Butterfly Musings

lady-like

2012-01-21T12:06:00.004-05:00

We used to teach girls to be ladies. Dress like ladies. Act like ladies. What has happened? I know there are some who still do, but on the most part girls are not being taught that skill. And, yes it is a skill. Yesterday, I heard on the radio a woman expressing my thoughts about how immodest women are dressing. She referred to an outing where the mother of a teen daughter had on a top showing too much cleavage. And remarked about what the mother was teaching the daughter in dressing.
Christian Working Woman
I recently saw a post online about two couples headed off to a special event for the youth at church. A banquet of sorts. I felt sorry for the guys (if they wanted to live right) having to try to avoid impure thoughts all evening, by the way the girls were dressed. And they were Christian families. It is sad we have let the world's way of dressing flow over into our Christian way of life.

I thought about this today because of this photo I was working on this morning. It is my first photo as 'a lady'. I graduated from the 8th grade and my mom made the dress for me. she made sure I had the necklace and heels to complete the outfit.

And yes, my dress probably had a lower neckline than it should have had. However, I was not a Christian at that time and did not know 'many things' I probably should have!

And No, I do not have on a dress for the second photo. But, I still do try to act lady-like .... most of the time. :)

Another interesting read: I just ain't dainty.

Kindergarten

2012-01-06T13:09:00.001-05:00

Started in Germany by Friedrich Frobel as a preschool educational institution for children for a play and activity institute that he created in 1837 as a social experience for children in their transition from home to school. His goal was that children should be taken care of and nourished in "children's gardens" like plants in a garden. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kindergarten)

I was watching a show the other day and they were teaching children in kindergarten multiplication facts. I thought that was odd. And that was back in the 1980s. I wonder if they did not cram so much into the heads of children so young, that maybe, just maybe, they would not have so much trouble being distracted in school later. It seems they stopped letting it be a transition and made it 1st grade ... or 2nd grade ... Just my pondering.

The reason I looked this up, was I wanted to see the history of it ... when I was in Germany and tried to learn German, my German friend asked me what was English for kindergarten. I said, 'kindergarten'. She thought that odd, and that it should be children-garden being kinder is children and garten is garden. I told her that it must be one of those words from our German ancestors.

Drawing

2012-01-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

Recently, I have been thinking I'd like to draw. If I saw a pencil sketch, I though, I bet I could do that. Could I. Finally, one evening, I took up a pencil and paper and tried. It didn't look too bad. I enjoyed drawing, so I saved that sketch and dated it. Then, I did a search online about drawing. And practiced. Well, none are good enough to show, but I have been drawing for about a month now and it is relaxing. I think I like the sketching best. Here is one link I found today: All About Drawings

Funny pig - ormi ...

2012-01-04T07:26:00.001-05:00

I had such a good laugh from this yesterday, then showed it to Steve and got to see him enjoy it and laugh also. I love to see him laugh. Thought maybe someone at Blogger might like it, also. It reminds me of the cartoons we watched as kids. They did not try to teach us anything (good or bad) (except maybe introduce to classical music unawares). They were mostly just plain fun. Some people think they were violent, but I never thought that. I think we knew we were smart enough not to really try all those stunts the cartoon characters tried. Whatever! Enjoy.

2012-01-02T19:52:00.000-05:00

This past year, my main focus was on the family tree research, which has led me down paths I never imagined and found items I did not know about my family. I still have it only half done. Of course, It will never be completely done, but this year I plan to take it at a slower pace.
When I signed up for Ancestry.com, after I bought the program (Family Tree maker) I had 6 months free, so I feverishly worked on it trying to find all I could in 5 different directions.
Anyway, after the 6-month,when I called to cancel, I found out I had another 6 month paid up subscription. I continued to work and each time I found neat things, I looked up and said, "Thank-You' for I had no idea who gave me a subscription, except for Him. I did not do as much as the 1st 6 months, though, for I was worn out. When the 6 months was up and I called again to cancel, the man told me that what had happened was when I clicked to join, it 'double clicked' giving me 2 6-months worth. He said he had not seen that happen but a couple times while working there. Well, whatever the reason, I assume God wanted me to find out all that other information I found out. After a while of resting and searching elsewhere, I want to sign up again. But now now.

my blog

2012-01-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe it has been 2 years since I started this blog. I had no idea what I was doing, but with the help of a friend got it under way. I have not posted nearly as much as I have thought about posting, but even so, I have 230 posts. Maybe this year, I can do more, but however much I do, I want it to be only what God wants me to write. My daily prayer is for me to only write what He wants me to write.

Belinda

Free King James (KJB) versed Christian Wallpaper: My heavn'ly Father watches over me

2012-01-02T14:34:00.000-05:00

Free King James (KJB) versed Christian Wallpaper: My heavn'ly Father watches over me

2011-12-29T08:52:00.000-05:00

I was in the mood for Chex Mix, but do not buy Chex because of additive ingredients I do not want. So I bought Cascadian Farms Multi Grain Squares instead. and went by the normal recipe. For the above photo, I used the cinnamon flavor and added coconut, dried pineapple and dark chocolate m&ms. I only cooked it for the 1st half hour and added the m&ms after it cooled. Yummmm.

Soldier's Silent Night.wmv

2011-12-24T15:11:00.000-05:00

25 clever ideas to make life easier

2011-12-22T14:33:00.000-05:00

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/blogs/135499623.html

I got this in an email and thought I would pass it on to you. I plan to use some of these ideas!

Cherry Cheese Cake (pie)

2011-12-14T08:45:00.000-05:00

This morning, I made a Cherry Cheese Cake (pie). I had been thinking about it for a while and gathering the ingredients. As you know, I use half the amount of sugar when baking, so when I made the filling I used 1/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup of sugar. While eating it, we realized that I could have gone with 1/8 of a cup of sugar (or none) because the crust has sugar in it and the filling has 3 types of sugar in it!
So .... one day, when our cherry trees start producing, I shall make it with my own cherry pie filling! And try to figure out about the crust because it had partially hydrogenated oil in it. (which I avoid). While I made sure the filling did not by not using the store-bought whip topping and making my own, I did not think about the crust.

INGREDIENTS:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
10 oz whipping cream
1 (8 inch size) graham cracker pie crusts
1 can pie filling, or other topping as desired
PREPARATION:

In large bowl, beat cream with electric mixer until stiff. Add cream cheese and sugar. Pour into prepared pie shell. Top with cherry pie filling. Chill well.

hello friend

2011-12-08T21:09:00.002-05:00

Rachael T. If you are still reading my blog, would you contact me, please. I miss you.

2011-12-08T15:10:00.000-05:00

Links to Free Fonts

2011-11-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

I thought instead of just complaining, I would search for better ways and found this free eco font.

An Eco Font - the font has holes in it so it uses less ink. When I typed a sample, you could not tell the holes were there until I chose a LARGER font size. I don't know if I will use the eco for nicer printing, but I shall try it for rough drafts and go from there!

