Thief of Time

When we bought our house a couple of years ago we redid lots of things, but we couldn't do it all.  Some things had to wait until we have the money and/or time.  Kitchen appliances seemed to be in working order, so they stayed.

Unpredictable dishwasher

The dishwasher was one of these.  It's a temperamental creature that needs just the right touch or else it pouts and all its lights go off.  Usually it works o.k., but it seems to go out on strike at random times.  Sometimes even if it "works," the dishes don't get clean.  

New HD "Dishwasher"

So about a year ago, we decided that we needed a more reliable appliance.  We entered the appliance store with that plan in mind.  Somehow, when we left the store, instead of a dishwasher for me, we had a 42" HD television set for my husband.  


I'm still not sure how it happened.  A year later, the new has still not worn off of our HD "dishwasher."  It gets the internet so our Netflix instant download movies are always on tap.  It has a DVR, so there are always several episodes of Antiques Road Show or What Not to Wear or something just lined up.


Therein lies the problem.  I've never been a big TV watcher, mostly because at any given time there is nothing on that I want to watch.  But now...well...when I'm folding clothes or ironing or sewing and no one is home...it's so tempting to turn it on.  Next thing I know, it's 2 hours later and I haven't got anything else done.  Television is truly the thief of time.


Being grateful.......I am grateful to have my old cranky dishwasher and my new HD dishwasher.  Thankful that my family finds things on the infernal machine to laugh about and talk about.  Now, I need to step - away - from - the - dishwasher.

23 Reasons for a Happy Anniversary

My Sweetie and I recently celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. 23 years later, we have some very different ideas about what is really important in life.  I know I've changed a lot from that young woman in a white dress and veil.  I've had a wonderful partner in this journey, someone who learns with and teaches me every day.

Here are 23 (of the many) things I've learned from my husband:

1. Slow down; if it's important, it will still be there tomorrow.
2. When you're listening to someone, just listen.  Don't be thinking about what you're going to say.
3. Take naps.
4. Eat slowly.
5. Eat dessert.
6. Eat just a little dessert.
7. Do big jobs a little at a time.
8. Make time for love.
9. Laugh more often.
10. Let it go.
11. The very old and very young can do whatever they want.
12. I am a great cook.
13. I am loved.
14. Family is the most important thing.  We are family.
15. I can count on my Honey.
16. Honesty is always best; don't take shortcuts.
17. Be patient.
18. Give bad news in private; good news in public.
19. Take vacations.
20. Do what you love.
21. Breakfast for supper is better than going out to eat.
22. I don't have to say everything I'm thinking.
23. It's o.k. to disagree -- and still love.

Thanks for everything, Sweetie

I Love the Rain

I really love the rain.  Our average annual rainfall here is well over 60 inches, which suits me just fine.  

Some days are so hot that when it first starts raining it steams right back up off the street for a few minutes.  The rain cools everything off and gets the temperature down into the 70s -- even in August.  That's saying something.  

Also, we have an old house that has settled a little lumpy in places.  If it doesn't rain for a while, the soil shrinks and my back door doesn't open so well.  I am a woman of simple needs.  To turn the handle and feel the smooth opening and closing of a door gives me a certain contentment.  To turn the handle and strain, push and shove against a crooked frame jangles me a little.

I am lucky enough to have a comfortable back porch on which I can enjoy the rain and a cup of tea at the same time.  It's upstairs among the trees and my favorite place to be in the rain. It's a luxury to drink in the fresh smell and gentle murmur of a morning shower.  So grateful for it.