BLOG DAY # 94. in a day of my life. HUMBLED-EXALTED-EMBARRESED-YOU JUST NEVER KNOW!

     Out of the blue it came. Never expected it, never dreamed it existed, just knew that the encouragement was there and that somehow it brought a peace of mind to express oneself to a small segment of society.


     After all, when one BLOGS, one has to try as they might not to look or sound , off base, dumb, illiterate, can't spell, foolish or just pain uninformed. Of which I can safely say I have visited and revisited all of the above.

SPELL CHECK, I ASSUME THAT THAT IS WHAT THE ICON ABC check mark MEANS!

    After all, as I fumble through this with trail and error, more error than not, and lots of trail, it still behoves me that someone, of far more intelligence actually likes this and recommends it to other people!

TO PUT IT IN THE BEST LIGHT THAT I CAN- THANK YOU MIKE-I JUST DID NOT REALIZE- AND IT IS WITHOUT A DOUBT-A EYEOPENER NOT TO SAY A TEAR FULL EYE OPENER - THAT YOU HAVE MADE MY DAY IN A FEW CHOICE WORDS!

SO KNOW, I MUST ACKNOWLEDGE JUST WHO MY CHILDHOOD FRIEND IS, AND THAT I HAVE RESPECTED HIM FROM EARLY YOUNG ADULTHOOD TO NOW, WHEN WE RECONNECTED AFTER ALMOST 45 YEARS.





This is my friend Mike Greer- we share one thing in common that is perhaps a one in a multi million shot. His Social Security Number! Why , because we hitched hike to Olean New York together to the department of what ever it was at the time, and got our numbers together. His is one number away from me, so that in a way has bonded us for life! LOL LOL
   TODAY-STILL THE SAME

That gentle smile from a gentle giant- someday, we may reconnect , him being on the West Coast, and me on the East coast.
 SORRY-DIDN'T MEAN TO DO THIS! BUT HEY-TWO IS BETTER THAN NONE!



Author of PM (project management) books, consultant & teacher of customized on-site PM classes. (See websites.) My fun blog: The Best Free Training. My "serious" blog: Inspired Project Teams. My website: Michael Greer's Project Management Resources.

He is an author, above are some of his works. Below is how to contact him.


CONNECT WITH ME ON GOOGLE PLUS --https://plus.google.com/104624609492311320731


Again, he has inspired me to write, to put forth my words of wisdom? No, just thoughts, after all, what do you expect out of a lumbering, short fat IRISHMAN who every once in while likes to hoist a BREW, play with the grand kids, spend time with my beautiful wife, avoid exercise, eat healthy, (HAVE TO WIFE'S ORDERS) and enjoy life to its fullest!


I will leave you with a little bit of wisdom- not that I practise this all the time-but it does come in handy when you have to explain to your mother-in-law your lot in life with her daughter.

         "IT'S NOT FOR ME TO QUESTION WHY-BUT FOR ME TO DO OR DIE!"


YOU ALL GAVE A GREAT DAY-REMEMBER-LIFE IS ALWAYS HALF FULL-ENJOY IT! DO NOT REGRESS INTO TRIVIAL THINGS-BUT REJOICE IN LIFE ITSELF!
 

BLOG DAY # 93 in a day of my life. Sherry"s RUN FOR HOPE!

     


  Memorial Day, at the Brambleton Town Center, Sherry ran the 5 k RUN FOR HOPE race. There were 1300 participants. I am very proud to say that she finished second in her age group while running with a former Portville resident Trisha Sherburn, who was running her first race.

  Sherry elected not to leave Trisha and stay with her to encourage her to finish, which she did. HURRAH for Trisha. Sherry did leave her about 100 yards from the finish line and sprinted to the finish. She will kill me, but I have to tell you that at 63 yrs old come July 5th. she is my hero!

SHE IS AN INSPIRATION TO ALL IN OUR FAMILY! AND SHE DOES IT ALL WITH HEALTH AND NUTRITION EVER SO GUIDING US IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!




Sherry and Trisha right after the race. Trisha graduated with  Sherry's daughter Debby.
I guess sooner or later, I will have to dig out my running shoes and join her.

I hate to run-but she is such an inspiration that I just might do it.




We live in a vibrate community- as you can see from above the walking portion of the run for hope.

In closing-I am very fortunate- I have found my soul mate for life- and as she heads into retirement-I am sure that she will take the bull by the horns and the next chapter will be more exciting than the closed book that will soon be placed away on the shelf.

Our walk in life will continue- and will turn into a run in life if she has her way. One month to go and she will start the next chapter- again leading us down the road to good health- but this time instead of walking- SHE WILL BE RUNNING-ALL THE WAY TO HEALTH & NUTRITION!

 Have a good day!

BLOG DAY #92 in a day of my life. WHEN YOU MOVE AWAY-FRIENDS STAY-ONLY TO VISIT ANOTHER DAY!

