these)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp butter,, cut in 4 pieces
chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Place squash halves, cut side down, on a plate and microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes, ,or until nearly tender.

Turn halves over. Season squash with salt and pepper Mix the syrup and cranberries. Divide cranberries, maple syrup and butter between the squash halves.

Microwave uncovered on HIGH for 5 t o 7 minutes more. Delicious

Per Serving: 167 calories, 37g carbohydrate, 2g protein, 3g fat, 4g fiver, 8mg cholesterol, 47 mg sodium

Recipe Note: Do not refrigerate whole acorn squash. (Mine had been kept in the fridge and I did not notice this having any effect.) To cut, work slowly, gently rocking back and forth on the squash as you cut.

My Last Day of Vacation

I'm going back to work tomorrow - Sure has been nice to be off for a few days. I did not accomplish everything I wanted to do on this last day. My Christmas tree is still up, the christmas lights are still on the front porch. Oh well; maybe all that stuff will be put away this weekend.

I did finish my Thank You cards for my co-workers. Everyone at work was so generous this Christmas. I took time this evening, made myself some green tea I prefer my green tea with ginseng and lemon. I read in an article about the benefits of green tea that it is even good to prevent tooth decay. It's flavor sort of grows on you. In the beginning you might not like it; but then you will find yourself making some more. I like the fact that it can help counter or help slow the aging process being a source of antioxidants.

Picture of the garden elf.

Thoughtful gifts from coworkers.

Thank You Notes

This first day of 2007 was productive. I got quite a bit done. As I have done in the past; I found myself taking things out of my china cabinet, cleaning, rearranging dishes, candles, holiday dishes. My tree is still up. I tend to follow the Latin tradition of leaving the tree until January 6. That's the day (Epiphany) when it was said the Three Wise Men visited baby Jesus.

I also spent some time writing Thank You notes. I was trully blessed by the wonderful gifts I received from friends and family. At this time I also like to get in touch with friends who have moved away from our area. I'm still enjoying my Holiday vacation; loving staying home.

Christmas 2006 in Ohio

This 2006 Christmas Season will be one I'll always remember. The reason, on this month my daughter was due to deliver our second grandbaby.

She and husband decided to wait until the birth of the baby to find out if they were having a boy or girl. For some reason I thought for sure she'd have a girl. I thought she would follow the same pattern established by my mother who first had a son, then a daughter. I also had a boy, then a girl. It was nice to be surprised, I must say.

On December 18 finally the mystery would be revealed. My daughter's labor occurred during the night, so I did not find out what she'd had until the morning of the 19th. My husband announced "She had a boy." Then came the wait to receive pictures by e-mail. The pictures came two days or so after baby arrived. Taite Ezekiel arrived before midnight weighing 6 lbs 7 oz, measuring 19.5 inches.

We arrived to my daughter's house on Christmas Eve and met our new grandbaby who is perfect in everyway; loves to cuddle, eats well loves being held. During this visit I took every advantage of holding him; we all know how fast babies grow, right? All of a sudden they leave this newborn stage.

It's a wonderful blessing to get this second chance to hold such a precious member of our family. Well done, Andrea and Travis. We're here to support you in our role as grandparents.

Picture of Grandparents, Proud Mommy and Baby Taite.

Nana Aura holding Taite.