sandraleecleary

Another day quarantined, I’ve lost count. Oh my, I’ve even lost count of what day it is, and now it’s May. Where has the time gone?

When they first told us we’d be quarantined I thought, well I can do it. Let me see what I can get done around my house that I’ve been pushing aside hoping I’d get more time to do. Which, of course, hasn’t happened. Until now. Like most everyone else out there, I’ve organized my pantry, cleaned out outdated spices, canned goods, and food in the freezer that looked like petrified mummies.

Then my next big project was get ahead on my writing, which hasn’t happened. I keep pushing that back,  too. I wanted my legacy book to sit for a while, then go in and make sure I had all my ducks in a row. The ducks are still swimming around in the abyss.

I cleaned out my sewing/craft room next. Went through some unfinished projects and tried to get caught up. My embroidery machine was catching dust, so I brought out the t-shirts I bought to practice on and proceeded to work my magic. What fun trying to figure out what I wanted to put on each shirt. So glad I didn’t pay much for the shirt. My pretty olive green t-shirt got a white butterfly. Really nice, I say so myself. Then I thought, let’s put another one on the other side. A colorful one. Almost finished and a big bird’s nest developed under the sewing. No problem, I knew how to fix that, after all my instructor showed me how to cut away the thread. I did, and I also put a big hole in the shirt! In all my STUFF I knew I had some iron-on butterflies and sure enough I found them. My shirt has a nice yellow butterfly almost covering the other colorful butterfly and the hole. The rest of my t-shirts came out much better.Yes, I embroidered a handful of tea towels, too. Can you guess what everyone is getting for Christmas this year?

Like most of the other women out there I’ve spent more time in the kitchen than I’ve spent since the all the kids left home. Hubby is gaining weight. Well, so am I! I’ve baked more cookies and breads than I had in ages. And hubby is a diabetic so I’ve been giving all cookies and cakes away. Well, truth be told, I saved a few cookies for us and I’ve split the cakes.

Last but not least I’ve helped hubby with some of the things he’s been doing. You know what I’m talking about…..”Honey, can you come help me with this” and “I need your help out here.” Yep, that’s it.

So I guess I’m off to the other room (sewing room) right now and try to figure out what project I’m going to finish today. That is get started on as it’s almost time for dinner and you know where I’ll be.

Until then my friend……………………………

GOOD MORNING WORLD! And this is how I’ve been feeling lately as most of you may be feeling also. This quarantine WILL NOT get me down. Besides I have so much to get caught up on.

It seems like life has had me caught up in its whirlwind of every day living. For the past ten years it’s been hurry, hurry, hurry. I have to get this done so I can do that. Maybe you’ve been feeling the same bug as me.

I got up in the morning, gulped down my toast and coffee then it was off to critique groups, meetings for the city, breakfast with the girls (been doing that for close to twenty years), doctor visits, Bible study class, and that’s naming just a few. Did I mention clean house, laundry, and all those necessary things you have to do to live. Don’t let me forget grocery shopping! I kind of long for that right now, but thank you Amazon and my local HEB grocery delivery.

Are you going to ask me if I’ve gotten any writing done??? I stepped back to give my finished legacy a rest. Yes, it is finished and I’m waiting to look at it with fresh eyes.

Last year, especially, I got caught up in going to all the quilt shops with friends and hubby (bless him) took me to some special shops while on some of our trips. Well, I bought more than I could ever do in a year so here I am playing catch up, trying to clean out my bins of kits. Slow but sure. I don’t think I will ever be a fantastic quilter but I’m trying….one block at a time.This is my first attempt to a nine patch lap quilt. Maybe a wall handing? I still need to put a border on it then…

Then there is my genealogy. For the past five years I’ve made copies from Ancestry then thrown it in a pile behind my desk. Well, now it’s time I finally put the copies in the right families book and finish off the book. Maybe even make it into a hard back. In fact that has been my dream for a long time. Okay, it’s off we go to see what and where today takes me.

Until then my friends……………

THE CHAIR

This morning as I polished my Herod chair (that’s what I call it) I am reminded of when we bought it. Hubby was stationed at Lajes Field in the Azores. Not sure where we went when I noticed the chair, but I just had to have it. My love advised against it saying, “With the different moisture, in the air here and when we return to the states, I’m afraid the wooden chair will crack and split.”

