tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60010677828179829182011-10-17T23:09:15.188-05:00JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.comBlogger591100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-27160589943595547682011-02-03T09:30:00.009-06:002011-02-03T10:25:36.008-06:00

My husband, Steve, didn't have to work on Wednesday but he did get to play in the snow with his trusty snow blower. Notice all of the other men playing with their snow blowers because men love their machines! This video shows how our little corner of the world looked after the blizzard finished gifting us with about 18-20 inches of snow. Watch for the squirrel at the base of the bird feeder in

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-53586999987476514122011-01-15T16:21:00.018-06:002011-01-15T17:10:08.074-06:00

It's a Football playoff weekend and I'm going to make a recipe I found recently for a baked omelet. I hate recipes that require culinary skill above a "beginner" and this recipe fit the bill. It's quick, scrumptious, and looks pretty. Enjoy! Easy Baked Omelet - This recipe from www.preparedpantry.com This is more dramatic and impressive than an omelet made on the stove top. And it’s easy.

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-35720792321413918022010-12-10T17:48:00.005-06:002010-12-10T17:54:44.304-06:00

It is that time of year when everyone is busy, busy, busy. I've been busy working on my Cover Cafe website and this December we are sponsoring our 2nd annual Holiday Favorites Cover Contest. Follow the link below to vote for your favorite holiday romance cover for 2010. This year we are also offering a give away. One lucky US voter will win a Cover Cafe mug and some goodies to go with it.

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-59508187328934728092010-08-04T11:36:00.041-05:002010-08-04T15:36:19.664-05:00

OMG - It's August and it's been way too long since I updated my personal blog. I hope everyone is enjoying the summer months. We've spent most of the time working around the house doing projects that have been on our "to do" list.It's been an unusual summer either rainy and wet or hot and humid in the Chicago land area. My upside down tomato planters and my petunia planters were swinging in

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-60971665041620434982010-05-12T17:48:00.041-05:002010-05-17T22:58:38.957-05:00

I'm doing a quick update to say hello and to show everyone what I've been up to the past few months. I had a great Mother's Day weekend. We took a quick day trip to southern Wisconsin and visited the Elegant Farmer (featured on the Food Network's Throw Down program) for one of their apple pies baked in a paper bag. I also purchased 4 Roma tomato plants. I am not one of the talented Blogger

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-23981038854464813282010-03-16T06:00:00.005-05:002010-03-16T06:00:06.705-05:00

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-76995234559317813482010-01-17T07:23:00.001-06:002010-01-17T03:46:21.052-06:00

My thoughts and prayers are with those suffering from the earthquake. I am sad about the physical logistics and obstacles getting in the way of delivering food, water, and medical help to the survivors in Haiti. If you haven't already donated, there is a really quick and easy way to donate to the Red Cross and AmeriCares.For the Red Cross text HAITI to 90999 and a $10 donation will be added

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-15625176116827610252009-12-31T08:00:00.001-06:002009-12-31T08:00:02.865-06:00

I wish only the best in 2010 for all of my fellow bloggers. I hope your year is filled with promise, good health, love and the companionship of good friends! I'm including a few quotes and a little humor to celebrate the new year. Have a wonderful holiday!QuotesAn optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.Bill VaughanOne

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-11020037332852311782009-12-26T17:05:00.006-06:002009-12-30T00:58:39.968-06:00

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-11194727411455245442009-12-17T07:00:00.018-06:002009-12-17T07:00:09.903-06:00

It has been awhile since I've posted a new blog, over 3 months. Yikes, I've been a bad blogger. Life and time seems to fly by and my writing muse has taken a back seat to my responsibilities on the website I manage. My life has been pretty quiet. I did make another trip to the Smokey Mountains in October. This time I made the trip with my son and I was able to visit Dollywood and the

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-54337146250534393472009-09-14T06:00:00.003-05:002009-09-14T06:16:15.742-05:00

Nothing new to report...just enjoying the last days of summer. I hope everyone is doing that, too. We celebrated our 31st anniversary on September 10th. Time sure flies by fast...our son turned 30 on September 11th....yes, I was in labor on my first wedding anniversary. We had dinner at a wonderful local Italian Restaurant Saturday night. Wonderful atmosphere and the food was scrumptious.

