HAPPY NEW YEAR

CHRISTMAS DAY 2020 & NEW YEARS DAY 2021

CHRISTMAS DAY 2020

We spent the afternoon over at Adam and Gabby's. We opened gifts with them before Gabby's Mom and sister came over along with an Aunt and Uncle. We had a very nice day.

We brought filet mignon steaks, a Hoska and cookies for dessert. It was a delicious meal with salad and baked potatoes along with some yummy appetizers earlier.

James' tractor was a big hit. He was so excited and after a bit of frustration he was able to manage the peddle to make it run. Of course he still needs to know how to steer it! 

He was all smiles. His wristband is for pool safety which I bought for him! Gives me some peace of mind. 

NEW YEAR'S DAY 2021

He was so happy to see us on New Year's Day. We had a very nice visit and of course ordered food to eat. 

Airplane!!

   Gramps and James snuggling under the blanket. 

Snuggles with grandma and gramps after dinner. 

A few short videos to share. Not perfect, had some issues with YouTube.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Let's pray it's a good one!

Blessing to you and your family.

JANUARY 1, 2020

TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS....

LOVE DEBBY ❤

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing you and your family a Happy 2019 New Year! 

May your blessings be abundant and may your

year be filled with happiness and excellent health.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MAY YOUR BLESSINGS FROM GOD

BE ABUNDANT IN THE NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

May the New Year bring excellent health
& happiness to you and your family......

“Life has no remote, so wake up and change it.” – Sushil Singh

If you missed my posts on our trip to
New York they are here:

Part One

Part Two

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE............

Our New Year's Eve tradition is usually watching a movie and then we will go through the channels watching the yearly New Year's Eve shows on TV. I will put out appetizers and at midnight we will toast in the New Year with a bottle of champagne. 

My favorite tradition is putting money on the window sill outside. It is a tradition my family has done ever since I was a little girl. It is for good luck in the New Year. I always put out dimes for all of us and nickels for the dogs. 

My ancestors came from Czechoslovakia and I am 100% Bohemian, this was their tradition. Of course they always eat herring on New Year's Eve too but I don't do that one!!!!

May Your New Year Be Filled With Blessing

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

Volume 249

~ Happy New Year ~

Join in and play along....

1. Share a favorite memory/moment from the week of Christmas.

Just being together under one roof as a family, eating 3 meals a day together and just hanging was the best Christmas gift I could have ever asked for. It was Nirvana for me: a state of perfect happiness; an ideal or idyllic place.

Job 33:4 NIV 

"The Spirit of God has made me; 

the breath of the Almighty gives me life."

and these people are the reason I breathe......

2.  If someone wrote a book about your life based on the past year, what genre would it fall under? What would the title be?

Drama-Self Help-Horror-Health-Travel- Spirituality-Cooking  =  Dysfunctional Junction

3. What made you feel patriotic this year?

I felt very patriotic when I joined in on Facebook changing my photo to the flag of France. It felt like America was giving them a big hug! 

4. What experience from this past year would you like to do all over again?

I'm going to say our 3 night stay on the beach in Carlsbad, CA because I get to do it again in February. That was one of my Christmas gifts from Mark. 

5. What song lyric sums up or is a reflection of your 2015?

Can't Smile Without You by Barry Manilow. Too much to explain but it involves each person in our family for different reasons......

I can't smile without you

I can't laugh and I can't sing

I'm finding it hard to do anything

You see I feel sad when you're sad

I feel glad when you're glad

If you only knew what I'm going through

I just can't smile without you

6. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate 2015?  (10=stellar) Why?

Okay, I had this question running through my head most of yesterday. I gave my year a five. Then I was driving to the bank to deposit a Christmas check and I thought that number was too low because I have so many blessings that need to be accounted for. 

Yes I struggled with many things in 2015, things I wouldn't want to relive but the blessings from God are too good  and I am so thankful for them so my number is seven!

7. What part of the upcoming year are you most excited about?

Moving forward, getting organized, slimming down, living each day to the fullest and working out all the dates when we can see/be with Adam & Tristen again. I need those days written in stone because they will give something to look forward too. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My shin injury from two months ago is finally looking better. It has had a thick ugly scab for awhile now so I continued to wear long pants. 

I think I might be able to start wearing capri pants again when our weather warms up a little bit because it is now off. 

Compared to how it looked on day one this injury is looking great to me. I'm sure MadSnapper with agree with me on this one. She was the one brave person to ask to see the first photo from the day it happened.....

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

Volume 203

1. Share a favorite moment from your Christmas holiday celebration.

I'm going to say it was when Adam and Tristen told us that they would like to spend the night the next day. It gave us one more evening of loving them and not having to say our goodbyes on Christmas Day. 

That also put them an hour earlier to their destination of seeing the Grand Canyon and continuing on to Flagstaff for the night. Actually they should arrive in Pittsburgh today and be in their rented house for New Year's Eve.

