Even though we don't celebrate it here in the UK. I am thankful for so much in my life that I couldn't possibly write it all down at once.  People and my pets head up any list of  course.

Last weekend was our 29th wedding anniversary.  Andy took me to Scarborough where we had a great time together.  Chel looked after the dogs so we didn't have to give them any thought at all - but I did miss my furry companions.  Chel booked some holiday time so we could go and not worry.  Thank you Chel.

We changed the brand of dog food we bought this week and it seems to suit the pair of them better.  We have our lively, funny, loving Stevie back at last.  We never realised that what he was eating wasn't suiting him and causing his lethargy.  Now he and Jess are playing like there's no tomorrow.  We are all soooo glad we got this girl for Stevie, and for us.  She adds so much to our lives.  There is a head on my knee as I'm sitting at the kitchen table writing this.  I love it.
What could be nicer?  Well, I can think of things but you know what I mean.

I watched some episodes of Oprah this week.  Saw the final show yesterday and took a lot from it about being content where you are and following your purpose.  Suddenly I saw more about my life as a whole, and know that I have done things I loved.  As for the future, I am thinking about that differently now as well.  I have benefitted so much from the Oprah shows over the years so I will take this opportunity to send her wonderful wishes for her future as well as thanks for all the personal growth I've gained from her shows.    She has proved over and over that when the student is ready the teacher appears.   And she introduced me to Maya Angelou and Dr Phil among other wonderful people (well, not in person, of course! :D )
 
Today is bright and sunny here.  Coldish but not too bad. I'm looking forward to going outside in a while.  Wearing my new top.  I saw a greeny long jumper in a sale and loved it.  It isn't a colour I've ever worn, nor a style I'd usually buy, but I love it.  And it is for 'around the house'.   I don't normally buy stuff to wear indoors, that is what happens to tops that get too shabby to go out in!  This feels so good though.  Dressing nicely for me!  Seems like I'm starting to want to care for myself.  Sometimes lately I even put on perfume and jewellery just around the house because I like wearing it.  This is getting scary......lol.

Great news this week....my friend Agi is now in her new flat which is super news and my granddaughter is now in Skype on her new mobile phone.  A niece got married on Friday and the photos I saw on Facebook are super.

We bought Jess a coat for the winter.  None of us like dogs in coats when they are for looks, but this gal is so skinny she has no fat to keep her warm.  We won't use it (probably) when she goes into the garden but will when we go for walks.  Well just see how things go.  And we got her a big soft bed like a jumbo cushion.  I could sleep comfortably on it.  She and Stevie love it.  We bring it downstairs in the morning and both dogs share it.  At night we take it up and Jess uses it peacefully all night long - so far at least.  We did have to move Stevie into our room with his bed in an attempt to keep the peace.  We have no clue why he sometimes doesn't want to let her get into any room!   For that matter why they occasionally snarl at each other out of the blue for no reason we can see.  And a couple minutes later they might be playing again.  To imagine what it's like just watch a couple of toddlers and you'll get the picture!  Please don't get the idea that I'm complaining because I'm certainly not.  I love and enjoy both of them and am so lucky to have them both in my life.

Squee::::: my granddaughter just talked to me on Skype.  Wow, she's an amazing young lady.  I'm very proud of her. She copes amazingly well for such a young mother.  It is the most wonderful thing being part of a family at long last.

Enough for tonight

I should be so happy but I feel like crying for no good reason.  There is nothing wrong that I'm aware of, nothing I need, nothing I need desperately to do.  Sure there are things I could be doing but I've done the important stuff for now.   It's a grey, drizzly sort of day outside but warm and cozy in here.  I've put the desk back where it was before (how many times now have I moved it only to put it back a few days later?) so my nest fits me again.  This is the room I claimed years ago and still treasure it.  Nope, it is nothing special, just a small bedroom.  Crowded with a desk, dressers, and two bookcases.  One tv, a dvd player, my makeup and that sort of stuff.  But it is my little space. No one else comes in here other than to get clothes from the drawers or to use the clothes horse for the wet laundry.  It's so nice to have a place of my own to do as I like with.  And yes, I know it's stupid since I have the rest of the house as well. It's me who chooses to clean it, arrange it all, and relax in it all.  But this place feels different to me.    I think Andy feels the same way a bit about his shed and the area around the pc in another room.  I've made him space for this things separate from the family stuff where it's up to him to sort out the papers and stuff that piles up.  And he seems to like it, even the sorting out part.  Everyone needs a bit of space they can go feel is their's to do whatever they like with/in.  Or to do nothing in.   I do, however, realise fully that this is a luxury some people can't imagine.  I've been there myself so I do know how fortunate I am.

I've been neglecting my friends the past couple of weeks.  I've been doing a lot of housework, catching up on jobs around the place, going out with Andy and reading a lot of books on the Kindle.   Since the weather has changed I'm feeling a lot more aches and pains.  But at least I can keep going and smiling.  Chel took me to Billing Aquadrome for the fireworks on Saturday evening.  The bonfire was beautiful and I don't know what to say about the firework display.  I love watching them.  The way the sky is filled with gold fairy dust, it's all magical to me.  The weather was kind to us, very mild so I was able to really enjoy the time we spent outdoors. I did discover that at last I'm not interested in going on the fairground rides.  Also it was even more clear how poor my night vision is now.  Chel had to guide me wherever it was unlit. Thank you Chel and also Thank you Andy for staying in with the dogs.  The beasties don't like the fireworks but Andy said they were peaceful this year - maybe Jess isn't bothered by them and let Stevie know it was all okay????

Since I wrote that I've shifted by behind and vacuumed downstairs and prepared a meal for us. Yum.  I am a good cook when I can be bothered to do so.  Of course it helps if I get stuff out of the freezer soon enough as well.......lol.

Now I'm off to write some emails to people I care about, one of whom has moved into her own place in a new country.  I'm so pleased for her.

Take care all and have

and I love it.  It's an early Christmas present and I'm beyond grateful for being given it now instead of having to wait.  This is so much easier on my eyes and shoulders.  I have put my cross stitching supplies away for now because I can't see well enough to enjoy this hobby anymore.  Reading has always been my first love as a hobby so I'm contented to be reading more.  and more. and more.   But it's hard to hold a book so I can read it easily in bed, and books are too heavy to carry in my bag when I'm out and about now. So this new toy is perfect for me.  I read in bed until I'm ready to sleep and don't strain my eyes doing it.

I've got quite a few free books from Amazon to read on it and they aren't the old classics but some good current stuff.  Thank you for providing free books, Amazon.  I would not have been able nor interested in buying a Kindle if I had to pay for every book as well. I'll read my way through as much as I find, purchasing the odd book as I can.  I've already paid for one which I'm in the middle of enjoying though.

Jess. This gal is so fab.  She is turning into more of a character all the time and is learning so much.  She and Stevie have us laughting so much every day.

Okay, that was written a week or so ago.  Now Jess is driving me mental.  She's bored and not getting enough exercise, I suspect.  She's very loving but into mischief all the time.