Our Grande Dame!

Patches always has a calm, sweet look about her. Of course, we know better. When she's very happy she'll nip as she's being petted. But, she'll chase after the other cats when the mood strikes her and that's funny to watch as she is NOT a small cat.

A rather boring day here. I woke tired and stayed that way all day. Daughter worked this morning and it was on from there. One of my neighbors called me to vent about the car break-ins, as she was one of those whose car was ransacked. They only took change from each car they did this to, we're coming to find and like I posted yesterday, only did it to cars that were left un-locked. They managed to hit about fourteen cars, though. I'm having a hard time imagining that many people leaving their cars un-locked. Seriously? In this day and age? I will say that though we lock our vehicles I DID bring Daughter's sword in the house. I just let my neighbor vent to me and we said goodbye and hung up. I think I am just that type of person that others seek comfort from. There was a lady at the Y last night that I am friendly with, though not real friends with and she needed an ear to listen last night, and I did. She's a nice lady. I hope talking about it all helped.
Anyway, back to today. Daughter had a meeting at the library late this afternoon for that branches Teen Advisory Group. Normally, I'd have gone to the Y tonight to workout after her meeting, but was just too darn tired so stayed home. It was probably for the best anyway as we had awful weather most of the day. We were under a tornado warning and the winds were high. All good excuses that I wish were good enough to over-ride my guilt at not going to the Y.
I'm STILL reading the Valkyrie book. While today may have been boring, I still had things to be done. The good news is that after I finish it, I still have nine other books to read. *g* I love having choices.

Tomorrow is going to be crazy. I had hoped it would be more normal, but Daughter and Son were asked to teach both MA classes because our Siho will be out of town. But, Daughter works in the morning. So, to the Y, back from the Y. To the Y and there for hours. *sigh* Then tomorrow night there is a great "show" at the library on the life of Harriet Tubman. It's going to be acted out as though the woman portraying her WAS her. I can't wait for the kids to experience. I love when History comes alive. Plus, I'm thinking of making them write up their experience for part of their schoolwork. Yeah, mean mom strikes again.

All that said, time to get SOME rest. I hope y'all had a fantastic Wednesday. I wish a thankful, thoughtful and evenly paced Thursday. *g* Goodnight, B.

Exercise: None.
Exercise Hours: 0. <--- feeling="" guilty="" nbsp="" over="" p="" that.="" very="">

Sleepy-time!

Taki and Elvis are nap buddies, as previously posted. Here they are on the top tier of the kitty tower snuggled up together and napping away. I know I've posted a lot of pictures of Taki lately, it's because she's the only one that will sit still long enough to take a picture! Well, except for Layla and then I get the long-suffering look and sigh. Yes, she really does that. *g*

While there isn't much to post about tonight I figured I'd blather on a bit. I am the "evil mom" tonight. Daughter's two friends come with us to the Y most Tuesdays and Thursdays nowadays and both love to spar with her despite not having formal MA training. Our SiHo (It means teacher of teachers.) doesn't mind at all because he's moved her training from formal to informal, so as better to prepare for real life situations. (No, I am not exactly happy about this.) She sparred with one today and he just doesn't know how to pull back his hits. She slid across the floor a bit before backrolling and jumping to her feet. I've told her I'm not happy that he doesn't know how to hold his hits back a bit because he could not mean to, but could hurt her. I've told her that if he doesn't learn control soon she and he won't be allowed to spar anymore. That has not made me very popular tonight with Daughter. She can get the heck over it, whether she likes it or not her safety is one of my primary concerns and there is no way in heck I want to come down from my class and see EMS working with my Daughter. *sigh* We had the weirdest conversation on the way home tonight, btw. With three teens and Son you know it had to be! They were discussing which Superhero they would be- if they were Superheroes. All across the board- Batman, X-Men, etc. It was...... interesting and enlightening how each one of them saw themselves.
In other news we went to the other Library this afternoon, the Main Branch. We somehow managed to spend an hour there and I ended up with an armful of books again. *g* I can't remember all the titles, so will have to post them tomorrow. That also means I have a nice big stack of books again between my visit yesterday and todays. I am still reading Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson. This is a YA by a new-to-me author. It involves Norse Mythology and so far it's a tad slow moving, but then again I haven't had much of a chance to read! *g*

Time to head offline. I hope y'all had an agreeable day. I wish a Wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Zumba.
Exercise Hours: 1hr..

Taki the Sweet!

Taki loves to hide a bit behind the curtains in the kitchen and enjoy the sunshine. I thought she looked rather sweet and lovely when she did it earlier today and so wanted to share. Isn't she adorable?

Not much from me tonight. I'm very tired and a rad cranky and had trouble getting warm earlier tonight AND wanted something sweet, but we don't have anything. So, I'm going to bed and snuggle under the duvet and read a little before getting some sleep. I hope y'all had a nice day. I wish a terrific Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: yoga.
Exercise hours: 1hr..

