Musings from Mama

This week in Travels

2010-04-18T05:14:00.001-07:00

Whew! I figured out my blogging problem and am back in business. Last week we made a quick trip to Tn. to see the Dogwood Trails. They boast 60 miles of dogwood trails in and around Knoxville. Absolutely breathtaking!!! Had a few problems in that we stayed too far away, and I got sick Thurs. when we planned to shop and I got almost no shopping done. Oh well, got a couple of things. Couldn't go to Clingman's Dome cause the road was closed--not sure for repairs or ice, but we did see ice on the roadside around there.

We spent 2 days driving just looking at the pretty flowers! Redbuds and dogwoods and many other flowers were in abundance. Thanks to Kathy Wheeler who called me and said 2 words: "They're OUT!!" My little bags were packed and jobs parcelled out so fast!!

Yeah, The Dad went along and drove a LOT (and was a bit grouchy). We found out a few places in the old home place that needed more dogwoods. Yesterday, he went and bought a pink one!! I was opting for lining the driveway with dogwoods and redbuds but at $22.90 for one, I guess that isn't an option right now. And would you believe, I got "dogwooded out" by the end of the trip. We didn't even go to the last 2 on the list!

Have the greatest day and God bless one and all who read this!!

Finished!

2010-02-01T15:42:00.001-08:00

Finally I have one project completely done! I finished the last of the little Raggedy Andy shirts to give to the little girl to whom I gave the dolls. I'm so glad. Now I have nothing sitting on, or in, my sewing machine waiting for attention. It's been a long time. And I cleaned out my drawer that I had all that stuff in. Have gotten rid of most of my excess fabric--so when I pass on to Glory, my survivors won't have to wonder what on earth to do with all Mother's fabric. Except for..I have a pretty green piece of silky fabric that The Daughter thought she might need one day. Hummm, we bought it when she married, think she still might want it??? Now she sews better than I!

Only other major project I remember needing to do, and I'm working on it, is print photos of our London trip to add to my scrapbook. I'd say it is about time!! I will probably have to send a photo now and then to The Doctor to find out what it is!!

Oh well, off to learn more about Word (and give The Dad the Internet).

God's blessings!

In Crisis---AGAIN!!!

2010-01-28T18:34:00.000-08:00

Oh No!! Whatever shall I do??? My Home publishing no longer works!! I tried uninstalling it--many times; tried re-installing it--also many times and even tried instlling the Express version and it refuses to work. I am sooooo upset cause all my cards are there (and I hvae 257 of them or thereabouts).

The Dad finally came up with a solution but it is pitifully long: I put them on my flash drive or whatever that little thing is called; then put them on the laptop, print it to xps or something like that, then I can take it to the real computer and print from there. Takes a very long time but won't lose the babies' books or my favorite cards I made.

And he says it is no longer even available!!! My little heart is broken!!

I suppose I will learn to use Publisher which I don't like at all--Oh, I jsut realized all my Camp brochures are on that program too. I think I will just go crawl into a hole and cry.

Well, I do feel better physically right now. Think I will just go watch my NEW Chonda Pierce DVD TheDad got me!! He's goooooooood.

God's Blessings to all.

And a Picture to prove it

2010-01-11T14:07:00.001-08:00

And here I am again--trying to ski but not really enough snow. But enough for a picture!

Wheeeee!!

2010-01-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

At last we did it!! We got to go skiing!! The snow wasn't very deep and we didn't do it very long but the fact remains that we did it!! I'm very excited and now don't have to pray for another snow--my friends down here will be very pleased with that announcement--but it was sooooooo much fun!

I didn't go far: just a couple of times around the back 1/4 of our yard; I wore out, my wrists hurt and I got much too hot but it was fun. The Dad skiied down the big hill to get the mail and said, "I only sat down once on the way down." Then he was even able to ski back up!! I wore a cuddle dud top, heavy sweater and fleece top and got very hot on the top--bottom was fine--so tomorow, I will just wear the sweater. Great exercise. I will TRY not to pray for more snow. Should have had the Dad take my picture--maybe tomorrow!!

Nicer One

2010-01-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

Well, since I published a frustrated post, I need to do a nice one: and I have plenty to be grateful for!

Had a wonderful, fantastic, and every nice word I have Thanksmasgiving with all the family here! Love it when that happens!! Found a great Christmas gift for the adult kids that they liked and we did too (and we got to have the children which was an added pleasantry). The little guys are so wonderful and fun!! Gramps and I had a great time, though, when he was asked to baby-sit, he kinda had a bit of ummm, shall we say, ummm "forgetfulness." OK, so they got away with murder but it was funny too!! Once, I went downstairs to call them to dinner and the Christmas ornaments were strewn all over the rooms and the boys were jumping on the beds. Gramps? He was reading!!!! I had to laugh!!

Wheeeee!! And my photo came right up! Oh, I am sooooo happy with my new internet server!! Well, yeah, they are eating cookies for snack. Guess Granny let them get away with stuff too!

Well now, let's see if this one gets through.

God Bless you, one and all.

Frustration!!

2010-01-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

For 3 days now I have been trying to change this account to reflect my new address. Can't do it. Hope the help line is more helpful than I am afraid it will be. Wouldn't let me tell the problem so we'll see. KIDS: PLEASE HELP!!!! I can make the change, but when they say they will send email verifying it, I never get it in either of my places. Went on and tried to fill out their forms but don't have enough words allowed on the comment section to explain the problem!

Back Again!

2009-10-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

Wow!! I didn't realize it'd been so long! Well, now grief camp is over and I am breathing again. It was fun and a lot of hard work but all worth it when the kids didn't want to leave--after a 9 hr. day in which the adults were dead on their feet. I am so very grateful for all those wonderful people who volunteered their whole Sat. to making those little kids' lives better.

Our evaluation time was great--everyone agreed that the day was too long and too much moving stuff--so it will be much improved next year. One dear, sweet lady, during the eval. asked, "Is this just critique or may we say something positive?" Can't tell you how good that sounded!!!

Camp was good and though there were a few tears we had much laughter and the kids, though there weren't many, bonded with each other and the grown ups. All the girls asked me if they could help when they became teens. One little girl last year commented when her grandfather died: "Well, now I get to go back to Camp Butterfly!" One terribly shy little guy who didn't even respond well to the 2 guy-assistants, found a friend in a retired teacher-a recent widow-who knew just how to relate to him. By the time camp was over, he was even being a bit mischievous.

Now I am looking forward to posting our England trip--when Teen camp is over! No, really, I think I can get to it now. Am looking forward to that! We had a most wonderful time and it was worth the flying to be there!! We are so proud of little David for getting his PhD! But that's next!

God bless everyone!

Happy Birthday

2009-08-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to THE DAD!! You've made my life interesting to say the least!!! I love you!

Great Quick Trip

2009-08-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

We made a wonderful trip to see our newest grandbaby and, hopefully, here will be a picture of same with other family members--The Dad or-to be more specific this time-the Granddad. He is so proud. Not that I am not, mind you. His big brothers are thrilled and so sweet with him. Jonathan says, "I'm really happy to be a big brother." Andy goes to touch him and says "He is so very, very, very cute." And, believe me, they are too!!!! Jonathan thinks that Andrew loves being a big brother now too, "He never got to be a big brother before."

We made a very quick trip: up Sun. and back today, but it was worth it. Always good to see the family, right? I may be too tired to work (I am too tired to spell, it seems tonight--I've had to go over word after word!!) tomorrow but it will have been worth that too!!!!

Wonderful, Wonderful

2009-07-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

So a set of my wonderful kids came to relax for the weekend---and spent the whole derned thing working!! The Daughter and Son-in-Law put up the new pool--mostly Jenny, I think, but she had great help. Then Tim put up the garage door that has been hopelessly broken for around 3 years--or so!!! He, then, worked on the other one until it needed a part that we had to order. Me? I stayed out of the way and played with the children; really big of me, wasn't it???? They worked their little fannies off--some rest it was for them, but I am so very grateful!! Next time when they come, they will PLAY!!

Made me think about getting old and needing more and more help. It was kind of scary really. This couple of weeks when The Dad has had surgery and I am in recovery, has made me think of the fact that we are older and may not be as strong as we have been. How long can we maintain our present living arrangements? Then I remember Mother who lived alone until she was in her 90's and did just fine. Hopefully, the Lord will let us know when we need to make other arrangements. I pay more attention to assisted living facilities now than I used to. I think I, for one, would enjoy the camaraderie of one of those places if I needed it....Hope it is a looooooooong time, though, cause I love this place a lot!!!

Have the greatest weekend ever!!!

I Found a Flower!

