2021 come in to say HI!

4-13-21 I've been in the backyard gardening, today. After my hour walk. Taking out weeds, getting ready to pick up "LUCY" pup ashes, today. & Making a memorial for her in the Fairy Garden section. BITTERSWEET. Also, DH & I are working for his business, in the field, this afternoon. Before the winds arrive.... 55 MPH expected. YIKES! Hope everyone is doing great today. Make good choices for your body & I will too!

(our pool today, looking towards the Fairy Garden Spot)

(This flower is on a plant that is over 20 feet tall! The birds & bee's love it)

(bougainvillea on back fence)

4-12-21 everyone for your AMAZING support & love of our cherished LUCY, in dogie heaven . SO many of us, have been in the same place. I would not have given up 1 day of her 16.5 years, for anything. Our sweet JOY dog. SP community has become more & more important to me, especially since the pandemic started. Between ALL of you, my devoted DH & our precious LUCY angel, I have come to this point, a little easier. My gratitude goes beyond language. Again,

I walked in our beautiful park this morning & played on the swings SO VERY fun. I used my CORE, as Pilates teaches. Then got into our backyard garden. Mainly removing weeds from the 'fairy' garden spot. (I'm going to put LUCY's paw placket there, when 'she' arrives back to our home.) I also planted some pretend flowers, yesterday. Read my latest blog 3-16-21 if you want to learn more about me, this past 3 weeks. I'm back to work & still have Sheppard Pilates to do today. I made chicken soup... so ready for the week! Have a GREAT 1 everyone. IF I can help you in anyway, just ask!

(Love goes across the universe)

(I believe in this SO much! Food IS our medicine)

4-11-21 I've been walking 2 hours, gardening 1 hour, shopping home depot, lot's of walking, doing laundry & just being happy with the weather. I have 'planted' some tiger lilies. In hopes that the will help inspire the Bird of Paradise to bloom. It's been 4 years & still nothing. (they are from the Dollar store! Haha!) Keeping busy helps me keep my mind off of LUCY, dog. I also made her favorite Chicken soup, (I needed it too) So we are set for the week! Strange to make it without her. Anyway, we are getting through it. With YOUR help!

(lucy's remembrance spot for now)


(before tiger lilies went in)

(after)

(another after)

(from upstairs)

4-10-21 Still grieving, miss LUCY dog so much. sad face {;~( going for a long hike in nature today. Hope it helps.

(This VERY graphic xray, before & after is not me. BUT the obese woman weighed 280#' s I think. Sorry I don't remember who shared it. WOW! Talk about a wake up call! I started SP at 238#)

all for your support 4-9-21 Down 2.2#'s this week. 198.8 (HIGH goal is= 189.0, medium goal is= 184, & low main goal is= 179)
I believe nothing dies,but not being able to hug LUCY is hard,
{;~(

(10-10-2019 our walk in the park)

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 4/9/2021 (16:58)

4-8-21 Our beloved dog, baby, LUCY, passed this morning. Thank you for all the support. This website is the MOST compassionate.

(Lucy smiling)

(Lucy & the doll my mom made for her)

(Angel dog)

My favorite photo of her, Xmas 2017)


Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent. Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...
emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon



Edited by: MILLER-S at: 4/8/2021 (12:31)
Miller

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 4/8/2021 (18:59)

4-7-21 Today has been VERY hard, so far. LUCY dog, fell down the stairs. She just doesn't have the hip mussel to lift her, anymore. It is so sad. She's ok, right now, but we are defiantly needing to decide about her quality of life. She was good on Easter, even came upstairs & went for a walk with me. She walked yesterday, too. But it was hard for her. She seems ok in every other way. 16 years is old for a dog, I keep hearing, but she has been doing good, so far this year. sorry to share this with all of you, you have your own situations you are dealing with. Thx for 'being there' for me.

(1-1-21)

(4-4-21 Easter)

(4-4-21)

4-6-21 Happy Spring! I am DOING IT! Down 5.4 pounds since March 16, my 9th Sparaversary. for me! Baby steps, right? Tracking EVERY bite & EVERY fitness minute! I was tracking, just generally, over the week. But for now, it is everyday, every bite. At lest for 21 days. Happy I am feeling the difference. ALL info from & Spark Coach

I truly hope you find the WAY to YOUR goals! I'm here to help you, just ask!

(wink, wink)

(Fairy Granddaughter Easter)

(Fairy God Daughter & Fairy God Son, Easter, hope to see them 1 day soon!)

4-5-21 MY DH is STILL hurting from first vaccine March 2. It's been REALLY awful! LUCY is not standing well at all. Yesterday, before her magic pill, she couldn't even stand. I put some adhesive strips near her dog door. That gave her traction. Once the med kicks in, about 1/2 hr later, she can stand. We went for a walk this morning, then I brought her home & went for another 45 minutes. Also did 33 minutes of my Sheppard Pilates, DVD. Those are HARD minutes. BUT I can tell, already clothes are fitting better. So I am a little tired from all the things going on at home. Also, laundry.

We had a lovely Easter. Grilled chicken; asparagus; pineapple slices; & 2 deviled eggs. Rainbow carrots for an appetizer. Lemon meringue pie for desert. I kept the calories REALLY low as possible. We ate about 3 pm. I didn't eat anything afterwards. Up about 1/2#. Then, just before bedtime, DH surprised me with another Easter gift. (I didn't pick it out, haha!) A HUGE Reeses Peanut butter egg, 800+ cals. It WILL go into the freezer. Can't even see it, with out salivating! Also, a lovey Guarding Angel for my car's visor. AND a darling card. I was VERY surprised & VERY happy! I stayed true to my health, yesterday. Glad for it!!!

THX for reading! Hope your world is doing GREAT! Have a good week!





Our Easter table

4-2-21 I had an opportunity to preform yesterday!!!! First time since 2-2020. It was for a PSA for the nature preserve. SO fun & lot's of exercising! Just a few children, we were outside. SO happy to be able to bring joy this way!

Also, release 2# this week!!!! FOCUSING is really doing it for me! I'm off to Sheppard Pilates DVD! Already gardened & housework. Tonight is DATE NIGHT. Going to "Panda EX" I will be VERY careful all day. They are high in calories. I will break my meal into 3 servings. Ordering Greens(as side dish) ; string bean chicken; orange chicken (REALLY careful here) & Mushroom chicken. Whole brown puffed rice sticks for desert as well as, unsweetened pineapple! YUMMY! Have a great FRIDAY, everyone!!!!





