Important Announcement!

 Hello - Hoping everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It's been quite a year for me. 

With so much going on with my injuries and other things, keeping up with two blogs has been really tough. That being said, I've decide to pause this blog for a couple months to give myself a chance to regroup. So this will be the last post until February 1 - 

But be sure to come back then, the party will resume that day as will the new posts.

I really appreciate all the support everyone has given me. And I hope to see you back!

Share the Wealth - Link up #31

 Thanksgiving is just a week away~ I can't believe the year is nearly over - and what a year!! I call it my year of forced relaxation. March to May I battled with severe asthma that caused a cough so bad I caused a compression fracture in my back. May to September I was limited in anything I could do because of it. Then in September and still going, I broke my wrist and needed surgery. Whew! And now I'm on the upswing and starting to plan all my Spring activities - gardening, crafts, recipes!! 

I'm looking forward to see what you have going to add some things to my idea list. But it's now a busy time of year - the holidays! What are your plans? Are you ready?

Well let's get into the party!

So welcome to our party - share any family friendly post! You can share up to five - and tell your friends!! The more the merrier! And remember - Be sure to visit at least two other posts! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

It's more fun if you share something new each time! 

Each party will have a theme, but anything that has anything to do with hearth and home is welcome! 

This party theme: Winter Holidays

Road Trip! Oregon Columbia River Gorge and Toppenish Washington

 I had planned to share this trip after we got home in mid September - and then I fell. On September 24 I tripped over a driveway crack and then my shoe and came crashing down on my wrist. On October 4th I had a plate and pins and a screw installed in my wrist. It's really hard to type with one hand so I've done very little. BUT - my hand is improved enough that I can type slowly - so enough of the sob story - on with the post!

We took off after breakfast and headed to the Columbia River gorge. We drove on historic hwy 30 towards the Dalles. It's a beautiful hwy heavily ridden by bicyclists. For the most part it was pretty easy to share the road - except for one couple. They felt it was their right to ride literally in the middle of the street making it impossible to go around them. That was frustrating going under 10 MPH. So I honked. He got rude - but onward.

We stopped at Portland Women's Scenic Viewpoint 

Share the Wealth - Link up # 30

 I can’t believe October is over and it’s already November! October was pretty much a wash for me. Starting with a broken wrist, surgery and then the last week sick as a dog in bed. But November is a new month. So welcome fall. Welcome November. And thank you all for your patience with my crazy couple of months.

And now it’s party time.

So welcome to our party - share any family friendly post! You can share up to five - and tell your friends!! The more the merrier! And remember - Be sure to visit at least two other posts! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

It's more fun if you share something new each time! 

Each party will have a theme, but anything that has anything to do with hearth and home is welcome! 

This party theme: Thanksgiving

Share the Wealth Link up #29

Surgery done. There's not much pain but terrible frustration. I am so looking forward to having two hands again! Sorry to be behind yet again. I do appreciate everyone's kind words.

Thanks for all the support.

So welcome to our party - share any family friendly post! You can share up to five - and tell your friends!! The more the merrier! And remember - Be sure to visit at least two other posts! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

It's more fun if you share something new each time! 

Each party will have a theme, but anything that has anything to do with hearth and home is welcome! 

This party theme: More Halloween

Monday's Musings #7 (late) - Take Nothing for Granted

 Well, here it is Tuesday and I completely missed Monday’s musings. So I’ll call this one Mondays musings late.

I had surgery on my wrist last week and I’m running just a tad behind on just about everything. It’s amazing how we take for granted what we have, especially our body parts. You never realize how much you need two hands for until you only have one to use. I am extremely grateful that my second one will be healing and I’ll have access to it again soon.

 I find myself thinking about the people who have lost a limb permanently, how they must struggle to adjust. There’s many creative ways to do what you need to do, but there are also many ways to get terribly terribly frustrated.

Monday's Musings #6 - Count Your Blessings

 As I sit here on my couch on this chilly Monday morning, I contemplate spending the last week and a half with only one hand and anticipating another six weeks of it after tomorrow's surgery. You have no idea what you need to hands for until suddenly you don’t have them. Chopping a  tomato, pulling up your pants, sweeping the floor, or folding a blanket.

Share the Wealth Link up #28

Is it October 1 already? 