2009-07-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

Oh Joy!! Oh Happy!! I found a beautiful flower! As I was trudging up the hill from the mailbox, I saw it: just sitting there in the yard where The Dad doesn't usually mow. It is a pieplate (I think Sister Betty said) HYBISCUS!! That is my favorite-in-the-whole-world flower. I like the smaller ones best but never had seen a huge one until I saw one a couple of years ago in the yard of a neighbor about a mile away. We don't know how it got there. No one planted it but God I guess. I have to walk to see it but that is good for me! I have a hybiscus tree but it hasn't bloomed for the 3 years I have had it and now here is one all mine! Oh! I am soooooooo excited (yeah, it doesn't take much to make me happy). And I mowed the last 2 days: am all well from my kidney stone ordeal--at least for this time--and am drinking lemonade and water so I don't add to my collection.

And The Dad was disappointed that I hadn't posted a picture of his raccoons so If it works, here's one too. They really are cute but when I mentioned having one as a pet Someone in this family huffed and snorted (see last blog!).

Anyway, Happy Independence Day and God Bless you all!

June's Over!!!

2009-07-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Normally I don't whine over certain months, but June was a really terrible month for us--well, me, anyway!!

Started out bad enough when I had to go one day late to our vacation because of a "stomach virus." We left Sunday instead of Sat. and I had that evening feeling fine and enjoying the wonderful time with family. That was the last day I had that I was OK! Monday morning, I got up with a horrific kidney stone, which sent me to the hospital, and on to a urologist and on to another hospital before we decided I needed surgery at my own hospital and had to come home on Wed.

We missed the vacation with the family that I had looked forward to for a whole year--since last year!! Rats!! Came home to find that the raccoons had broken into the chicken house and eaten every one of the chickens. Larry's heart was broken and he has worked every day since, except when we had to go to the funeral--yes, that was in June too--catching raccoons and carrying them off. The 2 today made 12 that he has gotten.

I needed surgery to get rid of the stone and did well but they had to leave the stent in and it made me hurt and sick and feverish until I got it out this Wed. now I am fine--well after the vacation!! Surgery over and back home, then mother passed away. She was so ready but it is painful anyway. She will be greatly missed by everyone but it was great that she had such a long and PRODUCTIVE life!! I will miss asking her about home remedies and recipes, most of all!

If anyone asks, NO it is NOT a good idea to ride 500 miles with a stent in the ureter. Nor is it OK to ride 400+ miles with a kidney stone just so you can go to your own hospital!!!

Finally, I think, The Dad was fixing the swimming pool so it would be ready for visitors, and it caved in on him! Could have been so much worse and I know he downplayed it by saying he wasn't in danger. The rushing water knocked him down, and scraped his legs but he didn't know until the next day when he was looking for his shoes that they had been trapped under the pool. As I think about it, I could just imagine horrible things that didn't happen to him (thank God!!).

Oh yeah, and the last thing was I fell up the basement stairs and bruised my shins, face and elbows but DIDN'T BREAK ANYTHING. Oh yeah, but that was July 1st I think. Guess that didn't count!!

Now for the good cause you can't just gripe the whole blog (but I just did!). The hospitals around Lakeside, Ohio are wonderful!! Well, the people in them are anyway. No one could have been nicer and the urologist I saw worked me in and was so informative and helpful! It was the most pleasant experience I could have had. Our hospital people were great too, of course, except for the crummy anesthesiologist who did my pre-op work up. He didn't believe me when I gave him my history and it was so frustrating. But the whole team that came in the day of surgery were angels!!!

The Dad did great at Lakeside: he jumped right in and played and went places with the family because I couldn't. They loved having him and he really enjoyed the children too!! Was good for him too

My precious little grandsons showed their true personalities in their concern for me and in their generosity! Little Jonathan made me a painted rock when they all went to paint--then gave me the one he painted for himself too--made me cry! Sweet little Andy kept coming over and hugging me or patting me while I was lying down. He would come into the bedroom and just grin at me. So sweet!! When they all got back home and called me, the Daughter said both Mark and Adam had told people about my "kidney stones" and were still asking me about them when we went up there for the funeral. Adam: "Kidney stones all gone, Grandma?" several times.

Good old Dad drove all the way home and all the home and back when we went Up North for the funeral--and everywhere in between and since.

I've lost 15 pounds and am not gaining it back yet. Oh yes, and now The Dad is going to get a new pool. It is small but will do until we find a better one. So company can use it anytime. And now it is July and things have to get better, right? Of course right!!

have a great MONTH and God bless everyone who has taken the time to wade through all this!

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa and DANG!!!

2009-05-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Blast it anyway!! First my Suzy Homemaker award has been revoked and now my Computer Guru Certificate has been dashed at my feet!! I'm a failure!!

Suzy went a few days ago: I decided to replace my Winnie the Pooh bedroom decorations that I'd had since before we moved here even with, what else?, John Deere. Off I went to the store and found J.D. border to put up--not even looking to see that it WASN'T already sticky but had to be put in water to make the glue work. I've never done that and didn't want to, but for the grandboys, anything, right? Right.

The first section I put up, I must have left in the water too long or out of the water too long. Anyway, it just refused to stick. I had to go and find the trusty old wallpaper paste that I use for NOT that(!) and make that mess. Finally, after an hour or more, got that one up and started on the next one. Well, it went up a bit easier but not a lot. The third one went better--some, but when it was all finished, one row was 2" lower than the first one. I tried (well, it had started out at 4 inches difference!!) again and then had to use the wallpaper paste on the next one. Finally, the whole room was a mess but I got it on--still 2 inches differences but you have to really want to find that and if you do--I'll kill you! Then the Dad came in and found that the tops of all the border was coming off and we spent another hour or so gluing that on. I've learned--and the Grandsons will NEVER get other borders on that room!!! Well, until they can do it themselves. Then Someone Cute had the audacity to mention, "You know, they will come in here and if there's one tiny space, they will rip it off." Wash his mouth with soap!!!

So today, I decided to sign up with Global Mission Outreach to be a volunteer online missionary. Sounds good, right? Right. the application, so it said, would take about 1/2 hrs. to complete so I embark on that journey. If you try this, it is a good thing to do, but just know that unless you are a LOT faster than I am, it DOESN'T take 1/2 hrs. but more like 1 1/2 hrs. Now the pain: I got to the very last page where you do the derned user name and password. Finally get it to be right and---------it refused to do anything to let me finish. Just says "Page 5 of 6 completed" and every time I pushed Finish it did nothing. Now I am very frustrated but did a dreadful thing. I pushed the Go Back Button which said the web page had expired and wouldn't let me back on. I want to chop up my computer into little pieces!!

I ended up calling the lady on the web page phone # but I had to sign off to get to her and, of course, lost all that work. She was very nice and sympathetic and tried to help but I could have hit her when she ended with "have a nice day." I think I won't be an online missionary!!! Maybe that is their way of weeding out the impatient or something!!!!

Bye now. Have a nice day. And my next posting will have, I hope, pictures of my un-failure!!!!

The Nicest Thing!

2009-04-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Good Old Dad! Yesterday on the way home from church, I mentioned that I was thinking about biscuits and sausage gravy and sure enough, when I got up this morning, he was fixing such. Biscuits from scratch even!!!! Of course, he had to go and mention that the gravy was "creamier" than mine because he used tapioca flour (for the record, it wasn't!), but it was so good!!!

And Spring has really come to the Hills!! The magnolia bush is beautiful as are many of the redbuds and other things. I had to hurry out and photo them because the wind and rain might take the blossoms away!! Oops, I didn't get the Magnolia tree in. Those trees are the lilac bushes. Oh well. The Dad hurried up and mowed so all is well there. The temp is supposed to drop more than 40 degrees this afternoon and we are supposed to have rain and snow tomorrow (and everyone is scrambling to get in supplies in case of ice storms)--but snow isn't supposed to stick!. Well, guess that is part of Spring in the Hills too!

And now it is off to wrap Easter gifts for the little guys. I am soooooo excited to be seeing them all soon--and all of the Big Ones too!!! God's blessings to everyone--have a blessed Easter and Happy Passover also!

Suzy Homemaker

2009-03-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

Sadly enough, my Suzy Homemaker of the Year award has been revoked--and immediately I thought of my Hospice friends (who will NOT be surprised!).

You see, I was making this lovely beef stew I found in a recipe book -even! You know, one of those wonderful magazines that come monthly, or seasonally or whatever. And I was almost even following the recipe and it called for bacon. Easy enough, right? Wrong! The Dad often cooks bacon for breakfast and, after he puts it in the skillet to cook, he goes and does dozens of things: even goes down the drive to get the paper--and the bacon turns out so beautifully crisp and "right", so I tried it. I put those little bacon chunks right into the pan and went off to do stuff. Well, I was also editing some photos to print and lost track of time. I also didn't think about the fact that he turns the heat down to almost off while he does all his stuff. Sure enough, after a while I smelled a funny smell. Scampering in, I found the kitchen all smoky and nasty. The Bacon? Oh yes, it was little charred piles of nothingness lying pitifully in that burned up skillet which I carried outside and forgot for a day or so.