Other FREE fonts
1001 freefonts
urbanfonts
A link with lots of links :)
A Sign Language font

ink cartridges

2011-11-26T13:05:00.001-05:00

I heard once that Gillette made his money by selling razors cheap, but charging a lot for the blades. I think that is the same for printer companies. I understand that and I still fall into their scheme, for I have to print things out. Recently, we bought a Kodak printer because they said their printer would be better usage of ink than the others. Wrong! As far as I can see, that is.
I put in a new cartridge and kept track of the prints I made (knowing I was going to make a lot at that moment). It basically printed about what they said considering I had lots of photos in the batch. However, I printed it all in black and white and still watched the graph for the color cartridge go down with each printing. It was heart-breaking because, though I knew I'd use the whole black cartridge, I thought the color would stay there being I formatted the whole document in B&W and told it to print in B&W.

how-to-make-printer-ink-and-toner-last-longer
An interestng article. I tried to find more, but could not.

Deviled Eggs

2011-11-23T20:20:00.000-05:00

We made deviled eggs today to take to Mom's tomorrow. I believe it is the LAST time I volunteer to do this food item. I used to make them quite often and enjoyed doing so. I especially like to eat them! But, over the last few years, I cannot get the shells off the eggs without damaging them up pretty good and it taking a long time to accomplish the task.
I have tried all the hints people have offered me to make it easier, but for some reason, it does not work for me any more. I shall still enjoy eating them when other people (who know the trick I have forgotten) make them, though!

2011-11-05T09:04:00.000-04:00

I worked at a dimestore when I was a teenage. The boss expected us to be there 15 minutes prior to opening for a group meeting of what was expected of us and upcoming events. During the day, he sat in his office in a sort of balcony above the store so he could see the goings on. When not in his office, he walked the floor. You knew he could see you from the office and never knew when he would be in your section, so it kept you on your toes to do your job and do it right. At closing time, he would go to the door, open it and look up and down the street to see if anyone else wanted in before he closed the door. We all hoped no one was within the block, for we had to stay until they left. And, we did not get paid for the 15 minutes prior to opening or the time after he turned the lock in the door.

However, he taught us good work ethics and I am glad to this day for his 'leadership', though he probably did not think of it that way. I imagine his thought was, "If you don't do your job, there are a hundred other teens out there who can replace you." I learned to wait on customers and treat them with respect, helping them when they needed something, no matter which section of the store the item was in.

On the most part today, you don't get 'waited on' like you did back then. But, there are still some out there who surprise me and make me feel like I want to go back to their store.

I guess that is it, the dimestore was 'our store' not just the manager's!

2011-11-03T10:43:00.002-04:00

I was looking up information on butterflies and how long it takes a butterfly to become just that from a chrysalis and I came up on this site that homeschoolers might like. It is all about BUTTERFLIES. It has color sheets you can use for your class.

I found this hanging from the board below my mailbox yesterday.

I found out the answer to my question. It can take from 2 weeks to years! I think ours chose an odd place to attach itself, but I hope I get to watch it change as I check the mail daily.

2011-10-08T21:26:00.001-04:00

We had our first Gill cousin family reunion today. It went off smoothly and we had about 40 people there. And, I am learning the names and faces of my cousins again after not being with them for 30+ years while traveling with Steve's job. Next reunion, is the Floyd gathering at Thanksgiving! yea!

I also found a 1st cousin once removed who is into genealogy and a phone number and name of a man close by who both may help me with my research.

toddlers and the elderly

2011-10-04T09:08:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, we were at the doctor's office. An elderly lady was wheeled in by her 'older' daughters. I won't repeat what she said (for privacy) but she made a remark that prompted everyone within hearing distance of her to chuckle. Her daughters wore a look similar to parents of toddlers when their children say something 'cute'.
This morning I thought about it again, and realized toddlers and the elderly can get away with saying things that most of us will not because we have 'to be proper'.

2011-10-03T10:23:00.002-04:00

I have a question: I am interviewing my uncles and aunts (and mom) about their childhood. Several of them have mentioned a plant that grew in their chicken yard and how they played with the stems, leaves, etc, using the items for 'toys'. But, they cannot remember what they were called. Commacristis or somethng like that. Does anyone out there know what it was or is called?

It's hard to say joy with a frown on your face!

2011-09-30T15:52:00.003-04:00

I have never heard the Fruit of the Spirit taught the way I heard it taught last Sunday. We were visiting our former church in Fernandina, Florida and were truly blessed. The teacher is teaching a series with a different fruit each week, but he reviewed the two previously taught. He uses the opposite of the fruit to illustrate how important the good attribute is. Example: Love / self love (for if you hate, then it is really self-love; Joy / frustration (maybe a synonym of that?) and Peace / worry. I wish I could hear or read the whole series! But, that is a long way to go to church!

I have thought on it all week! This week, when I get frustrated, I am trying to say 'joy' instead of 'shoot'! I have tried to stop saying shoot for years and now maybe I can come closer! It is hard to say joy with a frown on your face! I've goofed sometimes, but I am trying!

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart! But, I need to get it out in my life!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Gal. 5:22-23

2011-09-10T22:40:00.001-04:00

Today, I got a wonderful gift from my uncle. I went to see him and catch him up on my genealogy of our family. He let me copy the genealogy pages out of my Great Grandpa's Bible. I took photos, touching the pages gently. I felt as if I should have on white gloves like they do in a museum. He had not thought to show me the Bible figuring I had got all the information from a cousin who, I guess, had seen it years ago. But, some of the dates I had were wrong, so it was neat to get them correct.

This uncle is only about 7 years older than I am. I have another one who is a year or so younger than he is. My mother had 12 siblings who grew up with her. There were wo more, but they died young.

Butterfly Smiles

2011-08-31T14:51:00.001-04:00

I visited my mom today. She lives 6 miles from me. As I drove home, I counted 37 butterflies dancing in the air. Each one, or two at a time, made me smile. Well, except for number 26. That one got too close to the front of my car. I guess I need to start breaking for butterflies. But, then I think people would get awful upset with me. Thankfully, no one was behind me on my leisurely drive home. :)

2011-08-31T14:47:00.001-04:00

Last week, I saw a butterfly fluttering around my butterfly plant. I had camera in hand so started snapping photos of it. None turned out that good, but it flew to the porch where I stood, landed and I got this unusual photo. It was as if it was saying, "You looking at me?"

Devotionals

2011-08-17T06:22:00.000-04:00

There are two devotionals I mainly use. #1 Baptist Bread. #2 is Days of Praise. Both are KJV. Days of Praise, we have been getting for many years, either through the mail or from our church. Baptist Bread we started getting in 2009. Our church supplies it to us.
Here is the devotion today from Baptist Bread.

ZERO

2011-08-15T14:13:00.000-04:00

Zero

Sometimes I feel like a zero – a big empty nothing. I make so many mistakes and am constantly wavering in my decisions and goals I want to do for Thee. Dear God, how can You use someone as frail as me?

You knew me when I really was but nothing Before I was conceived – before my parents knew me. You loved me knowing just who and what I would be. Enough to send Jesus to die on the cross for me.

The shape of a zero can be easily made onto a heart. The place You let love flow through and joy impart. And because You are the Saviour of my soul, You give me wonderful peace that makes me whole.

