August 1, 2013 by Becky

In memory of…

A very special lady…my sister, my friend!

Aug. 7, 1954 – Aug 1, 2002

Miss you, miss your smile. I can’t believe it has been 11 years since we last talked on the phone. It seems like it was just last week.

The time has gone by, and so much has changed, but my memory of you is still the same. You were my protector, my friend, and my confidant. We laughed and we cried together, and sometimes, we even laughed so hard, we cried.

Oh how I wish you were here, so that we could share these days together. The days of our empty nest, and amazing grandchildren. The days we talked about so much, and we were so looking forward to going through together.

Sharing in each others joy and crying on each others shoulder, talking and listening and learning from each other. And don’t forget…laughing too! Lots of laughing I’m sure!

But for reasons I will never understand this side of heaven, it just didn’t work out that way.

So on this day, as well as many others, I remember you and the very special person you were to me and to the world!

You will always be in my memory, and forever in my heart.

Thank you for your unconditional love to me. I love you!

May 16, 2013 by Becky

Thankful Thursday: 3 gifts before 9 am

3 gifts before 9 am …

1. A hot cup of coffee brought to me each morning by my very best friend, my husband. He’s pretty awesome!

74 and Sunny in San Diego

2. A nice hot shower to wake me up – sorry no picture for this one, but you get the idea!

3. A little something for my tummy, to give me fuel for the day

Just a few of the many things that I am so very thankful for today.

What are you thankful for?

Will you join me in looking for these gifts and sharing them with others?

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” Fredrick Koeing –

I hope you have a wonderful “Thankful Thursday!

Thankful Thursday: Suspended Coffee (staceymcbride.wordpress.com)

March 7, 2013 by Becky

Thankful Thursday: 3 Gifts in the kitchen

3 gifts in the kitchen…

1. A gift from a friend – a pretty little teapot made for one!

2. A gift from my daughter – a colorful set of teaspoons to brighten up my kitchen!

3. A gift from my brother – a monogrammed cutting board, graces the counter with elegance.

What about you?

There are a lot of bad things in this world, but there are a lot of good things too. I would love to hear more about the good things.

Will you join me in looking for these gifts and sharing them with others?

This weeks theme is “3 gifts in the kitchen“.

Write a new post about the 3 things you are thankful for to go with this weeks theme, (with or without pictures) – and make sure to include the link to your blog.

“There is not a more pleasing exercise of the mind than gratitude. It is accompanied with such an inward satisfaction that the duty is sufficiently rewarded by the performance.” ~Joseph Addison

I hope you have a wonderful “Thankful Thursday!”

Thankful Thursday (twentyfiveseasons.com)

February 14, 2013 by Becky

Thankful Thursday: Love

Yep….Love!

After all, it is Valentine’s Day! 🙂

I am thankful for the true meaning of love…God.

I am thankful for the ability to love and to be loved.

I am thankful that there are people in this world who are willing to love.

I am thankful for the healing power of love.

I am thankful for the happiness that true love can give.

I am thankful that I have someone who loves me so very much.

I’m thankful that I found that special someone, and every day, I am even more thankful for his love.

For our love!

Happy Valentines Day to the love of my life, my husband…my very best friend.

Lessons in Love (Blessings thru raindrops)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Love (Blessings thru raindrops)
Happy Valentines Day! (kirstyheartblog.wordpress.com)

February 13, 2013 by Becky

Traveling with my best friend

I have found that blogging while traveling can be a bit of a challenge at times.

However, traveling with my best friend is well worth any of those minor challenges!

As we set out to explore what’s in store for us today, I am once again reminded how blessed I am to have such an awesome husband and friend.

I’d like to think of us as the couple in the middle of those pictures…

I just like being together 🙂

February 8, 2013 by Becky

A life of regret

I heard a song about the value of time, and looking back on life with only regret. The old guy in the song is talking to a younger guy, telling him all about his regrets in life, because he didn’t take time.

Time for his family, time for his friends, time for a smile, time for a hug. His advice was to slow down, and enjoy what you have each day, because before you know it… it will be gone.

I know that time goes by quickly. Every day it seems to go by just a little bit faster. I’m not sure how that happens, but it does!

And, I guess we will all end up with a few regrets at the end of our life. I know I have a few, and there will probably be a few more as my life goes on.

Of course there will be things in this life that are out of my control, that may or may not cause regret. I realize this.

But is it necessary to live a life full of regret? I sure hope not.

So, what does the word regret mean? I looked it up.

sorrw aroused by circumstances beyond one’s control or power to repair
an expression of distressing emotion (as sorrow)

It looks to me like I won’t be able to get though life without them. But I think that by making good choices, I just might be able to limit the number of regrets, and maybe even eliminate a few along the way.

And that’s what I want.

I want to smile, and enjoy the moments of every day, and hopefully not end up like that old guy in the song!

