GRAMMY NIGHT

Thought for the Day: 
"What Jack says about Jill says more about Jack than it does about Jill"...on A church marque
                                                                                      
We are watching the Grammy's tonight...not something we normally think about doing. We probably will not hang in there to the bitter end.  Just finished watching Pink in a "Las Vegas"/"Cirque du Soleil" performance...awesome...very impressive.


Now...The Black-eyed Peas...the modern Mama's and Papa's.


(Pause...phone call from our daughter in San Francisco)


Back to the Grammy's..I just gave up...decided to watch and listen.  You can get the results tomorrow on-line or maybe, late-nite TV or early morning shows...radio?  newspaper?


Pleasant dreams,  Esmee Lynne

TREES

Thought for the Day..A Poem: 

.

Trees

Sergeant Joyce Kilmer*

I think that I shall never see

A poem as lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lies with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

*Sergeant Kilmer was with the 165th Infantry (69th New York), A.E.F.

He was born December 6, 1886; killed in action near Ourcy, July 30, 1918.

To: You
From: Me..Esmee

SNOW OR SLEET?

Thought for the Day: 


"what was your dream before you stopped dreaming?" Joanna Macy


We are waiting for a "weather" event to happen or maybe not.  We are stocked up and probably won't have to leave the house for two weeks and never be without.  Strange about that.  If we have good weather, we will go out to buy something we think we can't do without.  If we have "an event", sleet and ice in this case, we will stay in and have plenty. 

The last time we had a false alarm.  It happened on a Monday ... when I don't go to work anyway.   The library, was closed for a half a day.  What luck...I was paid for a snow day. 

Dreaming of snow, have pleasant ones, Esmee

GUESS WHAT? IT'S WEDNESDAY AND "MY DAY"

Thought for the Day: 
        "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. 
                         It is the only thing."--Albert Schweitzer


Wednesday is set aside for me...to do or not to do as I want.  It doesn't always work out that way.


Pleasant Dreams, Esmee

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PEGGY!

Thought for the Day:  Happy Birthday to you,
                                             Happy Birthday to you,
                                             Happy Birthday, dear Peggy,
                                             Happy Birthday to you....
                                                               and...Many More!


Today is Peggy's birthday!   However, we celebrated last night at our house for dinner.  We cooked her own recipe.  She says it's better since she didn't have to cook it.   So here it is.  It is a favorite family recipe and really not that hard to make.  Enjoy!


Recipe:




PEGGY'S CHICKEN SPAGHETTI


1 Chicken or 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 12 oz. Vermicelli  (or your favorite spaghetti)
3 Cups chopped celery
1 chopped bell pepper
1 Cup chopped onion
1 Stick oleo
1 Cup grated cheddar cheese


Cook veggies in oleo.  Cook chicken, drain, cool and chop into bite-sized pieces.


Mix: 
Chicken and 2 Cups chicken broth from broth drained from cooked chicken or a combination of it and canned chicken broth.


1 Can Mushroom soup
1 Can Tomato soup
1 1/2 TBS Chili Powder
2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
Dash of Tabasco Sauce


Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and combine with chicken mixture.  Divide into portions:  I use a 6" x 9" and a 7" X 10" (2qt.) pans.  Cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and put cheese on top.  Place back in oven until cheese melts. 


I served it with green beans and french bread with Peach Cobbler for dessert....


Yum!


Pleasant Dreams of fairies and sugar plums...Esmee

STAR BRIGHT, STAR LIGHT

Thought for the Day:     Star Bright, Star Light,
                                     First Star I see tonight,
                                     I wish I may, I wish I might,
                                     Have the wish I wish tonight.




Tonight we attended the 95th birthday party for Wade, the surviving brother of a family of 5 brothers and 2 sisters.  The party was given by his 3 children, 2 sons and a daughter. A good time was had by all.  We made a wish on the first star we saw on the way home.


Pleasant Dreams, Esmee


Yes, I missed last night.  I am allowed every once and awhile.

AN ALL DAY EVENT

Thought for the Day: 
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.


