The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY... Wednesday, December 29,2010

Outside my window...It is a dark, gray cloudy day.  It is
raining and has been raining off and on since about 1:00 a.m.
A cold wind is blowing about 15 mph and it is currently
32 degrees F., colder with the wind factor.  The rain is
supposed to change to snow later in the day and temperature
tomorrow for the high should be about 21F. By the weekend
we will be about 5F for low.

I am thinking...  I will head downstairs to continue sorting
some personal history papers.  Now that two of my
children have their books, I need to continue working on
mine.

I am thankful for...My sister.  I am so thankful she is
still here with us and is doing so well. Thank you for your
kind thoughts and prayers!  She has been released from the
hospital and is back at her apartment where she is to rest
for a week.  I am thankful for the good and caring doctors
she has had.  We still do not know what will happen in
regard to their mission.  She is hoping they will be able to
continue because as she told me, "Kohler's are not quitters!"
(Our maiden name)

From the learning rooms...  Make each day count and
not take our health for granted.  I am even more
determined to work on my health after her scare and
my bout with cancer.  Sometimes I become way too
complacent.  So, one of my goals for the NewYear
is to take better care of myself.

From the kitchen...Tuna fish sandwich, yogurt, carrots
and milk for lunch.

I am wearing... Levi's, tan shirt and long-sleeved flanned
shirt, comfy socks and slippers.

I am creating...  A new workspace downstairs.  Have
taken my old computer down there where I can write
and work on my history.  Also, am creating new file
folders to hold writings, clippings, cards, etc. until I am
ready to use them. It is taking a lot of time, but I think
will make things easier when it is finally organized.

A thought I am sharing..."Year's end is neither an end nor

a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that

experience can instill in us."  ~Hal Borland

I am going...  To continue cleaning and organizing my
sewing room.  Honestly, I can't believe how quickly it
becomes cluttered.  I want to start some new projects
but can't until it is straightened up.  How is it that it
gets so out of control?  Anyone else have a problem
with a cluttered sewing area?

I am reading...  Just finished, "Love Finds You in Paradise,
Pennsylvania" by Loree Lough.  A delightful read! Perfect
for those days after Christmas when I want to relax a bit.

I am hoping...  To write my "Year-End Gratitude" Journal
Entry in the next day or so.  I have been thinking of the
many good things I have been blessed with this year and
that have come to our family. So I thought I would
calendar them and add some pictures where applicable
in a small journal.

I am hearing...  Quiet.  Even the clock's ticking seems
quiet.  No soft music playing in the background which is
unusual. 

Around the house...  Christmas decorations waiting to be
taken down and packed away.  Blankets needing to be
folded and put away plus a few scattered toys from
the grandchildren's visit as we watched "Despicable Me."

One of my favorite things...Microwave Caramel Popcorn
Quickly made some to munch on while we watched the
movie.
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup white corn syrup
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 qt. popped popcorn (I air pop mine)

Combine margarine, corn syrup, sugar and salt in large
microwavable bowl.  Microwave on high until mixture
begins to boil.  Cook 4 minutes, stirring 3 times.  Add
baking soda and vanilla.  Stir well.
Put 4 qts. popped popcorn in brown grocery paper bag.
Pour caramel mixture over and stir.  Cook 1 minute in
microwave, shaking sack hard or stirring every 15 seconds.
Pour into bowl or on lightly sprayed cookie sheet.  Can
add nuts last 15seconds.  Drizzle melted chocolate over
if desired.
or stirring popcorn hard every 15 seconds so doesn't burn

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Take down and put Christmas decorations away
Continue working on projects downstairs
Spend time with the family
Possibly attend city's New Year Eve activities if it
isn't too cold
Church
Here is picture for thought I am sharing..
My sister (left) and me                               


















Happy Wednesday,

Nola