(geese on the pond, on hike after PSA)

(humming bird on trail)

3-31-21 My goals for April, to continue to release weight, I'm down 5.4 pounds for March!!!! It's been years! 11.4 pounds back to goal! I am measuring EVERYTHING, once again!!!! EVERY single bite. That is why my weight is balancing out!

(me balancing, haha!) I have also been adding little bursts of exercise here & there. It is all working for me, since my Sparkaversary March 16!

200 SP minutes a day & 200 fitness minutes a day. As usual!

Happy 'playing' with your goals. Play is my only way to be healthy. IF I think of things as exercise, I won't do it! Tomorrow I am doing a PSA for the nature preserve. Sure would like to be back to goal, for the filming! Oh well, I AM doing good!

(photo taken 11-2019 on a trip with my beautiful Mom, this is 'who' I am taking tomorrow, The Scarecrow. We made him in 1968! photo 19 pounds above goal l)

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 3/31/2021 (19:17)

3-29-21 So, YES! I am so happy to be getting back to my 'old' normal, as far as SP land goes! I've re-started measuring & that has helped! When I cook, I wear a mask, so I have to take it off, if I want to eat something. Little bites all day long, (SP coach talks about this all the time, I am finally listening!) REALLY kept me over goal! HAHA! Also increased exercise, watching my numbers on my START page, I've been here 3,300 days & never looked at it! I'm down another almost 2#, since Friday's weigh in. I eat ALLOT of veggies. But am adding more when hunger hits between meals, green tea as well as my regular water. Sorry to go on & on, but I've been waiting years to feel this way again!

The weather is beautiful, so getting outside is easier. Except the huge Pollen pods, I'm wearing double masks, so not to get it into my sinuses. There is yellow pollen EVERYWHERE in our neighborhood. It only last 2 weeks, but I want to get out side & garden. Patience is not that easy for me, but we live in paradise, can't really complain!

Another AT GOAL photo: 9-28-14 walking miles through Wild Animal Safari, San Diego CA 15 pounds to go to get back to it!!!! GREAT inspiration!

3-28-21 I DO seem to be figuring it out. For me it is about fun & frolic! More than having to exercise. AND eating GREAT energizing foods, just not too much of them! HAHA! In the past 12 days I have released 3.2 #. (since my Sparaversary). I did NOT like that I was over my goal weight, by 13-19# for several years. SO.... I have been REALLY focusing on every bite. Re -measuring etc. I've been eating REALLY good, since I joined SP, just too much. I also measured myself, first time in almost a year. 4" bigger in my hips. (Pilates REALLY works for me, with measurements) CHANGING-TURTLE pointed out to me, that on our START page, it shows how many calories I have eaten & how many I have burned up with exercise. I realized I have been keeping at my high calorie range, but exercise burning has been less. Focusing on this tiny key, has changed ALLOT for me this past 12 days. I am VERY proud of myself, saying no, more & more. REALLY listening to my body if I am hungry, or have exercised too much. I do that quite often. I have been eating at the lower end of my tracker AND added Sheppard Pilates, for strength. It IS working! I am playing at getting back to my goal, by Mother's Day trip to see my own. It has/is changing my life & other's around me. for being my SP friend & sharing your journey with me. I can honestly say, I couldn't do it with out you! On this my 3,299 days of Sparking, EVERYDAY! Have a blessed week, ahead!


(yesterday's hike in Nature Preserve)

RUTHIEBEAR

WHIch will we choose? It is entirely up to us to decide.
LEt's go for healthy today! WHo is with me?
Ruthie

3-26-21 Day 2 of beginning Sheppard Pilates!!!!! This time 30 minutes & rest afterwards, on computer. WOW! Intense! But feels good! The saying' use it or lose it' comes to mind! My goal is 3 times a week for the entire hour. (2 years ago I could do it 3 times a week, Intermediate & 1 hour. PLUS my hip measurement was 4" less! LOL! ) BUT today is steps! My body remembers from 2 years ago, (after healing knee from ZUMBA jumping), but my legs didn't want to move that way. Need LOT's of stretching & focus, especially in my knees. because I AM! THX for the en-couragement!

Date night tonight. I have been REALLY focusing on EVERY bite, down 2.5 #'s from last Friday, my weigh in day! So I am making in crock pot, my pasta sauce with turkey meat balls & pumpkin & spinach, over Cauliflower. We each get 1/4 of the cauliflower, (it is the most beautiful 1 we have ever had! Only $2.50 at Sam's club!) no pasta. DH favorite! Have a GREAT weekend when it comes! Hope to hike tomorrow! depends upon weather. We had blessed rain last night & 35 MPH winds..... zoom!


(photos from a friend! Tulip field)





Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 3/26/2021 (13:55)

3-25-21 yesterday I re-started my Sheppard Pilates DVD. 2 yrs. ago I hurt my knee JUMPING in Zumba. I had a real fear of not being able to get off the floor, or worse, hurting myself again. I have been doing SP Nicole's 12 minute core workout, 3 times a week. BUT, my measurements (I measured myself today, could be a prettier picture! ) prove I need the floor exercises, too. I have been walking a lot more, instead. I know my heart & legs are strong. But for me, NOTHING helps my measurement like this Matt program. SO I hope to get back into it, 3 times a week. At this point I am only up to 22 minutes. But the full hour is in sight! I will take it VERY easy & not stress my body. I had not planned on sharing this with you, but it will help with my en-couragement! It WILL take courage on my part. I'm off to it, thx for reading! THX for your support!

(my Sheppard Pilates body pre-injury, & Fairy God Mother costume, 10-31-2015)

(cover of DVD)

3-24-21 Day 3,295 SP everyday! I had a navel orange, yesterday, from CA. It was 2.5 servings of fruit! As big as a grapefruit! Today, Breakfast was My homemade green drink! Chocolate protein powder, unsalted plain pumpkin, non fat Greek yogurt, super green powder, almond chocolate milk 40 cal. a cup. Yummy, satisfying & energizing!

Also, I have bought something from my 'bucket list'! A small digital piano, to learn about music! Fun! It is arriving today! Woo Hoo! (1 of my bucket list, accomplishments was walking a 5K! I do this several times a week! )

1 of my SP friends suggested I put the dryer 'lint' into the yard for the birds. I had a 'net' from apples & now I have it hanging from our big pomegranate tree. I keep watching, but no takers yet. What an amazingly wonderful idea!