Lasting Love! *g*

Have y'all ever seen a claddaugh? I've always loved what it stands for- Friendship, Love and Loyalty. Chris bought me this stained glass claddaugh years ago and it's handing in our bedroom. I look at it each night and smile. *g* (The story of the claddaugh is kind of sweet and sad and hundreds of years old.)

Not much to share from the weekend. We've tried very hard to get Chris' battery to charge back up, but to no avail. We'll have to purchase a new battery.
Friday was spent trying to figure out how bad our weather was going to be. Daughter worked that morning and we had ice/sleet/rain start around 11am and kept on to around 4pm. We didn't accumulate a lot, but we it was enough to be dangerous. There were numerous wrecks and such here because of it, but we were NOT one of those. I was wishing for snow. But, we never received any. I want snow! I want to live closer to the mountains so we can have snow every year.
Saturday? We visited the Out-laws and then had Daughters friends over for dinner and games. They played the x-box for a bit, but had the biggest amount of fun playing Monopoly. There were alliances and deals and a lot of "take-that!" and gingham (sp) style dancing when a victory occurred.
And today? Was spent doing laundry and taking Daughter to the Y so she could get her laps done. I worked out while she did that and we met up at the end to head home.

As for reading, well, I found a new-to-me author. The series is about a group of sisters that was cursed and they have tried to stay away from other supernaturals, but have finally been discovered. There are vampires and werewolves and witches and then there are the sisters. One is a were-tiger with unique abilities. The other is capable of telekinesis. Yet another is a healer and the last one (if I remember correctly) can transform objects into weapons as long as she's wearing some type of metal. There is some humor, lots of fight scenes and a good plot, though I figured out who the big baddie was pretty quick- despite a red herring. Oh, the book was titled Sealed with a Curse by Cecy Robson. If you like paranormals give it a try.

And that's it. Time to get some rest. I hope y'all had a lovely weekend. I wish a pleasing and low-key Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: stationary bike, 10.08 miles.
Exercise Hours: 35min..

Playing Hide and Seek!

This is Einstein IN Chris' cooler that he takes to work with his lunches and waters every day. The cats LOVE this cooler and play in it every chance they get. They are the reason the top now has teeth marks and they love to pop out of it like the old "Pop Goes The Weasel" boxes. (Can't think of the name of them right now.)

I can't type long. My hand is really hurting. I woke up in the middle of the night with my hand hurting so badly I would whimper every time I moved it. It's swollen and the fingers and wrist are swollen as well. I couldn't even uncurl my fingers this morning, but now am able to at least do that. I can't bend my wrist, but am taking yet another course of ibuprofen and am thinking of buying stock in it right about now. It's getting better, but I'm not going to push it too hard tonight.
Ack! Sorry to be whining!
I finished the Henderson book and have yet to pick which book I'll be reading next. I hope y'all have good books to read, good friends to talk with and good snacks (for those book reading times! *g*). I wish an enjoyable Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: CardioPump (without weights), Pilates (ab work)
Exercise Hours: 2hrs..

Aka, my dandelion!

Aka has a couple of nicknames. (Most of our cats do.) Aka's are Ping Pong, because when he was smaller he would bounce between all of us for attention at one time. Another is Dandelion because his fur is so very soft and plush. The last, so far, is a play off of Dandelion- I call him Dandy Lion because the fur around his neck is extra fluffy and he pulls his head back into it a bit when sitting in the Sphinx pose, so it ends up looking like the mane of a lion. Most important to know about Aka is that he is incredibly sweet and a Mama's boy. *g*

Not much to share today. I took the day off from working out to give my feet a break. I need new tennies, but with Chris' jeep possibly needing a new battery and, please no, a possible alternator I don't want to take the funds to purchase them right now. Plus, last nights Zumba class was full of jumping. I did end up trying to bake bread, but yeast is a tricky wicket. Grrrr. I also made chicken stew and wanted to make caramel blonde brownies, but despite swearing to having bought sone Saturday, even Chris thinks we did - we cant find it, I am out of brown sugar. Need to pick up some tomorrow. However, I did manage to drop off the summons for jury duty. Looks like Chris is going to have to take those days off from work to take my place homeschooling and ferrying the kids around.

As for reading? I am halfway through the Dee Henderson book. This one is darker in tone and yet seems to be taking the same path for story structure as the other.

No more from me! I need some rest. I hope y'all had a day that allowed you some joy. I wish a thankful and thoughtful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: took the day off.
Exercise hours: 0.

Boy, they sure do nap a lot!