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-11352095781926024392009-08-07T11:01:00.027-05:002009-08-07T15:45:54.428-05:00

Shelley at Building A Log Cabin asked if we have ever witnessed a rare moment with wildlife. In her case, it was watching the Loons at her lakeside log cabin do an annual water dance.Yes, I had a moment like this. One year a mother bird built her nest inside our stove exhaust vent. I think she was from unpopular Starlings species but I didn't have the heart to disturb them and decided to let

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-18138255755824554152009-07-30T13:42:00.060-05:002009-07-30T20:45:00.060-05:00

Wow - I can't believe how quickly this summer is flying by and I have been a very bad blogger. I think with the lovely weather we've been having in the Chicago area, blogging has taken a back seat. What am I saying....I know that's the case. I've enjoyed reading everyone's blogs via my Dashboard but I haven't felt inspired to post on my own blog. I'm sure there is a counselor somewhere who

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-78589469326068177012009-07-05T13:42:00.005-05:002009-07-05T13:42:01.617-05:00

It's been awhile since I've posted....I wish my vacation had been as long as my absence from blogging but no, I only visited the beautiful Smokies for five days. Since I returned from vacation, I have been busy working on one of my volunteer projects and blogging took a back seat. I started volunteering several years ago with a group that sponsors an online Romance book cover contest. I have

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-77481897566261128772009-05-28T21:22:00.012-05:002009-06-06T11:02:13.079-05:00

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-41621597358328952532009-05-09T00:00:00.016-05:002009-05-09T01:38:55.804-05:00

Happy Mothers Day Weekend!I hope you spend it filled with all of the things you love to do. Everyone has a mother, but I know not everyone has a wonderful relationship with their mother. In those cases, celebrate that your mother gave you life. And then, some of us have lost our mother and we can only remember her with love. And finally, there are those who are lucky to have a great

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-21311577629236963782009-04-25T00:23:00.023-05:002009-04-25T00:58:20.725-05:00

It's Photo Hunting time again. The week just flew by. The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Protect(ion)". I thought about taking a photo of sunglasses and a bottle of sunscreen to showcase protection from the sun. I also thought about taking a photo at our nearby Police Station of the officers arriving and leaving in the parking lot. However, I decided I might look suspicious taking

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-42052392296503011062009-04-18T16:00:00.030-05:002009-05-02T16:23:44.279-05:00

I'm running late again this week but better late than never. The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Purple". I love the color and yet I don't have any of it in my home. I found some flowers and an adorable Native American Dancer in my photo files that fit the purple theme.This photo was taken at the Crazy Horse Monument in Custer, South Dakota in 2008. They perform traditional Lakota Sioux

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-75629318613294436812009-04-09T21:05:00.001-05:002009-04-09T21:29:17.655-05:00

All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from the Easter Bunny from Humor MattersDon't put all of your eggs in one basket.Walk softly and carry a big carrot.Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.There's no such thing as too much candy.All work and no play can make you a basket case.A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention.Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.Let happy thoughts multiply

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-80771427678772411442009-04-04T00:30:00.014-05:002009-04-04T02:20:25.642-05:00

The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Stripes". I went through my pictures, from a visit to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo in 2004, looking for striped creatures of nature. Since I had already used my adorable baby tiger cub photos during "Furry" week, the cute and cuddly trio wouldn't work for this week's theme. I settled for unique and majestic. Click on the photos for a larger size to see

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-2126346245188143872009-03-28T02:00:00.006-05:002009-03-28T21:02:22.669-05:00

The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Hands". Usually I look through all of my photos to find something that fits but I knew that hands had never been a focus of my amateur photography. I decided to have a little fun with the theme and I staged a few of my favorite collectibles and their hands! Click on the photos for a larger size.The first Hands selection is my own hand posed in front of

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-36643470824955726752009-03-27T01:31:00.022-05:002009-03-27T04:10:21.939-05:00

It's time for Foodie Friday sponsored by Designs by Gollum. It's a celebration of fabulous food with an online potluck. Stop by and see who else is showcasing something to celebrate!I was watching Rachel Ray last week and there were two ladies who adore their slow cookers on the show. I used to have one years ago but it was too small to use for roasts and I have no idea what happened to it.