     As the last of our family departed yesterday- it was time to clean the house-change the sheets do some errands and sit back and relax- or was it?

     When we left Portville- 13 years ago next week- we left behind some very close friends and their family. Years of suppers together- volleyball leagues and tournaments. Trips-graduations-funerals, you named it - we attempted it!

     Well, we have continued that friendship- although now it is once a year visit- and we see them whenever we can we we go home to visit my mother or Sherry's mother. But it never seems it is enough.


SO PREPARATION WAS BEGUN YESTERDAY FOR THERE AWAITED VISIT FRIDAY-SATURDAY AND SUNDAY! AND GUESS WHAT IS ON THE AGENDA?



OH YEAH BABY- WE'S GOING BASE BALLING! HOT DOGS - BEER-SODA-PEANUTS! GONNA SEE THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS PLAT THE ATLANTA BRAVES! FIRST PLACE AND GOING STRONG-ONE YEAR BEFORE THEY WERE SUPPOSE TO BE CONTENDERS!


YES, OUR DEAR FRIENDS, ELAINE AND STEVE STARKS AND FAMILY WILL BE HERE SOMETIME THIS FRIDAY-CAN'T WAIT!






AND GUESS WHAT WILL COME AFTER THE BASEBALL GAME?


DIERKS BENTLEY-"WHAT WAS I THINKING"  "EVERY MILE A MEMORY" TO NAME A FEW.




WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A GREAT TIME- AS WE ALWAYS DO-I THINK IN THE 13 YEARS THAT WE HAVE BEEN DOWN HERE- WE HAVE TOURED OR SEEN ALMOST EVERY MUSEUM AND GALLERY WITH ELAINE & STEVE THAT DC HAS TO OFFER!




THE KIDS, JOSH AND BRIE ARE ALL GROWN UP NOW-JOSH JUST A BABY IN A STROLLER WHEN WE STARTED PLAYING VOLLEYBALL IN A LEAGUE AND WEEKEND TOURNAMENTS. THOSE WERE FUN DAYS!

Now we only see each other once a year-but good times always follow us wherever we go. So this last weekend was with family and this weekend will be with our OTHER family. For during all those years, that was what we were. I am sure there will be laughs- there will be card games - and there will be bonding. Welcome Steve and Elaine and kids - open arms and hugs and kiss's-that is what families do!

EVERYONE HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND COMING UP-WE CERTAINLY WILL! 

BLOG DAY # 91 in a day of my life. Family weekend draws to a close. Woderful time-one month to retirement!

     As we near the end of our three day Memorial Day weekend, time to sit back and reflect that this is last holiday that we will celebrate while Sherry is still working! Where has the time gone!

     Well, it was a fun filled packed last three days. Two picnics- a baseball tournament for Mason, a celebration in both Maryland and in Va.  At one point- 29 people. A whiffle ball game, a kick ball game. Charcoal fire and roasting hot dogs. A trip to the huge mall at TYSON'S CORNERS!




MY JOB, ENTERTAINING "GG" , KEEPING SCORE AND TAKING LOTS OF PICTURES! ALL ACCOMPLISHED, PLUS SHOUTING LITTLE BARBS AT BOTH TEAMS TO KEEP THINGS EXCITING!




TWO DIFFERENT SETTINGS , ALMOST 100 MILES APART, BUT BOTH VERY UNIQUE IN A FAMILY GATHERING.




LOTS OF FUN, CLOSE PLAYS AT FIRST BASE AND LAUGHTER BY ALL!



FOURTH GENERATION LITTLE ONE- WAS A PLEASANT DAY AND FULL OF LAUGHTER!




TEAM PICTURE-I THINK THEY HAVE THE POSE! STYLING ALL THE WAY!




OH YEAH- THEY HAD ATTITUDE-BRING IT ON!  GREAT GAME-NO ONE WON!

WHEN ALL WAS SAID AND DONE, AFTER NEARLY 5 HOURS OF FUN AND GAMES, WE DEPARTED IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS- SAID OUR GOODBYES-SHARED OUR HUGS-AND BEGAN THE PLANNING OF WHEN TO GET TOGETHER AGAIN.

AS THE DAY DRAWS TO AN END-AND IT BEING A GREAT FAMILY GATHERING-EXHAUSTION SETS IN!

    SARAH TWO MINUTES AFTER LEAVING FOR HOME. WHEN THE LITTLE ONES HAVE SUCH A GOOD TIME  AND THEY END UP LIKE THIS- THEN YOU KNOW THAT FAMILY TIME TOGETHER, NO MATTER HOW FAR ONE TRAVELS, IS "PRICELESS!"

ANOTHER ONE GOES INTO THE BOOKS- SO LET THE NEXT ADVENTURE BE PLANNED AND OFF WE GO AGAIN!   LOL LOL LOL HGD

BLOG DAY # 90 in a day of my life. Family-Friends and when FIREFLIES BLINK.