Taki and Layla decided to nap together the other evening. Layla isn't a big cuddle-er with the other kitties, so this was actually quite sweet. Both girls prefer to nap with me, which I don't mind, but makes for a very hard way to sleep at night! *g*

Today was not uneventful. Nor was it quiet or simple. It started this morning. Chris' jeep wouldn't start, even trying to jump it off. Our fear was the starter. So far it seems that the battery has been drained and will need to recharge for a long while. Luckily, Chris was able to go into work late and he borrowed his Dad's truck to get to work. We'll keep the truck for a day or two to see if the jeeps batter will recharge or will need to be replaced. He wasn't sure this morning how the battery had drained, but this evening discovered that his overhead light was somehow turned on and left that way the entire weekend.
Also today, I received a letter informing me I've been chosen for jury duty. I have no idea how, or why, but I would not mind if this had come for a time later than April. Unfortunately, it's for March and I need to try to either get out of it or get it postponed. Daughter will be eighteen in April and will then be able legally to watch Son during school hours, also she's already turned in her March work calendar. Chris MAYBE could get the time off, but I'd rather not have to have him do so. So, any suggestions?
I did manage to run a couple of errands this afternoon and then we did more schoolwork. This afternoon I was informed that two of Daughter's friends were attending the Y with us this evening to watch Son teach MA class. They also ended up participating in class. Son needs to work on being firmer with his class as well as delegating, but he didn't do too badly for a ten year old. *g* I'm sure with more practice he'll improve.
I also have two new library books, picked up this afternoon. Since I finished the Dee Henderson book I was reading and liked it, so requested another and had it come in today. I now have The Negotiator by Dee Henderson and Sealed with a Curse by Cecy Robson, a new to me author.

And that's it. There were a few other things to take care of today, but those were more boring than the things I DID share. *g* I hope y'all had a good day. I wish a wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Zumba.
Exercise: 1hr..

Harley the 'Model' Kitty!

I can't remember if I've posted this picture before. Harley is quite photogenic and doesn't mind me taking her picture. She looks directly at the camera and has such a sweet face! And she is very sweet. She's not very bright, but she loves everyone and loves to be petted and held.

A quiet and normal day here. Well, semi-normal. I gave the kids the day off from schoolwork so they could work on a paper for MA class on weapons and while I did laundry, I also took time to just.... read. To rest. It was nice. I don't normally take time like that and I had forgotten how happy is makes me. I don't know if y'all have noticed, but my time on-line has been limited lately. Things have been so busy here and I had to give up something or go wacky trying to fit it all in. So, I am commenting less, but trying to keep up with reading of posts and such. I hope things even out soon. Daughter has made her New Year's Resolution to gain her license this year. I really hope she does it. It would cut down on my driving time and free up more time to get things done. Of course, it will also mean sharing a vehicle for a while, but it would definitely be worth it.
As for reading today? I'm almost finished with the Dee Henderson book. The author has a way of building layers in this book. It has taken a while, but laid a good foundation to the relationship that was forming. Of course, not all is perfect for me. While I understand the motivations of the male lead (a switch for sure!), the female lead seems rather closed off and I can't connect at all with her character. I know it has something to do with the character building, there's something I've yet to discover (as the reader) about the character, but for now? I'm having a hard time mustering up enthusiasm for the characters relationship.

No more from me. Time to get some sleep. I hope y'all had a pleasing Monday. I wish an excellent Tuesday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: Yoga.
Exercise hours: 1hr..

Time out for Pepper!

Pepper decided to put herself in time out the other day. Well, actually, it's just one of her spots to nap. We just thought it was funny that she tucked her head against the refrigerator. *g*
This weekend has flown by! Friday was busy and sorry not to have posted. It was grocery day and we ended up joining Costco instead of renewing our Sam's membership. But, by the time we were done I was feeling sick and exhausted. This past week was just nuts and Thursday was crazy all on its on and I paid for it Friday. Saturday was spent running errands. Chris and I were supposed to go to the movies for our Anniversary, but it's that time for my eye exam and we also went ahead and locked up Valentines Day gifts for the kids. So, we may get around to doing something for us, or not. To be honest we were just happy to spend a few hours together without the kids! We call times like that our "dates". *g* and we watched a movie tonight together, that counts, right?
Today was much quieter. While Chris did some schoolwork and Daughter worked on a paper and Son goofed off, I attended Zumba and then cleaned out my jeep when I arrived home. I detailed the interior and made up my own version of an air freshener using Spearmint essential Oil and a couple of other ingredients to spray inside. I love it when my jeep is clean inside. My two munchkins make it hard to keep it that way, though.
Oh, as for reading? I've begun Dee Henderson's Full Disclosure. I'm finding it interesting and can see the foundation being laid, but also impatiently waiting for the story to pick up pace.
And that's it. Time to get some rest. I hope y'all had a delightful weekend. I wish a pleasant Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: Zumba
Exercise hours: 1hr..

His nickname is Dingbat!

Einstein is the goofiest cat we have. Right now, anyway. He has to be in the same room as everyone, but most especially Chris and I. He pats you as you walk past him and loves to play the ice game. Silly kitty!