DH got his 2nd vaccine shot, yesterday. The Doctor also did MANY x-rays on his right side, neck. Since his first shot he hasn't been able to move. March 2. REALLY sucks! Hope he heals soon.

The wind is calming down from 45 MPH to about 10 MPH, later. Hope to get out to walk LUCY dog & me! I miss being outside. I double mask when I go out, because of the VERY thick pollen. I do not take medications, just vitamins, so preventive for me is the way to go! I also, oil down my sinuses before I go out. A couple drops of olive oil into each nostril & then a little water to move it into the deeper parts. REALLY helps me!

Hope your day is FABULOUS!!!!!

(photo of my lunch a few times a week)

(I try to eat the rainbow!)

3-23-21 YES! Spring is HERE, in the SW! Yesterday I had my hair cut. My hairdresser, gave me a pink bunny & some" Peeps"(luckily I don't eat them, I told him I wouldn't but he said it's Easter. Splurge. I won't they make me feel awful!!) He is so wonderful to me. We have become friends.
Afterwards I went to Sam's club; asparagus; cauliflower (SO beautiful, it is like a pretty white flower! I will make pasta sauce with turkey meatballs, & put over the top of it, after I steam it. DH favorite! A little Parm cheese on top.) ; salads; yams; broccoli; bananas & huge oranges. A great day for fresh veggies! Greek yogurt & frozen mixed veggies. Then to local grocery store for organic bread; rainbow carrots; celery; potato; canned pumpkin; & turkey patties & things to round out meals. About 2 weeks worth of veggies!

I also 'played' at the dollar store. $6.50 I bought some silk flowers, daffodils & tiger lilies, & butterflies, to put into garden, while waiting for flowers to bloom. So fun, so pretty!


(photo from my friend, just before she gave her Spring equinox sermon! SO beautiful!)

3-21-21 to 1 of my Fairy God Daughters! She is 37 years old. A LOVELY woman! Got to 'see' her on Skype.

Today is house cleaning. Laundry; bathrooms; kitchen, etc. The sun is out & it IS actually Springtime, here. Not much wind!

Unfortunately, our neighborhood, has MANY Fruitless Mulberries trees, (1 of my favorites) . For 2 weeks they spread thick blanket of yellow pollen, everywhere. These trees were planted in about 1975, when the houses were built. They are AMAZING shade trees. SO BEAUTIFUL. They are illegal to plant now & for about 20 years, because they cause such bad air quality. Even with masks, I can get some pollen into my sinuses. Not good for LUCY, either. With yesterday's winds, the pollen is EVERYWHERE. So IF I do go for a walk in the park, it will be double thick masks. I'll see how it goes. Welcome to Spring in the desert! I love living here, learning to adapt!

Have a great Sunday everyone!

(our Mulberry from our upstairs bedroom, last year)

(from the internet)

3-20-21 Happy Spring to this side of the planet! Hope you are all doing well! It is VERY windy here, 22 MPH, but sun is shinning! & I am happy to be alive! You, too?

(in our back yard, Fairy spot)

(I am!)





Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 3/21/2021 (15:22)

3-19-21 Sending you sunshine & birds singing ! Both are happening out my window, right now! Spring is actually here, in the SW! Glad to share it with you! Yesterday I played in our yard. Trimming a big bush & raking & cleaning & trenching each plant. Plus feeding & watering everybody! The birds sang to me while I was doing it. SO sweet! (YES! Pollen is starting to bloom, too, masks helps for that also! HAHA!)

Today is a photo shoot for DH business.We are SO glad to have his company getting us through the pandemic! It's a pretty day, so happy to go out!

3-17-21 As of yesterday, I have been on SP for 9 years, 3,288 days EVERYday! I AM still wanting to get back to my goal weight. BUT I KNOW I will when I figure out how to deal with the stress level in my life. I am SO very grateful to have found this amazing way to my healing! Meeting so many wonderful SP friends, (I am not on any other social media) that truly understand how hard it maybe, to live the healthiest lifestyle possible! Through being positive, helpful, kind, compassionate & understanding. SP is THE place I can truly share the 'real' me, without feeling like I need to hide myself. AND the place I can support YOU! WONDERFUL years! Here is to the next 9! Have fun playing.... that is MY secret tip for you, reading this message. Just play! "Be the health with what you have to work with, and I will too!" (Quote by me) I'm off to walk our dog & maybe swing on the swings in the park!

(My SP headdress & sharing about SP)

(my before 3-16-12)

(at goal 3-16-13)

(Now, 15 # from getting back to goal)

(I eat the rainbow)

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 3/17/2021 (16:03)

3-16-21 DH helped me buy this darling bunny bracelet for Valentine's day. It arrived, yesterday. SO pretty! The packaging made me happy, as well as the bracelet. I will wear when I see my Mom for Mother's day! I am SO very blessed! Sending fun ((((((((vibes)))))))) to all of you, too!

(made by Kirks Folly, 1 of my favorite designers)

3-15-21 When I went to Costco, I saw plants, but they are REALLY not for our desert area. Hydrangeas etc. Also VERY expensive compared to home depot. I'm starting to find, that Costco's prices are going up. A small pre-packed salad was $7.00! I can get the exact same salad at Sam's club for $2.50. So I am learning to be even a more cautious shopper, there. IF an item has a coupon, then the costs are REALLY low. I check on line before I go.

But it WAS a fun weekend! Playing with LUCY, hiking, time with DH as his neck starts to heal for reaction from vaccine #1, March 2. . I was hoping to get outside today but winds are 55 MPH. Just too much for LUCY & me. DH & I watched the Grammy's. Loved most of it. Taylor Swift, her nature theme was wonderful! My cup of tea. Didn't care for the ladies humping the stage. Strange for me. Are we the only 1's who feel that way? Also, there was no Rock & Roll artists, or Classical music, etc. Over all pretty good show considering the pandemic, of 2020! Have a GREAT week, everyone! I'm back to work!

(photo I took on Saturday's hike, pretty, right?

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 3/15/2021 (15:31)

3-13-21 {;~) I get to walk our dog, LUCY,(she is healed from her tooth removal) DH is feeling a tiny bit better, too! Total Neck pain from vaccine isn't hurting 24/7. He can actually move a little bit. Been since 3-2! Off to hike in nature preserve & go to Costco today, let's shop! It IS a fabulous day! Have fun!!!! I pray our country/world gets happy! Daily! Can't hurt, right?

