At the Fence

Hey neighbors!! Some of you may remember me mentioning our fight with raccoons not too long ago.  Well, it is still going on!  There is apparently a family living in the crawl space above part of our home.  It is a little creepy to listen to them scratching around above your bed and having minor skirmishes.  I have been asleep and startled awake to them screeching at each other.  I think I mentioned the first time they did this I was positive something was in our bedroom.  They were also raiding our trash cans, even pushing the lids off when we put bricks on them. So, we had a couple of humane traps and trapped 8 of them, along with a possum.  No, not all at the same time.  Unfortunately we found out that we were not taking them far enough away.  So we actually may have caught a couple more than once, although we have since been told that once a raccoon is caught in a trap that he won't fall for it again. Move forward a few weeks.  Our friend came up and repaired our roof

Are You Struggling From Paycheck to Paycheck? Lance Advisors Hey neighbors!! Finances are a topic most of us shy away from talking about.  It is often a bone of contention between spouses and has probably led to more than one family crisis. Financial stress is very real.  In our fast paced, I want it all now society many of us have a tendency to purchase items on the spur of the moment and regret it later.  It gets even worse when you purchase on a credit card and then the bills start rolling in.  Next thing you know your income is smaller than your outgo.  This is when you start struggling from paycheck to paycheck and wonder how you are ever going to get back on track.  You are just surviving and trying to keep your head above water. Perhaps overspending is not the cause of your financial problems, but illness or injury is.  Even a short term illness can run up medical bills, but when you talk long term illness or an injury that hinders or stops your ability to work then y

Raising a daughter is such a major responsibility. In some ways, men and women are very similar, however, each person is different and has unique needs. You may have to tailor your parenting approach for each child. With this understanding, it's important to relate to your daughter in a way that honors who she is, and the woman she'll grow to become. You'll want to encourage her in ways that are unique to her gifts, talents and interests. When your daughter feels loved by you, as a parent, you'll give her a foundation of safety and security. From that place, she can really thrive.  Consider the following ways you can actively cherish your daughter.  1. Go out on dates . Create your own separate date night with her. Just like you'd have a date night with your spouse, do the same with your daughter. Make it unique. Perhaps you could get her a carnation before you head out.Use this as a time for you two to connect, have fun and make new memories. You can go gra

Hey neighbors!! Many of you have seen some of my photos I have taken since getting my Canon 6D.  I have always enjoyed photography.  I started out of course with a simple point and shoot.  You know, the kind that is small enough to slip in a pocket of your purse and you just turn it on, point at what you want a picture of, use the little lever to zoom in or out and push the button.  It does all the focusing by itself. Move forward a few years.  Of course I have changed cameras a few times and upgraded a bit.  Most of my cameras have been Canon, which is why I chose Canon when I moved up to a DSLR.  I did what most people do at first with a DSLR and kept it in Auto mode.  I occasionally changed to Sports or Night, but I definitely left it on Auto for most photos. Then, I decided I needed to learn how to move to Manual mode.  You know the one where you can totally ruin the picture if you don't learn what all those odd terms mean.  Like ISO - does that mean "in se

Hey neighbors! Received this from AG Publicity today, that Lindsey Graham celebrated her 6th Homecoming in Naples Florida.  The event was held at First Baptist of Naples and was a great success. This year Lindsey was pleased to have special guest, Michael Booth.   A native Floridian, Michael is part of the well-loved Southern Gospel group, the Booth Brothers.  The talented singer performed as a soloist, and then collaborated on several songs with Lindsey. They performed a live version of her original song, Trust You , from her latest EP "Still, My Soul: Songs for Quiet Moments.” They also performed a duet of Lindsey’s current radio single, Safe , which features Michael. Lindsey said of the event, "This was the first time hosting this event in the main sanctuary of my own home church. It was thrilling to have more than 1000 people there to celebrate with us, and to encounter the Lord through song, laughter, & testimony.  It was a great night of worship, praise a

Top Celebrities Who Have Their Own App Image Credit: Pixabay Celebrities are known for expanding their roles outside of their normal work in order to expand upon their success. Some celebrities start their own restaurants or businesses hoping to use their name and brand to further their success. Other celebrities try to find footing in other aspects such as fitness and health. However, one new trend that is popping up is celebrities that have their own successful mobile applications. Technology is becoming more prominent in our lives, and some celebrities are chomping at the bit to be apart of the tech industry. Here are some of the top celebrities that have made their name in the world of mobile applications. Kylie Jenner (Kylie Cosmetics) Kylie Jenner is on track to be the youngest self-made billionaire ever, and she's showing no signs of slowing down. Jenner is best known for her cosmetic lines and social media following, and has recently released an app called Kyl