    As we progress through this difficult time, it is now that all those ties to the past and future start coming together. Friends have proven once again to be a blessing. As the sounds of congratulations come in, it is heartfelt that you have the support of those friends that have been there with you for over 30 years.

    When times were tough, when the world you thought was against your love for one another, it was those friends who stood beside, behind and in front of you. Always encouraging you that this was the right thing to do.

    Now those same friends are there with you today.  This time it is easier, because we have grown together and face all those trails and tribulations with one another, never leaving the side of the other to face it alone. Now also, we as a family have grown closer, the bonding is one that will last a lifetime.

    The child raised to respect and admire the parent is there, as it should be. The love and adoration also, and that makes difficult times all the more fathomable to endure.

A HEARTFELT THANKS GOES OUT TO THOSE FRIENDS WHO HAVE BEEN A MAJOR PART OF OUR LIVES FOR THE PAST 31 YEARS. THE FUN & LAUGHTER IS GENUINE.
THE FRIENDSHIP IS FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES. YOU ARE AS WE ARE, INSEPARABLE. THANK YOU AND WE WILL RAISE MANY COME JUNE 17th!





TO OUR CLOSEST FAMILY- YOU KNOW HOW WE ARE- AND WE ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR EACH OTHER. THE CONTACT EACH DAY IS A TESTAMENT TO THE STRENGTH OF THE BOND THAT TIES US ALL TOGETHER. GOING FORWARD WILL BE A PLEASURE-BECAUSE IT IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE STRENGTH OF THIS FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR TRULY LOVING US AND FOR BRINGING THE CHILDREN INTO OUR WORLD. YOU ARE A BLESSING AND GOD HAS A PLAN FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF US. TOGETHER- UNTIL WE GO TO SEE HIM.




TO ALL OF OUR EXTENDED FAMILY- THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING SHERRY AND I TO INTRODUCE HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTO YOUR LAVES. WITHOUT YOU, THE ROAD TO SHERRY'S RETIREMENT WOULD NOT OF BEEN POSSIBLE. THE LOVE THAT SHE HAS FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU, IS ENDLESS. THE DRIVE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIVES IS A TESTAMENT TO HER FEELINGS FOR ALL OF YOU. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING THAT TO BECOME A WAY OF LIFE AND THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS FOR A BEAUTIFUL LADY WHO CARES SO MUCH.




WITH THAT BEING SAID, THE NEXT DOOR TO OPEN, IS SLOWLY INCHING FORWARD. A LITTLE OVER A MONTH REMAINS AND THEN A GREAT NEW ADVENTURE BEGINS. I JUST HAD TO THANK THOSE WHO MADE THIS POSSIBLE. A STRENGTH IS IN NUMBERS AND A PASSION IS IN CONVECTION OF ONES BELIEFS. THE FORMULA IS THERE, THE ROAD IS CLEAR AND THE JOURNEY WILL BEGIN.


AHOY OUR MATES, UNFURL THE SAILS-CUT THE ROPES -AND LET THE WHITE PEARL OF HOPE AND CHANGE SAIL TO A NEW BEGINNING!




THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE ATTITUDE- AND WE HAVE ATTITUDE!!!! lol lol lol

BLOG DAY # 89. The difficulties and pleasures of a new adventure.

     Leaving all those people whom you have grown quite fond of, is one of the most difficult things you might have to do when you start a new way of life. Just yesterday, one of our customers came up to me and said, Sherry is retiring? I said yes and she said PLEASE, IF THEY HAVE A PARTY for her, I would like to come, can you make sure I get invited?

     I told her that I would make that happen if there is a party.  I know this situation will be repeated often in the coming weeks as news starts to get out before she can contact them. SHE HAS OVER 250 customers stretching from 60 miles away . She will not be able to get to all of them as it goes in any direction.

   This is the difficulty she faces as she prepares to leave and retire.  She has developed a history with these people- going back 13 years. Ten of those years were spent as manager of the Dulles Sales Service Center. That is where she had an almost daily contact with each and everyone of them.


    As we progress through the next 5 to 6 weeks, the difficulties will become easier to handle, the tears will never go away as she is saying goodbye to dear friends, who she likens to her children.

   The prospect of a new career is exciting and that new career contains many new friends already made, but and there is a but, one can only say good bye so many times before you sadly turn away and pray that in the future you never have to do this again.

The pleasures of a new beginning start with the knowledge that you will be sharing this with your own daughters, working side by side, interacting with them daily. To know that you will grow as they grow in this new endeavor and to have the knowledge that you will go hand in hand, much like you did when crossing the finish line in the 10 mile run in DC. is a dream come true.

Family has and is the most important pleasure that she has always had. The bond and the strength is there. After all, when we moved away from them 13 years ago, without her asking, they choose to follow with in a year. Mother and daughters together through out life. What more could you ask for than to work together to make a difference and try to change the outcome of disease and help the children become healthy!

