Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. R... - eBay (item 180596419348 end time Dec-11-10 11:12:23 PST)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. R.

eBay > Congratulations! You did it again—your item is listed for sale.

2nd listing on eBay!!!

eBay > Congratulations! You did it again—your item is listed for sale.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. R... eBay

Just listed my first item on eBay!!! Whew


Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. R... - eBay (item 180596419348 end time Dec-11-10 11:12:23 PST)

W & M (weight and measure) DAY AT CURVES TODAY-NOV.

Danna and I have gone another month of working out at Curves 3x's a week! It doesn't seem that long ago that we last measured! We really have been working HARD, especially with the Thanksgiving holiday here! It has paid off though! Danna's weight has stayed the same, BUT.....she has lost 3 inches in her waist!! Her total inches in all lost since October is 5.75! GREAT JOB!! YEAH! YOU GO GIRL! Proud of you! It is a lot of work, but she is doing a really good job! I, on the other hand, am not as impressive! lol I have lost 2 inches in my waist, and my weight went up 2 pounds! Not to concerned about it, because my weight fluctuates so much anyway! lol I did lose a total of 5.25 inches since October in all. Does this mean we get to PIG OUT Thursday?? NOT!! Don't want to Undo everything we have accomplished! Just remember to choose a smaller dinner plate, and be aware of what you are eating! MODERATION is the key word here! I know it will be hard because you always eat tooo much and then regret it, but going to try!! lol Be thankful for what you have, I know I am. To all of you out there, have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING, and be SAFE on the roads! Have a blessed week....till next time..

HARRY POTTER and the DEATHLY HALLOWS: Part 1

HARRY POTTER and the DEATHLY HALLOWS: Part 1

Today, November 18th, my grandson Clayton, my (extended) grandson Casey, and myself decided to go to the movies. We all decided on the premiere of this one, (thank you)so I got on line, and ordered our tickets. Being that I have never done this before, I asked Casey how to do it. When we got them ordered, and got the conformation with a link to print tickets in my email, I asked Casey if we will get 3, or just 1 copy. He said 1, only need the conformation number and total cost. So I preceded to print. When the first one finished printing, the printer wanted more paper. So, I quickly flipped the paper over, and printed the next one on the back. The 3rd one went on a paper of its own. I couldn't wait for tomorrow to come, cause I was anxious to see this movie as I have read all the books!
Friday came, and we all got into the car, and we arrived promptly on site of the Regal Hollywood 16, located at 2801 S.W. 27th Avenue. We had about 15 minutes till the show would start. I was surprised to find there wasn't a very long line at the box office! Maybe because it was the matinee. Since we already had our tickets, we went in and over to the man and gave him our prepaid ticket receipts. He said there is only 2. I told him the other one is printed on the back of the other adult one. He then told me I needed one on each paper. I asked him what I was going to do now? He very nicely told me to go over to the desk, and see if they could copy the one. I went back to the desk, but there was only 1 person working the desk, and he was busy with a lady, So I stood behind her. We stood there for a little while, then I noticed the clock! We only had a few minutes till our movie would start! I think the gentleman saw, because the next thing a lady came out of the office and asked me if she could help me. I told her what had happened and she said just a minute. She promptly returned and said "I just printed you 3 new tickets. Enjoy the movie."
I thanked her and we hurriedly went back to the ticket man and he told us to go to the right to theater 9, and enjoy the movie. Everyone was so nice and helpful even though it was MY mistake! We didn't even have a chance to get that good smelling fresh popcorn! Luckily we had just finished eating lunch! Ha!ha! (But it did SMELL Good!) We hurried into theater 9, and found some seats. It was a good thing to, because the previews of the up and coming movies were being shown. One of them that looked good was "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 3D, PG." Opens Friday, December 10, 2010!
Finally, our movie started! We all were anxious to see how well the movie was going to be in comparison to the book! It starts out at the protection of Harry as he approaches his 18th birthday when his tracer is to be removed. At that time, he will no longer be under the protection of his mother's love. He has to be hidden in a safe place, and Mad-eye thinks he has the perfect plan by having 7 Potters when they transfer him. It seems there is a traitor among them! The movie continues, and Harry, Hermione, and Ron are on their way to complete their Quest to destroy the Horcruxes. If they do not succeed in destroying ALL of them, Valdemort will remain immortal! With a combination of the dark forces, the romantic tension, and the long-held secrets threaten to sabotage their mission in spite of their long friendships with one another. I won't spoil the movie for you, and tell you all that happens, so you will have to see the movie to see all of the details.
So, if you are looking for something to do, go see the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: part 1. This is the last book of the series, and the first of two films of that book. I was very satisfied with this movie, and am looking forward to see the last one! I don't think you will be disappointed!

Have a GREAT day!! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

THANKSGIVING TRADITIONS

As everyone knows, this month is Thanksgiving. Every family has their own traditions. This year, instead of having it at my house or my son and his family's house, my grandson Corey came to me and asked me if we could have it at his house as he wanted to start his own tradition. I knew it would be coming, but I just wasn't expecting this year. I told him I didn't care. So I pass the baton to him. I always made the turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and green bean casserole. When he asked me to help with the menu, I asked him how many was coming. He said about 15, so how big of a turkey did he need to get. I said, no smaller than a 14 pounds. I then asked him what he wanted to have. He said the usual. He then asked if I could do the turkey, stuffing, and deviled eggs? I said I would take care of Mr Tom and the eggs, and also bake some pumpkin pie. I don't like a lot of spices in my pumpkin pie. My grandfather spoiled me. He always made a pumpkin custard pumpkin pie, and I have made his pie ever since I was old enough. I thought I would share it with you in case there are some, who like me, don't care for the store bought ones.

