I am a collector of "treasures" altho I am running out of space for everything. I collect cookbooks, recipes, postcards, stamps, books. I love to read and like westerns, novels, mysteries, travel books, biographies, photo books, actually anything that catches my eye. I love to travel, go on road trips, take photos. I like good food, smokey scotch and a crisp glass of wine. I enjoy cooking but lately we seem to be eating out more than is good for us.

I am married to Dick for 44 years this fall. We have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Our son Sean lives with us and Danielle and Logan (GK) live with us every other week.

I am a cat person but our cat died of old age and we haven't replaced her. Sean came with a hound called Charlie so it will be awhile before we get a cat. I also like horses but living in the city makes it much too expensive to own one.

I watch a lo tof TV - NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NO, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 50, Most of the British Shows, Downton Abby, Poriot, Midsommer Murders, DWTS to name a few.

I enjoy music and like music from the 40's, 50's and 60's. I like some CW. I really like John Foggarty. Music from the old musicals, big band, some jazz and easy listening music.

I am working on mastering Housework 101 but it seems to be an uphill battle for me. One of these days I will get the hang of it.

I had hoped to take up some crafty things once I retired but have only gotten as far as a collection of books and magazines on cross stitch, quilting and other various crafts. I hope to start sewing again this winter. Dick is a carpenter and a wood turner and Erynn, our daughter, is a fiber artist and she spins, knits, crochets, etc. Sean is a carpenter but has switched to Care Aide and works in a Seniors Home. Danielle is taking art lessons and Logan likes Leggo and building things. I can get pleasure out of seeing what others do.

I have been collecting postcards off and on for about 50 years. My project for this coming winter is to get them all sorted and put into albums. I prefer the 4 X 6 cards but am always pleased with whatever anyone sends. I will do private swaps if anyone wishes. Some of my Favorites are:

Animals, birds, scenery, mountains, water falls, old buildings or houses, Famous buildings, cemeteries, statues, aerial views of cities, farmland, etc., city views, cats, horses, cards with city name on front

If anyone is interested I would be open to more pen pals. Preferably women over 50. I am in the process of sorting my letters and catching up with the other pen pals I have.

NOTE AND CHRISTMAS WISHES

Christmas came on me too fast and I didn't get as much done as I wanted to. But there's always next year and New Years Resolutions.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas and that the New Year brings only the best to you, my fellow swappers.

We had a good day today with siblings, children and grandchildren. The weather wasn't too cold and there was a bit of snow for the kids to play in.

Mom, who is 95, had a good day until the late afternoon when she started having chest pains. We had the ambulance come and they've taken her into the hospital and are keeping her overnight to check on a few things. She was at the Doctors on Friday about her sore hip and he said she was "Good to Go" so I think maybe she overdid it a little today. Anyway, it looks like a few more Doctor visits she will need to be taken to. I might have to cut back a little on my swaps but I will keep on checking in.

Take care and happy swapping.

Just to let everyone know that the #1 rating I have received is being resolved. At least I hope so. I had to re-send and I didn't get it done right away - got shanghied by life. Anyway things are a little better and I have re-sent the swap so I am hoping I've done everything correctly this time. I try to rate as soon as I get my swaps but occassionally I miss one. I am setting up a new system to keep track of my mail so this shouldn't be a problem in the future. Thanks everyone for the wonderful swaps I've received. I hope mine have lived up to your expectations. Hope everyone has a Happy New Year and happy swapping.

NOTE FROM FEBRUARY 2016

I've written a few notes to my partners but I am now really behind - haven't been on the computer for awhile - Fibro hit me a whack and unable to do anything. I am finally back to doing a couple of things today and will start on my swaps later tonight or tomorrow. It's been a rought couple of weeks and I've felt bad about being late but couldn't do anything else. I am off to see what I can do.