DONNA'S DELECTABLES

Delectale Winter

2010-02-01T17:11:00.000-08:00

I am glad we finally got some snow! It was a wonderful weekend spending 2 days with my husband, who had a birthday on the 30th. We stayed in and watched a movie, took a walk in the snow and had our son over for dinner. Sunday we slept in as church was canceled. We took a 2 mile walk to get the newspaper, slipping and sliding all the way! We finally ventured out in the car for a bit - just love a quiet snowy day. I hope we get more of the same, although I do know many have to get out to work. Happy Winter to All!

End of 2009

2010-01-19T22:14:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe 2009 has come and gone. I wonder where it went, if I did all I should have or could I have done more to be a better person? I guess we can only move forward! Here are a few pics of how my December went - geocaching in Banner Elk, knitting some fingerless mittens, Christmas flood and with the family.

Now it's on to a new year, a new me, a new you and ongoing life, love, fun, work, hardships and what ever life brings us! Happy new year every one!

Delectable December

2009-12-06T17:41:00.000-08:00

Gus and I took a day from work and went to Banner Elk this weekend. We stayed 3 nights at Blue Ridge Village, our favorite time share condo. On Friday we found our first geocache - Gus found most of them but I did find one all by myself. It was a bit dirtier than we first realized but sure did get us out and walking! The temperature kept dropping and sure enough we woke up to snow Saturday! We picked out our Christmas tree and it has been blessed with snow! This is a family tradition we have honored for 32 years - since our first Christmas together when we cut a tree in the dark cause we had no money to buy one! We love going to the mountains in hope of getting one that has been snowed on. We did a wine tasting at Banner Elk Wine - a beautiful place to go to if you ever get the chance. We watched Appalachian beat Richmond with our feet up by the fireside - go Apps! So it has been a great weekend and I hate it has to end (along with the snow). Now to get ready for Christmas. Hope you will be enjoying your Christmas season too.

Delectable Family Ties!

2009-09-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

I am now a great aunt X 2. My niece Betsy Mauney had a little girl this morning. All are doing well, and she is so cute already. Her name is Elise Jeanette. Her big brother Issac is so excited! It's nice having family close by and I must make more time to visit these little ones.

Delectably Delinquent

2009-08-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Delinquent in writing anything, that is. Just a busy time in the summer! I have been to New Orleans working with the national youth Gathering - 36,000 high schoolers in one city! It was hot and humid and lots of fun. I found the music of Amanda Shaw - 19 year old violinist/fiddler with her own band and has a wonderful voice too. She fiddles mostly in the band, when not singing that is. I hope she makes another CD soon. I have been flying various places with my work, seeing the sick and hoping to make them feel a bit better. I have been walking in the mornings when I can, but today had to go in the evening cause it is now dark at 6 am. And dark at 8:30 pm too! I will miss my delectable summer time, I am just not a winter person. The fall is OK as I like walking in the cool air. I have signed up to walk in an 8K event in September - all for Ovarian Cancer research. Come and join me and hear me talk of more delectable moments in my life.

Delectable Gardening

2009-07-03T09:21:00.001-07:00

When I can see progress in a garden I feel proud, I feel like the world is spinning around as it should be, with seasons and ups and downs and all is right with the world. My husband made a tiered garden this year using cement blocks. We have tomatoes, squash, peppers, herbs, stevia zinnias and sunflowers. It has done quite well due to the spring rains, but now it is up to us to water. I have cooked a squash casserole using fresh squash and we ate our first tomato last night! Nothing is wrong in the world with a home grown tomato in your mouth! I will have to research how to use my stevia - just put a leaf in my tea? Come on by an pick a few grape tomatoes to pop in your mouth. Sit a spell and watch it grow another inch. Your worries will all melt away ( as you melt in the summer southern sun!)

Sad Times

2009-06-30T04:23:00.000-07:00

Kretschmer's King George

July 1998 - June 2009

Some things are just not delectable - they are just sad. Sunday our family dog, George, a bassett hound, got very sick. He actually had not been feeling well for a few weeks and we were hoping the medicine he was taking was helping. He had cancer in his paw and it was just not shrinking. So we had to make a decision to put him to sleep forever, and not let him suffer anymore.

I have worked in hospice for several years and this was just as hard a decision as working with adults, including my mom. We all loved George for his saggy face, long ears, sweet eyes. He had a wonderful personality and loved each of us as well. George slept on his own twin bed and even had free use of any chair (did I mention how stubborn Bassetts are?).

