Valentine's Day

Being alone on Valentine's Day has never been an issue for me; and the only complaint I have about it is the over-commercialization of the day. Oh yeah! One more complaint:  you can't get a table at a restaurant! 

Things I love about Valentine's Day:

1. A perfect excuse to wear pink or red anything and everything. I'm a big fan of monochrome, but it's usually blues. Today, I'm wearing a tunic in grey 'n' white with red accents, black leggings, my red beaded chandelier earrings, bright red lipstick and red patent leather shoes. 
   
2. Red food! I think it's kind of fun that on this particular day, I get to jazz up my meals by seeing how many redish foods I can incorporate. Tonight is salmon with white rice, tomato salad and a red velvet cupcake for dessert.  
   
3. Phone calls from loved ones living far ..... and near. Extra love in my voice and an extra "I love you" thrown in.
   
4. Self-love is an important part of my lifestyle. It keeps me healthy, cheerful, optimistic and sane. This evening, I shall love myself with some gentle yoga, an epsom salts bath and some Netflix.  (Further self love will be shown this weekend after #5 below!)
   
   
5. Tomorrow! EVERYONE loves February 15th because that's the day all the Valentine's chocolate goes on sale! Yummy!

Happy Valentine's Day everybody.

Wedding in a blaze!

This is beautiful White Point Beach Resort in Liverpool Nova Scotia -- just a short 40 minute drive from my house. Or I should say this was White Point. Saturday afternoon the main portion of the resort (the most prominent part of the lower picture) burned to the ground. No one was harmed, and the hundreds of tame bunnies that roamed freely on the resort were fine as well.
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But I guess even fire cannot quench true love. I thought the following was a wonderful story.
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(Taken from a local news feature) "Nancy Rogers was lacing up her wedding dress and putting the finishing touches on her makeup when word came of a fire spreading through the lodge where she was to be married.
The 32-year-old bride-to-be walked out of her cabin at White Point Beach Resort at around 2:30 p.m. Saturday to see smoke pouring from the hotel's main hall.
And even though flames were shooting 20 metres into the air and black smoke could be seen for several kilometres, Rogers and her fiance, Michael, decided to plow ahead with the ceremony she had been planning for months.
"We decided that the most important thing was that we wanted to get married and we were only an hour late," she said Sunday from her home in Halifax.
"It was definitely a memorable day."
Rogers and some of her 45 guests, including a woman from Russia who lost her passport in the fire, were evacuated from their rooms and some of the cabins that dot the resort's white-sand beach.
She said it wasn't until after the ceremony that she realized how bad the fire was and that all of her wedding gifts and flowers had been destroyed.
"It was completely engulfed and everything was up in flames," she said. "We lost all of that stuff, but that's not important to us. We got the most important things."
The couple's wedding pictures include some that show the burning resort in the background, as well as fire trucks."
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Isn't that a wild story! What wedding pictures those will be!
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Reports so far say that the fire was not intentional; and the owners state that they will rebuild which is not just a relief for that little community but for those of us who love it as well. This is where all the overnight orientations for the international students are held. Also, my girlfriends and I have had many evenings eating at their first class dining room and drinking wine in front of the fire in our cabin later. It's a really special place.
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This Weekend, I got Lost!

I was really looking forward to my weekend at home. I had big plans as to all the work and organization I'd get done. So, in anticipation of not wasting it on the "usual" chores, I spent Thursday night vaccuming and cleaning bathrooms and doing laundry. Boy! I was really going to get a lot done this weekend! I was primed and ready to tackle those extras!
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Unfortunately, I came home early Friday afternoon with a killer headache. And then after I'd eaten, my tummy started to bother me! So, when the girls returned from school, they found me lying on the couch with no more energy than a wet noodle. Poor little things! It was "help-yourself leftovers" for dinner that night instead of the yummy oven-fried chicken I'd planned!. *
Saturday I awoke feeling a little better - no nausea at least. But I still didn't feel up to going out and buying those much needed 2 for 1 bras at Zeller's "Saturday Only Sale" like I'd planned. (Not very "self supportive" if you ask me! I felt a little "let down" ..... a little bit of a "boob"!) But I didn't want to take any chances of passing out in the dressing room wearing only my double D's! I needed to stay home and rest!
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I did make the chicken for lunch (along with fish chowder for another day). But any sort of exertion really tired me out. I'd do one thing ----- and need to rest afterwards. So most of my weekend was spent on the couch doing this: and watching TV. Saturday afternoon viewing was quite good! I watched these 2 great movies:

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But after that, there wasn't much else on TV for the rest of the weekend that interested me. (No, I'm sorry --I'm not a Superbowl fan!) The girls were both out; so on perusing through my little DVD collection, I finally decided I'd open the DVD that my daughter Molly bought me 2 years ago. And I began to re-watch this:

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It was really interesting to watch the first shows again knowing what I know now and looking for clues to what will happen in the future. When Adriana got home, she began watching it; and when Libby returned from work, she was more than happy to veg out with me on the couch. She's a "Lost" fan too!

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Despite still feeling a little woosie, I went to church Sunday morning (it was wonderful!); and fed the girls a nice Sunday dinner of pot roast with oven-roasted vegetables and fresh broccoli. Just the thing! The weather was cold and blowy outside, and lying around with 2 of my favorite girls watching one of my favorite shows and eating Oreos for dessert was perfect.

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Today I am mostly recovered from my weekend bug. But you know what?

I had a great weekend.

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And I've a funny feeling that those work chores will still be there next weekend!

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PS - But I'm only half way through Season 1 ----- and Season 2 is sitting on my shelf ----- and it's calling to me ALL the time now!

Auf Wiedersehen mein schönes Fräulein

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Friday June 29th was Nadine's 17th Birthday. I took the afternoon off work, she had as many of her friends in as possible, and we celebrated with a first for her - a Dairy Queen layer cake. It was delicious! (They couldn't do a chameleon so I opted for a lizard; Nadine has owned them as well.)

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Then early Saturday morning, we headed to the airport to say goodbye. She's back home now with her happy parents; and I'm sure that all the many chameleons are jumping up and down for joy in their terrariums and that they've changed into their brightest and most festive colors to welcome her back!

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It was hard sitting there waiting for her to board. We did our best not to think of how short our time was.*

We remembered all the wonderful times we've had together. And I thought of how much I'd come to love this little German girl. She is very special!*

Another German friend, Sophia, was returning home on the same flight. So between our two families and the extra international students who drove in with me to say goodbye, it was a very tearful time.*

Then 10:30 am came. One more last hug and kiss. I think it was particularly hard for Nadine and Adriana to say goodbye; they'd become like sisters. *

Then one last wave goodbye (See Nadine; no one can see the red eyes and nose from this distance!) -- and she was gone!*

This house was much quieter last night. We shall miss her sooo much! (I'm crying just writing this!)

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But we will see each other again! And she'll always have a home here with me!

TRANSFORMATION THURSDAY

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It's Transformation Thursday; and I have to share with you the wonderful thing that has happened to me!
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Bloggies: I have been changed overnight from the Greater Spotted Loon*
to the Lesser Scaly Naped Pigeon!!*
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It's a miracle!!

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Why, before you know it, I'll be back to my normal self -- the Downy Feathered Turkey! (Man! I need some conditioner!)*
And that would definately make me a Blue Bird of Happiness!*
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Hopefully, it won't take too long. I'm growing impatient; and my kids hate it when I turn into a Ruffed Neck Grouse!!

It's Rednesday!