(Lucy today)

(last week at nature preserve)

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 3/15/2021 (15:26)

3-11-21 Spark Coach asks me to listen to my body cues. My challenge is to stop eating when I still have food on my plate. But walking & exercising is so fun! I can 'play' for hours! Our dog LUCY just came in she wants to go for a walk. It's been a week since her tooth removal. Touch & go, most of the week. We are off to it! Have fun 'listening' everyone! & I will too!

(I can't resits her request!)

3-9-21 I, too love the feeling of tired mussels from a GREAT work out! I try to walk a 5K 3 times a week, up from 1. I drink a product called CALM, it helps me with mussels. I over cut my big toenail, yesterday giving myself a pedicure. So staying off it as much as possible. SO much to do, but I guess it's time for me to relax. I have several books I could start! LUCY is so much better, but I still have to give her her, meds, by dropper. At least she is eating on her own. I've tried putting them in her food, but then she won't eat it. Thrown out $30.00 of meds so far. It's all trial & error, right? I wonder how parents give them to their children that won't take them?!? Any ideas? Luckily she's almost done with them.

I'm back to 'it'. Have a fabulous day everyone!

( This is SAMii, my latest marionette. I've shared before, but she is too cute! I played with her on the zoom, yesterday, they loved her! Me, too! A Xmas present to me!)

(SAMii & her Mom, JANii)

3-8-21 Working from home is good for us, too.
Lucy loves 'real' grilled chicken, too! She is better, still having to force meds by dropper. She seems ok, today. I did take her for a VERY short walk yesterday. She loved it. It will be too windy today, 40 MPH, this afternoon. Just being precautions. THX about my photos. I LOVE photography. I use to be a photojournalist. Fun life I am living!

I'm back to it. I have my 2nd 'zoom', today. My friend is 100 years old. Her family is helping so we can see each other. Should be fun!

Stay safe & KNOW I am here for you, in anyway you might need!

(no I didn't take this, haha!)

Later same day:
Again, THX Miller. When I came home from a lovely hike, Lucy still wouldn't eat. So no meds or food since Wednesday evening. I called the vet again, today. The suggestion of pulverizing her meds & adding tuna juice into a dropper, worked. Also they suggested I warm up some broth. So since I had made her chicken soup, I added the broth, heated up a little & she scarfed it all up! Even a second batch. This was after giving her the meds in eye dropper. Made us SO happy! Thankfully she had been drinking water. With the food warmed up, it helped her smeller! The vet was concerned about her getting dehydrated. Glad we figured it out! Maybe Katie will use this info, when needed, too, Miller!

here are a few photos from today's hike, SO pretty!

(road runner in tree)

(Snowy Egret in bushes)

(panorama of small pond with Canada geese)

3-6-21 DH went to a chiropractor yesterday. He feels better. He relaxed most of the day when he got home. We did have 'date night' felt SO normal. A BIG bowl of cooked broccoli with tangerine juice on it & pizza. Pineapple & pepperoni. We watched "Around the world in 80 days" 1954, 3 hours. It was ok. But we stopped about 1/2 way through. Then watched 'The Zoo'. I LOVE animal shows!

Lucy pup still hasn't eaten since Thursday evening 6pm. She is still pretty 'loopy' from the medications for having her tooth removed. She is drinking water. so that is a good sign. Also moving a little bit. Because DH is downstairs with her. (she needs to be watched, as we don't want her to fall into the pool) I will go walk the nature preserve & do some errands. Soon, the wind will pick up to 25 MPH.. So I'll go early, before that happens. 78 degrees here today. YIKES! So fast so warm!

My schedule has been off these past few days, weigh up 1/2 a #. I KNOW it is stress. My new crown is doing great, I feel pretty good & trying to stay balanced over any stresses that come up. (balance in emojis, haha)

everyone for your support of our teammates. THIS team helps me SO much! I am also so glad when I can help you, in anyway! Miller, (you know what for!)

(I took this photo in 2010. Thought I would re-share. I won an award for it, Santa Cruz, CA, night time)

3-5-21 About earth quakes: I was born & raised in CA. I remember my crib rocking & rolling. They never really scared me, until the Sylmar 1. It was 7.5. DH & his family lived right behind it. The hill broke off & went into their pool. The water was displaced into their house. Some damage, but mostly carpet needed re doing. I lived in an upstairs apartment with my parents, I was on the front step reading poetry by e.e.cummings. when it hit. I remember it so clearly. It was early am. Before school. We gathered some things & got downstairs. School canceled. We were safe. I do not know how you east coasters can handle the hurricanes. I've never been in 1.

I'm pretty wordy, today. Waiting for LUCY's drugs to wear off. She is still not eating or moving much. The vet said it might take about 24 hours, because of her age. (16). I spent most of the night downstairs being with her. I didn't want to open her dogie door, she could have tripped into the pool. I took her out to p, on a leash. She's ok, but it IS stressful. I'm just keeping a VERY close eye on her. DH isn't feeling very good today, either. Hope he gets better. Not sure what is going on. But he DID get the vaccine on Tuesday, hope it isn't a reaction. So I am doing the best I can. Having never had children, I hope I am doing good for them.

I'm back to it. Hope to hike tomorrow, won't know until LUCY comes out of it. I'd like to go today, but not leaving the house. Maybe I can get into the garden. Thx for listening! Hope you are all doing good!

(Lucy, yesterday before dentist)

3-4-21 My teeth are done, yesterday (included in medicare Advantaged), LUCY is still at vet.... home later, $900.00 later! DH goes in next week, $3000.00 for him. Glad we have a savings & hoping for stimulus, soon!

3-3-21 Busy day getting ready to go to dentist, final crown. Then LUCY goes tomorrow. I hope they don't have to take out teeth. But I can smell there is a problem. Her soup came out great! She would rather have my foods I make for her, than canned dog food. So I am making more for her. She has SO much more energy the day after, MY FOODS, makes me think there is more energy in my soups, than canned dog food. Makes sense! DH goes for 2 new crowns, next week. He had the first Moderia shot, yesterday. Seems ok, so far!

3-1-2021 THX about the fires. Still sad about it. But my life could be worse, for sure! I AM living a great 1!

Darling LUCY is needing to go back to the dentist. She had 7 taken out last July. But I can tell-smell she has an infection. So weird, all 3 of us going to dentist! I get the topper of my crown on Wednesday. I think that will be it for me, for this year, (except cleaning). DH goes in tomorrow for another crown, start. LUCY goes in on Thursday. YIKES! Teeth are SO important. PLUS her arthritis, I asked a friend who would know, how to cure arthritis. She said IF she knew that she would be a millionaire! (She is in my book, my forever friend!)

