tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34355472706027545892024-03-04T23:20:02.056-08:00Sassy LassA Woman in TransitionKARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-79567424451078142832011-11-26T11:41:00.000-08:002011-11-26T15:12:50.072-08:00Gypsy Girl!<div align="left"><br /></div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_448HsR8eo8vhmIfLMYW6zOnw6s1gCyYLjA6l7g4pGfop3CjRsAUK04LCZe1r2ZAnbXffqfShS6gxoKeiZaej91IOMVZEVmm7JKGVFYFbD20NE83GZK_7JSsitQjeHY_rX601TBmtJrs/s1600/autumn.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679429223237688418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_448HsR8eo8vhmIfLMYW6zOnw6s1gCyYLjA6l7g4pGfop3CjRsAUK04LCZe1r2ZAnbXffqfShS6gxoKeiZaej91IOMVZEVmm7JKGVFYFbD20NE83GZK_7JSsitQjeHY_rX601TBmtJrs/s400/autumn.jpg" /></a><strong><em>Summer's come and gone...</em></strong><br />It's been a while since I've blogged...I couldn't get into my account. Somehow I managed to land here today so I felt I just had to fill you in on the past six months.<br />I've had a lot of fun and a few challenges. </div><br /><div align="left">I was able to visit my brother Kevin and family in Hayden Lake for six weeks (which flew by). I plan on staying a long summer next year and I'll be there to see Ryan graduate in June! Chris is quite the accomplished breakfast man...Kevin continues to bake the best sourdough french bread and the pizza dough ...so delish!</div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnSs75ZB8lDPJjqN3-_fPIP48Px0vrbLLfd_TM29rGKcWA4Pv2r5-wYQzLQ_dAKsGcjGChp42lbg8iBVOG5r_PLQpPMljg_IwWDWMeKSiDDluyroY5WPSfAsA-IyZ7pkF2XOLzDub6F4/s1600/breakfast+008.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679413040626809426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnSs75ZB8lDPJjqN3-_fPIP48Px0vrbLLfd_TM29rGKcWA4Pv2r5-wYQzLQ_dAKsGcjGChp42lbg8iBVOG5r_PLQpPMljg_IwWDWMeKSiDDluyroY5WPSfAsA-IyZ7pkF2XOLzDub6F4/s200/breakfast+008.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0NaXaIOWUZMOSavRGX86SHzjgtHnkq9eyFvp7RwffJL_6vb_iQGD989l60FIqszAVVeiNRVjcwEU4nX3C49QJ8nIJ0n9ynwZ4Tme_ygwj9az37o_Sa-u1QJnmk69avXKRLiON0qGriE/s1600/sourdough+and+flowers+006.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 152px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679414244340012466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0NaXaIOWUZMOSavRGX86SHzjgtHnkq9eyFvp7RwffJL_6vb_iQGD989l60FIqszAVVeiNRVjcwEU4nX3C49QJ8nIJ0n9ynwZ4Tme_ygwj9az37o_Sa-u1QJnmk69avXKRLiON0qGriE/s200/sourdough+and+flowers+006.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679414064547090802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2GqhcbiR7XsMP9PMvhZeEu52EwkFmU3drKDyM8bLcOJ61yEq_10N7NmBbhFAkQOQsYtu1LGBWSP1-G8EzAQdSEFJLQSqKDyf2aqRQ_vzqlhXGEtjv0wVsW6nRQq_6Ixbk03s8Szoo3k/s200/pizza+pizza+003.JPG" /> <br /><p align="left">Ryan got a new <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIU2__9T31mgjc4bMyzYOQysLVr4OcwdGCEjU4KBDFzfCS4XwFRd6-I99NcDmeXWLb31YacC4hs72KogaPdbeQKx8Xt2vtGVeaALEh50-YoaJy__X6TdoFEIKhbF9tqcTA7ZmNc2IHbs/s1600/breakfast+005.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679413317286504066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIU2__9T31mgjc4bMyzYOQysLVr4OcwdGCEjU4KBDFzfCS4XwFRd6-I99NcDmeXWLb31YacC4hs72KogaPdbeQKx8Xt2vtGVeaALEh50-YoaJy__X6TdoFEIKhbF9tqcTA7ZmNc2IHbs/s200/breakfast+005.JPG" /></a>dog --Stella - both very cute and entertaining. Ryan can make me laugh in a nanosecond. I dont know why I dont have a picture of my niece and sister-in-law...they both get prettier every year! Was hard to leave the family for sure and I miss them so much.<br />Managed a good visit at The Porch with my friend Carol <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_69hBTKgHOEDq-_vCXAgYK3KeKeFhTC18cY1n2vC1pcobjzvwIYBgvPpPh4R_Q-aGILH2zVe6oqNR1TXmXZ5IYeDzKXG5h5Is05rg2WnV2BXgE0Zl9y5hJqBXmWsRrwlBl4BrRmyYrGo/s1600/carol.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 98px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679444940520289314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_69hBTKgHOEDq-_vCXAgYK3KeKeFhTC18cY1n2vC1pcobjzvwIYBgvPpPh4R_Q-aGILH2zVe6oqNR1TXmXZ5IYeDzKXG5h5Is05rg2WnV2BXgE0Zl9y5hJqBXmWsRrwlBl4BrRmyYrGo/s400/carol.jpg" /></a>- She is such a joy-filled faith-filled woman of God. I wish I could just have her with me all the time....her wonderful husband, Dennis, might object though!!! Can't wait til next Summer!!<br /><br /></p><br /><div align="left">My old car gave up the ghost early in the summer...I was without a vehicle for two months...now that is challenging!! I'd get up, get ready for the day, and head on out...whoops! No car! I had to laugh it was so ridiculous. Fortunately my pals were happy to pick me up and drop me off when needed.So, while in Idaho Kevin was looking for a car for me and ended up selling me his Avalon. He took very good care of it and I'll try to do the same. It's a smooth ride and I love it.</div><br /><div align="center"><em><strong>Summer's fun was not over! </strong></em><br /></div><br /><div align="left">Patti flew <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LwCkDSiHIDTDZ88fryHIjQ3rpcBM-yjTVqXp8mwj1AXVMbysPakVryfzgfiQ3GYRXUJXKDsrodJ0x9VK8zimoCrEk26D2kZ8d3AZL9q3ou1oVHzxa7c5v1HSXspul1EKVzv21RaSIys/s1600/Ashland+%2526+On+The+Road+001.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 152px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679396044924437426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LwCkDSiHIDTDZ88fryHIjQ3rpcBM-yjTVqXp8mwj1AXVMbysPakVryfzgfiQ3GYRXUJXKDsrodJ0x9VK8zimoCrEk26D2kZ8d3AZL9q3ou1oVHzxa7c5v1HSXspul1EKVzv21RaSIys/s200/Ashland+%2526+On+The+Road+001.JPG" /></a>up to Spokane - picked her up at the airport and we were on our way to Ashland, Oregon. Patti is a hoot (to say the least) so it was a guaranteed fun road trip where we only got lost twice .... even with her GPS in hand. We stopped for Starbucks often and spent the night at the Columbia River Gorg<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcBgd15nZqHpciyZ1snDUAo0kcsVisV5v-4dq4F-sNq7H67NmBOd37zt4qARyS-kjXH3Q84o_uA1gieFPWOsDqTwk0TVDa04cTsxcoMLJ0qM0JkNAfH7a4rNtDY0raxHXDbcJwZ1ULRs/s1600/moocow.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679396887732489682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcBgd15nZqHpciyZ1snDUAo0kcsVisV5v-4dq4F-sNq7H67NmBOd37zt4qARyS-kjXH3Q84o_uA1gieFPWOsDqTwk0TVDa04cTsxcoMLJ0qM0JkNAfH7a4rNtDY0raxHXDbcJwZ1ULRs/s200/moocow.jpg" /></a>e where she insisted a stranger (well, Patti never met a stranger, so I made lots of new friends) take our picture --(rolling eyes)!!!!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Then it was time to celebrate Norma's big birthday bash week in Ashland...There were only 40 of her favorite people there...it was a lot of fun with plays, food and gatherings...memories<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4LMatvvBdbqDtA1ReQrqaa2v0cwPuXHhpSP58-N46vvbxfF_6ysPtbRu1gFgtGwEBn-NJ0oZYk6ysGkoE1EgKcyKBijGwAQq2oSr101sal51eslxbIFr4ytw6ZOWE5NZxbFlDHOZ7go/s1600/Ashland+%2526+On+The+Road+012.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679418300509988210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4LMatvvBdbqDtA1ReQrqaa2v0cwPuXHhpSP58-N46vvbxfF_6ysPtbRu1gFgtGwEBn-NJ0oZYk6ysGkoE1EgKcyKBijGwAQq2oSr101sal51eslxbIFr4ytw6ZOWE5NZxbFlDHOZ7go/s200/Ashland+%2526+On+The+Road+012.JPG" /></a> were made that will last a lifetime. She wanted no gifts...so each of us wrote a letter to her expressing what our friendship meant which went into a big book. Later pictures of the week were placed inside as well. She loved it.<br /><br />Returned to Patti & Mike's in Martinez to spend the winter with my girlfriends--Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years as well as many Red Hat outings, Bunco, bible studies, Creekside church and a good and very busy life. I've volunteered to work in the office of Shelter, Inc (outreach to the homeless in town) and I'm awaiting their call. </div><br /><div align="center">-oOo-</div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-4857667650251282122011-06-08T08:49:00.001-07:002011-06-08T08:54:35.266-07:00It's up to you ...<span class="messageBody" ft="'{"><br /><br /><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span style="font-size:85%;">Just thin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pOhHURPmVz42Uu1ONlB0na2srxt1lVkqfV190sNj1xJRk2OE14T222LB7O2n53zs3-55-L6KQbk5aYZDzncFiGPb9PVX2V6H6dEwM-QhywNlN8CsQvgB0uYr0lhp-TFmUz4BTMDLFJU/s1600/bluebutterfly.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 107px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615876765008503170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pOhHURPmVz42Uu1ONlB0na2srxt1lVkqfV190sNj1xJRk2OE14T222LB7O2n53zs3-55-L6KQbk5aYZDzncFiGPb9PVX2V6H6dEwM-QhywNlN8CsQvgB0uYr0lhp-TFmUz4BTMDLFJU/s400/bluebutterfly.jpg" /></a>king about beautiful butterflies with their painted wings. Sometimes their wings get tattered by the storms, color diminishes, fall to the ground, sadly left. Everyone pays attention to the beautiful ones, they get all the attention. No one photographs a butterfly laying damaged on the ground. Liken this to <span class="text_exposed_show">humanity and I fear its the same way with people. In fact, people are quick to cause pain and sorrow for others and especially pay no attention to what they consider 'less thans' or damaged goods. It's like taking a beautiful butterfly and wiping the color off their wings and stomping on them. Let's look to lift the spirits and offer grace to everyone we come in contact with so that their lustre can return and being loved and valued...know they are beautiful.</span></span></div><br /><br /><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span class="text_exposed_show">--oOo--</span></span></div></span>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-58115994173180538292011-04-21T09:40:00.000-07:002011-04-21T11:07:04.253-07:00Good Friday Memories with my Dad<span style="color:#993399;"><em><strong>Good Friday Memories with my Dad...</strong></em></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUqbypXs2Lk2qmFONv8cAfpyLftt0HytgwIJT6CXjAepbhqzxVPLdVEXZPV5ZeyQVIDuatLbjhLLrtGI1lLrnYfwnP4LNl_KQihiA3Bk7LmiUetbzpJtb6UlDqdLmtJhXXKCgkhlsmug/s1600/goodfriday.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598078035698507810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUqbypXs2Lk2qmFONv8cAfpyLftt0HytgwIJT6CXjAepbhqzxVPLdVEXZPV5ZeyQVIDuatLbjhLLrtGI1lLrnYfwnP4LNl_KQihiA3Bk7LmiUetbzpJtb6UlDqdLmtJhXXKCgkhlsmug/s400/goodfriday.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Good Friday brings back my memories of growing up Catholic and my dad making sure we knew the significance by having us attend the three hour mass every year. </span><span style="color:#993399;">As a kid it was an interminable amount of time to sit still ... but still we sat. No coloring books to keep us busy, no toys, no talking. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">I admire my dad for being true to his beliefs and making sure that we had knowledge of seeking after God and knowing what Jesus did on our behalf by dying on the cross...our sinbearer.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">My mother was a presbyterian who signed over her rights so that we would learn my dad's faith and while she helped us by making sure we memorized our prayers and learned our weekly lessons, she never did go to church with us.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">I remember my dad talking about what Good Friday meant as we drove over to church year in and year out. I frankly did not like the incense as it made me feel very queasy. The pomp and circumstance of it all was intriguing I do admit. My dad was good to explain what everything meant, each station of the cross and so on. I think that is one thing (of many) that I appreciate about my dad...he was very patient with me in explaining and answering all the questions I had about God.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Another memory I have of Good Friday is that if we caught a break and didn't have to stay the entire three hours at church, we were sent to our rooms once we were home to contemplate just exactly what Jesus had done. Now in high school I admit I usually did that for about 10 minutes and then read whatever book was on my nightstand. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Many would say that we are brainwashed at an early age with religious instruction, but what does anyone do about something they hold dear? Do they hold it back until their loved ones are 10, 15, 20? No, they share it and especially with their loved ones so that they know what makes them tick and what drives them to live the way they do. I'm grateful for my dad's integrity in making sure that we knew what God was all about and for the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. No one can argue that.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">I wish more churches that are not RCC had Good Friday services, but don't, so I might find myself at Christ the King in Pleasant Hill tomorrow. The day is worthy of much contemplation, incense or not.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">If you are not a person who cares about God, you might want to consider this: When is the last time someone took it in the gut for you and died so that you might live? He covers our sin and is a bridge to God and eternal life. My dad told a friend the night before he died that Christ was the only sinbearer and the nurse told me my dad's last words were, "Lord, have mercy on me."