I do remember now that when we lived in Lake Geneva, one of the kids was commissioned to wave the basement door back and forth to keep the smoke alarm from going off when I cooked much. The smoke alarm didn't go off, says The Dad because it is far enough from the kitchen that the smoke didn't get down the hall yet. Finally the smoke has gone from the house but for a while I wasn't sure it was ever going.

The stew? Well, it was fine without the bacon. After that gross error, I put some extra stuff in and forgot about the nice recipe and it tastes almost as good as it would have with bacon. Even found some leftover rice and kasha to put in--now I know something(!) to do with kasha!

Now, Teresa, what was it you wanted me to bring to that hospice carry-in?

Our New Addition

2009-03-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Well, here he is: our new addition! It is a 5-Speed, 4 Wheel Drive 99 Geo Tracker with a bunch of miles but not nearly as many as either of our vehicles. It may become my car as I don't have the problem shifting that The Dad does. OK, so I also love red cars and it almost looks like a JEEP which I have always wanted. It looks new and The Dad DID have our mechanic check it out. He says it is great. And I can take the top down even. I am happy!!! Oh, it also has a trailer hitch so The Dad can pull his trailer around with it when he gets big things (like a generator, maybe?) instead of using our cars. He will try and sell his Alero.

Highlight of our Trip-Smokies

2009-03-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

We did it!! I have wanted to go to the Smokies and hike for many years--probably has been 20 since we did. So here we went and guess what we saw. Yep, a real Duff's!! We went back to Pigeon Forge 3 times at least to find it open--but finally it was open and we had dinner there. OK, so it wasn't quite what we had remembered, and we won't do it again...Well, we were disappointed and it doesn't have the revolving buffet table either. The lady said it hadn't for about 30 years. Nonetheless, we did it!

I had a wonderful time in the Smokies anyway. I wanted to spend money in the tourist-y places just once in my life; so I did! I was happy with what I got and probably won't do it ever again but I had the $$ and wanted to try. I do think I got some good things for the little guys and was proud of them. I shopped in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and in some National Park rest area. What fun.

The scenery was beautiful and the weather was fabulous! What better time to go??!! The Dad bought a generator on e bay in Johnson City and used that as an excuse to go--he knew I would be thrilled and I was. I think I wore a huge smile the whole time. We stayed at JBC and walked around there and was amazed at the changes! Yes, the girls can wear jeans and the couples can hold hands on campus--at least they were. I visited with my friend, Kathy Wheeler, for a bit and had a great time. Campus is beautiful and so big!!! The mountains are, of course, indescribably. We will go back--maybe at Dogwood Festival time.

Oh yes, we got the generator home in The Dad's usual fashion: tied and strapped securely in, no, ON the back of the trunk. It was embarrassing if I had thought about it but we ARE from KY and it didn't look nearly as- ummm, how can I say this?-gauche as the trip I made down from Wisconsin to KY with a rocking chair tied to the TOP of my car....

I will try and post a photo or 2 of the mountains but I just can't wait to post a photo of our newest acquisition in my next blog...Until Later then....

Then Came the Winds

2009-02-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

So now everyone starts cleaning up after the ice and a few days later, we have rain-lots of it-with very heavy winds (as in up to 70 mph.). Hopefully, I will be loading photos of the back yard damage-well, some of it- after the winds. More limbs were broken, the adult swing in the back was destroyed and toys were scattered. The playhouse that Brian and Tara put together so diligently was blown to smithereens. If you notice, there is a little truck sitting in the flower beds far from its home. It was tucked nicely by the side of the garage on the patio.

The rain and wind were so terrible that when I called the Dad to tell him I had to stay at the hospital (I was attending an emergency), he breathed a huge sigh and said, "I was wondering how I could tell you needed to stay." He just never does that, but the wind was so strong that he was nervous about my coming. Lots of semis were blown off the roadway. I saw several on their sides as I came home that Thursday.

The fixing of the electricity and phone service had a major setback with the winds. Some people say their stuff isn't going to be fixed until Easter--or the end of march. Guess that is Easter time, isn't it? Ours is fine, though. We did have a bit of a problem a couple of times and it was out for 4 hrs. once and maybe 2 another time. Probably the guys were fixing a nearby transformer or some such thing. The workers from all over the state, and many other states as well, have done a wonderful job, though, and are working such long hours! I do so admire them and appreciate them.

And now, more rain has changed into snow....but it doesn't look like it will be bad. I think the snow has stopped. The Dad has gone to church and it didn't look like it was bad at all. I am sick again and hiding at home.

Have a great week, now. God bless.

Looking Better

2009-02-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

TheDaughter says I should post a new blog since the last one has a Christmas tree on it! Guess she is right.

The big news in our area is the ICE STORM which is now past but which will take months to clean up. Some of our acquaintances won't have electricity, they are told, until Easter..YUK!! The photos were on the first day of the Big One. It didn't look as bad when we got back from Up North and found that the ice had melted--well, most of it. We were among the fortunate: we got electricity sooner than expected. A bunch of people at work still don't (see above) though they are hoping for sooner than Easter!

We were not prepared enough for the outages: we didn't have a generator to keep the computer running! How awful! When we got home, we found that the computers had turned themselves on and my computer screen was horribly blurred. I was worried that it was my eyes! Scary!! Over the days, however, it has become fine again.

Really, next time, we will have enough wood! The Dad spent every day just chopping enough wood to get us by until the next day--and did I mention? It was COLD, really Cold! By the time we left, we were both too cold to make sound judgments. The Daughter kept calling to see if we were OK--that really meant a lot to me. I think that was what really finished us off about leaving: no use worrying her any longer. Besides, neither of us relished staying when it was going to be much colder before it got better.

Was kind of shocking when we got to The Daughter's and found her house was too hot for us! Never is, believe me! They are all hot blooded and don't need as much heat as Big Mama does, but I was even too hot for a few hours. We stayed at the Granny's empty house also for a while until we found that we had electricity at home. It was good to be home but now the work starts! We have sawed a lot, but so much more needs done that it is depressing!

Sooooooo, Don't y'all come for a while unless you plan to chop wood!

God Bless.

Christmas Trees

2008-12-16T17:29:00.000-08:00

Merriest Christmas
Finally after several days of its sitting in the living room bare and naked as a jaybird (hey! they aren't naked!) the Christmas tree didn't trim itself so I, beating the Daughter by several days as being the last person in the known world to put up a tree, did decorate the thing yesterday and today. That's IT! No more decorations get put on it. Actually, the Dad and I had fun getting rid of a LOT of things that we will never use.

This is the last trip for this tree, too. Dang it, when it sheds more needles than a real one, it's time to try something else. I'm holding out for a pre-lighted tree. Remember, Kids, the fuss Someone put up in having to install lights? He has gotten a bit better but not much. We got rid of all our big lights (which I loved but we don't use) and some of the little ones. Tacky, it may be, but I really enjoy our fiber optic tree!! I put it downstairs. Found one that had never been used and even The Dad said it was pretty. Got it from Mother a while back but "lost" it in the house.

Actually, I'm not really sure what constitutes "tacky" but think it is in the eye of the beholder--not in the one who owns the "tackiness." And I have the ceramic tree made for me years and years ago by my niece--I think when we first got married (41 years ago I believe it was!!!). I did put it up in the Grandson's room. WOW!! Look at me: I have trees in several rooms just like my fancy friends!! Seems that lots and lots of people here (other places too?) like to brag about how many trees they put up around the house. Somehow I don't think they mean this kind!!

Anyway, the derned thing is up and I've done all the "decorating" I intend to do. I always thought I would, one day, have a "themed tree." You know the kind: all pretty with one theme. Well, the closest to that I will ever have is themed "family" and "fun." It has the wildest conglomeration of things on it and, as of today, not one that isn't pleasantly remembered!!!! If I didn't remember where it came from, or didn't just love it, out it went. That was fun too.

I'm worn out. Made goodies for a work Christmas party that I won't atttend tomorrow because I am iced in. Guess I will have to eat all the cookies and candies, woe is Me.

Merry Christmas!! Happy Chanukkah!! And God Bless You all!!

Messing Around

2008-12-07T20:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when people do stupid things it is because they have too much time on their hands, but other times, it is because they have so much to do that they are overwhelmed and do stupid things. Such as been the case for me lately at Hospice. So, the other night, it was dark and I was all alone at hospice waiting to go to Grief Group. I went down the darkened hallway to the kitchen and didn't bother to turn on the light in the hall.

At the end of the hall, is a bigger place-undoubtedly has a name-which has a fireplace, 2 chairs and across from them a couch...yes, this is going someplace.

As I glance over, -now realize that this place is not in the best area of town but the door was locked-I saw to my momentary terror, a man lying on the couch in a very uncomfortable-looking position: one arm hanging off the couch, only 1 leg which was twisted and hanging also. Let me tell you, friends, that I almost had myself a heart attack!! Nearly wet myself, I did! Well, of course, it was our medical-test dummy that the nurses had been using for testing purposes.

