Day 20: Exercise????

With my chronic pain issues, I have to be extremely careful while trying to exercise or I can end up on the couch for at least a day. I have started at five minutes a day and have slowly worked up to 13 minutes a day right now ... about two miles, burning approximately 100 calories. I have a lovely view of pines and oaks while pedaling in our screened-in patio next to my jacuzzi, and I usually read so I don't focus on the additional pain. The steroids I've been on for the past couple of years for my autoimmune issues have added quite a bit of weight, and I want my size 6 body back, besides desiring to strengthen my sometimes wobbly legs.

Day 19: Tools of My Trade

These fine Italian inks came with a Barnes and Noble rosewood pen with interchangeable nibs, a thoughtful gift from my children for my birthday two years ago, the same day during which I received a lovely little writing desk for table-top or lap from Kitty. These ink bottles stand in the perfect little corners of the top of the desk that prevent the ink from spilling. I adore the flow of a smooth ink as it richly penetrates thick creamy paper --one of the most beloved experiences of this rather old-fashioned writer.

Day 18: Eva's Wedding Cake

Our former neighbor, Eva, from San Diego is marrying Tommy, a wonderful man, in Jamaica next Saturday, so they held a reception for friends and family before they leave (just the two of them) on Wednesday. Eva and her family have now moved inland and have a really nice, roomy house. I think their wedding topper is quite hilarious -- and very Eva. ;)

And they definitely had fun feeding each other the cake... and cleaning up afterwards. Again, a very Eva situation -- who had icing in her eye by the time they finished smearing each other. ;)

Day 17: More Blecccchhhh!

T pulls the "gak" (borax and glue) back out and finds that with much care in folding the "gak," he can blow some ginormous bubbles that pop all over his hands.

Boys and goup -- the perfect match!

Day 16: Blecccchhhhh!

J came home from his Grossology Class with a baggie full of "gak." Apparently "gak" is made from borax and glue and has an almost rubberlike property. The boys had a great deal of fun playing with it this afternoon. Here J and B go at it, playing with the gross green stuff that reminds me of a cross between playdoh, bubblegum, and the horrid green "slime" we bought as kids in the 70's -- it came in plastic containers shaped like trash cans.

Day 15: School Daze

These are the books we use for our group schooling: our history, literature, spelling, art, science, and Bible books. The kids have their own books in their bins, such as their mathematics books, readers, handwriting, and other workbooks needed for their individual study.

Day 14: A Little Glimpse o' Spring

I was trying to find a way to blur the background of this photo when I found the artbrush option -- and I fell in love with what it did to my humble little stock. I adore the spicy scent of stocks -- one of my favorite fragrant flowers. With the weather so warm lately (70's again today), I bought one six pack and planted them in the pots on my front porch. They will probably get snowed on many a time this winter, but they can handle it.

Day 13: Bookshelf Above My Desk

Yes, the bookshelf Keith made and installed above my desk holds some special items. My cross from USD and my prayer candle from Sheri that I pull down when having morning prayers. My "I Love You, Mom" mini-mug that E bought me years ago. My reference Bible and reference books are on this shelf, along with dear Oswald (My Utmost for His Highest), my 1662 illuminated Book of Common Prayer, my One Year Book of Hymns, my 1979 BCP, my hymnal, and some favorite CDs. All are easily at hand, just above my head when I sit at my desk.

Day 12: A Neat-Nick Boy?

J made himself an extremely well-organized lunch -- everything all lined up and ready to eat. I only wish his room were *that* neat!

Day 11: The Big Game

B watched the Big Game today with the rest of the family (and his stuffed squirrel Pattertwig), despite the Chargers not winning over the Steelers today -- in the snow, to boot. Well, at least we have our beautiful San Diego weather with temps of 85 at church this afternoon. Take *THAT*, Pittsburgh! Gotcha. Hah!