                                                                Pumpkin Pie

1 - 30oz can pure pumpkin no seasoning (Libby's)
3 heaping Tbl. all purpose flour
11/4 Cup light brown sugar
11/2 tea. cinnamon
1/8 tea. ginger
1/2 tea. salt
    
      Mix together in LARGE bowl or basin. Add 11/2 tea. vanilla, 5 egg yolks directly to the pumpkin mixture.(Put the whites in a small mixing bowl.)  Add 1qt whole milk, 2 Tbl. margarine-browned, and 1-13oz evaporated milk to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Beat egg whites till stiff peaks and fold into pumpkin. Put into unbaked pie crust, and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until an inserted knife into center of pie comes out clean.

If you use this, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  Happy Thanksgiving!

VIRTUAL ONLINE LERNING

Today, I have been participating in a blog challenge for the second time. My first was last month. What is a blog challenge you say? Well, I belong to a group of Wonderful people who have been brought together by Danna Crawford, from all over the world, through the use of the internet. Danna started this group a year ago, and named it "Virtual Online Learning". We are always learning, weather it is finding resolutions to problems we might be experiencing with the internet, or having a problem with our computer. Whatever the problem, we can post it on the Virtual Online web site, and someone will come to our rescue! There is always somebody to help us. All of our members read the posts, can give input in our "meetings", suggest topics for discussion, and get answers to questions. What is so Awesome about this is, we have the opportunity to "meet" a whole new set of potential friends from all over the world, and learn from them. Weather it be blogging, eBay buying or selling, or social networking! These challenges gives everyone a little push to just get in there and try! Some of us, like me who is a little shy, need that push. I am new to the blogging world, and am trying hard to improve. I have gained some very good information through the VOL members participation of these challenges. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy days to participate, and I look forward in reading your blogs. Have a blessed day!

A PEACEFUL NIGHT

A beautiful evening the stars so bright;
The moon smiles down with it's Wonderous light.
Not a cloud in the sky nowhere to be seen;
As everyone sits on the porch with a screen.
The tikii torches flickered in the evening breeze;
As he gave my hand a soft, gentle squeeze.
Across the sky a falling star fell;
Make a wish, but do not tell!
The frogs are croaking by the pond;
As the fire flies flittered across the lawn.
So peaceful and quiet this beautiful night;
After all, God's work is an AWESOME sight!

Author: Donna Troxell
              03/01/07                                
                                                                  

THE RULES OF CHOCOLATE

This blog is for Danna Crawford, and all of you that are chocoholics  LOL!

1.  IF you've got melted chocolate all over your hands, well, you're just eating it TOO SLOWLY!
2.  Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices, and strawberries, ALL count as fruit, so..eat as many
     as  you want.
3.   The problem:  How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in a hot car!  The solution:  Eat in
     the parking lot.
4.   Diet tip:  Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It will take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less.
5   A nice box of chocolate can provide your total daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy?
6.   If you can't eat all your chocolate, it will keep in the freezer.
7.   BUT, if you can't EAT all your chocolate, What's Wrong With You?
8.   If CALORIES are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and
      they will Jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves!
9.   Eat equal amounts of Dark chocolate and White chocolate to maintain a balanced diet.
10. Money may talks. But chocolate SINGS!
11. Chocolate has many preservatives. Preservatives make you look younger.
12. Why has no one started up a Chocoholics Anonymous?
       Answer: Because no one wants to quit!
13. If not for chocolate, there would be no need for control top pantyhose. An entire garment industry would       be devastated!
14. Put "Eat Chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get ONE thing
      done!

Well, as funny as this, I hope everyone will use common sense when it comes to your diet! You are what you eat! Hope everyone has a GREAT day!

PUSHED BY AN ANGEL? WHAT DO YOU THINK

This is about a dear friend of mine. Her name is Diana Wise. Let me give you a little back ground information. Diana and I met each other when I was in the 6th grade. She is younger than I am. We grew up together in the world of roller skating. We met at the rink. When I graduated from high school, I quit skating and lost contact with her. I moved to Florida, and many years later, when I went back to Ohio and while visiting my mom, reconnected with Diana. She told me that she had been skating again, and had reconnected with her first skating partner Jim, and were back skating competition! I told her I would love to see Jim again. So we plotted for me to go to the rink while they were there to surprise him. Long story short, we surprised him and had a nice reunion. When I had to come home, Diana and I kept in touch with each other over the years. When I retired, I went back up home to help my mom. We became "Snowbirds". Mom and I would be in Ohio for the summer, and here in Florida for the Winter. While in Ohio, I bought myself a pair of skates, at Diana's coaxing, and started to skate a little myself again! This was the first time in about 17 years! Whenever we were in Florida, Diana and I still kept in touch with each other. Mom passed away 2 years ago, and I haven't been back to Ohio since.