First let me apologize for being late with the party again. Last Saturday I tripped in a driveway crack and broke my wrist. It’s been an adventure trying to do things with one hand. One of the things that are most difficult is typing. I’m using my phone and dictating and then sending myself an email and trying to edit it on the post. It’s slow going at best. But that’s not the end of it. On Tuesday I’ll be having surgery. YEP. I did it really well. It’ll be a 6 to 8 week recovery so things around here are going to be a little slow for a while. Please be patient and don’t go away. I will be back. Thanks for all the support.

So welcome to our party - share any family friendly post! You can share up to five - and tell your friends!! The more the merrier! And remember - Be sure to visit at least two other posts! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

It's more fun if you share something new each time! 

Each party will have a theme, but anything that has anything to do with hearth and home is welcome! 

This party theme: Halloween

Monday's Musings #5 - Two Hands

Happy Monday. 

You know the old saying, it’s always something. My back is finally getting better. I’ve been looking forward to getting out and working in my yard again. But it isn’t in the cards. 

Friday Inspirations - Autumn

 It's Friday - the dawn of a new weekend. Here are some quotes to inspire!! Please feel free to share! 

The photos were all taken by your truly - me!

Monday's Musings (#4)

 We're getting ready to take a mini road trip. Just three days into Washington state apple country, but three days away from chores and routine. 

Share the Wealth - Link up #27

 Here we are - Summer vacation is over - fall is right around the corner. The lazy days are dwindling and the days of rushing about nearly here.

While the days are still a little laid back, take a little time to sit - sip on some fresh squeezed lemonade - and visit a few of your fellow bloggers. Even better - drop them a comment! I bet you'd really like for someone to do that for your blog too. It's a win win!!

So welcome to our party - share any family friendly post! You can share up to five - and tell your friends!! The more the merrier! And remember - Be sure to visit at least two other posts! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

It's more fun if you share something new each time! 

Each party will have a theme, but anything that has anything to do with hearth and home is welcome! 

This party theme: Halloween & Harvest

Dahlias!!

 What a week we had! I spent two days with my sister shopping, playing and otherwise having a great time. 

Monday's Musings (#3)

 I've been thinking a lot about aging lately. I see myself as having crested the hill and moving on down to the end. I see these young, energetic people on TV and remember those days - almost miss those days. Then I move to me today - and there are many positives to be older too. 

Share the Wealthy - Link up #26

 Here we are - Summer vacation is over - fall is right around the corner. The lazy days are dwindling and the days of rushing about nearly here.

While the days are still a little laid back, take a little time to sit - sip on some fresh squeezed lemonade - and visit a few of your fellow bloggers. Even better - drop them a comment! I bet you'd really like for someone to do that for your blog too. It's a win win!!

So welcome to our party - share any family friendly post! You can share up to five - and tell your friends!! The more the merrier! And remember - the purpose it to visit each other - at least two others - 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

Please remember to share something you did not share at the last party. 

Monday Musing (#2)

 It's Monday morning. I didn't used to look forward to Mondays. The weekend was busy and productive and used to get things caught up. Monday signaled the start of another work week - stress and long hours and things falling behind again.

But I'm retired now. Monday is the start of a new week to play and work in my yard and plan some new recipes for my food blog (The Lazy Gastronome). And the best part, if all the things I planned don't get done, I have tomorrow. No stress. 

This last week was slow. I fractured a disc in my back in May so I haven't been able to work in the yard much. Watering and light maintenance was about all I could do. But things are healing and I'm ready to get back to work out there. It's been slow going rebuilding stamina but satisfying. 

I got re-started on my front yard. We plan to tarp the whole thing and till it in the Spring. I'm going to plant a no-mow cottage garden. I'll keep you updated on that project. 

I also harvested a lot of vegetables and plum! I actually have enough tomatoes this year to share with my neighbors! I love how everyone shares a little of their crops with each other. 

National Got Checked Day - Can you Say Yes?

 Today is National Got Checked Day - A day to discuss the importance of breast health.

Breast cancer is the number one cause of death in women between 35 and 54. But in most cases it can be caught early enough to survive. 

It's Saturday

 What a lovely day we had. 

First stop - Farmer Market. I love wandering around a farmers market. It touches all your senses. As I wandered I could here a live jazz band playing over by the "food court". The bright flowers catching your eye. 

