The Stone Rabbit

Pink Saturday "Thank You"

 

 

First, thank you all for the many prayers you sent this way when I asked for them last week...for our sick daughter.  She was very touched when I told her about the kind words you all left on my post. . .and certainly appreciated the prayers you offered for her. . .as did I.

 

This has been a very rough two weeks for her.  She was released from the hospital, still in some pain, and without a diagnosis of the cause.  They ruled out some things they think did not cause it.  

 

So, again, I am asking for your continued prayers for her. . . and us.  

 

I took this photo in the pharmacy of the hospital, as she was leaving.  I would love it if one of those PINK pills would work wonders and make her pain go away.  Sadly, it doesn't always work like that, does it?

 

THE STONE RABBIT did remind me of the photo I took some time back in our grocery store.  He kinda thinks I need to go get a couple of bottles of that PINK milk and maybe. . . 

 

 

restock my PINK cuppy cake supply. 

I think he might be onto something. . . maybe PINK milk and PINK cuppy cakes will work better than PINK pills!!!  

It's worth a try.

 

 

 

 

Please visit our hostess, Beverly, at HOW SWEET THE SOUND.  She will have a long list of other bloggers who are eager to share their PINKS with you this week.

Have a healthy and happy PINK SATURDAY.

 

DANA

Pink Saturday Prayers, Please

 

 Our daughter is in the hospital. . . for tests to determine the cause of severe pain she has been suffering with.   Because I believe in the power of prayer, I am asking for you to keep her in your prayers.

 

 

 

 

 

Have a happy and HEALTHY Pink Saturday.

 

DANA

 

Please visit Beverly's blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a long list of Pink Saturday participants.

A THRIFTY IDEA!!!

 

THE STONE RABBIT told me about a thrifty idea he saw while "blog HOPPING" recently. .  .  sadly, he doesn't recall where he saw it so he can give credit where credit is due.

Anyway, it's all about saving money in the laundry room!!!

 

Did you know you can cut your fabric softener sheets in half.....and they do just as good of a job in the dryer as whole sheets?  

Well, they DO!!!

SO, THE STONE RABBIT has been busy getting a supply of sheets all neatly cut in half for me!  

Isn't he a good friend?  :)

 

DANA

A GIFT TO ME. . . FROM ME !!!!

 

 Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.- Victor Hugo

 Our first "dusting" of snow this winter was December the 6th, but we had our first measurable snowfall on Wednesday night, making THE STONE RABBIT a very happy guy!!!  He had waited anxiously for morning to come so he could get out and hop around!  Rabbits love snow and cold. 

Actually the Grand Dog beat him out the door.....can you see her little paw prints ?  I believe I heard we got something like three tenths of an inch.  Last year, and the year before at this time, we were BURIED under several inches of snow.

I have loved the weather this winter.  Our temps have been so mild and our form of precipitation, until Wednesday night, has been rain!  I absolutely hate the cold, so when I walked out with the dog and THE STONE RABBIT, I was quickly reminded of just exactly why I feel this way. . . 

 

 

at 16 degrees. . . .it's just plain miserable.  On the plus side of cold. . . it doesn't take the dog too long to do her business. . . sniffing and circling for the perfect "spots" just don't seem as important as they do when the weather is decent.

As the morning wore on, we watched a variety of birds hang out in front of our living room window. . .all with their little feathers "puffed out"  to help keep them warm.

 

  The robins were dining on the few holly berries they had left on our bushes after nearly stripping them clean last fall.  They were just as sad about the cold weather as me . . heck, just the day before, they were still pulling worms out of the ground.  .  . and now, they were eating berries.  Guess it was a good thing they left a few for later.

I put together a batch of beef stew in the slow cooker. . . it was, after all, a stewy kind of a day. . . .then I worked on a variety of projects around the house, but even while wearing several layers of clothing, I just couldn't get warm.

By the time it was my "nap time/aka General Hospital Break Time" I decided it was the day I'd been waiting for since August.  

In the heat of that month, I found a bargain at our local Old Time Pottery store. . . .and stashed it away. . . until the perfect time!

YES, YES, YES!!!  It was the day to pull out my PINK Snuggie!!

When I saw the display of these little beauties last August, I let out the teeniest of shrieks!  They were PINK and they were on SALE!!!  

