Chapter 2, Page 28, Book 11

I've got dreams in hidden places and extra smiles for when I'm blue.

Author Unknown

It's Merry Monday!

Well today is the end of February. It's time to turn the calendar page over to a new month and this brings us all a little closer to what we have been waiting for -- SPRING

Goodbye February and HELLO March!

This time of year I'm usual decorating my house for Spring. I've got lots of treasures packed away in the basement waiting their turn to be displayed around here. Spring is a colorful season and my trinkets brighten the space around here for sure. But this year they are going to stay packed away till the end of March.

This year I'm finally going to be able to get my front room and dining room painted. It's needed it for a very long time and either I've not had time or I've not had that funds to buy the paint. But this month is is finally going to happen. So rather than to decorate my house, I'm going to be un-decorating. This is not a minor task for sure. I have a lot of things on the walls and this all has to be taken down and stored away someplace.

You know that my basement and attic are quite full of storage already but they are about to become stuffed. I'll be doing just a little each day as I also care for Mr Wonderful every day now so in-between caring for him and my usual daily tasks I'll be trying to undecorated and pack away all the things in my front room and dining room. It'll be great when it's all done but right now it is sounding like a major downer to me. Nothing bright and cheerful too look at. Only plain drab walls here at my house.

So what have I to be MERRY about this Monday? I've lots of hopes and dreams and will be working at making some of them come true!

I hope your Monday is a Merry one too!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 2, Page 27, Book 11

R & R Sunday

Chances are that there's still plenty of winter ahead for Northern Ohio. Surviving the winter here can be a challenge. There are icy roads and cars that won't start. But it won't be long before snowdrops and crocus come alive, my magnolia tree bursts forth with a thousand white blossoms and those cheerful dandelions explode in my lawn. Winter makes me appreciate spring all that much more... whenever it gets here.

I was just thinking today of all the little things I find to like about early spring and the weeks leading up to spring, after being cooped up for much of the winter.

I really am ready for warm breezes and lighter clothing and for birds singing their sweet little hearts out on the tree outside the bedroom window

I know spring will get here in its own sweet time.

Today I'll be off to church as always and I will be saying some special prayers for all of you.

It's my day for that wonderful R and R and I'm hoping that you will be able to enjoy some too!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 2, Page 26, Book 11

One life on this earth is all that we get, whether it is enough or not enough, and the obvious conclusion would seem to be that at the very least we are fools if we do not live it as fully and bravely and beautifully as we can

Frederick Buechner

Frederick Buechner, the eldest son of Carl Frederick and Katherine (Kuhn) Buechner, was born on July 11, 1926 in New York City. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister and the author of more than thirty published books thus far

I'm getting older but then so is everyone else I know. When I was a young mom it seemed as though time had stopped and it would be that way for ever, but now my children have children and time keeps marching on.

The circle of life is a wonderful thing. Seasons pass and new ones come. The great thing is in life is that we all have a choice about how and what we want to do with the time we are given.

We're celebrating the birthday of our little Lucky guy today. Do you remember when he was born last year? I was and am still thrilled to welcome this little one into our family. We are all so lucky to have him in our lives.

I retired shortly after he was born and I got to go and care for him for a little over a month while his mom went back to work. I would have loved to have been able to continue watching him, but they live too far away. Now I care for our Mr. Wonderful that lives close by. Being a grand'ma' and able to be a part of these two little ones lives is a gift. I never got to experience so many days with all the other grand'babes' I have. I missed that due to distance and working.

So this SUPER Saturday I'm celebrating with my family.

I hope your Saturday is a SUPER one too!

Today you are You,

that is truer than true.

There is no one alive

who is Youer than You.

Dr. Seuss

Life is worth celebrating!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 2, Page 25, Book 11

Blessings

Forget about the days
when it's been cloudy,
but don't forget your
hours in the sun.

Forget about the times
you've been defeated,
but don't forget the
victories you've won.

Forget about the mistakes
that you can't change now,
but don't forget the lessons.

Forget about the misfortunes
you've encountered,
but don't forget the
times your luck has turned.

Forget about the days
when you've been lonely,
but don't forget the friendly
smiles you've seen....

Forget about the plans
that didn't seem
to work out right,
but don't forget to
always have a dream.

Author Unknown

It's Fantastic Friday! Here at my house it's another snowy day that I'd just as soon forget about. I'm trying my best to THINK SPRING and the weather just won't cooperate at all.