I spent the whole day at one of my favorite places, the library.  I work at the branch library near my home.  I spent four hours there this morning.  Then, I continued on my journey to the Main Office where I volunteer sorting and shelving books for the Friends of the Library ("FOCAL") sale coming up in March.  We have three sales a year.  Then, I ended my day by attending the FOCAL Board Meeting.  I represent  the Main Office.  I invite you to visit my library, Central Arkansas Library System.  You are also invited to become a member of the Friends of CALS. You will find an application at the Friend of CALS tab.


I started out at 9am and got home at 7:30pm. Now, what do you think I want to do.  Right...end this session and read my book.  Here goes!


Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, Esmee

WEDNESDAY, MY DAY OFF!

Thought for the Day: 
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.


I found out today that I was born in the year of the Rabbit on the Chinese calendar.  One the traits of the Rabbit is that people born during those years follow the Golden Rule ardently.  Therefore, it is appropriate for it to be the "thought" for today. 


Wednesday is the day of the week that I have set aside as my own.  I can do or not do what I want when or if I want.  SometimeS I do nothing.  This was not one of those days, but it was enjoyable.  I am now going to end this transmission in favor of reading my latest book by Barbara Metzger, A Suspicious Affair. 


Goodnight and Pleasant Dreams, Esmee

TIME TO READ

Thought for the Day: 


If you can imagine it, you can possess it;
If you can dream it, you can become it;
If you can envision it, you can attain it;
If you can picture it, you can acheive it.




There you have it!  I have had a long day and now all I want to do is not think and read awhile.  So here goes,


Goodnight and pleasant dreams,  Esmee

COME ON LET'S GET HAPPY!

Thought for the Day: 


 Happiness is like a butterfly. 
The more you chase it, the more it will elude you. 
But if you turn your attention to other things,
It comes and softly sits on your shoulder.

Recipe: 
(given to me by a lifetime friend)


       Coffee Mocha
1 Envelope instant cocoa
2/3 Cup hot coffee
1/3 Cup milk
Mix together and heat in microwave until hot to your taste.


...and with that Thought and a cup of Coffee Mocha I leave you for tonight

...Pleasant Dreams, Esmee

LATE AGAIN

Thought for the Day: 

Never do today what you can put off doing until tomorrow!


Well, again I have left this posting until the last thing.  I have spent today getting organized.  Hopefully, tomorrow will complete this task.  I have completed several projects so I am simplifying.  I am bad to multi-task and sometimes I do not finish a project(s). 


Today, however,


I finished a sequined Christmas wall hanging that I started about three years ago.  It is ready to hang next Christmas. 


I added fabric to a cabinet in my/guest bathroom.  It was one of the ideas that came in the middle of other projects.  Then, I began to multi-task.  It is not a project on my list for this year, but will be added to the "extra projects completed" on my goal list.


I am completely "list-driven".  If it is on a list, I will work really hard to complete the job/task/project.  There is a downside to this approach.  I always seem to want to work on my list first...then, give myself permission to have fun...go to a movie with friends, go hit golf balls or just read a book.  However, on the plus side, I do not have "to-do's" rattling around in my head keeping me up at night.  All I have to do is read my list the next morning.  Ahhh! 


I think it is time to "read" for a while.  How about that!  I have decided to let the tasks go for tonight.


Pleasant Dreams!   Esmee

IT'S LATE

Thought for the Day: 
Don't keep on the public road, going only where others have gone. Leave the beaten track occasionally and dive into the woods.  You'll be certain to find something you have never seen before...Alexander Graham Bell

It is late for me tonight ....

....so I will wish you Pleasant Dreams until tomorrow. Esmee

MY FAVORITE WORDS

-butterfly

Thought for the Day: 

Without butterflies
the world would soon have few flowers.

rainbow,

evening shade, moonbeam, starlight, morning glory, sunshine, cherish, dawn, angels, indigo, dance, love, stardust, joy, enchantment, castle, holly, French, je t'aime, lace, enchanted, avalon, camelot, sweet dreams, rhaposdy, periwinkle, heather, magnificent, fleur-di-lis, twilight, deep purple, hummingbird, mariposa, meadow, daffodil,

amulet, charm bracelet,

cameo, pearls,

english cottage garden, friend, family...