It's been a very long day. I haven't been home for a LOT of it, actually the kids and I haven't. Son had a 4-H meeting this afternoon, Daughter had to work, the kids had MA class and I had classes. It's been raining for four days straight and tonight we should have gotten snow, but it just didn't cool down fast enough and the storm blew out more quickly that was expected.
And we are all tired. It's been a very long week and it's not over yet. Tomorrow promises to be busy, too. I'm tempted to just hide at home, but don't really have that option. Sorry to sound like I'm complaining. I'm not. I'm just telling y'all about our week. Tomorrow is also Chris and my Anniversary.  We met 23 years ago on the 18th. We were engaged 21 years ago on the 18th and married a year later. I can't believe so much time has passed as I still see those fabulous blue eyes when I look into his face and one of my favorite sounds in the world is his heartbeat as he hugs me.

Anyway, I finished reading the Harper book. Not sure what's up next. I have a few choices still (I keep getting books in and returning books and such.) I may try the new Evanovich as it's due soon and while it's a Historical and don't read many of those, it started in a cute manner. I guess I'll choose tomorrow.

Time to get some rest. Blessed Be! I hope y'all had a energetic and happy day. I wish a fun and enjoyable Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: CardioPump, Pilates.
Exercise hours: 2hrs..

Pepper the Doctor of Cute! (*g*)

Finally! A picture that captures Peppers eyes! Her eyes look like this most of the time, fully wide open pupils and when you look at them and the light hits them they are a swirly blue instead of that weird greenish/yellow most cats have. (Though Layla's look red when the light hits them that way.) I did some research about this and it seems that she does indeed have some sort of vision issue, because reflecting blue like that means that the light isn't hitting the point it does on cats with normal vision. That's okay. No matter what we love Pepper- bad vision and all. Look at that cute face! How could we not then place a sparkly hat on her for the New Year? *g*

This week is kicking my fanny for some reason. I'm just not feeling like I'm getting good sleep and wake up almost more tired than I went to sleep. As a matter of fact, this morning I woke with my hips and lower back hurting. I hate our bed. It's rather new, about a year old now, and yet I was more comfortable sleeping on our old bed than this one. (Not to mention this one already has that "hump" in the middle.) I dislike how mattresses can't be flipped anymore, too. Why? Because they know that they last longer when you can rotate AND flip them. And goodness knows they don't want you able to keep a mattress for a long while. *sigh* I wish we'd gone ahead and gotten one of those latex foam mattresses instead. Daughter loves hers and says she doesn't have near as much joint pain as she used to have. Oh, well. Maybe in a couple more years. If I'm not a hunchback by then! *g*
Then again, maybe it's that today was the third day in a row that was gray, gloomy, misty, rainy outside. Personally, I don't mind it at all. I like days like this. It makes me want to cuddle up and read. It's just that our schedule won't let me. *g*
I did manage to get up the our MT Y to workout tonight. And talked to the new Fitness Director of that Y about the Kettlebell class. They offer one at noon there, but with our schedule it's just not a good time for me. Turns out they'll be offering one at night in February. Unfortunately, it'll be Thursday night- the night the kids have MA classes and I have other classes at the other Y not to mention we're thinking of Son maybe taking Soccer again and training for that is Thursday night and Saturday morning. *g* I'm guessing I'm not meant to take a kettlebell class right now. Oh, well. I still have my own and pick it up when I remember.
As for reading? I'm still reading The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney by Suzanne Harper. I haven't had much chance to read today, but am hoping to read a few chapters before catching some sleep. So far it's still in the beginning stage, but I am hopeful the mystery portion will unfold soon.

And that's it. Time to get some rest and maybe pick up the few legos that Son has left in my room so I don't stab myself in the foot when I get up in the morning before I put my contacts in! *g* I hope y'all had a pleasing day. I wish a Thankful and Thoughtful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: Zumba.
Exercise Hours: 50 min..

Napping Buddies!

There are TWO sleeping kitties in this picture. They just happen to have the same fur colors! Elvis and Taki are nap buddies and most often on the top tier of the kitty tree. Notice how Taki is all over the place and Elvis is related to the back end? Yeah, little girl is a wild sleeper. *g*

