Observing My Senses

For today, July 31, 2013...

I am seeing...the backyard grass all cut but not trimmed. Our weed whacker works when it feels like it. The front yard needs to be finished, but the lawn mower was having trouble. The grass is tall, and with all the rain it's always wet. I can't wait for the rain to stop because it's not happening anytime soon. I have to work with the wet grass and a lawn mower that overheats. 

I am feeling...headachy thanks to my allergies and high pollen counts. All this rain is making everything grow, which is both good and bad. 

I am hearing...What Not To Wear. I used to watch this all the time. I've learned a lot about dressing from Stacey and Clinton. 

I am tasting...a peanut butter sandwich. I needed a snack. 

I am smelling...London broil in the crock pot. My favorite household appliance. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, July 30, 2013...

I am seeing...rain fall on my half mowed lawn. I'm glad I at least got the side yard done. That's the biggest area, and thanks to all the rain my grass has grown out of control. So much so, we're thinking of changing Molly's name to Nala. 

I am feeling...hot and sweaty. I'm gonna finish making my son's breakfast and hop in the shower. 

I am hearing...thunder. Great. And I want a shower. 

I am tasting...a tall refreshing glass of ice cold water. 

I am smelling...the egg I'm scrambling. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 29, 2013...

I am seeing...the sun, still shining.  That's a surprise, when  most days include lots of rain in the afternoons.  Sometimes in the mornings too.  I heard thunder a little while ago but nothing happened.  It might be a dry day!

I am feeling...stuffed.  I ate a big lunch.  It was extra yummy!  I feel like we need some exercise to burn off the extra calories consumed.  Bowling, here we come!

I am hearing...the television, though no one is watching it.  And the air conditioner running.  Not only has it been a rainy summer, it's been an exceptionally hot one.  We rarely get temps in the 90's but that's what it's been the last week or so.  I hope this means we'll have a cooler winter to make up for it.  I'm tired of the a/c running 24/7.

I am tasting...the delicious baked chicken wings we had for lunch.  They came out extra crispy, just the way we like 'em!  There was white rice, navy beans, corn on the cob and a salad to go with it.  Now I need something sweet! :-)

I am smelling...the lingering smell of baked chicken.  Even if it's just chicken wings, the smell is comforting to me.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, July 27, 2013...

I am seeing...dark clouds. Grr! I'm having family over for a barbecue today and I don't want it to rain! Oh well, looks like it might be indoor grilling instead. 

I am feeling...better after taking my allergy medicine last night. My nose was too stuffed up for me to sleep. 

I am hearing...my son's computer. He likes to play Minecraft. 

I am tasting...nothing right now. I had a sandwich for breakfast. Maple honey ham and Swiss cheese on an English muffin. Lunch will be burgers on the grill with tater tots. The kids love tater tots (and so do I). 

I am smelling...my son's breakfast. He hasn't eaten yet. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

A Great Quote

"If you're feeling overwhelmed and desperate, you won't find the answer in yet another self-help book or in a temporal bottle of pills. More self-esteem won't quiet those inner yearnings or fears any more than a "better" body or new clothes will. Only Christ can satisfy your anxious heart and give you peace." - from the book Passionate Housewives Desperate for God. 

Observing My Senses

For today, July 26, 2013...

I am seeing...bright sunshine streaming through the windows, the empty dishes that housed my breakfast a short while ago, and the book I finished reading, Looking Ahead. 

I am feeling...thankful to my loving God who gives more than I can ever deserve. A bit more energetic too, which is a good thing since I need to get my grocery shopping for the week done. 

I am hearing...the garbage truck. Today is trash and recycling day. Both garbage tanks will be emptied out shortly.  

I am tasting...the last thing to enter my mouth this morning: wheat toast. 

I am smelling...what's left in my coffee cup. I wonder what it smells like outside? We haven't had rain in about 3 days. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 25, 2013...

I am seeing...what promises to be another blazing hot day.  The weather in St. Augustine was cooler because we were right on the bay.  Here we're more inland, and the heat has been unbearable!  The dew point is high, the humidity is higher, and our temps are in the low 90's which is not the norm for us.  Even in the summer our temperatures typically stay in the mid to upper 80's, though with the humidity it feels like 90.  Now our temps are in the 90's and it feels like we're in the 100's - praise God for air conditioning!