<em> I'm sure He did!</em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;">I am grateful my dad was so faithful in taking us to church every Sunday and sharing his core beliefs...those lessons were the seeds that led to my faith and gratefulness to Jesus Christ. I can't imagine life without Him and while life isn't the same without my dad, I know I will live eternally in his company. Thanks Dad! You were such a great father I had no trouble understanding the love of my Heavenly Father.</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#993399;">To quote Tony Campolo," </span><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#993399;">It's Friday, but Sunday's comin'!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#993399;">Happy Resurrection Day!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-77594572438770963622011-02-24T10:31:00.000-08:002011-02-24T11:10:55.074-08:00BUTTERCREAM FROSTINGWell, its <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkdSNY0LfcGJubpWVbz-FcB78ANu1xLZS0k_YrA-cMg5yvH9qoAcZrJpXwnEkCX9Al7bjqzrnMu03lKlKMo2St7n8HhdzMETJoNFrsV6R-qu1eQEx7Q5SgIqQgjsK8vVtbQNv3GLhG20/s1600/abirthdaycake.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 166px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577330108835069938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkdSNY0LfcGJubpWVbz-FcB78ANu1xLZS0k_YrA-cMg5yvH9qoAcZrJpXwnEkCX9Al7bjqzrnMu03lKlKMo2St7n8HhdzMETJoNFrsV6R-qu1eQEx7Q5SgIqQgjsK8vVtbQNv3GLhG20/s320/abirthdaycake.jpg" /></a>my birthday! They seem to roll around quite quickly as I age. How can this be? I feel 19...ok ok 29! Put the music on and lets dance and celebrate!!!!!! I'm excited about my big 'surprise' party tonight...you all know I love a party! Thanks now for what will be a fun and love-filled evening.<br /><br />I used to send my mother flowers on MY birthday because I have always been so grateful for my life.<br /><br />I choose to focus on the blessings and the <em><strong>gifts of people</strong></em> that the Lord has given me. I rejoice in each one of you!!<br /><em><strong>You are the buttercream frosting of my life. </strong></em><br /><em><strong></strong></em><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Thank you, Lord, for creating me and watching over me and</div><div align="center">caring about every single thing that happens in my life.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">You are my strength & my peace.</div><div align="center">I love you.<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><em><strong>Psalm 139<br /></strong></em></div><div align="center"><a href="http://bible.cc/psalms/139-13.htm"><em><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">13</span></strong></em></a><em><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">For you created my inmost being;<br />you knit me together in my mother’s womb.</span></strong></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></strong></em><a href="http://bible.cc/psalms/139-14.htm"><em><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">14</span></strong></em></a><em><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;<br />your works are wonderful,<br />I know that full well.</span></strong></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></strong></em><a href="http://bible.cc/psalms/139-15.htm"><em><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">15</span></strong></em></a><em><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">My frame was not hidden from you<br />when I was made in the secret place.<br />When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,</span></strong></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://bible.cc/psalms/139-16.htm"><em><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">16</span></strong></em></a><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>your eyes saw my unformed body.<br />All the days ordained for me<br />were written in your book<br />before one of them came to be</em>.</span> </span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://bible.cc/psalms/139-17.htm">17</a>How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!<br />How vast is the sum of them!<br /><a href="http://bible.cc/psalms/139-18.htm">18</a>Were I to count them,<br />they would outnumber the grains of sand.<br />When I awake,<br />I am still with you.</div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-15977096896902917252011-02-19T20:18:00.000-08:002011-02-19T20:35:53.661-08:00Off to Plymouth CA in the Sierra Foothills with my Red Hat Gals!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAkVToLzUrFcMlFaz8AUJN2ByJngbniBFwM1eLjW2BvDVsrUqQudMVBVdRpj2iIhIcMhJEz2QTWOeVg53MqSP87NbrjdRb1FhUPzsKL-mHHDmXBNLyhkMQwS77fW9MUh2_2vVkCVrxPI/s1600/achenin.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 107px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575623804753124514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAkVToLzUrFcMlFaz8AUJN2ByJngbniBFwM1eLjW2BvDVsrUqQudMVBVdRpj2iIhIcMhJEz2QTWOeVg53MqSP87NbrjdRb1FhUPzsKL-mHHDmXBNLyhkMQwS77fW9MUh2_2vVkCVrxPI/s320/achenin.bmp" /></a> <div><div><div><div>So my favorite Chenin Blanc at <strong><em>Spinetta Winery</em></strong> was half off today! Yes...now is that nice or what? mmmmMMMmmmm (They also tag it as "good and yummy" and it is!!)</div><div></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Rw4rDlI5VahMaeylK2FDZvnPhkiS1a8iqMeMCTdHUzO0_LJSeRnmbnvYPus2qtxDmd2ZNM5Ep4Wrf4bX-9dIJuJrt1ufhi8l4H6LHDdzwAoqvyjoyVrL-Jg_KgtEyWZbOUoAbRjJ4b0/s1600/amushroom.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 275px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575622522769674450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Rw4rDlI5VahMaeylK2FDZvnPhkiS1a8iqMeMCTdHUzO0_LJSeRnmbnvYPus2qtxDmd2ZNM5Ep4Wrf4bX-9dIJuJrt1ufhi8l4H6LHDdzwAoqvyjoyVrL-Jg_KgtEyWZbOUoAbRjJ4b0/s320/amushroom.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Lunch at <strong><em>Taste restaurant</em></strong> began with Mushroom Cigar-ette's: a smaller version of their award-winning mushroom cigars, crimini, shiitake, oyster mushrooms, fresh herbs and goat cheese wrapped in phyllo OH MY GOODNESS delish!!! </div><div></div><div>Entree: Frito Misto: crispy battered rock shrimp & seasonal vegetables, (fingerling potatos, cauliflower, rutabagas) and saffron aioli and a chard salad... WOWZERS!!!! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575622630543082082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNU00H67nwY9Xcr95W6ZBjZLmNb3puxy2gi2AJlw4fOlNKffqHrcaykIdW-XnCELcz7s_1fANDIQ2IG6lwAdrxmrm0jFV-FoOYX-5GQVDxC60lfkxsbRRdupB0fezxHlaiKFO9XqPqhw/s320/afrito.jpg" /></div><div></div><div>Oh the bread was creative and my favorite was the walnut blue cheese dark bread...dipped in 18 year old balsamic vinegar and oil....heaven! </div><div></div><div>Dessert: Meyer Lemon Cheesecake with pistachio toppings scattered about! FABULOUS is all I can say. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMD99_j8Op473WDXMvLTgkj3ibcKBppgUCwYX-bsVt-jywks1GzBv2ulrsGBI5e9aGoYdI4v2QlgBVKZ-JOomwiwh2aPZe2KgFZSegrsX_J4x4JURGrEmNExLzeKW73T8RVh67D6EMLc/s1600/ameyerlemon.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 291px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575622414847710914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMD99_j8Op473WDXMvLTgkj3ibcKBppgUCwYX-bsVt-jywks1GzBv2ulrsGBI5e9aGoYdI4v2QlgBVKZ-JOomwiwh2aPZe2KgFZSegrsX_J4x4JURGrEmNExLzeKW73T8RVh67D6EMLc/s320/ameyerlemon.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>(The flower farm was 'closed due to snow'--that's about 2500 elevation!) </div><div> </div><div>FUN FUN RED HAT FUN. We all had a great time sipping wines, eating together and enjoying much laughter! </div><br /><div></div><div>Fellowship is SO important to our lives!!!!! xoxoxoxxoxo to all of you who enjoyed my event...thanks for braving the weather!!!<br /></div></div></div></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-84150461710356940492011-02-10T17:12:00.000-08:002011-02-10T17:56:53.961-08:00Jack & Jeff - Really intelligent people!<div><strong><em>I really do love being around smart people!</em></strong> I love talking with them and seeing a bit of how their minds work. It's probably because I'm not the sharpest crayon in the box. Everyone has gifts and I'm just fine with that, but really smart people expand my understandings and my horizons in a way that makes me happy. </div><div> </div><div>I'm not talking about the pseudo-intellectual or the intellectual that has to keep on telling everyone just how smart they are. I'm talking about the gracious, kind and true intellectual. I think those kind are more balanced socially and have many interests besides book learning. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ockjztWswg6MiHZ6jamv2Hn0yxDgTsBJUXr4_IYnQFpjiHYK9gWu-SWhE1MzUS3dOCEVgbDfvQmOaU9PGRziJZNwt34v08QUttpmEjHvCWPyiszPfXqLATHLja341PeD1JZcfOSWPYA/s1600/abrain.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 225px; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572235460601103890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ockjztWswg6MiHZ6jamv2Hn0yxDgTsBJUXr4_IYnQFpjiHYK9gWu-SWhE1MzUS3dOCEVgbDfvQmOaU9PGRziJZNwt34v08QUttpmEjHvCWPyiszPfXqLATHLja341PeD1JZcfOSWPYA/s400/abrain.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div>I spent the afternoon Wednesday at my friend Norma's home. She was entertaining Jack, an 89-year old retired orthodontist from Walnut Creek. Jack's wife had a meeting to attend and Jack has Alzheimers so instead of we ladies playing pinochle, we played Scrabble with Jack.</div><div>I've known Jack for about 20 years but never knew him very well. He's a good looking fella and must have been off the IQ charts in his youth.<br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-ytvJAlx4X5Q0T_qCMEnENwrc5u52-Uq1de6Gf538cyqIBACYz-ndWJAtRYve2kpTFyulY8RXtm-2Py1DOthaNhmai8vnX74QndWfZeF-BTdFT_ygETuDAIgia6Vd_abzQPf7lGZ87I/s1600/alilrascals.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 254px; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572237748946560610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-ytvJAlx4X5Q0T_qCMEnENwrc5u52-Uq1de6Gf538cyqIBACYz-ndWJAtRYve2kpTFyulY8RXtm-2Py1DOthaNhmai8vnX74QndWfZeF-BTdFT_ygETuDAIgia6Vd_abzQPf7lGZ87I/s400/alilrascals.jpg" /></a>Jack was one of the original Lil Rascals. I don't know which one. He loves to tell you that he was! Many times, in fact. Jack entertained us all afternoon and was thoroughly delighted to be in the company of four women. He told us that quite often as well. He had many pieces of chocolate caramel hearts because his wife won't let him eat candy!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-geQShdtL6NWWdlAuCYQoJ-E9Ug9TMl4D10rpK60CfgWxCkqXcnAXXW9bW2CNL5h6nQesH_MZQ22ReCkn1319yuSjAL6Mgf0ABJSP6VUQIiJ-d7kmynBWNHmhYFYh5-l6hmlcozVhXI4/s1600/ascrabble.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 275px; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572235172008308434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-geQShdtL6NWWdlAuCYQoJ-E9Ug9TMl4D10rpK60CfgWxCkqXcnAXXW9bW2CNL5h6nQesH_MZQ22ReCkn1319yuSjAL6Mgf0ABJSP6VUQIiJ-d7kmynBWNHmhYFYh5-l6hmlcozVhXI4/s400/ascrabble.jpg" /></a>But what was fascinating to me was to play Scrabble with Jack. I originally thought, "Well, this will be interesting. I wonder if we let him think a word is correct that really isn't. I wondered if we'd have to help Jack. Oh silly me! </div><div> </div><div>Jack knows how to play Scrabble and is still quite good at it. Jack had a couple of words that I had never heard before, and they were not those 'odd Scrabble words' people use. We challenged him and we lost! Pretty hilarious. He did concentrate, and was not playing an easy game for himself. He was consistently trying to make the best word for the most points, trying to fit letters in within other blocks of words so he would get the most points. He did it quite often. I just sat there amazed and thought about the fact that if Jack could play such a game of Scrabble at 89 years of age with diagnosed and very noticeable Alzheimer's, what pray tell was Jack like when his brain was fully functioning. It boggles my mind.</div><div> </div><div>I also came upon this when taking care of my son, Jeff....a very intelligent crayon! His MS had taken many routes through his brain, making the MRI look like swiss cheese, yet, time and time again, Jeff could figure out how to do something he couldn't do anymore, but in a new way -- all was still far beyond me. He still was able to converse intelligently and only occasionally did he have trouble finding the right word. Now I knew this kid all my life so I was familiar with how he 'used to be' and the struggles he did have during those difficult MS years. I often told him that to still be this intelligent with a swiss cheese brain, he was more fortunate than most.</div><div> </div><div>I think he and Jack would have had a great time together. God bless them both. </div><div></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-49671915600377369852011-02-01T13:08:00.000-08:002011-02-01T19:28:27.768-08:00Shop Sassy Lasses!!<p align="center"><em><strong><span style="color:#009900;">I decided to set up shop on my blog until I get my webpage done! Enjoy!