Several people have since told me (after I blabbed about my fears) how uncomfortable he makes them feel. Sooooooo, Thurs. and Fri. I spent dressing up that dude. Have given him a name too: he is now Hernando. Dang! I should have made him bigger cause you can't see him well enough. He has a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, a red negligee, Christmas balls for earrings, and his broken off leg is crossed-kind of-over his other one. He is eating a sandwich and has a can of cola in his other hand.

I wasn't gonna tell anyone who did it but Lucy-Mae when asked by Mary, our boss (a really good woman, by the way) who did that, she responded, "I can't tell you but Sarah is really creative." So much for friends!!!! Well, let's see if this publishes. We've had issues!!!!

My Bubble has Burst!!!

2008-12-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

Oh the drama and trauma of it all!! We have been waiting for a few years now for high speed internet to arrive and last week, we got a notification that it would be here. Even the newspaper Sunday announced its coming. The Dad, ever astute--and less trusting--said he'd believe it when he saw it. The paper said they would have the map of sites up and running monday night and we could call or visit the website this morning. So I did: we are NOT in the area and I am so disappointed!! Yes, I counted my chickens long before they hatched. Even was planning how to get rid of the 2nd phone line.

Oh well, may that be the biggest thing I have to be disappointed about all year--and longer!

A Happy thing: we got our Christmas children and they are twin first grade girls. One likes and wants baby dolls and play dishes and food; the other wants dinosaurs and hot wheel cars and wants to be a rock star!! I'm looking so forward to getting stuff for them--especially the dinosaur one!!!!

God Bless you all.

Only in Kentucky!

2008-11-20T18:41:00.000-08:00

At last we have a new water heater (that we were to have gotten Nov. 5th-but that's another story). The "other plumber" whom we hired after the first one didn't come-or call or anything even after we had contacted them--(But that's another story and I digress from this one..). This guy came the first time he said he would and did a fast and great job.

So what is the "only in KY" thing: a couple of days after he had finished the job, he called wanting to talk to The Dad. The problem? He had forgotten how much he quoted for the job and wanted clarification!! "Do you remember how much I told you I'd charge?" Only here would that happen! And, when the bill came? Well, he had charged a tiny bit more but gave a great couple of discounts which made it less than The Dad told him!

2008-11-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

I got this from my great niece, grand-niece or whatever she is called: she is great and grand and she is the daughter of my niece. Thanks Jodi!
Jodi, I hope you can read this here cause I couldn't make it copy and paste.

1. Copy & forward
2. Delete My Answers
3. Type In Your Answers
4. Then Send This To A Whole Bunch Of People That You Know... And Send It Back To Me So I Can See Your Answers

The theory is that your friends will learn a lot of little known facts about you. Don't forget to send it back.

1.. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My dear old Mother. And was it ever confusing: I'd never ever do it to anyone!

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
A few minutes ago when I read a very pretty forward from my friend Sandy

3. Do you like your handwriting
Write!!?? What's that??!! I like my typing just fine.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Pickle loaf and bologna-diet kind. I have simple tastes.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
yes. And grand kids too. And "adopted" ones and, and...

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
This one's hard: If I were another person with my same personality, I might not; I'd find myself too know-it-all.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?

Moi, I think not!! Well, only to my advantage!

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?

No, and the experience is still with me.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Not on your life!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
My own homemade Gorp! And I am teaching my grandkids to like it too. Larry's granola is pretty good too.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Tie? What's that?? Never-if I should have tie shoes. But sometimes I have to untie them to get them back on.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Tough, yes, strong, not so.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Spumoni
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?

Body Language then voice

15. RED OR PINK?
Same as Jodi: red in my younger years, and pink as I get older I have always loved hot pink though and really like most every color there is except maybe kelly green.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOU?
My size and my ugly face
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST
This would be definitely my grandkids and my kids who live far away.

18.. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
sure

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Light blue jeans and pink shoes (to go with the pink top I am wearing

20.. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Does drinking count? Slimfast made with creamer (Irish Vanilla) and water, with banana and almond flavoring. Hey, don't knock it until you try it!

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW
Nary a thing unless you count the dryer banging away. Last night while I wrapped Christmas presents, I listened to Joseph and the Amazing ....Coat

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Fluorescent hot pink!
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
This is hard: Any sweet thing baking, fruit smell lotions, CHOCOLATE!
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Gayle Davis

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS?
You could say that!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
I hate any and all sports but did like to watch the kids play soccer until I got banned from the bleachers for getting too nervous and for cheering for everyone no matter which side. I'd rather read a book!
27. HAIR COLOR?
I love my gray at present. But am so grateful for having hair that it doesn't matter what color.

28. EYE COLOR?
The color of any of my grandkids!!
29. Do you wear contacts
Never ever!
30. FAVORITE FOODS?
Greek mostly gyros and pita and Greek salad and can't wait to go to Acropolis in Evansville

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Definitely, VERY happy endings and happy all the way through

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Joseph, last night while I wrapped presents (see above)
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Pink--and I shall soon put on a blue and pink sweatshirt because I am freezing

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Fall!
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Who's giving them?

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Baklavah--but I don't really know how to spell it so I should say ice cream.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Who knows since I put this on blog instead of semdning it through email

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND
Me

39. What book are you reading now?
Girl of the Limberlost for the millionth time, ABCs of Financial Freedom, Loving Your Relatives even when you don't agree, 10 Great Dates for Empty Nesters, Grief's Courageous Journey, and Talking about Death- a grief book for Children. I never read just one book at a time.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Don't have one.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
I never watch TV. Haven't watched it in 30 years!

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Children's laughter--and voices just talking. And the sweetest sound is, "Grandma, I wuv you."
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Neither
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
I reckon England.
45. Any new news in your life?
I get to see all my kids at once next week!!!!

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Texas

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
anyone and everyone

48. WHAT TIME IS IT NOW?
10:00 a.m. and I should be doing everything but this!!

49. WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
My sitting room at the computer

Spinning Straw into Gold

2008-10-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

I love my boss like a sister (not sure which one!) but she tends to think there's nothing "we two" together can't do--which translates she thinks it up and I do it on the computer. So, our hospice and 2 other organizations have combined for business purposes, I think, and needed a logo which was going to be cost prohibitive for us since we don't have a graphic designer. Good old Mary pipes up, "Sarah and I can do that for a lot less than $500," and was told to try. Her idea was basic: our circle logo with the tree from another and somehow work in the initials from the other. And somehow put in the name of our alliance. Off I went to the computer at home (my work one doesn't have all the neat programs to make stuff) and began my work.

The Dad got involved when he didn't like my placing of the letters of our name around the outside: didn't look professional enough. So he began the work of lettering. So far, so good.

Then we submitted it to Mary's boss who took it to the meeting of the group. They made a bunch of changes and sent it back for re-work. I'll spare you the details, but they wanted our 3 names and a-what's the word for it?-saying (the sentence under the tree) somewhere. They also wanted a letterhead and envelopes. Well, after hours and hours (still saving them a lot of $$ even though they had to pay me for the hours), I submitted it again. They loved it, even the guy who is in charge of KY hospices who is one of the alliance guys. He says they owe the Dad and me a dinner. This time Dad has helped me spin straw into gold and further increased Mary's confidence in me; And, by the way...

MARY HATES IT!!!!

Camp Again

2008-10-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

Am going to try and post a photo of camp. These kids don't look like sad kids, do they? They had a wonderful time and the photographer did a fantastic job of getting all aspects in. Mostly, they had fun and did get to talk but some of it was serious too.

Surprise: I really liked my photo in this one even though I "looked" fat (tee hee, that's because I am!!). For the most part, the kids were the greatest. I knew most of them but some of them I didn't. A few were walk-ins from the newspaper article published the day before. The photo article didn't come until a couple of weeks after and lots of people have told us they wished they had known. The photo article was a full-page one with lots of pictures and a few words. Beautifully done! The kids loved the photographer who hung out with them and made friends with them--so much so that when they went into the next sessions, they invited him to come too. Just what he wanted. AND when they released the butterflies at the end, at least 3 kids asked that we give "Mr. Jimmy" a butterfly box too. He didn't get one because he was taking pictures. No one got a really good photo of the butterflies being released, though. More's the pity: they were awesome. Yes, that is an over-used word but really the only way to describe it. Even old hardened I was awestruck when they all took flight--more tears than just mine were shed.

Wheeeee!! It posted! have the greatest day!

DONE!!!