I am feeling...a little nostalgic as I go through the pictures of our trip.  Not only did we have a nice time learning about the history of our beloved state, the people in St. Augustine were wonderful, the pace was much slower, it was very relaxing and comfortable to be there.  I thought it was just me, but my daughter mentioned the same thing.  Even my son said he liked St. Augustine better than South Florida.  Of course he said it was because of the chocolate factory. ;-)

I am hearing...the smoke alarm beeping.  Time to get the batteries changed on the smoke alarms.  Hopefully I have 9 volts.  I always buy AA and AAA batteries in bulk because we use so many of them, but I only keep a couple of 9 volt batteries around.  I hope I didn't run out; this beeping is getting to be annoying.

I am tasting...my breakfast of cereal, toast and coffee.  I ran out of English muffins but thankfully there's still wheat bread which I like very much.

I am smelling...a hash brown in the toaster oven.  We're also out of sausages, but there's plenty of bacon, and my family loves bacon.  I mean L-O-V-E-S.  There won't be any complaints if there's bacon on the plate.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 24, 2013 in the afternoon:

I am seeing...a newly cleaned home. It took all morning to get all the dog hair vacuumed and the floors cleaned. The house looks much better now. 

I am feeling...tired. It's been a lot of work getting the house cleaned up, and I haven't finished the laundry yet. I need another vacation!

I am hearing...the television, though I'm not watching it. I think I'll just turn it off. There. Now I hear my oldest son playing a video game in the next room. 

I am tasting...vanilla yogurt covered raisins. I thought I'd stop and have a snack. 

I am smelling...the pleasant smell of a freshly cleaned home. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 24, 2013...

I am seeing...my home again. We had such a fun time during our vacation, but it sure is nice to be home. 

I am feeling...content with the vacation God gave us. We used to go to Disneyworld every year, and I'd love to do it again, but it would have been too expensive. I would have spent in one day what we spent in St. Augustine in four. I'm thankful God provided a great alternative. We will never forget the wonderful time we had in St. Augustine. 

I am hearing...my oldest son who just got up, the toaster oven ticking, and the coffee pot brewing. All sounds I stopped hearing four days ago. I like hearing them again; they're comforting sounds. 

I am tasting...my morning breakfast of cereal, toast and coffee. After pigging out on Belgian waffles everyday I need to get back to healthier eating. 

I am smelling...sausages and hash browns. My youngest son's favorite breakfast. Another reminder that we are back home. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 21, 2013...

I am seeing...Duck Dynasty as we rest up in the hotel. There are few television shows worth my time, but Duck Dynasty is definitely one of them. 

I am feeling...tired but content. We were able to take a trolley tour through historical St. Augustine, visited the Colonial Quarter, went to the famous Castillo De San Marcos fort but it began pouring so we went to the Ripley's Believe It or Not museum. We had a full day but we've learned so much and had an amazing time. So many memories made!

I am hearing...Uncle Si Robertson. That man makes me laugh till I cry!

I am tasting...a Subway Club. We had lunch at a sandwich shop/bar and grill called Local Heroes. It was tasty, though the service was too slow. I guess it's just how folks here roll. We decided to keep it simple for dinner, and it doesn't get much simpler than Subway. 

I am smelling...onions. I need to wash my hands. Onion smell lingers. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 20, 2013...

I am seeing...a small but clean and comfortable hotel room conveniently located right off the expressway and a 15 minute drive from St. Augustine's historical district. When I look out the window I see the pool. :-)

I am feeling...thankful that we arrived safely after a long drive, and tired because I didn't sleep too well last night. I hope I can make up for that tonight. 

I am hearing...50 First Dates. My daughter has the remote control. Can you tell?

I am tasting...the delicious dark chocolate we sampled at Whetstone Chocolate Factory. It was the best gourmet chocolate I've ever tasted.  When I pray tonight I'm gonna ask God if we can have Whetstone Chocolate in heaven. 

I am smelling...fresh and clean after a nice, hot, relaxing shower. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

I am seeing...snacks, a mini cooler, a portable DVD player, items that will go in the car tomorrow morning as we prepare to leave for our trip. 

I am feeling...sad as I see our dog Molly getting excited because she saw the suitcase and knows we're going on a trip. Only problem is, she's not going with us. It breaks my heart but she has to stay at home. 

I am hearing...an episode of Hoarders as I try to relax. We need to get to bed early and I don't want to be all wound up. 

I am tasting...nothing. I had dinner a little while ago. I think I'll have some applesauce in a bit. 

I am smelling...the humid air each time Molly comes in and out. Typical for Florida this time of year. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 19, 2013...

I am seeing...lots of clouds but at least it's not raining.  Yet.  Supposedly there's only a chance of isolated showers.  Yeah right.  Yesterday we were under a flood advisory.  Again.  It didn't rain as much in our area but the east coast was getting hammered.

