The weekend has come and gone, and once again, it’s just me on Monday. Once again, it was a nice weekend in our neck of the woods.
Since I gave Ed his Valentine’s Day gift (the metal detector) a few days early, he returned the kindness and did the same for me. He spent most of Saturday getting my gift set up. In case you may be wondering what my gift was, it was a green house!
I’ve been wanting a green house for a while, so I’m thrilled. I can’t wait to fill it with lots of sprouting seeds and plants. I asked Ed to figure out some way to “pet proof” the bottom of the green house, and I think he did a pretty good job, by putting lattice trim around the bottom. The front piece is removable, for easy access to the inside of the house. (On a side note here, Ed and I don’t usually exchange gifts for Valentine’s Day, but this year we both wanted/needed something special, so we did. We also exchanged gifts early, for the same reason.)
Of course, Sunday was “Superbowl Sunday”, and our daughter and her husband hosted a “Superbowl Party” for the family. Some came for the football game, others came for the food. Nobody left disappointed. Go Ravens!
Brad and Jennifer came in Sunday, from out-of-town, and it was so good to have the entire family together, once again. I miss having our weekend get-togethers!
Everyone made their favorite finger foods for the party, and of course, I cheated on my diet. I hadn’t had a hot dog in over two months–and see those chocolate cupcakes in the photo, they were my weakness! I couldn’t pass up chocolate with whipped topping.
I felt a bit guilty, but at least I didn’t cheat alone. Almost everyone in the family has been eating healthier since the new year began, and all have lost weight. I guess you could say “the family that diets together, also cheats together!” Today it’s back to business for all of us! It will take several days to undo last night’s damage.
Before moving on, I’d like to remember several individuals in prayer today. The six-year-old son of one of Ed’s co-workers, has just been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lymphoma. This family has traveled to Atlanta (four hours from home) for treatment, beginning this week. Yet another co-worker has a premature infant daughter, who was recently flown to Ohio, for surgery to repair two holes in her heart. Also, Walter, hubby to a long-time blog friend of mine,Linda @ Retirement Daze, is having surgery today. Walter has taken excellent care of Linda since her stroke, nearly two years ago. Now it’s Walter’s turn to be cared for–hopefully for just a short while. In addition, I recently found out that the husband of a friend and former co-worker is now battling cancer–on the heels of by-pass surgery. All will have my continued prayers…
Last, but not least, it’s time to get down to the Monday business of joining Heather and Wayne for their fun Monday meme. If you’d like to play along, simply click the button below.
Here are the Questions:
1. Are you good about going to the doctor?
For years, I wasn’t very good about going to the doctor, I once went for 14 years without having a pap smear or breast exam. However, after two cancer scares, and being diagnosed with two chronic conditions–this is no longer the case. These days, I always have a standing appointment with my primary care physician, and I see my gynechologist regularly.
2. What do you think about the practice of restaurants adding automatic tips for large groups or specific events?
Personally, I don’t like it. A “tip” should be optional, not required–for any reason. When a tip is required, it’s takes the pleasure out of giving it.
3. When was the last time you went out for dinner?
It’s been a while since I went out for dinner, but I went out to lunch with a friend on Thursday. We ate at Cracker Barrel, and it was delicious!
4. What is your best budget saving tip for recovering from an unexpected expense or planning for one?
It’s fairly easy to save some money in the food department, if you take your lunch to work, don’t go out for dinner, plan only inexpensive meals, clip and use coupons, and eat lots of left-overs! Use the money you save on food for that unexpected expense!
My question:
5. Did you watch the Superbowl Game? If so, what was your favorite commercial?
(Being the animal lover that I am, I liked the Budweiser commercial featuring the baby Clydesdale. The sight of that horse running down the street, after his former owner, tugged at my heart strings!)
If you missed it, here it is:
Reflections...by Kathy 