I bought a delicious vegan bagel. It tasted like an amazing piece of bread. No butter, no cream cheese, just bagel. My taste buds were dazzled. 

There were dogs everywhere. I got to pet a Mexican hairless named Maisy. 

Monday Musing

 Mondays are a good day to muse about life. The weekend is behind us and we can reflect on the business of life. 

Share the Wealth! Linky #25

I cannot believe that summer is almost over. I had such plans - so many things I wanted to do. But when I fractured the disc in my back, that changed the who direction. Started gardening sits unfinished. The updates to the house continue to wait. But today is a new day! Today is a day to notice the beauty around me. Today is the day to set the course - 

Welcome to our party - share any family friendly post! You can share up to five - and tell your friends!! The more the merrier! And remember - the purpose it to visit each other - at least two others - 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

Please remember to share something you did not share at the last party. 

The Garden is Growing!!

 Back in May I showed you how my garden was getting started. Well, after a couple of hiccups, it's doing quite well! The weather has been super warm and the plants are growing fabulously. 

National Sisters Day

 Today is National Sisters day. It gives me pause to ponder, what is a sister? 

According to the dictionary it's female siblings from the same parents. For some, I guess that's the best definition, but for me, I'm so blessed that sister means more.

Share the Wealth! Link up party #24

  It's been a crazy busy summer!! I was in such a hurry getting this party started, I forgot to change the verbage!! OOPS - So here it is

Welcome to our party - share any family friendly post! You can share up to five - and tell your friends!! The more the merrier!

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

Please remember to share something you did not share at the last party. 

Sounds in Nature

Pet Fire Safety

 July 15th was National Pet Fire Safety Day. This is a topic that has hit pretty close to home. 

Two years ago when we were in a stage 2 evacuation (be ready) for two very large wild fires near us. It prompted us to talk about what to do in the event we have to evacuate. We have four cats and it's rare they are all in the same room at the same time. How will we get them in the care safely? 

And last night the house down the street from us caught fire. Fortunately everyone escaped, but what do you do when you have a pet?

Here are some of the things we've done and recommendations by the experts. 

Share the Wealth - Link up #23

 July 15th? Holy Moly this summer is going fast!! What have you been up to? How is your summer going? I'm finally getting well - back in check, asthma better, and now I'm ready to get back to my yard!!  

Oh - and today is National Pet Fire Safety day - Watch for a post that gives you some tips. Now lets get to the party!

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

Please remember to share something you did not share at the last party. 

Planning a Road Trip

 We love taking road trips. There is so much to see and do right here in our own backyard! Even with the cost of gas, with a little careful planning, you can put together a trip that will be memorable for everyone! 

Happy 4th of July!

 

Share the Wealth - Link up #22

 Happy July!! Summer is finally here - Between my asthma and a fractured disk, I've fallen so far behind on everything!! As my body is repairing, I'm trying to get caught up. I want to thank all of you who stuck with me in spite of my sporadic posting. I appreciate the support!! I'm working hard to get back on track - starting with getting this party started on time!

Today is National Creative Ice Cream flavors day!! After you've shared your great posts, leave a comment telling everyone what your creative flavor is!! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

Please remember to share something you did not share at the last party. 

The Butterfly

 

Share the Wealthy Link party #21

 I'M SO SORRY!! I completely dropped the ball. It seems my little brain doesn't handle too many things at once!! But! My back is finally getting better and I have more energy. And it looks like summer might even stop by for a visit this week.

So what are you up to? What projects do you have planned this season? Come on in, share your creative posts - cooking, crafts, gardening, journaling - anything that can spur those creative juices! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

Please remember to share something you did not share at the last party. 

Preserved Lemons

 I really enjoy cooking foods from different cultures. As I've experimented with flavors, I've found many of the Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes are versatile and delicious. And I discovered I love preserved lemons. You can use them on vegetables, in casseroles, rice, even some meat dishes. I even eat a piece from time to time as a snack. 

You can purchase them at many middle eastern grocery stores, or you can simply make them yourself. They are super easy!!

Share the Wealth Linky #20

 It's been slow going for me. After the asthma I've been nursing a compression fracture in my back from the major coughing I had. Yikes - I can't wait to get back out into my garden and finish the front planter, weeding and pruning. And then finding more plants!! 