Actually, I couldn't believe that I hadn't already received one as a gift. . . my family and friends know how much I love PINK and how much I love to be warm!!!  That was OK. . . my wait paid off with a bargain!  It didn't bother me, either,  that it was "last year's design" as plastered on the package.  This one would be perfect!!

On the box, it says "one size fits all". . .  Well, Snuggies are VERY long. . . you can see little TWIGGY standing on the part that hit the floor while I was wearing it. . . .  and so are the  sleeves. . . but in comparison to their length, they aren't that huge around.  With that said, the body type that it would fit the best would be someone well over 6 feet tall, a bit on the slight size and with long arms.  Does that sound like you?  :) 

Actually, Snuggies probably are not meant to be "worn" and walked in. . .they are a  throw with sleeves. . .your backside is pretty much exposed, and with the loads of fabric in the length, it could be a tripping hazard, especially for short little Snuggie owners.  Basically, their claim to fame is that they are meant to be used while sitting on a sofa or chair that has a big back.  :)  

With all of that said. . . 

 I got all cozy on the sofa and ottoman, sporting my Snuggie for it's inaugural wearing, and concentrating on my beloved General Hospital. . .and then I realized. . . 

just how really warm that Snuggie was making me feel!!!

 "OOOOOH".....I said aloud......"I'm LOVIN' my Snuggie!!"   That's when THE STONE RABBIT hopped up on the ottoman and joined me in watching my soap and a little Snuggie Love, too!  :)

 

 

 

 

 

Brrrrr. . . this morning, as I finish the post, it is now 13 degrees!!!  And YES, I'm wearing my PINK Snuggie!  I have made steady PINK Snuggies Progress, too!

I have found that if I turn it around,  like a robe, it keeps me warm while perched in my computer chair which doesn't have a big cushy back.  PLUS, I've even learned that I can carefully hold up the bottom of it and make it into the kitchen for more coffee without having to take it on and off!  

 

SNUGGIE LOVE!!

 

Something else I love. . . PINK SATURDAY!!!  Kudos to our faithful hostess, Beverly, for making it happen for us every week!!

Please visit her blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a loooooong list of other bloggers who have PINKS to share this week, too!!!

Keepin' warm in my PINK SNUGGIE.....DANA

FIRSTS in the New Year!!!

 

 "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." *Robert Brault

*Note:  Nancy, thanks for pointing out who was the author of this great quote.  The place where I read it had it listed as Anonymous, so that just confirms you can't believe everything you see on the internet!!  I now have a new favorite author!  :)

 

 So, have you recovered from the holidays?

As I reviewed photos I'd originally planned to include in this post I just shook my head over all that occurred in my life from October right up through to the last day of December.  I am so glad I took lots of pictures so I can now really take time to reflect on those experiences, because I have to be honest and say, I found that while I was in the middle of "experiencing" those things. . . I didn't always appreciate the times like I should have.

This brings me to the topic of this PINK Saturday's post. . . appreciating the moments of 2012.

More specifically today, I am focusing on the FIRSTS of 2012.

This week was our FIRST church service in 2012. 

We are so lucky to have our church just blocks away from our home. . .  this is a view of the steeple from one of my walks around our neighborhood.

Our FIRST meal out in 2012!

We almost always eat breakfast out after church and last Sunday was so exception.  

This is a picture of one of the food servers who has been working in this particular restaurant over the years we've been going there.  The entire staff is amazing and we are fortunate to have them so close to us.  I have to say, this fellow knows the names of most of the Sunday patrons and provides outstanding service. . . and humor!  

 

Our FIRST meal with friends in 2012.

Isn't it amazing how we meet people and become friends with them?  

We met Rita and Les through our church and the restaurant we go to each Sunday.  

The restaurant is usually packed so there's a wait to be seated.  Over time, we (us and Les and Rita) realized we attended the same church. . . and, while standing there waiting for our seats, would chat.  Later, we started sitting together, and over the years, have come to know each other pretty well.  In fact, it was through them that I met another lady who also likes to run. . . and last October the three women, and one of my other friends, participated in a 5K together!

 

Left to Right:  Mary, Rita, Mary and me, Dana  (note my PINK hat!!   :)

 

The Grand Girl lost her FIRST tooth in 2012.

We got the excited phone call from her while we were eating breakfast with our friends!!  

The Tooth Fairy brought her 98 cents!  :)

My FIRST home cooked meal of 2012!

