Everyday Blessings

Every day is a new chance for a magical moment, a smile, laughter, love, silliness, and adventure. 

These are the moments that heal whatever ails me, makes it all worth it, and fill up my cup.

Here are 21 random memories from the past couple of weeks that I am grateful to have had.

Be mindful of your everyday blessings.  

Joy and smiles are contagious, so infect as many people as you can today. This is my challenge for you all.

Breathe in the gratitude. Let go of the negative.  Find joy and peace.  

When you have too many thoughts in your head, too much to do.....keep it simple.  Breathe.  Let it go.  Look around at all the beauty and blessing you have right in front of you. 

Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet,

Mama Nic

A Few Choice Words about Hot Flashes

Yup.  You read that right.  Hot Flashes!  I just celebrated another birthday this month and am still in my mid-thirties, however my body seems to think I am older.  The correct term I guess is, perimenopause.  These past couple of years has seriously aged this Mama.  No wonder I am packing up camp and retiring to SW Florida in a couple of years!  HA!  Just kidding.  The move actually, is a new start for us and we all have a whole lot of living to do down there.  The only think we will be retiring is our winter coats!  Hooray for that!!!

Wow, I just got off topic..........

Anyhow.  I would just like to vent to a moment about hot flashes.

First, who the hell named them hot flashes?  Hot is an understatement!  You know I like the heat and being hot is fine by me.   Being scorched is something completely different and not tolerable.  So "F" you "hot flashes." 

Second.  Why is the word flash even in there?  It isn't like they come and go in a flash.  They come on fast, yes.  But the stay around for a while.  It is like a whole session of torturing heat.  "Flash" my A@$!!

I am naming mine Scorch Sessions.  Seems more appropriate to me.  Maybe I will say, "I am having a Double S."  Or call them S.S.  for short.  I don't know.  Just a random complaint about the term "Hot Flash."

Ok.  That is all.

Back to your regularly scheduled day.

For me it is all about cleaning the house from top to bottom, and wiping a whole lot of runny noses.



Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet,
Mama Nic

P.S.  Check out this link here if you suffer from any of this menopausal stuff.  A pal of mine forwarded me this link and I think it is great.  I have lots more reading and research to do and I will keep you all posted on any other great articles and sites. 

Partly Cloudy and 38 Degrees

My lucky Hubby (lucky for more than one reason) won some passes to the Harpoon Brewery for a tour and lunch! 

You know me.  Partly cloudy and 38 degrees is not my cup of tea...........Unless we are at the Harpoon Brewery in Windsor, VT!

Hubby and I were in celebration mode (my day of birth celebration mode), beer sample platters, perfect weather, good food, and even better company.

((  This one is for you Kim! ;)  ))

Down the hatch. The Saison Various Sample Tray.  #3 was my fav yet all were delicious.

Perfect conditions for a White UFO.

The scenery was a VT picture perfect.

Sitting back in the Adirondacks next to the beer that's abewin'.  It is a tough job but someone has to do it. 

Happy Mama.  Sun.  Beer.  Quiet.  Aaaaaaaaaw.

Add caption

We had pulled pork nachos, buffalfo wings, and some grass-fed, local meat.  Delish!

I took this picture for my Dad who is a wood-worker and appreciates all things tree.  So by genetics, so do I. 

Next door is Silo Vodka......we didn't quite make it this time.

The happy couple at the brewery!

 If you ever get the chance to make it up to Windsor, VT, I highly recommend stopping at the Harpoon Brewery for a tour and a lunch.  It is worth the trip.  Explore their beers, learn a little something about how beer is made, have a fantastic meal, shop for some cool Harpoon gear and leave a happy person.

Peace, Love, and Sandy Feet,

Mama Nic

On top of the world! (or at least a mountain!)

Today I loaded up the lunch, drinks, diapers, wipes, napkins, and kids and drove to the top of a mountain with them. 

It was just the type of adventure that the day called for. 

T

The kids loved it up at Mount Greylock.  This was our first trip up all together. 

I have been up here so many times alone to hike.  My favorite memories up here are actually with me and my hubby's dog, Madison, hiking on hot summer days.  He was such a great hiking buddy.  I miss him being around. 

Today was for making new memories. 

We started with sandwiches, juice, and my fav sea salt and vinegar chips. A few handfuls of fresh blueberries, and then a chocolate chip cookie. 

It was gorgeous up on that mountain today.

Ooh the sass in this little one already. 

Group Pic.

And another.

Bubba reading the trail map.

Now Marmalade takes a turn navigating. 

Chica and I just follow.

And follow.

Hmmmm?

Here is my world.  A great day with my babes!!!

And they are out..  One.

Two.  

Three!

Hope your Monday had adventure in it too!

Peace, Love, and Sandy Feet,

Mama Nic