Treats and Temptations

How's a girl supposed to keep to her resolution and lose 5 pounds, with treats and temptations all around her? I guess it doesn't help that I happen to love and collect plates and serving dishes with delectable designs too? Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. ~Ernestine Ulmer

Dinner Diet

After a weekend of nibbling and snacking, I decided to pull in the reigns and eat something a little "less". As in less calories, less fat, and less work. Am I on a diet? No. Should I be? Probably. Will I? Heck no! It's not on my resolution list. :)

Dreaded Drought

For the past 2 years we've been besieged by drought. It's taken its toll on this once beautiful and vast lake.

We never know the worth of water till the well is dry. ~Thomas Fuller Click on picture to see original size.

Country Bridges

On our family outing today, we came upon 2 country bridges.

I felt a little nervous as we drove over this particular bridge. It's meant for one vehicle at a time. Of course, you couldn't see very well if another vehicle was coming YOUR way! And if you notice, it looks a little rickety too. ::sigh::

Bridge over Far West Lake

"Let every man praise the bridge that carries him over" (English Proverb)

Beauty Of the Moon

A captivating sight from our bedroom window.

As it got darker, I couldn't help but to follow the moon's ascent.

View from the backyard.

I was captured by its beauty...its cool willowly haze.

The color of the sky changed throughout the evening.

"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator"

Mahatma Gandhi

Wildlife Nature Preserve

We spent the day at a local Wildlife Nature Preserve, more like a bird sanctuary...and it was absolutely beautiful. The sounds, the sights, and the wafting smell of nature. Not to mention the wonderful company of my husband and boys.

There was a huge owl in the tree, waiting silently, watching carefully....ever so aware of everything around him. I had to capture the moment before he disappeared into the reeds.

Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan

I am watching the Oprah Winfrey Show as I'm cooking dinner...and am excited to see that Suze Orman is offering another free book download to her viewers. It's available for this week only, so please jump on it! :)

I wish for you all, a happy and healthy new year, along with relief from financial strain.

Suze Orman - 2009 Action Plan

http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20081119_tows_bookdownload

All The Leaves Are Gone...and the Sky is Grey

Alright, I realize the real lyrics for California Dreamin' are:

All the leaves are brown

and the sky is grey.


But for my beautiful little potted maple tree....all the leaves are GONE. :) It seems so desolate out there on my patio. For now. It's definitely grey and foggy out there too. The patio is one of my favorite spots to relax and read a book. I'll revisit this spot in the spring, summer and fall.

Friend or Foe?

Meet my new friend. Mr. T, as in Treadmill.

Yep, another resolution. Lose 5 pounds! Okay, okay, in reality it should be 10 pounds, maybe even 12, but we're talking a reasonable goal here. And hopefully with the aid of this contraption (Mr. T), I'll be able to attain it.

I wonder if a milkshake will last me through the 40 minutes of walking?

This is one case where I hope a friend doesn't become a foe. :)

Introduction

I decided to create a blog this year (one of my resolutions), with one thought in mind. Expanding my horizons. What a concept. Is that enough to embark on such a journey?

I was inspired by the 365 2009 challenge:

http://photojojo.com/content/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/

Only in this case, being realistic in setting my goals for a weekly post, complete with a picture or two.

"Cast Your Cares" resonates a theme that I wish to hold true to my own personal life, it comes from the verse..."Cast your cares upon Him, for He careth for you". 1 Peter 5:7

I welcome you to travel this journey with me. I have no idea what will become of it, or how detached or personal it may be. Time will tell. If you should decide to take on the task of creating a blog, please send me your links, I'd like to keep in touch.