Well, Diana and Jim made it to Nationals this year held in August. They had about 2 weeks before they were to leave. On one afternoon, Diana was warming up, waiting for Jim, so they could practice for Nationals. She wasn't doing anything special, skating around when it happened! She just fell! To this day, she doesn't know how or why she fell! It happened so fast she didn't have a chance to protect or block her fall! She fell face first hitting the floor, breaking some facial bones and injuring her shoulder. "Oh my gosh!" you say. "How terrible!" Needless to say, she didn't get to skate at Nationals. When I talked to Diana, at this point in time, she said she was doing good and hoped to go back skating soon. some weeks later, I called to see how she was, and when I asked, she replied, " I'm doing good, Just finished up my second round of chemotherapy! I was, as you can imagine, SHOCKED! I had just talked to her a little while ago! I was Flabbergasted to say the least! I said "What?"! She said, "Didn't I tell you?" I said, "No!" She then preceded to tell me that when they were doing all the tests when she fell to make sure of her injuries, they found a spot on the upper part of her lung. Now this lady was never a smoker. The doctors took a biopsy and found it was malignant. They had to removed the upper part of her lung, and that she was just completing her second chemotherapy treatment. The doctors told her that the cancer was on the outside edge, and it was a slow moving type. They were able to remove it all. Diana doesn't know how or why she fell. She just did. Diana calls her fall her "miracle fall". She said, "who knows how far it would have spread before being found if I hadn't fallen."

So, now I ask you, "What do YOU think? Did an Angel make her fall to save her life?" I don't know the answer, but if so, I want to say, "Thank you", because her family and friends would Greatly miss her. Diana is a terrific person and is liked by all. Diana has had a very up-beat out look through all of this. So when you say your prayers tonight, do me a favor, say one for Diana to be completely healed.

Thank you, and God Bless!

OCALI COUNTRY DAYS

 My grandson Corey King asked me what I was doing on November 13 - 14, 2010 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. I said nothing, why? He asked if I wanted to go to what was called Cracker Days, now Ocali Country Days. I said sure. What is the admission? He said he didn't know so I told him I would look it up online. He asked me to text him if I found out. I told him I would. Well, I looked for about 45 minutes for information. I finally found it and promptly text him that it was $3.00 over 6 and US military free with ID. He said awesome, pick you up in the morning on Saturday. I told him I would be ready. When we got to the gate, it said $5.00 over 6 with US military free with ID. I told the lady about how much trouble I had locating any information on the event, and that the cost was stated as $3.00. She promptly called a gentleman over and told him what I had told her. He immediately got defensive and said that's  not my post. I don't have any control over anyone's but mine. I wasn't complaining, I just thought they should know about the difference in cost of admission. I also told the man that it was a post about the Silver River attraction. I was very surprised there wasn't more advertisement about this very interesting and enjoyable event. I hope there will be more information and promotion about this the next time.We walked in, and began our visit into "The Florida of Yesteryear."

The first thing we saw as we entered was a small building where the children were to put the mortar between the logs of this "room" using a mixture of tree moss, sand and water. We then came across a vendor that did wood carvings. He had taken a section of a tree, and carved different animals on it. He then preserved it and put a finish on it. It was really Beautiful! There was a dear on the top and an owl on one of the sides, and many other woodland animals. We saw an authentic old-time telegraph station, went through some one room school houses, log cabins furnished with authentic furnishings. Watched the making of sugar cane syrup, and even bought some sugar cane stalks to chew on!! Yum, Yum! Hayden, my great grandson who is 9 months old, sure enjoyed it!! Lol! Several crafts were on sale, including items made by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Also other vendors were selling their wares and showing how the people of yesteryear lived. We saw the Black Smith and how he used some of his tools, watched some men recaning chairs, a man working with wood using the old tools. We watched a man weaving cloth using a loom. A woman making thread from the fur of a live rabbit, and the spinning wheel would make it into thread to make other things. She said the rabbit didn't feel the fur being pulled out cause it was molting. She said she was helping the rabbit cause it would have to lick its fur to remove loose fur out. She said that a rabbit couldn't vomit and some times the rabbits would die from the fur in their systems in the wild. Corey was soo excited because he got to get some sugar cane! He remembered it from a school field trip, but has not gotten any since. He may not have remembered much of the exhibit, but he sure remembered the sugar cane and wanted more! Lol!

                             

                       Tree Carvings                 

 

Weaver                                                                        Black Smith
                                        

Ashley and Hayden eating sugar cane

                                  Corey in the kitchen
                                  










All in all, the day was a GREAT day! It was really fascinating to see a portion of what it was like to have lived in the yesteryear!

.

VIRTUAL ONLINE LEARNING

Oh my Goodness!  Where do I start? There is so much I can say about VOL and their members! Every time I attend a VOL class/webinars, I learn something new! Everyone who has hosted one has been exceptional teachers! They know what they are talking about, and are just GREAT! I just wish I had a photographic memory! They all have had good ideas on a variety of subjects. Right now, I am just starting to blog, but I hope to one day get brave enough to try selling on eBay. I buy things, but have never sold anything. Danna keeps telling me to "Just jump in there!" one of her favorite things to say! LOL  I guess I just don't have enough confidence in myself yet. I probably wouldn't have started blogging if it hadn't been for her! Danna is my "security" blanket! LOL I'm sure she gets tired of all my questions, but she has never not answered them. VOL is
 a constant fountain of information through all of its members. You learn a lot of new ideas and the CORRECT way of doing things to help you on the road to success. There is ALWAYS someone to help you, and are never alone. They are a group of fantastic people!   Thanks a bunch to all of you!

