Good morning, friends!  So lovely to see you here. Grab your tea, iced or hot, and let’s talk! It’s been an interesting week.  Hope yours was, too!  🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: April Fool’s came and went, and was very uneventful.  I am actually grateful nothing happened!  I think my friends are getting a bit soft where that’s concerned, and that’s fine with me.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: mom had her first physical therapy session and seemed to do well.  She later reported she was sore, but that was to be expected.  Her Wednesday session was canceled because our PT was out with a bad cold.  Hope he’s feeling better for Monday.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I am honored to be a part of an anthology, along with 19 other authors, entitled: “Understanding: An Anthology of True and Significant Life Events”. In it, I tell about my near-death experience and how it has impacted my life thus far.  Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to cancer research.  A HUGE thank you, to author Stevie Turner, for including me in such a great project!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: so far, #NaPoWriMo has been moving along nicely.  I always look forward to this month every year.  It gives me a chance to stretch my poetry skills by trying out different forms.  What do you think I should try next?

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: on Friday, Mother Nature played her own April Fool’s joke.  We went from 60 degree weather, to sleet, rain and cold, and on Saturday, we were back to 70.  I think she’s experiencing menopause and needs to be on meds.  Either that, or she and Old Man Winter need to call it quits already!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I spent a lovely Saturday  with the hubby.  We don’t get to do too much of that, so any chance I get to steal him, I do.  He’s up at 4AM Monday – Friday and usually exhausted by the time he gets home. We went on a nice walk together, and ate our way through many a food joint.  Basically, we just spent some much needed downtime with each other.  And for that, I am always grateful.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Lys is still at it with her dog activities.  She is pet sitting for a beautiful dog named Charlie, before she heads back to Layla and Rosie, until the end of this month.  Then she comes back home!!  I cannot wait.  I’m counting the days.   🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I think most of you know I also have a son.  He’s older than Lys and lives with his girlfriend.  I don’t see him too often, even though he lives a mere 5 minutes from us.  He’s a manager for Kohl’s and works long hours.  Even his friends have said they rarely see him.  I did get a chance to catch up with him on Friday when he called to tell me he’ll be attending WWE’s Wrestlemania today.  He wanted to know if we were getting the Pay-per-View so we could look for him! lol  Sorry, bud, not this year.  Speaking of WWE…

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Friday night, we stood in the rain and cold for almost two hours to meet WWE Superstar Alexa Bliss!  She’s a tiny little thing.  She was signing the official WWE Cookbook.

Alexa Bliss ©2019 Alyssa Duclos – Used with Permission

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: our dear friend, John Kooch, is again, leading worship at church today.  He really knows how to make the church rock!  I am so looking forward to it.

As for the week ahead:

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: the week ahead will be a hectic one, and I may not be able to leave a comment on your blog.  But know that if my icon is in your likes, I have been there, read your post, and enjoyed doing so.  🙂

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: we will be looking for our next home this week, and hope we find one we like and is in our budget.  I never thought I would have to do this again, but I’m sure God has a reason for it.

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: it’s time to be on my way.  Church is calling.  Have a blessed week ahead, my friends!

Well, here we are again, can you believe the week went by so quickly?! Grab your tea, iced or hot, and let’s talk! Spring is in the air, and so are my allergies.  I apologize if I happen to sneeze in your direction.  🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: it’s been another one of those weeks!  If something could go wrong, it did.  I’m convinced that Murphy and his law have been following me.  If you know how to lose him, please do tell!!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: my latest book, “Short & not always Sweet” is now available for Kindle and in Paperback!  Um, yeah, sorry, another shameful self promo, but I’ve had a long week and I’m allowed to toot my own horn every now and again.  If you so desire, you may find the book in The Kindle Store on Amazon or the Paperback can be found at Amazon.com.  Okay, I’m done now. (not really but you know how it is when your self-published.  You don’t?  Then keep reading!)

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I recently published a post for those looking to self-publish a book.  It’s for MS Word and applies to KDP Publishing.  If you’ve been thinking about putting a book together, you might want to give it a read.  🙂

KDP – Creating a book for Kindle or Print using MD Word

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: that I had a bit of a set back regarding my health.  Some of you know I suffer from Transverse Myelitis.  If you’re not familiar with it, it’s an inflammation of the spinal cord that affects the central nervous system.  I lifted a heavy object, something that is a no-no for me, since the disease affected my spinal cord in my neck, and am now experiencing numbness and shooting pains (think electrical charges) across the left side of my body.  I haven’t been able to type much, which is why I have not been commenting on blogs.  I have been tweeting you instead.  Think of it as my way of letting you know I was there.  🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: today ends the Ninny Rhino Challenge over at Diana Peach’s.  I didn’t write as much as I had hoped for but I did write and that counts for something in my book.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: tomorrow begins NaPoWrMo!  There’s still time to sign up.  Challenge yourself!! One poem a day for 30 days.  How hard can it be?  😉

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I had a lovely time with Mom on Friday.  I took her to get her hair done and then she wanted her favorite, McDonald’s.  We spent a couple of hours talking about some wonderful things.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: my backyard buddies are in full swing.  The chipmunks, squirrels, birds, ground hogs and deer, have all made their way back.  Spring is definitely in the air. These are just a couple of the shots I took from my backdoor.