I'm taking part in REDnesday today, and thought I'd share with you a few of the red things that I see around me tonight.
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The first thing I see (and have been seeing a lot of lately) is this:
my trusty bottle of Benadryl -- friend to those who itch! I could also show you some of the viral rash flaring up on my neck this evening; that's a pretty shade of red! Or I could show you the areas where I've spread the cream the doctor gave me; it's an even prettier shade of red because my outer derm has flaked and peeled to reveal the fresh, tender, raw skin underneath! (Can you say "Yeowch"?)
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On second thought -- NO! Perhaps you'd like to see some other red items?
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I spy with my little eye ......................
Here's a red Canada pen and a pair of my reading glasses; I bought these at a Dollar Store in Newfoundland a few years ago.
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The next red thing I want to share is a love story. (And quite appropriate, I think, as love = hearts; and hearts are often red in color.)
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On Monday after I'd eaten my lunch at work, I was pondering what I'd do for the rest of the hour when I had the distinct feeling that I should go to Frenchies. At first I tried to resist saying "You don't need anything, Sandy!" But I kept feeling that I should go -- that there was something waiting for me there. (I believe it was a cashier with her hand outstretched!)
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My only other alternative was to sit alone at work for the remaining 30 minutes and try to fight the irrestible urge to scratch (and then cry). So, I got in the car .... and it drove itself to Frenchies.
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Once there, I did a quick turn about my favorite bins. You know, I almost made it out of there with nothing more than a sweet little, brand new cardigan I'd found --- a mere $3.85 + tax. But then, as I was walking up to the cash, I did the usual "head-turning-from-side-to-side-scan" that every good thrifter does before they leave a joint. I mean, employees may have restocked the bins since you first came in! (And I think it's part of the "Thrifter's Union" rules.)
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Suddenly, in the purse bin, out of the midst of the oversized totes and vinyl clutche bags, I saw this beautiful jolt of color! This red beacon of joy, calling me closer, and closer!!
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My pupils dilated, and my heart began to beat faster. But I didn't hurry; I walked s.l.o.w.l.y to the bin, willing the lady who was already there NOT to reach out and take take the object of my desire. And then suddenly, I was at the bin, and it was in my arms! And the more I looked at it, the more in love I fell with it. It was fate! We were meant to be!
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Here she is -- my newest acquisition!

Have a look inside at the sumptuous, golden lining .....

And now, have a close look at the label .....

It's brand new, has a leather hand strap and wide, comfortable shoulder strap, waterproof exterior and a good, sturdy zipper. There's an attached pouch (for coins perhaps) and a key tag; it opens wide like a briefcase and there are lots of compartments inside. I'd never heard of the Baggallini brand before, so I Googled it. And it turns out that it's part of a line of travel bags and purses. And this particular one retails for $80 to $100. My price??

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... $4.00 ...

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You've got to love Frenchies!

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Now that I've shared my little love story with you, I'll take my little itchy body to bed. I am healing, bloggies! Hurrah!! This has been the first day that I began to actually feel like I'm healing. A couple of Benedryl, a little Lanacane and a good nights sleep, and tomorrow I'll be even better. And there are very few of us at 55 who can say that we'll be better tomorrow than we were yesterday. Right?

CALLING THOSE WITH EURO-VISION!

A young friend told me today that she's going overseas in April of this year for the first time. How exciting!! She and her friend will be staying with a mutual friend in Dijon, France (somewhere on the map below between Lyon and Strasbourg).

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They'll be overseas for 2 weeks; so, they'd like to plan some short visits to other places while they're there. She mentioned going to Genova or Florence, Italy, as well as Switzerland ---- sort-of in a circular pattern starting and ending with Dijon. They are completely open to suggestions.
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So, I thought that there might be a few of you out there with a wealth of knowledge that you could pass on ......... if you would be so kind!!
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Just keep these things in mind when making your suggestions:

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• They're young and energetic and don't mind hopping between cities and/or countries or travelling at night and sight-seeing during the day, etc. They could probably even sleep upside down on a clothes line if necessary. (Damn young people!!)

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• They don't mind staying in hostels or cheap hotels as long as they're clean and bug free.

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• They are English speaking and have some French and a tiny-teeny smattering of Spanish; so they'd like places where they'll be easily understood.

