My New Year Resolution.

Here it is, the last day of the year, and I still haven't decided what my New Year's resolution will be. So, I've been thinking about it all day.

First thought - "This year I going to work out on my Cross Bow exercise machine every day." Wait a second. I think that was my resolution last year (and the year before).

Second thought - Peace in the Middle East. I could succeed where others have failed and become "Time's Person of the Year". Nah, I don't have time.

Third thought - Maybe something more domestic, like keeping my bathroom drawers organized. Too dull.

Final thought - Find joy in whatever I'm doing and keep laughing. Yes, I think I can do this. Hope you can, too.

Happy New Year, everyone.

Keeping the Christmas Spirit.



Grandson Cole opening his gifts!

 I know for sure the Christmas weekend is over. One sure sign was how hard it was to get my jeans buttoned this morning. Ouch. Back to reality.
First things, first.
Hide the caramels.
There.
Now I can concentrate.

The party is over but the spirit lives on. I've been busy these last few weeks (like everyone else) with Rubi J's orders and family planning. Fun but tiring. It's back to the grind; but let's don't go alone. Let's take the Christmas Spirit with us through each day's journey.

Daughter Stef and I made a committment to remember to keep giving throughout the year. We both have our favorite charities to which we donate; but we wanted to get more involved. So we decided to keep reminding each other to "do an extra". When we're at the grocery store, grab an extra item for the food bank. When we're shopping, pick up an extra pair of socks for the Open Door Mission. How simple is this?

I know this comes from watching Bill Murray's "Scrooged" too many times; (I still cry at the end) but what he says is true. "The more you give, the more you want to give." You just don't want that wonderful feeling to go away.

My family and I are so blessed. My husband's and mine favorite expression of endearment to each other (after "Love you") is "We're lucky people".

My daughter, Stef, and me. (That's Stef on the left.)

For you people that don't know me; that was a joke. Merry Christmas Spirit!

A Christmas gift suggestion.

Here's a suggestion for a Christmas gift that is probably not on everybody's list; but should be.

I have just submerged from a story so inspirational, I'll will never look at the world the same again. Laura Hillenbrand has just released her book about the the life story of Louis Zamperini. Ms. Hillenbrand's first book was "Seabiscuit" the race horse, which was made into an award winning movie. I loved, loved, loved that book; so, naturally I couldn't wait until her next was published. How a wonderful gift she has given us.

The book is called "Unbroken, A World War  II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption". This is the perfect title.

• Survival - Crashing into the Pacific Ocean during WWII and surviving 47 days in a raft.
• Resilience - Being captured by the Japanese and sent to several POW camps, enduring unthinking brutality.
• Redemption - Learning how to live in society when those torturous memories had stripped all humanity from you.

I have to admit, it was hard to read at times; what the POWs went through; but, this book is the most inspirational book I have ever read. Every citizen of the United States should read this book.

To me, it's the perfect Christmas gift.

Thank you, Louie, for your service.

The Riverine Rabbit

When Animal Tails added the Riverine Rabbit to their collection of endangered species, my first thought was "how adorable". Then, my second thought was "I can't imagine any rabbit being endangered". I, of course, was limited in my history of rabbits living in the middle of America. ("Pesky rabbits!")

Then I read about the Riverine Rabbit's plight.

They only live in one place in the whole world; Cape Province of South Africa. Would you believe there are only about 250 left in the wild? That puts them in the critically endangered group.
As with so many other endangered animals, one of the main reasons for their dwindling numbers is lost of habitat. So much of the dense marshes by the rivers are being converted to agriculture. Another reason, unlike most rabbits, these little guys only have 1 to 2 offspring a year; nothing like our home grown.

So, my hat's off to Animal Tails for bringing the Riverine Rabbit into the spotlight. And another tip of the hat to the South Africa's farmers that are using conservation practices on their land to help enable these beautiful little animals to survive. Thank you.