Red-bellied woodpecker – Dark-eyed Junco – Stubby the Chipmunk – Baby Squirrel

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: hubby’s finally on the mend and I’m hoping the nice weather yesterday did him some good.  Thanks for all your well wishes.  I know they helped!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: that yes, my bitmoji has changed!  My hair is shorter and I’m wearing my baseball uniform! GOOOOOOO YANKEES!  I’ve been a Yankees fan forever.  I have my dad to thank for that.  And there’s a story there, too, but I’ll save that for another chat.

As for the week ahead:

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: tomorrow is April Fools Day.  Be careful!  You never know who’s going to play a trick on you! I’m still working on one for the hubby…sshhhhh don’t tell!!

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: Mom starts physical therapy tomorrow so I will be running a bit for the next few weeks.  I’m tired already…

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: it’s time to get myself going.  It’s a bit dreary here and I’m hoping the day gets a little bit brighter. Have a blessed week ahead, my friends!

Well, here we are again, boy time flies when you’re having fun! Grab your tea, iced or hot, and let’s talk! Spring has finally arrived, and along with it, a supermoon!  My kind of an arrival, for sure.   🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I think I am still stuffed from the corned beef dinner on St. Patrick’s Day.  It was very yummy, and I’m still trying to figure out why I only make it once a year.  You would think if it’s that good, we’d have it more often.  Maybe I look at it as a treat.  How about you?  Did you celebrate?  I know some of you already told me you don’t.  I say, start a new tradition!!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: my latest book, “Short & not always Sweet” is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com until March 27th.   Yes, I know, shameful self promotion.  I also want to thank all who have reblogged and tweeted and shared and who offer support.  Wait, that’s all of you!!  I am so blessed.  ❤

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I have an update on Mom.  We saw the orthopedist on Tuesday.  She has a compression fracture of T12, same place she had it last time.  Physical therapy was prescribed, and we return to the doc in four weeks.  Prayers are always welcome, for a speedy recovery.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: how frustrated I am with the WordPress reader.  No matter how many times I refresh it, there is a huge gap between posts.  Our blogger friend, Fandango, has been writing about this for awhile now.  Seems the happiness engineers aren’t too concerned about making us happy at all.  So, if you haven’t seen me on your blog lately, it’s because I can’t see you in the one place I should ALWAYS see you!  It feels a bit like Facebook these days.  But that’s another story.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I can’t believe it’s one week until NaPoWrMo!  Have you signed up?  It’s always a lot of fun, and the site offers daily prompts if you’re stuck for an idea.  You can even use the badge on your posts!  I hope you’ll join me!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Alyssa and I spent a beautiful morning/afternoon with the ladies of Maranatha Church of the Nazarene. The brunch was “Lessons on Lent” and Pastor Jan has a way with words.  You can’t help but feel lighter and uplifted when she speaks. The cake was made by Carlo’s Bakery, aka the Cake Boss.  Isn’t it beautiful?  I cannot wait until the Christmas luncheon.  It’s always a fabulous time.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: it’s so nice to see many of you making the jump from Facebook to MeWe.  There are lovely groups you can join, and while it is still fairly new, they are making improvements every day.  Do come join us!  mewe.com/i/dorindaduclos

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: it’s been a rough couple of days for the hubby.  This is a man who never gets sick, and since January has had acute bronchitis twice.  He can’t sleep, can’t breathe and there’s nothing I can do for him.  Talk about feeling helpless!  He’s under a doctor’s care so I’m hoping this one doesn’t linger like the last.  That one was 4 weeks!  😦

Yes, this is his bitmoji 🙂

As for this week coming up:

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: I’m hoping this week settles down a bit and I can get some serious writing in, but, those of you who know me well, know my family will always come first.

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: Time to get my day in gear.  I swear we’ve been taking in all the neighbors laundry! Have a blessed week ahead, my friends!

Well, here we are again, boy time flies when you’re having fun! Grab your tea, iced or hot, and let’s talk! We have much to share and I saved the comfy seat just for you.  No, this one over here. Ok, comfy? Good!  🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  May the luck of the Irish be with you today!! Watch out for leprechauns.  They’ll steal your lucky charms!