I meant to post last night, but was so darned tired by the time I thought about it that I didn't manage to before falling asleep. As a matter of fact, yesterday was NOT a good day, in so far as I was exhausted all day. To the point where I just wanted to curl in a ball and cry tired. I don't get that way often, but I tend to pay attention when I do. I get very emotional (re: weepy) and I just didn't have the option of sitting or laying down all day and so had to "suck it up, Buttercup".
Daughter worked and Son had a tween event at the library and then I scraped myself together and went to yoga hoping that I would at least feel that peace at the end of the class I usually feel. It was not to be. We had a sub. A sub that actually teaches yoga at the Y at various other times. He and his significant other. However, they both teach exactly the same way. They are not good teachers if you like something different each class as the class we experienced last night is one I could have taken three years ago, last year, last month or last weekend. Same warm-up, same monotone voice, same water over rocks music with a small bit of pan pipe, same strength training applications. Even the same inability to teach at different levels so that the beginners (of which there were many last night) can ease into a practice or at least get help with their posture during poses so they don't injure themselves. For goodness sake! The teacher even did a pose WRONG. We are taught from the first class on, from the first pose on- that your knee is NEVER to lean past your ankle and yet he did so last night. To a bad degree. And I KNOW he's had knee issues before. Well, duh. Wonder why? Needless to say (because I've already said it, sorry), I left class very irritated and cranky and not with that wonderful relaxed peace of mind I usually feel.
Today was better. I'm not as tired, though my shoulders are sore due to last night and had an awesome Zumba class this evening after working with the kids with their schoolwork all afternoon. Son was working on a History test and that child is driving me batty with the unwillingness to read the entire chapter, rather than reading the question and then hunting for the answer. I AND Daughter tried to tell him that by reading the chapter first you know exactly where you can find the information you need, or at least have a better understanding of where it may be. Ten year old boys can be downright stubborn! Eventually I am sure that he'll listen. I can hope, anyway. *g*
After arriving home tonight Chris and I made turkey chili together and YUM! Just the thing for the past two dreary, rainy (and tonight-cool) days and evenings. Poor Chris. I added jalapeños to the chili because Daughter and love them in chili.
As for reading, I have just begun reading Sparrow Delaney by Suzanne Harper. This is a YA and by a new-to-me author. I needed something lighthearted after trying to read Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion.  I am just going to have to give up on Zombie books. My imagination takes over and I just can't handles the images that run through my head. I also tried Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter, but it had such a slow start and then again- Zombies. I officially give up. No more for me. However, and this is going to sound weird, Warm Bodies is now a movie and looks much better (for me) than the book. Is there a genre, or a sub-genre that you just can't read? Please tell me I'm not the only one? Anyone have any books suggestions (not zombies) for me?

It's that time again. Time to head offline. I hope y'all had a good day. I wish a wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

P.S. Please keep Melissa in your thoughts and prayers, and Spirit her kitty who is very ill and Chaos who has now seen the Neurologist for a diagnosis on the cause of her recent seizures. Thank you!

Exercise: Monday, Yoga. Tuesday, Zumba.
Exercise Hours: Monday AND Tuesday= 2hrs..

Unexpected laundry!

Taki and Aka decided that they wanted to explore the laundry bags in my closet. Of course they may have decided that because in the midst of trying to steal the feather wand out of the closet it fell into one of the bags and Taki refused to leave it. *G* Silly girl.

It's been a mostly quiet weekend. As busy as our weeks tend to be I am coming to savor the quiet days. Chris and I ran errands and let the kids play the gaming system while we were out. When we arrived home and after dinner we all watched the movie that I'd gotten from the library. I must say that the Bourne movies are growing on me, though don't ever expect me to become a James Bond fan. While I do think the current actor portraying him is close to the one depicted in the Ian Fleming books ( at least in my thoughts) there have been so many that I didn't like that it's tainted the series for me. Are there any movies like that for y'all?
As for reading? I've begun the Sherwood Smith book Coronets and Steel. I like the heroine though have found her a bit immature for someone of her age. As this is the first in a (so far as I know) three book series I am sure the author has a plan for the character.
Anyway, no more from me. I hope y'all had a lovely weekend. I wish a pleasant and low-key Monday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: bike, 10.05 miles.

Sorta Oldie, but Cutie!

This is my favorite picture of Buddy Boy. He's still very sweet and timid, but also gotten MUCH bigger. I can't believe it, but he's now bigger than Wicket, though he's not quite a year old.

Chris is home! He went out of town earlier this week and while I missed him I do know that my house runs a smidge smoother with him out of town. *g* However, trust me. I did miss him. *g* Today was actually a more quiet day than the rest this week. We spent most of it at home, but the Teen/Tween librarian that we like that moved was back in town and at our local branch for a visit so we did head up there to see her for a bit. While there I picked up a couple of holds that had come in for me. One is Coronets and Steel by Sherwood Smith. The other is a movie, The Bourne Legacy. Chris enjoys the Bourne movies, and this one looks really good, though I'm not a huge fan of the series. I tried the books, just not my thing. I DID finish reading the latest Jayne Ann Krentz, Dream Eyes. I really enjoyed it. Just enough suspense, romance and paranormal to make me happy. Next up? I tried a book by a new-to-me author, but didn't like it. I just couldn't get into it or for that matter even like the lead female. So. Time to pick another one. No worries there, I still have a stack of books to read. Finding the time to read them...... there's the rub.

Unless you count laundry, cleaning and helping Chris return his rental car it's been a pretty quiet day here. I'll take it. I am NOT complaining. And on that note it's time to get some sleep. I hope y'all had a pleasant Friday. I wish a Saturday filled with amusement and relaxation. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: None.
Exercise Hours: 0.

