Being Real

I haven't written for a long time for a couple of reasons. One, because we've been busy getting ready for our new business open house. Two, because I have been struggling with depression.

I've been trying to hide it, but I need to be real. I need to be open and honest. Maybe by me being open about my feelings, I can help someone else.

Just because I'm a Christian and trust in Jesus, doesn't mean I won't have struggles. On the contrary. Jesus said "In this world we will have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world" (totally paraphrased).

I am part of an online ladies group with a bunch of amazing Godly ladies. I am so thankful for them. They have prayed for me, spoke sternly, yet lovingly to me, and always pointed me to Jesus.

In the last 18 months, I have lost my mother, my oldest brother, moved 1800 miles away from my home state, my oldest daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, my church, my friends, and everything I knew. I have also had our two youngest daughters marry and leave home just 6 weeks of one another.

At times, it's a little more than I can bear. Especially now that the holidays are quickly approaching.

My heart aches deeply for my family back home and I long to be there with them. And yet, my heart aches at the thought of leaving the family I have here. It is such a hard place to be. I have been praying and seeking God continually. Begging Him for direction, guidance, PEACE, none of which I have found, yet.

Michael is feeling the same way. I am thankful for him and his love for me. He has never left my side. Sometimes he doesn't have the right words to say so he just holds me as I cry my heart out. He's an amazing man and I'm thankful God gave him to me. Lord knows, I've not been easy to live with, especially lately.

If you think of us, pray for us. We need it! Thank you :o)

Good Food, Good Music, Good Houses!

This past weekend, Michael & I spent both Saturday and Sunday afternoon visiting new restaurants, and sightseeing some Reno neighborhoods.

Saturday, we visited this place.......

 

The food was very tasty and the service was superior! Our waiter (Skeeter) knew every item on the menu and could recite every ingredient in each entree. He was amazing! I can't believe we didn't get his picture.....next time, because there will be a next time!

The owners of the restaurant had a water feature with a sweet dedication to their mother on it.

The atmosphere was very relaxing and enjoyable. They had seating inside and outside. Since the weather was perfect, we chose to sit outside. They had beautiful flowers and landscaping all around us.

 

Michael ordered Sand Dabs. It was a mild white fish with a super yummy sauce and topped with slivered almonds. I had Fish Tacos with a tasty cilantro sauce.

 

 

We asked *Skeeter* where some nice neighborhoods are in the Reno area. He said "Well, if you like older homes that have character and are not your basic *cookie-cutter* style, I suggest Old Reno, which is also known as Midtown". That just so happened to be where the restaurant was located also. So, after we finished our lunch, we did some house hunting.

 

 

 This house actually had a *FOR RENT* sign in the yard so we got to see inside. I fell in love. It was so charming. But the $1800/month rent made it not as cute :(

This house is for rent too and we're going to see it sometime this week.

We LOVED all the trees and grass. You don't see that too much in the dessert!

This is the original street signs. They are really neat. It's hard to read it on here.

 

 

Sunday after church we headed back to Old Reno. This time we had lunch at the *Wild River Grille* We sat outside again and enjoyed a husband and wife team who sang and played light jazz & blues. They were good and we really enjoyed it.

 

 

I ordered a Ruben Sandwich. It was really good.

Michael ordered Fish & Chips. What can I say, the guy loves his fish!

 

After lunch, we walked down by the river. There were actually 2 weddings going on while we were there.

 

Well, that was our weekend. I could drive and look at houses all the time. It's a lot of fun for me and also a little sad since everything out here is soooooooo expensive!!

Sunday Afternoon & A Decision

This past Sunday afternoon Michael and I went for a drive and ended up at a small restaurant overlooking a little lake. It was a gorgeous sunny day with a wonderful breeze coming off the lake. We enjoyed some good food and even better conversation.

Our *twin birth marks* Michael's is much darker, but they are the same shape and size. Kinda strange :o)

 

During our conversation, we have finally decided to go ahead with plans we've had for years but never put them into action...........until now! We are going to start a little business selling handcrafted wood products along with some other treasures we'll reveal later. We are at the very beginning stages of planning, building, and getting everything organized. We have a name too, but that's a secret for now.

 

Here is a sneek peek at a few of the items we will carry.

 

Wood Block Calendar

Wood Blocks with various words on them

 

Coat Rack

 

Nesting Box

These will come in 2, 3 & 4 openings and in various stain/paint colors.

You call put all sorts of items in them :)

Welcome Signs

In various paint colors

You can decorate them for every season!

 

If you would be so kind to leave us a comment on our blog to let us know what you think about these products, we'd really appreciate it. If you saw these items in a store, on-line, or at a craft fair, would you be interested in buying any of them? If so, which ones interest you the most? Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond.

 

~ 46 Years Young ~

This past Saturday was Michael's birthday. He said, "WOW, I'm getting old"! I wasn't amused especially since I am 4 1/2 years OLDER than him. :o)  We didn't have any special plans other than just spending the day together being out & about. His only request was to go *Steak & Shake* for lunch. It just opened out here last Thursday. He used to go to one when he was younger and I've never been to one. As we approached the restaurant, they had people directing traffic because it was so busy! The drive-thru had a 40 minute wait and the restaurant was taking names because they had a 45 minute wait.

 

 

It was a nice surprise to find that the prices were VERY reasonable. Our bill was only $12.98 for the both of us. I like that!!

After lunch, we visited a couple of shops, did a Costco run, and ended up at AT&T because our contract was up. Even though it was Michael's birthday, he let me get the new iPhone 5 and he has my iPhone 4. What a sweetheart!

 

We met Leighton & Kaitlyn for a late supper. I forgot to take pictures of them. OOPS! All & all we had a good day. Happy Birthday to my bestest friend in the whole world. I love you, Michael!!