2008-09-27T09:13:00.001-07:00

Well, I worked like a slave but it is now OVER!! It was a huge success for the first time but I have learned something for the next year--besides that it takes more than 3 months to plan and execute a day-long camp like this. The planning was fun and relaxing; the execution more challenging! Hopefully, the photos will come up so you can see the Weiner Dog lady at least. She was awesome!One thing I learned is NOT to have a memorial service at the end in a room that is adjacent to the playscape which is having a birthday party!! Not good. Another thing I learned was NOT to have kids who have just finished a counseling session on dealing with anger to hammer ice cubes into chunks to make ice candles with. They tend to pulverize the ice which, then, lies on the bottom of the cup preventing any wax at all from getting there. I had not tried that before: having the kids crush the ice. The preschoolers who have done it don't hit the bags that hard!! They had a great time; even the one little gal who insisted that if she had to go at all, she would be miserable and make everyone around her miserable too. She was laughing after the first set of games! I heard her telling her little brother, "Come on, put some enthusiasm into this!" The newspaper coverage was awesome. The photographer who did the actual camp coverage was wonderful. He came and talked with the kids and had snacks with them, took a silly photo, until when it was time for them to go to a class, they invited him along. He was very discreet and got some good photos. It was printed yesterday--a whole page, color prints. Wonderfully done. I wrote thank you notes to him and the reporter--and their editor also.Have found that I am too old to do it often! Those young uns at St. Anthony's do a teen one and an elementary one back-to-back in one weekend! Not for this old lady!!! I was so tired, I hurt all over the next day!! My old feet hurt so badly that I had to go to hospice and lie down with them elevated for a while before I could even drive home. BUT, that said, I will do them next year happily. It was fun for the kids and grown ups too, I think. We had the best volunteeer help ever! Everyone was just fabulous--a real team effort. I am so grateful to everyone for all their help!!!

A Few Random Ramplings

2008-09-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hey! Do you know that if you leave a To Do list (which is "lost" on the computer unless you want it) alone long enough that when you get back to it most everything is done or no longer important????!!! Yup. Says something about things we think are vital to be done!!! I haven't looked at it since August and mostly things got done; some are ongoing that I had to leave on and some just were silly. So now on to the vital things of today.

Haven't done enough things worthy of posting lately. My whole life has been wrapped up in planning a Bereavement Camp for elementary kids--our first at Hospice-and it is fun, but takes a vast amount of work. Our Green River Hospice team has been so very much helped by the hospice in Henderson. St. Anthony's has done one for 15 years and this year's was awesome (they let me come). Jennifer, who runs theirs, has been fabulous in helping and giving ideas along the way. They start a year ahead of time planning for the next one. I have had 3 months but lots of help from them so..... next week it happens. I feel good about how it is going together and how the community has jumped in to help. The precious lady whose horse farm we wanted to use got very sick and really couldn't have done it but still wanted to (and would have if I had pushed it, she was so sweet) but instead led us to her church to see if we could borrow some game equipment. Well, instead, they provided their entire buildingfor our use. About that time, I found out that that church's minister for the sick is a friend from the hospital and so she and I have re connected and are working together on this program.

Not only did the church provide their building, they have paid for an hour of play for all of our kids in their Fun4Kids playscape located inside the church (Can't wait to take the grandkids when they come!)!! They also are sponsoring the coming of the "Wiener Dog Lady" who has daschunds used for therapeutic play. She has songs, stories, and the famous-around here anyway-Woody the Daschund and his pals. She is an awesome lady and is giving us a break in finances too. And has some goodies for the kids. I wish I knew the magic way to put her website link on here but if you want to know about her, give me a comment or call and I will let you know.

Now I need to go plan games and dig up my flower garden. The weeds are above my head in some spots. No time. We had rain so the new mums I planted may grow afterall. the Dad has watered them some and so did I last weekend when I planted them but not since. We need more rain.

Prayer Request: my friend Carol who had surgery for a 4th, I think, primary cancer. She did well with a partial lung removal but had a stroke. Is doing very well but still needs a lot of prayer as she rehabs.

Also, Good Old Mother: she is being moved to rehab. in Kokomo for which we all are grateful but she is getting up there. Is seeing lots of angels lately.

God bless you all.

My pretty Rock

2008-06-17T15:31:00.002-07:00

The Daughter, in her Blog, put a picture of all of our rocks but mine wasn't done yet. Now it is and it is prettiest ever!! Hopefully, it will download (you know my photo problems on this blog) and you can see it. I am proud of it. The other picture I am trying to do is, of course, the Boys. Finally!! It is on: this is my 3rd hour working on these photos to come on and, wonder-of-wonders, my Internet has stayed on, more or less all the time. I'll quit while I can!

The best part of our vacation was having all 4 grandboys there and getting to play with them. We did hardly any sight-seeing (the boys were sight enough for me) but we did get to ride the ferry to an island and that was fun after the first time going across when I was nervous and nauseated. Coming back was fine. The boys were so happy and excited about everything and were such fun to be with! We got to baby-sit some and that was great!! The adults said I behaved nicely. Maybe they will invite us back. I really badly needed the rest and feel that I got it.

I heard an awesome pastor whose name I have forgotten but I think it was Rudy-Something. I got to go with Brian and Sue, the church lay-delegate, to a session to hear him. It was really great. Lake Erie was beautiful and the sunsets were fabulous. I understand the sunrises were too but I wouldn't know!!

Awesome!

2008-06-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Are you sitting down??!! the Dad's 50th class reunion was a BLAST!!! We both had a great time. Those people were so very friendly and nice--even to us "strangers." Granted, the program was awfully long and a bit boring but those doing it had so much fun! All the 100, more or less, won "door prizes" and the drawing and comments on everything lasted forever--well, around 2 1/2 hours or more. There were several very interesting people there and I had fun too.

The neatest thing was how genuinely happy they all were to see The Dad. He was thrilled. I was too! Almost no one recognized him after 50 years, for good reason, but I heard many whispers of, "It's Larry Vinson!" "No, really?" And people were standing in line to talk to him! He behaved nicely almost all the time and, would you believe:, we were the LAST(!!) to leave because he was talking to everyone. I finally got to meet the legendary Terry Thayer, and Sarah Carson who were Dad's brilliant companions all through school. Terry had only one job all his life after college: he graduated from IU and became a professor where he stayed all his life! I am impressed. He told me an interesting tale from The Dad that I had never heard: in school, he was publicly proclaimed the most intelligent kid in Southern Indiana. I was impressed!

So, in spite of the looooooooong program, it was much fun and I would do it again any time we are invited. Now, if the picture downloads, we should be done. I'll add things about our lovely Lakeside vacation as soon as I get some pictures on the couputer. Well, dang!! As usual, the picture hasn't done its thing in a few tries and about an hour so I think it isn't going to. I will try again another time! Have a great day! Today (Mon.) it cooperated!

My New Song

2008-05-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

The Dad didn't really like my little song and wouldn't even let me finish singing it so I have to send it to y'all. I can sing it but haven't quite gotten the music down on paper. Anyway, Here Goes:

(Chorus)

'Way back in these Kentucky Hills, We've got all a-them modern frills;

'Way back in these Kentucky Hills today-ay.

The Dad brought home a toilet bowl, He could put it over the crawdad hole:

What're all the neighbors goin' to say?!

They'll think we're high-falutin,

They'll think we're tootie fruitin,

But on the front porch, that toilet bowl will si-it.

Someone said to put it in the privy,

Or maybe in that broke-down chevy

We could plant some flowers inside of it.

Ohhhhhhh, (Repeat Chorus)

The Dad Sets a Record

2008-05-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it has finally happened: as I was downstairs looking for a missing object (of said father), I realized that he has taken over as many rooms as we lived in in our Valparaiso house!!! Yes, that is a fact. I think it has reached my limit! So we now have a rule that if it isn't cleaned up shortly, I will do so--and I will throw away stuff--we'll see!!!

Done!!!!

2008-05-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

And Now MY CLASS IS DONE!!! All done and finished and I am so happy. I have a final evaluation to do next week but the writing is all turned in and so I just wait. Had my site-supervisor eval. today and he said nice things and the "growing edges" were nothing I didn't already know. And we had another site eval. today with our supervisor, Rob (my classmate who also is at Trover) and the Sr.'s boss. It went well but was looooooooong.

Now, what can I do with it? Well, I will be able to be a "trained" volunteer chaplain with 1 credit of C.P.E. (Clinical Pastoral Education). Perhaps not very impressive but I am proud of having completed it intact. I won't be putting in all those hours of study/clinicals but they were good. And, one of the best things: I now know I am not too stupid to go to school so just may, one day, begin work on my M Div.-but maybe after the grandboys are older and I don't go to see them as much. YIPPPPEEEEEEE

How Well Do You Know Me?

2008-05-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW ME? TRY THIS!!!Okay, this one is different - this is funny. YOU fill in the blanks about ME and send it back to ME. But FIRST, send a blank one out to all your friends, including me, so we can return the favor to you. Be honest. They're really SCARY to get back. It only takes a few minutes, so just do it! Now, Luci Mae, you can try my blog too.

Where did we meet?

Take a stab at my middle name?

Do I smoke?

Color of my eyes?

Do I have any siblings?

What's one of my favorite things to do?

What's my favorite type of music?