 



It is the joy of being together that will bring all this together and make it a pleasure. It will be the pursuit of happiness that will make this move easier and the knowledge that they, all of them, will be the better for this move.






So these are the difficulties of breaking the string and the pleasures of tying the knot in a new adventure.

Each in its own way, a way of life, a way to the future and a way to make a change that you can really believe in.

With that being said, it will become easier and the tears will remain, but they will turn from tears of sadness to tears of joy!

HAVE A GREAT DAY AS WE HAVE ONE EVERY DAY! GO IN PEACE! THANKS BE TO GOD!

BLOG DAY # 88. STRESS! THE REASON WHY THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL BEGIN!

     Yesterday only verified that the reason why to retire and move on to a whole new world and challange was correct. To see someone you love and adore, being beat down by the unfathonable STRESS of work- is , well, madding.

     CORPORATE AMERICA HAS CHANGED FROM WHAT I STARTED OUT IN ALMOST 45 YEARS AGO. AND TO BE QUITE FRANK, "THIS CHANGE IS NOT GOOD FOR THE BODY AND SOUL!"

CORPORATE AMERICA HAS FOR THE MOST PART MOVED AWAY FROM BEING A FAMILY TO BEING COLD-HEARTLESS AND DRIVEN TO PRODUCE NUMBERS- AND FOLKS, YOU ARE NOT EVEN A NUMBER ANYMORE!

    So a change had to be made. A whole new change, in fact, and she is going to be the much better off for it. That change has already been a part of our lives for almost 7 years now. At the last election, there was the mantra "CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!"

The whole idea that you can be a part of something so unique is not new, in fact it has been in existence at NSA for 42 years! Having much expierence in the Corporate world both in the Union and in Management, I can state that I have never seen a company that lives up to that Mantra that NSA promotes.

THE BEGINNING WILL BE IN SIX WEEKS OR SO. AS SHE CLOSES OUT THIS BOOK WITH MUCH RELIEF-NOT BECAUSE SHE DID NOT LIKE HER "JOB!", BUT BECAUSE OF ALL THE , LET ME PUT IT AS DELICATE AS I CAN, "STUFF", SHE WILL OPEN THAT OTHER DOOR AND BE GREETED BY THE MANY, MANY FRIENDS SHE HAS MADE THE WHOLE WORLD OVER!


     I have seen a great burden taken off her shoulders, and have seen someone who really cares for the people she will leave behind. The tears are there, the worry of how , as she piuts it, "HER CHILDREN" customers will survive. But as I said to her, they will find a way, if they don't, they will go elsewhere, and they will always remember you as their friend, they will always ask me how you are and you can rest assured , they will miss you.

THE NEW BEGINNING WILL SLOWLY ERASE THAT HELPLESSNESS! SHE WILL EXCELL AND THE PLEASURE OF AGAIN HELPING PEOPLE WILL TAKE THE PLACE OF THAT STRESS. BELOW ARE PART OF THAT NEW CHANGE-THEY ALREADY ARE PART OF YOUR LIFE & THEY ALREADY ADORE YOU!





THE NEW BEGINNING. "TEAM INFINITY"  FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD!

THE CONCEPT OF "CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN " IS THERE AS WELL AS "YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE"

The door has been there the last seven years, on the other side are thousands and thousands of people just like this that some you already know, and others you will meet from 22 different countries. Yes, it will open in about six weeks, and they will be there to greet you, they will hug you, they will adore you, and they will not put any stress on you.

THIS IS WHAT CORPORATE AMERICA SHOULD BE- FAMILY- A WAY OF LIFE THAT REWARDS YOU AND CARES FOR YOU- INTERLOCKING ARMS AND EMBRACING YOU- YOU NO LONGER ARE A LESS THAN A NUMBER- BUT YOU ARE A "PERSON". ENJOY IT-EMBRACE IT- FOR IT IS YOU!




                      THE NEW BEGINNING- SHE IS SMILING - THATS MY GAL! 

THE BEGINNING - DETAILS TO FOLLOW-   HAVE A GREAT DAY--WE ARE!

BLOG DAY # 87. NOW THE STORY CONTINUES!

     It will be a very difficult time for the next 5 or 6 weeks for Sherry. She now has to tell all her customers that she is retiring and going away from them to start a new adventure in life.

     It will be difficult because as she says, "THEY ARE LIKE MY CHILDREN!" So there will be many tears, hugs, handshakes and sweet memories to share amongst friends. Yes, they have become friends.

     I have met a great share of them, and not one leaves without saying how much they adore her. So this will be a hard time, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. There will be a new adventure, a new beginning and a terrific chapter will be written. One door closes and another one opens!






     THESE FIVE WERE THE BEGINNING OF THAT CHAPTER SIX & ONE HALF YEARS AGO! THESE LITTLE GIRLS WILL BE THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THAT NEW BEGINNING.