Did I tell you about this house? It is huge. A professor was leaving for a year and was renting out her home. The heating bill alone in the winter is $1,500! (The rent is super low) They decided to rent it for 4 months to see how they would like it. This would give them an opportunity to look for an apartment or home to buy and if by chance they like it they can rent it for the rest of the year. It even comes with a free cleaning lady!

2. What would you say has been the biggest news event during your life so far?

Really, that's a hard one, there have been so many big ones during my life.  Not sure I could pick one. You have JFK's assassination, Nixon was impeached, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Chernobyl, Mount St. Helen's, Tsunami in Tialand 2004 and Japan 2011, Sandy Hook Elementary 2012 and of course 9/11 in 2001.....the list is endless.

3. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2015 is Marsala. What say you-like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either? 

You will not find this color in my house but it is a color I like for blush and lipstick! 

4. Would you rather meet your ancestors or your great grandchildren? Explain why.

Well I am going to say my great grandchildren since I don't have any grandchildren yet which weighs heavy on my heart at my age. My sister has enjoyed grandchildren for 19 years now. 

5. Share one life lesson learned in 2014?

You can not change people no matter how much you try or want to help them. Also you have to love what you have before it is gone so picking on little things is a waste of time!

6. What was your best or favorite purchase made in 2014?

I'm sure I have one and when I remember I will let you know.....

7. What is one thing you're looking forward to in the new year?

Happiness in every corner of my life and trusting in God's plan for me. I have to share this with you: I've been feeling sorry for myself with Adam & Tristen moving away but the truth is that I have to be thankful in all things. How can I possibly feel sad for myself when so many other's have their children living in Heaven! Adam & Tristen are here on earth and that is a huge blessing from God. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

MAY LOVE AND HAPPINESS SURROUND YOU IN 2015!

NEW YEAR ~ WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

 

Head on over to Joyce's and join in!

1. Times Square is the setting for the infamous ball drop signaling a brand new year....when did you last 'drop the ball' on something?

Nothing specific comes to mind but if I did I probably blogged about it.

2. What is one thing you resolved to do in 2013 that you actually did?
I knew I wanted to have a 90th Birthday party for my father with all the family there and I accomplished that. (Except for my brother, he didn't show which I'm still very bitter about)

3. Jack London is quoted as saying, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." Agree or disagree? Why? 

Well I probably agree with his statement but I wonder if he would say the same thing today if he were on Pinterest!

4. What was the best thing you ate in 2013?

Well I had several awesome dinners out but the best was definitely the Filet Mignon we had at The Palm in San Diego. 

5.  Share an anti-resolution...that is, something you plan to keep on doing in the new year.

I will continue to eat healthy which I've been doing for two years now. (Okay, the last two weeks don't count, right?)

6. The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is radiant orchid.  Like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?

It's actually a very beautiful color. I doubt you will find it in my wardrobe and I doubt that you will. 

7. In three words or less sum up your 2013.

Tears-Broken-Joy

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Good to know.....

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE EVE

 

~ HAPPY NEW YEAR ~

ENJOY YOUR NEW YEAR'S EVE.....

 

Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

We always stay home on New Year's Eve. We will eat some snacks and toast with champagne at midnight. (maybe set an alarm in case we fall asleep) We will watch the New Year's shows on TV and maybe a movie earlier in the evening.

 

I have mentioned this before in previous years, I will put coins out on the window sill for good luck. My family has been doing this for as long as I can remember. I usually put dimes out for each of us and nickles for the dogs. I did find this about coins on the window sill but our tradition came from Europe and my Bohemian grandparents. They also eat herring at midnight but I've never followed that part of the tradition!

 

Hope you have a great New Year's Eve,

stay safe and all the best to you in the New Year!

 

~ 2013 ~ 

2011 IN REVIEW

My friend Amy at Keeping Up With The Schultz Family did this so I thought I would give it a try.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Traveled out of the country.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
No I did not keep it and I don't think I'll do any for 2012.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
A dear friend had a little girl in November and a close blog friend (Amy) also gave birth this year.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No but I am closer to people who have lost a loved one this year through my blog. Their pain is unbearable and my heart hurts with them.

5. What countries did you visit?
I was in the UK, France and Italy.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Great health and energy with a little bit of ambition on the side!

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 29th for the Royal Wedding. October 3rd because I turned 60! December 11th because we saw Wicked which was my birthday gift.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think sightseeing around Europe, alone most of the time, was a huge achievement for me!