Am I shy or outgoing?

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?

Any special talents?

How many children do I have?

If you and I were stranded on a deserted island, what is one thing that I would bring?

I can't wait to see the answers!!!Play now!Thanks,

Crushed!!!

2008-05-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Woe is Me!!! The Dad doesn't need hearing aids and won't for a couple of years probably!!! The V.A. sent him to a hearing clinic (or some such thing) in Marion, Il. to have his hearing checked and, wouldn't you know it: he doesn't need them! He asked the lady who did the testing for a statement in writing! She laughed and said she hears that a lot. Well, he doesn't hear high tones but it is not bad enough yet. Now I will just have to be meaner about his hearing or lack thereof!

As for me, I have 2 more weeks of classes and then any make-up work that remains (I think I'm OK there) and a BIG self-evaluation paper that I have to have in by 2 weeks after the class is done if not before. The instructor (s) do one on me also and we sit down with it and discuss it. It has to be done within those 2 weeks too. I am hoping to have mine done before class is done!! I dearly HATE these things because I dearly HATE all that Me, Me, Me! That is the worst thing about the incident reports and verbatims also: I did this..., I did that..., I said this, etc. etc. Oh, and we have to do peer evaluations too but he hasn't said, this time, to be creative!! He said that at the 1/2 way mark and so I did. It was around Easter and so I made paper Easter baskets and tucked candy inside and wrote the positive evals on one side and the negative (tiny) things I wrote in poetry form on the back--you all know my dumb poetry. They really got a bang out of them. All the guys just wrote theirs on plain paper and just a sentence or 2. Not very creative, but I expect theirs was Acceptable. And here I am doing the "I" thing (that I purport to hate)without being told to.
Sarah, if you are reading this, please send me your blog address again: it disappeared when my computer died. Thanks.

Have a great week and God bless.

Flowers

2008-04-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy! The Dad's job ended Thursday and he is home to stay--at least until something better comes along. ANDDDDDDDD, HE BROUGHT ME FLOWERS!!! This made me very happy! Now we can do some fun things--when school is over.

We are starting our 16th week tomorrow. Looks like it will be done sometime!! Now, we'll see if the photo I am trying to load will do so!! Thanks, Brian, for the help: as you can see, it did!!!

Thank you, Thank You, Thank, YOU

2008-04-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

I never thought I'd say this, but THANK YOU, kids, for being little monsters!!! You made life much better yesterday for a little gal in the hospital.

You see, this pretty, sweet 14-year old girl who has cerebral palsy was being transferred to Louisville to a hospital that has children's rehab. She was terrified and so sad about having to leave our Peds. floor because she has been treated well and was used to us. She was hysterical and fighting as much as she could with both legs in casts and braced apart 3 feet or so. Soooo, while the ambulance attendants were going to find a bigger gurney and her mom was moving things out of the room, I asked if I could have some time with her.

She didn't respond to the gentle talking so I changed the subject and asked her what she liked in school. Before that, she'd just turn her head away whenever we tried to talk to her. She answered, "English" but said she hated Math. So I began by telling her about Jenny's paper on her first day with Mrs. Chen: "I am not David. I am not Brian. I like English and don't like Math and Science, etc. etc." She laughed a bunch at that. Then I told her about David's little trouble in Chemistry that got him in big trouble until the teacher screamed at your dad. She really laughed at that and then said, "Did your other son ever do anything wrong?" I had to really hunt, of course, to come up--well, no I didn't. I told her about the note on the back of the sensitive girl. She was laughing until tears were rolling. She kept asking me about anything else you all did and I didn't disappoint her! Kept the stories going. When the attendants returned, I was telling her about Jonathan's little escapade; she made them wait until I finished!!! They were glad to do so because she was having so much fun. She didn't cry any more when they took her away. One of the nurses gave her a little disposable camera to take pictures to send us and she was OK even though sad.

As I said: THANK YOU, THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ONE AND ALL!!!

Back Again

2008-04-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

Probably I should have titled this "Flooding" I'm so amazed at it! Let me tell you, I was like the proverbial country hick coming to town Friday when I got into Madisonville! My mouth was agape and I was saying, "Ohmigosh, look at that!!" and I was the only one in the car!!! It had rained a bunch--like 5-6 inches--the night before and I was sure I couldn't go my back way in because it is low-lying under the 2 bridges I drive under so I went mostly downtown. Well, as I went down toward the small mall near Main Street, I noticed it looked strange. As I got close, I saw it was all under water, a LOT of water! The few cars that were parked there were submerged up to their hood tops! Really, truly. I had never seen such except in the news. Traffic was horendous! I expect there were a number of gawkers ( I was one but only by accident) but expect many like me had gone down Main to be "safe." When I got up to Main street, it was closed and I could see down the way that it was flooded too. I had to find a new way to get to the hospital but when I got there, the parking lot where we usually park was 1/2 under water too. I finally got in and determined to stay there forever if I had to but did find my way out. I didn't go down further to the big mall where, I understand, the wife of one of the employees nearly drowned the night before when she got into her car and drove a bit in that parking lot and found her car submerged to the windows. Well, they do tell you not to drive in water!!!! She called the police who couldn't get to her but sent a tow truck that was able to rescue her. She's fine but scared to death!! It was the worst flooding Madisonville has ever had. And I understand it wasn't the worst place in the area!

I had been on a hospice call Thurs. evening and the husband of the patient asked me where I was driving to from there. When he heard, he told me to hurry and get on out cause the storms were coming up North. I left in only sprinkles but had gone less than a mile when the downpour came. Drove some 50 miles in that until almost home when it returned to only sprinkles. We never got the mess but got some heavy rains. I was glad, let me tell you, to get home!!!

On to other things: School's fine and busy!! I'm not a very good chaplain but am mostly having fun (I talk too much and pray too soon says my instructor). Am not scared to do "On Call" in Deaconess Trauma Center any more because I have done some hard ones but really don't want to have to. I have learned one big thing: DON'T do ER "On Call" on St Paddy's day anywhere!!! Everyone's Irish on St. Paddy's Day!!!

I begin my ER rotation in Madisonville on the 14th. I won't get to do Pediatrics for a while but plan to go back when I am done. I will miss the staff as well as the patients. They will miss me too but the guy who is doing that rotation is the sweetest and kindest person ever. They will love him!!!!

I'm working on my presentation of "Personal Theology as Related to my Pastoral Care"(I don't even hardly know what that means but thanks to Brian, I am giving it a shot). It is hard, but I am proud: the Dad read it and told me it was really good. He never has done that before EVER!!! I had scheduled it for later in the class so I could watch and see how my classmates do it: would you believe, no one has done one!! I think they are waiting to see how mine turns out!!! I do so hope it is better than my last verbatim which was ripped apart by the instructor (even my classmates sympathized with me!)--I was in tears the rest of the day. Not to mention, I had been in tears on the way to school even before that. I think my hormones aren't right. He felt sorry later that he had been so harsh--or that I had taken it so hard (expect that was the thing!). Oh well, off to do my work. have a great day and God Bless you all who may venture on to read this.

In Crisis Again

2008-03-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

Oh Woe!! I am a criminal again!!! Yesterday, when I went to school I parked in the parking garage like I always do and got a parking warning ticket for 1. parking in visitor's lot and 2. for not having an employee sticker! Now. I am NOT an employee of Deaconess nor am I a visitor but a student. When I took the ticket to security, the guy was very kind but told me that I couldn't park there. When I asked where I could park, he informed me essentially that there was no place a student could park. I just stood there looking sad and crying a bit so he took pity on me (good thing cause I wouldn't have left otherwise!) and said, "You can park on the street or, I suppose in the little parking lot (across campus)." That little parking lot is about 2 blocks away: not a wonderful nor safe place for an old lady to be walking at 2 a.m. alone to go to the car and drive off. It isn't terribly well lighted and very lonely at night though i have parked there with no problem during the day. I am not scared of walking there then.

I did manage, after driving around a while, to find a place in a convenient spot on the street near where I was staying (which is in walking distance from the hospital but not from the one across town which we also serve at night). I am sure I made an enemy of the pick up truck's driver because I parked awfully close to keep from parking over the yellow line at the curb. Took an informal poll this morning among the interns who were there and was informed that they park illegally and have gotten several tickets which they have ignored (even though it says right on it that your car can be towed!). The 2 receptionists told me that I should take it to our supervisor and he could "fix it" but, of course, he wasn't there so I e mailed him when I got home.....

and sure enough....I got an e mail right away from him agreeing with my statement that it "is NOT acceptable" on several levels especially the safety one and that it should be solved by Monday when we get back. Oh how I hate to cause trouble but if it is for the good of all, i guess it is worth the mess.

OH. And I had NO CALLS last night (but didn't sleep anyway!) Good night!! God Bless anyone who is willing to read all this. Makes me feel better!!