When you are able to make a change- to make a difference- to have an effect on coming generations- then you are happy- as the new door opens and the light comes in- a smile will radiate forth and lives will start to change.



THE SMILE IS THERE- THE WISDOM IS ALREADY BEING DISPERSED-THE TIME WILL COME SHORTLY TO MAKE DREAMS HAPPEN- ANOTHER PHASE BEGINS- ONE STEP AT A TIME- A LITTLE HAND PUSHES AND A LITTLE HAND PLACED IN A COMFORTING HUG- BEGINS THE NEXT CHAPTER OF LIFE OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMEN.

DREAMS BECOME REALIATY-REALIATY BECOMES CHANGE-AND CHANGE IS SOMETHING YOU CAN BELIEVE IN!

THE FUTURE IS GOING TO BE BRIGHT-LIFE IS GOOD!     HGD

BLOG DAY # 86 in a day of my life. One book cover closes- another opens & a new chapter begins.

     Yesterday was a monumental day for one who is an INSPIRATION to all of us. As I stated , see my Blog for a clue on what my surprise announcement  would be. That clue was the theme of the entire blog and its contents.

     Yesterday at the Large Projects meeting, in front of all her colleagues, it was announced that as of June 30th, 2012, a career of 33 1/2 years would come to an end. RETIREMENT was the word of the day.


SHERRY OVERBECK FITZSIMMONS will close one book and open another new and exciting chapter in our lives. Before we get to that part, here is a synopsis of what she has meant to the company that she worked for.

     She dedicated her entire work effort to enhance a deep and rich environment for those who worked for her and with her. She earned the PRESIDENTS award not once, but three different times in her career as Manager at our Dulles Sales Service Center. The Third time she was recognized as the top for the award in all the country in her division for achievement, beating out a almost every center in the country regardless of size. A truly remarkable feat, considering there are almost 300 centers across the USA.

     The last three plus years, she was asked to take over the area sales for West Va. , and Northern Va.
She has built three of the area's top Commercial accounts. Sherry has devoted any where from 9 to 12 hours a day, even on vacation, to strive to make a difference in DAL TILE SALES. This all being accomplished during a major economic downturn.

NOW THE OLD BOOK CLOSES AND A NEW CHALLENGE IS BEGINNING.

     That challenge will be disclosed in a short time after retirement. It will be an exciting time, a new beginning, one that will change our remaining years. I have no doubt that she will succeed.

SO FROM THE HEART TO ONE I LOVE THE MOST- YOUR TIME FOR A FRESH START TO DO WHAT YOUR HEART AND WHAT YOU LOVE-IS ABOUT TO BECOME REALITY.

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY RETIREMENT- YOU HAVE DONE IT ALL AND NOW YOU WILL BE TRULY HAPPY!

BLOG DAY # 85 in a day of my life. INSPIRATION-A WAY OF LIFE.

    Many of us look to find different ways to bring forth inspiration into our daily routines. Be it with a picture- some words scribbled down on a piece of paper and hung for you to see every day. It could be a room arrangement, or a color that inspires you.

THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING THAT PUSHES YOU FORWARD-ATTITUDE BEING FOREMOST IN MY OWN MIND.





I have found over the years- that the greatest source of being inspired for myself- is to think positive.





I have always looked to the bright side of life. To see negatives- to me - brings you down and makes that climb up the hill all the more troublesome. I have always wondered what the view from the top will be and look forward to getting there to look around-take a deep breath and see the beauty of the next challange and go forward.




When you travel that road of life, think not of what might of been- because you can never go back and change- but think of what will be and how that fork in the road changed so many and the good that came of that.




YOU HAVE BUT ONE LIFE TO LIVE-LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST AND SAY "I DID!"

As I end this blog- remember the good times-look forward to sharing with the ones you love- your life and be POSITIVE! People like being around Positive thinking- it has a way of bringing you up.

LOOK FORWARD TO EACH AS YOU WOULD TO LIFE IN GENERAL- ONE STEP AT A TIME-LOOKING TO SEE THE BEAUTY AROUND THE NEXT BEND OR CREST OF THAT HILL.





YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT DAY- PEACE BE WITH YOU AND THE ONES YOU LOVE!

BLOG DAY # 84. EATING HEALTHY-"STAYING ALIVE!"

     In our fast paced world of today- we have so many choices of the food that we eat. It is really hard to find anyplace, other than home, to try to eat healthy. Fast food has become an addiction. It smells so good- tastes good and is full of sodium.

Well, you ask, what answer do you have? Where do you eat when on a trip? How do you find good healthy food to eat on the interstate?

THE ANSWER TO THAT SADLY-IS I CAN'T FIND IT! I DON'T HAVE A MAGIC WAND TO MAKE IT APPEAR! I CRINGE WHEN WE HAVE TO PULL IN TO GET GAS & WE ARE HUNGRY! WE TRY TO MAKE HEALTHY SNACKS-BUT THAT FOOD SMELLS SO GOOD FROM ACROSS THE LOT! WHAT TO DO?

