So long Starbucks...it's been great!

Anyone that knows me well, knows that my preferred concoction at Starbuck's is a non-fat Peppermint Mocha with light whip. That is, until CoffeeMate came out with their version of a creamer with the same flavor. It might not taste the same to the more discerning palate, but I actually like it just as well since I use either French Roast or Espresso coffee beans. In the past, this flavor was only seasonal..around the holidays. In fact, it's usually off the shelves before Christmas. This year, I went to Nestle's website to see if it would ever be available year round at some point in the future. I noticed I wasn't the only one that had the same request, AND, they (Nestle) had posted that it would now be a year round flavor. Yipppeeee!!! Unfortunately, the first time I was able to find it was yesterday at my local grocery store. It was worth the wait!! Don't get me wrong...I will probably still enjoy my favorite drink at Starbuck's occasionally, if for nothing else, for the socializing with a friend or my husband. Scooter and I always find a Starbuck's first thing when we hit a town we aren't familiar with and order up our favorites. For the most part though, when we travel, I always pack a small cooler and include my creamer just in case. Another of my favorites is Hazelnut, so now, I will have to make a decision as to which one comes along on the next trip..hmmmm...maybe both! :=)

Here in northern California, we are getting a respite from the heat. Rather than question how long it will be for, I think I'm just going to enjoy the wonderful delta breezes. According to the weather forecast last night, we are looking to stay in cool down mode for the rest of the week, and back into the low 90's for the weekend. I love the times when you don't have to run the a/c and can take advantage of some fresh air coming through the windows.

Last night, I decided to knit up a couple of dishcloths for someone I know who is moving into a new home. I wasn't real sure of the colors she will be using in her new kitchen, so going by what she has used in the past, I took a chance and used some cotton I already had on hand in colors I think might work. I started getting very tired and made an error on one of them (the green one), but hey, they're only dishcloths, right? I didn't discover it until I was finished with it, but I'm pretty sure it won't affect the overall usefulness. The burgundy one is a daisy, but these designs are always difficult for me to capture in the right light so you can see it. I might try to whip out another one this afternoon before I mail them off tomorrow. Just a little housewarming gift to let her know I'm thinking of her.

My Oregon vest is moving right along and I'm just as in love with it as the day I discovered it and began the actual knitting of it! I'm at the tops of the leaves now and I absolutely love working on it and watching all of the colors blend together and take shape into the next phase, or band if you will.

A couple of days ago, I finally had the chance to pick up a book I was sent by a friend about five years ago. It's The Girl with a Pearl Earring, by Tracy Chevalier. The story takes place in Delft, Holland and was inspired by Johannes Vermeer's painting Girl with a Pearl Earring. It fictionalizes the circumstances under which the painting was created. I love historical novels, so I'm enjoying this quite a bit!

My next read HAS to be one that was written by a good, longtime friend of mine, Inside the ICU: A Nursing Perspective, by Melody Stenrose. She is an RN, MSN, CCRN, has worked in a variety of intensive care units since 1980 where she has been a staff nurse, a charge nurse, a critical care educator, and a nursing supervisor. Melody was born and raised in California where she currently lives with her husband. Together they raised their three sons. Throughout her years of nursing, she has served as a mentor to less-experienced nurses and thrives on sharing her knowledge. She strives to maintain a high quality of care for her patients and encourages other nurses to follow her example. She has gained the respect of both nurses and doctors who she works with by providing unconditional compassionate care, even in the most stressful situations.

Check it out by clicking on the highlighted text!

Well, I was going to share more with you today, but I fear this has already gotten a bit 'wordy' as it is, so I will save some for tomorrow. Have a wonderful day!!!