Hey neighbors!! I am sure glad spring is just around the corner, but as we are shaking off the winter weather how are you doing financially?  Winter is of course one of the seasons where people tend to spend more money than they intend to.  Between Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's we can put out quite a bit on food, drink and gifts.  Parents have a tendency to go into to debt to make sure their children have a good holiday.  Husbands and wives often purchase expensive gifts for each other, as do dating couples.  Then there are families who must purchase a gift for every member of the extended family, even if they really never interact with each other.  Parties for work, church get togethers, old friends dropping in all make our spending go up. So, now that the season of spending is over, what do you do next?  First of all, don't stress out.  Take a deep breath and then sit down with pen and paper to start a budget .  On one sheet of paper write out all income.  Ne

Hey neighbors!! So glad you stopped by today.  The Restoration Series, is a video series about Prison Fellowship's Academy.  This is a revolutionary in prison program they are using to help combat incarceration and recidivism.  Take a moment to read about Jonathan's Walk and watch the short video clip below. About:  The Restoration Series Jonathan's Walk For years, Jonathan has been in prison. As a result, he has missed milestone moments with his family. He wasn’t there for his daughter’s first day of school or a thousand little experiences with his wife and as a father, he is devastated to be separated from those he loves most. ‍ Jonathan has been looking forward to his release from prison for over a decade. So many life events have been missed and he is now ready to be with his wife and kids again. Of course, this transition isn't going to be easy. The odds are against him: with over half of prisoners returning to prison within two years, Jonathan is aware

Hey neighbors!! So, you've decided to add a puppy or dog to your home.  Now, purebred, mix breed, male, female, puppy or adult dog is all a matter of opinion.  Do your research and choose what will work best for you.  Make sure you get a dog that will fit in with your lifestyle. What I want to talk about is what you need for your new friend.  Before you bring him or her home pick up some necessary supplies.  First do some inquiries to locate a good vet.  You do not want to be frantically calling to find a vet should an emergency arise.  Your vet will be able to give your dog the shots that are needed and can also recommend products for worming and for controlling fleas and ticks. You will need a collar and leash .  If you chose a puppy over an adult dog, you may want to choose an inexpensive collar first.  Your pup will quickly outgrow the first collar you purchase.  Make sure to check the collar regularly to make sure it has not become too tight.  We use a two finger rul

Hey neighbors!! I know many of us are looking forward to spring for many reasons.  Some of our children or perhaps even you are considering college soon.  If you are, now is the time to start checking in to what scholarships are available and if you qualify to apply.  So, I am putting together a list of some of the scholarships available.  Be sure to check out each scholarships and read what is required to apply.  Make sure your application and whatever other paperwork is required is turned in on time.  Several of these sites have information on past scholarship winners as well as other pertinent information that will assist you when applying. Are you interested in economics?  Consider applying for the Rusty Robert Tweed Scholarship.  This is for an outstanding student in economics or finance.  One winner will be awarded a $1000 scholarship.  Deadline to apply is April 1. The Minc Law Scholarship was formed on the premise that everyone who wishes to continue learning in col

Most parents take pride in the way their children dress. It is common to pay special attention to your children's clothing. When shopping, you want to buy clothing items that can be used in variety of ways. Children are sometimes invited to special occasions or events that require dress shoes and dress clothes. More often than not, they will be wearing casual clothing. Read on to find out how to choose affordable and quality pieces for your child’s casual wardrobe. Shoes A nice pair of shoes can make a basic outfit look extraordinary. You want your child to outgrow shoes instead of wearing them out. Leather shoes are a good option to add to your child’s wardrobe. This material is durable and high quality. Leather shoes also go well with a dressy outfit. Leather shoes can be found in a variety of styles, such as childrens leather boots . Leather ankle boots are popular among women and they also make this style for girls. An ankle boot can dress up your outfit. It can be wo