 

Like so many of you, I cooked a batch of black eyed peas on Sunday!!  This was taken as I had finished putting everything in the slow cooker.  I have to say, they turned out great!   We had them that night and again the following evening.  Sure hope that "good luck" thing works!  :)

 

 

The FIRST breakfast with my Breakfast Group in 2012.  

OK, I'm beginning to see a theme here. . . lots of eating going on in the New Year!!  :)

Actually, only three of the six of us in the Breakfast Group could make it last Monday.  It was really nice to get together and be relaxed (after the holidays) and catch up on our Christmases and special events...like the recent birth of our Grand Boy #2  :)

 

 

The FIRST movie of 2012.

 Bonnie and I saw The Descendants this week.  We both really liked it, but I'm hearing that others weren't as crazy about it as we were.  

I have to say, George Clooney was at his acting best in this show. . . and even if it had been a stinker of a movie. . .well it was worth every penney of the Senior Discounted ticket price just to look at him for nearly 2 hours!  :)

 

 

The FIRST opening of presents in 2012! 

Bonnie and I had our post-Christmas gift exchange and get-together!!  She is so creative.  This year her theme was The Twelve Days of Christmas. . . she gave me twelve gifts. . .each sporting a cute tag she made using her CRICUT machine!!  (My CRICUT machine hasn't seen too much action, but I vow I will use it more this year.)

 

The FIRST exercise class of 2012.  

OMG....that was Wednesday night.  I felt it yesterday. . .and even today.   I wasn't a consistent exerciser at the end of 2011.  I do admit, it was great getting back to my class and my challenging instructor!!

 

The FIRST trash day of 2012.

After watching the container set all day (yesterday), I realized they were running on a delayed schedule cuz Monday was really the holiday.  Anyway, they just came this morning.  

We have such a good company. . . they arrive each week like clockwork .

 

 

The FIRST grand dog walk/run/drag through the neighborhood in the 2012!!  

 

Note that sweet PINK leash and collar!!  She gets so excited when she sees me getting my tennis shoes on.  That little nubbin of a tail just wiggles and wiggles!   Then.......we're off.  She is FAST. . .so that helps me with my exercise goals!  :)

 

 

The FIRST run/walk for ME in 2012!!!

I tried to take an "action" shot of me jogging, but that wasn't working, so you just got my goofy looking shadow!!

 

 

It was such a gorgeous day in our part of Missouri yesterday!  Mid-sixties.....in January!!!!

It felt great to be back outdoors and jogging.  Since I had the ham string injury, I've backed off and let it heal.  It didn't twinge a bit yesterday, but I didn't fully run the entire time either.  I started back on Week 4 of the Couch to 5K Running Plan where you run for 3 min., walk for 1 1/2 min., run for 5 min., walk for 2 1/2 min.....and repeat.

 I have to slowly condition my body to running again. . . not only my ham string, but my heart, lungs.....everything.

On my list of goals for 2012 I hope to build back to totally running a 5K distance, then to improve my time to less than 31 minutes, then I hope to run a 10K before the year is over.  The 10K was  a goal for 2011, then I had the injury, so that didn't happen.  

 

 

The FIRST picture of THE STONE RABBIT and little Twiggy of 2012!

They have really loved playing with the "Twelve Days of Christmas" tags that Bonnie made for me!  They like to shuffle them around and take turns putting them in numerical order. . . or  one will close their eyes, while the other removes a tag, then the one with their eyes closed has to figure out which one is missing!  They play so well together . . .and they are so danged smart !!!

 

The FIRST Pink Saturday of 2012!

I look forward to participating in this weekly event, just like so many others!!!

Thank you, Beverly, for keeping our event up and running every week for over 3 1/2 years!!!  

Please visit her blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a long list of fellow bloggers who have linked up to share their PINKS this week!! 

 

Happy Pink Saturday and Happy 2012, everyone!!  

DANA

  

The Descendants . . . a really good movie

 

I have loved George Clooney and his work for a long time.  The Perfect Storm, Oh Brother Where Art Thou?, The Ocean's series. . . even him at Batman (to name a few), but I have to confess, that I have become a bit unhappy with George Clooney in recent years....because of his outspoken political views.  Guess you can now tell, that I am not a Liberal!  :)

 

I feel that HOLLYWOOD and other personalities, including TV talk hosts (Oprah, Martha Stewart, etc.) should not use their fame as a way to influence voters, because, sadly, the ones they seem to influence are the ones who don't dig any deeper into a candidate's background other than to hang on every word of the "personality" as the "honest to goodness truth".  