We really try to pack as much healthy food when we travel- we tend to eat cut up apples, some humus wraps with lettuce, black beans and tomato's. We have grapes and bananas. But really, when you are hungry, your defense breaks down, and then its find a Chipolatas or Chick-fillet. When that is not available- then it is Bob Evans or Cracker Barrel. More expensive but at least you have choices of soup and salad.

IT IS SO HARD TO EAT HEALTHY IN THIS ENVIROMENT- THE GET BACK ON THE HIGHWAY-MAKE UP THE TIME-GET TO WHERE WE ARE GOING!


So with that being said, we force ourselves, to do as much as we can, at home to get that good food and make choices that we can control in our own daily enviroment.




We have taken the step to the next level in daily-healthy living. We know that we can not eat 7 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables each day that is now becoming the standard to fight Cancer , Diabetes, and Heart diease.




The tower garden above is from Colorado. Ours right now is twice as big(both of them). I just have not taken a picture in a month! LOL  But the point here , is that we have started last year to grow our own fruits and veggies right out side our back patio door!

BUT IS THIS ENOUGH?  We eat off of our two every day. But we need more than what is there. We can not grow beets, pineapple, cherries, potato's to name a few. We are growing Lettuce-kale-spinach-cukes-strawberries and tomato's! As we progress into this, we will plan more different types of fruits and veggies, but the cool thing is, 3 to 4 weeks after transplanting the seedlings, we were eating salads!



  CHANGE IS SO HARD!


We have made major changes in our lives almost 7 years ago. We had to! Our medications were multiplying! Each time we went back to the doctors, the medication was made stronger.


WE WERE NOT STOPPING OUR PROGRESSION OF ILLNESS , IT WAS GETTING WORSE! WE WERE IN A MAINTANCE MODE-NOT A PREVENTION MODE!


Sherry found a whole food , in a capsule form, that gave you the essence of nutrients of 17 fruits and veggetables and grains for fiber every day! All you had to do, was swallow them with a glass of water everyday! How much of a change was that!




WE FOUND THIS MOTTO-AND WE DID IT! CHANGE BECAME A BATTLE CRY IN OUR LIFE! SO WE STARTED SLOWLY TO CHANGE THE ONES WE LOVED THE MOST-OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN-OUR FAMILIES AND OUR CLOSEST FRIENDS.

IT WAS A STRUGGLE-NO ONE BELIEVED-BUT WE HAD TWO IMPORTANT THINGS DRIVING US. THE RESEARCH AND OUR TRUST IN GOD THAT THIS IS WHAT WE ARE MEANT TO DO.



The research is key-now 24 published in medical journals-proving that it does what it claims to do.

That is what started this whole thing for us. It actually does do what it claims! If you know this, why not give it a chance? The cost - less than a $1.35 a day! Am I worth that? Will I save money on prescriptions and doctors visits- will I be insurable in the future? These are all questions we had.


WE HAD TO DO SOMETHING! WE WERE HEADED DOWN THE WRONG ROAD! SO WE DID IT!





WE  WENT THRU THE RESEARCH-WE WERE AMAZED AT WHAT WE FOUND-WE STARTED TO ATTEND HEALTH SEMINARS-WE LEARNED-WE SHARED- AND WE IMPROVED OUR HEALTH- so much so that niether one of us take medications! WE ARE ON THE ROAD TO IMPROVED HEALTH!




We have made the change-it was not easy-but we knew we had to to survive into retirement. At 63 years old-living life- enjoying our children and grandchildren-we have stepped into the PREVENTION MODE.


Now we grow what we can-take Juice Plus and Vineyard (9 berries) and live life to its fullest. Our next chapter will begin soon. One in which we will try to help as many people as we can- to do as we did! I hope this brings you to the understanding that CHANGE IS HARD-BUT OH SO WORTH IT!


THE PEOPLE WE LOVE THE MOST THAT HAVE CHANGED WITH US-CARRYING IT ON TO THE NEXT GENERATION-WHO WILL LOOK BACK SOMEDAY-AND SAY THANK YOU FOR HELPING US!  LET US GO FORTH AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!

BLOG DAY # 83. Today is "DAY OF REST DAY!"

     In our culture, Sunday is considered "THE LORDS DAY". It is to be the day you go to church and TALK to your maker. When I was small' I had to do this on my own. My mother would give me a little white envelope , put some money in it and instruct me to put it into the collection.

     If you can imagine, a little boy walking up the hill all by himself, to attend the Catholic church in little Eldred Pa. Father Davis was our priest. I honestly can not remember either my father or mother going to church - it was my grandmother who was a devout Catholic.

     She was the driving force behind the religion that I practiced. When she passed away at 85, I think I was 10 or 11, I continued to go. Confirmation is a blurr' Catechism was also on my own. There were times I was frighted, a big church- adults- some I knew, some I did not know. Sitting by myself.