ANGELS

There are those who are very special to each of us......Maybe not throughout our lives, maybe not for very long, maybe only in passing.  But they make up the most beloved and cherished group we each have.  These are our nearest angels and often we are theirs too.  The pathways of angels are marked by beautiful moments, tender gestures, sweet gifts to the soul.....

To find all your angels, just remember......the mark of an angel is love. Angels are everywhere.  They manifest their love through every heart, every honest smile, every act of kindness, every constructive thought.  Their signature is everything that grows, every selfless desire, every playful pirouette of the soul....

Seek an angel with an open heart, and you shall always find one.  The only way to know an angel is by your feelings.  Angels may not always come when you call them, but they will come when you need them.....

An angel is someone who helps you believe in miracles again.  Sometimes you know angels only by the miracles they leave blossoming in their path after they are gone.  An angel is someone you're always happy  to bump into.  An angel is someone who raises your spirits.  An angel is someone you feel you've known forever even though you've just met.....

Anyone who helps you grow is a angel.  Angels make you feel welcome in this world.  Angels encourage your best qualities and hidden talents.  An angel gives you those gentle pats on the back you sometimes need to keep going......

Angels give you direction. Angels gently push you out of your little self and into the broad arena of love. Angels remind you that you are enough.....

Angels help you see your life in a better light.  An angel is someone who helps bring out the angel in you.
Are you an angel to someone?

OCTOBER 29TH

It was a dark and stormy night that October 29th!
Not the moon, nor stars would twinkle with their light!
The lightening streaked across the sky,
While the BIG, BLACK clouds went rushing by.
In the distance, the thunder clapped,
As the horses hooves went clickety-clack.
For the storm was close, I ad no doubt!

Then all of a sudden, the lightening struck,
It hit a tree and split the trunk!
The horses were scared and started to run,
From side to side the wagon swung!
Out of the wagon I was thrown,
Landing in a heap, I was alone.
Up I sat and looked around,
Nothing familiar was to be found!

Cautiously I walked, looking around, straining my eyes to see,
Rain was pounding harder and the wind blew against me!
Then, as the lightening flashed again, I saw it standing there!
It was BIG, UGLY, ARMS OUT-STRETCHED, REACHING IN THE AIR!
I screamed and ran as fast as I could, running through the trees!
All at once, it got me! Wrapping its fingers around my foot, and yanking me off my feet!
The last thing I remember as I fell upon the ground,
Was the rain upon my face, then blackness all around!

I awoke sometime later, with the sun upon my face,
Looking around and finding out that everything's in place.
The fingers that had grabbed me and yanked me off my feet,
Was nothing more than ivy, growing in the heat!
The Monster that was standing there beside the road last night,
Was only Mr. Scarecrow waving his arms with all his might!
So just remember, when the thunder rolls and the lightening strikes,
Don't let your imagination put you in a fright!
             HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

                                                                             Author: Donna Troxell





                                                                                                   

Holiday Memories

  The Holidays are fast approaching, and nothing reminds us more of Mom's kitchen than the great smells of cinnamon and spices! When I came across this recipe and remembered that good smell, I thought I would share it.Maybe some of you have it already, and maybe some of you have thought, "Gee, I wish I knew how to make those". So, here it is:

IT IS FROM THE MCCORMICK COMPANY

THERE IS NO BAKING AND IS SIMPLE FOR KIDS

                                                      CINNAMON ORNIMENTS
Mix 3/4 cup to 1 cup applesauce with 1 - 1.2ounce bottle of ground cinnamon to form a STIFF dough.  Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Make a hole for ribbon for hanging.

Carefully put "cookies" on wire rack to dry for several days, turning occasionally. OR you can bake them at 125 degrees for 8 hours, turning occasionally.

SPECIAL NOTE:  Make sure to have extra cinnamon on hand in case your dough is not thick enough to roll.

Makes about 12 Sweet Smelling Ornaments to hang anywhere!

NEW WEBSITE TO CHECK OUT

My granddaughter has just opened a new business on line. She is making bows, headbands, tutus, and bracelets for babies and toddlers! These accessories are all hand made. With Christmas right around the corner, why don't you take the time, and take a look and find that special little princes some accessories made just for her with love. Below, you will find her web site address as well as a link to it. Thanks....and ENJOY YOUR SHOPPING!

http://sassyfrasbows.ecrater.com/

My granddaughter site CLICK HERE TO VIEW

CACTUS MAN #volbc

Three times a week, Danna and I go to Curves to exercise. We go the same route usually every time. We see this man, dancing, and waving at all the vehicles as they go by to read his sign for the Cactus Car Wash.

He is sooo funny you can't help laughing at him! He really knows how to draw everyone's attention! As we all have to sit at the light waiting for it to turn green, we have entertainment! He looks like he is really enjoying his work! He dances around, waving his cactus hat, motioning to everyone who passes to come to the car wash! We enjoyed watching him so much, that Danna decided to take a video of him.

Well, I drove this morning, and saw him standing on his corner, and turned the car back around so we could catch him from the other street to video tape him. We were stopped at the light about 2 cars away, and Danna stuck her arm out the window, and started the tape. We were laughing so hard she could hardly hold the camera still! When the light turned green, I slowly moved up and around the corner. That's when he saw us! He put on a BIG grin and went into his jig! We all were laughing as we went by. This man was really drawing attention to the car wash by his innovated ideas! Other sign holders could take a lesson from this creative man! I hope when your vehicle needs washed you stop into the Cactus Car Wash! So here is the video that we captured of the infamous "Cactus Man"!