That goes for Liberal and Conservative personalities alike.  "We" just seem to put these folks on pedestals....making them more important and knowledgeable that what they are...they're actors,  TV personalities.  WHY are their political beliefs any more important than those held by my checker at HY VEE or my mailman?  They are certainly professional enough to keep their views to themselves....why can't the actors/hosts?

Anyway, I can tell  you that because these folks do this, I have become a boy-cotter of their work, their shows, etc..  They just irritate me so much, that I feel the only way I have any power over them..is to not support their lively-hoods.

 I have to say, I don't put the hosts of the irritating shows on the national news channels  on my Boycott List, cuz that's their job...to be crazy over the top, politically....on both the Liberal and Conservative sides.  I just don't watch them often, cuz I don't value much of what they say.  Their jobs are to "stir folks up"...and I don't need that in my life.

 

Enough said.

 

 

Now, back to George.

  I guess I am a bit of a hypocrite by saying that so far, I'm not boycotting him.   He hasn't been "over the top" about his Liberal beliefs.....just expressing them (as I am expressing my beliefs right now in my NON- Liberal leanings).  So far, he hasn't offended me like many others that  have made it to my Boycott List.  . . . .  

AND I have to say, I am thrilled that George hasn't made it to my list, cuz if he had I would have missed out on one of the very best movies I've EVER seen :   THE DESCENDANTS.

 

Bonnie and I went to see it yesterday as part of our "Christmas Gift Exchange and Get-together".

There are parts that will probably offend lots of folks....for instance, his children in the movie, are prolific foul language users and the F Bomb is dropped frequently...especially in the beginning, but to me, that just "fit" with what the family was all about at that time.

I will say, that while there weren't a lot of us in the theater, cuz we went on a weekday morning , there was no jibber-jabbering going on, no rustling of food wrappers and no cell phones lighting up from sending and receiving texts.  Folks were focusing on the moving and entertaining  story unfolding before them.....from start to finish.

 

THE STONE RABBIT said he didn't know who George Clooney was, so I Googled some photos for him to view.

After looking at them, he said that he was a very nice looking man and then asked if that had anything to do with why I enjoyed the movie so much.

That rabbit is really a smarty-pants sometimes.  :)

 

 

 DANA

How I Spent My Christmas Vacation. . . .

 

On Christmas Eve,

 

the mouse was ready. . . . 

 

our fake tree, loaded with vintage and precious handmade decorations, was ready. . . .

 

 

the old Santas were ready. . . .

 

Frankie and Twiggy were ready. . .

the manicotti was ready. . .

the pumpkin cake roll was ready. . . 

the stockings were ready. . .

and the fresh cut Christmas tree stood ready over the presents. . . and they were ready, too!!!

 

On Christmas morning, the Grand Girl and Grand Boy checked out the gifts in their stockings and then. . . .

 the exchanging and opening of the gifts started!!!

The Grand Girl received some dolls. . . 

and the hubby received lots and lots of Gold Toe socks. . . cuz that's what he told everyone he wanted for Christmas when asked!!!

We dined on our tradional menu of breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls and orange juice and coffee.

After  a bit, some of us took a little nap (me included!!), then we prepared for my niece, her hubby and her mother-in-law to come join in the Christmas fun!

This year, the Grand Girl received a kids camera and was all into taking photos.  It was her idea to "pose" us using the props on hand. . . Christmas stockings, Gold Toe socks and candles!!  My hubby took this picture with his camera...using the timer.  

Now, back to the "ready" part of Christmas this year. . . do you see my DIL standing next to me?  Ooops, in case this is your first time reading my blog, I'm the one in the back row, far right.  My DIL is the very pregnant one next to me!!

Anyway. . . she was very ready to have their baby!!!

In fact, on the day after Christmas, she was scheduled to head to the hospital that evening to have that little baby boy, but first, she and I headed to Penney's and Target to hit the sales!  :)

Then, around 4:02 a. m. on December the 27, the little boy came into this world. . . weighing in at 9 lb. 5 oz. and 20 inches long!!!

Mom and dad. . . .over joyed with their newest addition.

 

I made it to the hospital right after he was born.....no cracks about the hair do.

