Sugar Plantation On St. Kitts

Ruins of an old Sugar Plantation
Originally uploaded by J. Stephen Conn
For a change of pace from dark February days, here is a photo of a tropical island, St. Kitts, in the West Indies. My husband and I lived on its sister island of Nevis for several months years ago, and enjoyed the beauty of the islands, the old stone sugar mill buildings, the tropical flowers, the beaches and more.
Have a great weekend, my blog friends.

And the winner is ...

Joy
Originally uploaded by worobod

I used random.org to select the winner of the book "The Upside of Downsizing" by Karen O'Connor and it selected commenter 26, Marydon, of blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com
I will contact you Marydon, and may this book be a great inspiration to you, especially since you mention in your comment that you will be moving. Perfect time to simplify.
Thank you to all you left comments or read my blog.

Upside of Downsizing, book to give away

Hi All,
I like to give away books here when I find one I am excited about, and here is a delightful book by Karen O'Connor titled "The Upside of Downsizing: 50 Ways to Create a Cozy Life."
This upbeat book is about how to simplify, which happens to save money! Two great ideas.

The author (see photo above) shares stories from her own life and friends' lives, which got me enthused to try some of her tips.
One suggestion is to choose experience over possessions. O'Connor and her husband told their adult children they love to spend some time with them, rather than receive another nice thingamajig for the house. Now they often enjoy a phone conversation or a walk along the ocean instead of a new possession.
A second idea is "Opening your heart and home" which has suggestions including inviting people to your home for soup and a salad bar, and cookies for dessert, which is simple to put together.
O'Connor reminds readers how a prayer partner can be ideal, and also explains that she is blessed to have a "heartner", an idea new to me.
These tips will work wonderfully for adults of any age, who want to simplify and have a life that is enriched with experiences. If you like the idea and are a bit bogged down for practical ways to go ahead, this book is just the tool you need, and a great bargain at only $6.99.
The publisher, Harvest House, kindly gave me a copy to give away to one person who leaves a comment here. I will select the winner using random.org and announce the lucky person on Tuesday February 22.

Valentines Day Card

Valentines Day Cards
Originally uploaded by Mark Gstohl

Hi Blog Friends,
I send you all wishes for a happy Valentine's Day and my wishes for some sort of special treat for you and your sweetie or friend.
A meal, a red rose, a romantic card, a cupcake or whatever you fancy; so you will enjoy the day.

Oh Happy Day at Our House: Green Bay Packers and Super Bowl

Green Bay Packers
Originally uploaded by eytonz
Yes, we are Packer backers and had a family super bowl gathering at our house.
Super Bowl XLV was very exciting and you may have heard me cheering, even from miles away.
I grew up in Wisconsin and attended many games at the Packers Lambeau Field. Since my dad covered the game as a sports editor for a paper, we didn't have to wait in line to get in, and I even visited the press box, up high, a few times.
So when I moved to California I remained true to my team.
Well done guys!
Next step is I am looking for a super bowl champions sweatshirt for me.

Valentines Day is on its way

Gold, Red and Green Heart Pendant
Originally uploaded by Polymer Princess

Yesterday I got confused (yeah, that happens) and thought Valentines Day will be next Monday, so it's time to mail cards. I already had the four cards, so addressed them to mail today.
Then I realized wait a cotton picking minute, that is way too early. Valentines Day is more than a week away. So I will mail the cards Monday. I am sending a card to my aunt, to my cousin and to my step mom, and these gals live alone so cards are especially fun to get, and also one to my sister and her husband.
Do you celebrate Valentines Day?