Enjoying my grand and great grand!

Well, after a wonderful time with my granddaughter and great granddaughter, I had to say, so-long! They had to take that 5 hour trip home, back to their daily lives. On the bright side, they are coming back next month! I can't wait! The time goes so fast when they are here. I can't get over how much that little girl has changed in her looks. At 18 months, she is losing her baby looks, and looks like a beautiful little girl! She is growing up way to fast! Her mama says she is to smart too! LOL While she was here, she came to me an said "Gama, Gama," as she crooked her little fingers for me to follow her. So I did. She went to the pantry, and reached up, and took the container with cookies in it down off the shelf and gave it to me, with a VERY endearing look! Come on now, you all know that look! LOL Well, I tried not to laugh as I said, "We have to ask Mommy first!" She looked at Mommy to see what she was going to say. Mommy said it was OK, so I opened the container, and held it down so she could help herself. She put her little hand in, and took only one cookie. She took it and went over to give it to Mommy, but Mommy said she didn't want one. She immediately took the cookie apart and ate the filling out! She used to do that when she was younger, then ate the cookie, but now she just eats the filling an leaves the cookie! Ha! Ha! My neighbor, Danna Crawford came over, and wanted to take her picture. She took her camera and told Peyton to say cheese. Peyton looked at her and smiled and said, "Cheese!" Danna started laughing and said, "What a HAM! She poses for her pictures!" Who needs to watch TV when there is an 18 month old in the house! They are entertaining enough! Needless to say, I miss them very much and can't wait to see them again! Their visits are always to short! I'm sure all you Moms, Dads, Grandparents, and Great Grandparents understand what I'm talking about! I hope you all have a blessed day! Till next time....
Grama Donna

1st Social Networking Event with OcalaNetworking.com--topic is "Twitter"

Just returned from Denny's restaurant, where Danna Crawford presented a free class on how twitter can help your business. We had a good turn out, and learned about twitter. A few of us, myself included, had no idea what twitter was all about. Danna explained how to sign in, how to make the  profile, how to market your business weather it is selling on eBay, or blogging. She told us about the #, (hash tags), and how to use them. Danna explained how the use of twitter can direct traffic to our blogs, and our eBay stores. We got a lot of information from other guests as well as from Danna! After Danna's presentation, she opened the floor for discussion. We then had a chance to socialize a little. All an all, we had a very delightful, and informational, informal meeting! I'm sure everyone there had as good a time as I did. KODOS to you Danna, once again on a job well done!

Thanks an hugs, Danna!

W&M Day At Curves, September

Well,.....here I am again! There has been a little time that has past since I last posted a blog.  My mind has been wondering about what to blog about., and that has been my hold up! I thought I would just say a few things about my activities. As I have stated in the past, I do walk 2 x’s a week and go to Curves, thanks to Silver Sneakers, to work out 3 x’s a week with my good friend and neighbor Danna.  We had a weigh in again, (actually, this one is the second one), and my report was OK. Danna’s, on the other hand, was Fantastic! She has lost over 5 lbs, and I’m sorry that I don’t remember her other losses, but believe me when I say, SHE is doing an awesome job!!  I, on the other hand, have a problem. You see, I don’t get hungry! I know, some of you might say that would be GREAT! It really isn’t, cause you eat something just because you know you have to, and not because you want to. I have been known to eat just once or twice a day! Of course as you know, that isn’t good for you. So, when I weighed in last month, I confided in Joyce, who is the owner of Curves and is the most delightful person, about my problem with my appetite. I will say, that I also was not taking vitamins, or any supplements. My measurements stayed the same, except my weight loss was 1lb, and waist loss was ½ inch. My body fat percent, however, increased by .60%! I couldn’t understand this. After hearing of my problem, she said that possibly since I don’t eat right that I have loss muscle tone. She advised me to eat 4 or 5 small meals, take a multi-vitamin, and increase my protein per day. Well, I now take a multi-vitamin, and eat more protein. Eat the snack bars, and try to eat more through out the day. Well, we just weighed in and measured again for this month. I have gained in all my measurements a total of 1 ½ inches, gained 2 ½ lbs, and gained .10% body fat! However, I have lost ½ inch in my abdomen! Joyce is pleased, and said good job working on the nutrition! She said that for my build an etc. that my top weight should be about 138, and really everything else is about where it should be. So,...I don’t know....I would like to weigh at the lowest 125 to 130 lbs., and lose some of the body fat. Oh well,...maybe next month I will level out if I keep on with the nutrition. Guess we are never really satisfied! I do want to keep fit though. At 68, life isn’t as long as it use to be when I was 21! Ha! Ha! With that,
my wish for all of you who read this, is to keep fit!
Have a blessed day.

D.DAY!.........Rather M&W Day is today!