BUT I LEARNED A GREAT LESSON-I WAS NOT ALONE- THEY- THE FATHER- THE SON- AND THE HOLY GHOST- MARY- THE SAINTS- ALL WERE THERE- IN THE STATUES-THE PICTURES-THE CEREMONY-THE HOST-THE CUP. I WAS NOT ALONE.

     I HAVE CARRIED MY FAITH WITH ME ALL MY LIFE. I AM NO LONGER A CATHOLIC- I CONVERTED TO LUTHERAN, WHEN I MET SHERRY AND WE WERE MARRIED.

     YOU SEE, I NO LONGER BELIEVED IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AS IT WAS. I JUST COULD NOT BRING MY SELF TO BELIEVE IN SOMETHING THAT AS FAR AS I WAS CONCERNED-TURNED AWAY THE CHILDREN OF GOD WHO WERE NOT CONFIRMED IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH- I HAD TURNED MORE TO THE LIBERAL SIDE OF HUMANITY-
AND I THOUGHT IT HYPOCRITICAL TO BE THAT WAY.

     WHEN I FOUND SHERRY- I FOUND A MORE LIBERAL MEANING ON GOD AND CHURCH IN THE LUTHERAN DOCTRINE. I COULD ONCE MORE BELIEVE - I COULD ONCE MORE PRACTICE MY FAITH. A LITTLE BOY- ALONE- NOW UNITED WITH ONE WHO LOVES HER CHURCH AS I DO- ALL BE IT IN A MUCH MORE PASSIONATE WAY.


   A CATHOLIC TURNED LUTHERAN- I BELIEVE MY GRANDMOTHER WOULD APPROVE!

SO TODAY IS A DAY OF REST- A DAY TO REFLECT- A DAY TO REMEMBER- BUT ALSO A DAY TO SHARE- A DAY TO LOOK BACK -A DAY TO REMEMBER- A DAY TO SAY , "PEACE BE WITH YOU!"

WE ARE ALL GODS CHILDREN- BIG AND SMALL- JUST A MEMORY TO YOU ALL.

BLOG DAY # 82. Start your day off with tune in your head. "WHEN I WAS A LITTLE BITTY BOY-"

   THE GREAT CHUCK BERRY

     Lets make this a fine day to be alive day! It seems back in the 50's and somewhat into the 60's, the fad for the day was songs that were funny. Here is one of my favorites. A little humorus song by the GREAT CHUCK BERRY!

When I was a little biddy boyMy grandmother bought me a cute little toySilver bells hanging on a stringShe told me it was my ding-a-ling-a-ling

Read more: CHUCK BERRY - MY DING-A-LING-A-LING LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/my-dingalingaling-lyrics-chuck-berry.html#ixzz1vImhUol9 
Copied from MetroLyrics.com 

ALL together now! Sing the above. Get into it and make your coming day a happy one!



Then mama took me to Sunday schoolThey tried to teach me the Golden RuleBut when the choir would stand and singI'd sit there and play with my Ding-a-ling-a-lingMy Ding-A-Ling My Ding-A-Ling I want you to play with My Ding-A-LingMy Ding-A-Ling My Ding-A-Ling I want you to play with My Ding-A-Ling

Read more: CHUCK BERRY - MY DING-A-LING-A-LING LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/my-dingalingaling-lyrics-chuck-berry.html#ixzz1vInAUd5Q 
Copied from MetroLyrics.com 


I bet that for the rest of the day- this will pop into  your head- and a smile will crease your lips!

Then mama took me to Grammar schoolBut I stopped off in the Besta BeauEvery time that bell would ring[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/my-dingalingaling-lyrics-chuck-berry.html ]Catch me playing with my ding-a-ling

Read more: CHUCK BERRY - MY DING-A-LING-A-LING LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/my-dingalingaling-lyrics-chuck-berry.html#ixzz1vInioTcz 
Copied from MetroLyrics.com 


BRING BACK THE MEMORIES-HAPPY THOUGHTS-A GOOD MOOD FOR TODAY SONG!


My Ding-A-Ling My Ding-A-Ling I want you to play with My Ding-A-LingMy Ding-A-Ling My Ding-A-Ling I want you to play with My Ding-A-Ling

Read more: CHUCK BERRY - MY DING-A-LING-A-LING LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/my-dingalingaling-lyrics-chuck-berry.html#ixzz1vIoG9wvQ 
Copied from MetroLyrics.com 

CAN' HELP BUT SMILE!

Once I was climbing the garden wall,I slipped and had a terrible fallI fell so hard I heard birds ring,But held on to My ding-a-ling

Read more: CHUCK BERRY - MY DING-A-LING-A-LING LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/my-dingalingaling-lyrics-chuck-berry.html#ixzz1vIoWAcAv 
Copied from MetroLyrics.com 


ALL TOGETHER NOW!