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-37790911368239711492009-03-21T02:30:00.001-05:002009-03-21T02:34:29.216-05:00

The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Yellow". I missed the past two weeks because try as I might, I couldn't find anything in my photos that fit the themes for space or four. Yellow is a different story and I'm on the hunt this week for the best photos reflecting that sunny color. Yellow brightens everyone's day. Click on the photos for a larger size.This first picture is a close up of a

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-75182757368699714242009-03-12T21:57:00.040-05:002009-03-12T23:47:27.782-05:00

It's the special St. Patrick's Day Celebration on Foodie Friday sponsored by Designs by Gollum. Even though I'm almost half Irish I have to confess.... I don't have a plethora of wonderful Irish dishes that my family enjoyed while I was growing up. Don't get me wrong, I love potatoes but my family didn't cook traditional Irish fare. So my entry is a "love it or hate it" soup that my husband

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-60788589213643556652009-03-08T22:52:00.039-05:002009-03-09T00:29:08.262-05:00

I haven't had much time to blog this past week and I even fell behind on visiting blogs. Even though I didn't post for Foodie Friday or Photo Hunt this week, I managed to visit several Foodie Friday blogs last Friday. By the time I'd finished, I had copied a few recipes to add to my "To Be Tried" file and I was FAMISHED. I've been working on a website transfer and it took up most of my spare

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-75051200251757891672009-02-28T11:00:00.000-06:002009-02-28T11:28:12.811-06:00

The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Thankful". There are so many things I'm thankful for - family, home, reasonably good health, friends, and I'm also thankful I live in a country where religious freedom exists. We can choose which religion to follow or we can choose not to believe in organized religion at all because it is guaranteed by our constitution.I've chosen two photos taken in Door

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-77144670646954952352009-02-26T22:20:00.000-06:002009-02-26T22:27:29.777-06:00

It's time for the second Foodie Friday sponsored by Designs by Gollum. It's a celebration of fabulous food with an online potluck. Stop by and see who else is showcasing something to celebrate!I chose one of my favorite shortcuts using a cake mix and in this case, instant pudding as a base. The finished product tastes like banana bread but with a cake consistency. It was yummy! Since I am

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-860239244719629492009-02-25T00:09:00.000-06:002009-02-25T01:27:48.643-06:00

It doesn't matter that my son is an adult, a mom still dreads anything bad happening to her "baby". Last Wednesday, we had another winter storm cruise through the Chicago area and the roads were icy and slick. My son's timing was either too fast or too slow and fate intervened. While driving home from work in the north bound lanes he noticed that two cars had collided in the south bound lanes

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-91643502390012113362009-02-20T06:45:00.019-06:002009-02-20T09:26:55.477-06:00

I'm participating in the first ever Foodie Friday sponsored by Designs by Gollum. It's a celebration of fabulous food with an online potluck. Stop by and see who else is showcasing something to celebrate!Creamy Vanilla Custard - And It's Healthy!2-1/2 cups skim milk1 cup egg substitute or four whole eggs1/3 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extractVegetable cooking sprayNutmegCombine first four

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-40038150671163981592009-02-18T21:02:00.005-06:002009-02-18T23:55:04.918-06:00

I finally found the frames I wanted for the two prints I purchased from Catherine Holman Folk Art. I have them setting on the front of my piano where you normally place your music. I love the colors and they seem right at home on my mother's piano. Click on the photo for a larger size. Please stop by and check out her prints and paintings.Connie from Connie's Turning 50 passed on this Bag Tag.1

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-1153172508417432062009-02-14T18:32:00.021-06:002009-02-14T21:17:47.898-06:00

The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Nautical". I know that the term usually refers to ships but when I hear the word I think of being on the water whether in a ship, boat, or even a canoe. Click on the photos for a larger size.This first photo was taken in Door County, Wisconsin in 2007. My husband and I would visit Sister Bay harbor every evening at twilight to watch the sun set on the