DH has a scooter, that's how he gets to appointments, it goes on the back of his car. My car just turned 98,000 miles! We bought it new in 2005. Runs great! Hyundai Tucson. I know EVERY mile.

I've been working most of the morning.... off to walk LUCY & make us all some soup. Healthy March everyone!



Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 3/1/2021 (17:55)

2-28-21 I've been cleaning most of the morning! I'm ready to rest. After a lovely, fun walk with our sweet LUCY in 'our' park, I went for a hike yesterday. I took the Photo Egret in Flight. Then went around the corner, where the 6 acre fire was & was REALLY sad, our precious "Nancy's Pond" chard. (6 acres) Last week there were 45 acres burned up. Plus with the fire a few months ago, we have had over 1/4 of the park on fire. They think it was illegal camp fires. I won't post the burned photos, too sad! My favorite place in Las Vegas, it will take about 3 years to 'come' back. Boo Hoo!







(view of our home from the park behind us)

I bought Mammoth sunflower seeds & Shasta daisies seeds. Will be 'cleaning' in the garden!

(I grew these many years ago, for this photo!)

2-27-21 Butterfly kits are darling! (I found several types on eBay) I'm growing flowers for our Hummers, bees & birds. There are some bright ORANGE ones, popping up in our yards on TOP of the plants about 15 feet high. Hummers love it. It will be 60 today & WINDY. Plan on walking LUCY before my hike in nature preserve & after the wind calms down a little. It is 16 MPH right now. Hope you are doing OK! Sending joy to everyone!

(Last spring)

(I know you can't see the flowers, but they are on top of these plants)

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 2/27/2021 (13:25)

2-26-21 Have fun! I just ordered mammoth sunflower seeds for our back yard.... should be beautiful! (for the birds & bees) I've grown before, Against fence away from pool! Also Shasta Daisies. I have wanted daisies for months now! The daisy will go into pots. So I can move around the yards.
Have fun ladies! Me too, hope to hike tomorrow!

(photos from 2005 I grew! In Sedona, AZ)

2-24-21 Rebooting helps us, in so many ways, too! DH called Direct TV, he was able to lower our costs almost in 1/2. We took off all the shows that have moved over to subscription. HGTV things, mainly. Starts April 1. I'll see how we do. We can always re-add. BUT the bill went up to $189.00 for TV!!!! That's nuts, we don't really watch that much. We DO use the dvr & watch when we want. Our costs have increased for our precious dog, LUCY. So trying to find ways to save. She is doing pretty good on the new medications, but I can't seem to find them for less than $7.00 a day for both. IF they didn't help, she wouldn't be on them.

I had a ruff night, last night. To many worries. I have GOT to get this under control. Things look so much better in the sunlight! Hope you all are staying healthy & happy, too!

(I'll get to swim in a few months! Woo Hoo!)

(photo of our pool 5-2020)

2-20-21 I am going to the nature preserve. Meeting a friend I haven't seen since Feb. 1, 2020. Because of covid AND she has had a major health issue. Should be fun! Hope it isn't too burned up. 45 acres, boo hoo! She will show me the 'where' of it.

I checked COSTCO... LUCY daily pill would be $9.75 each instead of $4.25 from Vet. So nope! chewy.com seems to be a better price. I'll be check it out, too!

In- JOY the day, don't be too hard on yourselves. & I will keep it at bay, too!



Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 2/20/2021 (11:48)

2-29-21 LUCY's groomer yesterday was fabulous! We will be going back! I can't wash her or through her in the pool, LOL, I wouldn't, don't worry. Our temps are going back up. 60 today. Hope to hike in nature preserve, tomorrow. They had a 45 archer fire, yesterday.... hope it is still there

Love you!
(they took Mom to see horses yesterday. Glad they shared photos!)

2-17-2021 The dentist yesterday was ok. More drilling than I expected, for the new crown . But happy it is included in my medicare. So no cost! (except the $150.00 month co-pay, HAHA!

Have a great & happy healthy day! We can do it, because we ARE!

(a SP friend posted this photo. SO cute)

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 2/17/2021 (17:18)

2-15-2021 Yesterday was very special! DH & I had Olive Garden, he picked up the meal. As no going inside for us, yet. It was VERY busy, a 3 hour wait. I was hungry, waiting, so had a couple of hard boiled eggs & 1/4 avocado. Dinner was salad & chicken Parmesan. We split a tiramisu. I have enough left over for 2 more meals! DH too! Lot's of food. delicious!

Back to work & play, today! Tomorrow starts a new crown. 2 part process. It has never bothered me, but the new dentist wants to do it, just in case. (It already has a root canal in it. My old dentist didn't get to the crown. I couldn't afford it, then! 2020) medicare paying for A LOT this year, so taking advantage of it.

Walking LUCY, & picking up from the 60 MPH winds. The pool is a wreck! WOW! Happy we were ok! Have a great day!

2-14-2021 Plan to stay home (pandemic) & share a lovely meal together. I love him so much! I took LUCY for a walk, after my long hike in nature preserve (no dogs allowed) . The wind was calm when we left, then blew to 60 MPH, YIKES! We got home safely. WOW! Big surprise!

I hope your Valentine's day is special & you are sharing the love with the planet! I am!

(love comes in all shapes & sizes)

(Our Fairy Granddaughter, today! She is SO precious! I hope to meet her soon!)

2-12-21 It rained here today, I mean about 1/ 10 of an inch. Yesterdays photo shoot went VERY well. I'm a little lazy today, trying to get gumption to get outside before the wind comes. Some days are just hard to get moving, but once I do, I don't want to stop! Hope to hike tomorrow.

I'm back to work, love you all! Happy Friday & Lunar New Year!!!! I wan't to feel strong as an OX!

(photo of my mom watching the snow come down! I made reservations to go see her, Mother's day. Hope I can go!, we'll see)

2-10-21 My new hygienist DID say I might need to have the 2 crowns in very front teeth replaced, (They are 21 years old) The gums have receded up & we can see the under crown, looks dark. They are in great shape. BUT looks wise not so good. IF I could figure out HOW to get my gums to grow back down, I would do it in a minute!!!! Anyone know how? I'll think about it. It might be a good time to do it, as it is a 2 time process over 2 weeks. Since I am under a mask & not performing.....