Reblog: Overcoming Regrets ” Unshakable Hope (yourmesshismessage.wordpress.com)

February 5, 2013 by Becky

What happens in Vegas…stays in Vegas

At least that’s how the saying goes. I didn’t do anything in Vegas that I couldn’t bring home with me, but it was an interesting experience that’s for sure.

I joined my husband on a business trip. My first time to Las Vegas since I was a kid!

He worked. I explored!

And if I were a gambling person, which I’m not, this would not have been my week-end.

It started with disappointing results at a long-awaited restaurant. I’ve wanted to go to this restaurant for years, and lets just say, it’s going to be hard for me to give it a second shot.

That was strike one.

Strike two came the next day, when I ventured out to another restaurant. One that had been recommended to me by a friend. Unfortunately, the results at that restaurant were less than desirable as well, although I may be willing to give this one another try.

And the final strike was on the last day.

A much-needed pedicure was cancelled by the spa. 😦 Oh, but I was comped the daily fee for the use of the spa facilities. And yes, I took advantage of this offer.

3 strikes and I’m out!

It wasn’t all bad though.

My hotel was great! I got to meet Taylor Hicks, and hear him in concert! The people watching was spectacular! The water show at the Bellagio was beautiful! I even witnessed a couple getting married right there on the sidewalk in front of the hotel!

It was fascinating. Bigger than life. Much brighter than home, but certainly not home!

It was another great adventure with my best friend! 🙂

January 30, 2013 by Becky

Me and my blog

My blog and I have been together for a little over a year now. I was thinking about it yesterday, and wondering just what it is that keeps me coming back.

Why am I doing this?

And as I thought about it, I came up with a few reasons why I blog.

1. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and confidence. It’s little, but it’s fun, and I did it! 🙂

2. It really is a “world-wide web“! I’m “meeting” people from all over the world! Places I will probably never get to go to in person.

3. I’m getting to explore the world through the eyes of other people. I am fascinated by some of the amazing photos I’ve seen! There are some great photographers in this world.

4. I’m learning new things, and learning is always good.

5. It can be a challenge sometimes, and it makes me stretch into unknown territory. This is good too!

6. It gives me goals to pursue and attain.

7. It’s fun, and I enjoy it, and I hope it stays that way.

8. It gives me an opportunity to share my little world with the great big world. And honestly, I would never stand up in front of a room and talk, so this is the only way for me.

9. It gives me hope. There are a lot of really nice people in this world, doing really great things.

10. And, maybe, just maybe….I will be able to encourage someone else along the way.

December 26, 2012 by Becky

Thankful Thursday – 3 gifts remembering

3 Gifts Remembering…

There are a lot of things that I don’t remember….sometimes, my memory just isn’t the best one around. But thankfully, there are things in life that are exactly what I need to help me remember, and for those things in life, I am truly thankful.

1. The clever little pill-box, aids me in remembering to take my pills every day of the week. ( It also comes in handy for remembering what day of the week it actually is! :))

2. Visiting the Golden Gate bridge, and remembering the phone call from my daughter the night she got engaged.

3. Remembering the good times I have hanging out with my very best friend!

I am so very thankful for him!

Thankful Thursday – 3 gifts striped (beckystout.wordpress.com)
Thankful Thursday – 3 gifts salty, sweet and sipped (beckystout.wordpress.com)

December 26, 2012 by Becky

Mission accomplished!

A few weeks a go I was feeling a little overwhelmed by Christmas, and all of the events that would take place in the month of December.

I was determined to not let it get the best of me, so I gave myself a few goals.

My goals were to relax and enjoy each moment of the season. Celebrate time-honored traditions, reflect on the special family memories, and be willing to make new ones!

No two Christmas’ are ever alike, and this year was no exception!

I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning with my very best friend. We went to the Hotel Del Coronado to see the huge Christmas tree, one of our time-honored traditions!

We had good conversation and a great dinner at a quaint little restaurant. We laughed, we looked at the lights, we wrapped presents, and drank coffee together.

On Christmas morning, we exchanged a few, very special gifts. Gifts that we will treasure because of the love and the thought that was put into giving them.

I also learned a very valuable lesson, and it was probably my best gift of the year.

I learned that sometimes the unplanned events and moments can be the very best moments of all! The month was filled with these moments, Christmas day included.

I wasn’t able to be with my own kids at Christmas, but I did get to hear their voice, and the voice of my grandkids. An unplanned moment, and priceless gift indeed!

The afternoon was spent with my best friend, my mom, my niece and her husband. The plan for the day had always included lunch with my mom, but the bonus was my niece and her husband. They were a much welcomed, surprise visit! Another unplanned moment. I was able to celebrate Christmas with my sister’s daughter. I know she really would have liked that a lot, and that makes me happy.

It was great to spend time together, talking and laughing, and enjoying the comfort and love of family.

And…I also met my goal!

In fact, I think this Christmas is going to hold a very fond memory for me. I’m glad I gave myself these goals. Especially the goal to try and enjoy each moment, because the moments, both planned and unplanned, were good, and I really did enjoy this Christmas!