George would have been 11 years old in July. We will miss you, we are saddened by our loss and we know dogs truly are human's best friends.

THANK YOU GEORGE, FOR ALL OUR FUN YEARS AND THE LOVE YOU GAVE US!

2009-06-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love weddings? I attended my niece's wedding today and it was very lovely. Kati and Ray have just graduated from college and off to a wonderful start. Don't you remember those days? I have never forgotten what it was like to be in "first love" and my hubby way back in high school, our wedding, those first years as he finished college and we started our "real life" as man and wife.

Now, the next best thing to being married and finally free of Mom and Dad - is the wedding cake! I absolutely love the original sweet icing on birthday and wedding cakes. Look at this lovely cake that was half almond and half

chocolate with the perfect icing!

I hope my sis brings home lots of leftovers for me! I often dream of this stuff! Yummmmm! So that is my Saturday on a hot summer day. It was worth the getting dressed up in 90+ degree heat and I wish Kati and Ray many happy years!

Delectable Maniacs

2009-05-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I like to knit. I have been looking for a group to knit with. a lovely little yarn shop opened close to my house and I met the manager at my local coffee shop - what could be sweeter than my 2 favorite things so close to me?! I began going to the knit night on Mondays and bonded with about 4 other women. We decided to knit the Great American Afghan. We each bought the yarn and off we started. I was proud to finish my first square by the next class. But alas I started falling further and further behind. I needed more and more needles so I could at least start each square with the class. In the mean time the shop closed (economic times you know). What were we to do? We banded together and decided to meet at our homes. So each Monday 4-5 of us get together. We have fallen into a light meal (after all, we come straight from work and need nourishment to knit). Then we have show N tell or just talk about life, and then we do actually knit! (Usually). I am 53 years old and have never felt as comfortable in a group as I do this one. I have always said I don't really need people and could live alone on an island - but these are my friends, have a common link and then find we have other interests is great. There is even another nurse! So never say never, don't be timid and do reach out to others - you'll be surprised what you will find! For me it is the nicest group of women and some new best friends to add to my other best friends.

Delectable Nature

2009-04-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

I think I found out what heaven must be like! Today I had the most delectable sight out my kitchen window. I saw emerald green grass all around as there are large lots around me. I have 2 bird feeders and there were 15 (I counted) gold finches flying in and out, eating on both feeders. Then in came a bright red cardinal to join them. I saw 2 blue birds as bright a Carolina Blue as there is. they are making a nest in my Blue bird house! And on the ground was my Blondie tail squirrel who loves the dropped sun flower seeds, and with him 3 chipmunks! Yes, 3 chipmunks just hanging out eating the seeds. They do know to stay away from Blondie (the squirrel) as he feels this is his territory and will pounce on them. Watching all the colors and activity was simply amazing and it lasted all day. Those finches must have been really hungry. So I decided this is like heaven, brilliant technicolor and lots of friendly animals - sorta like a Disney film. Hope you too can enjoy some nature at your home.

Another Start

2009-03-27T00:54:00.000-07:00

This time last year I went back to Weight Watchers. It was successful as long as I was attending the meetings. But life just got too busy and i stopped. I gained some of the weight back over the winter but not all (thank goodness!) So once again I have begun attending meetings - lost 1.4 pounds last week! (yes the .4 counts). So here I go again and hope to lose 10 pounds by my trip to New Orleans - considering that isn't until mid July I should be able to do that!. I am being much more consistent with my walking/strength training so that is a good thing. Wish me luck (again!)!

Another Try

2009-03-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

OK - last spring I did pretty well at WW. Held the weight off pretty good through the winter but need to keep pressing forward. My daughter and sister have rejoined WW so I will give it another good try. I bought my pass today and plan to go on Friday. Its a bit hard working it into my schedule at times but will do my best. Perhaps my brand NEW BRIGHT RED VOLVO will keep me motivated - want to look like a star in that car! So here's to all the rest of you with the daily weight struggle - tomorrow is a brand new day!

Delectable Times

2009-02-26T16:25:00.000-08:00

Well, lets see. . . Obama is president which I hope is going to make for delectable changes. My daughter and son in law have moved nearby. I have had a few delectable outings with my daughter, or have had her stop by when in town and that is the most delectable time a mother can have. My sister and I walk together each morning which has brought us celectable closer together. I have a job - delectable pay checks! My husband is a wonderful support (has a job too!) and so sweet at times, yet a true "gonna kill that man" at time - delectable love! I could go on and on but just know that I feel blessed. I hope you feel the same. As we say at my church: God is good - all the time. All the time - God is good.