9. What was your biggest failure?
Weight loss.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Well I have very severe asthma (COPD)which is always present. Had a scare with a lump in my breast which turned out okay. Glory be to God.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I think maybe my netbook by Toshiba. It is great for travel. (I also just got a Droid incredible 2)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I believe that each year when something devastating happens all the people who go over and volunteer their time to help should be celebrated.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The football scandal at Penn State

14. Where did most of your money go?
Beside the normal bills I would have to say up in a cloud! I never have much to show for the money I spend except for the charities I donate to.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
The wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. I stayed up all night and going to Westminster Abbey this year was a thrill for me! Also seeing the famous kissing balcony was a dream come true.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
I will say Firework by Katy Perry. (click here for lyrics)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?
A little happier, a little fatter and about the same money wise.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I wish I would have gone out more to meet with friends.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating the wrong things and wasting time on feeling sorry for myself.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with our son, his girlfriend, our daughter, son in law, husband, dogs and a friend from my husbands office. We ate snacks, opened presents, laughed, ate pizza, decorated gingerbread houses and danced to a Michael Jackson game!

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
I fell in love with Paris!

22. What was your favorite TV program?
I have many but Modern Family is on of the best. I am also enjoying Two Broke Girls!

23. Do you hate anyone now that you did not hate this time last year?
I don't do hate. I think I have disliked our government more!

24. What was the best book you read?
Water for Elephants

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Liking some country music with Scotty McCreery!

26. What did you want and get?
A Wii and also a Pandora Charm Bracelet. Also got a new phone, it wasn't on my list but I wanted one!

27. What did you want and not get?
A cruiser bike, Justin Beiber cologne, a movie and a book.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Help but seeing Breaking Dawn was pretty good too!

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
We hung out at home, I turned 60 and got the tickets to Wicked. See #7

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having my father her with me. He lives in Florida and I miss him.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Well I spend a good part of my day in my pajamas. Otherwise it's jeans and a blouse.

32. What kept you sane?
Well this is kinda mixed, blogging kept me sane but it can also drive me crazy!

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
William/Kate and Scotty McCreery.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
I don't do politics so no answer here.

35. Who did you miss?
Family members who are no longer here on earth. Wouldn't one more day be awesome?

36. Who was the best new person you met?
Well I enjoyed meeting Win & Bob who are Phil's parents and also Ali his girlfriend back in the UK.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011?
Life is short. I have always heard that phrase and have seen the years fly by but reaching 60 this year threw me for a loop! Where did my life go?

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Band: Baz Lurhman (performed by) Written by Mary Schmich in 1997.
Song: "Everybody is free to wear sunscreen" (click to see all the lyrics, they are pretty awesome)

"Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, nevermind, you won't understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded, but trust me in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine."

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

1. Share something you loved about your Christmas Day.
The love and laughter my children shared.

2. You get to put five items in a time capsule to be opened in 100 years, what items would you choose and why?
My DVD of It's a Wonderful Life because it must always be noticed and appreciated.
My favorite Tova cologne so people can share in the beauty of its bouquet.
A Christmas card so people can feel the joy that came from exchanging them with friends and loved ones.
A hand written check to show how money use to be exchanged.
A book of family photos so our sweet faces can be shared with the world.

3. What do you like on a cracker?
Brie, it has been my newest favorite!

4. Do you make resolutions at the start of a new year? How'd that work out for you this past year?
Well I would be lying if I didn't say yes to this questions. It is usually about eating healthier and getting more exercise. Hasn't worked very well to date!

5. What's a song or song lyric you'll associate with 2011?
The only thing that comes to mind for me is "Firework" by Katy Perry. It is really a great song and has helped at lot of young people feel better about themselves.
Firework lyrics:
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep?
Six feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go, oh
As you shoot across the sky

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go, oh
You're gonna leave 'em falling down

You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time, you'll know

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby you're a firework ....

6. How will you ring in the new year?
First I will put our dimes out on the window sill. A family tradition that my grandparents (dads side)did every year for good luck. I will put out six dimes for each of us and I put nickels out for our pets. We will stay home, always do, and try to stay awake until midnight so we can toast in the New Year with champagne. I do not follow the tradition of eating herring but we will have chips and onion dip! For some reason onion dip has been a tradition here for us on New Year's Eve.

7. What is something you look forward to in 2012?
Playing my new Wii! Working on that healthy body! (see #4) My children's birthdays. Hopefully visiting my dad soon. Taking more time for myself and setting aside time to read each day. Our annual trip to Mammoth Lakes. Finding the time to actually get rid of the clutter that smothers me and hold me prisoner. (no I am not a hoarder, it's not like that!)Praying that the year is happy and moves at a nice slow pace instead of flying by.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Well some of you may remember when I mentioned that Primatene Mist was going off the market on December 31, 2011. Well that is just a few days away and for the past few months I have made a point of buying a few each week after bowling. I would try different Targets each week. They have the lowest price ($17.99) next to Walmart who had pulled theirs off the the shelves about a month ago. The last two weeks they are gone from Target also. So here is my supply. They are off the shelves because of CFC's and a new formulation is coming but they are late in having it available. This is the one thing that really helps me for a rescue inhaler. I think I have close to a years supply and I'm trying not to panic at this point and time. (wasn't willing to give one up for the time capsule!)