It's best that we forget the days that bring us frowns and remember those that bring SMILES. Some days like today we really have our work cut out for us. At least I do because I want for Spring to come and all this snow and ice and cold to be gone.

I have plenty to do. There is no doubt I'll be busy and I'm so blessed that there is nothing really wrong at all, it's just the weather has got me down a bit. But it too will pass...as they say.

It'll be a FANTASTIC day here soon as I get past this little grumpy spot. I hope your Friday is a FANTASTIC one too!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 2, Page 24, Book 11

Count your blessings.

Once you realize how valuable you are

and how much you have going for you,

the smiles will return, the sun will break out,

the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward

with the life that God intended for you

with grace, strength, courage, and confidence.

Og Mandino

We all have days that we wish the SMILES could return, that the sun would break out and we could hear the music. Days when nothing seems to go right and it goes down hill with each breath we take.

Those are the kind of days that I am most grateful that I do have some blessings to count. It is true! When you stop and think about the good things in our lives, the day gets a whole lot brighter and we SMILE al whole lot more too.

So today I'm going to share my list of things that make me feel good to make you smile, and I hope that in some way they help you to feel better too!

Reading a good book before bed

Eating just enough (not too full, not still hungry).

Seeing an old friend at a random time and place.

Finding a great parking spot.

Having just enough change.

Finding a pair of shoes that fits perfectly.

A cold drink on a hot day.

Finding a penny on the ground face up

Finding money you hid from yourself so you wouldn’t spend it and still not spending it!

Taking a long shower after a day at the beach.

Putting on clothes fresh out of the dryer

Getting mail that isn’t a bill or junk mail.

Having someone scratch your back.

Waking up before everyone else and enjoying the quiet time to yourself.

When you are in line at the store and a clerk opens a new lane and says, I can take the next customer over here, and YOU are that next customer.

Getting paid a compliment by a stranger.

Waking up before the alarm goes off.

Playing with a puppy.

Having a picture turn out perfectly.

Coming back from the restroom at a restaurant to find your dinner waiting.

Getting home just in time for a favorite show.

Stumbling across a community event you didn’t know about.

Watching your team win.

Eating an apple and getting a really good, crisp bite.

Reading an old journal entry and remembering exactly how you felt that day.

Singing in the shower.

Sleeping with one leg under the covers and one leg out

A warm Spring day after a brutal winter.

Today is THANKFUL Thursday and I am THANKFUL that life is full of things that make us SMILE. What would a day be without one?

I hope your Thursday is one in which you can find some things to be thankful for too!

SMILE!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 2, Page 23, Book 11

Wherever life takes us, there are always moments of wonder

Jimmy Carter

Jack Benny joked that life began at age 39. Some say life begins when you retire because you experience a new sense of freedom; others insist you age exactly as you live.

We have to remember that each of us is unique and no two circumstances are alike but for me every day I live is the best part of my life.

I know there are changes in what I do and can do but I enjoy to the fullest what I do and don't worry about the rest.

Knowing that each day is a gift, no matter what age you are, makes each one a little more wonderful than the day before.

Today is WONDERFUL Wednesday and it's going to be a great one at my house. It'll be a little warmer and more of our new found snow is going to melt. Tomorrow might bring more, but today is WONDERFUL.

I hope your Wednesday is a WONDERFUL one too!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 2, Page 22, Book 11

Everything is okay in the end. If it's not okay, then it's not the end.

Terrific 2's Tuesday/ Encouragement for today

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.

The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.

When he got out, the other frogs said, Did you not hear us? The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

This story teaches two lessons:

There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.

A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say.

Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words....it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.

Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.

Be special to others.

Author Unknown

What we say and how we act are like ripples in the water, we really never do know just how they might affect someone else. Hopefully everything we do is to make someone feel better and what we say puts the icing on the cake so to speak.

I told you about having dinner for my family on Sunday, but what I didn't tell you was that I did the Sunday dishes on Monday.

There was no rush to get them done and I'd rather be spending time with them and letting them relax for the little while they were here. I try to make it a special time for all of us. They would have pitched in without asking and done the dishes, but I've told them all before that this is their time to relax. My working days are done now but they still have many ahead and if for just a little while I can make it easier for them, I do. After they all left I just ran some hot soapy water on everything and left it till Monday morning!

I try to make life easy on myself too!

There you have it my 2 for this Tuesday: Encouragement and life in the slow lane!

The snow is on the ground here again and everything is frozen once more and quite white outside. Underneath it all though, Spring is just waiting to burst forth! Take time to dream a little today and THINK SPRING!

Have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!