Mid Winter Delectables

2009-01-30T04:55:00.001-08:00

It isn't always easy to find something delectable in the mid of winter. The most delectable thing I know right now is that today is my husband's birthday! He is a great man who I love dearly. He is so supportive in all I or the kids do. He is a very strong christian who always finds the fairness in situations, wonderful with children (because he is a true Peter Pan himself) and never ever mentions money to me! So here is to a wonderful 53 years (32 married to me!) and may he have many, many more!

They're Here!

2009-01-18T18:15:00.000-08:00

It is so grand to have my daughter and son in law living near by now. They moved back to the south from Philadelphia in Nov. Tonight they stopped by on there way home from errands and it was so nice just to have them pop in and out like that. Lee got a book, Michael and Gus chatted football and they said hi to brother Frank. Left some recycling stuff and off they went. Life is grand and delectably sweet when family is together!

It's Delectably Official!

2008-11-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

My daughter and son in law are moving back south! And to live within an hours drive from us! How delectable is that? Virginia Lee and Michael have both taken jobs in the York/Rock Hill, SC area and plan to move down Thanksgiving week. Both sets of parents are so thankful that in this economical time they have jobs to come to and a home to live in! I hope not to be the nagging mother in law but to be a supportive Mother and friend. Having lived so far away from my own mother most of my married life, I plan on enjoying building a great relationship with my kids and hopefully grand kids. Life is grand!

Delectable Friends

2008-10-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend my husband and I spent the weekend in Boone, NC with our college friends. We go way back with Mike and Gus being college roommates all 4 years. Gus was Mike's best man at his wedding and Mike was in our wedding. Mimi and I got to be good friends through the guys, and our children are close in age. The years have taken us far apart and close together, even living in the same city for a few years. We have settled into a routine of meeting once a year at Appalachian State University home coming game, spending 3 days and nights catching up on each other's lives. This is a great time and we hope it will continue for many years. We shop (the women), golf (the men), talk, share pictures of our families, talk some more, and of course enjoy some good tailgating and football. Here we are enjoying this year's homecoming parade. Aren't friends the greatest?! You can be yourself, laugh and cry together. Its great to have friends to grow older with - Mike and Mimi, here's to good times for many more years to come! Cheers!

Continued Weight Loss

2008-07-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

I will gladly tell you how the weight loss is coming - I did gain a bit on my California trip but have since lost it along with another pound. It is slow going but steady. So I feel that is good and as long I maintain the consistency then it will eventually be a healthier me.

Delectable New Find

2008-07-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

I have had a busy summer so far with lots of travel for my work. I always try to find a yarn (knitting) store where ever I go. The most delectable find so far has been a new yarn store in my own state, just the next county over. close knit (yes, no capitals) opened July 1 in Gastonia, NC. I have already been to check it out and was very delighted. This store is in a small house and every room is delectably full of yarn, patterns and accessories. It has a class room for classes and a table in the main room for sitting and knitting as you wish. The ladies I met there made me feel very welcomed. They meet on Tuesday evenings for a knit along and I definitely will attend. Even though it is 18 miles from my house it is an easy drive and prevents me from having to go into the busier Charlotte traffic. So I am inspired once again to get a few knitting projects finished.

Delectable Summer Days

2008-06-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

So far its been a busy, hot summer - and just half way through June! I went to my daughter's graduation in May, she got her Masters in Religion in Philadelphia. Then got our community pool open - such a fun way to spend the warm afternoons! It quickly went from the 70's to 100 degrees and already high humidity. Father's day was spent in the ocean at Wrightsville beach and visiting my father in law. I am off to California for a week of work so really can't complain. Then will take vacation in July at Folly Beach and another short vacation in August in the Rocky Mountains. So it will be a busy summer but a grand one I'm sure. Have a glass of lemonade or tea, sit in a rocker, and relax at least once a day!

Delectable (?) Struggle

2008-05-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

I have to brag on myself and say I have lost another 2 pounds this week! I have been going to WW for 4 weeks now and lost a total of 7 pounds!!! It is hard not to eat the sweet stuff I like but I really need to do this. Consistent is my new word.

Delectable Daughter!