Pleasant Dreams, Esmee

MISERY IS OPTIONAL

Thought for the Day:   MISERY IS OPTIONAL!

I decided that "the thought" deserved to be bold and larger than "normal".  The choice is yours.  You can decide to be sad or you can decide to be happy.   I decided to be happy. 


To give credit where credit is due.  The "Thought" came to me many years ago during a workshop.  We were given the task of writing on a blackboard (do they still exist?) our favorite quote/expression/advice...whatever.  My friend and coworker, LuAnn, wrote this one.    The choice to be sad or happy came to me when I overheard a friend, "J", comment to another friend.


I like to think about this and realize the choice is mine.  If I am miserable, it is my choice.  I am a "half-full" person so I always find the good in any situation.  It is your choice to be half-full or half-empty. 


At times this is a bore to my family and friends, especially, if they are half-empty.  My mother would tell me that she didn't want to hear any of the "Pollyanna" stuff.  Obviously, she was a "half-empty" and liked it that way...her choice.


Pleasant Dreams, Esmee aka Pollyanna

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Think about this:  
The things I never said are waiting somewhere-like the things I wanted to do and never did...Flavia.


Well, one decision made. 
There will be a Thought of the Day at the beginning of each post.


We got a new HP printer, scanner, copier combo today at Office Depot.  They were having a sale.  I got a really good deal.  Everyone there was very helpful.  I actually visited two Office Depots about the sale and at both locations received friendly and helpful service.  I'll connect it tomorrow.


Then, we ate pizza at Shotgun Dan's , which was good.  Not our favorite atmosphere, but good service and pizza the way we like it...thin, crisp crust and tomato sauce with some zest to it.  We are going to start a blog about restaurants we eat in and comments about the food and service.  We'll let you know when it is up and running.


Time to say "Goodnight, Esmee".


Goodnight Esmee, Pleasant Dreams

IDEA LIST FOR MY BLOG

Thought for the Day: 

Whenever a thing changes and quits its proper limits, this change is at once the death of that which was before....Lucretius, Roman Poet and Philosopher, 99BC-55BC


Yes, I am repeating myself.  I just looked at an old post.
Deja Vu...


An OpEd column


Subjects covered in a Potpourri Section:
Crafting - I have decided I need a cross reference for ideas and techiques in my many magazines and reference books.
Household Tips - Ones I have actually tried and found them to work.  I use them in my daily life
Quilting - I have already dedicated this year to finishing my "heirloom" quilt.  Document techniques I am using and my progress. 


Book Reviews


Movie Reviews


Favorite Things: Words, Colors, Songs, Movies, Poems


This list will continue from time to time.  This whole blog could probably be called Potpourri.  I might even end this one and start over.


This is about the journey.


Until, Esmee

CLOUDS

From Joni Mitchell's lyrics to song

 "Both Sides Now" 

"Bows and flows of angel hair,

And ice cream castles in the air

And feather canyons everywhere

I've looked at clouds that way...

                                 
 I've looked at clouds from both sides now  

From up and down,
and still somehow

It's clouds illusions I recall

I really don't know clouds at all."

A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS

Thought for the Day:   Stop and smell the roses.

Here some flowers to brighten your Sunday!

These pictures warm my heart! 

Hope they warms yours as well!

With love, Esmee Lynne

A HUG FOR YOU

This came to my email today.  I had to post it just for you as the

Thought for the Day:

A Hug Certificate for You!

If I could catch a rainbow,

I would do it just for you

And share with you its beauty

On the days you're feeling blue.

If I could build a mountain,

You could call your very own;

A place to find serenity

A place to be alone

If I could take your troubles,

I would toss them in the sea,

But all these things I'm finding

Are impossible for me.

I cannot build a mountain

Or catch a rainbow fair,

But let me be what I know best,

A friend who's always there.....

A hug from your friend, Esmee

LEARNING MORE ABOUT BLOGGER

Thought for the Day: 
Thursday's Child has far to go.


I'm back...