Hey neighbors!! Sorry about missing yesterday's post.  Between church and preparing for today, I was pretty busy.  So once again we have cold weather and a wintry mix coming in!!  Yay!! (Sarcasm there!!) I hope you are having better weather than we are.  My whole family is tired of winter. Then to top it off, we think we have a raccoon family living in the ceiling above our bedroom.  My husband did some research and they say that it is often a mother and her babies when you hear what sounds like more than one.  We actually heard a fight last night.  Not to mention a bunch of bumping and scratching going on.  They have been raiding our trash on a regular basis.  With all the cold, wet, icy, raining, snowy weather we are having it is impossible to get up on the roof to find out where they are getting in.  One person recommended cutting a hole in your ceiling and catching them, but that does not sound too safe to me.  So, we are considering calling someone who catches anim

Vacations that are a True Escape Have you ever wished for a vacation that was truly restful? An honest to goodness escape from day to day stresses may be easier to accomplish than you might imagine. The trick is to pick a location that provides the relaxation you need while suiting your personality. Use the following suggestions to get your vacation planning under way. Escape to the Seaside It doesn't get any more relaxing than sitting by the edge of the water enjoying a good book. Consider one of the  quiet beaches in north carolina  as your vacation destination. You can awake to a beautiful sunrise, spend your afternoon soaking up the sun or wandering through local shops, and have a relaxing dinner of local seafood. At the end of the day, drift off to sleep with the sound of waves crashing in the background. Hide in the Woods Getting in touch with nature gives you a peaceful feeling that eludes your daily life. Renting a cabin in the woods is the perfect way to e

Hey neighbors!! We are still very cold here. 10 degrees today with a feels like in the negatives! So, today I am thinking would be a good day for baking. My daughter bakes some low carb peanut butter cookies. They are pretty good. We have even made them thumbprint cookies with low sugar jelly.  So, today’s entry is comment below with your favorite cookie. It can be homemade, bakery or store bought. And I will share the recipe for the low carb peanut butter cookies in another post shortly. Don't forget, the last post will be on the 20th.  Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping in! -Lori

How many times have your wracked your brain trying to come up with the perfect gift for that special person in your life, only to come up short? The reality is that no matter how close you may be to someone, some people are just incredibly hard to buy for. Everyone has their individual likes and dislikes, which is why it can be so hard to find the perfect gift for a loved one. There's really a huge disappointment factor in finding out that the gift you thought was utterly perfect for your special someone was met with a so-so level of enthusiasm.  So, what's the solution? Cookies! Send them love in cookie form. If there is one gift that will always be met with enthusiasm, it's a package of freshly baked, beautifully decorated and utterly delicious cookies. Cookies are simply an endearing gift in many ways, which is why they are always a smart choice. Cookies can be decorated in any number of ways to suit a range of occasions, and they can also be packaged beautifully,

Hi neighbors!! Check out this 12 cup Coffee Maker ($39.99) from Capresso .  Are you looking for a new coffee maker?  This just might be the one for you. Obviously the first thing is, it can brew 12 cups of coffee.  It has multiple nozzles that spray the hot water evenly over the ground coffee.  It has a programmable 24 hour clock/timer.  My family thinks the ability to set the strength of the coffee is a huge bonus.  There is a drip stop so you can pour a cup of coffee before it has finished brewing.  And my husband's idea of a bonus, it can keep the coffee warm for 2 hours. Something I think is a benefit is the reusable gold-tone filter.  I get so frustrated when we run out of filters and no one added them to the shopping list.  It is black with stainless steel accents.  Of course the carafe is glass. The filter, carafe and lid are dishwasher safe.  Although if you are like my family, you don't really wash a coffee pot often. Now, here is what I am doin

Hey neighbors!! Found this GREAT site Broadway Basketeers to share with you!  They sell all different kinds of gift baskets.  Valentines Day is fast approaching and the gift baskets from Broadway Basketeers is a perfect way to say I love you. When you visit their website, the hardest thing will be choosing which basket to send!  Some of course are towers of boxes of cookies or candy, and they also have flowers and one of my husband's favorites, cheesecake.  We received the Gourmet Cookies and Chocolate Valentines Day Gift .  It includes: 4 - Oatmeal Cookies 4 - Chocolate Chip Cookies 4 - White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies 4 - Double Chocolate Cookies 4 - Milk Chocolate Bavarian Pretzels 4 - Chocolate Covered Grahams Don't these look tempting? All of these are in a flat basket and there is a colorful bow on top.  They look wonderful!!  It is so easy to order and them shipped directly to your loved one.  *Please note the stuffed sloth, candle and cand