This spoiled foolish self usually gets her way. I bought the chair. In my mind I pictured Marc Anthony, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, or even Herod sitting in one very similar. We’ve all seen the same chair in the movies. The intricate carving of the chair’s arm rests and chair back reminds me of how my God created me in his likeness (Genesis 1:26). I am complex and wonderfully made.

Once the chair made it’s way to our house it was placed first in the entry way then on to the living room. Weekly I poured furniture polish on it, rubbed it in to every nook and cranny hoping it permeated the wood so it wouldn’t crack. I guess in the back of my mind I was going to prove my husband wrong.

That was thiry-eight years ago and it has weathered fine. Except for a few bumps and chips it’s taken from our moves, the chair looks great. I’ve finally placed it in our bathroom where I can sit on it every night before going to bed. Yes, I sit on it and lather up my feet with lotions each night before putting on my socks and going to bed. Oh, my, getting older is not for the weak of heart. Who would have thought, when I was younger, that my feet would be so dry when I got older!!!

Until then my friend………………………….

Life is not dull around my house. Ask me what I’ve been doing since Dec 8, 2019. My reply would be, “I’m not sure but I think I was busy!”

Christmas and New Years has come and gone. I’m working on two books; finishing one and working on the other. One is my legacy and the other is a sequel to White Moccasins. The sequel has been a long time coming. I’m a little slow.

Now on to other things. Tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb 4th at 5:30 pm I will give a presentation on my book, “The Stranger In The Polka Dot Tie, How I found My Father”, at the Schertz library for the Genealogy Society. If you are looking for a biological parent or any ancestor why not stop by and check out how I went about it. Maybe it could help you.

Until then my friend……………………….

It’s hard to believe there are only three weeks left of this year “2019”. Where did it all go? Every year I say I’m going to stay caught up on everything then by the end of the year I’m trying to play catch up! Go figure.

Hubby was away in Maryland working the first part of the year. I was trying to get my two books up and out, launched, you might say. They finally sailed in the spring–The Stranger In The Polka Dot Tie and

The History of Cibolo, The Early Years. The rest of the year I’ve been busy with book signings and starting another book. Or rather I’ve had two other books started and I’m trying to finish them. I keep telling myself don’t work on two at a time. I never listen to my self.

Book signings this year: early spring. at Cibolo Coffee Haus in Cibolo. At the Phar Club Randolph AF Base. Oct 2019–then at First Baptist Church in Universal City Fourth Annual Meet The Author. And finally at the Universal City Library Meet the local authors day book signing Dec 3rd, 2019. First time for library. No picture for the Schertz Library Meet the Author day in Sep 2019. In July (no picture) I was at Cafezinho for book signing. I really didn’t realize I’ve had book signings almost every month this year! Whew.

Not only book signings, I’ve accompanied my husband on several of his trips this year also. In April we took a vacation and went to Ireland with our church group. In June we were in Hawaii for two weeks. In August we returned to California for the one year anniversary of our son’s passing. Made arrangements for his head stone to be placed. September was American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference in San Antonio. This was a four day event. October was another short writer’s get away time with fellow writers to hone our craft. Then I turned right around and took my annual one week away with my crafting/quilting sisters to work on our projects and just vegg out and enjoy each other’s company. November, it’s hubs and me off to Branson for the veteran’s week. Wouldn’t miss this if we can help it.

As I type this, I am getting tired. No wonder I can’t seems to get anything done. Okay, here it is next year, I think I may just have to slow down and smell the roses. Maybe even finish the projects I started this year and didn’t finish. NOT! One of these days I will HAVE to slow down but not now. As long as I can still get up and go I’m gettin’ and a goin’!

Have a blessed Christmas and wonderful New Year. May you walk with the Lord every day. Until then my friend…………………………..

October is about to give way to November and we are barreling down to Christmas. Whoa! Way too soon. I just returned from my wonderful one week writer’s retreat situated at Canyon Lake in the Texas Hill Country. I didn’t get the whole week sitting at the typewriter but most of it. Had too many obligations taking me away from my favorite past time. But, with great fellowship with two other writers we got a lot done and now looking forward to next years retreat. We did pass up the photo shoot at the pumpkin patch. That was because we were so engrossed in our writing we forgot about it.

Holiday Inn Resort laid out a beautiful setting for your personal picture. Hopefully they will do it again next year and believe me we won’t pass it up then!