Yes, Dear God, You made the world out of nothing, Looked at it, then liked and blessed everything. And You tell me if I give my life over to Thee, You will make something special out of me!

by Belinda Jo Adams (C) 2005

New Cook Book

2011-07-26T15:07:00.000-04:00

No, I am not that ambitious. And my cooking is too plain for anyone to want the recipes! But, my niece had published her cookbook and I am proud of her. Here is the link:

http://jeniskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/07/thank-you.html

family research

2011-07-26T15:00:00.000-04:00

I have been working on the family tree now since November 2010. I have found out so much, sometimes it is mind-boggling. But, exciting. I am now at the point of putting each family line into a booklet form for my parents. I thought I could make, for example, Jo's Family, then include the ancestry back as far as I could , then add the descendants at the end to connect the two lines. I made one for Steve's mom and it looks pretty good. Photos along the way, makes it less wordy.

When you run off a ancestral chart, there are a lot of repeats, which is good in its way, but for the book, I am taking out the repeats and instead of going by generations, I am going by family name (surname).

As I find items in the past, sometimes I am finding stories about our g-g-g-g-g-g grandparents. So, I am also getting people and story ideas for a new novel!

my page on facebook

2011-07-26T14:52:00.000-04:00

Someone told me I should make a page for my books on facebook. I did not realize how easy it would be, so as of yesterday, it is done! Well, started. My publisher had called recently (well, one of their workers trying to sell me a publicity campaign) and suggested I make a fan page. I did not know about that. It seems kinda conceited to make a fan page for youself, but a page on my fb account did not seem that way. Maybe it is the same thing. I don't know! :)

half-sugar cookies

2011-06-14T13:01:00.002-04:00

For more than 30 years, I have not put a lot of sugar in cookies (or other baked items). They turn out just fine and now when I taste a cookie with the full amount of sugar, it is SO sweet. Too sweet! At one time, I used honey, but finally, I just started using half the amount of sugar. I usually try to use raw sugar, whether it helps or not, I do not know. But, I refuse to buy those fake sugars. I get tickled when people say, 'I bought this and there is no sugar in it!' Well, it is sweet. What is in it? I had a doctor tell me, when aspartame came out, to leave it alone. Have you noticed they don't even list that any more. They use another name for it that means the same.

Recently, I discovered a peanut butter by Peanut Butter and Co. I like the Dark Chocolate Dream. When I get to craving a Reese cup, I get a spoonful of that and know I did not eat all the fake sugar in the candy. It is cheaper at the grocery store, BTW, than from the Internet.
A couple months ago, I could not find it, so bought a small jar of hazelnut chocolate, not even thinking to read the label. Mistake! I tasted it and realized I had wasted my money. Today, however, I made cookies with it and there was enough sugar, I did not add ANY sugar to the cookie dough! They are delicious, if anything a little too sweet. :)

Connecting with Friends

2011-06-13T16:03:00.000-04:00

As Aggravated as I get with the Internet and computing, it is a blessing sometimes. Within the last half hour, I have talked via email with a good friend in Brazil and then via Facebook with a good friend in Alaska! That is really neat.
We have friends all around the world and to think, we thought we'd be in our home town all our lives and only know those we knew there. But, God had other plans for our lives which includes many, MANY friends!!
Hello to ALL of them!
(as if very many of them even read this! ha!) But, I had to say it.

2011-06-10T16:56:00.000-04:00

Well, it looks like pumpkin because it looks so orange, but it is watermelon. A seedless watermelon. Not as many seeds as a regular one, but a lot more than we expected. Steve said he would dry some of the seeds and plant them so we could grow seedless watermelons. Think it will work? Can you grow seedless watermelons from seeds?

2011-06-09T12:20:00.002-04:00

Geraldine Eib Koblenz posted this on her facebook page. I think it is so lovely and fits my theme.

Thank you, Geraldine Eib Koblenz, for letting me put it on my blog.

200!

2011-06-09T12:18:00.000-04:00

My 200th Post. I imagine it would have happened a long time ago if I had not been busy with the family tree!

Book Signing

2011-05-31T19:11:00.000-04:00

Belinda Jo Adams is having a book signing this Saturday (June 4th) in Fernandina Beach Florida. At Books Plus located at 107 Centre St. 1-4 pm

Sunset.MP4

2011-05-07T21:53:00.000-04:00

sunrise at fbf 1

2011-05-07T08:40:00.001-04:00

May 11, 2011

2011-05-07T08:40:00.000-04:00

A dear friend and teacher passed away yesterday, passed on over to the city we await to see. She was my Bible club teacher when I was a child, children's choir director, great friend and mentor. I shall miss her, but I know I will see her again and her body will no longer be in pain. God bless you, Mrs. Rosilee Lucas.

New Book Signing!

2011-05-06T21:51:00.000-04:00

Books Plus in Fernandina Florida. 107 Centre St. June 4 from 1-4 PM. Belinda Jo Adams will be signing her four novels.

not posting much

2011-05-02T11:31:00.000-04:00

I think of so many things I want to post, but alas, I don't get around to posting them.
Maybe after I finish the family forest I can get back to posting here. Yes, I am now calling it a forest. It is no longer just a family tree. But, I am having so much fun doing this project I've wanted to do for 30 years. The neatest thing I found so far is that I have double gggg grandparents for both lines lead to my family on my father's side and my mother's side by 2 of their daughters. Their other sister, also leads back to my family in another direction. Actually, another generation back, the line leads down to my step-father's side, also. :) And I say all this with a BIG IF. IF I am doing all this correctly, ... so it will be a while before I research it all enough to know all these things for sure.

KJV Verse on Photos of mine

2011-04-14T09:55:00.002-04:00

Well, I made a page of KJV verses on photos that are some I have made over the years. But, I forgot the page shows up on the blog, so .... You can still see them until I figure out another way. Belinda

KJV Verses on my Photos

I added the photos to my web page photo album. If anyone wants to check them out and let me know how it works. It has a download link, but I don't know how it works.

KJV Verse Photos

Computer Crash

2011-03-28T09:11:00.001-04:00

We had a computer crash over the weekend. Friday, I checked my email while on facebook and something came up that told me my computer was getting viruses (or something) and I need to do a scan. It 'looked like' the window shield thing, so I said OK thinking Norton antivirus was catching something, but I was wrong. It was too late to do anything about it. After that my computer worked OK except Internet explorer would not go online. We tried to fix the online service, but our computer kept telling us we were already online, but we could not go anywhere. After most of the day of trying to figure that out, and giving up, we decided to start the computer from the beginning. We’ve had it over year anyway. They used to say you should start over every now and then anyway. So then I spend a whole day backing all my personal files from the computer to my hard drive, glad that I could! Got it done Saturday night, so we could take Sunday off from the computer. Now, I am putting back what we need on the PC. One step at a time. :)
The next day I was on my laptop and decided to check the mail. Wrong! The same e-mail came in and the same message came up, but this time I was quick enough to say 'NO!' and the laptop seems OK.

The whole goof-up to mess up the computer lasted about 2 to 3 seconds. It’s amazing how fast a computer virus will mess everything up. Usually, Norton catches everything, but for some reason did not get this one.