2008-02-25T15:21:00.000-08:00

Well, when I took the test below, it had me copy and paste a bunch of letters, etc. which I did but when I posted it, it didn't come out. I think I will never really learn all this but blogging is fun anyway.

That is supposed to say how many 5 year olds I could take out in a fight but it doesn't look like anything in this form (at least the form it finds itself while I am writing. Perhaps when I publish it that will make it show). Anyway, why on earth would i want to????!! I am ashamed to say (well, if I were too ashamed, I wouldn't have taken that test from the Son's blog, now would I?), I could take out 2. I should be ashamed of myself!!! Wonder which 2. On second thought, there are a couple.....

And by the way, my spiritual type, like the Son's, is Lover. Brian, how do i put that on my blog so maybe someone else could try it?

New Reading Material

2008-02-24T08:49:00.000-08:00

If you get bored with all this, do go to the last paragraph and find out where I am buying most of my books these days. It's a cool place.

Not surprisingly, my new classes are stretching my usual reading material choices. Thought I would tell y'all about some of them. First, if you get the chance to read Anton Boisen's Exploration of the Inner World, DON'T bother!! Unless, of course, you like nonsense or are a good old fundamentalist Christian (like me!) who has low blood pressure which needs a rise! This dude was schizophrenic who attempted to justify his schizophrenia (who needs to???) by his thesis in the book that religion and mental illness-particularly schizophrenia-were the same except that the outcome of one is positive and the other negative. One of his main examples was George Fox, founder of the Society ofFriends . Mr. Fox seemed pretty normal, if a bit eccentric, to me. I read about him extensively because of this study; and while I found him to be depressive, he didn't seem all that mental. Mr. Boisen claimed that Mr. Fox had been committed to mental institutions several times and was considered mad when, as far as I could find, he was committed but to prison for defying the beliefs of the Church of England--a common habit back in the 1600's.

OK, so that was bad enough; but next, he claimed that "obviously" the Old Testament Prophets had schizophrenia (also called "dementia praecox" says Mr. Boisen) because how else could they have had the hallucinations and heard the voices they claimed to be from God? And further, says he, the only possible way to explain Paul's Damascus Road experience was a classic schizoid experience. He has the sense to NOT say overtly that Jesus was schizophrenic, but hints broadly at that very thing saying that He has "elevated sense of Self" characterized by schizos and that He arranged His death for the supposed sins of the world. He also, as characterized by the other prophets, was obsessed with a world cataclysm. On and ON.

I got so angry with him that it took me 3 weeks to finish the darned thing cause i could read only a chapter or 2 before I had to read something nicer to calm down. He tended to jump around in subject matter but ususally lead back to the mentally ill patients he served (as a chaplain even!) when he was well. Not always though: some of his chapters seemed to be just thrown in for filler. He did say a few good things but I was so mad at him that I couldn't find much!

I did write a report on it though it wasn't a nice one. See how I do on it. Typical Vinson fashion, I couldn't stop reading it. Oh, unless you have an extra couple hundred $$ to spend, don't try and buy it!! Nor his autobiography either!

I read a couple of really great books while I was reading that one and they made up for the stress of it. Both books I read for my Bereavement job as well as school and both I have bought as worthy of my library. One, When Your Friend is Dying by Betsy Burnham, deals with what to say-and NOT say-to a dying or seriously ill friend. She was a pastor's wife who was dying of cancer. Wonderful book! I have used it once in a speaking engagement I had, and plan to use it soon again. The other one, It Hurts so Bad, Lord by Andrew Lester deals with grief, not only from death-though that is the main part-but also from depression and divorce. Talks about kids and grief also. It is very easily read and the author, though brilliant, speaks to the average person though not "down" to us.

Now I am reading The Art of Ministering to the Sick by Richard Cabbott & Russell Dicks. It is as good as the other was bad! Fantastic and should be in every minister's library--hear me, Brian? If you don't have it, let me know. Was published in 1936 but, except for the medical things which are really interesting (one of the guys is a Dr. and the other a minister), it is as relevant now as it was then. I love it and will use it a lot!!

I kind of look forward, however, to getting back to Haddix and Curious George!!!!

And, by the way, if you have managed to wade this far in this very looooooong message: I have found a great used book place. Better World Books out of Mishawaka, IN. is great! They have tons of books--don't charge shipping in U.S. and $2.95, i believe, outside US. AND, what is really neat is that each book you buy contributes to some needy oarganization. Oh yes, and they ship environmentally safely. I wish I knew how to do a link for it but go to betterworld.com and you will find them.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T17:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day !! That's about as much valentine's cards most anyone will get this year from me!

You may ask, "How are things going?" Well, I am as busy as a Grandma Sarah alone with 4 little (adorable) grandsons! No, I am NOT but hope to be someday (with them, I mean).

School is wonderful and fun but I am so busy! I couldn't keep up the pace indefinitely but can do it knowing it won't last forever. I will really be sad, though, when it is done. Already I just love my VERY quiet, sweet classmates. They are beginning to be brave enough to speak up some! I think, perhaps, my example is good for that: I don't get shot down for being vulnerable enough to ask questions so they see that they can too.

Hospice is much more fun and rewarding than I ever thought it would be and now if I get fired, I will be really sad and will miss everyone a lot. Absolutely LOVE my clinical experiences at the hospital in Madisonville. Still live in terror of On Call in Evansville though. The first one I didn't get any calls but didn't sleep either cause I was afraid I wouldn't hear the pager!

All that said, I do look forward to having it all done and getting back to a "normal" life whatever that is. The Dad is being wonderful and cooking and all that!!

And speaking of The Dad: he really outdid himself today on V. D.: Besides cooking a wonderful dinner, he got me 4 DVDs, some candy and some pretty underwear! And now we are going downstairs and watch a movie. Good night!!!!

I think I can....

2008-01-23T17:20:00.000-08:00

You Belong in Paris

You enjoy all that life has to offer, and you can appreciate the fine tastes and sites of Paris.

You're the perfect person to wander the streets of Paris aimlessly, enjoying architecture and a crepe.

What European City Do You Belong In?

I think this worked, Brian!!!!! Thanks bunches!!!

Where I Belong

2008-01-22T17:43:00.000-08:00

So I took one of the Son's famous tests and above is what it said but I don't know how to actually put it into the blog or put the cute picture of Paris on my blog!

First Day of School

2008-01-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it: survived my first day of school in 40 years. It was only an orientation--one day of 3 I think. I am so overwhelmed! I hope I can!! Seems like so much to do that I am not sure i can; but if I can find places in that hospital for being On Call I can do anything!

One of the bad things of the day was the very first thing in which we all met with the whole chaplain staff and heard report from the resident chaplains on their weekend "on calls" which were horrendous!! Apparently there aren't many like them but nonetheless it was horribly frightening to us new kids.

The scariest thing we have to do, for me anyway, is videotape a Worship service and then show it and have them critique it. The instructor wants to dwell mostly on the "message" of the thing! Now. I don't have a particularly hard time doing a worship service, though I would prefer a "hands on" approach and mostly singing, but I do have a problem with taping it!! That's horrid!! They call it a Worship Seminar; and we also have to do a "pastoral theology" seminar (again, for our peers and perhaps some of the staff) which I don't even know what is--though i did ask and he answered! Brian, or anyone else for that matter, if you have any suggestions, I would love them!!!

By the time we were done, my head was swimming in jello but I was (am) also excited and had really fun. I am the only woman with 5 men (who seem pretty quiet but who laughed at me anyway). They are all preachers of a sort and don't have a problem with taping!!!! The guy I will be working with from Madisonville is a youth/assistant pastor in the UMC I believe; one is a UCC (United Christian Church) and 2 are Catholic priests (one a lay minister I think) and one, I am not sure. They are really nice though and explain the jargon to me when I can't figure it out. I am afraid I will be their comic relief but not always intentionally. It's OK: I look forward to learning all I can! Father Ignacius (sp??) is a priest from Nigeria who is very hard to understand. He's probably all of 35 and was shocked that I can do stuff on the computer. David is OLD--probably not as old as I am but is Old and very helpful to me. Rob and Mike are both sweet as can be too--young ruffians though. I will enjoy working with them. I will be working with Rob at Madisonville

Jo is one instructor and Chuck and someone else that I don't know are the others. Jo is female too. I don't feel left out but she isn't there always cause she is a supervisor in training. There are 2 other women who are chaplain residents and all the rest are guys.

Oh, and my GPS (yes, I GOT IT!!) got me there just the right way. Took me home a different way than I would have chosen but got me there! It about had a heart attack, however, when I chose to go to Walmart before going home--and then I dared go to Golden Corral after that. I sent "Thomas" home with The Dad so I wouldn't have to hear him having a fit, "Turn around NOW, stupid." Well, no, he didn't really say that!!!

Have a good year: I may not have time to blog forever!