No sooner home and I had another book signing at Randolph Air Force Base Parr Club. Great fellowship with two other authors. Even sold a few books.

Next book signing will be Monday, Nov 25th at First Baptist Church from 6-8 p.m. This will be our 4th annual Meet The Authors Night sponsored by the Christian Writers Group of Greater San Antonio. Come on out and get your early Christmas Gift or maybe a gift for yourself. Hope to see you there.

Until then my friend……………………..

I can’t believe I haven’t posted anything in September. Where did the time go? Or rather, where have I been. I didn’t take a trip, only Mr. “C” and he got to go to England. So he had to work, but he got to go. I stayed at home to get caught up and puppy sit. There it is in a nut shell.

I’m looking at my planner and it has so much writing on every day but for the life of me I don’t know where I went or what I did. I really didn’t get much writing done and my quilt blocks, well that’s another story. Remind me not to join so many groups next year!

I must admit three days was filled with the American Christian Fiction Writers conference right here in San Antonio at the #Hyatt Regency. Beautiful hotel, excellent food cooked to perfection, and the staff was there to assist in whatever we needed.

                  And with Frank Peretti You must read his books. Fantastic speaker too! Special time meeting with friends and learning more about the craft of writing. Believe me I need all the help I can get!

So there it is, what I’ve been doing for a month. Now I believe I will get with it and get my devotionals retyped and ready to send to editor so she can do her magic. Watch for our yearly Christmas Devotional book around Thanksgiving. The critique groups I belong to do this every year so you, the reader, will have a daily devotion to read for the month of December.

Until then my friend…………………………………….

23 Jun 2019

Another great day in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hot! Muggy! But, ready to go out and conquer the traffic around the island. Today we travel along the west coast up to the North Shore. We wanted to see the large waves we’ve been hearing about. Supposed to be the best place for surfing. We took the H1 to the Queen Liliuokalani then on to 93. Beautiful ride although not as pretty as the east side of the island. Made it all the way to Makaha and the road ran out–what a bummer–so we turned around and made it back to H1 then took H2 freeway. All good lanes, all 5 to 6 lanes over the mountains.

Just before the Dole pineapple plantation (we’ve been there two years ago) I spied a sign saying Green Mountain Coffee Farm. Whoa, gotta check this out. Coffee samples lined the shelf. I sampled everyone, and bought all but one I tried. Very good coffee. Then, of course, had to buy sample bags to take home along with t-shirts and coffee mugs!

Now onward to our favorite food truck at the North Shore. By the time we arrived the place was packed and no where to park. Hubby inched his way into the parking lot until the attendant motioned us forward into a tiny spot. We made it. Got in the long line at the truck and waited our turn. I kept alert for an empty table. Finally found a spot, I staked it out until Hubby arrived with our food. And it was just as good as the first time we tasted the shrimp and rice two years ago. YUMMMMM.We also added a side dish we hadn’t tried before, macaroni salad. I’ll do that again. It was just as good as the rest of food. We shared our table with a family. We watched as one young man finished his plate just like our son. Vacuum!

It rained a bit, clouds parted, then the muggy bit resumed. All in all by the time we made it back to our room after dark it was a wonderful day. Made new friends, shopped, walked, ate, and you know the rest.  Only a few more days left here on the island.

Until then my friends…………………………………………….

Saturday June 22, 2019

We slept in till 8 a.m., showered and made our way down to KOKO @ The Kalia for our lesiurely breakfast buffet. We both had a wonderful omelet with all the fixins then walked outside into a very sticky muggy hot morning. We were off to the stadium for the big swap meet.

Tents of clothing, t-shirts, purses, food, toys, and many more goodies lined the road around the stadium. We finally found a parking spot between six and seven, got out of car and again, felt the sweltering heat not only from the sun but radiating up from the concrete. UGH! But, not letting that stop us we managed to buy matching Hawaiian shirts. I bought a beautiful blue sun dress. We were going Hawaiian all the way baby! About an hour into our excursion I finally had to say “UNCLE”. I felt my body slowly coming to a halt. HEAT had gotten to me. We stopped to buy water but each stand was sold out. Finally we spotted a kiosk selling water bottles and cups. I liked the color of the cup so I stopped. The man behind the counter said if we bought the water bottle he would fill it up with ice cold water. SOLD! He guaranteed the water would stay cold for hours. At this point, I didn’t care. I needed a drink now. We bought the bottle and the cup, both in same color. My thought was to use cup for my latte every day to keep it hot instead of using paper cups.