Well Folks, as some of you might know, Danna and I have been working out at Curves this past month! She joined, and I am able to participate through Silver Sneakers! Well,....today is Measure and Weight day! The dreaded day we find out how we are doing!  I am happy to say, that.. Danna and I BOTH have LOST! Isn't that Great! (fan fare)....wait.. for it,....I have lost a total of 3 inches; lost 1/2 pound; and .80% BMI! Danna has a lost a total ooooof,......3.5 inches; lost 2.5 pounds; and .4% BMI!! YOU GO GIRL! I am soooooo PROUD of her! Just think, one month ago, she could hardly walk around the block without getting winded! Today, she walks around 4 blocks, and is just slightly winded! She has been working very hard, and it has paid off!!! If she keeps going the way she is, we will see a NEW  Danna by the time she goes to California! That is her goal by the way!!  Soooooo,  a BIG congratulations to us both! Our routine is work out 3 days a week for 1/2 an hour, and walk 2, days so, she has a full week trying to do this and keeping up with all of her other projects! I am happy to be able to enjoy her company. She is always up-beat, (even when she is tired) and optimistic! We have a great time together, and I'm happy to call her friend! So, that said, lets all get behind her and give her that extra support to keep up the GREAT work!

DANNA,......HUGZZZ to you! Till next time.....your friend and neighbor, Donna

To read more of Danna's success, visit her link!
http://powersellingmom.com/DannaCrawford/

Lets Get Fit!

O.K.......so, Danna and I walk on Tuesdays, and Thursdays. This past Thursday, June 24th, she tells me that yesterday, Wednesday, she had enrolled in Curves, and was going to go again tomorrow, Friday June 25th. I asked her what it was like. She told me that that they have machines set up in a circle with these recovery boards between each machine. She also said that they honor Silver Sneakers. The SilverSneakers Fitness Program is an innovative health, exercise and wellness program helping older adults live healthy, active lifestyles, through many health plans and medicare supplemental plans. (Go to SilverSeakers.com to see if your health plan is listed as a benefit).I have used it in the past an it's GREAT! I was interested in what she was saying. Danna said to let her know if I wanted to go with her. Later that day, I called and said I would go.

On Friday, at 9:am, we get into her SUV and go to Curves. Since there are a couple of locations here in Ocala, I asked her which one we were going to. She said the one at 500 SW 10th street just before the overpass on the left. Since Danna had already joined, she went ahead and started her workout while Joyce, the owner, started me on my paperwork. I filled out my health history, Dr's information, and of course what was my goal. I told her that I would like to lose a little weight, lose some body fat and basically firm up! She took my weight, and measurements, then put these figures into a hand held machine which I had to hold and squeeze. It calculated what my body fat was. As it turns out, according to the charts, my weight was in the middle, and my body fat was just a couple of points high for my age and everything. So,... my goal is to lose about 10lbs, and to lose the body fat!!

We then went over to the machines. As I got on each one, she explained what each one was for, and how to use them. She said that the machines are hydraulic, and thus gives you resistance like you would have if you were in water. They have Biceps/Triceps, which is double positive machine, meaning it works two directions of resistance; Leg Press,is a single positive machine, meaning it has resistance in one direction; Leg Extension/Leg Curl, double positive; Shoulder Press/Lat Pull, double positive; Ab/Back, double positive;
Hip Abductor/Adductor, double positive; Chest/Back, double positive; and a Squat, single positive machine. These are all strength training machines. Then in between each machine, they have what is called a recovery board. You run, walk, jog or dance in place. These boards are to maintaining the heart rate at a cardiovascular level. You work on each item until you are told to go to the next one. You keep changing machines and recovery boards until your 30 minutes are up.When you start, just start at any available machine or board.

The Curves workout has been proven to be effective at protecting muscle, burn body fat, and raising metabolism. In clinical trials, the LEAST fit exercisers expended 164 to 238 calories during a 30 minute Curves workout, while the fittest burned more than 500 calories.

So ladies,.....an gents.....come on. LETS GET FIT, AN STAY FIT! We all need to take a more healthy look at our lives!       Ladies,........We take care of everyone else, why not ourselves?

A Job Well Done

We all piled into the car and headed South to St. Cloud. Upon getting to our destination, we were greeted with hugs an kisses as she was leaving for the Osceola Heritage Park for the services. Soon after, we once again piled into the cars and headed there too! We pulled into the parking lot, which by the way was packed full of cars, and parked. We all got out of our cars and walked down to the entrance to join the many people standing in line! In about 20 to 25 minutes, we were finally allowed to go in and find seats. Now,... here we all sit, saying goodbye, with tear filled eyes and a glint of pride, to yet another chapter, and "HELLO" to all the new challenges as she embarks on the next phase of her life! My granddaughter, Tiffanie, graduated from high school Thursday May 27th. It doesn't seem possible! It just seems like yesterday that she had started school! Where did the time go?
  
Tiffanie came into this world on July 4 1992, and has been our firecracker ever since! Now,.....here is where I get to invoke Grandparents rights! That's right,...I get to brag about her! lol This firecracker has graduated with honors! Mu Alfa Theta and National Honor Society for this year. Out of 377 students in her class, she was the 10th highest in grade point average with a whopping 4.38! (The highest was a 4.7). There was a total of 72 students that had a 3.5 or above grade point average in her class.

Tiffanie has been in JROTC (Junior Reserves Officers Training Corps) since first starting high school, and finished in the position of Battalion Commander, the highest rank available cadet officers in the program can achieve. She was crowned Queen at the military ball, and has donated over 250 hours of community service through the JROTC program. She was Social Chair Officer of this years Honor Society, and was on the JROTC Drill Team, Raiders Team, and Sabers Team! She was awarded Cadet of the year, Superior Cadet, and Over-all Leadership Cadet. She has already completed 6 college classes, 2 in her Junior year and 4 in her senior year! In addition with her Bright Futures scholarship, her scholastic ability has earned her $38,000 towards her college education. Tiffanie has been accepted at and will start in August. Her major is going to be in forensic analyst, and her minor will be in psychology. Kudos to her! Don't know where she found time for everything!