I am feeling...excitement building.  We leave tomorrow for St. Augustine!  It's like just now it's really hitting me.  I'm doing last minute packing today, and getting the car ready later on.  We leave first thing in the morning Lord willing.

I am hearing...my oldest son in his room getting ready for work.  He won't be joining us due to his work schedule :-(.  This means he gets to stay home and take care of Molly, which means I don't need to get someone to come to the house to feed her and let her out, but I'm still sad that he doesn't get to enjoy this excursion with us.

I am tasting...nothing except the glass of water I just drank.  Which according to my youngest son doesn't count because water has no flavor.  I disagree; water tastes like water.  I'm not getting into that right now.  Anyway, I had breakfast a little while ago and the taste didn't linger, thankfully.

I am smelling...a clean house.  I've been cleaning a little everyday and the house smells pleasant.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 18, 2013...

I am seeing...a deceitful sun.  Oh, it looks like the day will start of bright.  It looks like the sun might just come out.  But it's a trick.  I've seen it happen before.  A lot this summer.  It will look like the sun will honor us with its presence, then suddenly dark clouds will roll in and the rain will come pouring forth.  That's what happened yesterday.  It started raining in the morning and either rain or drizzled continuously till almost 6pm. I'm not falling for it this time.

I am feeling...good so far about my time schedule.  We're leaving for St. Augustine on Saturday, early morning.  I have the clothes packed, and today I'll continue packing items for the trip that I don't need on a daily basis.  I've got the hotel taken care of and bought tickets to the trolley and Ripley's.  Hopefully everything will continue to go smoothly.  Lord willing.

I am hearing...sausages sizzle, and an airplane overhead.  Which doesn't happen here very often.

I am tasting...nothing yet.  I made an English muffin, and I think I'll turn it into a breakfast sandwich, with ham, egg, and Swiss cheese.  Yum!

I am smelling...the lingering aroma of the applesauce spice cake I baked yesterday for our church's Family Fun Night.  It disappeared so fast, I'm actually glad I took the first piece, LOL!  To frost the cake, I added 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to a tub of Betty Crocker vanilla frosting and created cinnamon frosting.  I think it made the cake so much tastier!  I'm gonna have to bake another one soon.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 17, 2013...

I am seeing...rain, and plenty of it.  Enough rain that the East Coast is under a flood advisory.  We're further inland but we're still getting hammered.  I better not hear the town talk about water restrictions this year!

I am feeling...old.  Today is my baby sister's birthday.  She's turning 40.  How is that possible?!  *Sigh* It just means that my trip to the big 5-0 is almost at its destination.  Can I get off the train?

I am hearing...rain.  Mixed with the occasional crack of thunder.  Which is probably scaring Molly.  Good thing she's in her bed, and A is close by to comfort her if necessary.

I am tasting...just my coffee so far.  Breakfast today is bacon and eggs with wheat toast.  On dreary, rainy days, comfort food is a must.

I am smelling...a hash brown patty cooking up in the toaster oven.  My youngest son likes them with his sausages.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 16, 2013...

I am seeing...sunshine, for a change.  I thought last year was a rainy summer, but it seems this summer is giving last summer a run for the money.  We had drought a few years back, so I won't complain.

I am feeling...frustrated, because the check engine light on my car turned on a week ago, turned back off, then turned on again yesterday.  Great, just 5 days before our trip!  Thankfully I was able to get it to Auto Zone before it turned off again.  It seems there is either a damaged sensor or a bad electrical connection from the transmission fluid temperature thing-y, so I'm going to take it to the dealership today and see what the damage to my wallet will be.  It's a 2012 Sonata with just under 12,500 miles on it, but from what I see the replacement parts warranty ends at 12,000 miles.  You'd think they install timers on these cars so they break down exactly when the warranty period ends (they don't really, do they?).  Anyway, I hope the stupid warranty is good for something.  The whole reason we got this car was because it has a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty.  I'm praying this little repair falls somewhere in between the power and the train.

I am hearing...the coffee pot finishing up the brewing process.  You can't expect me to go to the dealership without my morning coffee!

I am tasting...breakfast.  Standard stuff.  Cereal, English muffin, coffee, vitamins.  Need something solid in my stomach if I'm going to stomach the dealership.  I'm sorry, did I forget to mention I'm NOT looking forward to this? :P

I am smelling...the smell of a home kept cool by air conditioning.  Don't get me wrong, I love it when I can open the windows and let the fresh air in.  But between hot and humid temperatures everyday, rainstorms every other day, and road construction two blocks away, I'm really thankful I don't have to open ANY windows.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 13, 2013...