Check out the Riverine Rabbit design at http://www.rubij.com/. They're on the rompers, blankets, hats and t-shirts. The rompers and t-shirts are the current "Special of the Day".

The music in my head.

Dear Dr. Freud,

I know you're the one to go to for unlocking suppressed thoughts in the brain. I don't want to find out the meanings of my dreams. I'm too entertained by them. I'm desperate to discover why I keep having strange music coming in my head.

Some reasons are obvious. After seeing West Side Story a few weeks ago, I drove myself nuts with "Tonight, Tonight". (I should note I don't sing out loud. In my mind I sound just like the artist.) I finally had to put in my tape of "Les Miserables" to block it out. Funny, with all that powerful and beautiful music, the one that kept running through was "Keeper of House".

This happens to all of us. My husband changed his cell phone ring to a train chugging and whistle blowing. After a week, he changed it back. All he could think of was that old T.V. sit com "Petticoat Junction". He caught himself singing at work "there's Uncle Joe, he's moving kinda slow".

Back to my problem. Why songs that I don't especially like? For instance, last holiday season, with all the beautiful carols filling the air, the only one in my mind playing OVER AND OVER again was Elvis' "Blue Christmas"; complete with backup singers.

Today was weird. I was at the computer with "Sweet Child of Mine" serenading my mind along with Slash's guitar; when, out of the blue, Dean Martin steps in with "That's Amore". It's been in my mind ever since; ("When the moon hits your eye like-a big pizza pie, that's amore"). What the? I don't mind old Dino, but a favorite? No. ("Bells'll ring, Ting-aling-aling; Hearts will play, Tippi, tippi, tay") Where did these lyrics come from? What hidden secret am I suppressing, Dr. Freud.

Maybe I'm reading too much into this. I do seem to function okay. I just need to get this song out my head. Maybe there's an old tape of Barney lying about.

Thank you for your service.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day. My husband is a veteran. Today we went to our granddaughter's Veterans Day salute at her school presented by her class. For the rest of the day, I had a lump in my throat.

We go to all our grandchildren's school functions. Love them all; but today was different.

These eight-graders presented their thanks to our veterans in such a heartwarming and inspiring way; I'm still in awe.

There were poems, essays and many others reminders of the sacrifices of what was given in the name and meaning of patriotism.

I had to keep holding back the tears, in fear of embarrassing our granddaughter in front of her friends.

Then, at the reception that followed, I learned I was not alone. We were all feeling the same emotion.

Scientists tell us the heart does not feel; it's the brain that controls out emotions. The feeling I had today, did not come from my head; it came from within my heart. I could feel it.

God bless our veterans and God bless America.

Cotton prices going crazy high!

I thought all of you would like some good news. It always puts me in a great mood when I learn I will be paying more for my husband's Jockeys.

So much for being sarcastic; let's get down to the facts. The price of cotton has been rising and will continue to do so. Several reasons. Inventories were lowered because of the recession; then Nature came into the equation. Bad weather and massive flooding ruined many last year crops worldwide.

The consumer shouldn't see any increases this fall and winter. I really don't know about next year prices. For Rubi J, it's a wait and see. I'm stocking up now.

Well, enough of that, let's move on.

For a limited time during the holiday season, Rubi J is offering Free Shipping.

Check out our current "Special of the Day" at http://www.rubij.com/ . Our popular Polar Bear in the rompers and long-sleeved tee are half off.

Half off and free shipping. That is good news.

Rubi J Clothing, Certified organic cotton baby and children clothes. Fair Trade. Personalized Screen Printing.

Rubi J Clothing, Certified organic cotton baby and children clothes. Fair Trade. Personalized Screen Printing.

Happy Anniversary, Jane. Thank you for your passion.

This year is the 50th year anniversary of one of my hero's life long passions that changed science forever. What was really amazing, Jane Goodall was not a scientist, just a young woman with a passion. Fifty years ago Jane, her mother and a couple of guides set off in Africa to study chimpanzees. Unless you live on another panet, you surely have heard of Jane Goodall. She has devoted her life to study of this fabulous creature.