My Best Bud!

This picture is at least three years old, but as I have yet to download the pictures from the camera thanks to the same issue I blogged about yesterday.... Just bear with me. (For some reason I wanted to type "bare" with me. *snicker*. No one needs to see that! *g*) Layla still has the prettiest blue eyes I've ever seen on a kitty. But, then again, I'm pretty sure I'm prejudiced.

Not much to share from today. My hand/wrist is feeling better today, though I still can't bend my wrist down very much. I CAN unfurl my fingers without pain, so I'm counting it as a huge win.
Son has been the one to step up and help me out. He's even opening and closing the jeep door for me when I have to drive. How sweet is that? We picked up a friend of Daughter's (the Navy Recruit) and gave him a ride to the Y tonight when we went for the kids MA class. He's actually thinking of trying the class. While they went swimming after class I attended my cardio class. When it came time for weights, I used light and mainly one arm. I stayed for the new Barre class (different from ones I've taken before). This one is based on the Bender Ball something or other. All I know is we used a small green ball for a lot of the exercises. It definitely was not an easy class. As long as I've been taking yoga and pilates (off and on over the years for that one), I could feel a serious muscle burn during this class for my legs. And since I love a challenge? I enjoyed the class. Though not so much the snide comment one of the college aged girls made within my earshot. ("I hope one of these balls doesn't pop.") (While looking straight at me.) If I were a different person I would have just said something to her. But, instead I felt very hurt and kind of slunk out when class was over. It took some of the happiness I had had over finishing the class and being able to keep up with it AFTER taking the class before it. Anyway, we headed home after that.
Oh, and as for reading? I am halfway though the Krentz book. I love that her books are basically romantic suspense with a paranormal element now. While almost all her old contemporary books are on my keeper shelves, I must admit a serious love for the paranormal ones. (Her books written under her Castle name are my absolute favorites of hers.)
****And that's it. I am asking that y'all say a prayer for Chaos, Melissa's Elkhound. Chaos had two seizures tonight and I know her family is very worried.
I hope y'all had a cheerful and light day. I wish a fun and enjoyable Friday for y'all. Goodnight and Blessings, B.

Exercise: CardioPump, Barre.
Exercise Hours: 2hrs..

Layla and Taki!

Please enjoy this cute picture of Layla and Taki sleeping on my bed together last night while I recover (hopefully quickly) from whatever mess I have made of my hand. (I am the only person I know who can injure themselves somehow in their sleep.) There's some swelling and a very sore spot. No idea. Anyway, hope y'all had a lovely, sunny day. Best wishes for a cheery Thursday. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Oops!

I took this picture tonight. I'm actually in bed early because I'm so darn tired. And so Layla decided to join me! She looks comfy, doesn't she? I also know I posted that I would update yesterday's post, too. But, I forgot. I apologize. It's just been one of those days.
Taki is healing nicely. Her tummy fur is beginning to grow back. It's hard to keep her from jumping on the bed. However, she still takes her inventive path down off the bed. She's so funny!
Most of my day was mundane. I guess you could also another trip by the library was mundane as well. But, they had two holds in for me! (And one for Son,too.) I now have two books! The new Jayne Ann Krentz, Dream Eyes. And the new Evanovich co-written with Dorien Kelly, The Husband List. I was reading a zombie book, but just ..... can't. I made the bad move of trying to read it in bed last night, too. Yeah. So, I've begun reading the Krentz book instead.
Oh, while the kids were in MA I went to Zumba. I really like the teacher we had. She's an Army reservist, now at least, and even taught Zumba in the military. She's funny and can dance very well, but not to the point where it feels like she's showing off (we have one like that) or like she's more interested in watching herself in the mirror (we have one like that, too). The class was high energy and I could feel myself flagging toward the end. But, I love Zumba and gave it what I had left. That also pretty much explains why I am exhausted. I do know I need to get serious about finding a new family doctor because I think my thyroid levels need to be checked.
That's most of the highlights. I'm sure y'all don't want to hear about me putting air in the tires of my jeep or doing laundry.... I hope y'all had an interesting day. I wish a wonderful Wednesday for y'all. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: Zumba.
Exercise hours: 1hr..

Telling it like it is, eh Layla!?

Layla says consider this a placeholder. I am so tired I can't even think straight- let alone spell! I'll be back later with a better post. (I hope.) I also hope y'all had a nice Monday. I wish a quiet and lovely day for y'all tomorrow. Goodnight, B.

Taki the Cute even NAPS cute!

