Saturday, January 12, 2019

Retire-cation musings

Hi ya’ll!  Woke up this morning to a winter wonderland. More snow expected to fall throughout the day. Terry and I are cozy inside with no plans to leave the house. Someone has already scooped the sidewalks and front porch.

We will use this time to finalize our next road trip to the Florida Keys in February.  It’s fun to plan a sunny get-away while we enjoy the pretty snow covered view outside. The joy of retirement: enjoying the rhythm of the seasons and going with the flow.  I am soooooo grateful.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2019!  Cheers,

Mary

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Hi ya'll,  
Dreaming of a cooler temp Christmas but in Texas we are glad to have it in the 30s at night.  
I got to listen to a live Stream of a Christmas music Show from Blue Rock Ranch/Studio last night. They featured Carrie Rodriguez (violin), Roscoe Beck (bass) and Erin Ivey (singer) and Billy Crockett (guitar).  All great singers and musicians. 
https://www.carrierodriguez.com/
http://www.erinivey.com/

The live recording from last night
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMctVU85iU4

One from a few years ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIArqgQuX4c&list=PLhuTIVYj8w7kaeCnZ7KDH06uJbc5c9GWD

Just been baking some Christmas cookies, ginger molasses, Sandies and Biscotti.  I love em but most are to be given as gifts. I still need to make some pumpkin and carrot bread, too.
     I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season.  It brings happiness and time to share with family and friends.  We are lucky to have my nephew and his wife, Ben and Liz, with us and their two boys, Aaron (8) and Austin (10).  Should be fun to show them AUstin. They are moving back to Alburqurque, NM, sine Ben is still with the Railroad there.
    And of course, when I look back at this year, I am remembering our wonderful time in April for the Reunion.  It was special and fun.  I remember the great times at 5 Girl Farm christmas. 
    I am still enjoying my work at Superior Health Plan as a trainer.  I have a class next week in San Antonio but only 3, so should be nice. I get to see the lights on the RiverWalk, too.
Wishing you the best in 2019!!  Karen

Sunday, November 25, 2018

Thanksgiving thoughts

I was remembering one of our Thanksgiving's at 5 Girl Farm. Do you remember we were cooking turkeys and forgot to take out the packet of giblets and the neck?  Ha, ha. I think I called my mom and she was like, well, that's o.k. just throw it out.  
I know we had lots of extra people one year for Thanksgiving.  I found a photo of my Dad too, since his birthday is Nov. 27th, we combined with TDAy, at the farm.
    I do like the pies and desserts, but this year, I could not eat that much, just did not want the sweets.  I am grateful for all the friends and family that are close to my heart.
    Hope you all have a wonderful December. It is nice in Texas, warmer temps but a few cold spells, too.
    I am going to some of the Farmer's markets and decided to give all home-made things to my sisters this year. There is a stand that sells yaupon extract to make tea, very good to drink hot or cold.  I also love local honey and candles made with soy.
    Cheers to all,
Karen

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Hi FGF’ers!  I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to ya’ll and to let you know that I’m thankful for your friendship!

Gobble gobble!  Get your fat pants ready...

Mary

Thursday, October 4, 2018

October, pumpkins and spices, love it!

This time of year always is my favorite, with all the leaves, colors, and just changing of seasons.
  Yes, I know in Texas it is not much of a change, but for us, getting below 60, is a treat.
I love to bake pumpkins bread or muffins and just enjoy the outdoors, too.
  I've been busy at work, with classes and meeting new hires from all over Texas. I do like the interactions and finding out what they are interested in--and their families.  That's what keeps me thinking young, I do believe.
   We have Formula One race coming to Austin and Austin City Limits concerts, and it's a big deal in town. I have my friend from Costa Rica arriving on Oct. 17th and he stays over til the next week and loves to enjoy the race at COTA track.  This is his 6th year to attend the F1 race, and he is a big fan.  My brother, Rick, is coming and nephew, Evan.  
   I am not that into the race, so I think since my birthday is Oct. 20th, I might go to San Antonio and have a ladies weekend with a few friends.  We plan to relax, get massages, and mani/pedis and have some good meals and wine.
   This weekend I have the 15th birthday party and dance for my neighbor's daughter, Dayanarra.  The Quincinera is a big deal in their family and it will be fun.  
   Hoping ya'll are all safe and enjoying cooler temps--and the color of changing leaves.
I also got the set of Harper Lee's books, To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman.  I am reading and enjoying them both. TKM--always one of my favs.
Take care and stay in touch and post some ----let's catch up...
Karen

Saturday, September 15, 2018

FGF Pals, I can't believe it!  I finally did it, thanks to Debi who knows all in the world of technology as far as I'm concerned!  Thanks for your patience, Debi!

After 40+ days of triple digit heat, we have now had about 2 weeks of constant rain.  Your photos from Costa Rica whetted my appetite for our next reunion, Karen.  Looking forward to it!

My grandson, Harrison, has had what I call "hoof and mouth" disease.  Really "hand, foot, & mouth," and so disgusting.  Red bumps with clear blisters and Thrush for good measure in the mouth.  The only thing good about this is that I got to spend an inordinate amount of time with him over the past few weeks while mom and dad went to work.  So much fun!  Even though he was not in a very good mood for a few days, after the initial viral infection, he was in the best mood. Watching him absorbing all the world has to offer is such a blast!

 Karen, let me know when Brad has a local gig that you are attending.  Would love to see you!

Hugs to all,
Peggy

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Yep Finally September

Hi, all,
I just love the fall time of year.  It is my favorite, since I do have a birthday coming in October.  Ah, well, another good year. 
  I have been busy with work, just seems like I have one class after another but now I have time to do some editing and revision to our curriculum.  We have a training summit this week on Th. and Friday, so it will be nice to visit with other trainers in our company.
   We finally have rain in Texas. It was such a long, hot summer but now the rain and cooler temps. are on the way!!  I can't wait to start baking zucchini and pumpkin breads.  Love the spices and the taste, too.
   Brad is busy with gigs and rehearsals, but he is enjoying the extra time for other projects, too.  
   I had a follow up C-scope done a week ago. My gastroenterologist MD wanted to double check and area of interest from last year.  But all was fine, and I was relieved. As they say, the prep is worse than the procedure,  and it's true.
   Still trying to get in my walks each day, and have lost about 15 lbs. over the summer. Don't know how, except cutting out carbs was key for me and not eating sweets, too.
   You know I miss all of you, and we do need to catch up by using the blog space.
Best wishes to everyone.  I am beginning to get rid of stuff, too, it does not take long for it to pile up.
Karen