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-91294581855757548462009-02-10T21:55:00.002-06:002009-02-10T23:08:57.685-06:00

I think Valentine's Day is one of those hated holidays. If you are newly in love, the most popular child in class, or a hopeless romantic, then Valentine's Day is great. For the rest of the world, not so much. My husband and I used to go out to eat every year but it is always crowded and they always have special menus with higher prices. One year we just decided to stay home on Valentine's

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-2055443606524613272009-02-07T13:30:00.008-06:002009-02-07T20:58:51.827-06:00

The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Bridge(s)". I'm a little late with my post for PhotoHunt. I was too tired to stay up until 2:00 to post and too lazy this morning to post, too. :>)We took a trip to Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City, Michigan about 15 years ago when we used disposable or inexpensive instamatic cameras. I scanned two of the photos we took during our trip that include the

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-11374535900586892942009-02-05T17:50:00.001-06:002009-02-08T04:04:54.552-06:00

It's time for another confession from this non-domesticated diva. I love television whether it be cable news, HGTV, Food Network, or just a pure entertainment show. (I use that term loosely.) I know I should be reading a serious biography, self-help, or even a religious book and not a Mystery or Romantic Suspense novel but I'm shallow in my entertainment choices. I should be knitting, sewing,

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-27163637823289892662009-01-31T02:01:00.001-06:002009-01-31T02:13:55.877-06:00

The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Furry". I chose photos I took in 2004 at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. There was a mother Tigress and her three tiger cubs enjoying a lazy afternoon. The mother had lost one of her legs right after she was taken into captivity but it didn't interfere with motherhood. The three tiger cubs were so adorable. We had so much fun in the "Cat"

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com67tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-89173071730465089472009-01-29T01:26:00.003-06:002009-01-29T01:38:23.685-06:00

I DIDN'T GET TO SEE THE WIZARD!As you can tell by the sad picture of Dorothy consoling the Cowardly Lion, I did not get selected to serve on a jury this week. I was thisCLOSE because the school teacher who sat next to me on the first day was selected. I was sure that on the second day they would see my jury worthiness but alas, they didn't even want me to come and sit for 8 hours in the large

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-63457990529609552009-01-25T23:51:00.013-06:002009-01-26T00:38:12.228-06:00

The big day has finally arrived...Monday, January 26th. I'm fulfilling my civic duty at my county courthouse. I have my jury summons, my Susan Elizabeth Phillips paperback, and a sack lunch filled with goodies to pass the time away. If you don't hear from me in a few days....you'll know I've been sequestered and chosen for some notorious trial.I'll miss reading all of the blogs and surfing the

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-72697838543351587962009-01-24T05:00:00.001-06:002009-01-24T05:00:01.410-06:00

Please take a minute to take my Valentine poll on the top of my sidebar. Thanks! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------->The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Chipped". I don't usually keep mugs once they are chipped but sometimes, if I'm sentimental about the mug, I make an exception. This large capacity, red mug (I love super size mugs!) was a gift

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-86616788497786282652009-01-21T17:45:00.002-06:002009-01-22T01:39:43.688-06:00

I've added Andertoons cartoons to my sidebar. Whenever you need a smile, check my sidebar to see what cartoon they're featuring. I hope you enjoy them!Last week, I looked at my yellow cake mix and I wasn't enthused about making it and slapping chocolate frosting on top as I usually do. I love cake mixes, however, they can become routine. Since I've discovered blogging and recipe blogs, I have

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-16828430023889673252009-01-17T02:00:00.004-06:002009-01-24T00:36:54.328-06:00

The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Hats". My first photo was taken by my husband, he was on a horse behind me, as we took a horseback ride in the Absaroka Mountains in NW Wyoming in June, 2000. Check out that terrific, authentic cowboy hat on our guide. We stayed at the Bill Cody Ranch halfway between Cody, WY and the east gate of Yellowstone. The scenery was breathtaking. Oh, and I was

