Time Management

"Where Does Time Go?"

We hear that phrase so many times in our lives that it has become one of the world's wonders to me.

This summer I did not have the opportunity to work in the schools as I did in the past. I really didn't think it would bother me so much since there was so much to be done with David's graduation, travel baseball (X 2 boys), and beginning to do the footwork for our November wedding. I also had plans to crochet a lot, garden, read and walk.

As the summer days progressed, I found myself writing "to do" lists every day. (This was after a great stay with my brother, who lives in Florida!)

There was a whole menu to plan for the graduation party, grocery shopping, and actually cooking and preparing the food for the party. I enjoyed it, but was constantly worried about volume- would there be enough food?? LOL

Baseball went quickly-one son's team was up and down with victories, the other son rarely played due to lack of organization of tournaments by the coach. Sad for both sons, yet it was a little break for us!

Wedding plans are going well- all we need to decide now is flowers and honeymoon (if we have one). The cake will be ordered next week, the invitations are in the making and the dress is almost paid off. The guys still need to select tuxes, but that doesn't take much time-

I did crochet a shrug sweater in a beige pearl color, and a couple of change purses in cool summer hues and I took a knitting class. I prefer crochet-LOL!

I read a few Debbie Macomber books which were excellent, and gardened here and there, but mostly maintanance work.

I have been taking early morning walks every day that fall between the 3 and 4 mile distance. I have enjoyed waking around the island and discovering new things I hadn't noticed before.

It is almost time for me to go back to school- I should be sad, but I feel that urge to organize the classroom, dust off the books, and get going again.

I am glad I love my job, but that's not too say that summer didn't go by too fast- It DID! I will miss my walks-and I will try to envision them in the winter months to get me through...

I will miss the alone time I have had with my man- it is time worth "saving in a bottle"! I love him with all my heart-

With that in mind-

Time for Tea! (And a snack to go with it!)

E-

Strength in Numbers

                                                                               Steven

Our youngest son is entering high school this fall as the eldest enters college. What a time for all of us! We have always believed the boys will do well in life, and the struggles we encounter in order to get them there have been trying at times. This is not anything new to any family with children, I know- but it feels good to be able to say that even though we all struggle, we pull through one way or another.
Steven is a kid who is very smart, creative and active. He is humorous and well liked. He also has come a long way over the past 7 years since I was a single parent. With the encouragement from every adult in his life, Steven proves to us over and over again that he can do almost anything if he sets his mind to it! Whether it be sports, friendships, "dating", or academics...when Steven wants something- if he works hard enough- he'll get it!
He is a work in progress- as all kids are...and I can only believe that if he continues in this path of struggle, try, succeed, he will do just fine. I worry, as all parents do, about both of our boys- so learning to breathe and deal with these struggles can be very stressful. Luckily, I have a great partner who feels as I do, and we talk and sort things the best we can together...
Steven is a lucky kid as is his brother, to have the courage and strength to wade through rough waters with the support of his family.
I love you Steven!

With that in mind-
Time for Tea!
E-

Beginnings

I have been with my significant other for almost 5 years now. We have decided that after 1 1/2 years of being engaged, it's time to make our marriage vows. I have to say that I had feelings of doubt about marriage- we seem too good to be true as it is! Why change things? I am very comfortable with our living situation (together) and our relationship, and our love. I am actually more than comfortable, I am in love with it all-

When we decided on a date for our wedding, we gave ourselves 5 months in which to prepare. We just had one son graduate from high school, so why not add another huge event to our lives? Right? LOL

No, there is no complaining or regrets...

I have just found my dress-

I wasn't exactly thrilled about being 47 and a bride... but I decided to do my best. I wanted classy, eye-catching and champagne. I thought to myself that I am marrying the most perfect person in the world, I want him to be bug-eyed when I walk down the chapel aisle. I want him to be happy and excited, the way I feel now! I was surprised when I tried on my first dress, and bought it! That's what happens when you cry the minute you see yourself in the right dress! It is just what I wanted, and what I think he would like to see me in. I hope so...

We have many things on the go already for the big day- now we just need to hone the list of guests, and find a restaurant to accomodate 50 - 60 people. I think we can do it! It won't take much doing once we get out there and ask around.

I am officially an extatic bride, and am happier, and more enthusiastic than I ever thought I'd be-

What a wonderful feeling- I hope you feel it too, hon!

xxxooo Me

With that in mind- Time for Tea!

E-

This is my son David. He is graduating from high school in a few weeks. I am very excited for him as he ventures into the world of acadamia and college sports. He is a very concientious young man, with high expectations of himself. His career choice is that of a police officer. My grandfather was a fire chief, and I have a cousin who is a police chief in a nearby city.

