Thursday, February 26, 2015

Good things

Don't you love it when good things happen to others?  I do.

Yesterday I had a great conversation with an acquaintance.

I knew something was up because she couldn't wipe the smile off her face.

"Okay, what's up?  You are beaming from ear to ear," I asked.

She proceeded to tell me about a recent windfall her family just received.  "Let's just say that my mom doesn't have to worry about her retirement any longer."  

I'm still smiling as I write.  With all that is not so good in the news and in my community, this good news was like a breath of fresh air.

What good news have you heard lately?


Monday, February 23, 2015

My new tea

Twice a week, I ventured into the nearest Starbucks and ordered  up my usual...

Tall, nonfat chai tea latte.

Calories:  160.

Lately, I have been changing some eating habits.  Drinks included.
I just stopped drinking chai tea and diet pepsi all together.

I hear your GASPS!  

I know.  This is a shocker!  Especially to my family.  They just can't believe it!  Some days...me either!
But, now I found a new vice and its a lot cheaper.  In money and calories.  I think it may even taste better than my "old usual."


Yes, there is sweetened condensed milk involved, but hear me out!
First of all, Tea Source is a great place,   So much fun to enter and experience all things tea.  You can order a cup of tea, and then buy what you would like.   There are plenty of oolongs, blacks, and greens to choose from.

To make the chai, you will need this.  Breakfast Assam.  "This is a great everyday Assam black tea.  It is very hearty and malty, with a nice, clean taste.  This tea is our first choice for using as a Chai base."

Then, you need to purchase the Spice Blend.
"This blend makes the best chai outside of India"

I mix all the ingredients according to the directions and poof, my new morning brew!
I have my tea with a mere 65 calories!

I figure I am saving at least $25.60 a month, $307.20 a year, plus calories.  Included in my savings  are the impulse buys right there at the counter waiting for me to grab.  Like the dark chocolate covered graham crackers, almonds or a piece of sponge cake!

I figure its a WIN WIN!!


  








Thursday, February 19, 2015

Chocolate Mint!


It's National Chocolate Mint day!

http://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-chocolate-mint-day-february-19/

Mint chocolate chip ice cream is my favorite!
My birthday was not long ago, and had to stop and get a cup of it at Cold Stone Creamery.

I love Thin Mint girl scout cookies, and Andes Mints and York Peppermint Patties and any kind of mint candy bar!

Is mint a favorite for you?

Monday, February 16, 2015

A princess


Last Thursday, Lance and Angie's world went dark.
I have thought of not much else since.
Today they start the process of having to say goodbye to their cherished princess, Alexsis.

There are no words.
Peace.


http://www.newrichmond-news.com/news/accidents/3678253-rural-crash-claims-life-woodville-teen-thursday
                                          Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest
valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff-
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Traveling by train

We took the train for the first time last weekend.
My only advice would be to know that it may take awhile to arrive at your destination.
Freight trains have the right of way...ahead of the passenger trains.

It can make for a long ride.
You just can't be in a hurry.  And sometimes, that is just fine.

So, we made our way to the depot ...through the doors..
 and our adventure begins!
The walls had scenes from days gone by.  Made me think of  those folks who  passed through this station having somewhere to get to.  What was their destination?  Why were they going there?
     Here comes our train.
A real live conductor!  "May I see your ticket maam?"  I felt like I was on the Polar Express!
We were glad we booked a sleeper car.  Much more room, and a bit of privacy.  Two meals came with the booking also.  I happened to be up in the lounge car reading, and came down to the sleeper car a few hours later only to find my husband and belongings...gone!
I searched two cars...and couldn't find him or our stuff!  I thought he fell off the train!  I looked again and was just about to get some help when I noticed my luggage as I peered into one of the rooms.

"What are you doing in here?" I asked as I stepped inside.

He smiled and said, "They moved us.  We've been upgraded!"

"Why?"

"What do you mean why? Who cares!  Isn't this great?!"

I still don't understand how that happened, but it really was great!  Even more room AND a private bathroom!
We will be traveling by train again!





Monday, February 9, 2015

In my glory!

I had the privilege of getting away to Chicago this weekend!
Never been, so it was really a treat.

Perhaps the highlight being Afternoon tea at the Drake Hotel.  I'm told Princess Diana stayed there!
After seeing the hotel, I can see why.  Quite elegant.

My lovely afternoon in pictures...

The hotel reminded me of the Ritz in London.
We were seated right next to the enchanting harp.  Oh the girl could play!  Lovely.  Simply lovely.
I loved the china design and the loose leaf tea strainer.  Such elegance!
 We feasted on these...cucumber sandwiches, egg salad, scones, macaroons.  The usual tea delicacies!
 Cute swan!  But not too cute...I ATE the whole thing!
I would highly recommend tea at The Drake.  Oh...and make sure you use the "powder room."  There were a few women that walked in at the same time, and our reactions were the same.  "Whoa!  I've never seen a bathroom like this before!"  FANCY!!!  Each guest had their own private room!  Close the door and you have your own toilet and sink!
The Drake Hotel is a class act.  Loved every moment.

Friday, February 6, 2015

a little late

Just a note :

My Monday blog will be a bit late...

I am quite sure I will have pictures to share...some that involve a special tea.

Cheers,
Gail

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Growing up

It has been a month already since she moved out.

So strange to go and visit my child at her apartment.
I squeezed her tight the moment I saw her.  "Mom...mom...ok...enough!"
It just makes my heart happy when I am near my children.

We went out to dinner together.  The night went fast as she spoke of funny things happening at her new job.  She is gaining knowledge and getting more responsibilities.

Isn't it just like a mom..."Are you eating ok?  Did you get your rent payed?"

"You would be proud mom.  I made a spread sheet!"

She is an accountant.  I would hope she knows how to pay bills on time!  Still...she will always be my baby.
I get to drive her nuts whenever I want!

Oh...and it doesn't hurt to slip some cash her way either!



Monday, February 2, 2015

Day to celebrate

My birthday was this past weekend.
I was gifted this pillow.
The time it took to make this makes the gift more special.  I received a few gifts like that.  Made by hands that took time out of their days to give to me their talents.  I am feeling very blessed.

My head lay upon this pillow as I enjoyed another episode of Downton Abbey.  Lots of subplots going on.  Edyth, Bates, Cora...yikes!  What will the next week bring?!