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-90127946512722467652009-01-12T20:15:00.006-06:002009-01-21T12:02:20.067-06:00

I cook and bake from scratch but since I'm a Non-Martha Stewart, I adore quick and easy when it tastes great! I created this version one Sunday morning when I didn't want to mess with a more complicated recipe but was dying for a Cinnamon Roll. My two guys liked it so much, it's become a family favorite for a quick Sunday or holiday breakfast.I usually keep on hand, Pillsbury Buttermilk

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-35045168608118948792009-01-10T02:00:00.004-06:002009-01-10T02:15:07.687-06:00

Click on the photos for larger size.The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Aftermath". The first thing that came to mind, when I saw the theme, was a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina, the Colorado wild fire, or the recent flooding in Washington state. Since I haven't taken any photographs of natural disasters, I chose the aftermath of a winter snow storm last year in Illinois. After

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com67tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-80984832223668511952009-01-07T19:39:00.010-06:002009-01-07T20:10:07.061-06:00

I have had such fun learning about the world of blogging and I enjoy reading about everyone's world and their experiences. I've decided to create an award to thank the bloggers who've enriched my life. I've loved making new friends over a cup of coffee, tea, or my visitor's beverage of choice. It is the sharing not the drink that creates a connection.Thank You for following and/or reading my

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-9358606233310319172009-01-06T06:00:00.015-06:002009-01-07T01:20:27.075-06:00

Click photo for larger size! Finally, I've finally received my first jury summons at the very mature or mellowed, whichever sounds sexier, age of 55. I've lived in the Chicago area for 30 years and not once, have I received a notice stating I was in the pool for jury duty. When I was younger, working full time and raising a child, I was ecstatic to be overlooked. However,

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-83939594706204483612009-01-03T02:30:00.000-06:002009-01-03T02:26:39.825-06:00

The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Hope". I am not a morning person! However, a few years ago my husband and I got up at the ungodly hour of 4:30 am and headed down to the river front in our little suburb. We watched as dawn broke over the river and you couldn't help but feel HOPE for the new day. This photo doesn't do justice to the beautiful pink colors in the sky that morning.The Fox

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-54085887936804207282008-12-26T07:00:00.004-06:002008-12-29T21:16:59.033-06:00

Since both my family and my husband's family have their big get togethers in the summer months, it was just my husband, my son, and myself celebrating Christmas. When you have only one adult son, it makes for an easy, laid back holiday. Christmas Day was the traditional Turkey dinner because it's my son's favorite holiday meal.Christmas Eve Dinner, however, was a family favorite, Pasta e

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-44898802082665381042008-12-16T22:08:00.032-06:002008-12-18T10:45:21.813-06:00

MUSINGS -I have been putting off my addressing my Christmas Cards this year. I purchased them several weeks ago and they sat on one of my dining room chairs convicting me since then. Yesterday, I finally attacked the project and finished late last night. They are now merrily on their way to family and friends. I debate every year about sending cards but I have girlfriends, from my high

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-64272813822753111212008-12-12T16:21:00.053-06:002008-12-13T09:33:59.683-06:00

The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Favorite". I thought about all the favorites in my life. I have favorite people, which would be my husband and son, favorite photos, favorite vacation spots, favorite moments and then, I stopped myself before I chose at least 25 photos to cover all of my favorites. In 2007, we went to Door County, Wisconsin for a June vacation. I saw this road featured

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-32796828347790713362008-12-09T09:11:00.021-06:002008-12-11T09:25:45.941-06:00

One cold winter's day, my husband captured a photo of this shy female Cardinal as she waited in our little cherry tree for her turn at our bird feeder. I added the text and cropped his photo to bring her up close and personal. I love Cardinals!This morning the temperature was 35 degrees and we have a day or two break from the freezing weather the Chicago area experienced last week. Of course,

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-50646829843346756332008-12-06T08:46:00.027-06:002008-12-06T13:21:05.632-06:00

The theme at PhotoHunt for this week is "Breakfast". My husband took this photo on a trip through Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was taken at dawn, which is the best time to see the wildlife. He captured a photo of someone's breakfast with mom.I took this photo this morning of our backyard bird feeder. It is a fun place with all types arriving for a snack or two during