TY Lord, for what we have learned about computers during the last 30 years!!!!!!!!!!!

Family Research

2011-03-04T15:05:00.000-05:00

I just met with an 80 yr old lady who has researched for years, one line being my family on is my Mom's side. She GAVE me her research, along with 3 books written by someone on another side who included the my family. I think I hit the jackpot! :)

I have had so much fun doing this project. I have learned much about my gg grandparents and other relatives. I can't wait to see it all compiled in a book! But, I have to, because it is going to take a long while.

Family Friendly Videos

2011-03-04T10:15:00.000-05:00

A fellow blogger's son's movie page. Deborah's boy Enjoy

Trying to Cook

2011-02-25T22:01:00.000-05:00

This was posted on facebook by my cousin and they are up to almost 25,000 hits. She and her family made this movie clip. It is so cute. Enjoy.
Trying to Cook

Look, NEW SIZE!

2011-02-14T19:59:00.000-05:00

Have you seen that on products before? It is usually because the size is bigger or has 'bonus' ounces, etc. But, have you seen them say that about the shrinking packaging they are good at recently?! No, I suppose not! I read an article in Consumer Reports today about it and told my husband. He said the toilet paper in each bathroom was a different size. Then, I remembered! Last week, when I changed the roll, I thought the holder looked a little longer than normal, but went on about my business of the day and forgot. So, I got to looking and reading, and yes, they downsized the toilet paper we use! Maybe we would not have noticed if they had changed the size the other way!

Last week, I bought Lysol cleaner (the concentrated one) and when I opened it, I said I wished I had an older bottle, for I do believe they have diluted it! But, I can't be sure about that being I'm just going on memory. hehehe

Well, let's enjoy our skinnier products. At least something is losing weight and size!

My Web Page

2011-02-12T20:01:00.001-05:00

Well, I have it back online. It is not all it was, but I will work on it more when I rest my arms again. They are feeling much better, but I know too much computing gets them hurting again. But, I have started not turning on the computer until after noon and that way I don't do as much on it. AND, I get a whole lot more done around the house! :)
Belinda Jo's Novels

PEAS AND BEANS

2011-02-11T18:06:00.000-05:00

How come peas and beans when they are picked fresh from the garden (or canned or frozen) are vegetables .... but when they are dried and we have to soak them and cook them, they are protein?

Johnny Belinda

2011-02-08T08:26:00.000-05:00

My mother watched this movie when it came out. She decided that her next child would be Johnny or Belinda. Guess which child got the name?!
When I was about 13 years old, it came on The Late Show. Mama got me stay up and watch it with her so I could see where my name came from. I was not that interested in it at that time and was sleepy. Later, I wished I had watched it more closely. Then, in the 80's my sister taped it for me and sent it to me for me to watch. It is a good show. In the 80's or so, they made another one which is also good, but the original is the best, I believe. It is out on DVD now. Maybe I will order it one day!
Johnny Belinda
Johnny Belinda (1982 TV movie) [VHS]
This one is with Richard Thomas in the 80s.

Sign Language

2011-02-08T08:05:00.000-05:00

36 years ago, when I first started learning sign language, it was not well known as it is today. Actually, they were trying to phase it out for the other methods of teaching deaf people to learn. I was told not to bother. But, I had to learn it! It was just part of me, I suppose, even before I learned it. Besides, my mom named me after the deaf character in the story Johnny Belinda. :)
Well, when I learned, then I started working with deaf children. I found that only a few of the parents knew sign lanuage and could communicate with their children. They would call me when they had a problem for me to interpret for them with their child. Though I was glad to help, it broke my heart that they were not encouraged to learn sign language so they could have that bond.
I am glad it is more promoted today so deaf children can learn sooner and they with their parents can learn together.

Through Your Child's Eyes: American Sign Language [Subtitled]

2011-02-08T07:54:00.000-05:00

Home Made

2011-02-05T15:21:00.000-05:00

I was in the mood for some hot chocolate. I don't usually drink it for it is too sweet. However, I had some at my mother's house the other night that was a dark chocolate mix. Still sweet, but it hit the spot. I kept wanting to make some myself. I also wanted whip cream on it, but not the fake stuff.
So.... I bought whipping cream (I've only made this once in my life). I bought whole milk (I've been reading that all the low-fat stuff is not good for us anyway) ... and I LIKE whole milk. I made the whip cream using half the sugar it called for and set it aside. Then I cut up a block of dark chocolate (semi-sweet baking chocolate). I put the chocolate into a pot with about 2 tablespoons of water and 1 teaspoon of honey and stirred until it melted over medium heat. I added 2 cups of milk and got it hot.
Taking down two pretty clear glass mugs from the cupboard, I filled each with hot-chocolate and topped it with whip cream. Yummm.
We sat down to enjoy it. The first two sips were very good. Then, I reached for a napkin and dumped mine in my lap! :)
Dainty Me

BTW, the secret to making good whip cream is having the ream, glass bowl and beaters cold.

Waycross Magazine

2011-02-01T21:32:00.000-05:00

If you go to this website, you can see Belinda Jo's photo in a magazine:

Waycross Magazine
Click the pages at the bottom to turn them, and it is on page 6.
They have my web page listed, but it is not up at this time. Maybe later I'll get it back up.

A Valuable Lesson

2011-01-31T20:47:00.000-05:00

I learned a valuable lesson today. Actually, an expensive lesson. I learned that you cannot use a different plug in for an electronic device if the voltage is different. I accidently plugged in my external hard drive using the old external hard drive's cord. You would think that two WD drives with the same plug would be the same, but NOT! I don't know why they had to do that to me, but then I don't know why I wasn't more careful. Anyway, the newer drive is dead .... with all my backup info on it. Ouch. We are hoping we can get the data off and onto a new drive when we can buy one. If not ... oh well, it's not the end of the world. I just hate losing the back-up data ... and the $100!
The whole time we were in Germany, I only goofed up with one mismatch plug in and If I remember right it was the external speakers to the computer. And that was complete different voltage system over there than here.
Steve says, "You are telling them?" "Well, Yeah maybe I can help someone else not make the same mistake. Not that any of you would do such a thing!"

I'm back.

2011-01-28T09:14:00.000-05:00

My hands do feel better, but I am going to try not to overdo it this time. :) Besides, I need to start spring-cleaning. That should give me computer breaks.
I have also been practicing with the speech recognition software that comes with windows. It is neat and gives me a break from typing. I am not using it right now, because somehow I lost my Internet connection on my laptop and have to wait for hubby to help me figure it out.

Family Geneology

2011-01-14T20:47:00.000-05:00

I have been working on our family tree for a couple months. I've had been fun delving into the past, talking with my aunts and uncles for stories, researching online, seeing photos of my g-g-grandparents and finding relatives I have not met yet. Did you know there is a site called findagrave.com? they have taken photos of graves all over the country and you can go there and find photos of headstones of people you know and not have to drive to the grave yard!

It has been fun, but I have overdone the amount of time I know I can sit at the computer without my hands hurting. So.... now I have to take a break for a while and give my hands a rest. So, I will check back in a couple of weeks from now. Take care, friends.

