Well, now that I am living a healthier lifestyle, I have changed my daily menu. Now, I eat well-balanced meals and tend to stay away from some of the sugary concoctions I once enjoyed. Refined sugars create havoc and pain and lots and lots of brain fog. Still, I like to partake in a sweet treat, so I have found a hot chocolate treat that comes loaded with collagen, vitamins, and protein. I add a dash of sugar-free whipped cream and drizzle sugar-free caramel sauce on top. Since it also incorporates ashwagandha, it’s the perfect bedtime snack that helps me relax before I retreat for the night.
At this moment in my life, I can’t imagine not having a dog around the house, especially now that I am older and my life has slowed somewhat. Without a doubt, my furry companions minister unconditional love and comic relief and keep me moving, whether I want to or not.
After a long day at work, they greet me at the door. My furbabies yip, jump, and stay close to my heels as I move about the house. Their excitement as I come through the door makes me smile. At night, when it’s time to settle down and prepare to sleep, my pups come running, for they love to cuddle at night. They paw at the blankets, waiting for me to lift the corners, so they can curl up next to me. These two are sweet companions that enrich my world.
Often Max and Mitzi make me roar with laughter, for their antics keep me on my toes. Sometimes my Twinkies fuss at each other and tell each other off for some minor misdeed. And if they feel slighted, these two will pout if they believe I am paying more attention to the other sibling. Mitzi is more demanding, so if she feels aggrieved, she just wiggles onto my lap and refuses to take no for an answer. On the other hand, Max lies quietly and gives puppy dog eyes. Of course, his actions melt my heart, so I call him, but sometimes the little stinker makes me wait and refuses my calls to make me atone for my neglect.
Max will also take Mitzi’s stuffed “babies” and throw them off the bed or down the stairs into the basement. While he scurries about creating havoc, Mitzi whines, chases after her toys and tries to corral them back into hiding. It’s not uncommon to find her toys hidden under my blankets.
Although they sometimes fuss with each other, these two hate to be separated. When this occurs, Max and Mitzi stick close to each other’s side as soon as they are reunited. While it’s hard to round them up after they make an escape, I still have to laugh as I watch the partners in crime race about the neighborhood. Side by side, they rush into the prairie chasing birds or some poor unsuspecting rabbit. Life is never dull with my two escape artists.
And finally, they keep me active. We take walks and explore hiking trails around my home, or sometimes, we head for the hills or local park. And on the days when time is limited, we play in the backyard. My sweet pups keep me moving and provide a lively form of entertainment. Life is just better with a dog. Guess it’s true, as the saying goes. Dogs really are a woman’s best friend.
Vanilla bean, pumpkin caramel spice, whipped cream, pumpkin sauce… just a few of my favorite things…
A few days ago, I blogged about my favorite season; fall of course, and how I discovered pumpkin caramel spice coffee from Crazy Cups, which I quickly ordered. Well, it arrived, and it’s amazing! I brewed my coffee in my single-cup coffee pot. I added Jordan’s Skinny Girl Vanilla Bean Syrup and a dash of heavy whipping cream. After stirring my creamy concoction, I added sugar-free whipped cream and then drizzled the last of my Jordan’s Skinny Girl Pumpkin Spice Sauce over the whipped cream. And well, it’s pure heaven. I decided this new version will be my go-to pumpkin spice coffee. It’s a healthier version and a lot easier on the pocketbook.
Bonus: Southern Colorado has received lots of rain and the weather has remained springlike around my little house on the prairie. This morning’s temps hovered around 54 degrees. While sipping my coffee on the patio, wrapped in a cozy throw, it felt like a fall morning. I was in my happy place. And my pumpkin spice coffee was that added delight.
In ten years, I will be retired and rocking great grandbabies in my rocking chair. And, of course, I will be writing more than ever since I will have more time on my hands!
Okay, this was a difficult one because I have two…dancing and water aerobics. I love turning on the tunes and dancing…either on land or in the water…and I love water aerobics too, just add music! I just turn the music on my phone and use my waterproof earphones and I am good to go!
When I was in sixth grade, I was introduced to Roald Dahl’s book, James and the Giant Peach. My sixth-grade teacher would read it to us on Fridays after lunch. There was only one problem; I could not wait until the following Friday to discover what happened next. I went to my local library and checked out the book. All was fine until one day, she caught me reading the book in class. I tried to hide it behind my textbook. In my defense, I had finished the language arts assignment and had free time, but she was not having it. She took me to the hallway and let me have it. She wasn’t angry that I tried hiding the book, but she was angry that I had checked out the book. My teacher did not want me to read the book since it was a part of our Friday afternoon activities. But she just did not understand. I loved reading! Although I finished my book before the class, I still looked forward to Fridays and hearing about James and his adventures all over again!
Later as a mom, I shared this book with my daughter, and just recently, I bought a copy for my 12-year-old grandson, Connor. Our family has loved this book. When I taught sixth-grade reading, I also shared it with my class. And no, I am not that teacher. When a student tells me they finished the book before the rest of class, I let them know that they make my heart happy!
“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings.” Teaching children values and giving them the opportunity to excel is essential to good parenting. However, I feel I must also provide my children (and myself) insight into the ones who came before us: our ancestors whose lives and stories have shaped us into who we are. This is my journey; these are their stories…
Tales of a Family 