Renewal for Health and Well-Being workshop

My good friend Blanche and I attended "Renewal for Health and Well-Being" yesterday at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island. We both saw the adverstisement in the Kitsap Sun. It was advertised as "Take a little time out of your busy life to reconnect with yourself. This inspiring workshop will re-energize your life and restore your passion for your work. Learn what self-care tools can support and sustain your health. When you're actively focused on your well-being and your work, you can care for yourself and those around you with renewed dedication, empathy and compassion."

This event was sponsored by Harrison Hospital so it was geared toward their medical staff, but it was good for any one. We had a lovely day. It is a beautiful facility.

Labor Day Outing

On Labor Day Fred planned a day outing for us. We walked on the ferry to Seattle and then walked up to the Lite Rail and rode that to the Airport. Just for the scenery.....then we took the Lite Rail back to Westlake Center and ate at the food court. We are into sharing one meal now. So we split a BBQ sandwich and both got caesar side salads. From there we walked up to the Freeway Park to check it out. It is a park that is above Interstate 5. This is where we took this self portrait. I'm getting the hang of posing....chin up and shoulder down. Then we walked down to the waterfront and wanted an ice cream. I wanted to share a scoop, but Fred had his mind set on his own. I got a chocolate scoop, but it was below par. Unfortunately, rather than tossing it, I kept taking another bite somehow hoping the taste would improve. It didn't. We sat in the front of the ferry on the way home and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. It was a very nice day. I love Fred.

Farm Kitchen Saturday Breakfast

Today was a trip to Poulsbo for a Big Country Breakfast at the Farm Kitchen. After a hearty breakfast, we wandered around the fields to enjoy the flowers and scenery.

That's me - Peek a Boo from the corn field.

Lorraine pilfering flower seeds to grow in her garden at home. I totally supported her in this.

The address is on Pt. Gamble Road, but I was thinking Port Gamble so that's where I drove. We had to back track to get to the right location in Poulsbo. They serve a country breakfast the first Saturday of every month all year round. It was a fun experience. Very good food, but we did wait quite a while and it was very noisy in the eating area. You can sit inside or out in a party type tent. Check out their website http://www.farmkitchen.com/ They also offer cooking classes and other events. I want to go back and try the Rustic Breads in Ocotober.

Ross Lake Resort 2011

Here we are on the dock waiting for the ferry to pick us up and head home. I definitely did not take enough pictures. We had a wonderful time. Getting to know new friends, laughing, reading, eating and enjoying our beautiful hideaway at Ross Lake.

I made this grape salad and got fancy by garnishing it with strawberries.

Here is our dinner on Tuesday night. Sue made her spaghetti pie served with crusty bread and salad. Yummy and comforting!

Linda laid down to read for a while. This picture does not do justice for her bedhair hairdo. She was a good sport to let me take pictures. We all enjoyed a giggle. We love our Linda!

Here is our Southern Belle Sue. She was so happy to be able to wear this hat that she bought for her trip to the South to visit her son. He forbid her to wear this sweet hat because she looked too "touristy". Doesn't she look fabulous!

Lorraine was having a hard time staying warm in the early hours of wind off of the lake. It was actually kind of funny that on the other side of this little tree the other ladies were soaking up the warmth & sun.

Tuesday morning sunshine, beautiful scenery (i.e. the ladies of course), and good conversation.

Here we are gathered for happy opening!

Displayed here are the happys we received this year. The tradition of opening our happys first was honored.

Our supplies were condensed quite well this year. Two ice chests and three rubber tubs, plus our personal bag. We brought more supplies from our pantries at home so our shopping list was shorter this year. None the less, grocery shopping was still one of the highlights to our journey.

This year's Ross Lake Trip brought new faces to the lake. Myself and Linda Cunningham were the only real old timers plus Andrea Lewis who joined us last year. Andrea invited her mom LaDawn Smith, Linda invited Sue Bison and I invited Lorraine Butler to make up our group. I didn't get any pictures taken until the picnic on the way up to the Resort.

Primary Power

I have felt a little burdened this month because basically I have had to prepare 5 sharing times. I am getting kind of tired, but I know that tomorrow when I'm in Primary the Spirit with just lead me through it even if I'm not prepared as much as I should be. The three hours at church on Sunday are actually my favorite hours of the week. I admit I get irritated with some people and let my mind wander or find fault, but most of the time I feel at home. I can sense in my heart and soul that I am a Daughter of God and He loves me and I am where I want and need to be. I feel very loved and accepted by our ward members and my deepest and truest friendships exist within my ward. What a wonderful blessing my eternal friendships are to me. Thank you all for being my friend and sharing your friendship and acceptance with me.

This proves I have a problem

I have been bugging Fred for many many years that I want more diamonds on my wedding ring or a new one. I've come to be very lustful after BIG diamonds and lots of finger glitter. Well my wedding ring has been a bit more snug especially the last few months (maybe gaining a ton of weight contributes to that problem) anyway back to the story. I went into Penney's a couple of weeks ago and was drooling over the jewelry counter and when someone came to help me I found myself responding with a yes. I said I wanted something big and sparkly but under $100. They have that there. Diamond Art. This was a ring that is normally about $330. I got it for $86 which included sizing and a lifetime warrantee for free sizing, repair & cleaning. Problem is my wedding ring is a 5 so I knew I needed it to be a little bigger, but I had them make me a 7. I was so nervous while I was doing the ordering because I couldn't believe I was doing it, that I didn't really think clearly. It's huge. I'm going to have to go back and have it sized again. I'm in conflict about wearing it instead of my wedding ring....I didn't tell Fred (you can't either). I don't think he will notice for a LLLLOOOONNNNGGG time. I could not get a clear picture of the side view. But you can see it sits high and has a beautiful mount. Oh and the problem that I'm referring to ..... I love to shop and spend money. I get my highs from eating (which I'm trying to control) and shopping. I keep telling myself that when summer is over and I'm back to work, I'll be done shopping. I keep telling myself when Scott gets married and we transition to the official empty nest that life will change. Please don't laugh at me. I have to have hope.

Toenail Art #2

Here is the second creation by Melanie for my toes. Thought we would try out something for Scott's upcoming wedding colors.