I am taking time to learn more about Blogger.  Today I want to change my templete to one I can get free on the internet.  Hopefully, I will have changed it by the time I sign off.  It is now 4:30pm CST.


I woke up this morning thinking about my blog and exactly what I wanted to be.  So far, I have decided in some form I want a section on Tips for the Household and just Living: recommedations on eating in Arkansas and maybe restaurants when we travel; OpEd: Opinions on current events and what pushes my "hot" button; poetry; books.  You see it is getting very convoluted.  I need some organization.  Ergo, this journey in "blogland".


It is now 8:30pm CST.  I got as far as changing my template to one of the Blogger selections.  I didn't go as far as to download one from the internet.  Maybe tomorrow.  It is time to quit for the day and read my book.  I am now reading "The Lady Innkeeper" by Barbara Metzger.


Until...


Yours, Esmee

A DAY OFF

Thought for the Day:  
Wednesday's Child is in the know


Sorry, I missed last night.  I am still tweaking the blog.  I haven't decided on my goals for the site.  It is a evolving process.  I have already changed my title once....more than once in my mind.  I have toyed with critiquing restaurants in Arkansas.  Then, I have resolved losing 10 pounds.  Eating out all of the time doesn't really jive with that resolution.  Also, we are trying to eat at home more and use our money for other things.  So much for that idea.


Speaking of critiquing restaurants, we went to Red Lobster tonight after we had seen Avatar.  It was excellent.  The salad bowls had been cooled and the bread plates had been heated.  All of the food was warm and well-prepared.  The service by Eliza was good. She paid attention, but didn't hover.  Thanks, Eliza.  Of course, the bisquits are wonderful...they were hot, too.  We give the Red Lobster a "Thumbs Up".  In the future expect a section for "eating out in Arkansas" when we do eat out.  We will not make it a passion.


On "Avatar":  It is a must see if just for the special effects and sound.  It left me breathless, heart beating fast and jaw clenched.  We have had dinner and are at home now.  I have almost relaxed.  It was a really "high incident" movie.  I had the same feeling when I left the second Indiana Jones movie.  A very high incident movie for its time.  Of course, I normally go to  "feel-good" movies like, "Julie and Julia" and "The Proposal".


Off to bed.  I go to work tomorrow from 9am to 12 noon.  Then, back to more learning about Blogger and also, Facebook.


Pleasant Dreams....Esmee

"PUBLISHING A BLOG WITH BLOGGER"

Thought for the Day: 
Tuesday's Child is full of grace
7:40 am CST
Last night I learned about "links" and "labels".  Today when I get back from work I am going to edit my previous posts using what I learned.

8:20pm CST
I'm finally back. Now I am going to try to use some of the new tools that I read about by editing my earlier posts.  I just finished playing with photos on Facebook and still do not know exactly what is happening there.  That is the purpose of this year's odyssey into the blogosphere and land of Facebook.  By December, 2K10 maybe I will have a little knowledge....which we know is a dangerous thing.  I'll let you know how I did.  Be back shortly.

8:45pm CST
That wasn't too bad. It took me 25 minutes to add links and labels to my first post on1/1/10.  Tomorrow is my day off...meaning that is my day.  I do what I want when I want...or not.  So, you may hear from me or you may not. 


Until then...Esmee

RESOLUTION NO. 1 - BLOGGING

Thought for Today:  
Monday's Child is Fair of Face.


I have purchased a book to lead me through this process.  I bought it at Barnes and Noble: Publishing a Blog with Blogger; Elizabeth Castro is the author.  I haven't checked it out yet; but, the book has a tutorial on her website. It was $19.99 less my 10% as a paid member of B&N.


It is time for me to quit for the day so I will sign off and read some more of the book.  Maybe I will even check out the website....I doubt it.  I am now reading the second book of a series of three books by Victoria Dahl.  I'm to the good part.  The first one being: To Tempt a Scotsman.  Yes, you see the connection...Scottish lass that I am.


Pleasant Dreams-Esmee

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

Today's Thought: 
A Child born on the Sabbath is Fair and Wise/Good and Gay.