But her story is more than the knowledge we have learned about this primate and but also about our disillusions of mankind. We now know so much more, thanks to Jane.

But, I think the story is the more about the power of passion. She wanted to learn; she had no concerte ideas as to what she might discover. She only wanted to learn.

Awesome!!!!

She changed the scientific world with passion alone.

Read about her journey at http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/10/jane-goodall/quammen-text/1. Do yourself a favor and read her story.

Maybe you will find your "passion". And, maybe, just maybe, you will also learn one person can change the world.

The Big Bad Five

Periodically, I receive a little booklet from our local utilities called "Eco @ Home". A cool little publication with hints on conserving energy and reducing our carbon footprint. What I learn most is we can all do our part and teach our children with very little effort. We just need more awareness.

There was a neat article on the worst 5 products we should avoid in our households.

1. PETROLEUM-BASED CLEANERS. We've been bombarded so heavily with antibacterial cleaners that they are believed to being more harmful than good. We're building super bacteria that are becoming impossible to kill. I've used vinegar and baking soda for years. (Gold star for me!)
2. DISPOSABLE BATTERIES. We Americans send 166,000 tons of them yearly to the landfill where the toxic chemicals from them seep into the soil. Buy rechargeable. This is where I fail miserably. I'm always picking up batteries. (Take away my gold star.)
3. INCANDESCENT LIGHTS. I think we're all doing pretty good at this one. Everyone I know uses the CFLs.
4. WATER BOTTLES. Ten years ago, who would of thought drinking water bottles being an environmental problem. The main source of this is only 10 percent gets recycled. The rest are left in the trash, beach or on the side of the road. We use the Brita water filter at home. Taste better, too.
5. STYROFOAM. A petroleum-based plastic made of styrene monomer, a possible human carcinogen. Styrofoam is my arch-enemy. The biggest pain in the world to get rid of, especially the "peanuts" that usually comes with my husband's Ebay purchases. They fly all over the place; and if the garage door is open with a little breeze in the air; nuts, I'm all over the neighborhood chasing them down!

See, these are little changes we all can make.  And "Just say No" to styrofoam.

(By the way, my dogs have nothing to do with this blog. I just wanted to add their picture.)

Let the wild horses roam!

I research all the wild life featured on our beautiful "Animal Tails" organic baby and children clothes.

This week: the Przewalski's Horse.

What I know: It's endangered. Not a lot of brain power; all the Animal Tails wildlife are endangered. That's our mission; to spread the word using the world of fashion and safe clothing for our children.

What I didn't know: Everything else.

First, how to pronouce Przewalski. (He's the Russian explorer who discovered them.) There's three acceptable ways: "psheh-VAL-skee", "per-zhuh-VAL-skee" or "PREZ-val-skee". Guess what? I still don't know how to pronounce it. Phonics was never my subject.

Let's move on.

This is the last remaining species of wild horses on the earth. They were extinct in the wild until a few years ago when a world wide program started to enter them back into the wild in the Mongolian steppes. Here's where I was wrong again, thinking the Mustangs in the Southwest are still roaming and wild. Mustangs are actually feral horses, tamed becoming wild. The Przewalski's horse has never been tamed - ever.

That leads to the third wrong assumption I had; that these were the horses Genghis Khan rode in the 13th century. That's went I discovered Genghis Khan rode the "true" Appaloosa horse; which I, of course, thought orginated from the Americas. I'm now starting to weary of my inaccuraties. (I have always prided myself as a know-it-all.)

But, enough about me and my shortcomings, the important thing is these beautiful animals have always been wild and should be given their birth right. There are about 1,500 in captivity and a world wide foundation for breeding to keep the species pure is working to release more and more back to their home where they are meant to be; free.