Once I was swimming cross turtle creekthose snapping turtls were snapping at my feetSure was hard swimming cross that thingwith both hands holding my ding-a-ling

Read more: CHUCK BERRY - MY DING-A-LING-A-LING LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/my-dingalingaling-lyrics-chuck-berry.html#ixzz1vIomGeLg 
Copied from MetroLyrics.com 


MY DING A LING MY DING A LING!

This here song it ain't so sadThe cutest little song you ever hadThose of you who will not singYou must be playing with your own Ding-a-ling

Read more: CHUCK BERRY - MY DING-A-LING-A-LING LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/my-dingalingaling-lyrics-chuck-berry.html#ixzz1vIpB7iei 
Copied from MetroLyrics.com 



DING A LING   DING A LING   DING A LING!!!!!!!!!


Okay- I hope this gets you into the mood to face whatever you have to face today!

Be positive- go forth and just bring a smile to someone else- think of this little tune- smile inward and outward- see the reaction in their face when you smile.

Think happy thoughts today and bring on that good Kharma so that it radiates forth from you. Maybe, just maybe, you will change someones attitude to the good- maybe you will influence someone to have an even better day THINK POSITIVE- PASS IT ON- MAKE A DIFFERENCE!



FROM US TO YOU-TO GET YOU STARTED TODAY- HAVE A VERY GOOD DAY!

BLOG DAY # 81. GROWING HEALTHY IN THE BACK YARD!

     Last night- Sherry opened up the door to the small back patio-stepped outside-and cut some lettuce and kale off for salads for supper. It took all of three minutes. Didn't have to go to the store-fight traffic-find parking- just one step shopping!

AND SHE HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR ALMOST FIVE WEEKS!  WE NOW HAVE SOME STRAWBERRIES READY. BELOW IS A PICTURE TAKEN ONE WEEK AGO OF OUR CUKES. THE TOMATO PLANTS ARE NOW TWO FEET HIGH. SPINACH-LETTUCE-KALE WE HAVE BEEN EATING FOR ALMOST FIVE WEEKS.




They now are twice that size. And the best thing is that we know exactly what we have and no pesticides have been added. Just WATER-AIR- & NATURAL NUTRIENTS! We do not have to worry about what we are putting into our bodies.



IT IS REALLY EASY TO DO- I CHECK THE WATER LEVEL ONCE A WEEK- ADD WATER & NUTRIENTS- CHECK PH- ADD IF NEEDED- THEN WAIT UNTIL NEXT WEEK TO DO THE SAME!




HERE IS KRISTEN'S - STARTED IN EARLY APRIL- SHE LIVES IN WESTERN NC.
THIS HAS GONE THRU A FROST- AND YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING SHE IS GROWING. I WOULD SAY THIS IS LESS THAN SIX WEEKS OLD!





THIS ONE BELONGS TO KRISTIE JONES IN COCOA BEACH FLA. THIS IS MAYBE SIX WEEKS OR LESS OLD.



  THE FUTURE IS HERE!


The Tower Garden represents a way to garden even in the smallest spaces. Two and one half feet across- five feet tall- twenty different plants! Imagine a large round garbage can. That is the space it takes up. It is affordable. $499.00- plus shipping. $100.00 down includes first payment & shipping. Then 11 monthly payments! Everything you need is included.




The Tower Garden is brought to you by JUICE PLUS. It is one more step in healthy eating and healthy living. It allows every one to be a gardener without weeding, not a whole lot of space- and it makes a healthy way of knowing exactly what you are growing and eating!


You actually can get your children - grandchildren involved in healthy growing & gardening.





When I say it is easy to do- this is a picture of just how easy it is. I check it once a week to add water & nutrients- I check it once a week after I add water for the PH. That is it. When I say I sit down and read- sip wine or drink a beer- that is the truth.





THIS WAS TAKEN ONE MONTH AGO- EXACTLY ONE MONTH FROM PLANTING!

TODAY IT GOES WAY OUT BEYOND THE WHITE FRAME. AND WE HAVE BEEN CUTTING IT BACK FOR 5 1/2 WEEKS.

WE STARTED OUR SECOND SET OF LETTUCE SEEDLINGS AND IN TWO WEEKS WILL TRANSPLANT THEM INTO THE TOWER GARDEN.


     I hope this gives you insight into fresh gardening- we use no pesticides- we believe in GREEN- and this is our way of  taking that step- for we have no space or time to put in a garden.

    This gives us fresh fruits(strawberries) and veggies every day. I do not have a green thumb- I hate to weed- I do not have to till the soil nor do I have to water. The Tower Garden uses only 10 % of a normal garden in water! So that is it in a nutshell.

IF INTERESTED-CONTACT US THRU FACEBOOK OR HERE-LEAVE A COMMENT!


HAPPY GARDENING-THINK GREEN-SIT BACK AND ENJOY LIFE-WE DO!