</span></strong></em></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkA8iGYhyphenhyphenEgLME9aJMoBo6VIcpl32VlA78hRVd9cXILPOj93OGUagLsYHPz2QX3kkqvmfgX7QQwNnvBNiYDYWl5LlOdFrovC9JgEkzcsDaM5P_dtpHGROaQSknH0RIihjeRICwl8Wo5Q/s1600/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+030.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568887552290594466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkA8iGYhyphenhyphenEgLME9aJMoBo6VIcpl32VlA78hRVd9cXILPOj93OGUagLsYHPz2QX3kkqvmfgX7QQwNnvBNiYDYWl5LlOdFrovC9JgEkzcsDaM5P_dtpHGROaQSknH0RIihjeRICwl8Wo5Q/s400/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+030.JPG" /></a></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;"><em><strong>Tea Pot hand-beaded & charmed Infusers</strong></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">$10.00</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;">Specialty teas!</span></strong></em> Fruit Blend in 4 oz jar $7.00</div><div align="center">Pomegranate Green & Chai in1.5 oz jars*</div><div align="center">makes one pot or 10 cups of tea. $3.00</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3li46rREoZBBYyX7_2aJrByDKJQIVdP4QfL-YxOBcIIZdBl7UDdM6yMV1bPJKEw71iUsjXk8NblVKQA4loLXlazi_BsRgARVK1BH39vjZrJ6OVNDQYNLPKP6xLg76JaFpmw-CJy02Oc/s1600/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+021.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 283px; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568886898797614898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3li46rREoZBBYyX7_2aJrByDKJQIVdP4QfL-YxOBcIIZdBl7UDdM6yMV1bPJKEw71iUsjXk8NblVKQA4loLXlazi_BsRgARVK1BH39vjZrJ6OVNDQYNLPKP6xLg76JaFpmw-CJy02Oc/s400/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+021.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;">Herbs de Provence</span></em></strong> * $7.50*6 oz jar</div>This spice mix combines sweet French herbs and lavender with flavorful Italian herbs. Authentic, commonly used blend for stews, meat dishes, fish, eggs, and sassy sautees.<br />Ingredients: Rosemary, Thyme, Savory, Fennel Seeds, Basil, Lavender, Marjoram.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4gJpxAWGrhbHHnBmrQ_af2deWLN17A2HAujHs7t06ZiRKGtoybE_iim5XojhE_rwhg15tNzlwR6_jBkSHPdepAEMtIgE0ZcJB8S0fRNAou1wS6y_JvQ13s0_-idn80iO3Hhm5ntlQC4/s1600/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+024.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568904593016744418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4gJpxAWGrhbHHnBmrQ_af2deWLN17A2HAujHs7t06ZiRKGtoybE_iim5XojhE_rwhg15tNzlwR6_jBkSHPdepAEMtIgE0ZcJB8S0fRNAou1wS6y_JvQ13s0_-idn80iO3Hhm5ntlQC4/s400/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+024.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;"><strong><em>Cinnamon Sticks</em></strong></span> * Six, six-inch pieces tied in a cute ribbon * $5 per bundle<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1txJ3O7n-BHlmqKoZxMl1R9KfcHGaDGwaTtQYoYkUVySXftMhyphenhyphenKxDbl3OK9puV9tLIeXeUpQI1-A1rJbtKLbO97I4KC6mY_9tYsKePpUT2-eHr_6PmO7VV26Sys3s-K-t3nkVWrEtHg/s1600/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+019.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 167px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568887317379300818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1txJ3O7n-BHlmqKoZxMl1R9KfcHGaDGwaTtQYoYkUVySXftMhyphenhyphenKxDbl3OK9puV9tLIeXeUpQI1-A1rJbtKLbO97I4KC6mY_9tYsKePpUT2-eHr_6PmO7VV26Sys3s-K-t3nkVWrEtHg/s400/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+019.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;">Tea Cup Infusers</span></em></strong> * $7.50</div><div align="center">with hand beading & charming. </div><div align="center">Fill with 1 t. of loose tea<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNE1z5z2KOcMDfoGWl_dKotSCFJLWCVxeaNO4OPqHE0cePbMsCX_R7xOZ5GnNffjTuSkiOjS8dBodtBuBTYdimmQxM5MWb_mZUwbSy0EtKY8Dq9QYLQWCwaXd7eANOgkerZrCaTGuV7T0/s1600/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+041.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 164px; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568889122536838002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNE1z5z2KOcMDfoGWl_dKotSCFJLWCVxeaNO4OPqHE0cePbMsCX_R7xOZ5GnNffjTuSkiOjS8dBodtBuBTYdimmQxM5MWb_mZUwbSy0EtKY8Dq9QYLQWCwaXd7eANOgkerZrCaTGuV7T0/s400/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+041.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_4Ko2v_2AVb0ICeZ7ZjiCZ1LWbdocSFjA05Hangif_D-OpKYg0iFnYsF3_Mj60bVXcHwx33dN-h1c2axkdcY-NVO1VmTYIheMnOZ3YSZQUzh-NSutZvfMlw0VxchUye02LyzDroqQvk/s1600/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+043.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 145px; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568888545947704034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_4Ko2v_2AVb0ICeZ7ZjiCZ1LWbdocSFjA05Hangif_D-OpKYg0iFnYsF3_Mj60bVXcHwx33dN-h1c2axkdcY-NVO1VmTYIheMnOZ3YSZQUzh-NSutZvfMlw0VxchUye02LyzDroqQvk/s400/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+043.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hOVfESaZtA6g5L7WLJVxGAYJSXzuBrf_ZtG2V4IB-UTd2PYMueQQYyEWgtj8iNmzjge0Qe4POA_nHn40M4MFPrePBapH9DDYE1rtPQmCxBX4tVodWH0X8ffHFCUYYN-h2bRgFw7Y1dM/s1600/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+031.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 147px; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568888677889650450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hOVfESaZtA6g5L7WLJVxGAYJSXzuBrf_ZtG2V4IB-UTd2PYMueQQYyEWgtj8iNmzjge0Qe4POA_nHn40M4MFPrePBapH9DDYE1rtPQmCxBX4tVodWH0X8ffHFCUYYN-h2bRgFw7Y1dM/s400/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+031.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;">Hand-mixed spa sachets</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><em><strong>Choose from Eucalyptus, Lemon and Lavender</strong></em></div><div align="center">$2.00 ea.</div>Bath herbs are blends of natural botanicals that offer therapeutic relief for the body & mind. Special mixtures of herbs can help soften dry skin, calm sore muscles, clear congestion and purify the body of toxins. Drop one in your bath while hot water is running for a bath that will sootle your aches and pains (Eucalyptus), relax you (Lavender) and perk you up (Lemon).<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i0XLRvEGwbwOXCyjXZbTJvpr5vOHcnuw5waJsbhbdhwV9qH1r-zZ0ng5XRynvgs5cKG9gd-b2TsLnwaSD6-x_9_ZLiem-mLc-qzqV0o0NFMXIc5VMwOhKuVnNjscP8ISIVKGvKieoKU/s1600/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+032.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 340px; HEIGHT: 233px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568888227441384306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5i0XLRvEGwbwOXCyjXZbTJvpr5vOHcnuw5waJsbhbdhwV9qH1r-zZ0ng5XRynvgs5cKG9gd-b2TsLnwaSD6-x_9_ZLiem-mLc-qzqV0o0NFMXIc5VMwOhKuVnNjscP8ISIVKGvKieoKU/s400/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+032.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;">Sweet angel pins</span></em></strong></div><div align="center">Who doesn't want an angel on their shoulder </div><div align="center">watching over them?! </div><div align="center">$2.00</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8N_7ijYF0D6IZQ1EUUu4ZujtCrdk5G3fqiG1O4kDWSuqz66o3IvJKEIbvZyn52BUjiPd46RNFuOhtU8J9GIMOi5HHghp6or-VvOW8o74yo33Kspb-Ljt0viKyBf0HNyMId1_6HkHItX8/s1600/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+013.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568888862766470242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8N_7ijYF0D6IZQ1EUUu4ZujtCrdk5G3fqiG1O4kDWSuqz66o3IvJKEIbvZyn52BUjiPd46RNFuOhtU8J9GIMOi5HHghp6or-VvOW8o74yo33Kspb-Ljt0viKyBf0HNyMId1_6HkHItX8/s400/TWO+SASSY+LASSIES+BOUTIQUE+2010+013.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">Dipstix</span></em></strong>*$2.25 each or 5 for $10.00</span></div><div align="center">NO MSG!!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 229px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568838311193032162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQG3IjlKGk9NTioTCJspz2Ju_CU4loQyGxdwN6h55alLHsNPaffd_CvcOUDA35nIx4iBf3HLCo5KlqURxB0h1X-grG3jB8RvhK55DGa1OhLLlkpWBv2f1TMTpiJPe-P1cfaVhd3LzoKg/s400/adippanorama.bmp" /> <div align="center">Makes wonderful dips for chips & much more!</div><div align="center">Here is a bit of information about the choices and ingredients!</div><div align="center"><em>Quality ingredients give the dips that "home-made" flavor<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 90px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568835879124459682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluaZ3j2jg6MOe9TkyFctddB1cW2qZTec2IaxVxsVmOdJu-OmJemLOLkE2GdkI0qOICMlYXs467ThLZfrOQlUI7f_woLVdTcFSYlPoG2-KNqc70j_vbl7MCuMuSaosp-Pjuts56bJM-pE/s320/adipgarlic.gif" /></em><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a class="list-product-title" title="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=" href="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=5" product_id="5">BACON</a><br />Bacon bits, onion and a smoky spice blend. Great on chips, veggies or as a potato topper.<br /><a title="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=" href="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=6" product_id="6"></a><br /><a class="list-product-title" title="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=" href="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=6" product_id="6">BACON HORSERADISH</a><br />Just like the Bacon dip, bacon bits, onion and the smoky spice blend, but we've kicked it up a notch and added some dried horseradish to give this dip a little kick! Even if you don't like horseradish, you will like this this one!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a class="list-product-title" title="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=" href="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=7" product_id="7">DILL</a><br />Onion, dill weed and the secret spice blend. Mix with 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup mayonnaise </div><div align="center">for a great tasting vegetable dip or add to your homemade bread dough!<br /><br /><a class="list-product-title" title="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=" href="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=2" product_id="2"><span style="color:#3333ff;">GARLIC GARLIC</span></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"><br /></span>Like the name says, this one is double the GARLIC. Lots of minced garlic, onion, chive and the special blend of spices. Mix package with 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup mayonnaise, or mix with a tub of real butter and use for shrimp scampi or garlic bread! </div><div align="center"><br /><a class="list-product-title" title="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=" href="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=4" product_id="4">ROASTED RED PEPPER</a><br />Sweet red pepper dip great for chips, veggies or crackers! Roasted red peppers mix with onion, garlic and our special seasoning blend Mix with 1 cup of sour cream and 1 cup of mayonnaise</div><div align="center">For a cracker spread mix 1/2 packet to an 8 oz tub of whipped or softened cream cheese.<br /><br /><a class="list-product-title" title="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=" href="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=1" product_id="1">SALSA</a><br />Just the right blend of jalapeno, red and green peppers, onion, garlic and cilantro. Mix with a 14.5 ounce can of tomatoes, diced or 2 cups of fresh tomatoes. Just the right heat! Want it spicier? Mix the packet with a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.<br /><br /><a class="list-product-title" title="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=" href="http://dipstix.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=10" product_id="10">SPINACH</a><br />Spinach, onion, garlic and spices combine to make a tasty veggie dip. Try this in a bread bowl for something different Mix with mayonnaise and sour cream</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#990000;"><strong></strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#990000;"><strong></strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#990000;"><strong></strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Accepting paypal!</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;"></span></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">If you have any questions, or would like to place an order,</div><div align="center">please email me:</div><div align="center"><a href="mailto:Karenacadle@aol.com">Karenacadle@aol.com</a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong></strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#009900;"><strong>THANK YOU!<br /></div></strong></span></em>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-9159153144662453302011-01-21T10:13:00.001-08:002011-01-21T11:12:47.164-08:00Hair & Aging<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nSOebSDtRNukoQ_vBJ2u5DNwDhlSOU34BJChwtq0bi8hgDsJ2Zu75T1y7hycdozLEiRrbC7ch249BJEOKBlwz1-7Fl12TxwQaIqcGzgMAATB84aYeAuy2fnu9CaukcxnC8x1fTBBMxw/s1600/abadhairday.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 260px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564714030031920834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nSOebSDtRNukoQ_vBJ2u5DNwDhlSOU34BJChwtq0bi8hgDsJ2Zu75T1y7hycdozLEiRrbC7ch249BJEOKBlwz1-7Fl12TxwQaIqcGzgMAATB84aYeAuy2fnu9CaukcxnC8x1fTBBMxw/s400/abadhairday.