I think David has it in him to be a good officer, but, as with any mother, my fears are all about safety. I pray that he is safe no matter where he is and what he is doing. He has had a rough year dealing with teen suicide, teen drug abuse and also peer pressure. He lost a good friend, became mentor to another, and dealt with  the ins and outs of being an upper classman. As we all know, stress and pressure can get the best of us- and I think David confronted his situation in a most honorable way...he told me he lost sight of his priorities and that he is refocused and ready to finish the year in a positive way. I have seen many changes take place in his social demeanor, his attitude and his relationships.

I am not saying there hasn't been any slipping back- that always happens. But any educator or researcher knows that in order to gain, one must slip, and then go further on in growth than before the slip. It's called learning.

David- you have the support of a loving family...I hope you will always confide in us when you need us.

I love you-

Time for Tea-

E-

A New Beginning

Isn't this a wild photo? I like it for my topic of writing today-  Today I am finishing up my Tea Catering list of menus and menu choices. I have my "next steps" in order, and am actually looking into creating our web page on a web site that I saw advertised on television. I have an incredible feeling that this business might take off! I am excited as a new business person- but also very nervous...
I know that tea can become a huge part of people's lives, if they let it. It is a great way to celebrate almost anything! The home made breads, scones, entree's and sweets are  sure hit! I am saying my prayers that this could turn into a retirement adventure with my sweetheart-
Catering now-an establishement somewhere when retirement is in the picture.
I have wonderful support, and belief that this could work, now it is time for me to get at it and get our name out there on the web and begin making lives a little happier.
Short and Sweet today-
Time for Tea-
E-

Walking

Henry David Thoreau wrote about walking as if it were a gift. He traces it back to the time of the Sainte-Terrer, or Saunterer,or one who walks to the Holy Land...
He also concedes that humans are part of nature's make up, not merely citizens...saunterers, with or without a home, can feel at home anywhere that nature can provide a "home". We are at home everywhere, or so we should be.
No, I am not suggesting we all become vagrants or saunterers...I am suggesting the art of walking.

My fiance' and I took our first walk of the season the other night. The weather was still cool, and the night wind was here and there, and the sun was lowering itself into the earth's horizon. I couldn't help but murmer how much I had missed the outdoors throughout our entire 3 mile walk. I felt like I was in awe of the trip, I had truly missed the feeling that walking gives me.

Walking makes me feel relieved of (some) stress, hopeful when I see new things nature has to offer the island, excited to view deer running across the grassy yards near the river while the sun is still in view through the branches of the spring trees. The ice floats making there way southward toward the lake is a sight to behold. A secret it keeps that spring is soon to appear, but not as fast as we want it. Water foul gaining in numbers at the river's edge, enough to hear their call at dusk and dawn.

I heard a ferry's horn blowing this morning- what a great noise. It immediately made me yearn for lake time with the one's I love to be with. Water is a cure for what ailes me at times...it also replenishes senses that need to be awakened once again, absent from the long indoors of winter.

Thoreau's words complete my own thoughts as I walk like the saunterer he describes in his works entitled, "Walking".

"So we saunter toward the Holy Land, till one day the sun shall shine more brightly than ever he has done, shall perchance shine into our minds and hearts, and light up our whole lives with a great awakening light, as warm and golden as on a bankside in autumn."

Time for Tea-
E-

Twenty Wishes?

I just read a Debbie Macomber book called "Twenty Wishes". It is an offshoot of a trilogy called the "Blossom Street" series. I loved the books because they were set in Seattle, Washington which is one of my favorite places to visit, plus, the characters are warm and wonderful. In the series, there are many women from the neighborhood of Blossom Street who come together for various reasons and learn to knit at "A Good Yarn" on Blossom Street. They meet and freindships bloom and stories move on...

In the "Twenty Wishes" book, the main character, Anne Marie meets with other widows (young and old) on Valentines Day, who happen to all be friends through the knitting classes, and they decide to make a list of twenty wishes that they want to achieve in their life. They all have many wishes, some are to fall in love again, some are to do odd things that no one ever expected, and some are dreams of travel or buying something.

I think about what they have on their wish list, and I think of the wishes I have had, or have now...
I fell in love again, and am still in love with the most wonderful man I have ever met, I still have my wonderful teaching job of 22 years, my own kids are growing and one is off to college next fall, the other to his first year in high school.
I get to garden every spring and summer. I am learning all the crochet stitches, and am on my 3rd and 4th project!
I get to walk in beautiful surroundings every morning or evening when the weather is nice. I have great books to read, and am working on writing my own book-
And...I am also getting a business plan together for a Tea Catering company. I am very excited about the prospect of one day making a go at this. I have a great passion for tea, as you well know if you have followed my blog at all or hit it now and then.
Tonight I plan on working on the menus I will offer. I have already made lists of baking supplies I may need, and will make another list or 5 for other needed items for table and serving.
I think this last item it the wish I am most afraid of-but it is a wish all the same.

Like the women in the novel, I plan to make a go of a wish, and see where it takes me. I feel very blessed to have the person I love backing up my ideas, and giving support and suggestions that can only help me in whatever I do.
Thank you hon- you are my T (in Tea)...

With tea on the brain-
Time for tea!
E-