So what are you up to? What projects do you have planned this season? Come on in, share your creative posts - cooking, crafts, gardening, journaling - anything that can spur those creative juices! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

Please remember to share something you did not share at the last party. 

The Garden Faire

The first weekend of May was the annual Garden Faire. I learned about it the year before covid and then they stopped having it - so this was my first year!

I was going to post my awesome finds, but a horrendous bout with asthma put me a wee bit behind - But here it is now!

It was a bit rainy, but I got lucky. The big downpour started just as I was leaving. I brought my trusty gorilla cart and waited in the long line. 

FREE Screen saver!

 

Just left click and save! 

So Begins Another Year in the Garden

 I love this time of year. I love getting my hands dirty (and everything else), planting and tending to the garden. And later enjoying the bounty that nature has to offer. 

Share the Wealth Linky #19

 First - let me apologize for not visiting all the posts. I have been pretty sick trying to get some nasty asthma under control. I do so appreciate everyone who took the time to share their great ideas!! I look forward to finding some new things to this time!! 

The garden faire was wonderful! I'll be posting what I bought and what I did with it towards the end of the week. It's been very slow going. 

So what are you up to? What projects do you have planned this season? Come on in, share your creative posts - cooking, crafts, gardening, journaling - anything that can spur those creative juices! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

Please remember to share something you did not share at the last party. 

Share the Wealth Linky #18

 Yeah!! The weather is wet but the temperatures are coming up. All my seedlings are nearly completely hardened off and the veggie bed will go in next week (watch for the post). And tomorrow is the big Spring Garden Faire at the fair grounds - over 100 vendors! I'll be there!!

So what are you up to? What projects do you have planned this season? Come on in, share your creative posts - cooking, crafts, gardening, journaling - anything that can spur those creative juices! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

Please remember to share something you did not share at the last party. 

Is it Finally Spring?

 Boy has the weather been crazy. We made record snowfall in Oregon for April this year. We don't get snow in April!! The last two years my garden has been in by this time, but not this year. 

Finally things are starting to change. It's been sunny and fairly warm the last few days and promises to continue - however with plenty of rain. 

Just to get my spring energy flowing, I did a little work outside. 

It's a Party Party!! Check it out!

 Do you host a blog party or two? As a fellow blogger I know how hard it can be to promote a party - and to find new ones to share content. I thought it would be fun to have folks share links to their parties - I'll promote on facebook and pintrest and we can all support each other in our efforts. 

I'm hoping to do it every week - but I'd really like your feedback and thoughts. So - here we go! Let's party parties!

Thank you for playing along!

And now it's your turn!

Note: By linking up you are giving My Big Fat Menopausal Life permission to use your posts as future features on the blog. And thank you!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Share the Wealth - Link up #17

 Well, spring WAS in the air! Oregon broke records this week for the latest snow fall on the Willamette Valley floor! We didn't get the snow at my house, but we got the freeze and hail - and my seedlings wait to be planted. 

How about you? Is your spring going well? Crazy weather is a great time to do some crafting or cooking! Come on in, share your creative posts - cooking, crafts, gardening, journaling - anything that can spur those creative juices! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

Please remember to share something you did not share at the last party. 

FREE - Downloadable Screen Saver

 Just use the right click button, save photo. Then load it in your settings!

Here is one of the parties I share to:
Homestead Blog Hop

Share the Wealth Linky #16

 Spring is in the air. I have daffodils and tulips all over the place and I'm getting ready to put all my vegetable seedlings into the ground. I love spring. I love the freshness and the colors and the promise of good things to come. And I love to decorate and enjoy the fresh flavors. 

How about you? Is spring nudging you to grow and create? Great! Come on in, share your creative posts - cooking, crafts, gardening, journaling - anything that can spur those creative juices! 

On the first and 15th every month a new party will start and run until the day before the next one is to start (14th and last day of the month). 

Please remember to share something you did not share at the last party. 

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs

I love the look of rustic and natural. Easter eggs dyed with vegetables and spices have a muted color - and occasionally marbled. Sometimes you get exactly the color you were going for and sometimes you get surprised. Either way, its fun to do and the eggs come out beautiful!

The color egg you start with will effect the color you end up with. Brown eggs give a more muted look while white eggs are brighter. 

Want to try it yourself? Keep reading and I'll explain how I did it.

Welcome Spring!