Tiffanie,...keep following YOUR dreams, honey, and don't settle for second best in anything! Set your sights High! Reach for the stars! Always remember your family and friends wish you the very best that life has to offer. We love you and congratulate you on the, Terrific job that you have done! We Are Proud Of You!
                                             
                                               Love,
                                                 Grams

May 18th Surprise attack!

Well, after reading Danna's (my GOOD FRIEND and Neighbor) remarks about what her doctor told
her about taking better care of herself, I decided to take action! Neither one of us went to
bed last night until after 1:00am. We were both working on our perspective endeavors, seems
like we have another thing in common, we are night owls! Upon awakening at 7:30, I got up,
left Bandit out (my Shih Tzu), fed him and my outside dog, fixed myself a cup of coffee, and
preceded to map out my agenda for my SURPRISE attack! After all, what are friends for, Right?
 :)

About 8:17am, I gave her a call. Needless to say, she didn't answer her phone. I figured she
was STILL in bed! WHAT SANE PERSON WOULDN'T BE! But,... she called me back about 9:00
and she asked me if I had call her. (She was trying VERY hard to sound as if she had been up!)  :)
I told her I did and asked if I woke her up, knowing full well I had, which she confirmed. I said to her,
"Get dressed, drink your coffee, cause we are going walking.  No procrastinating!" She had the
option to say she couldn't for one reason or another, but, she was a trouper and said, "I'll meet
you outside when I'm ready." A few minutes later, she was walking across the street. I locked
up, and met her. We started off, first down our street, then over to the 2nd street. Now mind you,
we were walking at a good pace. By this time, Danna started to slow down. I mentioned this to
her, an she said to remember that she wasn't use to walking at that pace! So I slowed down a
little....don't want to make her toooo tired and sore! Now, we only have 4 streets in our allotment, so
when we got up to the end of the street, we went down the street we missed and came up our street.
So in all, we walked 3 of our 4 streets! Not bad for a first walk! Unfortunately, I didn't time us.
Oh well, can't remember everything! Lol

Well, after we got home, Danna wrote on my Facebook wall. " Danna Crawford  Thank you Donna for
dragging my butt down the street and getting me to start walking! {{{{Donna}}}}!"  Now I ask you
truthfully, does that sound like she really was sincere??? HaHa. I simply wrote back saying, " No problem! I enjoyed it! Do it again Thursday am around 8:30ish."  To that she promptly replied, "Oh wow, you mean we have to do this again???? ;) I have it on my calendar but if it rains we will cancel! **praying for rain** lol Joking, I am giving thanks to you as my friend! {{{Donna}}}} I wrote back, "Ha ha! Twice a week! Tuesday and Thursday if you aren't busy! Now don't you go and book something! LOL  :) It is cooler in the mornings!"

All an All, she was a pretty good egg about the whole thing! The Yolks on you! But in my defense, she had mentioned to me about walking with her sometime! So Danna,.... little did you know that, YOU would be the next topic for my blog!

I thank you! I had fun planning  your surprise attack, and had a WONDERFUL start to my day with you!
Enjoy the rest of your day!

HUGZZ to you!  :)

To My Mom

Mom, I love you and miss you more than can be expressed. You were my best friend, my confidant, my inspiration, my role model, my rock, but most of all, the best mom I could have had, and you were mine! You were always there for me no matter what. Through thick an thin, I always knew that you would be there for me to lean on! So with that said, I repeat what I wrote for you on your memory card:


                                                         
In Memory of Mom

When God calls someone special
To dwell with Him above,
We mortals sometime question
The wisdom of His love.
 
He saw that she was getting weary
Of the struggle and the fight,
So He wrapped His arms around her
And He took her home that night.

A golden heart stopped beating
As she closed her eyes to rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
That He only takes the best!

Until the time we meet again,
On those streets of gold,
You'll always live within our heart
And all the memories that it holds.

               I love you Mom

Saturday Outing 4/24/2010

Good evening! Today my daughter, Denise, and I had a wonderful day! We decided to go the the Market of Marion! It is a very nice flea and farmers market just South of  Belleview, Fl. on U.S. 441. I think everyone could find something to buy there! We walked around and looked at a lot of nice items! Pretty jewelry, kitchen gadgets, books, clothes, cook ware, baking items, games, food, and etc, etc. They even have fresh fruits and vegetables. Everything at a very reasonable price! I don't even think the guys would get bored walking around, as they have tools and gadgets for you too, so don't you guys get upset!  You just might want to go along so we women don't spend to much money! Ha, Ha!  I bought some delicious strawberries, beautiful Red Delicious apples, sweet as sugar green seedless grapes, and some vine ripened Big Boy tomatoes! Yummy!

After we were through walking around, we decided to come back to Ocala, and go to Olive Garden for lunch.  We both got soup and salad with unlimited salad and scrumptious bread sticks! Oh my goodness! I was so full by the time we left! When I finely got home, it was close to 5:00pm! We had spent the entire afternoon on our outing! Oh how time flies when you are enjoying yourself!  Am looking forward to another excursion with her!

