Tuesday, February 2, 2016

January Wrap Up


Where did January go?  It doesn't seem like nearly two weeks have passed since I last posted.  My dad used to tell me that the older you get, the faster time flies by.  He was right.  I wish I could say that I've gotten a lot done, but that isn't the case.  Part of the time, I've dealt with a virus.  And napped.  I didn't feel much like reading due to some vertigo issues so I turned on the seldom used TV a few times.

One day I was looking for something to watch on Netflix and found a movie that turned out to be very good.  It was about a dog named Hachi and starred Richard Gere.  The movie is based on a true story and the original Hachi lived in Japan.  Hachi is an Akita, a very beautiful dog who, by the end of the movie, had me wishing I had a dog again.  I won't tell you what happens, but I will warn you that you'll need Kleenex if you watch it.  But don't let that stop you, I could watch this movie again just to see the beautiful, smart and loving Hachi.  Richard Gere wasn't hard to look at, either.  


We've had some unseasonably warm weather the past several days.  It rained last night, so Phil didn't get to see his shadow this morning.  I won't complain if we have an early spring.  The barren landscape is not all that appealing to me, but I will say we have been treated to  some really beautiful sunsets this winter.  


BG and I haven't been too far from home lately.  We did motor down the interstate one weekend to meet our son for BBQ at a new place.  I won't be ordering the sampler platter again, though.  It was way more than I could eat although it was very good!  It was a nice day trip and trying out new places to eat is always fun.  

BG and I...well, mainly BG...need to get back to work on the rental house aka The Project.  I'm sure our friends and neighbors think we're never going to get it finished.  But we will!  It's just a matter of getting started again and keeping at it.  We tend to take too long of a break.  Much like when I step away from blogging a few days and before I know it, a couple of weeks have gone by.   


Our landline phone was out for several days.  It was so nice not having those phone calls that bug us even though we've got our names on the no-call list.  You know, the "hello!  you've won a free cruise to the Bahamas" type calls.  I have been dealing with my cell phone company, too.  It's so frustrating when they tell you the manager will be calling you by the end of the day and then you never hear another word from them. 


It's not unusual to look out just before sunset and see 4 or 5 deer in our Back 6 or in our back yard.  They are looking for a full bird feeder so they can have a little snack.  We also put out cat food for several feral cats that hang around and you might see a raccoon or possum eating as well.  BG was saying that we might as well forget about trying to have a vegetable garden, as we can't keep the critters away  from it.  He shoots at them with a BB gun, but that doesn't seem to scare them away for long.

     
Our son came in Saturday evening and spent the night with us.  We enjoyed a late supper and then Brett suggested we watch the first episode of The Blacklist as we'd never watched it.  He and Lindsey had caught up with all the previous episodes on Netflix and really liked it and thought we would, too.  BG quickly fell asleep on the couch, but Brett and I ended up watching 4 episodes.  I'm hooked!  Now I will have to stop saying I hardly ever turn on the TV.  Do you watch this show starring James Spader?  Tell me how you like it, but don't give anything away!  I have got many episodes yet to go to catch up. 

Sunday we all played a few card games after dinner.  That photo above is one I snapped of Kim yakking on her phone and we're saying hurry up, we have a game to finish.  We had fun especially since the girls beat the men 2 games to 1.  Ha!  The phone interruption was one of her teachers calling to say that she was still battling a strep throat and wouldn't be able to work the next day.  There is a lot of sickness going around.  Kim is now battling a bad cold herself and was going in to work late today.

There are many different viruses going around and while they are not fun to deal with, you know that they will pass and you'll eventually feel good again.  Unfortunately, there are many friends in blogdom who are dealing with much more serious issues than a virus.  A sweet friend, Gert, just recently lost her husband.  Another blogger, Diana, is watching her husband battle cancer.  Please pray for these dear blogging friends and many others who have needs as well.

The sun is coming out!  Yay!  I'm off now to go visiting...via the computer.  :) 

xo Cheryl

22 comments:

  1. yup, i watch blacklist - perfect role for james spader. beautiful skies. hoping you're feeling better, too.

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  2. Your daughter is so cute! I am not familiar with any of the programs you mention. Good to know that there are some intriguing programs on Netflix. Yes, we have a number of bloggers in our circle who are dealing with tough life issues. It's a privilege to pray for them knowing that God will see them through as they look to Him, true for each and every one of us. It was such a blessing to me knowing that people were praying for me when I was doing caregiving and later grieving.

    Gosh those are beautiful skies. I took a photo from my bedroom window this morning because I thought the scene so beautiful. I don't think that I'll share now. Ha!

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  3. Cheryl, I am praying for Diana, her husband , and family. It broke my heart for Gert with Tom's passing. She is in my thoughts and prayers. My husband loves the blacklist. I really enjoyed that movie about Hachi. It was so sad at times wasn't it? You have taken some wonderful pictures. I love the sky shots. Hope you do not get any more illnesses. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  4. HI Cheryl....
    Beautiful sunsets...
    Yes....January flew by!
    Enjoy your evening...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  5. Time does seem to pass more quickly as we get older... I've noticed it too :)
    Sorry to hear about the virus' that have been going around... no fun!

    My sweet husband bought a huge smoker and we've been practicing smoking out own meat. So far, my favorite has been smoked turkey breast and smoked salmon, with boneless beef ribs coming in third.

    We have the deer in our yard too, and I know what a menace they can be. Surprisingly yesterday, we had ducks in our yard!

    We're "Blacklist" fans... though a few episodes have been a little intense for me.
    Over the holidays I became a huge fan of "Chicago Fire". Have you seen that yet??

    Love the sunset pic.. so pretty.

    Hope that this new month is a great one for you.