As many of us know, there are special bonds between a girl and her horse. It's one of the reasons the Przewalski's Horse is on the girl's romper and t-shirt in the Animal Tails collection. The romper and girl's t-shirt are currently 40% off at http://www.rubij.com/. A perfect baby or Chirstmas gift.

Save on 3.

We've started a new regular feature at Rubi J's.

In the past, I have given discounts to customers for various reasons; big orders, repeat business, etc. So, why not make the savings available to all.

For our organic onesies and t-shirts; there will be hugh savings when you purchase 3 or more. This includes our custom t's and onesies.

Go to http://www.rubij.com to check out the savings!!!!

Clifford Ewan Ronfeldt, Pet Psychic

Let me introduce you to a member of Ronfeldt family. Clifford Ewan Ronfeldt.

Cute, yes? Maybe. He could also be called Clifford Ewan Ronfeldt,  Psycho Psychic.

By the way, Cliff's middle name was given to him by granddaughter, Alex. (Another story)

The little monster has changed the Ronfeldt way of living ever since he arrived. We got him because Lucy (the good dog) needed a friend.

Lucy, the shelter dog, is everything you could ask for; patience, kindness, devotion. We wanted to make her happy: "Let's get her a playmate".

Wrong.

We didn't leave them for 2 years because we just couldn't subject anybody to Clifford. He was a handful.

But, I getting off the track. The little dog is psychic. Both Ron and I agree. We have tested him. He knows what I'm thinking.

When we go to the dog groomer for his bath (no matter what route I take) he whinces the whole time going. Whenever I think of dog walking; he's there, going crazy. I don't even have to go to the closet for the leases. I can be in the bathroom doing a number things; but if I'm thinking walk, he's all over me.

I could go on forever. I know this would be boring to you unless you live with dogs.

This little guy is creepy. I've would get rid of him (many have suggested) but no one else would have him. Besides, he mades me laugh, he needs me and I need him.

Clifford, you're here to stay.

OMG!!!!! I've lost my cell phone.

Yes; the unthinkable happened. I lost my cell phone today. It would have been easier to lose a finger (I could still function). Talk about "Panic in the streets".

I did what any proud American would do. Stop everything. Think. Remember. Retrace my steps. My God, we're talking about my cell phone!!!!!! I knew you would understand.

We had gone to the hardware store; check, not there. I walked the dogs; check, not on that route. Unless, of course, some little kid picked it up (any adult would have called the emergency number because they knew the pain I was going through).

My next retracing was Ron's pickup I had borrowed. I knew it was at my building I was working on uptown. Wait. Maybe it's in the pickup. HALLELUJAH!!!! There it was. On the seat. I swear, there was a halo around it.

So, I found my cell phone; end of story. But what does this tell us about ourselves? Five years ago, we seemed to function just fine without immediate connection to the world. What changed?

We did.

So; are we better off or not? I don't know. My cell phone is always by my side. Is it a good thing or bad? What do you think?

Sharks are cool.

Sure; not the prettiest face in the animal kingdom, but they are cool.

The Mako Shark is one of the featured wildlife species in Animal Tails product line. This shark is the fastest of all and came jump out of the water up to 20 feet. Cool.

Another interesting fact: They apparently taste good; the main reason the Mako Shark is now endangered. They have been overfished. Their fins are a delicacy. You've heard of "shark fin soup". There has even been reports of fisherman, after catching a Mako Shark, cutting the fins off and throwing it back in the ocean to die. That was hard for me to take; needless suffering.

Animal Tails has two different designs for the Mako Shark. Here they are on the baby items:

Sweet and cuddly for your baby boy.

But as our boys get older, they want cool, not sweet and cuddly. That's why sharks are cool. There wouldn't be much drama in West Side Story if the "Jets" (instead of fighting the "Sharks") were going to rumble with the "Tuna's"or "Guppies". Just doesn't work. And how about the many cool characters you have seen on the big and little screen named "Sharkie" or "Al, the Shark". If you lived in a tough neighborhood, what would you whether to be called: "Shark" or "Fishhead"?

