Time passes on

Time has passed on...it has been too long since I have had a chance to sit down and collect my thoughts. With the holidays, hospital stays, two active puppies and a neglected garden/house, there have been too many other things demanding to come first. Right now, I'm focusing on me for a change. It didn't seem like Christmas without my auntie Hiroko and grandma Grace. It was always so much fun shopping for Hiroko...and everyone always looked forward to grandma's baking (even though she wasn't able to do it as well as she did years before). My mom's house was decorated as Winter Wonderland beautiful as always, but the house just seemed so empty and cold. Even my 2012 birthday was a downer...no celebrations that day since Mark was in the hospital. I actually spent the night with the doggies eating take out food. They seem to be my two dependable loves these days...driving me crazy with their destructive behavior, but always there to make me laugh and smile. I did manage to make some holiday money selling crocheted scarves and handmade paper ornaments...mom and I did a few craft boutiques, which were fun for mother/daughter bonding. The extra money was nice too ;) And crafting always takes my mind off the ugly stuff in life. I don't seem to get around to doing much crafting these days, but I'm vowing to try to make time. As I have also vowed to take better care of my health, my garden and myself in general. I've devoted a specific portion of the yard to roses this year. My favorite variegated lavender/purple survived the neglect in the heat and cold, so I will be sure to take special care of it. I have already been blessed with many blooms already...I've added a few new colors this year and cannot wait to take pictures in the spring. I've downsized the vegetable yard since the dogs are in need of their own space. My plans are for tomatoes, bell peppers, green beans and zucchini. I will also be planing some strawberry baskets, salad greens and herbs and might try blueberries again. I started a food log, in attempts to drop some weight in 2013. Mom and I are continuing to hit the gym...we try for 3 times a week. And I've decided to try to let my hair color grow back to it's true color...even the grays! We'll see how long that lasts...it's been 2 months so far. Things to look forward to are warmer weather for gardening, friends/family from out of town/state visiting soon and puppies that mature some more...mentally and emotionally. Buster has been quite the cry baby for momma lately...it's getting old :(