    {{hugs}}
    ~K.

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  6. that pic of stormy hugging the laptop has a huge grin on my face as does the picture of Kim on the phone. that platter is something my hubby would love to dive in... we love Blacklist and have watched it since it began and each year wait for it to start again. Spader is such a fantastic actor...

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  7. Evening Cheryl, love the kitty hugging the laptop, cute... Such a beautiful coloured sky, wow!!!!! Blessings Francine.

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  8. WOW,on that sunset picture.That is amazing.As for TV,I just don't watch it because it doesn't interest me.Yes,I live a boring life,but it's the way I like it.

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  9. The sunset pictures are absolutely gorgeous!! What an Awesome God we serve!! We have watched the Blacklist from the very beginning. James Spader is a great actor and I haven't quite decided what it is about him that draws me to try to figure him out. I also like the way he talks!! ha! Not sure where I've been, but I had no clue about Tom's passing....I must check in with Gert! I'm sorry for her loss. Hope your week is a good one....

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  10. Hi Cheryl, I have enjoyed your blog this evening. We only got rain last night or I should say early this morning. It was 55 degrees here today. Had a little rain and wind coming home from the nursing home. I love your sunset pictures and January flew by or that is way it seemed. Must be getting older. I watch the movie with Richard Gere and you definitely needed tissues for the end.I enjoyed it. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your NW Missouri Friend Shirley

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  11. Wow...those are some amazing sky shots, Cheryl! We have been having them too. Think your dad was right about that time thing...I don't ever remember time flying by so quickly! Speaking of Richard Gere...several years ago the physical therapist that I worked with led an exercise class for seniors at our local community center and there was a couple there who were his aunt and uncle! Right here in this little town in NC! Enjoy the rest of your week!

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  12. Sorry that you have not been feeling well, Cheryl. I hope that you're now as right as rain and can enjoy your warm-ish winter temps. (It's warm-ish here today too. I'm not complaining.) Indeed, time does fly! Another calendar page to turn before you know it.

    Oh, that movie. So good! Sniff, sniff...

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  13. Those are some beautiful sunsets. We've had some beauties here too as well as sunrises. Yes, time does go by faster as we get older. It makes me realize how much time I really waste too! Have a great day Cheryl.

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  14. That movie was a real tearjerker as most dog stories are but I think that one was based on a real story. Makes it even sadder.
    That was an amazing sunset and yes, days go by entirely too fast. Can't believe it is Feb all ready. I really like James Spader and he is the only reason I watch that show.

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  15. i've hachi once...it was a beautiful movie but i just can't do that to myself again, i cried and cried! wonderful photos and the bbq platter looks really good!

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  16. Hi Cheryl~

    I love your beautiful sunsets - truly looks like the sky is on fire, just gorgeous!! All your pictures are so pretty, but your skies . . . oh my!

    I love a good tear jerker, I will put that one on my play list. I love dogs, and I will be so sad when mine is no longer with me. He's only 7, but he's a large dog, and their life span usually isn't more than 10 years. He's like a big puppy, but he has aches and pains that always need attention.

    Family is what it's all about, I love that you have so much fun with your kids . . . :0)

    Have a wonderful week sweet friend!

    Hugs,
    Barb

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  17. You had a busy January, Cheryl! Those sunset photos are spectacular! What a beautiful view to see!

    I also had a cold and nagging cough last month that wore me down a little, Thankfully I'm better but my daughter has been ill with a bad stomach bug and I've been trying to help her out this past week. I never watched Blacklist but we did watch all the seasons on "Longmire" on Netflix. It is a mystery series about a Wyoming sheriff. We got hooked on it quickly!

    Sad to hear what some bloggers are going through. Cancer is a terribler scourge. I lost one of my best friends last year from it.

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  18. Hi Cheryl, We love Blacklist ---and never miss it.... Another one we love on Netflix is House of Cards.... We are still in Season 3 ---but are totally addicted.... Great show. We also love Longmire.

    We hate those stupid landline calls. We NEVER answer them --unless we KNOW who the call is from... IF it is important, they will leave a voicemail.... BUT--I like having a landline since we never give our cell number to businesses.

    Beautiful sky picture... WOW.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  19. Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog; you are such a great blogging friend. First of all I have to say that your photos are spectacular and loved the fist one of your precious kitten. The sunset is breathtaking. I am sorry you had a virus and and there is a lot of this going around here too. Hopefully, we can stay well.
    I loved that movie with Richard Gere. I really think that our Sammy would be just like Hachi. When my husband leaves he likes to go up on the top of the couch and waits all day. I can get him down a few times. He is just so devoted to my husband. He likes me too; but not like that.
    We did watch the Blacklist and liked it. We don't have any time to watch it anymore. I am curious about what is happening.
    Sorry to hear about your dear blogging friends; I will send forth prayers. I loved the photo of Kim; she's lovely.
    I have liked reading about your project and I know you will get it finished. I think breaks are good when you are doing this kind of thing.
    January did fly by and I think we had a good time. Sending lots of love and hugs your way and wonderful blessings too.

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  20. Sorry you haven't been feeling up to par. Richard Gere may have helped.......

    I love Netflix and have watched some really good shows. Will have to check out those you mentioned.

    Be well.

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  21. Oh, I love Hachi...he reminds me of a dog daughter used to have. I haven't watched The Blacklist...but might some day.

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  22. A lovely, newsy post! I purposely don't watch animal movies; even Disney's "Dumbo" iis a tear-jerker for me! Love akitas, though --- came close to getting one about 35 years ago but got a golden retriever instead! All is well here on the farm. Getting several new baby chicks in March and a new chicken house! (Hooray!) Have a wonderful February day.

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