Christian Wallpaper KJV

2011-01-13T19:23:00.000-05:00

We discovered this place yesterday and it is already helping us learn or review Bible verses! It is KJV Christian Wallpaper They are beautiful photos with verses on them. I downloaded several and we have them change every hour, so we see the verses while we are waiting for whatever, then can work on learning them. They say it is ok to download them for personal use!

U.S. Capitol Tour with David Barton

2011-01-12T08:33:00.001-05:00

Reusing Items

2011-01-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

About 20 years ago, one of my aunts taught me to re-use the liners that cereal comes in inside their boxes. She recommended I use them instead of wax paper. Since then, I have had the same box of wax paper sitting on the shelf in case I need it. But, I have used mostly the inserts. I rinse them, let them dry and then store them for use later.
This year, I discovered that being they put so much glue on them now it is almost impossible to pull them apart, that I have started using them whole as freezer bags! I use the twist ties to close them or put it into already used(clean) plastic bags that I don't want the food to touch, but gives another layer of freshness to the food!
As for plastic bags, I use them again and again ... according to how clean they are. Then when I don't want to use them any more for food, I use them for scraps before throwing the scraps into the trash.
Then, of course, the shopping bags are used for trash cans. I do have all those reusable bags I bought, but I rarely remember to take them into the store!

Virtuous Women

2011-01-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

Today, I am going to talk about two sites. Both are two of the most virtuous women I know. One I met recently and is a few years older than I am and a long-time pastor's wife. The other one I knew when she was a child. Check out their pages. Both have a lot to share about living the life God wants us women to live. Barbara also has another site where women meet and share. Ask her about it!

Authentic Virtue and Barbara's Bakin N Bits

My Best Gift

2011-01-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

Years ago, when I first started writing seriously, one of my assignments was to write a short article on what my best gift was. Here is what I wrote: My Best Gift

Hearing my babies’ first words – Helping with their first steps – Enduring the agony as well as enjoying the thrill of them cutting teeth. – Listening to their stories. – Stopping their arguments – Drying their tears and sharing their hugs. – Supporting them during problems ... and victories – Taking time to teach them God’s Word. – Eight and a half years of teaching them at home, both school work and homemaking.

Time with my husband, no matter what schedule he worked. – Taking time for each other as well as the children. – One whole year of him coming home for lunch with us. – Family vacations without the conflict of job schedules.

Serving The Lord through various ministries of our church and helping others in need. – Now, time for fulfilling one of my heart’s desires with my writing; hoping to be a witness and blessing to others.

I know this may sound like a lot of gifts, but my husband and I made a decision more than thirty years ago, (almost 40 now) that I would stay home and be a full time housewife. Now that the children are grown (and now have given us grandkids) and I look back over the years, I know making that choice has been my best gift.

New Garlic Press

2011-01-11T09:16:00.000-05:00

I use a lot of garlic in my cooking. I like the flavor and it is supposed to be good for us. Garlic. For years, we thought my husband was allergic to it, so I could not add it to his foods. [he is allergic to citrus and mangoes the same way, so it was confusing to just what made him itch.] After we retired, we decided to give fresh garlic a try and he had no rash. We decided it may be the chemicals added to manufactured garlic. (Powders, vitamins etc). This fall, he even planted a row in our garden. We look forward to not buying it after June!
My old garlic press needed to be replace because I never could get all the garlic to go through it and it hurt my hand to use it. So, I went on a mission to look for another one. They were all made of the same style and I was disappointed until I saw the red one. It was so different I was not sure, but finally made the $13 investment (took a chance) to see if it worked.
It does! I really like it. You twist it to crush the garlic and can get it all done. I still have to be careful how I twist my hands not to hurt them, but I try to remember.

Barefoot in the Kitchen

2011-01-10T18:11:00.000-05:00

Barefoot in the Kitchen
This is a special place to me for it is my niece. She is a sweet lady who is in love with her husband she calls 'Handsome' and has 3 children they homeschool. She loves to cook and shares her recipes and hints on this page. She has a family blog, too, but I chose to share this one with you.

Broken Dish

2011-01-10T17:32:00.000-05:00

I like to tell the story how when I had an all tile kitchen, I dropped a Corelle bowl. As it went down to the floor, I just watched and waited for it to break, but it did not. It did the little twirl thing (like the people on Ed Sullivan who used to spin dishes on sticks). Some one told me, that when one did break, it would shatter.
Last week, I dropped a can of food out of the cupboard onto one of the bowls. Yes, it shattered! Everywhere. Into many pieces. I was still finding little pieces a few days later, though I thought I cleaned them all up. Saturday, after using the crockpot, I was wiping it down and found another piece inside the 'outside' pot! I was glad it had not got into the pot and into our food.
Thankfully, I have several of them for it is my favorite dish set. My only dish set. :) I had several years back, but with all the moves, I got rid of extras. But, I like these and don't see a need to buy others. When I bought them, I waited until the set came out that I really liked. English Garden. I was so happy I finally got some I liked. Then 2 of my sisters-in law bought the same thing! Well! But, their purchases were just a passing fancy and when they got tired of them, I got their left overs. I'm glad for I just looked at their web site and they no longer have mine. So much for getting more luncheon plates! Except at maybe yard sales. :)

Posting

2011-01-10T16:31:00.000-05:00

Today, I had trouble getting into the site because of the password! :) My password post

When I last posted, I had a rare few minutes to sit and surf and look at others' sites. I had every intention of talking about each one of them, one a day. But, .... life goes on.

Hubby and I have had colds and we have gone through a whole can of lyso spray trying to kill each other's germs! But, we are feeling much better.

Lyric Devotions

2011-01-03T16:17:00.001-05:00

Last year, when I started my blog, I immediately got busy working for the Census, then went on a long trip to visit our children. After that, my husband decided that now was the time to build our porch (which now I am so ever grateful for), but at the moment, it was... "What? Let me at least take a breath!" But, build the porch we did and are enjoying it!
So, being we were very busy, I did not have much time to write on my blog or to look at other people blogs too often. I have been perusing others' blogs today and find I have missed out on blessings, by reading others posts. One special place is Lyric Devotions. Deborah has written special songs that are truly devotions and has them posted for us to enjoy. I hope to do so more often!

Passwords

2011-01-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

What can I say about them? Each year we try to come up with a unique password to use for our accounts. I just finished for this year. It is frustrating. People say, "Well, it's easy. I use the same few and if it is not one, then it is the other." I've tried that. Then one place wants no special characters, another place wants no numbers, another wants .... etc. so each place ends up with its own password and I sure can't remember them all! I've about decided that if I can't get into a place, so what!
Really, this year, I am trying to down size my web experience, by cutting out some places. I was able to cut out a few and we still have more than 80 places we have to log in to!
Happy New Year!

Things I've learned in 2010

2010-12-30T11:27:00.000-05:00

I have learned I do not have to use dryer sheets. If I dry the synthetic clothes and natural fibers separately, then there is no static cling! I can also hang up those few synthetic items and save on electricity. I learned I could fix a spray bottle with white vinegar and a little essential oil and spray into the dryer to help as a softener. Or add it to the rinse cycle of the washer. When I think of money wasted buying dryer sheets! Wow. Not counting the dryer sheets in the land fills and the chemicals released into my house from them!