I rest my case. Sharks are cool.

The boys short-sleeved Mako Shark is our current "Special of the Day". For a limited time only, it's half off of retail. Check it out at http://www.rubij.com/.

I love this shade of blue. That's another thing you'll discovered with these organic clothes. The colors stay washing after washing.

I'm trying, really, really trying.

Last week I was in the hospital for 3 days. No, nothing wrong with me. I was staying around the clock with my dear step-father-in-law during his total knee replacement. First, everything went well; second, no sleep: time to read and research.

I spent hours and hours on Ron's iPad reading about pesticides, additives and preservatives and the correlation with ADDA and autism.

I was upset, outraged and indignant; I must spread the news. So this week I was going to alert the public.

Then, I looked in my kitchen's drawers. Ouch.

White bread, Kraft Mac & Cheese and (the devil himself) Lays Potata Chips. I'm a fraud. 

So; back to "Google". Need to find redemption.

Fact: There are 14,000 man made chemicals in the American food supply.

Well, no wonder I lost the battle; I'm just one against an army of commercial might and power.

But, still the battle rages on!!!. We will fight one little scrimmage one at a time. Let's start with artifical food coloring.

When you go grocery shopping; don't buy anything with artifical food coloring. Studies have found a link to hyperactivity and autism.

This will be our first step.

Let us be strong.

Is Orange the new Black?

I was wondering why I was getting more orders for the orange onesie than any other color lately.

I should probably look at the calendar once in a while. Fall is just around the corner and Halloween is next month. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Or; unless it is becoming the new black. Babies do look cute in our Papaya Orange. Of course, when don't babies look cute?

Trey's looking good; but any color looks good on him.

The Large Blue Butterfly

Animal Tails has introduced 5 new endangered species to their line of organic clothing. I always like to research each wildlife a little further. The large blue butterfly has an interesting story.

Its habitat is across Europe, but was declared extinct in England in the 1970's. Scientists at first thought it was because of butterfly collectors. But then (this is the interesting part) Professor Jeremy Thomas made an unusal discovery. The large blue can only survive if there is a certain species of red ants living in the habitat. Who would have thought? Obviously, Professor Thomas is smarter than most of us.

When in the caterpillar stage, it hatches on thyme buds. The ants then carries it back to their nest and there it feeds on ant grubs until it becomes a beautiful butterfly. Climate change in England made the ants go away, thence also the large blue butterfly.

Now to the happy ending. Habitats were restored on 50 former sites to bring back the ants. Then the butterflies were brought in from Sweden. Success!!!

There is still lots of work to be done; but isn't it a thrill that we can reverse the damage done.

The Large Blue Butterfly is featured on Animal Tails' girls t-shirts, rompers, hats and blankets. See them all at http://www.rubij.com/

Sandy's List

There's Craig's List, Angie's List; and now, Sandy's List. It's a list I alone will create. I'm not sure of all the criteria. For now, it's just little things that has made a positive difference in my lifestyle and I want to share them.

Right now, there is one item on my list: nasal rinse.

Probably not what you were expecting.

First, a little background. I now know I have had allergies all my life. But being a farm girl growing up in the 50's, I don't think I ever even heard the word allergy. I do remember always sneezing and lots of headaches. That didn't travel far with Mothers of that era. If there was no fever, you weren't sick; simple as that.

Fast forward to when mother (me) and daughter (Stef) went to an allergist to be tested.  This has been quite a few years ago, but I'll always remember the shame of that day. Young teenager, Stef, and I were filling out our separate history records before testing. I was still smoking at that time.

Talk about a red flag!!!!! "I see you're a smoker, Mrs. Ronfeldt. Do you smoke in front of your daughter?"

"No - well, hardly ever - sometimes - I won't any more." That was just the beginning of a very long day. Every room I was led into there was the announcement "We have a smoker here." I saw the disgust in their eyes.
After all the tests and humiliation, I was told I was allergic to Iowa. In other words, environmental.