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-45323233770775616332008-12-04T10:22:00.000-06:002008-12-04T10:22:43.262-06:00

I have a confession to make. I've taken the easy way out this year. I purchased a little tree from Costco that was already decorated. Yep, I pulled that little gem out of the box, set it on my end table, added a little star on the top, tied two bows to the top and base, (to make it a legit decoration project) then plugged it in, and said ~ voila! I put up the stockings on the staircase,

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-21733722120587001932008-11-30T09:51:00.032-06:002008-11-30T12:59:19.697-06:00

Melissa from Melissa's Heart and Home tagged me to name 6 random things about myself. Here they are! Thanks Melissa! ~~ 6 Random Things About Myself ~~Here are the rules.1. Link to the person who tagged you.2. Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6)3. Write 6 random things about yourself.4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.5. Let each person know they been tagged

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-16966692674240705862008-11-29T01:49:00.021-06:002008-11-29T08:45:30.677-06:00

I really enjoyed visiting all of the participants last week in my first PhotoHunt. This week's theme is Metal. I hope you enjoy my three choices.My first photo is my picture of a metal sculpture that sits on top of the Great Platte River Road Archway Museum in Kearney, Nebraska. The museum is built in the shape of a bridge and spans across Interstate I-80. Kearney, NE is where the Oregon,

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-12094324768749889472008-11-22T02:51:00.055-06:002009-01-17T01:45:53.838-06:00

Last week, I kept suggesting to my husband that we should stay in a downtown Chicago hotel on Saturday, the 22nd and see the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Then we remembered that a few years ago we tried that scenario for the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. We drove into the city on Tuesday evening had dinner at Harry Caray's and spent all day Wednesday shopping with dinner in the Walnut Room

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-38852019171059298982008-11-21T17:36:00.037-06:002008-11-22T02:55:49.484-06:00

~ Click on photo for larger image ~This week I stumbled across PhotoHunt. There is a photo theme every Saturday and the assignment is to post one of your own photos or a family member's photo representing the theme.Ta-Da - Today is my first attempt. The theme is "Reflection" and I'm using two photos taken years apart. The first one was taken by my husband at Mount Rushmore near Rapid City,

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-82226085123787163562008-11-18T22:52:00.017-06:002008-11-19T23:00:43.351-06:00

I have a theory about why I didn't become a Martha Stewart clone. My grandmother owned a diner during WWII and both my mother and aunt worked there during high school. All three of them could produce a fabulous meal without using a recipe and were fantastic hostesses. My mother was a quiet brunette like myself but her cooking skills were her pride and joy. Growing up, I assisted in the

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-58910348338565692002008-11-14T21:30:00.016-06:002008-11-14T23:40:20.320-06:00

I have a life long history of reading mysteries and romances so Lynette giving me this award is fun. Thanks Lynette! I used to read several books a week but in the past three years my reading has subsided to a more doable one or two per month. My husband appreciates the boost in our bank account. Book purchases can really add up.Here are the rules to this award:1. Open the closest book to

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-20880847646281731832008-11-12T23:50:00.031-06:002008-11-13T02:17:28.945-06:00

Last weekend, my husband, son, and I ventured into downtown Chicago for our traditional lunch in the Walnut Room, shopping at Macy's, and the State Street Macy's Christmas windows. Enjoy some photos from the day...my season is off to a good start and I hope yours is, too. We had a great table with a wonderful view of the tree. This year it was designed by Tommy Hilfiger and the theme was

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001067782817982918.post-89910000610895858172008-11-06T01:29:00.015-06:002008-11-09T00:28:10.924-06:00

We're heading into my favorite time of the year with the Holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. One of my favorite holiday traditions is making the trip into Chicago to see the Macy's (previously Marshall Fields) Windows and the Walnut Room Christmas tree. Last year the tree was decorated by Martha Stewart and it was beautiful. This weekend on November 8th, the 2008 Tree will be unveiled.

JyLnChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17134675339241796235noreply@blogger.com9