Taki sleeps as though she has no bones and no worries. *g* This picture isn't from the last couple of weeks, so her belly looks a little different right now. But, she's healing nicely and her fur will grow back soon. The vet that does the service for us isn't our normal vet and tattoos a green line on the kitties who have been spayed. So, our baby girl Taki is now a tattooed sweetie! *g*

I have been bad. Because of all my injuries lately I decided to take it easy this weekend, though I don't have any more pain. And am starting tomorrow off as if starting my regime over again. I don't know why my body decided to rebel against me lately, but I had a thought that maybe I wasn't getting enough rest and decided to rectify that with this past weekend. I really tried today, but did end up vacuuming and baking and laundry and dragged the Christmas tree upstairs from the LR while Chris and the kids were out. However, I feel guilty for not attending my class. Darnit. Ah, well. I need to learn to let that go a bit.
Yesterday we ran a couple of errands. And also toured the city next to us' Y. It's one near where Chris works. He could get there after work much faster than the one near where we live. Not to mention Daughter wanted to get a look at the pool. It was a nice facility and the machines were top notch. Actually, the machines were the ones we voted for when Daughter's Y built their new facility. (They didn't order the ones we liked, which was too bad. They were VERY nice.) The other Y also had FOUR aerobic rooms, one dedicated to Yoga and Pilates. The Zumba classes were taught in the gym and had a stage. There was also ANOTHER cardio room that was tiered like a movie theater and had a movie screen that played the same movie all day with them rotating the movies every day. It had a walking track and a small cafe, too. But, it was crowded and the pool is an outdoor pool that they tent in the winter. (A white dome looking thing.)
Today they (Chris and the kids) toured one that was halfway between our house and Chris' job. It was older, but laid out well and had a well thought out pool system (it was horse-shoe shaped). They also had a big gym, outdoor tennis courts, a walking trail and volleyball area. They really liked it. We may see about expanding our membership to include these Y's as well as the ones we already attend. And because Daughter works for one, the membership upgrade would be discounted. I'm not sure about all this, to be honest. It's Chris' idea. I may have to say no for now. Part of this, though, is finding another Y Daughter may like to apply to for a lifeguarding job.

Anyway, while they were gone I made a ton of caramel chocolate chip cookies. I gave half to our neighbors. *g* I hope they liked them! As for reading? I started reading a new Tess Gerritsen book, only to realize I'd read it about five years ago. It's just been rereleased with a new cover. Oops. I wasn't keeping records then. I'm still reading the mafia book, but have added reading another book to the mix as well. The Friday Society by Adrienne Kress is a historical set somewhere in the Victorian Era with a steampunk influence and written in a modern tone. Three simple words. I like it. *g* It has strong-minded females and is starting to gear up with a fascinating mystery. All up my alley.

And that's that. Time to get some rest. I hope y'all are reading something good and had a nice weekend. I wish a Blessed week for y'all to come. Goodnight and Hugs, B.

Exercise: Gah. No.
Exercise hours: No. *hangingheadinshame*

Are they serious?

I'm posting this picture because I noticed it when we were at Petsmart . And it blew my mind. Why on earth would someone need a jogging best/harness for a ferret? I can't even picture how weird this must look when in use.
It's been a full day of laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping and such. It's also late and I'm exhausted. So, I'm leaving y'all to wonder, exactly, WHY, someone thought a ferret should and could wear one of these?
I hope y'all had a marvelous Friday. I wish a good and happy Saturday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree....

We've gone ahead and taken our tree down for the season, but I had to share Aka's favorite hang-out this Holiday. Does he not look comfortable? Silly kitty! Btw, this silly kitty is now as big as Wicket and considering she's almost two years old and he's only six months old? Well, that tells me he's going to be a big boy. And Taki? Barely weighs five pounds at six months old. We believe she's going to remain our petite little girl.