Which brings me back to Sandy's List. I have been on so many treatments through the years; but nothing has helped me as much a nasal rinse. I know it sounds gross, but does it ever work. This is what I use:

It only takes a few minutes a day, totally safe and no side effects. If you suffer like me, please try this. And no, I'm not a paid spokeperson (although I would be available).

Adventures in Cooking

As you all know, the Ronfeldt family (which is now just Ron and myself) have been changing our eating habits over the last few years. We've been cutting sugar and processed foods from our diet (except, of course, Wimmers hotdogs).

What started as a work project has turned into a fun project. Guess what. I love finding new healthy recipes and cooking. Please notice I said cooking, not baking. Two completely different tasks; one fun and the other torture.

I have always enjoyed preparing a meal for others and now I feel inspired. I try to find a new recipe every week or so to try on Ron. Tonight it was a Puerto Rican dish; camarones enchilados. Shrimp in a zesty tomato sauce with cilantro and avocados on whole wheat tortillas. We both thought it was quite tasty, so it will be a "keeper".

Not all new recipes have been successes. I still can't get the taste out of my mouth from the "Basil Pork Chops". I haven't used basil since.

My point is don't make your evening meal just something to get over with; make it an event to share with family. I know today's families are overbooked with activities, but please try to make an effort for this one time of day you are sitting down, all together, looking at each and not the T.V. and reconnecting.

Your kids will thank you some day for the memories.

(Picture from Real Simple magazine, Yolanda Ramos recipe, May issue)

Guilty Pleasure.

Forgive Mother Earth, for I have sinned.

I've been trying so hard to save you, our bodies and minds.

Ron and I started about 3 years ago to get back to the basic of healthy living. We have cut out almost 90% of processed food. I worked to find new recipes to utilize all the basic food groups. Plus, we always recycle. We feel fulfilled and a little superior to those who take the fast food route.

But, I have a confession to make.

We love burned Wimmer hotdogs. Yes, I said it and I feel the weigh of shame already lifting from me.

Every so often in the summertime, we indulge: Grilled burned Wimmer hotdogs (they have to Wimmers, or no deal), Bushes Original Baked Beans and Lays' Potato Chips. I refuse to look at the ingredients - it would spoil the moment.

So, am I a hypocrite? Please say "no". I'm trying to be honest here, and I need to get this off my chest.

I guess what I'm trying to say is "I'm trying". I believe we need to lead a more organic life; the planet's future is in our hands. I do want pecticides, antibodies and hormores out of our lifes. But, occasionally, I backslide.

I'll try to do better after the grilling season is over.

My project.

About 5 years ago I bought one of the buildings on the square of Harlan, Iowa, my home town. I rented the first floor with plans to renovate the upstairs, which had been vacate for over 50 years. I've been doing a little every year.

I've certainly had an educate on restoring and renovations. Just like my business of Rubi J, I'm learning as I go. This weekend I'm been putting sealer on the pine ceiling. Up and down the ladder; "wax on, wax off". My legs, neck and back need Mr. Miyagi to apply his healing hands to me.

But, believe it or not, I do enjoy this; although my mind wanders as I apply the dripping sealant.

I think in terms of movies and movie slang. Hey, someone could make a movie about this: "The Karate Grandma falls into The Money Pit". But who would play me in this blockbuster?

Imogene Coca is out. She has passed away. Bless her, I know she would have been happy for a job since her character died in Animal House Vacation.

And Mick Jagger is  probably too busy.

Those were the only two I could think of since at various times in my life, people have told me I look like them. (Strange; I not offended.)

Oh well, maybe I'll see if Carol Burnett is available.

New Products and New Prices!

Well, I finally got all the new Animal Tails products on Rubi J's website. I had several "do overs" and there might still be a few mistakes. I probably should of let my 8 year old grandson do it.

