Stewey

Stewey at about 5 weeks old

We nursed him with an eye dropper

Stewey now at about 1 1/2 yrs.

We never planned on keeping Stewey as a pet, but he adopted us anyway. Stewey was rescued from a downed tree in a friend's yard about a year and a half ago.  We figured we'd nurse him and prepare him for a life in the wild.  We slowly introduced him to the outdoors, watching as he ran around the back yard, climbing up the tree and then back down.  Then one day he discovered other squirrels and would spend hours at a time running with his new friends.  Eventually he disappeared for a week; we figured we had done our job and if we were lucky he would make an occasional appearance.  One afternoon my son Matt was sitting in the garage when he was startled by Stewey, who came running in and leaped into his lap.  From that point on he would only venture out for a little while and then come running back in.  My husband has become very attached to his little buddy.  Did you know that a squirrel in captivity can live up to 20 years?  Looks like he's going to be around for a while.

The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin

http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/

I've been following Gretchen Rubin since last year after reading her book, The Happiness Project.  Since we're getting close to another new year, most of us are thinking ahead to our new year's resolutions.  I personally have never really been one to make resolutions because like most of us, I usually fail to achieve them.  Today I read Gretchen's post looking at this from another perspective.  Instead of making new year's resolutions, think about a one word theme for the coming year.  Think about what one word would encompass what you want or need to accomplish. I gave it some thought and to be honest, I have not been able to nail down one word, but I have narrowed it down to 3.  My words are, GOALS, CHANGE AND THRIVE.  I'm leaning towards change because goals and thriving can fall under the category of change. I like the idea of THRIVE, because as another reader stated in her comment, she wants to "thrive instead of survive."  I like that idea a lot, because that's exactly how I feel, like I've just been surviving and not thriving and that needs to change.  There's that word again....CHANGE. 

Think about it, what would your word be?

Memories of A Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Every year at Christmas time I can't help but remember a very sweet memory.  It was seventeen years ago; we were broke and in the process of moving back to Jacksonville from Georgia.  I was depressed about our situation and stressed beyond belief.  We would be making the move on Christmas Eve, so I definitely had no plans of putting up a Christmas tree, let alone even doing Christmas.  My kids were young, Sara 3 and Matt was 8 months, I figured it really wouldn't matter.  I was frantically packing and cleaning while trying to look after the kids.  Matthew, as always, was crying.  He cried all the time, hour after hour, it never seemed to stop and I was frazzled to say the least. Amid all the craziness, Sara wanted to put up a Christmas tree.  All I could think about was how I didn't have time for this, we're moving, we're not going to be here for Christmas and I didn't even know where any Christmas decorations were among all the boxes. The next thing I remember was Richard taking Sara out to the woods behind the house to look for a Christmas tree. I was standing at the kitchen sink and looked up in time to see Sara and dad coming around the back of the house dragging a pitiful little pine tree.  She was beaming, she was so excited about her little Christmas tree.  The first thing I thought about was that sad little tree in the classic Charlie Brown Christmas.  It wasn't quite that bad, but it was close.  So, we decorated our little tree with some odds and ends from around the house and made an aluminum foil star for the top.  We didn't have any presents to put under it, but I had a memory that would last me a lifetime. 

Well, life as we know it has it's ups and downs.  It's a roller coaster ride full of twists and turns and occasionally we get thrown for a loop and things get turned upside down.  This year has been one of those years for us and I'm just happy we're all in one piece and healthy. This year I lost a good friend and a sister to cancer.  These huge losses have certainly put things in perspective and have caused me to think a lot about priorities.  There have been broken bones, illnesses and financial struggles this year due to reduced hours at work and pay cuts due to the economy. We're in the same boat with many, many others across the country.  So, this year may be another "Charlie Brown Christmas", not just for my family, but for many others as well.  We'll get through it though, we always do. I will just pray that the coming year will bring much more joy than heartache for all of us.

Currently Reading

Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

I was intrigued when I browsed through this book in the book store several months ago. Eric Weiner travels the world in search of the happiest places on earth.  I read an excerpt from it online and decided I had to go back and get it.  A witty combination of geography, psychology and philosophy.  I am finding it to be a very interesting read so far, I'll keep you posted.

Ways to Celebrate National Book Month

Ways to Celebrate National Book Month     
Click on the link above

I just thought I'd share this.  It's good that we take time to promote reading, but as far as I'm concerned, this is a year round event.

October

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October. - Nathaniel Hawthorne

"I love October!"  "What is your favorite thing about October?"

Those were the comments from a friend on Facebook recently.  The temperatures have finally cooled and we have been experiencing the most beautiful weather of the year the last couple of weeks.  October is probably the best month of the year in Florida as far as I am concerned.  After a long hot summer, there is no sweeter relief than October's pleasant weather, especially the cool crisp nights. October means that I can open my windows and let the fresh air flow through the house. I spend more time sitting in my back yard reading, or just watching the squirrels and birds that visit the feeder in my yard.  I look forward to the more frequent day trips to state parks and preserves where we can enjoy all that nature has to offer this time of year, walking trails, observing the wildlife, and enjoying a picnic. One of the best things about this time of year is the food.  As soon as we have our first cool snap, it's time for homemade vegetable or chicken soup, chicken and dumplings, chili, beef stew and biscuits.  Cooler weather means camping,  and we always enjoy a camping trip in late October.  It's so relaxing to disconnect from the world, no phones, no tv, just the sights and sounds of nature. I guess in response to my friends question, "What's your favorite thing about October?"  I would have to say, "just about everything."