Not much to share today. Daughter was picked for a random drug test at work, so though she wasn't actually AT work today we had to go by and pick up the form and then head to the testers office and then back to the Y for the kids MA class. Only. We didn't make it in time and the kids don't believe in entering a class as late as we were (half an hour for an hour long class) so they chose to not attend class. The teacher said it would have been okay, but the kids were first taught years ago that it's disrespectful to enter the dojo late and so they are always on time, or early, because of this. (Um, not to mention I can't stand being late for anything. Now the hubs..... *g*) Daughter spoke to one of her bosses. She's not happy that they've not only cut everyone's hours, but that they've hired other lifeguards which means even fewer hours. Since she's saving for a car and college expenses she's not happy and talked to him about maybe also working for the Y that's in the city over. She'll have to have permission from the Y she works for now first, though. I don't blame her. I won't disparage the boss that makes out the scheduling, but I can say that I wish he actively LISTENED and gave straight answers instead of vague ones and brushing her off. I miss Daughter's old AD. He was the best boss she'll ever have.
While Daughter talked to him (and Son listened) I headed to my class. I had butterflies in my tummy, but was determined that I wasn't going to let crazy lady keep me out of this class. I'd been not attending for months because she's just not all there and I didn't want to cause issues in class or for the teachers, but when I explained that last week to the teachers I was told to not let anyone keep me from doing something I wanted to do. (I seriously want to be this lady when I grow up. She's AWESOME. She's over 50 and a grandmother and is fit (seriously fit, but not in a masculine way some can get). Trust me, if I had her body I'd be ecstatic. And she doesn't let anyone get in her way. So, I attended class and crazy lady tried one thing-she set her step so close to mine it was only inches away. Another woman who attends and knows how she is told her she needed to move it or she'd step on me. She also chatted with some of the others on the same row we were on and I caught looks my way, but whatever. I enjoyed the class. I enjoy pushing my body and trying hard to do everything. I then attended Pilates afterwards. I'm not very good at Pilates, but I try and that has to count for something.
Afterwards we all headed home and I undid all the good I'd done in my classes when we had pizza for dinner. I ate two pieces and a couple of breadsticks. *sigh* However, I didn't have to cook and it was nice and warm considering how chilly it was outside. Both wins. *g*
As for reading? I finished the Sala book. I enjoyed the heroine and hero, but wasn't happy about the protagonist and that line of work nor did I really enjoy the scenes from an injured bears perspective. (Second book in a year I've read with this and didn't like it in the first book, either.) However, I loved the ending, so that has to count, right? Now I'm reading the cutest book. The Little Black Book of Mafia Wisdom: Secrets, Lies, Tricks, and Tactics of the Organizations that was Once Bigger than U.S. Steel edited by Wesley Jaqoues. Some of the quotes are funny and some make you think. There are some gorgeous pictures and I'm thoroughly enjoying it, though I am not very far into it.
I'm also trying to keep better track of my books this year. Last year I just entered what I was reading into Goodreads and so don't have the greatest records of what I read last year. I've decided to have a few simple goals this year. I want to take and pass a CPR class. I want to lose 5lbs.. (I'd love to lose more, but am being very realistic.) and I want to keep better records of my books. So. I'm starting out well with one of them! *g* How about you? Any goals for the year? I don't like calling them resolutions, that sounds so.... depressing somehow. Goals are something to work toward where resolutions sound so finite. We'll see how it goes!

No more form me. It's time to get some much needed sleep. (I didn't sleep well worrying about Taki last night. I shouldn't have, she climbed the bed(and yes, I know she wasn't supposed to- I was ASLEEP) and smacked me in the head with the collar trying to snuggle with me.) I hope y'all had a Happy Thursday. I wish a laughter-filled Friday that is fun and enjoyable. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.

Exercise: CardioPump, Pilates.
Exercise Hours: 2hrs..

Two clues!

In the pictures you'll find two clues to how our day went. I have books! Ten in all and am ecstatic. And Taki was spayed today. She's not very happy right now, actually she looks absolutely miserable. But, she wouldn't stop trying to clean her incision and so had to be placed in the "cone of shame".
Chris dropped Taki off at the Vet this morning. I hate making him the bad guy, but can't stand the thought of her thinking I was abandoning her if I had done it. Terrible of me, I know.
Daughter worked this afternoon and after dropping her off Son and I visited the main branch of our county library. Now, while I love visiting this branch I dislike the attitude all the librarians there seem to have. I was lucky enough to find six books there to read and most are by new-to-me authors. After that we made a quick stop by Petsmart for a can of Taki's favorite food (the better to tempt her with when she got home). After all that and lunch Son and I walked up to our branch of the library to pick up my and Daughter's holds. Poor Son. He was excited and talked nonstop the entire way up to the library, but I wore him out because he held my hand the entire way home so I could propel him onward. Good grief! You'd think a three mile walk would be nothing for a young fellow! *g* He knew I had an ulterior motive, btw. Because of Daughter's work schedule today and picking up Taki I wouldn't be able to attend any classes at the Y. So, our walk was my exercise for the day.
Anyway, at our branch I picked my four holds and Daughter's and we headed home to drop the off before picking up Taki and then Daughter.
That's pretty much my day, after you add in having to put the collar on Taki and finishing the Jodi Thomas book I had started yesterday. Now I'm reading the latest Sharon Sala.
Time to head offline. (I've only checked my email today early this morning so typing that seems funny.) I hope y'all had a pleasant day. I wish a thankful and thoughtful Thursday for y'all. Goodnight, B.

Exercise: walking, a bit over 3miles.
Exercise hours: 1hr..

Kitty Convention!

At least, that's what the picture looks like to me. Technically, this I what my kitchen looks like if we give the kitties a treat of stinky tuna from a pouch. (Real. Not cat food.) Trust me when I say the plate was clean after they were finished.

My shoulder is feeling better today. I even was able to get dressed without help. But, I didnt want to overdo it today, so besides laundry and some light cleaning I've tried not to do too much. As a matter of fact, it's time to get offline. Not just to rest my shoulder, but because it's late. I hope y'all had a Happy New Year's Eve. I wish a lovely start to the New Year. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams, B.