We have added 5 new endangered wildlife in our products; 3 in the girls' line and 2 in the boys'.  Also, we now carry baby blankets and hats; all organic cotton, of course. These new rompers are short sleeved and we added the 6-12 month size besides the 3-6 month. All of the new t-shirts are short sleeved.

As I said in an earlier blog, I ordered before manufacturing begin and got a great discount. I'm passing this savings on to you. Check out our new prices at: http://www.rubij.com. 

As another bonus, I'm offering until June 30, 2010, 20% off on all Animal Tails products.

Just enter the code TAILS20 when you check out.

This baby girl's gift set will be given away in July to a lucky fan of our Facebook Page: Rubi J Organic Clothing. Become a fan today.

Another "sneak preview"

I wrote last I would have the new "Animal Tails" products on the website by the weekend. The weekend is over and it late Monday afternoon; and I still don't have them online. I'm taking a break from working on the website to enter a new blog about why I'm late.

Wait a second. If I wouldn't take a break to explain why I'm not finished with my work, I might get done with the task at hand.

I think I'm starting to understand my problem. Bye. Got to get back to work.

Cool stuff, isn't it?

New "Animal Tails" are here!!!

I had to show all of you a sneak preview of the new Animal Tails products Rubi J just got in. New animals, new lines and new prices. I ordered early for a super discount, and I will be passing this savings on to you.

We're all busy adding them to the website and they should be ready by this weekend to showcase. We'll have bigger sizes in the rompers and we're adding baby blankets and beanies. See, we've been listening to you.

The grandkids love when I get new products in. You wouldn't believe how big Cole's eyes got when he saw the Cheetah. "YES." Cole is into speed (I see trouble ahead with that); so it was no wonder he picked the fastest land animal on earth.

I picked a bigger size for him because we all know about growing spurts and his mother would like to see a couple of years of use and she knows how well these organic tees wash and wash. Cole's Golden Eagle t-shirt is one of his favorites and he wears it as soon as it comes out of the laundry.

Keep watching at http://www.rubij.com/.

Priorities.

I'm sorry to my readers I haven't been writing lately. I've inserted a picture of my mother-in-law's five generation picture taken last April.

That's when we learned the cancer was back. She was going to fight it tooth and nail, just to buy some time.

After major surgery and radiation treatment, her body told her to stop; it can't take any more.  It's on her terms now.

She and her family is meeting with hospice tomorrow. 

What do we do?

We make every day with her to be the best in her life. We owe her that.

STOP, THINK, REGENERATE!

First, a little background on my heritage. I'm third and fourth generation Danish American. I was raised to believe a person's worth was how hard they worked.

Second, I always take on more than I need (apparently to show my worth).

Third, I finally had a free weekend to catch up on all my work projects. I was really excited about this.

But then, Saturday morning came and there was no energy; I couldn't do, and didn't care, any more. It was gone. What was wrong with me?

You know what? Nothing. I needed a vacation; to be me.

Saturday was spent shopping for flowers, plants and vases. I couldn't stop myself. I want that, that and oh, that. I wanted to surround myself with the beauty of nature. Don't you just love the new  plant I found at Dianne's?

I can't remember the name, but it pleases me.

Sunday was the perfect vacation day. First, visiting with our neighbors to the south. They're our age and the husband just found out he has Parkinson's Disease. We were a little teary eyed, but mostly we laughed. It was a "bring it on" attitude and we're all in this together. It also reaffirmed our love for each other.

Then I spent the day doing what I really love; working in my flower gardens. The temperatures in the high 80's and I was sweating buckets - loving every minute of it.

No, I didn't get done any work on my ever long list. Yes, I regenerated. This I learned this weekend; feed yourself once in a while. It stops the mind from spinning around and around.

We've all heard the quote "Stop and smell the roses". There's a purpose to that saying. We need to slow down once in a while to appreciate and  put our world in the proper order.

I can't tell you how relaxed I feel and excited about the week ahead. I'm so glad I took this "me" vacation.

Enjoy some of my flowers.