I learned that I could make my own foaming soft soap from regular soft soap. I noticed on a soap container my mom bought that you add 1/10 liquid soap to 9/10s water and have foaming soft soap. So, I bought 2 foam soft soap bottles and now make my own. Another thing that made me realize this is that I bought the wrong product once when I meant to buy soft soap, I bought the foam one instead and it was mainly water. Just imagine how much money the manufacturers are making off us by us buying 9/10s water from them!

I learned I can lose those unwanted pounds by being careful what I eat. I realized I was the only person responsible for what went into my tummy. I did not reach my second goal, but my first goal was reached and has been maintained. It is hard with all our social eating, but I keep reminding myself that the end goal is more important than giving in ... most of the time!

I learned I can live without a microwave. Well, I still have it because it is in the shed, but I haven't used it much at all.

I learned I can make a blog! It has been almost a year now.

Why Jesus Came

2010-12-25T08:45:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to each of you. I hope you have a blessed day with family and friends.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/12/the-cross-in-christmas/

Cinnamon Rolls

2010-12-23T08:14:00.000-05:00

An Adams' family tradition, for this Adams family, at least, is cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. I started that so we could eat them while opening gifts and have breakfast later. If we got around to having breakfast. Usually, Christmas dinner was ready early because I put the turkey in too soon.
Sometimes, they were home made and sometimes 'pop-can' ones, but we had them each Christmas morning. I am glad our daughters try to carry on the tradition. Traditions have to start somewhere, right?
... home made ones are rising right now. This year, we are spending Christmas Eve with my mom and Christmas Day with his family, so I made them today, so we can enjoy them and save some for Christmas morning, also.

Wow, I actually got ambitious to get them done! What are some traditions your family does for Christmas?

Lunar Eclipse 2010

2010-12-21T19:51:00.000-05:00

My husband and I set our alarm and woke to go outside and watch the nature show from 1:30 to 3:30 this morning. It was neat watching the moon as the shadow covered it. It was so bright at first, we could move around on the porch and yard just fine, but after it was covered, it was pitch black. The amazingly, when only a sliver of light appeared again, it was light enough to see. It was cold, in the 30's, but we figured we'd stayed out in colder weather to watch the northern lights in the far north!
And we almost missed it, because when the alarm went off, it was such peaceful music, we wanted to go back to sleep. Almost like a lullaby. :). Glad we got up anyway!

Butterfly Greeting Cards

2010-12-18T17:14:00.000-05:00

Iron Butterflies

I found this link today. They are pretty and sold in sets. Of course, I like them because they are butterflies and Christian and the verses are written by my cousin. Just had to share.

That does not Compute

2010-12-15T15:19:00.000-05:00

Computing can be a wonderful thing. Well, I don't know if I'd call it wonderful. But ... convenient ... fun ...adventurous ... aggravating .... tiresome ....

We recently updated to Windows 7. Which is a 64 bit. Which means many of our programs do not work with the update ... so that mean re-buying the ones we use a a lot and throwing out ones that no longer work (or giving them to people with older operating systems). We did this same thing a few years ago. I just know it is MS's way of selling more 'stuff'. They must get a percentage from all the other companies selling software. I think a computer nerd sits behind a screen .... bored ...coming up with new ways to do things ... and thinks, 'hey, I can do this little change and drive them all crazy! hehehehehe

Like when they changed File Manager to Windows Explorer ... not taking into consideration that there was already a Internet Explorer (or did they?) It took me forever to get used to that and I still call it file manager most of the time ... which is what it is, BTW, a file manager. Hello!!

Well, I think we almost have it how we want it again and I told my husband that this is the definite LAST time I go through this. I am too old to be jerked around by a bunch of young people designing new products to change the way things are done!!!! whew!!!!

My Website

2010-12-08T15:46:00.000-05:00

As of Jan 2011, my website http://www.belindajo.com will be canceled. They raised their rates. I have not really seen that many books sold because of it. And I am too tired most of the time to mess with it, so we decided that could be one thing 'off my plate'.
Merry Christmas to you all.

My friend's letter excerpt

2010-12-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

This is the item from my friend's letter. Her computer won't let her get to my blog to comment, so asked me to post it.
Take time to slow down and enjoy the season!! I am going ahead with my goal of being done with the busy-ness by the 14th. I did it last year and it was really nice. Most of the gifts are already wrapped, so it's time now to finish the cards and do some baking next week. Rush rush around now so you can rest and ponder the beauty and meaning of the Christmas holiday later on in the month. Go to a Christmas Cantata and get your mind off the worldly view of this holiday... see what Christmas is really all about. Watch a Charlie Brown Christmas - - yes, Linus quotes from Luke chapter 2 and puts things all in perspective!! Watch the Grinch - - Christmas really can come without ribbons, packages, boxes and bags!! Enjoy your December and celebrate! Lisa

Enjoy the Season

2010-12-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

I received a newsletter from a friend today. At the end, she encouraged us to finish all the 'chores' of the season early so we could enjoy the season. I thought it was neat. I try to do that each year, and limit what I do so I don't get overwhelmed.
I hope each of us enjoys the season and not only endure it as we rush around trying to do all that we think needs to be done.
Merry Christmas!

Need a Christmas Present for under $15?

2010-11-30T20:20:00.001-05:00

Don't forget about my books! They can be ordered from Silent Word Ministries (it helps their ministry which makes me glad) or at most online bookstores ... or you local bookstore may order them.

Building our porch

2010-11-22T06:39:00.002-05:00

It seems every time I try to start posting every day something comes up to keep me from it. But then, I am glad this item is coming up! One of the reasons we worked with the Census was to earn money for a front porch. It is becoming a reality. With friends and family pitching in to help, our dream is coming true and at a good speed! We sat on it yesterday! The trick is to get it to be stable without attaching it to the mobile home. Code office won't let it be attached. But, my hubby is figuring it out!

Almost done. But, it got cold. brrrr. Really, though he would still be working on it, but the stove at the church needed to be replaced and remodeling needed to be done because of it. But, I'd rather he be working inside. There will be some warm days again .... I am sure of it!

November Birthdays

2010-11-12T15:15:00.001-05:00

A few years ago, I wanted a birthstone ring. My stone has always been topaz. Topaz was a pretty orange-yellow stone with flecks of brown. Now, mine is called citron and is yellow. It is not nearly as pretty. When I started looking for a ring, I was surprised. Clerks in stores thought I was crazy when I would tell them that topaz is not blue. It had not been as long as they had known! But, for the past forty years (at that time!) that I have known it was orange-yellow stone with flecks of brown! I assume topaz was also blue, but now they have reorganized the stones for the months. I thought monthly birthstones were something that was ... set in stone!

Today, I did a search online for birthstones. Here is a poem for November birthdays: Who first comes to this world below In dreary November's fog and snow, Should prize the topaz amber hue, Emblem of friends and lovers true.