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• They're young and want to go as EL-CHEAPO as possible!!

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• They'll travel by bus, train or plane throughout the different countries -- if they're cheap enough and the time between is economical.
  

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Any other travel tips or hints would be, I'm sure, more than welcome. And please feel free to email me if you wish because the comment box may not be large enough to put all the information from some of you well- informed world travellers out there!

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EUROPE ......... ahhhhhhh!

YOUTH ............. ahhhhhhh!

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I'm trying hard not to be jealous. And it's really, really, really hard!! But I can rise above it. After all -- I'm a mature, God-fearing, showing-the-love-of-Christ, helpful kinda gal. The kind of gal who thinks before she reacts! The kind of gal who chooses not to go with her first impulses. Impulses such as:

• ripping their (long, shiny, manageable) hair out by the roots. OR
• clawing out their beautiful eyes (with those long eyelashes and lids that don't hang down and obscure their vision). OR
• slapping their wrinkle-free faces. OR
• crying while prostrate at their feet (found at the end of their firm, celulite-free legs)

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Besides, I have another plan .......................................

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But I promise to wear clothes.

And I think they'll need a larger suitcase!

JAN 12.2010

Outside my window........ a new day is beginning. It's a little grey with a temp of -8 deg Cel. There's a slight chance of flurries as well. So, I must continue to imagine the snow melting and enjoy my daydreams of spring and gardening.
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I am thinking................... about having lunch today with my friend, Laura, whom I seldom get to spend time with.
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I am thankful for.............. my warm, down-filled, bottom-covering winter jacket. I don't like to be cold!
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I am wearing.................. my brown dress pants and green dress shirt with the flower necklace that Adriana brought me back from Mexico. I'm also wearing my new Alfred Sung perfume! I smell n-i-c-e!!

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I am remembering........... my friend Margaret Teal whom I served with for many years on the LaHave Fire Auxiliary; her husband's funeral is tomorrow afternoon. He was a sweetie with a lovely sense of humor.
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I am going......................... to work! But I'd much rather crawl back in bed and read; then I'd get up and finish the laundry, bake Marie's recipe for scones, make a pot of squash soup, check out all your blogs and possibly take a nap.
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I am currently reading... "The Friday Night Knitting Club". (It's in all the bookstores for $16.50 Canadian [plus 13% tax] but I was fortunate enough to get it at Frenchies for $1.85.)
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I am hoping...................... that my daughter Molly will call soon or come home to visit. I miss her.
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On my mind..................... posting entries in Simply Accounting, balancing books and bank statements, getting T4's ready, sending out 3 Government tenders this week, doing up the payroll for tomorrow. (Eek! It's year end!!!) ................. Also on my mind ................ where can a harried bookkeeper get a really good cup of latte at this time of morning in this hick town?
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I am noticing that..................... my pants are tighter since Christmas!!! How the heck did that happen?
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I am pondering these words........ "Put that chocolate away for a couple of months, Sandy!" (I just received my 3 free Chocri personalized bars in the mail. What a time to begin eating healthily!!)

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In the kitchen.................... dirty breakfast dishes. But spaghetti with spinach pesto and meatballs along with a green salad for dinner tonight!
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Around the house.............. I've really been enjoying my clean and completely organized bedroom. (It took me all Thurs and Fri evenings and Sat day to do it, but now I know where to find things!)
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One of my favorite things.......... My Bronnley hand & body moisturiser that the girls gave me. Sometimes after I bath, I like to apply it to my legs and feet while I'm in bed; then I can fall sleep to the soothing scent of lavender.
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From my picture journal: My girls and I on my 50th birthday

Anything seemed possible for any one of us at that time!

Who are you Elsa???

There's been someone leaving comments on most of my recent blogs named Elsa. She leaves one word comments in English; then the remainder of the comment is in Korean?? When I try to find her, I get nothing.

Elsa, if you're a real person and if you're out there reading, please identify yourself and explain why you're writing in Korean.