We made our way back to our room by 2:30 to freshen up for our cruise. Then at 3 p.m. we were off to the Hilton (next to our hotel) to be picked up by a bus to take us to the ship.

OH MY GOODNESS, the Hilton is jinormourus…I know that is not a word but there were at least four towers plus multiple restaurants and shops to buy anything you desired. But, we couldn’t find the bus stop. We had to stop and ask several people behind counters (and you would think they knew where it was) until we finally found our way to it. And, it was right where we entered the maze of towers. Go figure!

Finally after an hour’s wait our bus pulled in and there was only two couples to board. But the bus evidently stopped before us because we were the last to get on. The bus was full. Now too to the Majestic Atlantis for our two hour sunset dinner cruise. Like any cruise we had to stop and have our pictures taken before boarding. Glad I at least wore a dress for my honey.  Yes, we bought the package.

We found our seat/table (open seating) located beside a window. I was impressed it was all closed in. No flying bugs in my food! A mother/daughter joined our table. Our glasses were filled with water plus we had one free drink (ginger ale) to go with the meal. I made my way to the buffet and filled my plate with salad with ranch dressing, mac salad, mashed potatoes, and rock salt port (it looked yummy). In no time I downed my dinner. I guess I was hungry. Had to have been all the walking and heat!

I looked outside and watched the waves then my eyes traveled towards the front of the boat where the buffet table sat. Immediately this seasick sweetie got a bit dizzy and I remembered that I forgot to buy Dramamine! Okay, no one talk to me and just let me sit her and look out the window. Do not move! I knew I’d be fine if no one talked to me and left me alone. I had to make it through two more hours of this. I apologized to Mr. “C” as I wanted him to have a good time but at this point I was determined not throw up! I am so blessed, he said he understood.

About 45 minutes before we were to go back to the dock the waiter brought another passenger some help with her sea sickness. Hubby stopped him and asked what it was. It was essential oils to put behind your ear–I did–and it really does work. I know what I’m going to use next time–that is if there is a next time.

On the bus on our way back to the hotel another lady got sick and threw up. Another lady made a big fuss about the incident calling her a liar because she knew she had been drinking and that is what made her sick. After an hour, bus driver cleaned up everything plus helped the lady find a restroom so she could take care of herself, we were on our way back to our hotel. The bus driver thanked everyone for being so understanding. The other lady was still yelling and calling the sick lady a liar. I do pray she is never put in the same predicament.

All in all a great day–back to our room and a good night’s sleep.

Until then my friend…………………..

21 June 2019

Back to Hawaii here—Oh my goodness the time change. My phone started going off at three a.m. Telemarketers! Also someone sent out a message to everyone, then everyone answered, one at a time. Note to self–shut phone off when I go to bed tonight!

Got up again at seven a.m. Showered then went to coffee shop and ordered a latte with a bran muffin. I was in luck, so many vendors lined up against the walls in the in isles. All selling their Hawaiian wares. I finally broke down and bought two ribbon leis. They were so pretty and I couldn’t resist. One was laying as a hat band on a western hat. That is what sold me.

I tried to book a pedicure but they were full for the day. So it’s Friday and I will have to wait until next week for the pedi and what the heck, why not a manicure too! Came back to room and checked my e-mails and Facebook. The most important things to do, ya know. I finished my book for the book club. Very good reading, The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay. Check it out.

Hubby came home changed into his new shorts and we left to find a place for dinner. Since he had to park on third floor of parking garage we decided to walk, he might not get a place to park again if we left and came back. Parking was a premium. So we headed toward Rodeo Drive to find something. It wasn’t called Rodeo Drive but it was the street with all the fancy high end dollar shops.

We passed the Trump Tower and the Army Museum and kept going. We ended up at the Hard Rock Café split a giant cheese, bacon burger with fries and onion rings. I had the Big Kuna and souvenir glass! After all I do not know when I will be back to Hawaii. Gotta’ do it up right. Hubbs told our waiter it was his birthday and our anniversary. After dinner he brought us both a chocolate sundae with whipped cream and cherry. What a way to end our dinner.

We stopped at my favorite store in Hawaii the ABC Store on our way back to room. Yes, I found a big pink hibiscus for my hair, earrings and a bracelet. Good night everyone!

Until then my friend………………….