tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468969688137859572024-02-18T21:01:53.378-08:00Simple LivingSimple Living at its finest...Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-65095011543196264872015-01-15T14:06:00.001-08:002015-01-15T21:17:21.922-08:00Story of a Father and Daughter....LifeThese past few months have been rewarding, frustrating and filled with moments of love and friendship. I have been helping care for my elderly father. He has Dementia. I can understand better how a persons mind can control so much of our physical health also. Many days were filled with wit, humor, love, kindness and other days he couldn't remember how to use the restroom or even eat on occasion. He knew that he was confused, but just couldn't understand how his mind was failing him on a daily basis. I'm now referring to this as the Demons of Dementia. To have a family member or close friend with this devastating disorder is to know that no matter what you do to help one can not change the outcome. He fell recently and broke his hip. Now he is trying to heal in a skilled care facility. Probably won't be able to ever be at home again. My time caring for him with my mother has been challenging, but so rewarding now as I'm looking back at those special days. He always was there for us, now we will see this through til his final day. I sure wish I could fix this disorder called Dementia...maybe someday there will be a cure. I can only hope. Thanks Dad for this journey of life you have given us. You are the best, and when the cure comes to the medical community I'll be thinking of you and smiling...my best, SandraSandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-44237068499620896162014-12-15T08:11:00.000-08:002014-12-15T08:11:00.057-08:00Happy Holidays....May you have a wonderful holiday season...Happy Holidays.Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-53658980071438939142014-11-21T07:29:00.002-08:002014-11-21T07:29:20.986-08:00Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29thI like small business saturday! This year it is on Nov.29th...A day to shop, have some fun and find all kinds of treasures for the holidays. Our retailers will thank us with some great bargains and values...Enjoy the day!Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-39902177011249573242014-10-02T10:34:00.000-07:002014-10-02T10:34:00.660-07:00Rain...Rain....Rain....When the rain returns it brings with it a sense of peace and solitude. Knowing that winter is soon arriving. The long warm days of summer are so pleasant yet very complicated. As the season changes so do our moods and attitudes. For me, it means indoor work and planning, rather than being outdoors experiencing nature. We accept this change and look forward to the next new season. Rain, Rain, Rain.Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-12473037498029487942014-08-02T11:47:00.000-07:002014-08-02T11:47:00.299-07:00Farmers Summer Markets.....Some states offer extra benefit coupons to 62 years and older, with income qualifications. These coupons can be used at Farmers markets, roadside farm stands and others similar venues. They are usually issued in the spring and may continue to be used til September. The coupons benefit so many people, from the vendors to the consumer. Great products from farm to table, extremely fresh produce and wonderful conversations with local farmers about their items they sell. Check with your local state offices to see if the coupon or vouchers are available. Good info online also with your fav search engine.Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-19161197585391979222014-07-11T22:33:00.001-07:002014-07-11T22:33:05.480-07:00Chicago Peace Rose...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfqS_R4map1MiG4lDMGpnEp8pIL71XbzCoZYd0MV34Q7DVWFvJeBDNCi_wTzY6NHUMHRtVMHv3_N7ah1RbBzpEljQscowXIa2IrnQ-TnDlEJjBkvjB7XKBR5W_XbRH8maRXmfGUxNcw7o/s1600/potato+spot++chicago+peace+rose+7-10-14+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfqS_R4map1MiG4lDMGpnEp8pIL71XbzCoZYd0MV34Q7DVWFvJeBDNCi_wTzY6NHUMHRtVMHv3_N7ah1RbBzpEljQscowXIa2IrnQ-TnDlEJjBkvjB7XKBR5W_XbRH8maRXmfGUxNcw7o/s1600/potato+spot++chicago+peace+rose+7-10-14+004.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