2008-05-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

It was a very delectable day May 18th to see my daughter receive her Masters of Religon from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. She has worked hard for her degree and will now use it to work with others and pass on her faith. As Neil Diamond sings "Pretty Amazing Grace" is truly wonderful.

Delectable Bird Watching

2008-04-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

It is always a delectable morning when I can have a hot cup of tea or coffee and watch the birds in my back yard. I have seen as many as 4 golden finch on my feeder at once. Even some cardinals have been spotted trying to get a nibble. Here is a picture for your enjoyment so you can see the bright color yourself.

Delectable Product for all Delectable Women

2008-04-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

I am not getting paid to make an advertisement - I just felt compelled to talk about a delectable product I use called a Pouchee. You know how us women love our purses and how we love to stuff them to the max. I was at the Women's Show in Charlotte a couple of years ago when I discovered a wonderful way to organize your purse or any bag. It is a Pouche - full of pockets and one zippered pocket. It fits most bags and has a place for everything you might could think of including 2 lipstick pockets. I bought a cloth one but now they come in leatherette too so I bought one of those. My cloth one has been recycled to my knitting bag. To choose your very own Pouchee just go to www.pouchee.com and try it out. There are also many retail stores carrying the product. This has even allowed me to give up my big wallet. I admire delectable inventive women!

Delectable Spring

2008-04-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

It is delectably becoming spring and I am ready for warm weather. Last weekend I got my husband excited too, and we built a garden plot out of cement blocks. I planted several each of lettuce and spinach, along with herbs like parsley, chives, thyme, oregano and lemon balm. This weekend I added radishes between the lettuce. I then mulched my little garden with shredded paper from my office. It works well once you wet it down to keep it from blowing away in the wind. It looks like a layer of snow!n 2 weeks I will plant more radishes. I plan to add some squash soon. Oh, I did plant one cherry tomato plant in my earth box. So ready for lots of sun, just the right amount of rain and some delectable salads!

Finished at Last!

2008-03-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

Its a delectable feeling to complete a project! I have finished a pair of socks, knitting them on 2 circular needles. I wore them today with my Dansko clogs and they felt very warm. I am anxious to now create a "real" pair of socks and have started some tennis socks using number 1 needles. I think they will go slower. I feel delectably proud of myself for getting at least one project finished (unlike the curtains that still lay in my basement for nearly 3 years!).

On the road again...

2008-03-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

I'm visiting my daughter in Philly! yay! Everyone come see The Vagina Monologues!!!

Delectable New Year

2008-01-01T08:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all! It is a delectable January 1st with the sun shining and mild temperatures. Actually I would like to see some snow but will take what I get. It was a wonderful Christmas season with our whole family together on both sides. Gus' brother and daughters were here and I cooked a delectable German dinner of Rouladen and Spetzle. My sister, niece and family (a beautiful great nephew!), aunt and uncle came for dinner one evening also. We now have a wonderful son in law, Michael, who is a smart, caring young man. He will take good care of our Lee and I do believe they will be very happy together. Lee and I went to our favorite knitting store which is always a delectable time together. I did buy some silky yarn for a leaf scarf. Lee and I plan to knit the linen scarf together, we each have the yarn and she wants to finish hers before her trip to Germany in January. So that is a new year's resolution I suppose. Speaking of resolutions I rarely make them. But I think I need to increase my self discipline this year so will make a couple. Of course lose weight but more so just get in shape for whatever size I am. I will resolve to finish a few knitting projects and really want to make a real pair of socks. So is that enough? I am off to finish my New Years cleaning - I really do feel joy in vacuuming and dusting as I feel a sense of accomplishment. Until another blog. . .

Knitters Delight

2007-11-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

What a delectable day it has been! I attended a yarn "tasting" at my favorite yarn shop. No, I did not eat any wool but did sample several Rowan yarns with my needles. Better than that I made some new friendships and renewed some old ones. I feel quite welcome at this shop and we all have the need to feel accepted. I behaved as I should have and did not buy more yarn, but did purchase some patterns. I then went on to do errands and once home walked my dog as we both needed to stretch our legs. It was a delectable walk cause he didn't smell but half the mailboxes along the way. Once back home I had a wonderful phone converstion with my sister. We don't always see eye to eye but this was a delectable way to spend some time. Lots of delectables today, and Applalchian State won again so my husband will be in a delectable mood when he gets back from the game! I will sleep well tonight. May you do the same.