I thought it was interesting that my birth day (Friday) stone was topaz also. I never knew there were stones for each day of the week.

The birth month flower is Chrysanthemum = Cheerfulness, friendship, abundance.

So, much for culture lesson for today! Enjoy the mum that was so pretty in my yard earlier. Now, the frost has got it.

Updates

2010-11-11T08:48:00.000-05:00

It has been more than a year since I started using home-made laundry detergent and gave up the microwave.
The detergent seems to be doing fine. Our clothing is clean and have not rotted. And, we've saved several dollars not buying the expensive stuff.
We moved the microwave out to the shed last week. Steve's suggestion being we were not using it and needed space. I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it completely. It can be used there if needed. My idea is to have it on the counter we will build one day in the kitchen so company can use it if they want. It can always be used for storage in the meantime. Time will tell.
I remember my first microwave. I wanted one but we could not afford to buy one. They had one at the school auction, but it did not sell. A friend owned it and had it sitting in their house. I made a comment about it. Later, I was collecting clothes for a needy family and they came over with a box. I saw it was the microwave box, but I thought it was clothes and told them to set it aside. They did and sat for a while. Finally, he said, "Well, if you don't open the box, I will." I looked at them funny and went to the box. Well, they had brought me the microwave as a gift! That was in the 80's. In the 00's we gave it away before one of our moves. That microwave was over 20 yrs old and still worked! Thanks Jim & Sally.

Birthday Showing

2010-11-09T16:24:00.001-05:00

I had a nice surprise today. As I walked around the house, I saw a bug (butterfly or moth?). It put on quite a showing as I snapped photos if it. I could have touched it, but I knew better.

This one also made a showing, but only one photo turned out.

Sewing Again

2010-11-09T15:25:00.000-05:00

When we moved into our house after retirement, we decided to make one room the guest room and I would sew in there also. That has not worked out for it is too crowded and not convenient for enjoying sewing. And I enjoy sewing. So.... I decided I am in the house a whole lot more than company, we should rearrange. At the same time my niece needed a bed, so we gave them the bed and put the hide-a-bed in the room for company. Then, I organized my sewing!

My Book Blog

2010-11-09T11:22:00.000-05:00

Have you seen my other blog about my books? That is where I mostly comment on them, though, I have been slack there, also. Here is the link. Belinda Jo's books.

No carbs = no baked potatoe

2010-10-29T14:28:00.000-04:00

I was in the mood for a baked potato with broccoli, sour cream and cheese. However, I am on no carbs (except for breakfast) for a month, so .... I just had steamed broccoli, sour cream and cheese. It was almost as good. And, I did not let my taste buds rule my eating!! Yea for me.

My girls helping in kitchen

2010-10-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

This is a photo of my daughters watching me make a Thanksgiving pie in 1976. I wanted them to learn to enjoy cooking even that young.

Unmentionables

2010-10-28T09:25:00.000-04:00

No, I do not mean age or weight. I’m talking about underclothing. When I was in high-school in the 1960s we called brassieres, bras. We still do but why did we do it back then? The word brassiere was taboo. You did not mention that word just like you did mention (or show) private body parts, especially in mixed company. There was a lady on television who used to advertise a certain bra. She showed it over her outer-clothing. Times have changed. Now people wear all sorts of tops that are supposed to be an outer-wear and they cover less than that bra did!
Then there are the panties, or as when I was a kid, we call them step-ins. Why? Logical. They used to cover you whole bottom. Now it seems its fashion show your panty lines through your outer-clothing.
SLIPS (in another post this same day)
Then lastly, but not least there are the pantyhose. Have you ever done a pull-wiggle? You know, during the day the material has stretched and started sliding down your body. You try to discreetly pull up on them to get them back into place.
Sometimes, I put them on without realizing I turn one leg around until it is almost on. They are our such a pain, and I hate taking them off to change it so stubbornly I decide to wear them the way they are. After walking around for a few moments, I feel like my leg is crooked, and finally give in to take care the problem.
Then what happens when you get a run in one leg of your pantyhose? It’s a shame to throw them away. The other leg is still good. So you save it until you have two of the same shade. Then you can cut off the bad legs and wear them together. If it is the kind that make you look slimmer than that you can look twice as slim. Right?
I have started wearing knee-highs. With them, you have to make sure your dress is long enough to cover them, so you do not look like an old lady with her socks sliding down her leg. But, then, I am getting to be an old lady, so why does it matter? And, you have to make sure the colors of each match.
One Sunday morning at church, though, I was able to bless someone when the knee-highs did match. During the church service, I noticed that I had on a black one and a navy blue one. I also noticed that there was a younger woman who looked a little depressed. After church, I went and sat down beside her. After exchanging pleasantries, I pulled up the hem of my dress a little and told her to look at my nylons. She had a good laugh and it helped her feel better.

Slips

2010-10-28T09:11:00.002-04:00

Last night, when washing my hands, I realized my slip had not come down so I discreetly reached up to pull it down and explained to the young girl standing there. She looked at me oddly. I asked, "Do you know what a slip is?" She shook her head. I said, "It's an old-fashioned thing." and walked out. I have learned that most of the newer generation does not know what a slip is. A few years ago when I went into a department store to buy one, the young sales clerk stared at me as if I were an alien. I had to describe the function of a slip to her, then she vaguely recalled what it was. And, no they did not carry them.

Here is something I wrote a while back:

Slips: I have a love-hate relationship with these articles of undergarments. Slips are wonderful to wear under clothing. It makes me feel more dressed and keep people from seeing through my clothing, but static cling drives me nuts. The slip creeps up around my buttocks and I try to reach up for it without anyone seeing me. Or I try to make it to the ladies’ room and hope no one notices this bunch material around me that makes my hips look larger than normal. Then there are the slip straps. They are always falling down around my shoulder. Those stay-lock things just do not keep them in place. I enjoy the first time I wear a new slip. It feels so good and the straps are nice and stay in place. Then I wash it and some how after being in the machine they are never the same. The straps twist up and can not be straightened right again. If I have on a sleeveless dress then the strap is there for all to see, but at least I can push it back in ... and push it back in .... If I have sleeves then I have to reach in through the neck line to grab for it.

Then, of course, there’s the length of the slips. I keep saying that one day all my dresses and slips are going to be the same lengths so I will not have to worry. In a crowd another lady passes you and whispers, “You are snowing down south” or some other subtle hint. I really do appreciate their concern, but, so what! Like I can do something about it now. Sometimes I want to scream, “I like lace around the bottom of my skirt. Leave me alone!” Well what I do is head for the ladies’ room and have it out with my slip for slipping. I wonder where it got its name?

Slips Wikkipedia definition

New Toy

2010-10-26T19:33:00.000-04:00

I got a new computer yesterday. It really is not a toy, because I shall use it for our business, as I research to write etc. It is a small one I can take with me here and there. I have been learning the basics for the new system. What was weird is that when I went to hotmail and cleared it out with this one, I found all the items still there on the home PC. Weird. Gonna check that again later. And, there were 2 emails with comments from Sharon way back in February, that came in as well as an email from 2009! Weird again!
Well, I hope I figure it all out so it will help me with my writing!