Ode To Tinkerbell

Who is Tinkerbell? Let me introduce her to you. She was born on April 21, 1998, and passed away April 18, 2010. She was a beautiful chocolate and tan Pomeranian! Both her mom and dad were champions. At the time of Tinkerbell's death, she was almost 12 years old. (That's 84 in dog years so I've been told), and weighed 6 pounds. My mom got her in 2001 after the death of her Pomeranian. By this time, Tinkerbell was an adult and had one puppy and could not have anymore. When mom first saw her, she felt so  sorry for her and couldn't let her go back. Tinkerbell was so afraid of everything, and her beautiful chocolate coat was matted and shaggy! Mom's heart went out those sorrowful looking brown eyes, and she fell in love with her. Tinkerbell was underweight, and had a mouth full of bad teeth.. After seeing the veterinarian, mom was told she had to have 18 pulled on the bottom. That left her with only 9 teeth there!

After all mom's love and tender loving care, Tinkerbell finally wasn't quit so afraid and become a very pampered little girl! She never learned to play with toys, but she gave you enjoyment and comfort only a dog can.She never expected anything, but gave you her loyalty and love.

In 2004, I retired and went to help mom with my step-father. After he passed away, mom and I became  "Snowbirds"! On one of our trips to Florida, I acquired a 1 1/2 year old Shih Tzu. His name is Bandit, and he treated Tinkerbell like she was his mother! She was the boss, even  though he was bigger and out weighted her. They would play and run around around  the house! When Tankerbell had enough, she let him know it! If she wanted his food, treats or anything else he had, Bandit would let her have it! Both dogs traveled great in their kennel when we drove back and forth from Ohio to Florida.

Mom passed away in 2008, and I became Tinkerbell's owner. I worried about her because I was afraid she would mourn herself to death over mom's passing. Both Tinkerbell and Bandit took it hard, but we all got through it without to many problems. I think it helped that Bandit and myself were already a part of her pack. Tinkerbell was still being spoiled, but not quit as much! I couldn't just sit and hold her like mom did. LOL She still knew she was loved and pampered.

Bandit looks for her all over the house, and I know time will take care of that as it will for me. Its just that he doesnt understand where she is. Tinkerbell is missed by Bandit and myself very much, but will live on in our hearts just as mom does.

Las Palmas Latin (Cuban & Columbia) Restaurant

Today my neighbor,Ms Danna and I went for the first time to a Latin restaurant in downtown Ocala, Fl., called Las Palmas. It is located at 506 S. Pine Ave. in the plaza next to the Ocala police department. Neither Danna or I have ever been there before. We were invited to attend a meeting with some of the local business professionals who meet there every Wednesday at 12:30pm. We were seated at one long table. I was surprised to see that many in attendance. We ate and had our meeting.

Our waiter was very professional and friendly. The service was good and the menu is very reasonable. Ms Danna had the grilled chicken breast sandwich served with onions,peppers,lettuce,tomatoes,and cheese. I had a Cuban sandwich consisting of ham,pork,Swiss cheese,pickles and mustard. They were both served with a 1oz. bag of chips. YUM,YUM! Are you hungry yet? We both were full by the time we ate one half of our sandwiches! We had to get to-go boxes. (Cant waste GOOD food)! They also have INTERNET so you can eat and work on your computers at the same time!

We both are looking forward to another visit! If you like Colombian and Cuban cuisine, this is a good place to eat. If you've never tried it before, stop in and try it out. You might be pleasantly surprised!

African-American Festival

The African-American Festival, at the Appleton Museum of Art is GREAT! My good friend and neighbor, Danna Crawford, and myself spent a most interesting, educational as well as enjoyable 2 1/2 hours there!

We were entertained by the FANTASTIC folk and traditional storyteller, J'miah Nabawi, who captivated us with his telling of stories that included games, props and audience participation in the auditorium. We enjoyed stories about Bruh Rabbit, river rocks, and sweet potato pies and more!

We then strolled through the African-American exhibit, marveling at all the artworks of more than 50 African-American artists from the 1940s to today. They describe the chronological history of the southern culture in their works of art. Many of these were from personal and/or family experiences.

We then went upstairs and was thoroughly inspired by the BEAUTIFUL paintings we found there! We ended our excursion at the exhibit of O.L.Samuels, where he entertained us with his own story telling of his inspired hand carved wood sculptures of many colors, paint and glitter! O.L.Samuels,taught himself wood carving in the early 80s. His works are found in several permanent museum collections including the Arkansas Arts Center and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and in many private collections.

Thumbs up for this experience!

The Obsidian Trilogy, Merecdes Lackey,book review

Calling everyone who likes to read Fantasy Fiction! Ever read any books written by Mercedes Lackey? They are ABSOLUTELY SPELL BINDING! Makes you want to read more and more of them! They are filled full of fantasy action including Elves, Knights, Unicorns, Dragons, and other enchanting creatures!

We must not forget the Kings and Queens, and all the magical things that happens when both the human and non-humans alike ban together to fight evil! All wrapped around into the great captivating world of magical storytelling! They leave you, the reader, satisfied, but yet wanting more!

There are three books titled; The Outstretched Shadow, (book 1),To Light a Candle, (book 2), and When Darkness Falls, (book 3).

history of ocala video

good video

First post

Hello! Welcome to my blog. My name is Donna, and I have 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.