As you can tell, I am REALLY about keeping my teeth! I have a few filling from 1975, NO kidding! BUT finding this new dentist has been a God send! OK, I'm off my soap box! Have a fabulous day, everyone! Keep smiling!


Saturdays hike

2-9-2021 Teeth cleaning today! I usually go every 6 months. But with the pandemic it's been since 9-2019. I found a new dentist, here locally.( My 'real' dentist is 5 hours away, been with him for 25 years) The new dentist did the exam already, everything good. I have been taught, our total health starts in our mouth. I am so glad my forever friend taught me how to care for them, all those years ago! My recipe: I use a sonic tooth brush, a electric water flosser (3 times a week), fluoride toothpaste that I dip into a little baking soda & Xylitol crystals, & mouth wash (I let sit on my teeth for about 5 minutes don't swallow) , regular floss, daily. It DOES take me time, but I am prone to cavities, because I have had so much work done.

Hope you are taking care of yours, too! Health is our only wealth, I KNOW you agree! Because you are on SP!

(smiling with my Mom for her 91 birthday, 11-2019, because of the pandemic I haven't seen her since then, )

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 2/9/2021 (14:36)

2-8-2021 Hi! I'm Working this morning, but weather is STELLAR! 70 degrees today. Lucy will love her walk today! She's doing good. So are we! I was rooting for Tom Brady. (The old guy, haha!) I'm not into sports much, (except to be involved in) but we wanted to watch & did. I usually like the 1/2 time show, but not so much this time. Amanda's new poem was wonderful. (best part of the show) How can a 22 year old be so aware? I sure wasn't when I was 22!




Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 2/8/2021 (13:55)

2-6-2021 The RESULTS are in! DH gave me a 'kit' for Christmas. It is the DNA for our beautiful, LUCY furbaby dog! Check out the photo below. I thought she was a golden retriever/corgi mix. Nope. 25.2% chow/23% German Sheppard/10% Labrador/8% Akita.... It was fun to see. & she wasn't even sorry to share her 'personal' spit info, as I am! Haha! I'm off to hike in nature! Happy, healthy Saturday, everyone!



(1-1-2021)

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 2/6/2021 (14:27)

2-3-2021 Today is a great day, getting things done working & happy to be living my life with my DH & Lucy dog. Spoke to Mom yesterday. She's doing really great! IF the pandemic slows down in our area, I hope to visit her for Mother's Day. We haven't hugged since her 92 Birthday 11-2019. Her caregivers are STELLAR! DH & I have been getting our teeth taken care of, & staying close to our beautiful, paradise home. I'm off to it! Stay happy & healthy everyone! KNOW I am here for you!



(outing with DH & LUCY, so fun! 1-18-21)

(angel clouds over Mom's house, 11-2018)








Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 2/3/2021 (15:10)

1-31-21 I posted before but it went into outer space! Lets share some green tea & make the last day of the month,GREAT for our lives How can we 'tune up' our health? I am organizing, for the week, including meals! I did have a great hike yesterday! Lot's of catching up & cleaning today. TRULY hope to put together our mini trampoline. It sure has been a challenge! Finally found a youtube video to do it! & walk LUCY... she want to go!


(hope you can see the birds, I didn't until I saved to my computer!!)

(my new mask)

( these little mounds are beaver, day homes! LOL)

1-30-21 I've been on a TURKEY SOUP 'kick' for breakfast. I make it myself, of course. A complete meal in a mug! (6+ different types of veggies, Brown rice noodles, yams etc. Sometimes even sliced apple bites.) Crunchy baked snow peas for crackers. (They are usually used as salad toppers) I make a HUGE batch, LUCY gets her own without spices. Then I put cooled soup into a single serving big mug and then pour into a small freezer bag, flatten out label & freeze. We have very little space in freezer. I pull out the day before, defrost & put back into mug. Heat & eat! YUMMY! & SO healthy for me to start the day! A little handy hint from SPARKLING!

I am so glad to say, LUCY is doing MUCH better, back on the original PREVIOX, medication. We took her off for 1 week, vet said not good for her kidneys. BUT she was not able to even get up to play! Now, 2 days later & she a teenager again! I wonder what herb or foods, are GOOD for the kidneys. IF you know, please let me know, too! THX!

Hope your are all doing GREAT! You mean the world to me! Your support has gotten me through the pandemic, NO KIDDING! I am off to walk LUCY & then go to nature Preserve for a hike! I hope I inspire you, too!

(Lucy on 'her' deck this morning)

(my newest face mask, with my favorite Disney lady, GISELLE!)

to me! 1-27-2021 Spark Coach wants me to blog about how I treat myself. I actually treat myself VERY well! I am basically a positive person. Joy-FILLED & listen to myself on almost every topic. SO many of the reasons I do this, is because I was raised by a mom (& family) who taught me to dream BIG! The BIGGER the better. She is still my mentor. She is now 92 yrs. In great physical health & still VERY creative. Because of the pandemic, we haven't hugged since 11-2019 her .(she lives 5 hours away) We talk & share on the phone & email, sometimes. We 'pull' SPIRIT OF THE ANIMALS oracle, cards; sing songs; & we watch Masha & The Bear, cartoons & then share our fun from them to each other. With the beginnings of dementia, I keep the subjects VERY current. She is a Spiritual teacher. And has helped create over 5,000 marionettes. PLUS the shows we performed using them. (I still do) She is just a magic person. I am SO very blessed to have her in our life. I am with SP because I love to share the joy. Some SP friends come & go, but that just means I am not for them. I don't take it personally! I've been here DAILY for 3,239 days. ( try for 200 SP points & 200 fitness points, daily) My health is SO much improved. I can do things I never though I would be able to. Thanks for reading & commenting, YOU are the best!

(Mom watching yesterday's snow storm at her home)

(her back patio)

(birds lunching in front yard)








Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 1/27/2021 (14:47)

1-23-2021 A quick not so quick catch up!

The inauguration was amazing AND the Music show 90 minutes in the evening was STELLAR! I wish they would replay so I can record! Think of this, Pres. Biden is 78 years old, last Nov. 20. He climbed MANY stairs all day!!!! He inspired me to stop complaining about our stairs & keep moving!!! beautiful event!

LUCY blood test came out ok, her liver is good. But her kidneys are up a little too high. So we took her off the steroids & have her on a easier pain med. Hope it can help her, she is having a hard time getting up & standing. The Doc said well, she is 16.... & I said yes, so, I KNOW he was trying to get me to think in 'real 'terms. But I am a person who visualizes what I WANT, not what I don't want! That is how my Mom is 92! NO KIDDING!