I am seeing...my little potted mango tree, which is not so little anymore, and which will need to get planted into the ground soon.

I am feeling...elated at my son's FCAT scores!  Florida's Comprehensive Assessment Tests, or FCAT, is the yearly exam given to kids in grades 3-12.  It determines the school's grades, and whether the child is learning or needs to repeat a grade.  The highest possible score is a 6; a 2 or greater is needed to pass.  My son got a 3 in reading and a 4 in math - that math score is the highest he's ever gotten!  I was so surprised but pleased as well.  He had pre-algebra this year with some geometry thrown in for good measure :P, and he told me the exam was pretty hard.  To get a 4 (equivalent to a B) is wonderful!  His reading score is also up; while he got a 3 last year as well, the actual score went from 228 to 246.  I'm so thrilled with his improvement!

I am hearing...the ticking of the toaster oven.  I have some biscuits in there for my kids.  Well, the two youngest.  My oldest son left early this morning for work.

I am tasting...my morning cup of Joe along with my vitamins.  Breakfast is coming:  Fiber One chocolate cereal and a buttered, toasted English muffin.

I am smelling...those biscuits, and a couple of sausages fried up because my youngest son loves sausages.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 12, 2013...

I am seeing...clouds roll in, rain showers pour down, sky clear up, bright sunshine, then the process starts all over again.  This has happened twice within the last hour and a half.  It's gonna be one of those crazy weather days.

I am feeling...pumped because we got a great deal on a hotel in St. Augustine, just a 10 minute drive from the historic district, and with God's blessing we'll be visiting this lovely city on July 20-23.  We are so excited!  There is much history to see and learn about, something I really enjoy, and a chocolate factory tour my son is looking forward to (okay, me too, I can't deny it!).

I am hearing...the washing machine as it prepares to finish the spin cycle.  Occasionally I hear the crack of thunder.  Poor Molly.  She hates thunderstorms.  Oh, there goes another one!

I am tasting...oatmeal today.  I was in the mood for it.  I hadn't had oatmeal in a while.

I am smelling...biscuits, though my allergies aren't really allowing me to smell things like I usually would.  I finished mowing the lawn yesterday, and it looks very nice, but my nose is suffering for it.  Hopefully I'll get over this soon.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 10, 2013...

I am seeing...a less-than-half mowed lawn.  I began mowing yesterday and was stopped by a heavy rainstorm.  I've got errands to run today, so the rest of it will have to wait till tomorrow.  It's not the first time this happens.  Ah, Florida, the Sunshine State.

I am feeling...excited as we look into a trip to the nations oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida.  My daughter and I are looking at hotels and activities, and we're really pumped at all the fun stuff to do in St. Augustine.  My son is looking forward to the chocolate factory tour.  That boy is hungry all of the time.

I am hearing...the whir of the computer fan.  It's 9:00am but my kids are still in bed.  That's part of the joys of summer.  In my head I keep hearing a song from the newest Tim Hawkins DVD which we got a couple of days ago and is as hilarious as I expected.

I am tasting...coffee and and English muffin.  I really like that Thomas' has English muffins that are super-charged with all kinds of healthy stuff.

I am smelling...my morning coffee and the sausages I fried up for my youngest son.  He likes to have his sausages with some Cuban bread and butter.  It's his favorite morning sandwich.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, July 5, 2013...

I am seeing...the wet ground after last night's showers.  Thankfully we didn't get too much rain.  It was sunny and breezy during the day, and drizzled lightly at night.  Not enough to put out the fireworks, thank the Lord.

I am feeling...like it's time for a new pair of glasses.  Trying to find out what our insurance covers as far as eye doctors go.  This whole "aging" thing is not pleasant, no sir.

I am hearing...silence.  Everyone else is asleep.  Even our dog Molly is still snoozing.

I am tasting...my morning coffee.  I was going to have some of the cornbread I made the other day, but alas, the last two pieces had gone bad.  I guess I'll have cereal and an english muffin instead.

I am smelling...the aftereffects of yesterday's barbecue.  The smell of grilled steak is still in the air :).  I was so extremely thankful yesterday; the grill didn't seem to be working right, the burners kept shutting off which I initially attributed to the fact that the wind was blowing so hard.  Then I realized I was out of propane!  I'm so glad it happened after all the meat was cooked!  It was super delicious, by the way ;).

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?