I Think

 

I think technology is not always what it is cracked up to be. My mom had the same appliances for my entire childhood. They were indestructible, like Superman, and if something did need fixing, a nice repairman came the same day and had the part to fix it right in his truck.

I think the world needs a daily dose of SSR. Remember that? After recess, we had sustained silent reading. For about fifteen minutes each day, everyone sat quietly and read a book. Even the teachers. Imagine if we could do that today. 

I think these two delicious things together were the epitome of '80s coolness. We thought we were all that riding around with that seltzer water! And I can still hear the sound the cheez balls made when you shook that can!

I think we need to slow down with all the apps and phone stuff. Pencils and paper have served us very well thus far. Writing things down creates something tangible and aids us intellectually in ways I can't explain. Walking through the store with a piece of paper really isn't all that bad, right?

I think whoever wrote this is very perceptive. Midlife has its share of challenges, but it also has plenty of benefits. Among them? Midlife gives us the knowledge, power, and confidence to let go of the need to please, and the chance to realize we can be who we are. We can say no. We can choose the people we surround ourselves with and let go of the relationships we thought we had to keep, just because. 

I think these are two of the best episodes of one of my favorite shows. I also think television programs today, for the most part, are filled with extra garbage meant to please a small percentage of people, and that shows from the past are much better. Oh, if you aren't sure, these are two episodes of The Twilight Zone!

Well, I guess that is enough for today, my friends. That's all I have! Have a wonderful Wednesday. Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo

Pinterest for the images.

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning! I am home, of course; however, I can still have my morning coffee with Mickey, right? Well, today feels like May. Every month has a feeling, I think. May's feeling is a mix of newness, warmth, endings and beginnings, busyness, and anticipation. The school year is wrapping up, summer plans are being made, and everything is finally green again. We also have several May birthdays. Yet while May is historically quite busy for us, from now on it will be calm and ordinary. Just the way I like it. 

I went for a walk this morning, and was amazed at how everything came alive while we were gone. It's like Tinkerbelle took her wand and made it happen. I will stop with the Disney references, I promise. Just not quite yet. 

Here is what Mocha and I saw early this morning.

And we are back to cooking, although I am working on clearing out the freezer, so it was chicken tenders and frozen vegetables last night. An effort was made, and it was good.

Lately, lunch has been this salad I throw together. It is good! Just lettuce, spinach, avocado, cherry tomatoes, egg, and some turkey breast. Keeps me full all afternoon, too.

Well, I have some things to do before the rest of the house wakes up. Today, we will homeschool, I will finish laundry, and Steve has a few things outside to work on. I have some turkey breast to use up. Thinking I may put it in the crockpot with some broth and have hot turkey sandwiches tonight. Stay tuned! And remember...

BillieJo 

A Most Magical Time!

Hello, my friends! We are home, unpacked, and filled to the brim with the magical memories of our family trip to Disney! We had the most wonderful time together, and enjoyed all the magic that is Disney so very much. There is something special about being in Disney World. When you are there, it is as if the world outside doesn't exist. And for a bit, we can simply spend time together, experiencing the magic that makes us all young again. This is a long one, so pour a cup, have a seat, and settle in for some Disney magic!

Although I will not be able to adequately summarize our trip properly here on this page, I will document some of the many moments we captured so that one day we can look back and remember the time we all went to Disney World together. It was magical, so very fun, hot, relaxing, exciting, and comforting. I remember when we went to Disney with little ones, clutching autograph books, anxiously waiting for Cinderella, Mickey, Donald, or Belle. I remember pushing a stroller with Flynn and us eating cookies while everyone else rode the "Big Kids" rides. I remember afternoon naps in comfy hotel beds, watching Mickey cartoons. And I couldn't imagine a time when we would come to Disney without little ones, who seem to make the magic come true. I realize now, however, that older children are a whole new kind of magic, and spending time with them in Disney World is just as much fun, if not more! Watching my children share their love of Disney with the people they love is amazing. And watching these incredible adults experiencing all the fun together is a dream come true. And a dream is a wish your heart makes, right?

All set to go to Magic Kingdom! We are missing Nicolas in this one, as he came a couple of days later.

Most every morning, I took the short walk to the pool and enjoyed my coffee, my book, and the quiet. Sometimes, Madison and Nicolas joined me.

Did I mention the iced coffee???

Each day was filled with fun parks, afternoon naps, shows, fireworks, parades, amazing food, and evening swims. Steve and I stayed back a couple of times to rest and recover! 

This was the new Epic Universe at Universal. The Dark Universe was my favorite. It is filled with rides, shops, and food that celebrate the original classic Universal monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Wolf Man.

My children. Or as they refer to themselves, The Core Four!

Shout-out to these two, who meticulously planned and booked all the Lightning Lane passes for the popular rides and organized each day so we could make the most of all the fun!

Sometimes we got cleaned up for a night out. This night we went to a favorite dinner show, The Hoop De Do Revue.

Steve and I even danced to celebrate our 35th Anniversary coming up next month. You know how much I love being the center of attention, right?!?!

We attended a beautiful Mass at Mary, Queen of the Universe, where you could purchase a rose in memory of your mother and place it on the altar. Steve and I chose white for our mothers. 

We always watch the fireworks on our very last night. Magic Kingdom is where we start each vacation, and where we end as well. It is always a little sad saying goodbye, but as I used to tell my children when they were little, it is time for another family to have a turn. And we will be back, someday.

Oh! Rhett caught up with his favorite right before we left the resort! 

And that is a wrap on Disney, my friends. Thank you for hanging around this long. I am anxious to settle in for some good old normal life now, here in Maryland. I plan on catching up with you this weekend, too. I hope all is well, and have a magical weekend!

Billie Jo