Quote of the day

Posted by CindyLou on January 28, 2008

Part of the happiness of life consists not in fighting battles but in avoiding them.  A masterly retreat is in itself a victory.

Norman Vincent Peale

Quote of the day

Posted by CindyLou on January 13, 2008

The smallest good deed is better tthan the grandest good intention.  Duguet 

The Sculpture of Michaelangelo

Posted by CindyLou on

My True Tree Hugging Trail and Tale

Posted by CindyLou on

Tree hugging took on a new meaning when I tried XC Skiing for the first time.  I was thankful for the tree-lined ridge that separated me from the icy waters of Hyland Lake.  And when I read the sign saying “Caution: Thin Ice” …. I clung to those trees a little tighter. 

 

The book I read on XC skiing didn’t cover what to do when you’re climbing a hill and you start sliding backwards….out of control.  I always thought that herringbone was a classic pattern mostly used on merino wool.  By the end of the day I learned a new kind of herringbone to stay out of the trees.  I had to for survival.

 

At the end of my hour and a half outing I was still smiling.  According to the map I had survived 2 miles of what was classified as a “more difficult” trail.  Sure it was “more difficult” than I wished it were when I was clinging to the trees. That difficulty enhanced the thrill of going down the hills where I could test my snow plow talents. Yesterday I learned how to traverse a hill. My form wasn’t pretty but I sure had fun.    It’s a great workout and a great way to spend a Sat afternoon.

 

CindyLou 

Quote of the day

Posted by CindyLou on January 11, 2008

The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.  Charles Du Bos 

Keurig Platinum B70 Coffee System

Posted by CindyLou on January 8, 2008

Yes, I have a certain yen for kitchen gadgets.  I have drawers full of these small treasures I have collected throughout the years.  One can be used to mince garlic to perfection with just a squeeze of the hand.  Another can take the pits out of a cherry in a single swipe.  I have used the apple slicer so much I literally wore it out. For the most part I keep my kitchen gadget addiction under wraps and stowed away in every nook, cranny and drawer of my kitchen.  They have to be used daily to warrant  counter top display as counter space in the teeny, tiny Tudor is limited.  When I saw the Keurig Platinum B70 Coffee System at my Brother’s house it was  gadget ga ga at first site.  The cool blue color, the sleek design and its ability to offer single servings of a variety of hot beverages had my name written all over it.

 Justifying, or rather rationalizing the purchase of another shiny new toy was another matter.    I received a beautiful Cuisinart 12 cup programmable thermal coffeemaker in stainless steel for Christmas just last year.  The Cuisinart works fine even if its 12 cup capacity is really more coffee maker than I need 5 out of 7 mornings a week.  Heck, most mornings I barely have time to sip a cup of tea before I dash to the office.  The 12 cup capacity is overkill unless I am having company and most days I end up throwing away unused coffee. Enter Keurig Platinum B70 Coffee System!  This dashing machine is sure to dress up the counter top of any person lucky enough to own the machine.  Its ice blue water reservoir, the black plastic body and the stainless drip tray gives the Keurig a sleek, high-tech look.  The Keurig is more than just a pretty gadget, it makes great coffee.   The cornerstone of the Keurig Platinum B70 Coffee System is the K-Cup.  The K-Cup contains an individual size serving of coffee,  tea or hot coco.  All you need to do it turn on the Keurig, load it with the K-Cup of your choice and hit the brew button and you are rewarded with a piping hot beverage of your choice in less than 60 seconds.  You want a Caribou Sumatra Coffee … let me get that for you.  The kids want a Ghiradelli Hot Cocoa …. No problem, here you go.  And once everyone has made their beverages it is time for me to sit down with a nice cup of Twinings Earl Grey Tea.  The selection of beverages is huge and the price is about $.50 a cup. 

Quote of the day

Posted by CindyLou on January 7, 2008

People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are.  I don’t believe in circumstances.  The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.    George Bernard Shaw 

Quote of the day

Posted by CindyLou on January 6, 2008

The three great essentials to achieving anything worthwhile are: first, hard work, second, stick-to-it-iveness, and third, common sense. Thomas Edison 

Quote of the day

Posted by CindyLou on January 4, 2008

When we accept tough jobs as a challenge to our ability and wade into them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen.

Arland Gilbert

Ode to Madame Chanel

Posted by CindyLou on January 3, 2008