I have been thinking about my New Year's resolution no. 3:  Lose 10 pounds.  It think it is back to our "cards", a system inspired by Richard Simmons system and a diet given to us by a hospital dietician.  It and a modified "South Beach"* regimen has worked for me in the past. Why mess with what works? 


I use the following "1200 calorie a day" portions for my size:

1 Vegetable e.g. 1/2 cup mature green beans or green peas

3 Fruits: 1 mdm apple, banana or 1/2 sm grapefruit

7 oz. Meat: chicken w/o skin, Fish, 1 1/2 TBS peanut butter   (counts as a fat, too)

5 Fats: 1 tsp mayo, 1 tsp margarine, 2 tsp salad dressing

5 Breads: 3/4 cup dry cereal, 1/2 cup spaghetti, 1 sm baked potato, 1 slice bread, any kind

2 Milks: 1 cup milk or plain yogurt made w/skim milk
Vegetables: all you want-cabbage, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach


*modified means I add some carbohydrates to what is mainly a high protein diet.


I believe that all food groups are needed to make your body work. Also, remember "Everything in Moderation".  To jump start you might check out the "South Beach" diet.  It is all protein for a limited time, but I add some carbs.  I go crazy without them.    Also, please note: "no sugar" or "alcohol".  We refer to this regimen as changing our eating habits.  The word "diet" seems negative to us.


"You can push away from the table" and "keep your mouth shut" all you want, but without some exercise program the inches won't melt away without leaving a bunch of unsightly skin.  We go to A fitness center three times a week to use weights, walk on the treadmill, participate in pilates and yoga classes and swim.


Success Story:  I lost 25 pounds and many inches over a two-year period.  That was five years ago.  However, I still have 10 more pounds and some inches to go.  Thanksgiving and Christmas each year do not help.  This year meant 3 extra pounds.  I weigh-in and measure on the first day of each month and keep a record of my progress.  I need positive reinforcement to keep going.


Well, I was wordy today.  I woke up at 5am thinking about what I wanted to talk about today.  So now it is time to quit.  Actually, I promised myself after I retired that I would quit at 4pm each day.  I am on overtime now.


Pleasant Dreams, Esmee

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Today's Thought: 
Friday's Child is Loving and Giving. 

My first post to my first blog starts with this New Year's Resolutions.  Perhaps if I post them, I will keep them.  I am activity driven...in need of goals to keep me on track.

RESOLUTIONS FOR 2010, My 71st Year

• Create and enter something daily to a blog
• Update my Homestead website
• Finish my double wedding ring quilt begun in 1990; 20 years in the making.
• Lose 10 pounds
• Complete Collage Photo  albums: Dad, Mom, Home, University, California, Arizona
• Incorporate water color and calligraphy in collage work and ATC's

Books:  I am stuck in the Regency Period, Romance Genre.  I have always loved historical fiction and I find that the writers of romance in that period and also the Georgian Period are very good at their research. 

My Favorite author is Mary Balogh.  She has set the current bar for this period genre. Of course, the early writer that is the standard is Georgette Heyer.

 I tend to read all books by an author and am five books away from completing Mary's backlist.  I am also working on Barbara Metzger's backlist.  Metzger writes the same genre with a humorous slant.  You can't help laughing at some of the stories and situations.  Other Regency Romance authors that I read and keep up with their series books are: Jo Beverley, Stephanie Laurens, Madeline Hunter, Lisa Kleypas.

Past authors not of the Regency period that I have read are: Nora Roberts, Jude Deveraux, Lillian Jackson Braun and her "Cat Who..." books and Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. Actually the author that led my on my trip through the Regency Period is a mystery writer, M. C. Beaton, and her Hamish MacBeth series.  A series based on her book was on the BBC.  She wrote a series of books that take place during the Regency Period under the name of Marion Chesney. I read those books and haven't stopped since.  Although I do take a detour once in a while to read some mysteries. Not all authors have their own websites.  A good website to find different authors and their backlist and current releases is: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/

BBC Series:  When I quilt, I love to watch BBC mystery series DVDs.  My favorites are:  The Midsomer Murders http://www.midsomermurders.net/, Inspector Lynley, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple

I now close this post for today.  More to come...

Esmee Lynne