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So what is fair about this? My friend Norma has not a gray hair in her head! She looks younger every time I see her! She is not coloring her hair or highlighting it. I think it's the vitamins she takes. Certainly her sister has some gray... certainly I have a mop full of white hair except in the back by my neck...NO FAIR I SAY!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My mother had a beautiful head of white hair...so did my Dad! Why does mine have some other tone in it that I don't like? NO FAIR I SAY!!!!<br /><br />Revlon has come to my rescue! Now that is FAIR! A product that can take away the gray 100% it says! I know its lurking there at the roots waiting to grow -- probably faster than I want -- but this works for me!!<br /><br />I'm coming up on a birthday in about a month and while its a very old age, I feel like I'm still 19 .. okay 29....but certainly nowhere near 68!! Good grief....NO FAIR I SAY!!<br /><br />Grateful that I feel younger! Grateful that I have all this wisdom built up over the many years - oh that I could go back and fix everything I was so stupid about - but alas, not possible. Grateful that I am still kickin' it pretty good!!!<br /><br /><div align="center"><em>And that, my friends, is all I am concerned about </em></div><div align="center"><em>right at this very moment. </em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>Shallow? Admittedly VERY!!!</em></div><div align="center"><br /></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-16788439423060471222011-01-15T01:21:00.000-08:002011-01-15T02:15:12.183-08:00Weekend Getaway & Bagels<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsW9PICY23CR0S5McZSFXMzHFV5gQqxFM_-yG82FYtw01YwaGFaGueS0ob4xTEBmpKrmsGAA2zfeCh21gAr0G15GFTyg6xT3TPEKku6giaKFQITHAtmJls8Gcw-RJg7zVCMq9QMOdg7k/s1600/agiada.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 140px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562345546361456434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXsW9PICY23CR0S5McZSFXMzHFV5gQqxFM_-yG82FYtw01YwaGFaGueS0ob4xTEBmpKrmsGAA2zfeCh21gAr0G15GFTyg6xT3TPEKku6giaKFQITHAtmJls8Gcw-RJg7zVCMq9QMOdg7k/s400/agiada.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I'm watching FOOD TV Network at 1:23 am....Giada's Weekend Getaway has taken her to New York City. She's finding the best food at the best places. She just went to a REAL bagel bakery in Brooklyn and bought one along with some salmon spread. Now I'm wishing for a real bakery bagel.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The bagels we now are able to buy are N<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiMqu6mhVJZ_L_EOZKfjuCBsP8w1CkqjvPD-VANRovidrDcg0c6ZXeaHH117cFLK-_9A7B957nNew9gDeWUi9IeTN3IR639YBFEQgMcjvIOBuFNhtKWbCAbCSn5kTOKeICxgS7QrzOvI/s1600/abagel.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 98px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562345818498536050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiMqu6mhVJZ_L_EOZKfjuCBsP8w1CkqjvPD-VANRovidrDcg0c6ZXeaHH117cFLK-_9A7B957nNew9gDeWUi9IeTN3IR639YBFEQgMcjvIOBuFNhtKWbCAbCSn5kTOKeICxgS7QrzOvI/s400/abagel.jpg" /></a>OT real. They are fluff compared to the real thing. Like Giada said, the crunch outside and the soft inside...oh yes!!! Not the soft stupid bagel in a bag or even the ones in local bagel shops compare to a REAL bagel. Ok Noah's isn't so bad! ;)<br /><br /><br /><br />This brings me back to a good memory with my former neighbor, Stephanie. She had lived in Berkeley prior to the suburbs where I met her. She lived across the street. She knew where a REAL bagel shop was..down on Gilman Street in Berkeley. I forget the name now. It's probably still there across the street from the Community Co-op Grocery Store.<br /><br />Most often on Fridays you could count on the fact that the two of us were zooming through the Caldecott Tunnel heading to get our dozen bagels for the week for our families. It was always crowded inside the small shop of course...we didn't mind the wait!<br /><br />The Salt bagel was my favorite! Big sea salt on the top...perfect on the inside. We would buy a little pot of cream cheese and break into our bags of bagels to eat one on the way home. We usually drove around the neighborhoods so Stephanie could show me the houses she loved best. Mostly she loved the ones with doors that were arched and unusual. There were so many, it was kind of a fun trippy thing to do. Berkeley is a fun place to find such architecture.<br /><br />There's an area up by University of California that has some very fabulous old homes. The Craftman style are not unusual in this neighborhood. On one street there is one grand home that is known because of the fact that a spy lived and operated out of it during WWII.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVSUG9iOAg-QAnlAyo1Xayu9O58Kb2-_K_YrB4CHl2xaEONe7okbgnzdmW-uD04_v1Hz0_DHaV6Lkr-ALNqWRG7mN2r3QIX5KeWAex8JT1KKHtSMWAJuhrwznQn2Bip_4rYCmb0QIHzc/s1600/aspy.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 117px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 111px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562346609457566082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVSUG9iOAg-QAnlAyo1Xayu9O58Kb2-_K_YrB4CHl2xaEONe7okbgnzdmW-uD04_v1Hz0_DHaV6Lkr-ALNqWRG7mN2r3QIX5KeWAex8JT1KKHtSMWAJuhrwznQn2Bip_4rYCmb0QIHzc/s400/aspy.jpg" /></a> I worked in Berkeley for a dermatologist for a couple of years so I knew some of the roads quite well. I also dated someone from Berkeley who lived near the spy house (which is how I know the history).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When we would get back to Lafayette, we'd stop in town and buy fresh Dungeness Crabs at the local fish place. They had them cooking out front..ready to crack and clean for us . Also lines there every Friday when Dungeness were in season!<br />Lines didn't seem to bother me when I was in my 30s!!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFP55gNppWx_B2VD2mAB4B7wFaG0RyMVHYGSgMe6H5ugrA-9ML2QLcZ4j3_NfOQbUbuFQ4BUZgLu3kQQVZcbKOTG4BO6gQS0ypb3HbSyfQ8IfKWo9LWv1KNcQRCqW5Zh3Fqfwx9C8VfI/s1600/acrab.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 153px; HEIGHT: 91px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562347567282638850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFP55gNppWx_B2VD2mAB4B7wFaG0RyMVHYGSgMe6H5ugrA-9ML2QLcZ4j3_NfOQbUbuFQ4BUZgLu3kQQVZcbKOTG4BO6gQS0ypb3HbSyfQ8IfKWo9LWv1KNcQRCqW5Zh3Fqfwx9C8VfI/s400/acrab.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I might have to head to Berkeley tomorrow to find that bagel bakery and call it a weekend getaway. Thanks Giada!!!<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">OH NO! Now on FOOD NETWORK TV it's Rachel Ray and her husband on their getaway weekend in the San Juan Islands in Washington State which I also love. Riding the ferries up there is so fun and the scenery outrageous!! I actually have been on 90% of the ferries on different vacations up in WA. Maybe I'll head to Orcas Island and eat whatever Rachel is having!!! (I WISH)!!!!</span></em><br /><br /><div align="center">Berkeley will have to do!</div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-48566301549101473902010-12-27T20:40:00.000-08:002010-12-27T21:50:35.215-08:00A Time of Reflection and A Time to Look Forward<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinXdR9qVcggMrSgjFsCW40Mr1ZEwf7ICbebapFjCqy1E6RDdGh88rnamg08Q5mhtyQuXdqpsRIARkZogNXH2rMYDkcKQdrRzX7a92qTm4Q_sIB5sQudMarulKT5BVCf1GxJeE0L6JUXs/s1600/new+year.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555589535377054146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinXdR9qVcggMrSgjFsCW40Mr1ZEwf7ICbebapFjCqy1E6RDdGh88rnamg08Q5mhtyQuXdqpsRIARkZogNXH2rMYDkcKQdrRzX7a92qTm4Q_sIB5sQudMarulKT5BVCf1GxJeE0L6JUXs/s400/new+year.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Ready or not, here comes the New Year!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">2011</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">We often ask where the year went; it seems to have passed so quickly. At the end of 2010 we sit and think about what events occurred that blessed us and those that were difficult and challenging.We think about what we have accomplished and what we let slide. We make our N</span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">ew Year's resolutions with the greatest intent to keep them. It's very good time for such reflection.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I'm ready for the new year with my workout tape, my Dave Ramsey financial handcuffs, my journal and I signed up for Tuesday am bible study at church. Oh Lord, that I will be faithful to attend to these disciplines.</span></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh9OQZJ0PG5or75M6qGfVdpRc90VoooG3_Iuwu55wiyTiT2kNqZXtGl0MFri6sg5-FqX4jtUsAvYkfHFmn-DpqN_QdTJysw5l8wey03DUOjerWZzs3b5V__hdbybXXm7RDg9XMSgwjoI/s1600/mercy.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 178px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 127px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555595725641331730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh9OQZJ0PG5or75M6qGfVdpRc90VoooG3_Iuwu55wiyTiT2kNqZXtGl0MFri6sg5-FqX4jtUsAvYkfHFmn-DpqN_QdTJysw5l8wey03DUOjerWZzs3b5V__hdbybXXm7RDg9XMSgwjoI/s400/mercy.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Two of my favorite verses are Lamentations 3:22-23</span><br /><em>The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; </em><em>mercies never come to an end;</em><em>they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.</em><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">You can figure out why I cling to that verse, eh? </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Oh, yes, I need that mercy daily!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Looking toward 2011 I am committed to living simply, to making each moment count for good by loving God and loving people. I am secure in the knowledge that He loves me and has a plan for my life in the new year.</span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfV-c2lCtUGn_knFQUtsGqOBtew425JUQYzNH6vCo3dgcS5SSZ2MIygq7rO9dLMujYDqGH7iEfKH0jU3sBE0iqhqPX-lL4KQR_u59vA1gsnhweqvN-WHmrcDXlw2xqNQDGrRXlujoc8Y/s1600/future.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555598816629129586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfV-c2lCtUGn_knFQUtsGqOBtew425JUQYzNH6vCo3dgcS5SSZ2MIygq7rO9dLMujYDqGH7iEfKH0jU3sBE0iqhqPX-lL4KQR_u59vA1gsnhweqvN-WHmrcDXlw2xqNQDGrRXlujoc8Y/s400/future.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /><em>"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 </em></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Just want to share a disclaimer if you will...<em><strong>plans to prosper you</strong></em> is often taken to mean financially prosper and while He may do just that, please consider there are many other ways for the Lord to prosper our lives...</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">good health, a life of meaning and purpose, a lesson, a challenge, a heart for others and a content spirit.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>Whatever He brings...let us rejoice </em><em>and love one another</em>. </p><div align="center">--oOo--<br /></div></span>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-78035274241228000432010-12-17T00:12:00.000-08:002010-12-17T00:24:05.227-08:00Time of Year<div>It's the most wonderful time of the year...singing....</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWr1YdcU_6zqgHWwV9mUnpTT_sSOyMk9G9YunU793SHwBhyphenhyphen9LZmLk56ejbI0D-1xh3dYKhxILJ_TNJadF5mGd27YYs4x8P3svOphOlVlWOrX5r2I_OVIMuga13-QzXm9uH-6f5WkpRec/s1600/christmassnoopy.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 89px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 128px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551561402629440050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWr1YdcU_6zqgHWwV9mUnpTT_sSOyMk9G9YunU793SHwBhyphenhyphen9LZmLk56ejbI0D-1xh3dYKhxILJ_TNJadF5mGd27YYs4x8P3svOphOlVlWOrX5r2I_OVIMuga13-QzXm9uH-6f5WkpRec/s400/christmassnoopy.bmp" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>I'm just full of the holiday spirit this year. It's a nice change for me. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My blessings seem larger than life!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I know there are so many who are struggling in many ways here in the US and abroad. For them it is a blue Christmas and there probably isn't a more difficult time of the year than Christmas if you are sick, having financial troubles, are alone, or any other number of reasons. My prayers are with them; I've been sick, had financial troubles, been alone and a few other reasons to feel sad during this blessed time of year.</div><div> </div><div>Reach out and bless someone who needs you; sometimes it's just a smile, a cup of coffee, a book, a ride, $20, a hug...so easy!! </div><div></div><br /><div>Jesus came = Emmanuel = God with us! May we hold fast to Him who is always for us, who always cares about us, who loves us so. Hang on...victory comes in the morning! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551563535003349634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3Z-DbVe11eO6SY10bv4O9sTTEsauRrQhM7Cgm54BwBOzhCGemEYWdomL61PDzaaGrTdvmXrDaI1T6r4GOq3VCWF-7c4PzfzlzqVPKkyxXaLVDI8rzKywjTz7Gm8k4Gitpe4yrM3V4Z8/s400/astar.jpg" /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-52160319348455325732010-12-02T11:33:00.000-08:002010-12-02T12:14:58.578-08:00Friendships<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4tfSr2LaC-vO5LgTh0OhFAcyYrl11NuLKDuF-DoUJaN7hhu167gZ6_UBksPC47QN3RX8rUNble193sOF-it6npuOwTpHwU1SlurbBRnU-z-EON9mFgfdv15tU2hTD4nm37bfGOiS3EQ/s1600/friends.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 124px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 92px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546171894967934978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4tfSr2LaC-vO5LgTh0OhFAcyYrl11NuLKDuF-DoUJaN7hhu167gZ6_UBksPC47QN3RX8rUNble193sOF-it6npuOwTpHwU1SlurbBRnU-z-EON9mFgfdv15tU2hTD4nm37bfGOiS3EQ/s400/friends.bmp" /></a><br /><div align="center">I probably talk about friendships</div><div align="center">more than any other topic.</div><div align="center">That's because I hold each one </div><div align="center">tenderly in my heart.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Fortunate to have a group of very close friends, I am.</div><div align="center">God knew we needed each other.</div><div align="center">Coming from such diverse backgrounds,</div><div align="center">interests and situations,</div><div align="center">yet we are bonded tightly,</div><div align="center">securely and gratefully.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I have considered my brother Kevin my best friend for many long years now.</div><div align="center">He is tried and true, solid & committed to me.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My other best friend is also of the male species,</div><div align="center">one who has gifted me with an example of true selfless giving.</div><div align="center">I have learned more about living on another's behalf from</div><div align="center">him in a few short years than any other time in my life.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Jeff's best friend, Luis, yet another man,</div><div align="center">who has given of himself on my son's behalf</div><div align="center">and mine as well in extraordinary ways.</div><div align="center">(Couldn't have done it without the full</div><div align="center">support of his wonderful wife, Joann).</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">**</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">And then there are my girlfriends</div><div align="center">Incredible, bright, funny, wonderful girlfriends.</div><div align="center">How could I have carried on this past decade without them?</div><div align="center">God knew I could not.</div><div align="center">They rose to the occasion and gifted me with prayer</div><div align="center">when I could not pray, but felt above the fray of life </div><div align="center">because I was being lifted UP.</div><div align="center">They gifted me with time, treasure and talent</div><div align="center">and they continue to do so.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I want to declare that I am grateful, blessed and deeply moved</div><div align="center">each one bringing something I desperately needed</div><div align="center">FRIENDSHIP, LOVE & CARE</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">How do I list them? So many deserve the first place on the list</div><div align="center">but they need to be acknowledged...so here we go.</div><div align="center">Norma, Elaine, Rose Marie, Patti</div><div align="center">Donna, Donna, Lena, Mary</div><div align="center">Pam, Brenda, Judy,Barb</div><div align="center">Tina, Joann, Bernita, Jane</div><div align="center">Margo, Connie, Maria</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My goodness! This is like the Oscar thank you's...</div><div align="center">I couldn't have done this without you</div><div align="center">this thing we call living</div><div align="center">Because of you I live large</div><div align="center">and to the fullest</div><div align="center">with wonder and delight!!!!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">As I have had time to reflect on my return to California I have realized </div><div align="center">deep within that I am healed and believe the grieving</div><div align="center">about losing Jeff has been completed.</div><div align="center">I am not who I was, I am profoundly changed.</div><div align="center">The hole in my heart will not fill..nothing can fill that loss.</div><div align="center">But I am smiling, positive and absolutely full of JOY.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">So my dear friends, all of you, thank you for being there</div><div align="center"><em>God's hands and feet</em></div><div align="center">Blessing me * Blessing me * Blessing me</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">xoxoxoxoxxox</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Karen</em></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-6325872942565729272010-12-01T12:30:00.000-08:002010-12-01T12:36:44.077-08:00December....<div>In the midst of all the crazy goings on this month to celebrate...please remember that</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><em>CHRISTMAS BEGAN</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>IN THE HEART OF GOD</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>AND</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>IT IS ONLY COMPLETE</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>WHEN IT REACHES THE HEART OF MAN</em></div><div align="center"> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 103px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 137px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545814556399910706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivExCtfSAmDlDuH6v3Mz6ijb58k-rtC27LqM0uW9pTm8RJFPCawzVvS-ugpxu8GfpaeNWcH6GStXQ7-wcaPlfteV3nhrVVUxSzNVtiLJ7lvKp-RCPiC-t3LyjRDNpU5o3dlw4UM0pE5zo/s400/nativity.bmp" /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">JESUS IS CHRISTMAS!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">YOUR ULTIMATE GIFT!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em></em></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>If you haven't received</em></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>that gift, please consider</em></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>Him. He gave His life to </em></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>bridge you back to God</em></span></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">and eternal life.</span></em></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-23410577402610363002010-10-28T16:23:00.000-07:002010-10-28T17:29:57.486-07:00There's More To Life Than Pumpkin Spice!<em>Yo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZ3ANNboWIH_m4gw-hg0J7Sj9Dl9kGn8V5yKxF1MMNPVDHnmTkJIF8i78XwD-2REB5iBgOl1Eb3onDqAp-XFUyd1AnyCHui5QzRY9Cf3lpYzrKDaoWiI43v19DOOe3vI0ZKsl8MYUBVA/s1600/ateacup.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 83px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 124px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533244403406161202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZ3ANNboWIH_m4gw-hg0J7Sj9Dl9kGn8V5yKxF1MMNPVDHnmTkJIF8i78XwD-2REB5iBgOl1Eb3onDqAp-XFUyd1AnyCHui5QzRY9Cf3lpYzrKDaoWiI43v19DOOe3vI0ZKsl8MYUBVA/s400/ateacup.bmp" /></a>u are probably surprised to read that heading. Everyone knows I LOVE Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice, but right now I'm all about tea. I'm happily receiving deliveries daily of teas, tea accessories and supplies to create all things TEA for the boutique on November 27th....Oh yes, we have Christmas things, angels, jewelery and plenty more...do not worry if you don't drink tea! (Although someone you know drinks tea and we have great things you can give as gifts!)</em><br /><br /><p><em>Today it brought back a wonderful memory as I had a cup of a new TERRIFIC <strong>Pomegranate Green Tea</strong> that I have found for the boutique. It's my favorite taste of tea ever!</em></p><p>My Grandmother, Mary Thompson Houston from Scotland, drank a lot of tea! My mother and I lived with she and my Grandpa James Houston when my dad was in France during WWII. After that we lived a block away from her for many years. I've had a lot of tea and scones over the years; my grandpa had a bakery! I loved their kitchen. It had a Murphy table (yes, like a Murphy bed) open the doors, down came the table. This was too much trouble for my grandparent's last tea of the day. She would pull out the BREAD BOARD and cover it with a white tablecloth (must have been folded many times, eh?) Then the scones, butter, tea pot and cups. The three of us would sit and enjoy a bit of time together. This must have been after my dad was back from the war as I have no memory of my mother sitting there with us. I know I spent many a night at their home.</p><p>The memory rushed at me as I was sipping my tea. She never used a tea strainer in her pots of tea....so the tea leaves fell into the cup and you had to drink very carefully. When we were done with our c<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt2p_KR66NtwR7MyUIAza-mK2IeIozr4Owv1XBqYzgbMrkxHqb6UbCAMenKZqvhHwnEDa3CpiCmcjSRejrhZsgagXml010D6FDaWwrfC9AY5tvsCB4MhyphenhyphenqsHlToS-N4GeTyTOaMotWoY/s1600/atealeave.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 127px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 129px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533245114672269234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt2p_KR66NtwR7MyUIAza-mK2IeIozr4Owv1XBqYzgbMrkxHqb6UbCAMenKZqvhHwnEDa3CpiCmcjSRejrhZsgagXml010D6FDaWwrfC9AY5tvsCB4MhyphenhyphenqsHlToS-N4GeTyTOaMotWoY/s320/atealeave.bmp" /></a>ups of tea she would read my tea leaves! Yes, she went to church (High Street Presbyterian Church in Oakland, California which I hear is still going strong!) </p><p>This was a harmless activity and had no spiritual new age/old age twist to it. I read my tea leaves to myself the other day and had fun doing so. I'd say it has been approximately at least sixty years since I had tea leaves in my cup! </p><p>Then many memories flooded me of all the wonderful times I spent with my grandmother. I had another wonderful grandmother (Elizabeth Lyons) and I have a story to tell about she and I at another time. (That's for my Uncle Mike who will remind me that indeed I had another grandmother, his mother).</p><p align="center">-oOo-</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYvrVoUhmakTn58uU1kN5egtLOjFH6ee5x6OdpCigRKFJQ4jjqjq1i4X4IV-kneabxVmxY7w4OcK4re0yen6QHIw5kd7w9gMEXkQaP0wXH2y2uvTpNbp8g_0xBgPS9kl5OKXS8f_Tua0/s1600/ateadrinker.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 164px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533244765116053490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYvrVoUhmakTn58uU1kN5egtLOjFH6ee5x6OdpCigRKFJQ4jjqjq1i4X4IV-kneabxVmxY7w4OcK4re0yen6QHIw5kd7w9gMEXkQaP0wXH2y2uvTpNbp8g_0xBgPS9kl5OKXS8f_Tua0/s320/ateadrinker.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </p><p><span style="font-size:180%;">This is neither of my grandmothers but I thought it was the funniest </span><span style="font-size:180%;">picture of someone drinking tea that </span><span style="font-size:180%;">I might ever see and just had to share it with you.</span></p><p></p><p><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt2p_KR66NtwR7MyUIAza-mK2IeIozr4Owv1XBqYzgbMrkxHqb6UbCAMenKZqvhHwnEDa3CpiCmcjSRejrhZsgagXml010D6FDaWwrfC9AY5tvsCB4MhyphenhyphenqsHlToS-N4GeTyTOaMotWoY/s1600/atealeave.bmp"></a></em></p><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm also into being frugal for the past four years and end up with lots and lots of very good bargains -- so many of them from The Frugal Find on Facebook!! When I was able to purchase tickets through Fandango with the code from Frugal Find for only $3.75 each and NO fee to Fandango I was happy I didn't have to go to the senior citizen day on Monday to get a $6 ticket!! Recently I paid $10 for $20 worth of products from soap.com with shipping included. Today...$16 for $35 worth of groceries from another source she shared. I only buy what I would use normally, of course!<br /><br /><em>So t</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLu0uMAWlDQDVEGHDs9PCF_Kmb6A4xNOgJdLRL1hSWSNFGLHOQhUmNrSI8ANgNm8Q3qljfD-LcOsafeGp-UpjygpLXtOWbXxhWEVBwKkZtMEhp_-ZnVC3uTpZ4Ps0lx7Iwxfap3yLbNM/s1600/ateabag.bmp"><em><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 104px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 104px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533244558047475218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLu0uMAWlDQDVEGHDs9PCF_Kmb6A4xNOgJdLRL1hSWSNFGLHOQhUmNrSI8ANgNm8Q3qljfD-LcOsafeGp-UpjygpLXtOWbXxhWEVBwKkZtMEhp_-ZnVC3uTpZ4Ps0lx7Iwxfap3yLbNM/s400/ateabag.bmp" /></em></a><em>his little picture is for those who are frugal and want to save some pennies. Tea is NOT cheap; it's pretty pricey these days...get some little clothes pins (on sale of course) and have a second cup!</em><br /><br /><div align="right">Sip, sip</div><div align="right">K<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-88161283843363542452010-09-06T15:02:00.000-07:002010-09-06T15:34:37.338-07:00A BEE IN MY BONNET<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6CElGOuZHerE7ZuYyMDBbsRRrOv7LFNGRnDGfZp0vIsBwlg4xVU-PTRxKBpp8hmiURD_SeMAQtoO1iLQ151Xy1kBiV1-vJI30g-MAdzugxzV5QA6ryYWwzAtOKl9_ZkBfyFZXpvhYSA/s1600/abeeinbonnnet.