Well, it's not HOT in my neck of the woods in temperature (not today anyway) but it's sure been a HOT minute since I last posted. For that I am so sorry but it seems my life has been consumed with doctor appointments, tests, and MORE tests, biopsies, surgery and so much more. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all that any of us can ask for. Wanted to pop in on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to share a little about what I've been up too. Marty and I enjoyed a weekend at the beach before I had breast cancer surgery and took advantage of the time I had in between so many doctor appointments and testing. It was sure a good little getaway. We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary in September. WOW! Just babies! LOL! We were high school sweethearts. Started dating at age 16. Married at age 18 and started a family at age 20. We celebrated Marty's birthday in October. He says that he's feeling his age these days. LOL! He still works 4 days a week and has a long commu...
I hope that you all are having a great weekend and that you are looking forward to a brand new week with a freshness of spirit. I am learning much about the "retired life" and one thing I am enjoying is my mornings. I sit in my chair with coffee and I have my quiet time with the Lord and I have been praying each week for a "freshness of spirit". We all need a freshness of spirit don't we?
So, since I am trying my hand at soap making which I am loving I made a new batch. I made Green tea, lemongrass and flax seed. It turned out so good. Smells heavenly and have given several bars as gifts which was a big hit.
The only thing I might do different is add more flax seed for exfoliating but other than that...this is a winner for me.
I decided to fix up a few goodies for my friends and sisters in Christ. Of course the sunglasses surely fit our personalities.
I tried to think of things that when used they would feel pampered. They loved it all and it was so much fun gathering up little things to make them feel more special than they already are.
I wanted to share a quick little snack or lunch (whichever you prefer) that a lady in my yoga class shared with me. It was yummy and low carb and low calories.
Romaine lettuce-2 pieces
Diced cooked chicken (I had some left from a casserole I had previously made)
Grated pepper jack cheese or your choice of cheese
Everything Bagel Seasoning spice
Take a teaspoon of thousand island dressing and mix with 1/2 teaspoon of Siracha for added kick of heat. Or if you prefer use Italian dressing. Drizzle that over ingredients.
Simple but very tasty. I had it for a quick lunch one day and added a piece a fruit with a loaded tea and it was yummy.
The youngest two granddaughters fished with papa today. My daughter posted this picture she snapped and simply said these words:
She thought she was just fishing.
So true are the her words. Memories are being made.....
I hope that you all have a blessed week and that you take time out to enjoy making a few memories along the way. I want to close with something I read recently and it came up while I was searching for something else but oh what a wonderful reminder this is for us all. (From internet)
Stop. Breathe & Remember. .
Life is not always about understanding and making sense of everything we go through but more about knowing that even when things don't make sense; life still goes on no matter how bad your situation is! There is always something to be grateful for and always a new day to start afresh!
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Oh, I just love that last photograph.
ReplyDeleteWe too have similar when the grandchildren fish with Grandad ... so special.
Have a good week ahead.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan. The kids love fishing at Nana and Papa's house.
DeleteYour latest batch of soap sounds wonderful. You sure find lots to do and life is full.
ReplyDeleteHappy Spring!!
Something always going at my house GM. LOL! I am enjoying making soaps and bath salts. I want to try making some lotion.
DeleteThis was wonderful....like reading a good daily devotional type of book filled with lovely ideas and blessings. You might wanna think about that...you have a real knack for putting good things together that bless our souls and hearts! Loved the picture of your little one "just fishing with papa"....oh! That touched my heart. Precious memories in the making for sure! Wow. Thank you for sharing this with us today. I am a little teary eyed just thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteAwe,, thanks Pam for your kind words. I really enjoying doing for others and coming up with things I think they would like. The words my daughter used to describe that picture melted my Nana heart.
DeleteCindy, I think retirement looks great on you! Having quiet time in the morning is the best way to start my day. I know your friends were excited to receive your handmade soap and other goodies. The last photo needs to be framed. Happy Spring, dear one!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam. I am enjoying it. I think I will print that picture out. I love it!
DeleteYou are a special friend to honor your friends so well. Yes, do lunch as often as you can...once a week or once a month...make a plan! That photo of your Beloved fishing with the grandgirlie is adorable. I see her mother thinks deep thoughts. Have a happy spring!
ReplyDeleteVee, several have told me that we must treat ourselves at least monthly to outing or something and to treat it like you would any other appointment. Get that day/event or etc. locked in on the calendar. Good advise. I love that picture too Vee.
DeleteI'm so glad you're enjoying your retirement. You deserve it! The soaps look amazing. Now don't get too good at it or you'll be working again. ;) I love the photo of hubby fishing with the little one. So sweet! Those sunglasses are awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather Lou. Girl, I have had several ask me about selling but I am not ready to do that! LOL! I am having too much fun just doing it when I want too!