My new dentist is SO good. Turns out he is top 10 in the country. (My 'real' dentist is in Hollywood CA. & my forever friend, hygienist (she taught me how to take care of my teeth, I have several filling since 1975, NO KIDDING! been going about 25 yrs.But with the pandemic, I'm not traveling) It was as I thought, I broke a huge silver filling. So he replaced it all white & shinny, did a new client exam & took full mouth photos. I go back for a cleaning 2-9, the hygienists wasn't available till then. AND he found I had had a root canal without a crown. I asked him how long he thought it has been since I had a cleaning, he said, yesterday! HAHA. (It's been since 9-2019) He said I am a GREAT flossier. on a scale of 1-10 I am an 18. IF all his clients did as good a job as me, he would be out of business! So he will fix the crown. He is a true artist & I told him, we make marionettes & if I had had the tools, I would have sanded it myself. His expression

I'm been working this morning & need to get back to it! First I need to do Nicole's 12 minute seated work out, that's how I stretch, then more work, them hike in wetlands! It rained last night. !!!!!! Just enough to make our cars mucky, but the trees are SO happy this morning! LUCY will get her walk, too!

I'm really happy, my teeth are doing GREAT! It was a relief! Next I'll get an eye exam.....
Hope you are stay happy & healthy & spread the joy you find, with everyone!

(my forever friend, last Nov.)

1-19-2021 I make our LUCY chicken soup. She is 16 yrs. now & getting harder for her to chew. I have to be careful, she gets very loose stool if I give her to many veggies. I make a huge pot for all of us, take her's out, then add the spices for us. Works for us! I'm off to hug her! We took her out for an adventure, yesterday. I had to pick her up to get her into the car, but she had a BLAST smelling new areas! We all loved getting out. DH took his scooter & I of course walked. We haven't been out together as a family for about 2 years. It felt GREAT to be together sharing nature! We had planned to go to a very special park, in our town, but streets were closed. So up the mountain we went! SO BEAUTIFUL! Have a fabulous Tuesday & I will too! Off to Pilates, laundry, vacuuming, cleaning, etc.! I love our home & am VERY blessed to have it!









Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 1/19/2021 (18:09)

1-18-2021 Today is a BIG day for DH & I. He is taking off work & we are taking our sweet LUCY dog, to a nature area. We haven't been there in years. LUCY is having a hard time moving. (DH too, he will bring his scooter) & we will see peacocks, running wild. SO pretty!

Also, today is my Fairy God Daughter's 10 BDay. She is like the child I never had! Plus MLK celebrations all over the USA. He helped us SO much! Cary Grant BDay today too, if he was still alive. (He was a fan of ours, I performed for him & his family several times)

I'm off to it. Be happy & spread the joy & I will too!

(Beautiful)

(me at 10 years old, performing with Bozo the Clown, CA)

(Flying peacock)

1-17-2021 "LAUGHTER IS THE SAME IN ALL LANGUAGES! " Yogi green tea message. Yesterday I had a moment to hike in nature preserve. I left early, SO many people! Also, DH & I started putting our Mini Trampoline together. 4 hours & still not done, YIKES! Quite the workout! It is made using Stretchy bands, instead of metal springs. my arms are a little sore, no kidding! We are 1/3 the way done! I wish it had come pre-assembled. I think it will be GREAT when we finish. No You tube videos to put it together, AND we are REALLY mechanically inclined!.

(hike at nature preserve, yesterday)

(before)

(4 hours later)

1-15-21 Well the sun is shinning & it's date night, DH doesn't like soup, so we won't be having that, not sure what, yet. But we will be watching THE GHOST & MRS. MUIR. The original 1943? version. Rex Harrison. (I loved him in Dr. Doolittle, we did MANY songs in our marionette theater from that movie. Also, at our Wedding, WHEN I LOOK IN YOUR EYES, was sung as our song) Anyway, I'm off to walk LUCY & maybe garden a little. It is going up to 70 today & I can hear the hummingbirds playing through my office window! Happy Friday everyone!!!! Hope to hike tomorrow @ nature preserve!

(just for fun!)

1-13-2021 Please do not beat yourselves up. It IS a hard time in our world. It is not an excuse, but be gentle with yourselves! I'm working on it too! Our Costco & Sam's club, (I'll be going there today, hopefully for TP) has been under masks & hand sanitizer since LAST March. I wear rubber gloves, & put the sanitizer on top. I don't like how it dries my nails. Even if I use their washroom, I keep the gloves on. & wash them. Works for me. When I get home before I enter the main part of the house, I wash up & spray disinfectant into the air around my head & clothes. We haven't seen any one socially since Feb. 14, 2020. I'm getting use to just protecting us.

I use to work in the health food industry. The health food store I worked in, was VERY invested in learning how to get rid of radiation in the body, this was when Microwaves were becoming popular early 1980's. Also ex-rays at the dentist. What they found was eating FRESH apples, helped 'release' the molecules from the human body. Whether it is true or not, I eat them fresh several times a week. Also, my Dad was an electrician. He said never stand in front of the microwave when it is on. It is VERY bad for the eyes. They are sensitive the the 'escaping' vibes. We get a new 1 about every 4 years. The newer the model the better the safety features. Of course now with all the cell phones, computers, wifi, etc. An apple a day, might just help! I NEVER sleep with my phone next to my bed. It is in my office & I turn it off an night. Trying as best I can, to stay healthy! Just another handy hint from SPARKLING!

1-12-2021 My homemade Soup is my comfort food too! I even have it for breakfast once in a while. I make it into a complete meal with whole brown rice, included. Yams, squash, celery, carrots, green beans, peas &&& etc. SO many veggies! I use the leftover Costco rotisserie chickens for the base. I love Turkey, but not available all year. (Today is our Green drink day, yummy) Tomorrow I plan on starting the soup process, cooking & de-boning. LUCY loves her version of our soup! THX for the support, I'm a little better today, not so sad. I'm off to do my SP Nicole 12 minute seated core workout. A GREAT way to start the day, stretched! We are here for each other & that brings me GREAT comfort,

(I took this photo at Disneyland-CA in 2011. Just wanted to share a pretty photo)

1-9-21 I realized something today. I have been drinking 8-10 cups of water for MANY days now! I've been Sparking for 3,221 days, everyday! I have it in my tracker. I carry it everywhere. If i'm doing errands or walking or hiking, I have it with me, I have several water cups around the house. I am always drinking. It is a habit now! I DO live in a very warm, dry climate, so I think it is easier for me. I've been adding fresh organic lemon, about 1/4 to very hot water, makes me feel lighter!