'On Ya' - ma

Chapter 2, Page 21, Book 11

Merry Monday / President's Day in the USA

Presidents' Day dates back to our founding father and first President, George Washington. Washington was born on February 22, 1732. On his birthday in 1796, when Washington was in his last full year as president, the day became the holiday known as Washington's Birthday. However, Americans didn't observe this holiday until 1832, 100 years after his birth.

Abraham Lincoln was the next President to gain reverence similar to Washington. Born on February 12, 1809, Lincoln's birthday was first celebrated in 1865, the year after he was assassinated. Although his birthday was not honored as a federal holiday like Washington's, many states adopted it as a legal holiday.

In 1968, Congress passed legislation placing any federal holiday on a Monday, including Washington's birthday, to create a three-day weekend. In 1971, President Richard Nixon combined Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays into Presidents' Day. It would be celebrated on the third Monday in February, regardless of which day it fell on. Presidents' Day is now viewed as a holiday that pays tribute to both Washington and Lincoln, as well as all those who have served as president.

A favorite holiday for shoppers, Presidents Day is the last chance for retailers to unload less than popular winter merchandise before restocking for spring. It is an effective strategy since lots of people in February have cabin fever and are ready for some semi-serious recreational shopping.

It is not certain how Presidents Lincoln and Washington, whose birthdays were fused in order to form one legal holiday, would have felt about those bargains named in their honor. Washington endured cold, wintry battlefields probably wishing he had a new, warm coat or boots.

As frivolous as our celebrations may seem, it is truly a day to remember those great Presidents of ours and the unflagging work they have done to make our country great. Being a President is not an easy job. I wouldn't want to be one for sure. So today I'm celebrating our Presidents past, present and future.

I have already done my shopping and have some leftover cherry pie in the cupboard!

Have a Merry Monday everyone!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 2, Page 20, Book 11

A Sunday well-spent brings a week of content.

Proverb

It's been a quick week and here at my house and now its my day for R and R once more. This is the day of the week that I love most. When my children were young it was always Family Day at our house. Now when I'm home and not camping, Family Day has become the 3rd Sunday of month for me. I cook a large dinner and those in my family that can come over to share a meal with me and very often a couple of hours relaxation too.

Most of my Sundays are spent with little else but attending church services and relaxing. I like to take some time out to look ahead to what the new week has in store and make a few plans for what I'll be needing to do too.

Planning must be done in order to keep focused on my goals but I know that my plans are often not what is important in the long range of things and so I've learned to be very flexible.

You all are always in my thoughts and prayers and I am hoping that your Sunday is filled with some good moments of that wonderful R and R too!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 2, Page 19, Book 11

Time well spent is worth much more than gold.

Michael Lee

It's SUPER Saturday!

We had a great time sale shopping yesterday and both DD and I were pleased with our purchases. The biggest bargain was a pair of sandals for $2.50 cents. I found a windbreaker jacket for one fourth it's original cost so that was a great buy too. The best part of the day was of course the time spent with my daughter. We do shop well together!

We are back to our normal cold weather today. The winds of yesterday blew a cold front in here and it looks like it'll be that way for all of next week too. It'll be awhile before I wear those sandals I bought for sure.

Normal around here for this time of year is mid to upper 30's. We may even see a chance of snow next week but not much. Thankfully just about all we had on the ground is now gone.

I hope your Saturday is a SUPER one!

'On Ya'-ma

Chapter 2, Page 18, Book 11

Another fresh new day is here

Another day to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new day is given me

To live each hour with zest;

To hourly grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!

William Arthur Ward

Fantastic Friday!

We have a delightful weatherman who always gives bits of pieces along with his weather forecast and yesterday he said that lots of folks have been sighted in our neck of woods with a strange expression on their faces. The name he gave this expression was METEOROLOGICAL INTOXICATION.

We've been intoxicated by the heavenly feeling of being a bit warmer and seeing the snow melt. Tis true! It's a glorious feeling and one well worth having for sure.The first day of Spring is still officially a month away, but around here I can tell we’re moving past winter.

Remember: The winters of our discontents usually blossom into unforgettable springs

Today DD and I are off on our annual Presidents Day Shopping Spree. The outlet mall is calling our names. I can't say for sure how many years we've been doing this but well over a dozen I know. The weather is to turn a little cooler than yesterday and we may have some showers they say. None the less we'll have fun. Hopefully I'll be sharing some of the wonderful bargains we found with you all tomorrow.

Have a FANTASTIC Friday everyone!

'On Ya'-ma