One of the most lovely roses of a summer garden...The Chicago Peace Rose is stunning! This photo is from her garden : singer, songwriter Kari Scott @ kariscottmusic.blogspot.comSandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-46702917315619045372014-07-10T14:04:00.003-07:002014-07-10T14:04:57.853-07:00Fab Summer Day...The weather today is just Fabulous! Blue sky, light wind and lots of sunshine...not too warm either, just so very comfortable. A simple day yet filled with elegance of good weather.Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-44002706749286597142014-07-03T19:27:00.000-07:002014-07-03T19:27:00.127-07:00Summer Healthy Fruits....I love those tasty summer healthy fruits...waiting all year for their wonderful flavors. Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries, plum, peaches and more. Eating them fresh, baking into muffins and freezing some for the long winter. Plain, simple and so delicious...A good start to summer.Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-89637048866013373772014-06-30T22:22:00.000-07:002014-06-30T22:22:00.286-07:00Kari's Lemon Meringue Pie...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpO-atXHivW1czJLbKC2UkUlp1c-oAB2dY2vDTWwJ0VhyNwiMli555WJtPwy8InAfYxhyphenhyphenbeYJFC_SlraGLxgb-SjRDcrXtnP2EvLQ_BqinhoxLLv8i3hu42-aynmM53njRLrVPsosJpUo/s1600/Kari's+Lemon+Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpO-atXHivW1czJLbKC2UkUlp1c-oAB2dY2vDTWwJ0VhyNwiMli555WJtPwy8InAfYxhyphenhyphenbeYJFC_SlraGLxgb-SjRDcrXtnP2EvLQ_BqinhoxLLv8i3hu42-aynmM53njRLrVPsosJpUo/s1600/Kari's+Lemon+Pie.jpg" height="400" width="322" /></a></div>
This Lemon Meringue Pie is the best ever....The recipe is from a older Spry cookbook... absolutely delicious! from the kitchen of singer, songwriter Kari Scott....from kariscottmusic.blogspot.comSandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-91079104398181273032014-06-29T12:13:00.001-07:002014-06-29T16:02:44.778-07:00Frugal Ways...In my lifetime I have always led a very simple life. Saving time, energy, money, recycling, reusing and being thrifty. I have found that I've learned about these ideas and qualities from many of the elders in my family. Their ideas have long helped many of us learn of these important values. I think back over the years and remember how my mother and grandmother could always get the most value for their purchases. They worked hard and diligently to achieve the goals of being frugal in everyday life. I also think about every purchase I make. Be it at the grocery store or shopping for a new pair of shoes. Guess I've learned from the best and I thank their ways now and in the future.Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-76421381588927910922014-06-27T07:48:00.003-07:002014-06-27T07:48:39.510-07:00June 27th and it is raining...Looked out the window this morning, a light summer rain is falling. The birds are singing and the day is moving forward. So much to do, yet had to sit and watch the raindrops landing on the tree leaves. A beautiful site... makes a person appreciate nature each and everyday.Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-88075499785394218742014-06-12T19:33:00.003-07:002014-06-12T19:33:48.857-07:00Nature in Summer...The beautiful days of Summer bring an abundance of some of the most interesting wild flower blooms and foliage in the Pacific Northwest. Green, green and more green bushes, shrubs and our great evergreen trees. Spectacular! A summer day filled with nature....a true delight.Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-63924128953486078252014-05-11T07:23:00.000-07:002014-05-11T07:23:00.340-07:00Happy Mothers Day...Happy Mothers Day!Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-78774514648735114652014-05-10T08:07:00.000-07:002014-05-10T08:07:00.532-07:00Community Gardens, Seattle Washington.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM38aR0e93jf1ebKEoLAslPFDnlVoPp6XEnRSVl6uPCTf91XSdPXl4cgsF8o2d-uF4RrqLbuJZpV9-wqYzYAu7Cqy2TFZrHfKqKOFtXAol1duaRnlk_0LkZdUtQoSANAJUXgJ-jsGIObNZ/s1600/th+(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM38aR0e93jf1ebKEoLAslPFDnlVoPp6XEnRSVl6uPCTf91XSdPXl4cgsF8o2d-uF4RrqLbuJZpV9-wqYzYAu7Cqy2TFZrHfKqKOFtXAol1duaRnlk_0LkZdUtQoSANAJUXgJ-jsGIObNZ/s1600/th+(10).jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></div>
Community Gardens in Seattle Washington...ready for planting, growing fruits and vegetables the simple way... photo: growfoodseattle.comSandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-84142344369104409082014-05-09T07:04:00.000-07:002014-05-09T07:04:00.446-07:00Mother's Day...Honoring our Mother's on a special sunday in May is a time honored tradition. Many countries share this, but on different days of the year. However, we should honor our dear mom's every hour and minute of each and every day. They make our lives special and wonderful. Thanks to mother's we have it so much better! Happy Mother's Day 2014!Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-2150023282845404192014-05-06T15:39:00.000-07:002014-05-06T15:39:00.327-07:00Saving on Groceries...Yes, using coupons does really save money. At the grocery store, drug or department store and even the large box stores. Special holiday discounts and senior days really do work. Just this week I used a special senior day 10% off discount. Makes shopping just a little easier! I was actually happy to be in their store spending time and a few dollars. Don't be afraid to ask for a good customer or senior discount any day of the week. Those savings really add up month after month...Simple shopping...Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-12153033204445134842014-05-05T06:52:00.000-07:002014-05-05T06:52:00.554-07:00Simple and lovely Pink Peony...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yYSh1_fFx1RUDmNZ-f3qFQmZBXXECS34kst4-5M7cmYwmR20II1zzbnvqpnSz4NpHyQS2OdJ6ietuJO3233k0K2iwUwRUlm6KPvR7CMHOLOtp1rs-IH1ZiizV5D172fnGR3gU1pOgEXW/s1600/pink+&+white+peonie+for+xmas+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yYSh1_fFx1RUDmNZ-f3qFQmZBXXECS34kst4-5M7cmYwmR20II1zzbnvqpnSz4NpHyQS2OdJ6ietuJO3233k0K2iwUwRUlm6KPvR7CMHOLOtp1rs-IH1ZiizV5D172fnGR3gU1pOgEXW/s1600/pink+&+white+peonie+for+xmas+card.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Simple and lovely, Summer Pink Peony in its splendor...photo: by singer, songwriter Kari Scott @ kariscottmusic.comSandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-15245594941582383942014-04-02T20:19:00.000-07:002014-04-02T20:19:17.022-07:00Spring Days...Spring is my very favorite season of the year. It is the renewal of all spirit and soul of the garden and my simple life. I look forward to the daffodils and tulips just like when I was a child wandering in my mothers garden. She always grew the most beautiful iris and primroses, still like to see all of those primroses in her raised garden this year, simple elegance with the best sweet scent ever! Thanks mom...Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-22778768581795173312014-03-06T12:34:00.001-08:002014-03-06T12:34:58.534-08:00Growing Tomatoes...In the Pacific Northwest we have a somewhat shorter growing season. Early planting and early harvesting are the key to a successful garden. Last year my sister-n-law and brother planted many varieties of vegetables. They had a great year, harvesting enough to make salsa, blueberry and strawberry jams, and lots and lots of zucchini dishes...an exciting year in gardening...so for today they are my "Simple Living" heros! Congrats to Sharon and Ken!Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-16309345550204835332014-01-07T21:10:00.001-08:002014-01-07T21:10:41.417-08:00Homemade Salsa and chips...On a cold winters evening a good snack of Homemade Salsa and chips is so wonderful! Perfect for all of this cold weather we have been having...very economical also....enjoy!Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-39905539625313833512014-01-07T08:39:00.002-08:002014-01-07T08:39:46.492-08:00Taking a walk..Taking a walk is a good way to revitalize our souls....the sounds and scents of nature are so refreshing, even on a darker day of winter when the sun is not present. Sometimes mother earth rewards us with even the beauty of a gray day....Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-57727984821583201692014-01-06T19:08:00.000-08:002014-01-06T19:08:17.304-08:00Waves on the Seashore...At no cost....the gentle sound of waves on the seashore, a warm breeze, the sun warming the sand...ah, the good life...Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-91174837193175988742013-11-27T11:56:00.000-08:002013-11-27T11:56:00.337-08:00Happy Thanksgiving...I'm always grateful at this time of the year...may the blessings of the holiday extend to each and every one of you...Happy Thanksgiving. S.Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-88032033033117332412013-11-15T11:00:00.000-08:002013-11-15T11:00:37.602-08:00Simple HolidaysA good idea for the Holidays is to keep it simple and easy...especially the for the one doing the cooking, serving and cleaning...delegate to others and remember it is supposed to be relaxing! Enjoy the upcoming days///Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-546896968813785957.post-52801957758199965832013-11-05T20:16:00.002-08:002013-11-05T20:16:47.500-08:00Simple LifeLiving a simple life is so much easier, especially as I grow older. The trend to grow more of our own food, cooking our own meals and sewing our own clothes appeals to more of us everyday. It can be a very rewarding way to live. Like I always say: A simple life is a very good life. Enjoy everyday!Sandra Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638879076996995598noreply@blogger.com0