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 98px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513925843062144082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6CElGOuZHerE7ZuYyMDBbsRRrOv7LFNGRnDGfZp0vIsBwlg4xVU-PTRxKBpp8hmiURD_SeMAQtoO1iLQ151Xy1kBiV1-vJI30g-MAdzugxzV5QA6ryYWwzAtOKl9_ZkBfyFZXpvhYSA/s400/abeeinbonnnet.bmp" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>A bee in my bonnet definition: a creative buzzing in my head trying to get out.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">OH YEAH, I've got that goin' on!!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">One idea is leading to another</div><br /><div align="center">and another</div><br /><div align="center">and another..</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">Frightening, <strong><em>really</em></strong>...unusual for sure...but <strong><em>very </em></strong>exciting!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">So much is already put to paper in the middle of the night.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Can't wait to reign it all in and see the end result...prepared for a long haul on this one!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZFkUoDO6b4VyFPlQUAg_oGmGFRXsUBJoKKQQVQEYsKzbRCyUs_0JZu1zjToX5lLbMbYC2YJzLVcV3R-oMRjEiEmHkwmndAG8R2AwZJn1W70hRNzfFTn61Bhv2Uy1YjYB3XjrcEjtNwo/s1600/acutebee.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 135px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 43px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513932037895339634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZFkUoDO6b4VyFPlQUAg_oGmGFRXsUBJoKKQQVQEYsKzbRCyUs_0JZu1zjToX5lLbMbYC2YJzLVcV3R-oMRjEiEmHkwmndAG8R2AwZJn1W70hRNzfFTn61Bhv2Uy1YjYB3XjrcEjtNwo/s200/acutebee.bmp" /></a></div><br /><div align="right"></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-41563231416243618102010-08-20T19:29:00.001-07:002010-08-20T20:08:56.148-07:00Cute...oh can it be true??<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH5JFuOa4ZR_GiRYB8t13EGl-FIfjT1_Ymu6rbsjI52KjU9eYl-mPl7JTa-RIiq7j_x0KfXPibEzK1IHUFvVnZvuOhZmWP6MFqKpUoO5Ybdi4vhI3-6FvfcV3IfbuE5BxMLBOAPfL4-k/s1600/ablogcartoon.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 395px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507684852283296578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikH5JFuOa4ZR_GiRYB8t13EGl-FIfjT1_Ymu6rbsjI52KjU9eYl-mPl7JTa-RIiq7j_x0KfXPibEzK1IHUFvVnZvuOhZmWP6MFqKpUoO5Ybdi4vhI3-6FvfcV3IfbuE5BxMLBOAPfL4-k/s400/ablogcartoon.gif" /></a> This was on Chachaneen's blog and it made me laugh. </div><br />It did make me think about our blogs and how they really do represent the way we talk our walk , don't they.<br /><br />Everyone watches Christians closely. They either see a good representation of an honest walk with the Lord or one that is fraught with a misrepresentation of how He would have us live as disciples.<br /><br />We need to be real in our struggles so the world knows we all live real lives, not some super spiritual hyper-religious act that makes others feel so inadequate as to think they can never approach God. My own opinion is that there is a fine line in doing so. Let us not flaunt our sin as though they have no affect on us or others, or in fact did not put Christ on the cross, but be humble in sharing our own failures with people as well as the joys we experience.<br /><br />And let us be full of mercy and grace to those who know no better (or do) and are looking and watching us all the time. Our own pet peeves or rants can be kept to ourselves as they might serve no good purpose really. Let's not give anyone a reason to call us hypocrites who say we love God but are ripping others to shreds with our words or actions.<br /><br />Christ even washed the feet of Judas ...knowing he would later betray him....this is the kind of love we experience from the Lord every day. Let's go love others as He did.<br /><br /><div align="center">--ooOoo-</div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-73682612937784816512010-08-17T09:54:00.000-07:002010-08-17T10:07:53.771-07:00Closed Doors<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRgb4eRW0ElwFsAhyphenhyphenMxkfRSNLNA83jojqmvZrpXX7rDIHrA2wBgtw0eUcfXRbeaSBFepTgdXODEaoAYSFbXeMFWXiEZwE7xX3Cxj3nY4N36QmN_042-8vixZvz-BW4qmn-9zBh9IxhY4/s1600/aredoor.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 85px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506425962090107346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRgb4eRW0ElwFsAhyphenhyphenMxkfRSNLNA83jojqmvZrpXX7rDIHrA2wBgtw0eUcfXRbeaSBFepTgdXODEaoAYSFbXeMFWXiEZwE7xX3Cxj3nY4N36QmN_042-8vixZvz-BW4qmn-9zBh9IxhY4/s400/aredoor.bmp" /></a><br /><div align="center">Praising God For Closed Doors</div><br /><div align="center">(from Daily Encourager)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We need to learn to praise the Lord as much for a closed door as we do for an open door. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If he didn't close the wrong door, we would never find the right door. God directs our path through the closing and opening of doors. Once a door closes, it forces you to change your course. When another door closes, it forces you to change your course again. Then, finally, you find the open door and you walk right into your blessing. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Lord directs our paths through the opening and closing of doors, but instead of praising him for the closed door (which keeps us out of trouble); we get upset because we "judge by the appearances." You have an ever-present help in the time of trouble that is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of you, He can spot trouble down the road and set up a roadblock or detour accordingly. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But through our lack of wisdom, we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour sign. Then, the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, "Lord, how could You have done this to me?" We have got to realize that the closed door can be a blessing. Didn't He say that no good thing would He withhold from them that love Him? If you get terminated from your job, praise God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves: it might be another job, it might be school. If that man or woman won't return your call, it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go). </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>One time, a person had a bank they had been in business with for many years tell them "No!" to a $10,000 loan. The Lord put in their spirit to call another bank. That bank gave them $40,000 at a lower interest rate than the first bank was offering. We can sometimes trap ourselves in doubt and discouragement through judging by appearances. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Be grateful for the many times our Father has closed doors to us just to open them in the most unexpected places. The Lord won't always say in spoken words: "Go to the left, now to the right" ...sometimes He will just close the doors that are wrong for you. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Trust in the Lord with all your heart. </em></div><div align="center"><em>Lean not on your own understanding. </em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>In all your ways acknowledge Him</em></div><div align="center"><em>and He will direct your paths. </em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>(</em>Prov. 3:5-6)</div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-40603605456162240812010-08-09T16:38:00.000-07:002010-08-10T16:54:06.248-07:00Trust<div align="center"><span style="color:#663300;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbTgQwOt5XUeZK35qfTSWiin0Mbcn3pq-HJgJ-AdiX6Q95tFpQaZzVw-knToHFG9eWs_DFwqHihVaVPL7c3nqQIFOLAVhY12bWArNT-vJVYIXzjYIt1x8UiWwQefSxYs5G11lY-EbOms/s1600/atrust.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 124px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 93px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503562747929687234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbTgQwOt5XUeZK35qfTSWiin0Mbcn3pq-HJgJ-AdiX6Q95tFpQaZzVw-knToHFG9eWs_DFwqHihVaVPL7c3nqQIFOLAVhY12bWArNT-vJVYIXzjYIt1x8UiWwQefSxYs5G11lY-EbOms/s400/atrust.bmp" /></a><br />In what do you put your trust?<br /><br />Family<br />Friends<br />Career<br />Money<br />Health<br />Talent<br />Beauty<br />Government<br />Instinct<br /><br /><div align="justify">You can peruse this list and think about each one and come to realize that they all can or have failed you in one way or another.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">People come and go, family members pass on or move on, careers end abruptly, money is lost, illness debilitates, beauty fades, governments fail, talents dim and instincts are often wrong.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center">There is One in whom you can trust.</div><div align="center"><strong>Christ Jesus</strong></div><div align="center"><em><strong>Name above All Names</strong></em></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="left">If you seek Him you will find him and He alone will satisfy. As your foundation of faith you are secure and your life in Christ will prepare you for any times of trouble. He is your help. He is the author and finisher of your faith and there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. You will have contentment and confidence as well as Joy from within in spite of circumstances. Your priorities will become those of love and service to others. He is trustworthy and His love for you will set you free.*</div><div align="right">*It's all in the Bible :)</div><div align="right"></div><div align="left">There will come a time Jesus said:</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/14-11.htm" target="_top">Romans 14:11</a> For it is written, "AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Be blessed beginning today to live a life in Christ.</div><div align="center">He's waiting - He's calling</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="right"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,</div><div align="center">there's just something about that Name,</div><div align="center">Master, Savior, Jesus</div><div align="center">like the fragrance after the rain.</div><div align="center">Jesus, Jesus, Jesus</div><div align="center">Let all heaven and earth proclaim</div><div align="center">Kings & Kingdoms shall all pass away</div><div align="center">but there's something about that Name.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="justify"></div></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-29871039072542207612010-07-10T11:42:00.000-07:002010-07-11T14:07:22.497-07:00DELIGHT!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wrVTKXpNHH-TmQRsIrfccIZLseBX8bmvIbKr6aRjtP6n8uIxecPZfSTtYNZVnJ6y-Lv5By2hYstz36UySkyML6igiBe2fZnWv-l9GUTJ7bnHGoe-uGguC6RwmqgLpUaPVgx2xtO21k8/s1600/heartdesire.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 124px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 83px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492361851413555154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wrVTKXpNHH-TmQRsIrfccIZLseBX8bmvIbKr6aRjtP6n8uIxecPZfSTtYNZVnJ6y-Lv5By2hYstz36UySkyML6igiBe2fZnWv-l9GUTJ7bnHGoe-uGguC6RwmqgLpUaPVgx2xtO21k8/s320/heartdesire.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"><em>Delight yourself in the Lord; </em></div><div align="center"><em>and He will give you the desires of your heart. </em></div><div align="center"><em>Psalm 37:4</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left">What does it mean to delight in the Lord? What does it look like to delight in the Lord? What does it feel like to you...and to Him?</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">The dictionary says: to thrive in, thrilled, to please, to give joy, reap.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">From our women's bible study this week (Cynthia Heald: <em>Becoming a Woman of Prayer</em>) I learned: To delight is to REVERE, MEDITATE UPON, be HAPPY TO DO GOD's WILL, HAVE THE WORD IN MY HEART, HAVE AN APPETITE TO STUDY THE WORD, and being ONE WHO IS CALLED BY GOD.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center">Matthew Henry wrote: <em>What is the desire of the heart of a good (</em>wo<em>)man? </em></div><div align="center"><em>It is this, to know, and love, and live to God, to please him and to be pleased in him.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left">This past Monday Patti's daughter and family came over for a barbecue...One handsome husband, and four little ones under 7. It was nice to be around little ones who are so well-behaved and I watched them play all day without whining or fighting. Jacob and Michael had some adventures up on the hill in the trees for hours..coming and going. Owen, 8 months, let us do tricks for him to make him laugh. He is so dang sweet with the best duck hair ever! Clara is three and she is who I want to share about with regard to DELIGHT.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Clara loves her Pa 'best.' (GrandPa) He taught her that at a very early age...Who do you like best, Clara? PA is her only answer. She obviously does adore him. She delights in him..and I must say he in her as well. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">They spent about an hour in the hammock....making faces, she holding her Pa's face, talking with him, saying she loved him, best even!! They chatted back and forth and we heard much laughter and saw the joy! She was totally in tune to him and no one else. She was looking at him and no one else. She was totally focused on him. It's really hard to explain without a video or even a picture of the two of them in the hammock, but when I did my bible study lesson on Monday I was reminded that I had seen DELIGHT between Clara and Pa. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I shared that with the ladies at the bible study on Tuesday morning..it really brought tears to my eyes. Oh, that I would delight in the Lord the way little Clara was with her Pa. A good lesson--up close and personal. May it be so.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Whom have I in heaven but You?</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>and I have no delight or desire on earth beside You.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the rock</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>and firm strength of my heart, and my portion forever</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Psalm 73:25-26</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevp4COYOuSBRvmhT6qxB_ar45tDp8B8tg3UR0ZNgxe0oYgRflNkFN7-fudv0Ujw6V_Jp6212aRgsmqqBiUes0WooSgQ5fEuFqF7SMGvQ9_7bHTJOvScdNryS8ZcUuztHvdtfcfldDxMg/s1600/claraandpa.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492353427924843378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevp4COYOuSBRvmhT6qxB_ar45tDp8B8tg3UR0ZNgxe0oYgRflNkFN7-fudv0Ujw6V_Jp6212aRgsmqqBiUes0WooSgQ5fEuFqF7SMGvQ9_7bHTJOvScdNryS8ZcUuztHvdtfcfldDxMg/s200/claraandpa.bmp" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Pa & Clara in quieter times...</div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-68650278749548033442010-07-07T11:54:00.000-07:002010-07-07T12:08:29.434-07:00The Queen of England & Other Fans of mine...Repost from August 2008--taking me a bit longer to do today's blog than I thot...so enjoy this one in the meantime. :) Thanks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz2JSzXk3gap1KHjx8aDu4fA8nrYN95A1zIa4qrIaTHZhRAiQ0uJeNISik9J5aeM8R9SkTX3yYtqG3evNHHEAtdSuExAlnr-l22HqRKMpKCfSzwpJivVnSTOxkwepAOPGqyTyiqpY-sQ/s1600/queenengland.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 137px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 92px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491240848048122610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz2JSzXk3gap1KHjx8aDu4fA8nrYN95A1zIa4qrIaTHZhRAiQ0uJeNISik9J5aeM8R9SkTX3yYtqG3evNHHEAtdSuExAlnr-l22HqRKMpKCfSzwpJivVnSTOxkwepAOPGqyTyiqpY-sQ/s400/queenengland.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Yes, my friend the Queen of England in a wonderful pose that she reserves only for her best friends! She writes to me quite often but for someone of her influence and stature, she somehow ends up in my SPAM folder!!!!! You would think she might have a technology servant who could somehow find a way to get right into my genuine email. I've written her to let her know I really appreciate her emails and have put her into my best buddy list.<br /><br />Why the fellow in the UK can't get to my acceptable email recipients is beyond me as well; I am very open to cashing in on the lotteries I have won and would be happy to travel to England to negotiate with the attorneys for big businessmen who need my help by setting up an account here in the US. Best deal ever! They promise people will begin to send me large checks and all I have to do is deposit them, take my percentage cut, and then send the rest of the money back to the UK!<br /><br />At 65 years of age I am receiving many opportunities to get my degree on line. I think I want to be a neurologist and hope they send me the online link soon so I can get my M.D. degree within 18 months! I have no interest in becoming a forensic specialist or a bookkeeper at this late date. I need to garner funds quickly and am pretty sure Kaiser Permanente would hire me with my 18-month degree in a fast minute!You can imagine my glee when my SPAM mail shocked me with the information that i could lose 6 inches in my thighs in just a week! Let me buy a gross of that as I have more than six inches to lose! And to think they haven't teamed up with the people who say I can trim my tummy in only one month if I would just buy their product with a 30-day money back guarantee!<br /><br />Bank of America, Wells Fargo all want me to call them immediately because there are problems with my accounts!!! I dont bank at either bank!!! Wait, maybe that is the problem!<br /><br />These scams must be working or we would not receive them daily, right? People are bilked everyday; we need to warn them! Some people are just getting started on the Internet and have no idea that people are out to scam them. Early on in terms of computer savvy, one friend told me this: "I got locked up in a box with someone I didn't know and I couldn't get out." (This was an IM on AOL). Today that friend locked in the IM Box can perform a function on comast email that alludes me to this day...cut and paste! She has come a long way!<br /><br /><div align="center">I'm a sucker for things to buy at 3 am which appear on TV, however ...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">“<a class="sqq" href="http://thinkexist.com/quotation/laughter_is_the_closest_thing_to_the_grace_of/192072.html">Laughter is the closest thing to</a></div><div align="center">the grace of God”</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a class="sqa" href="http://thinkexist.com/quotes/karl_barth/">Karl Barth </a>** <a class="sqb" href="http://thinkexist.com/nationality/swiss_authors/">Swiss</a> <a class="sqb" href="http://thinkexist.com/occupation/famous_theologians/">Theologian</a><br /><br /></div><a class="quickedit" title="Edit" onclick="'return" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=3435547270602754589&widgetType=BlogArchive&widgetId=BlogArchive1&action=editWidget" target="configBlogArchive1"></a>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-29095223636006713152010-07-03T23:36:00.001-07:002010-07-04T00:34:50.295-07:00Happy 4th of July - My family were immigrants!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM5Y9pXC2txunwKtBrg0vlWDMObZG0jGVyZ5CVZr-LHLNgGxiKNWhJJSpfF3tP2mHprNi0KLo1cPG81wUBzOMF0p1uIGwjYyvnq1ICEun5ApmgKhIwjPA9iI_BB8tg7tMGc2W2zGHawc/s1600/ancestors2.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 92px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489939725206608722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM5Y9pXC2txunwKtBrg0vlWDMObZG0jGVyZ5CVZr-LHLNgGxiKNWhJJSpfF3tP2mHprNi0KLo1cPG81wUBzOMF0p1uIGwjYyvnq1ICEun5ApmgKhIwjPA9iI_BB8tg7tMGc2W2zGHawc/s320/ancestors2.bmp" /></a><br /><div><div></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB5S1xeBX8Lcitg1dDXfho4UYrZS6bkPKXzfCIYs-mzJw9MbP6Se3BGFWl-zqFqnBuL-aHCSJm5tlcct5Nji5X_n9OCquwb5MGE4Ft-nkTL9Kh3wB7ypb3R5OO2jppYUMI_tfKH575jA/s1600/4th+of+july.jpg"></a></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489939908992835154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrEeB0Js14-1mhlmdG2mlgyqLJt2vQjzbwwpauX6-7iBxK47DEW3TvWN1gaZS04VIEaqAbrbDVH4SrLxkDw0oCYmqCJe-aChszmSnwoV-pAN3NGnSb_xK9Pj6FT7BIq7wm9At0V4VVsw/s320/ancesters1.bmp" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iCJj1x4j_n0g6YWYFZZ0iNy0hn17C24euFyHlNmJs0eqTowWi9b_ZnjIgIPTp2O3dAkSKRJF1xPsn9G6MWj4pC-jNTcdi6psHvoDmN3UNeVNF74vaUkoBL60K1ZW4LhaSX7QHFduyXA/s1600/ancesters3grandparents.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489942518163590850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iCJj1x4j_n0g6YWYFZZ0iNy0hn17C24euFyHlNmJs0eqTowWi9b_ZnjIgIPTp2O3dAkSKRJF1xPsn9G6MWj4pC-jNTcdi6psHvoDmN3UNeVNF74vaUkoBL60K1ZW4LhaSX7QHFduyXA/s320/ancesters3grandparents.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB5S1xeBX8Lcitg1dDXfho4UYrZS6bkPKXzfCIYs-mzJw9MbP6Se3BGFWl-zqFqnBuL-aHCSJm5tlcct5Nji5X_n9OCquwb5MGE4Ft-nkTL9Kh3wB7ypb3R5OO2jppYUMI_tfKH575jA/s1600/4th+of+july.jpg"></a></p><br /><div align="justify">Granddaughter and daughter of immigrants in 1920 and 1926, settling in Ohio and San Francisco. My mother and her parents came from Scotland. My father was born in Philadelphia but his parents immigrated from Poland and Ireland. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaWvP9-qjYdv26tkfXOQw2ZVqLYiemmyOFf8R04FI8C5-9d2wT77Pegmy2G91HNUYJ-5LSMmxgHZFUiQDTVqV0SidLTAB_Vlqz93pFmXcishiqzSkN6RcL8WGIUzlj6xHm5HCHTJ6gHo/s1600/ancestorskids.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 130px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 121px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489947933618191874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaWvP9-qjYdv26tkfXOQw2ZVqLYiemmyOFf8R04FI8C5-9d2wT77Pegmy2G91HNUYJ-5LSMmxgHZFUiQDTVqV0SidLTAB_Vlqz93pFmXcishiqzSkN6RcL8WGIUzlj6xHm5HCHTJ6gHo/s320/ancestorskids.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">These are all pictures of my Dad's family....great grandparents, grandparents, parents, and brothers and sisters....as young kids and all grown up. They all could play the harmonica! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRafRb0bf6MAft74r1TRiEJSGQH_xQ2qoKqN17kZV75Fzmjf1fcw3ZoMD3SUqj2s-GcV2sitamezb1UWZkiuMjs1pz48OC3uodNsERQGXBoHHF3OWXkWbbotNRDjL5LOgtYzoF0kJ6oA/s1600/ancestersgrownupharmonicas.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 130px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 94px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489940251995467906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRafRb0bf6MAft74r1TRiEJSGQH_xQ2qoKqN17kZV75Fzmjf1fcw3ZoMD3SUqj2s-GcV2sitamezb1UWZkiuMjs1pz48OC3uodNsERQGXBoHHF3OWXkWbbotNRDjL5LOgtYzoF0kJ6oA/s320/ancestersgrownupharmonicas.bmp" /></a>There were six children...John, Francis (Barney/my dad), Eileen, Maureen, Dorothy and Mike. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div align="justify">I can't believe I don't have any pictures of my mother's side of the family on my computer and all my photos are in storage so I can't add any but they were a fine looking bunch from Scotland. My grandfather came over first in 1920 to San Francisco and almost went back to Scotland due to the lack of jobs and while there was some government assistance available he would have no part of it being the proud independent man he was. My grandmother heard he was coming back to Scotland and wrote him immediately and told him she was on her way. She got her papers, all the legal things needed, and packed up her house and the four children, Hugh, Bill, James and Sarah (my mother), ages 14 to six.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">She even packed up her set of china which was a huge 12 piece place setting with rather grand vegetable bowls. It is white with blue and gold around the edges. My mother used it for years and I have it now. My Aunt Mary gave me a darling little vase that was my Grandmother's also. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">I asked all four (mother and uncles) to write their memories down for me and I typed them up and added some graphics including their immigration papers, the family shortbread mold, and other assorted memorabelia. I gave them each a copy for Christmas that year and they loved it! It is one of my treasures too.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify">If my memory serves me right, I have 33 cousins. We were all living in the Bay Area during my youth and had quite a nice life, seeing each other quite often. I have great memories of all the family time spent.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">I am so glad that they immigrated to America! </div><div align="center">I love my heritage as well! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">God Bless America</span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">This is a great song for the 4th of July</div><br /><div align="center">by Billy Madden & Vinnie Rhodes.</div><br /><div align="center">Enjoy</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydSNAEnurto&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydSNAEnurto&feature=related</a><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-61642838153985022862010-07-02T12:33:00.000-07:002010-07-02T13:03:51.146-07:00When in Transition...raw fish, buffalo burgers and who knows else is ahead!?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTNtkJAXn4L__R04I7pB4DD2qnnfm5OAuD8zYIRFg39i-ShzOJgVz45efLqE_Q_5YPIhcWl3nzYv6KB8AGMGT2opLQvuVyYLEzfLLz3Z6nZbZ6PQnmhgEjlsDdZ7qehgoK6T5G5WHBK4/s1600/moving.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 108px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 102px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489400520594033442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTNtkJAXn4L__R04I7pB4DD2qnnfm5OAuD8zYIRFg39i-ShzOJgVz45efLqE_Q_5YPIhcWl3nzYv6KB8AGMGT2opLQvuVyYLEzfLLz3Z6nZbZ6PQnmhgEjlsDdZ7qehgoK6T5G5WHBK4/s320/moving.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div><br /></div><div>I'm having so much fun in California, as you well know from my postings on Facebook and here in my blog.