Big Changes...

No, you did not land on the wrong blog...after almost two years of the original, old blogger layout design.. .long before Template Designer, I have decided to make some changes and do away with my all green background...so please bear with me as I tweak and adjust... 

I am open to any and all feedback from my loyal, supportive and incredible blogging friends.  I notice I have some new friends following me...so thank you so much for doing so.  I will be visiting your blogs as soon as I get this redesign finished...

One question for everyone...Do you think I need a new button to go with the header picture, or will my former button with my Laguna  Beach sunset still work?  Thought I could keep some of the old, with some of the new....Please let me know, I would really appreciate your opinion...

P.S. I have been attempting to adjust the margins to fit my new header photo so it has even borders, but the right side is not cooperating... Will I have to re-size the header photo?

7 Months Old Today...and A BIG Shout Out/Thank You To Diane of Blue Ridge Gal...

Kind of blurry...but this little guy is always on the move and wants to explore. 7 months old today!

Jacob, all stylin' with his cute self in jeans...

This was taken a few days ago.  I call him 'Mr. Bright Eyes"...  Jacob, his Mom and Dad are coming this weekend for his first Easter!  Can't wait to get my hands on him... Just look at that cute little face!

One of my blogging friends, Sandie at Chatty Crone had some blogging buttons made by Diane at The Blue Ridge Gal.  I complimented her on it and she suggested I contact Diane.  I did, and she made me a button for each of my blogs!  She is so kind and generous to do this for free!  Visit her blog and check out her work... She also designs headers for blogs!  Very creative and nice lady, you will love her!

Check out my blog buttons...and feel free to take one of each: (See my side bar  for ones with html to install )



Thank you so much Diane!  I really appreciate these!

What a wonderful day...

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful birthday wishes!  I felt very warm and fuzzy with all my phone calls.

My youngest daughter was the first to call  early this morning, (unless I count my sister's "Happy Birthday Eve" phone call last night...) followed by a serenade from my two grandsons and eldest daughter.  My sister sent me a b'day text and email.  More phone calls and emails from dear friends in California, and my Mom.  All my Facebook friends, plus two of my brothers wished me a happy 29th... :}

My daughter in law called me on my way to meet my husband for lunch.  He came home tonight with my beautiful card and gifts...plus, took me out to dinner and then a little gambling.  Another girlfriend from California called me during dinner. What a spoiled gal am I....

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all my blogging friends for remembering me. You all, are the icing on my cupcake!

One Year Blog Anniversary

One year ago tonight, I posted my first words on my blog. 

Some celebrate with  give aways

 been chosen to write in magazines

 profiled on other blogs

 become published

promoted

and made money.

This last year

I have become closer with my family.

I chronicled the first year

of our Father's battle

with Dementia/Alzheimer's

living away from the family

in a nursing home.

I have received wonderful support

from total strangers

who have become

loyal friends

who come to visit me daily

bringing humor, advice, prayers and support.

Generous nurses,

helping me understand.

Interesting writers,

those seeking to be

and published ones.

Writers who have become friends

and encouraged me.

Creative and talented people

who are crafty,

ingenious,

take beautiful photographs,

paint beautiful paintings,

share delicious recipes

and poetry

that makes me cry.

 Share their life stories,

bear their souls

and give me

perspective.

They share stories of

spouses, children

and pets.

Thank you to all

who have

inspired

touched

helped

prayed

influenced

shared

befriended

shared meals

shared secrets

shared grief

shared joy

shared births

shared triumphs

shared challenges,

knowledge

humor

frugality

and fun.

I look forward to

another year

with all of you.

Thank you

from the bottom

of my heart.

Updates and many thanks...

Spoke with Dad this morning.  His voice sounded very garbled.  He thinks he has dysentary.  He told me he was having a CT Scan.  I spoke with the nurse and she said if Dad's brain bleed is not any bigger, Dad might be released back to the nursing home tomorrow...

Went to my primary care doctor today for a nurse visit.  She swabbed my nose for the MRSA. My doctor called me last night and told me the receptionist was wrong, he would do the test for me.  They did not even charge me for it!  I should have the results in 48-72 hours, but I am sure I am fine.

I wanted to thank each and every one of all of my blogging friends for all your kind words, prayers, support, and concern for Dad and our family.  Words cannot adequately express how much it means to me.  God Bless each and every one of you.  I consider myself so very fortunate for meeting all of you.

Dear Friends...

I just wanted to thank everyone who follows this blog, who contribute with their support, words of wisdom and shared stories.  I always knew I wanted to have a blog, but I was totally unprepared for the wonderful gifts of so many new aquaintances and friends.

There is so much to learn each day, and seeing our shared world through each of your eyes has truly been a wonderful, eye opening, Blessed experience. 

I wish  you all the very best and Bless you all good health, happiness and success in all you are seeking.

Thank you all so very much.

Donna