There's a new sheriff in town!

No, he's not packing a 6-shooter; although his mom says he can pack "a load". This is Charley: our newest member of the Rubi J's models family.

Charley is Mikey's baby brother. You all remember Mikey.

 Mikey turned 2 last November. He is currently preparing for the next Rubi J photo shoot with the new Rubi J's products. ("Sit still, Mikey, Please.")

Back to Charley. He's the baby of the family. With three older brothers and one older sister, Mom and Dad stated Charley will remain the baby of the family.

We'll see.

To celebrate Charley turning "pro", Rubi J has a special offer only to our readers. Starting now thru this Saturday, May 22, all organic plain onesies will be 50% off. Choose any or all of our 5 colors in the 3 different sizes. To receive this savings:

At the checkout, enter charley in the code box and 50% of the purchase of onesies will be deducted.

 We will be seeing a lot more of Mikey and Charley at http://www.rubij.com/.

A mother's reflection on Mother's Day.

My Mother's Day present from daughter Stef came early this year. In April, she treated me to "An Evening with Deepak Chopra" in Omaha. I couldn't have asked for a better present.

But wait we're not done.

Yesterday, she stop by the house with a flower. She just couldn't let the weekend go without saying "I love you" one more time. (She doesn't know that everyday being her mother is a gift to me.)

Let me show you the flower: it's a Phalaenopis Dalmatian Orchid.

Now, is this awesome or what. My husband, Ron, even noticed it. If you knew Ron, that's quite a feat.

I put it right above my sink so I can enjoy the beauty. The beauty. How simple to enjoy the beauty. How lucky I am to be able to enjoy beauty.

A perfect "Organic" Weekend

It's Sunday night, I'm reflecting. Don't care if this is the end of the weekend and soon it will be Monday morning. If we didn't have Monday through Friday, Saturday and Sunday wouldn't be special.

You remember (I hope) what my meaning of organic is: living harmoniously with the earth. Well, this was my perfect organic weekend:

Saturday: All day shopping and bonding with my daughter and two grandchildren. Husband, Ron, spent the day in heaven up to his elbows in grease, working on motorcycles. (Win, win situation for everyone.)

Sunday: Visited Ron's mom at the rehab center where we were amazed and thrilled at her progress. In the P.M., we went the symphony pops concert and a tribute performance of the Motown Sound. For baby boomers like us; it doesn't get any better.

In the evening, I fixed one of our favorite heart healthy meals:
Walnut crusted lemon chicken, roasted potatoes and asparagus.

Oh, I don't want to forget the two other members of the family. Ron took Clifford and Lucy for their morning walks and I took them for the evening walks, along with my iPod; totally enjoying the spring air.

So there you have it - my weekend. Probably won't make any newsline and also probably I have bored you to death. Sorry. I'm just happy for the things and people I have. I hope you are too.

My grandkids at Easter.

It's "Earth Day" Don't throw away your "butts"

Another Earth Day is almost over. What it means to me is more awareness besides action. I noticed today two separate incidents of people throwing their cigarettes out their car windows. Ouch!

First, let me tell you, I'm not being self-righteous. I smoked for years; tried to quit also for years. How I finally kicked the habit (I had become a closet smoker); no, it was not will power or ability. It was bacteria pneumonia and a two day stay in the hospital coughing up blood by the cupful that pervaded me. As I told my daugther "It had never been explained so well before".

 I never smoked again.

But when I did smoke, I never litered. (There's a little good in all of us.)

So, on to my next point. If you must smoke (I understand) don't litter with your butts. It's bad, bad, bad for the environment.

Fact:

"[Cigarette butts] also present a threat to wildlife. Cigarette filters have been found in the stomachs of fish, birds, whales and other marine creatures who mistake them for food ... Composed of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic, cigarette butts can persist in the environment as long as other forms of plastic."

--Clean Virginia Waterways

Do us all a favor. Don't throw it out the window.

Thank you.