Photo via General Mills/The Atlantic

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Daylight Savings Time came and went, and it took me THREE days to get used to it.  I was walking around like a zombie.  More than usual! lol I really hope they decide to keep the clocks right where they are.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: we had a lovely morning/afternoon at church.  We got to see our dear friend, John Kooch, lead worship.  Boy, can that man sing!  I’ll let you in on a little secret.  I’m hoping he’ll be doing the audio version of my new book that’s coming out soon!  After service, we had fellowship, where we chatted, and celebrated pastor Charlie’s birthday! Mmm, cake!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I had a great time puppy sitting for Layla!  She was such a good girl.  She diligently stood watch by the kitchen window, waiting for her Rosie to return.  Eventually, she came and hung with me on the sofa, and we watched Criminal Minds together. I think she really likes Shemar Moore, but then what girl doesn’t!  Then Lys took me out to lunch!  Doesn’t get any better than that!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Thursday night we went to an open mike night at the Buena Vista Ballroom.  They had four singers and a DJ.  The ballroom is very 1920ish looking, with beautiful chandeliers.  I was asked to photograph the night, which I did.  I may share the pics on Wednesday.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Friday morning, I was draggin!  After grooving (does anyone really say that anymore?) the night before, I was pooped!  But, I took Mama to get her hair done and then she took me to lunch.  McDonald’s.  She likes it there.  This time, she got a Happy Meal, and yes, the toy, too, although she gave it to Lys.  She asked me if I gave mine away to little kids, I said, yes, me. She laughed.  It’s always so good to see my mother laughing and smiling.  I know she’s in a lot of pain, but she’s a trooper.   ❤

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: after the debacle that is Facebook, I heard over 15 million users closed their accounts.  Which brings me back to MeWe!!  I love it.  It’s a bit much at first, but once you get the flow of it, it’s a dream.  I’m so happy Colleen told me about it.  Come over and check it out for yourself, and while you’re there, let’s connect! mewe.com/i/dorindaduclos

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: we had an amazing lightning storm.  Yes, I am the one who sits in front of the sliding glass doors and watches, after the news people warn you to stay away from doors and windows.  Sorry, dude, not gonna happen.  It’s nature, and I am a nature lover!

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: speaking of nature… I don’t like camping.  Nope, you’re not going to get me to sleep on the ground with the bugs and snakes and whatever else might cross my path.  I always tell hubby, sure I’ll go, just drop me at the Hilton.  I even wrote a poem about it! If you’d like to read it, you can find it here –>  Camping. I did it once, maybe twice, but it’s not my cup of tea.  Hubby’s the outdoorsman, and Alyssa is right there with him.  So he has his camping buddy, and I get a peaceful weekend.  🙂

As for this week coming up:

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: since it’s St. Patrick’s Day, I am cooking corned beef, cabbage and potatoes and carrots!  I’ll be sure to take a pic for next weeks get together.  Are you cooking?  Do you celebrate?

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: Time to get my day in gear.  I’m not getting any younger! Have a blessed week ahead, my friends!

Well, here we are again, boy time flies when you’re having fun! Grab your tea, iced or hot, and let’s talk! We have much to share and I saved the comfy seat just for you.  🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: Sunday was a typical Sunday.  Normal chores around the house, and some down time, too. And then it hit.  Snow everywhere!! Well, that’s usually how snow hits, right?.  Our area got about seven inches.  By late Monday morning, it was melting.  I managed to get a shot or two of the trees before it all disappeared.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I try to lead a very quiet life.  I don’t need fancy things to make me happy.  I have hubby and my kids for that.  Do you ever wonder why the world is so materialistic?  Sort of the old adage, “keeping up with the Jones'” I guess.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: dealing with family members can be quite draining, especially when you’re already running on fumes.  It’s hard to distance myself, under the current circumstances, so taking a break from it isn’t an option.  I’m going to need a long vacation pretty soon, so if you hear some random knocking on your front door, at some strange hour, it’s probably me. 🙂

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I am procrastinating again, and not doing what I should be for Diana’s Ninny Rhino Challenge.  BUT, I promise to get to it.  Honest, really, what do you mean, shaking your head at me?  😉

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: the packing up of the house has ceased to exist.  Did I mention I’m a Pro at Crastination?  Look it up in the dictionary. Yep, that’s my picture next to the word.  I work better under  pressure, so when I know a sure date, then I’ll kick it into gear.  Dumb, I know, but tell me you’re not like that too.  Looks like the Night Owl may need to get back in the swing of things.  😉

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I have joined a social network called WeMe.  So far, I am really enjoying it.  There are no ads plastered in front of your face, and you actually SEE your friends in your feed. The whole set up is sweet.  If you’re tired of the BS of Facebook and what they’ve been doing to not allow certain posts to be shared, (check out Sally Cronin’s post about it), consider running for the hills and joining us!  Here’s my link should anyone like to connect.  mewe.com/i/dorindaduclos

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: I had a lovely dinner with hubby and Alyssa.  I treasure these times together, especially with Lys away so often.  She has two new charges this weekend.  Then it’s back to Layla and Rosie, and their Mommy, who Lys will also be caring for.

Alyssa’s buddies for the weekend.

If we were sipping tea and talking I would tell you: here in the states (some, not all), we head into Daylight Savings Time.  That means we lose an hour of sleep, but gain an hour of daylight.  I hate it.  It takes me days to get accustomed to the time charge.  They even issue warnings about drowsy drivers!  Um, okay, tell me again why we keep switching back and forth?  I’m looking forward to the daylight, though.  The five PM sunsets where cramping my photography!

As for this week coming up:

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: I will be puppy sitting on Monday.  I can’t wait to spend some time with Layla.  I don’t have any of my own pets, so I borrow everyone else’s!

If we were sipping tea, basking in the sun and talking I would tell you: Church is calling me and I must go.  It’s fellowship day!  Have a blessed week ahead, my friends!