</div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>I'm moving to another friend's home on the 4th of July. I've been in a beautiful situation at Kim's (she makes the best ever cupcakes!!) with my own upper floor but the bedroom just gets too hot for me! Even with the air on it doesn't seem to want to cool off this room enough for this ole gal.<br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Patti and Mike graciously offered their home to me so I would stay in California lon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinO-6UBhfVfhkAw_ipWcXHS8b9F5PokXMSKtgtjkTdDY1XnxBFMR5ayEi8qSm_Dy_b5qAio6pOsfnQhXvnVFVQxvzAzmc5yjSxWOwR1s3HI8KM-yCm1mCapV-A2z8UTVewU3Ea8Lc0GK4/s1600/buffalo.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 148px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 111px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489398384528303938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinO-6UBhfVfhkAw_ipWcXHS8b9F5PokXMSKtgtjkTdDY1XnxBFMR5ayEi8qSm_Dy_b5qAio6pOsfnQhXvnVFVQxvzAzmc5yjSxWOwR1s3HI8KM-yCm1mCapV-A2z8UTVewU3Ea8Lc0GK4/s320/buffalo.jpg" /></a>ger. I was told I had to eat with them and enjoy plain Midwestern cooking! Okay!! Then Patti said: You will love buffalo burgers. EXCUSE ME? I know that is Idaho food..and I never tried it, but this is NOT plain old Midwestern food either! I guess I will...Patti can be persuasive. </div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Speaking of plain...years ago Patti and I were up in the Wine Country and stopped in for lunch. I ordered the tuna..so she did too. HOWEVER, she thot it was a tunafish sandwich, and it was a raw tuna totally California cuisine...Patti ate her salad. LOL Maybe thats' what I'll have to do if the buffalo burger doesn't tickle my palate.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Patti is my real-in-person funniest friend ever. On line its Martha; they both think so fast with a quick witty comeback you can't help laughing. Its a gift for sure! One day they can amuse me for all eternity while we hang out on the clouds. I bet Patti and Martha will bond over not liking raw tuna too!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyNE36QXE7ocjPKpnld2jOSsaXvu0I4cOdGDFHfMS9YpiFUFIL_KX2MQD-joSpBf7jQWxUJvpq61EhsKcBUu20irWS3mmD5Zqwpj2cRIWSq2aK1rWbpEZoPcS7bYf4naVQ5pvaMJow_c/s1600/4th+of+july.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 121px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 96px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489400103367825314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyNE36QXE7ocjPKpnld2jOSsaXvu0I4cOdGDFHfMS9YpiFUFIL_KX2MQD-joSpBf7jQWxUJvpq61EhsKcBUu20irWS3mmD5Zqwpj2cRIWSq2aK1rWbpEZoPcS7bYf4naVQ5pvaMJow_c/s320/4th+of+july.jpg" /></a> <em>I'll be celebrating my transition </em></div><div align="center"><em>on the 4th of July! </em></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><em>God Bless America and all my friends. </em></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><em>I am blessed.</em></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-82321539810436501592010-06-30T20:37:00.000-07:002010-06-30T21:18:20.324-07:00ALFRED HITCHCOCK<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3N8WXD4KlD-T206yc0oejm38It6HEDerHQ3IQmUmlXdhouLe_StBosoFlo26nwC6wNga6AzVQ09N544YQBhcNcC2vcfavSMgpHDCXe1GOdy3uljKVTJp1y8tIdZ7dg7ulMSHZjBInUw/s1600/alfredhitchcock.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 89px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 119px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488777298177263058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3N8WXD4KlD-T206yc0oejm38It6HEDerHQ3IQmUmlXdhouLe_StBosoFlo26nwC6wNga6AzVQ09N544YQBhcNcC2vcfavSMgpHDCXe1GOdy3uljKVTJp1y8tIdZ7dg7ulMSHZjBInUw/s320/alfredhitchcock.bmp" /></a> <em>Love ole</em> Alfred!!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I enjoyed a marathon of Alfred Hitchcock Presents today! It was so fun. Rose Marie has an entire collection!! We watched four...its hard to watch more when you are snacking and laughing. Alfred wasn't the best looking man on the planet, but his droll sense of humor is right up my alley. He said the funniest things before, during and after the shows</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">One of the things we found funniest was the commercials - in every instance we realized that none of these products are still around! They were all cartoons too. Silly jingles and so retro (now). We've come a long way in advertising, that's for sure. Another thing was seeing some very famous movie stars over the years since who were so young in these TV shows. We had a bit of trouble remember them until the credits rolled, but we were able to name a couple.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Alfred's <strong><em>PSYCHO</em></strong> came out when I was a senior in high school, 1960. My folks were gone on vacation with my little brothers for two weeks and my best friend Irene was going to spend that time at my house. The fridge was stocked by my mother before they all left. Great. Our boyfriends, Jud and Matt took us to see Psycho .... oh my gosh..talk about scary! That was one of the best ever real suspenseful thrillers! After we got back to my house, the guys were in the kitchen and Irene and I were in the living room. You could exit our kitchen from two sides and end up back in the living room...which those bad boys did with big knives in their hands acting like Tony Perkins! We screamed so loud..and both took off down the hall...I locked myself in the bathroom and Irene locked herself in my parents bedroom. It took a long time for those boys to get us to come out again. We were so scared we went home to Irene's house and the safety of her parents being home for the two weeks. I think poor Irene made her mother sit in the bathroom while she took a shower for months on end.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I think I've seen most his films now. He did a few silent movies in the late 20s. in 1955 he produced: The Trouble With Harry. John Forsythe is one of the stars. Mr. Handsome himself always! I didn't see this film until about 10 years ago and it is soooooo funny. They refer to it as a black comedy.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">When I first was married in 1964, Alfred Hitchcock Presents was on TV Sunday nights at 10 pm. It was an hour show. My husband worked graveyard at the time and had to leave at 10:30..Nevertheless, we watched the show..it was always so scary that when he went to work, I could not watch the last half-hour. How stupid is that? Such a wuss! And...why did we even bother with the first half?</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Other favorites movies I can watch over and over are: Rear Window, Vertigo, Spellbound, North by Northwest, The Birds (my son was married in Bodega Bay in the church that was in the movie.) and Charade! I remember who I went to see Charade with (Jerry) ...and what I wore (This classic coat dress in black leather) yikes lol ...isn't that something...well they say the elderly have good long term memory...its just the short term that is the problem.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I know today's marathon is just making me want to see his full-length movies again..and I understand you can view them on hulu.com. The Trouble With Harry is there!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Alfred was brilliant! </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-7179470266069579642010-06-25T11:38:00.000-07:002010-06-25T12:04:51.900-07:00Lassie! Lassie!!! Come Home!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qgvrXXXVse_SfX5lJ-S_ZksC3X8Iu3FqnVzu1kwZEiq4D9C9A5mUqkC0w9rWw3lh21oyVmJUOvpVFAcizf4hqeAYzfrluf-w5MEmxTCVfzXxwA0Nhv6rxKMxS2ZxwcOVZiAbz3mOSc4/s1600/lassie.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 85px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486787196766742306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qgvrXXXVse_SfX5lJ-S_ZksC3X8Iu3FqnVzu1kwZEiq4D9C9A5mUqkC0w9rWw3lh21oyVmJUOvpVFAcizf4hqeAYzfrluf-w5MEmxTCVfzXxwA0Nhv6rxKMxS2ZxwcOVZiAbz3mOSc4/s320/lassie.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><em><strong>Did you ever watch Lassie?</strong></em> You know they just had to call that dog and she came running! Now I'm a Sassy Lass as you can see by the name of my blog. When I was in college I had to take some math class that was tedious and stupid because I am so lame in math...I finally quit going to class. One of my friends said that the teacher called my name every day as he did everyone else's and then marked me as not in attendance. One day he said my name and then remarked..it's kind of like calling for Lassie but this one never comes running. I thot that was pretty funny.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Now how does that link up to what I am going to blog about you might ask! Well a couple of people have said they check my blog from time to time but haven't found much ...even a very long absence and it's true. I loved blogging and realized once I stopped that it was really because I had used the blog like journaling the majority of time as I processed my grief over Jeff's death. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Oh, yes, I did write humorous blogs, cuz you know, I am humorous! I just can't help it. What is interesting to me is that I still had a sense of humor after that huge loss in my life. I am so grateful that it never disappeared along with my Son. Humor can be a coping mechanism so perhaps thats why ... I don't know. I'm not a sociologist. I'm just me...a Sassy Lass..and only Sassy really when I need to be or think it's fun to be.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Yesterday I had lunch with a fellow friend and blogger...i look hers up every day because I take such delight in them...That Reckless Quilter writes a great blog! During our lunch the blogging came up and she encouraged me to keep on blogging. So that's why I am here. Maybe now that I dont seem to need to process my grief, it will be interesting to see what I write about.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>KCP and I had lunch at Havana in Walnut Creek or as she calls it Brookside (LOL - private joke). She loves to eat adventurously (is that a word?) I have been to ChaChaCha in SF so I knew I loved Cuban..done deal.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>We hadn't seen each other in a very long time and really hadn't had a chance to catch up ever..we had such a blast. we are very much alike in so many ways..all good of course!! :) We had tons of fun making fun of Olive Garden in particular as far as cuisine goes. We just had a lot of laughs..some at our own expense too! She is just a wonderful down to earth Christian sister who I love and thank God for bringing her into my life and keeping here there no matter where I live..its just like we have seen each other yesterday! (Yes, that is one run-on sentence; bad syntax and guess what? IT'S OKAY!)</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Our next adventure is going to an Asian Market where she told me they can cook up a whole fish! That's what I am going to say: FRY ME A WHOLE FISH,PLEASE! I'm hoping I don't have to wait too long to do that...(can ya hear me KCP?)</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>What else is new with me? My transitioning continues...I'm in CA on an extended vacation and considering staying, but feeling a pull to be with my brother and family in ID as well...hard to say where i'll end up. The Lord knows! So His will...fine with me.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>I joined a terrific bible study at my church on Tuesday mornings. Cynthia Heald's study on prayer. Nce nice ladies ..only knew one from living here before.<br /></div><br /><div>Taking an online culinary arts class from TopChefUniversity LOL..this is so hilarious I laugh every time I think of it...you can laugh too...especially those of you who know my turkey story or my lifelong condition of problems cooking....what a hoot...but i love the food shows and top chef is one of my<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUon2cjHinPHobXlx14OUu8XeerEZ9RSo0x56y6soTGLmwm9-OYBtOK9zJ3a52aSB4t3XMC-sHx02zWHxYwFQY69aPniiZYYSNXI2Sft0Z1AEdV2-vOezh86-jBAMl6F0m-sBC7hbdESE/s1600/karen2009.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 113px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 159px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486788750407842578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUon2cjHinPHobXlx14OUu8XeerEZ9RSo0x56y6soTGLmwm9-OYBtOK9zJ3a52aSB4t3XMC-sHx02zWHxYwFQY69aPniiZYYSNXI2Sft0Z1AEdV2-vOezh86-jBAMl6F0m-sBC7hbdESE/s320/karen2009.jpg" /></a> favs..hopefully they can teach me something! Its so affordable and payable month by month so its doable too!!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I keep threatening to appear on FOOD NETWORK TV...who know's what the future holds for Sassy Lass?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Nice to be back!</div>KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435547270602754589.post-18726507864051381172010-06-09T16:17:00.000-07:002010-06-09T16:18:44.809-07:00You<a href="http://www.inspiringthots.net/movie/you.php">You</a><br /><br />Miss you,Jeff...the tear in the heart is huge....KARNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161919216489445979noreply@blogger.com1