DeleteHi Cindy, we like to eat romaine tacos. I like that picture of you and your friend wearing your glasses. It is fun to do things with friends! My Bible journaling group is growing. There will be an evening group starting at our church by a couple of other women. I plan to check it out, but I don't go out in the evening much except for Bibe study and my friend drives me. Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to do things with friends. You do such a good job with your Bible journaling. Maybe you will get to go join them some in the new class.
DeleteI admire your soap making skills Cindy, what wonderful gifts! The glasses are fun and there's nothing better than a long lunch chatting with friends. Sweet photo of the fisherman and fisher grand! Have a fun week, and thank you for the uplifting words :)
ReplyDeleteJenna
Thanks Jenna. I am enjoying it for sure. Made some hand wash yesterday. Smells so good.
DeleteYou can open up a side business selling your handmade soaps! I've seen tea-infused soaps sell starting at $5/bar!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I've have several ask me about selling it but for now, I am happy doing it for fun.
DeleteSuch a good friend you are to pamper your friends, Cindy. I’m so glad that you’re enjoying retirement. I love my mornings, too, and have a quiet prayer routine each day. The photo of Marty with your grand girl is just precious! So many memories being made. Happy first week of Springtime! Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kitty. Happy Spring to you.
DeleteI knew retirement would agree with you. Soap making sounds like such fun. I use a handmade soap and absolutely LOVE it. Keep enjoying yourself and I love your thoughts on "freshness of Spirit." Good stuff! Have a great first week of Spring!
ReplyDeleteHey Lea. So good to hear from you. Happy Spring.
DeleteMaking soap....yay. I have not tried my hand at that but I used to buy from a friend. Almond oatmeal is great. I love that one the best. Enjoy your soap making. Spring is on us and I am loving it except for the seasonal allergies that seem to come with that!! Tis the season to be sneezing.
ReplyDeleteAllergies seem to be lasting longer and longer too! Thanks for dropping by.
DeleteYou are brave to make soap. The only kind I have ever done is melt and pour! Would usually share your bath salt recipe? The salad sounds good. I need to get some of that bagel seasoning!......Nancy
ReplyDeleteNancy, that bagel seasoning is so good on lots of stuff. Girl, I used the melt and pour. I am not patient enough to wait on curing process! LOL!
DeleteI appreciate the quote from the Internet at the end of your post here. I'm going thru something like that now. My biggest help has been to remember God did not create us to worry and He wants me to trust Him with everything even when I don't understand. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI will surely pray for you Barbara. There are many things I do not think we will ever understand but trying to TRUST on this God journey of life. AND..some times it is just hard. But trust we must.
DeleteHow fun Cindy to get together with good friends. What a lovely thoughtful gift you gave them. I love homemade soaps like you make. They smell so good and are so good on your skin. Making memories with our grands is the best. What a wonderful post. So happy to see you enjoying retirement. Happy Spring. Have a great rest of the week. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteWe had a great time. I love the soaps I am making too. So much fun.
DeleteLove that photo of Papa fishing with his granddaughter! Yes, they were doing more that just fishin'! You know, I find one of the MANY fun things about being retired is having lunch with friends. There's no time-table and we're just able to sit, visit and share!. One time a friend and I sat and visited for 3+ hours! You have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteThank you Zenda. Time can surely get away from us when we are having fun but I am enjoying having that extra time for sure.
DeleteI don't know if my post went through. You are so talented and lots of energy. It is wonderful how your family does things togather. I enjoy your encouraging words. I wondered if you would share your bath salt recipe. I am not brave enough to make soap except for the melt and pour kind!......Nancy
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy. I get most of my recipes from Pinterest. I use melt and pour for the soaps girl. I am not patient enough to let it cure! LOL! Happy Spring.
DeleteLove the sweet fishing with grandpa pic, Cindy! These are years to cherish ... we just came back from visiting our oldest granddaughter at college in SC. The seasons fly by so quickly.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, retirement is suiting you! Look at all you're crafting and creating these days! Wonderful.
Oh, my goodness! I am in tears over the photo of Marty and your little granddaughter and the caption your daughter chose for it. Oh, wow. What a powerful picture and your daughter's words! SO weighty and meaningful. So, so true. We look back on things like that as we get older, and we realize what was really happening. Moments are so precious, like gold. I tell Kevin and Zach very often how much I praise God for every single moment He gives us together. It is good to always tell our loved ones how we feel. Your gifts for your friends were so, so sweet and full of thought. You are such a precious woman of God, dear friend. Sending much love to you today and praying much for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet Cheryl. Yes, fully agree that we should tell our family how much we love them, appreciate them and enjoy them. And as always, we appreciate your prayers.
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