My hubby and I brought Big Sister and Big Brother to the hospital to meet their Little Brother later that afternoon. . .what a precious time!!!

Grandpa holding his newest grand child for the first time.  

I have had the honor of putting a little heart on the foot of each of my newborn Grands. . . and this time was no different. . . .

except, I did add a heart to the Grand Girl's foot and she drew one on her mom's foot.  Grand Boy #1 didn't want to have anything to do with that!!!!  

 

Where did the week go?  Christmas came and went, the new grand boy arrived, the other two grand kiddos stayed here until yesterday....and now they are gone, too!  

THE STONE RABBIT says it's too quiet around here for him. . . and I have to say, I agree!

 

 

I hope you had a fabulous Christmas and I wish you the best New Year ever.

 

Please visit Beverly of HOW SWEET THE SOUND for a long list of bloggers ready to share their posts with you!!

DANA

Merry Christmas 2011. . . .

 

 THE STONE RABBIT and I wish you a very Merry and Bright Christmas.  May it be filled with festive moments with family and friends. . . and lots of time focusing on the reason we celebrate this very important time of the year.

 

Grandbaby update:  At the time of writing this post,  our DIL is still very great with child....and is trying to remain in good spirits inspite of feeling very uncomfortable.  I'd appreciate it if you could keep her, the new baby and the entire family in your prayers.

Thanks to our hostess, Beverly, for keeping our Pink Saturday group up and going strong for another awesome year!!!

 

Please visit her blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, to find a long list of other participants who are ready to share their special holiday or PINK posts with you this week!!  

DANA

PAULA DEEN TO THE RESCUE!

 

I wanted to give a  special little gift this year to friends and family, but couldn't find just what I had in mind until. . .

 I stumbled upon Paula's Christmas magazine.

While thumbing through the magazine at the store, I came across this great recipe called:  ZESTY SNACK MIX!!

SO....with the magazine in hand, I grabbed the ingredients, then returned home to check out my plan with THE STONE RABBIT!  He also likes to give little handmade gifts. . . and I have to say he FLIPPED over this super easy and delicious treat!!

 

 

 

 We had the recipe cranked out in no time at all. . . and packaged in quart jars just as soon as the mixture cooled!

While the title of the mix is "zesty"...it's still very, very mild......so if you want something with a bit more "bite", you can add your own little touches to this really great basic mix!!

(Note:  I don't know why this recipe isn't posting correctly at the moment...and I don't have time to fix it.  I think you get the idea..I hope.  I will work on it later.)

               Zesty Snack Mix

2 (9 ounce) packages oyster crackers

1 (1 pound) package cheese-flavored fish shaped 

    crackers

1 (1 pound) package miniature pretzel twists

1 cup butter, melted

2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning

1 teaspoon dried dill

1 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix

      Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

      In a LARGE roasting pan, combine crackers and 

   pretzels.

     In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon                pepper seasoning, dill, ground red pepper, and                ranch dressing mix.

   Pour over cracker mixture, tossing gently to coat.

      Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.              Remove from oven,  and cool completely.  Store              mixture in air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

   Makes 8 quarts. 

 

We had such a grand time making this first batch of Paula's snack mix. . .  the newest Dancing Santa  was involved in the preparations, too, and was twirling all over the place with excitement !!

Please visit our fantastic hostess, Beverly, at HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a long list of bloggers who are ready to share their posts with you this weekend!!

 

Happy Pink Saturday!!

 

DANA

ONE OF THE BEST PARTS OF CHRISTMAS

 

You can't beat a preschool Christmas program for putting the spirit of the season into our hearts.

 

The Grand Girl's program was held this week.

We were pretty far back in the audience. . . and inspite of everyone (us included) moving their heads back and forth, trying to catch a glimpse of their own little "stars". . .we were able to see her performance fairly well.

 

 

My little "point and shoot" has a mighty fine  "zoom" function,  so I was able to get some cute close ups of her. . . and even a great video of them singing "Away in a Manger" !

 

 

While this part of the program was extremely sweet, and brought giggles from all of us, it truly is at the center of our Christmas celebration.

We must have room in our hearts at all times for Him.

 

 

THE STONE RABBIT and his yard buddies welcome Him. . .now and  every day of the year.

 

Please visit Beverly of HOW SWEET THE SOUND.  She will have a long list of bloggers who are ready to share PINKS or special posts about the season!

 

Happy PINK SATURDAY!

 

DANA