• Does anyone else have things like this happen?

• What do you do about it?

• Is it real? (Or is it memorex?? Joke for the over 50 yr olds!)

The Surburban Princess at http://thelifeofasuburbanprincess.blogspot.com/ has given me this fabulous award, bless her little crowned head!

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So, here's the deal with this one:

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You can only use one word answers; and you must pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers! Alert them that you have given them this award! And have fun!

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1. Where is your cell phone? Dead

2. Your hair? Blonde??
3. Your mother? Softer
4. Your father? Hilarious

5. Your favorite food? Steak
6. Your dream last night? Weird
7. Your favorite drink? Merlot
8. Your dream/goal? Travel
9. What room are you in? Bedroom
10. Your hobby? Shopping
11. Your fear? Knives
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Sex
13. Where were you last night? Reading
14. Something that you aren’t? Quiet
15. Muffins? Coconut
16. Wish list item? Hardwood
17. Where did you grow up? Newfoundland
18. Last thing you did? Chocolate
19. What are you wearing? Nightie
20. Your TV? Entertaining
21. Your pets? Kitty Tolouse
22. Friends? Lifelines
23. Your life? Content
24. Your mood? Great
25. Missing someone? Amy
26. Vehicle? Focus
27. Something you’re not wearing? Thong
28. Your favorite store? Value Village
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? Moments ago
31. Last time you cried? Friday
32. Your best friend? Laura
33. One place that I go to over and over? Frenchies
34. One person who emails me regularly? Brother Bob
35. Favorite place to eat? East Side Marios

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I love so many of my followers, and it's hard to choose six "favorites". But I will! So, I'm going to pass this wonderful award on to the following bloggers:

- Liz at A Mom on a Spin http://www.amomonspin.com/

- Nezzy at Cow Patty Surprise http://cowpattysurprise.blogspot.com/

- Duta at Places with Character http://placeswithcharacter.blogspot.com/

- Tina at Cherry Hill Cottage http://cherryhillcottage.typepad.com/cherryhill_cottage/

- Judy at Cutest Little Things http://cutest-little-things.blogspot.com/

and

- Laura at Hey! What's for Dinner Mom http://heywhatsfordinnermom.blogspot.com/

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Ladies: If you don't have the time or energy (or inclination) to take part in this little thingie, don't worry - my feelings won't be hurt. I did say have fun; and if it's more fun to ignore me, then you do just that!

Summer 2009 R.I.P.

It is with sadness that I report the official passing of Summer 2009. What finally killed it for me, you ask? Let me give you a hint ........................

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There are two things that can immediately make me cry:

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This morning when I awoke, gone was the sunshine of yesterday! It was raining, raining, raining; and leaves littered the ground and the roadways. I thought about dressing for church, and I knew that I couldn't go out in public in heels again this year without adequate protection ..... protection for me from the elements; and protection for the rest of you from the bright, shiny, pastie whiteness of my pretty gams! I didn't want to be blinding anyone!
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(You know the rules! No white after Labour Day --- and you've been pushing the envelope too long, Sandy!)
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I just knew, this was it; summer is officially over for me!
Au revoir l'été. L'automne long de vie!

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Hold on .............. I need a moment here!*


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Okay, I'm fine now! As my good Irish Catholic friend Antonia would say: "I've offered it up to Jesus".
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And if I MUST finally say goodbye to summer ..... if I MUST do the decent thing and cover myself .... if I MUST put on panty hose, let's do it in style. Dig, dig, dig in the back of the closet for the "items we can only wear for short periods of time"; and voila!
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I wore these pretty shoes. Panty hose and heels DO look nice together! These are my Italian leather shoes from (you guessed it) Value Village. Look at those beautiful heels!

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But they're also killers!! I've always told my girls "Beauty is painful!" So, as soon as I got home from church, I made a sandwich and did this:

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And as the rain and the leaves continued to fall, the girls and I spent the afternoon leisurely.

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