Chocolate Candies

2010-10-22T15:03:00.000-04:00

I like dark chocolate. That is, up to about 70 % or so. After that, it is too bitter. I have recently cut back, though, so am not eating as much. I miss it, but try not to think about it. 'Spring' cleaning is helping keep my mind off it. ;) Dove Candies are my favorites and I like the neat sayings. My fellow workers did, also. And you'd see little gold foils taped to their section at work to remind them or the good thoughts. One time, a lady read a saying and then the name of the person and realized it she knew the person!
A couple of my favorite promises are:
Smile - It increase your face-value (by Lisa in Linden, NJ)
Sometimes good enough really is good enough! ( Nancy Lansing, IL) That reminded me of the entry I wrote about "know your limits".
Well, I thought, it would be neat to make a page of the sayings I like (or could I legally do that?), then being I am trying to cut back and do less, I thought, Maybe Dove has a page ... and they do! Here is the link. Dove Promises You can email them to your friends, too!
I guess I'd better get back to my chore before I indulge in a piece of dark chocolate!

Too much stuff!

2010-10-22T12:25:00.000-04:00

I don't know about other countries, but we Americans have too much STUFF! Whew! Why do we think we have to buy so many things?? I have been organizing/straightening my house this week. With working for 5 months, then our trip, I have only done 'lick and promise' cleaning and straightening. Things sure did pile up. And so many little things I have to decide where to put or to throw out. My yard sale pile is getting bigger and bigger.
Why, oh why do we buy so much stuff? And, this year, we have cut back on buying inside things because we know we don't have room in our small place! Oh well, guess I will get up from here, stop whining and get back to work. Mighty glad I can still move around and clean house!! Now, that puts a different light on cleaning!

ZipLock

2010-10-22T07:31:00.000-04:00

I just went to their home page and found this handy guide for shelf life. It is a PDF file and can be printed off.
ZIPLOCK shelf life guide

Hamburgers

2010-10-18T19:16:00.001-04:00

Today, on facebook I saw an item about bionic burgers and how a man stuffed a fast-food hamburger in his pocket and forgot about it for a year. When he found it, it still looked the same, so he started a museum in his basement of hamburgers. Has anyone heard about this? That was 18 years ago.

Man's "Burger Museum" Reveals Why McDonald's Profits Increased by 80% in 2008

**** Now, there happens to be 2 real Bionic Burger restaurants in Kansas, so we need to not confuse the two!

Bionic Burger Restaurant

new speaking opportunity

2010-10-18T15:53:00.002-04:00

The Charlton Public Library will host a book talk/signing on

Monday, November 08, 2010 at 6:30 pm with author Belinda Jo Adams.

Mrs. Adams will talk about all 4 books she has written, but “The Lure of Alaska” is the latest published and the main character is from Georgia, so that will be the featured book for her program.

Updated Web Page

2010-10-17T22:01:00.002-04:00

While on our trip someone showed me how to make easier web pages. I knew there were ways, but I kept using the HTML code because I had my own templates and all I had to do was change the wording. That is why our web page looks so much the same. But, then they say your web page is not supposed to change so much from page to page and confuse people.
Anyway, the new way is with Wordpress and being I already had it on our web page as a blog, I have been playing with it for making web pages. If you want to check out what I have done, you can go to our web page, then click on the S&B Blog to see it. The blog comes up and at the top are the links to the pages I've made so far. http://www.belindajo.com/ One of those pages is the diary of our trip with photos. We were finally able to go see the grandchildren .... and their parents. :)

Grandchildren

2010-10-08T16:11:00.000-04:00

... are such wonderful people. Just wished we could see ours more often. Of course, we enjoy our time with them when we do get to see them. It is amazing how much they change from year to year.
This year, while visiting our 11 year old granddaughter, I mentioned that we could write each other and she said, "Hey, we can be pen-pals!" That is what I hope to do. I picked up a post card and have it ready to start the process. We took purses that a friend made to the granddaughters. They are yarn drawstring, and when you turn them inside out, they are bassinets with baby dolls in them. They were a hit! Of course, in our day, the 4 yr old, turned the doll around and pretended it was watching TV.

Our youngest grandson (age 6) is usually only a 'mama's boy' but this year when I held out my arms to him, he came over and snuggled up to me. I felt it an honor to share in that special few minutes!
Last night we got to go and watch him play baseball and he made two hits to bases. I even got one on a movie. Now, I have movies of all my grandsons playing baseball. We get to see 2 more games!
We got to help the boys with their homework, listening to the spell words and read to us.
Well, now to leave the computer and enjoy them some more when they get in from school.

Peace Plant

2010-09-23T07:21:00.000-04:00

Sometimes called a promise plant. I acquired one a couple months ago and I find that it needs a lot of water. Well, more than I give the other plants and they survive my lack of 'plant care ability'. I thought this morning, 'but is not that what PEACE needs is a lot of TLC.' hummmm?

My Weight Loss Celebration

2010-09-18T16:18:00.000-04:00

Being I try to eat 'fit for life' most of the time, and really like the carb meals better than the meat meals, I realized I was eating too many carbs, so I started in Feb watching how many I ate of them and limiting, but not doing without. And also, trying to exercise more.
As of July, I had lost 8 lbs & 8 inches!!!! I reached my goal, but am trying to lose 5 more pounds so I can 'play' in that 5 lb area. :)

S. A. D.

2010-09-18T16:13:00.000-04:00

The standard American diet is SAD. I heard this mentioned at a talk a few years ago when woman spoke on healthy eating. I did not know at that time it was so 'talked about'. I am not going to include the links I found on it. But, if you are concerned with your family's nutrition, it would be good to search it for yourself. We know we don't eat right on the most part, but we keep doing so ... and then paying the medical bills for our poor choices.

What is Food Combining

2010-09-18T15:58:00.001-04:00

Food combining is a way of eating where you eat certain foods with other certain foods that work well together in your body's system. Understanding how your body digests various types of foods is very important. Digestion is much easier and more efficient when only certain foods are eaten with each other.

Mainly, it is eating meat and vegetables or starch and vegetables. Not mixing fruit with other foods. Desserts: eating them alone or leaving them alone! etc. But can go a lot more into detail, even confusing, being the sites I looked at a few years ago, sometimes did not even agree with what foods went with which other foods.

Then of course, as with everything else there is the controversy. This way of eating sure does not go along with the standard American diet which is so SAD.

But, if you want to do a search yourself and study it, here are a few links. I do not know the people behind the pages, except for ‘Ten Talents’. Many years ago, someone jokingly gave me the cook-book. I liked it, but thought it was a little far-out, so along the way, I got rid of it with one of our moves. Now, I wished I had not, but a new one is $35 … and being I do not know for sure if I want it again, that’s a lot of money.

http://www.bodyecology.com/07/01/18/food_combining_optimal_health_and_weight.php
http://www.tidesoflife.com/food_combining.htm
http://www.yahwehsaliveandwell.com/fccfront.html
http://www.tentalents.net/foodcombiningchart.html (this is the chart I bought)
the new book the old book