Well, Carrie is gone, and not without a few tears on Mommy's part.  It's her first separation from her baby and it was hard on her.  But this is a good trial run for us.  It's only for two nights.  If things go as planned, Carrie will be gone three or four nights every week.  

But I have Caralee all wrapped up tight and sleeping in a little rocker cradle here beside me at the computer.  We're gonna be just fine, especially with Mom here to hold her every now and then when I need two hands to do something.

You know, I spent a lot of years as a married single mother.  LOL!  Yep, that's what I used to call it.  Butch would be gone for weeks at a time and I would be home alone with the babies.  It's not always easy.  Carrie is going to have to be strong.  I told her that.  She has to be the mom and the bread winner.  Not an easy task at all.

Got to show y'all my sweet little patio fountain I bought yesterday.  I put it together this morning and it's just the cutest thing!  I've always wanted a water feature in my yard, but this was way cheaper and easier to maintain.  

My great-grandmother always said there was something wrong with a person who didn't like children or flowers.  I guess I got her green thumb and her philosophy on life.  Not a bad legacy to inherit.

So I've put off cleaning my bedroom carpet as long as I can.  Damn dog.  Do you know she went in there and peed AGAIN this morning?  Try as I might to keep the bedroom door closed at all times, I'm not the only one living here, and sometimes we forget.  I swear that door was open for maybe five minutes earlier, but that's all it took.  #feduptomyeyeballs

Check back later!

Good morning Vickie and everyone...

Vickie....I am sure you will do just fine with Caralee.  You have been with her since she was born. I give you a lot of credit for taking care of her on your own. Everything will go fine. 

I am glad your plants are doing well.

I am doing awful with my eating...I am tired and worn down trying to fight this all the time. It is what it is!! I am sure you have the willpower and will get back on your plan right away.

Eileen...so sorry about your tooth. I can't afford caps so I have had to have some teeth pulled. I hate it but I just don't have enough money to do anything else. I hope you get it worked out. 

Sorry too that work is so stressful for you right now. I can't imagine how hard that must be. Still praying for you.

As for me.... it is rainy and cold here today. 20 degree temp change from yesterday. 

My cleaning fairy is sick today and won't be here. I will have to do a bit of dusting and I will wiped down the bathroom. It is clean here but I want to freshen it up.

Prayers for our special OFF Family and their families. Special prayers for those in need.

I will try to stop back in later if I can.

Lots of love and many hugs to all.....connie d

Hello Jeannie....I am so sorry your husband has been so ill and in pain.

I will be keeping positive thoughts and sending well wishes to both you and your husband.  I know you are not a religious person but I will be sending prayers too. They are so comforting to me. I hope you are not offended. 

Love and many hugs to you....connie d

Hi Vickie and my OFF family:

Sorry I've been missing. I've been reading but haven't had the chance to get on and post. Plus I've been a little blue lately, mostly about work and what's to come. Work isn't fun when you can't help but worry about the future. I know it doesn't help to worry, but I can't help it it. It's just in my nature. 

So yesterday, Gary and I went to see "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" and then out for gyros at this little place near us I went to before. Oh my god, the movie is hilarious. If you get a chance to get out and see, do! Yes, the critics panned it, but who cares? It was so much fun. Then we came home and watched the original and laughed some more. Definitely a cure for the blues. I don't think I've laughed so much in a long time. 

Don't know if I posted here, but I cracked a tooth Friday while eating an almond. I went to the dentist yesterday and I need a crown. Yeah, just what I need financially. Can't afford it. The past two years, I put a lot on my dental/vision FSA and lost it because I couldn't use it all. This year, I just put $500 so I could use it for glasses and used it all, but now I need more. I have to pay on income taxes and now I need a crown. Not really happy here. And it's a significant fracture too. 

Vickie, don't beat yourself up about the Peeps. Let it go. As Scarlett would say, tomorrow is another day. 

Jeannie, swinging chickens for you and your hubby. Hope all goes well. 

I have salsa chicken in the crockpot. I'm varying the recipe this time: I'm adding a can of corn and a can of black beans toward the end of the cooking cycle (so they don't get too mushy) because Gary wanted more veggies in it. I've wanted to do it for awhile but never thought about it in advance. 

Then I have an appointment with my therapist. I need to stop and buy some cards and mail a package. That's my day. I will do laundry when I get home. It's gray and gloomy here, too. My body is feeling the rain ... has been since Monday. Today is especially bad. And I'm especially tired. I was tired yesterday, too, but I was happy I went to the movie. I napped when we got home from dinner. Still craving baklava from last night. 

Well, have a good day, everyone. 

Okay, Jeannie.  Deep breath!  I will be praying for y'all.