1-8-2021 I am still following Marie Kondo, book, 'The art of tiding up'. Our walk in closet has taken me weeks! (I started 11-7-2020. About 1/2 way there. Some of her concepts won't work for us, mainly the kitchen. (I haven't gotten in there yet) She suggests you take everything off the counters & store in cabinets. This is so it is ALWAYS easy to clean. I get it, but DH sits in a chair to 'cook'. He needs things at hands reach. I AM adapting her ideas into my needs. She also suggested we take everything out of closet, clean the closet, walls & all & then feel each item & if it brings joy, keep it. IF I did that I would not be able to get dressed for days! AND take before & after photos. I didn't think that was necessary, but did it anyway! REALLY helps me! I am taking a section at a time.But she is truly helping me! Our closet feels so nice, sometimes I go in & just sit in it & marvel at the organization! Also, putting the heavy dark things on your left & put colors into a rainbow. With the lightest on the far right. It makes it so pretty! I am ONLY doing my things. DH has allot he will never wear, but that is not up to me. I have enough of my own stuff to go through! Also, our RAYBEE mini trampoline arrived. It's going to take me some time to assemble! I'm not a rocket scientist! They said it is easy to put together.... YIKES! BUT it will hold DH weight & is suppose to be very bouncy. That's what I wanted! It also has a handle. YOUTUBE here I come! So besides work & regular taking care of things, I hope to get back to my closet, soon! LOL!

(Zumba clothes before 11-13-2020)

) (Zumba after)

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 1/8/2021 (16:57)

1-7-2021 Let's try & share our joy with a smile! I'm smiling at YOU!
I, too am very sad about yesterday. Can't shake it. So just trying my best to keep calm. It happened while I was in Costco. I spent 3 hours in there! That's where I buy the bulk of things we need. Including vitamins; canned foods; hard boiled eggs (yes! I know they are easy to cook, but I ruin them too often. They come in a package of 24 with 2 in little packages. I also love celery & Peanut butter. I can grab & go for snacks As well as my veggie packs. I do't go out with out them & water). Organic veggies, canned fish, dog food, etc. I only go 1 time a month when they have coupons. I fill in with Sam's club, VERY inexpensive Organic fruits & veggies. We eat so many, really need to get them at a lower cost! I am growing a 'pool' LOL, so no veggies there! Our Mini Trampoline (my Xmas present to us) arrived a few minutes ago, I'm flying! Hope it is as fun as I expect it to be! Let's try to keep our sunny sides up, ok?

1-6-2021 Happy Wednesday! I'm off to shop in Costco, protected, of course! A handy hint from me: I write my goals down for the week. I have the entire week to get it done. & check it off as I reach it! I of course have BIGGER goals too. I may not reach them, but get VERY close, then move them to the next week! Works for me!

(I'm re-booting my goals!)

1-5-2021 I finally got back into our walk in closet & Tidied up, as per Marie Kondo. I had hoped to finish for the New Year..... but I am still working on it! (about 2 hours, yesterday ) 1/2 way done, now! This time I did DH shoes & on 'his' side. Throw blankets, etc. Donated quite a bit. Also broke down empty boxes I was saving for humidifier, etc. (It broke years ago). I now have room, WOW! Space , I wonder what I will put in it, haha! Marie suggests we take before & after photos. YIKES! I started this HUGE project 11-6-2020. I would not have believed it if I hadn't taken photos. Seriously! Be happy & healthy & JOY filled, I will too!

(before)



(after)



Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 1/5/2021 (14:00)

1-4-2021 I have decided I need to Spark for less time. I am cutting from 2 hours a day to 1. Less if I can. I need more work outs! Today is 3,216 days of SP. I still will spin DAILY! I'll see how it goes, you are all VERY important to me!

(my day timer collage' for Jan & Feb)

1-3-2021 I hiked yesterday, SO pretty at the nature preserve! Got my 5K in & am down 1# today! Today has been ALLOT of housecleaning. 4 loads of laundry, striping the bed, cleaning bathrooms, kitchen, walking Lucy. Now time to SP, it's 2 pm. I'm ready to rest, so computer is my way, right now! I have added a new drink for myself! In a BIG cup, 12 oz I add 1/4 fresh lemon juice (I have heard it helps break up 'stones'), squeezed with the pulp, not skin, into it. About 1/4 teaspoon honey AND very hot water. Feels GREAT! How are all of you doing?

(yesterday's hike)





Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 1/3/2021 (18:10)

1-2-2021 I am so happy! I reached a goal! It was a personal goal for 3 of my teams: PILATES LOVERS; SMALL GOAL COMMITMENT CHALLENGE; I LOVE MY BODY. & that is I did SP Nicole's 12 minute seated core workout, 2 times a week or more for the entire year 2020! (I use it as a warm up for the day) It may seem small, but WOW, trying to get to this several times a week, during the pandemic, was HUGE for me! It IS all about baby steps for me. Also log into SP EVERYDAY! (Today I have for 3,214 days) & trackers Food, Fitness & Other goals! Keep to your goals, & I will too, it works by baby steps, right?

(our beautiful 16 yrs old, LUCY, first day of the year)

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 1/2/2021 (13:43)

1-1-2021 I LOVE the art (below), AND DH gave me the money to buy this necklace for Christmas, (as well as the marionette puppy) ! So beautiful, it is jewelry by Kirk's Folly on eBay from 1 of my favorite sellers, bellefleurboutique, she sent this in the most lovely gifting package. I will buy from her again, for sure! It is 1 of artist Josephine Wall's most shown poster, SPIRIT OF FLIGHT! The photos do not do it justice! I am hanging it in my Spa Bathroom, on display. It is VERY large, almost 4" across! SO pretty!!!! I am SO lucky! Happy healthy New Years, stay safe everyone!

(The art by Josephine Wall, SPIRIT OF FLIGHT)

(Jewlery by Kirk's Folly)


(Christmas morning)




Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 1/1/2021 (17:16)

12-31-2020 Coming by to say to 2020 & have a wonderful, happy, healthy, 2021! You are so special!

Edited by: SPARKLINGME176 at: 12/31/2020 (16:20)