2012

To all who follow my blog, here is my 2012 prayer for you: " May good health be your faithful companion, peace be your gaurded ally, and love your perpetual guide."   God bless you all   !!!  Ida Jewel

12 Days of Christmas

Merry Christmas to my family and friends.  Service was wonderful.  Bishop explained the true meaning of the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". It originated in England around the 16th century.  Christians were being persecuted if they publicly declared or in anyway displayed thier faith. Each verse was a code representing a doctrinal point or belief. Christ's birth was celebrated from December 25th to January 5th.  Bishop ended the message reminding us that we live in a time and place were our christianity isn't and shouldn't be hid.  It is Merry Christmas !!!!!

Quote of the Day

At all points of time - you are either growing or dying !!!

Be Good to Yourself

504 Relaxing Bath and Beauty Recipes

Quick easy reading,  highly recommend !

Quote of the Day

"  You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream "  C. S. Lewis

Food for Thought

Question of the day:  If you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday, what would you have ?

Quote of the Day

When the student is ready the teacher appears.   --  Buddhist proverb

Qoute of the Day

" Success requires no apologies, failure permits no alibis "  Napoleon Hill

Helpful Hint of the Day

> When cleaning the mirrors in your home or car and cleaning the inner windshield, try this :  use an inexpensive can of shaving cream.  It reduces fog build up ! 
     More heplful hints to come,   Mz Ida

Hello Detroit

Although my trip to Detroit was for business, I was able to have some leisure time.  Special thanks to my daughters Dayna and Camille for making the whole thing happen for me.  It was also good to see my brother Vince, sister-in-law Anita and thier children.  My thanks also to Anita's parents who live on Harsen's Island for taking out on their boat.  It was even good to see Belle Isle and downtown Detroit water front again.  Also, thanks to my buddy Donita for treating me to Sunday brunch at one of my favorite restaurants downtown - Fishbones !

Vocabulary

I sometimes laugh at myself when I realize how my vocabulary has changed since I moved to San Antonio.  I refer to pop as "soda" and say,  " Hi, how y'all doing".  A couple of friends up North (smile) say I'm begining to talk with a drawl.  I don't think so !  I'll be in Michigan for a few days at this month's end so I guess that'll be be true test when I talk with my family and friends.  Also,  I'm truly hoping to spend a little time by real water while I'm there !

Early Morning Coffee Club

     Being far from family and friends can be a little challenging at times.  But I would have to say that my neighbors in my particular apartment building have cushioned the feelings of being alone quite a bit.  At least 2 - 3 times a week between 6 and 7 AM, three of us meet on our long balcony for coffee.  It's usually myself, Jon and Diane. We talk about everything from current local events/news, religion and politics :-), our children & grandchildren, family etc.  Sometimes we just laugh over silly things and simply enjoy each others company.  Jon is the only Texan; Diane is from New Orleans: and me the native Detroiter.  Back in the (smile) winter when the temperature went down to 50 degrees I was outside with a thin jacket on and everyone else was in coats. I would be asked " Aren't you cold ?"  I would answer that 50 degrees in December where I'm from is a miracle, this feels good."  I was called " Nanook of the North ".  It's good to have people around to help me adjust to my life here.

Grandma's Gems

Taylor and Frederick are growing so fast.  It's hard to believe she'll be starting kindergarten in August and Frederick starts preschool in January.  Dayna has told them when their older that they'll be attending college and will graduate.  Taylor remarked " Mommy, I'm older now ! I don't need kindergarten. I'm ready for college. "  I thought that was so cute, but after all I am grandma.

The Single Best Ab Exercise You Can Do -- And It's Not A Crunch

The Single Best Ab Exercise You Can Do -- And It's Not A Crunch

11 new tools for your money - Pay your bills with gift cards (1) - CNNMoney

11 new tools for your money - Pay your bills with gift cards (1) - CNNMoney

Vroooom Vroooom !!!!!

In the area I lived in Michigan; every weekend there were old car shows. Local bowling alleys and bar & grill places would open there parking lot up to the public and people would display their old classics. Here in San Antonio I live next to a large dealership and today was their annual car show. It was so cool !!!!!

On my way

Just finished my first semester. It feels good to be back in school. I closed with an "A", a "B", and a "C". Cut this 'ol gal some slack, I'll do better next semester. Thanks to my family and friends who are consistantly supportive and encouraging !

Bus Stops

I live in an area where one of the bus routes passes directly by my apartment complex. This route begins at the Ingram Mall five minutes from my apartment and ends at the Northstar Mall five minutes from the SA Airport. At times I will ride the bus to the larger mall (Northstar) and leave my car parked at home. I noticed that the bus stops are numbered. I called the public transportation department about this, and was told the reason is to give a person clearer directions. When asking for directions, someone would be state where they're coming from and their destination. Then he/she would be to directed to a specific numbered bus stop. Not a bad idea at all ! It worked for me.

History

This friday will mark the 175th anniversary of the seige of the Alamo. We San Antonians and other Texans will gather at dawn on the site where it all took place.
I would like to encourge my readers to read the accounts of what happened, so as to understand why we Texans are so proud !

It's On !

Life is for the most part is routine for me now. I started school, and should be completing my batchelors degree in about eighteen months, and will then transition directly into the masters program. My wish is that when I graduate, some of my family and friends from Michigan are present. I am blessed to have a few family and friends who have been my strongest supporters through this transition in my life. Keep me in your prayers, as you all are always in mine. Love you all !!

Still Adjusting

Although I've been here a little over 3 months, the weather still amazes me. Here it is January 30th and at 6pm it's 80 degrees. WOW!

AT&T - Making the Most of Olive Oil in the Kitchen

AT&T - Making the Most of Olive Oil in the Kitchen

Any Way You Bless Me Lord , I'll Be Satisfied

I'm still finding out more about my neighborhood. Last week I happened to look on the back of my grocery receipt and saw a coupon for a cleaners about five minutes from my apartment. The coupon offered any garments prepaid would be drycleaned at the price of $1.59; no limit, and offered one day service. Yeeha ! Driving back, I realized a shorter route back to my apartment, which took me past a used bookstore. I stopped in and saw to my amazement Ken Follett's book Fall Of Giants, the hardback edition ! This book is still at bookstores for the regular price of $30 dollars and at Sams Club for $19.75. Of course I grabbed it, when I inquired about the price , I was told all hardbacks were a flat rate price of $2 dollars ! I purchased it and went out the door grinning as if I had found a rare gem, to me I had. I'm truly learning blessings can come in various ways.