Boring You With The Details...

Before I start rambling about random crap that has been happening the last couple months I thought I would share with you something that I FINALLY found LOCALLY!  YAY!  I have tried a few of the other flavors but this is a first for me with THIS Sparkling Live Drinking Vinegars.  THIS flavor I am speaking/writing of is the TART CHERRY Apple Cider Vinegar with Coconut Vinegar.  I had a thought that I would enjoy it but I have to say I really LOVE it (way more than even I thought I would). 

It had to be a treat because it was still priced at a bit over $3 for the ONE bottle.  I figure some people throw money at cigarettes and other awful things so what if I splurge on this little gem, eh!?

Anyhow...on to a few other things.  I have mentioned (but haven't expanded on) how the last several months I have had a LOT going on.  And even now...I don't know where to begin.  I don't want to lay out all my dirty laundry or anything but I figured I would list a few things that have been on my mind as of late.

My MIL was diagnosed with cancer almost a year ago.  She went thru the treatments wonderfully and is now cancer-free but she's been having other issues since about June that no one can fully explain.  As you can imagine this is something that we worry about day-in and day-out.  It's on-going. 

Several months ago the company I work for was supposed to be sold.  We were looking forward to several changes.  In the final moments of the sale, it fell thru which was a bummer.  It's been doubly difficult because my MIL has worked at the same place for over 40 years and because of the health-related concerns she has retired and we haven't hired anyone new.

Of course, I am giving you the shortened versions of these stories but I have had some people ask me about different things and wanted to update my buddies without sharing TOO MUCH information - if you know what I mean.

DH is on the fair board and exec board of our county fair and that has come in to play more this year than in past years.  I have gotten more involved as well.  In addition, I have been very involved with our League of Women Voters and other community events and committees. 

The beginning of December will be our last time selling for Wildtree.  We've been reps for 9 years and LOVED it but several things have told us it's time to move on.

One of those things is the birth of my niece Trinity.  With everything else going on I want to make sure I spend as much time with her as possible.  My sister lives about 45 minutes from where I do and with both of us working full time it's already hard enough to see her each week (or two or three) even if it's only for a few moments.  This will be her first Christmas and I'm already trying to figure out what we are going to do for her.  I want to start traditions with her...that only her and I will have.  One of the things is UNICORNS.  As many of you know I have collected unicorns my whole life and someday Trinity will be getting all of them whether her mother likes it or not!  hahaha!  I was thinking about giving her a Unicorn from my collection each year but even if I did that for all of her first 18 years that would only be 18 unicorns and I have over 700!  So I don't know if I will give her one this year, 2 next year, 3 the following year, and so on or what but she will start getting them THIS CHRISTMAS!

I'm really trying to get back into cooking more and blogging about it more but I have had some pretty frumpy attempts as of late.  I hope to turn that around soon.

My parents seemed to be excited about their new camper.  We hope to transport it back sometimes this week so it's closer to them for when spring comes around.  I feel bad that they will have to wait months before using it.  But it's something to look forward to and possibly something we can think about for holiday gift giving, too!

This winter I really have to work on many areas of our house.  I just have no idea where to start.  It's quite overwhelming. 

Speaking of overwhelming, these last 6 to 8 months have been just that.  With all of the stuff I mentioned in this post - among other things - not to mention the ongoing vet issues with all 4 furkids - it's been rough to say the least.

Thank you for those who sent me messages and thoughts/prayers.  I let the stress get to me more than a few times but I'm hoping on moving forward and improving the ways I deal with stress from here on out.  It's an ongoing journey so any and all encouragement is appreciated.