What's on my mind today!

Since I have been AWOL from blogging for a bit, I thought I would copy the items from a Simple Woman's Day book that some of you post and comment on them. I love reading these posts on other people's blogs!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW... it is pouring rain! But it could be worse. Up in the mountains where my sister lives, it is snowing today. I am so ready for spring, so I hope we don't get any more snow. My daffodils are in full bloom, the trees are budding out, forsythias are blooming, etc. And we have had some warm weather too recently. Although one week it will be really nice (highs near 70, but then the next week it will dip back down into the 50's). Oh well, hopefully the worst of our winter cold and snow is over and spring is just a short time away.

I AM WEARING.... a pair of black slacks, a bright colored cardigan sweater with a tank top underneath and my pearl necklace and earrings. Since it was raining this morning when I went to church, I just wore pants instead of a dress.

I AM REMEMBERING.... how much I love spring time. I am not a cold weather person, so I always look forward to spring and then afterwards, the arrival of summer! In the city where I live, we have such beautiful dogwood trees, azaleas, daffodils, tulips, etc. and the city is gorgeous in the spring time. I love being outside and look so forward to the warmer weather. Don't forget that the time changes next weekend.

I AM READING... Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It is a wonderful book to inspire us all to be more passionate in our love for God in our everyday lives. I would highly recommend it!

I AM HOPING.... that my youngest daughter, Adelaide has a wonderful time on her spring break this week. She is on a cruise with 7 of her sorority sisters for some much needed rest and relaxation. Where she is in school, they have had a terrible winter with lots of snow & cold weather, so they were all ready for a break from the cold. Bon voyage, sweet girl!

ON MY MIND... are my aging parents. My Mom will turn 87 in April and my Dad will be 90 in June. As I have stated previously, I am having to spend more and more time with them to help keep them independent and living in their own townhouse. It is so hard to see our parents aging and for the roles to start reversing. Us as the parents and them as the children.... I am just so thankful that I am close by and can help out. I will certainly cherish those memories of times spent with them, although they can prove challenging at times.

FROM THE KITCHEN... I have not cooked at all this weekend. We have eaten out, since my daughter and son-in-law were here. We also took my parents out to eat several times. I do love to cook, but sometimes I enjoy doing other things instead. Tonight I am going to make soup to share with my Bible study group tomorrow and I am also going to make banana bread. My sweet blog friend Angela (Love Being a Nonny) posted about this delicious banana bread on her blog and it is wonderful. I had never had banana bread with coconut in it, but it is so good. Check out her recipe. You will love it and Angela too! She is precious! (We have actually met each other several times.)

AROUND THE HOUSE.... there are always more things to do than I ever have time to do anymore! That seems to be the story of my life these days. My "to do" list is a block long, but I'm just not stressing about it. Right now I prefer to spend my time with my family and friends and if things don't get done here at home, the world is not going to come to an end. Last year, I did get my upstairs cleaned out in preparation for getting new carpet and that makes me feel so much better and more organized. My project this year is tackling my basement (which would be like your attic). Mine is a mess! My new favorite word is "Simplify". I am trying to do away with everything that I don't use or need. I am tired of all the "stuff".

PLANS FOR THE WEEK.... include working from Monday until Thursday (my usual work week). I am having dinner on Tuesday night with 3 of my girlfriends. I will spend time with Mom and Dad this week. Friday night I will be going to my card making class. I love making hand made cards!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS.... is milk glass. My dear friend introduced me to milk glass and I have been hooked ever since. Sherian had a shower for Lauren when she got married and everything used for the shower was milk glass. It was gorgeous!!! I since decided to start my own collection and have been collecting ever since. I have found some of my best pieces at Goodwill. In my hunt for milk glass and also my love for old things, I enjoy going to thrift shops and yard sales.