Kids say the Funnest Things

2008-01-04T18:42:00.000-08:00

My other blog was too long but I had to add these little stories. A month or so ago The Daughter and guys were visiting for a few days while Dad went to Europe. We were coming home from out to eat and, on the way home, I was driving and talking, not paying a lot of attention to where we were. The truck in front of us was going a bit slowly and I remarked that if I knew where we were, I'd go around him but was afraid it was just about time to turn off. Little 3 year old Mark, in the back, looked up from the book he was reading and remarked, "When you pass the oil drillers and go under the bridge, it is almost time to turn." He was so right!! Another trip home from town, he saw a place on the Pennyrile, pointed to it and said, "That's a doggie's playground." Surprised Grandpa no end because it is a dog boarding place with an exercise area. As far as I know, no one ever told him that cause I had just learned it and Gramps didn't even know it then.

And on to Jonathan: This time when we were visiting, I needed to recharge my batteries for the camera but wasn't sure which way to put the batteries into the darned recharger. Jonathan asked to see it--remember, he is just 3 also--looked at it for a second and said, "You put them in this way." and did so. I asked him how he knew and he replied, "We have one just like it." I tried plugging it in and it didn't blow up but I was still nervous so had Grandpa check it after he got home (when J. was in bed). Guess what: Jonathan was right and I was wrong. Mentioned to The Son what Jonathan had said and he laughed, "We do not have one. I don't know that he has ever seen one before." Jonathan also stands up for what he thinks quite well: I was reading him a dinosaur story which has a "scary dino" coming and has the word "Boom" all across the tops of the pages and one page has a bunch of "booms" all over it. Well, to Jonathan, that word was "Thump" and he would say that. I just let him cause it wasn't hurting and it was so cute but Daddy wanted him to know the difference (understandably) and was sounding it out with him: B---OO---MMMM. Jonathan dutifully sounded it out and said each sound faster like we teach them to do to read words: "B---oo-----mmmm, B--oo--mm, B-oo-mm-THUMP" I had to laugh--we weren't going to change his mind. Personally, I think Thump was a more appropriate word anyway.

Have I mentioned today that Grandguys are wonderful??!!

What I Did Over Christmas Break--OR WOW!!!

2008-01-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

May I say that this Christmas break left a bit to be desired?! Yeah, I guess I just did! Started out fine and I got the GPS I desperately needed--which we learned to use on the trip we took! Then it went a bit downhill starting off with The Dad's deciding to leave on Christmas Day for Up North instead of the day after. Now, do you know how difficult it is to find food on Christmas Night on a trip? Not easy. By the time we got to Granny's where we were spending the nights, we were all starved and, could I say, GROUCHY?! Not to mention that because we had to leave in a kind of hurry, I forgot several things I wanted to take along--and we went back for a thing or 2 even. Then, Mother had to go to the hospital and was pretty sick for a while; when we got to OH, poor little Andrew whom we all thought was all over the "bug" wasn't and threw up on me about an hour after we got there. He stayed sick for the whole time we were there. Had its advantages though, he just wanted me to hold and cuddle him. Awwwwwww, you know I hated that !

Then the car went funny and kept losing air in the tire and it wasn't just the tire but the rim so, when he had to keep putting air in it every 20 miles or sooner, we decided to go home by way of The Daughter's. Wouldn't you know, poor ol' Adam had just what Andrew had had--no, they didn't pass it on unless it was over the phone--plus he was teething ( I am sure he will have all his teeth by the time he goes to college). The men trudged all over the junkyard ( which happened to be open on New Year's Eve) to find a rim for the car causing Tim's cold to get much worse and so he was sick too. Finally, to everyone's relief (except, perhaps, Mark's) we left for home. I had to miss Monday's work cause we were on the road and I was so glad that we could rest Tues. but then The Dad got the flu like the boys had and he has been miserable. Fortunately, I only have the fever and exhaustion--not the stomachy stuff. And I won't even mention Christmas eve services--another whole story!

Having said all that, however, Christmas itself was a blast and we so enjoyed seeing the little guys open their Christmas gifts and be so happy. When we came into the Daughter's on Christmas day, sweet little Mark was so happy to see us and said, "Oh Wow, anovver Christmas!" We didn't even take their gifts out of the car because we were going to have to wait until a couple of days later hoping the OH. Vinsons could come--they couldn't--see above. It all worked out well, though. Mother got out of the hospital surprisingly soon considering all that had happened to her; they boys are mostly well now and The Dad is on the mend--ate pizza for lunch and didn't die. So cute it was that on both visits the little, big boys sang-of their own accord- Happy Birthday Jesus. They both showed me their Nativity Sets and Mark gave me a blow-by-blow rendition of the Christmas story and Jonathan told me all about it and that it was in his own Bible! That's what it is all about really and it made all the troubles not all that important after all. One more thing: little, concerned Jonathan felt so sorry for Andrew and Grandpa Sunday morning because they couldn't go to church when Andy was sick. Reminded me of 3 year old Jenny who,when we passed the golf course one Easter morning seeing the golfers out, felt so sorry for all those guys who couldn't go to church. Y'know, I think it was a great Christmas anyway!

ihatemyjob!!!!

2007-12-21T16:36:00.000-08:00

Hi There! It's been forever and I'm sure you have missed me and my deeply intellectual monologues terribly but it's been rather boring around here--Actually, I haven't been around here much so how would I know????

Did I mention yet I hate my job????!!! Well, not actually; and the people with whom I work are awesome. I just love talking with the people--even if that means on the phone and I think I do like that pretty well BUT Dang It! I am always lost!!! I have to travel around 3 counties hunting up dead people and their families (In case you don't know, I am a bereavement coordinator for a local hospice--not a kind of job I would have thought I could even start to do--I can't!)!

So today, I slog through rain, snow sleet and hell, oops, I meant hail--or maybe just mist and fog-to find a funeral home to make a visit "on the way home." My Google map and map quest maps make it look not too bad. The second time I pass the Slaughters funeral home-where I am also supposed to stop but was closed and locked up tight- I decide I should ask directions cause time is running short. Now, we are going 100 miles from the nearest civilization but I remember the little town a bit up the road so I head there. I Stop at the Hanson Pharmacy- God Bless the man there- who tells me I should go back to Madisonville from which I had left in the first place and driven about an hour from, and start over. Go straight down 41A and you'll be in Dixon. "Can I do it in less than 1/2 hour cause the funeral starts then and I don't want to stay for that?"

"No. To get there quicker, go back to Slaughters and go to the caution light and turn there. But it will take you about 40 minutes to get there at best." Well, I did as he said and. lo and behold, about a mile later I found the road that I was supposed to take that the map showed going from the highway I was traveling in the first place. Yes, it has a different name until then. Squiggles galore but I prayed and made it in just under 1/2 hr. YEs, 3 minutes earlier than that funeral I want to miss. So I have to stay. And they sang 432, 576 country-western songs that were tear-jerkers, of course. Well, maybe just 5 or 6 but too many for me!

Did I remember to mention that I didn't know these people? Had never met them. As BC I am supposed to take up where the people leave off after the patient dies. I think there's a fault somewhere here cause that's not the time to meet new people. Anyway, the folks were wonderful and gracious and expressed appreciation for our having been there. Now I will be calling and checking on them for several months and will get to know them.

So I head home--lost as ever. Call The Dad after a while when I think I am never going to find home again and will need to pitch my tent in the bog beside the road, "I am in Poole and wonder can I take this highway 56 to Sebree?" His very caring response? "Get a map!" Thanks sweetie.

As you may guess, I am home now cause I am on this computer--or maybe I have it in the bog beside the road with me! Next time I will take a tent and sleeping bag and stay in the bog.

That's why I hate my job!

Want a Free Gift? A Fun Chain Letter to My Fans

2007-10-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

Compliments of the Daughter.

Brought on by greed... sort of:
For my loyal readers:
By the end of the calendar year, I will send a tangible, physical gift to each of the first five people to comment here. The catch? Each person must make the same offer on her/his blog.
Right. Slow down on the greed and realize that you have to make the offer, too. :)
So, hurry around and comment. and make the offer to everyone you love.

Quiz Questions

2007-10-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

1. What is one posession that you would hate to do without?
2. What is one scripture you have trouble with, and why?
3. Where is one place you'd prefer to never return to?
4. What is one thing you'd do differently if you had high school to do over again?
5. If you were given $1000us that you had to spend on something for yourself, what would you use that money for?

1. One posession I would hate to be without: Besides my Bibles, you mean? That would be first; but next I would have to say would be photos of the grandkids.

2. A Scripture I have trouble with: Hummm, well that would be the Creation account where God created the sun, moon and stars after He created the earth. And if anyone can clarify that for me I will be, literally, eternally grateful. Why? Because my logic doesn't follow along with God's and guess whose is wrong...

3. One place I'd rather not return to: May not have thought of this if I hadn't seen the next question but definitely High School--I was miserable.

4. What I'd have done differently if I had high school to do over: I'd have skipped it entirely!

5. $1,000 to spend on myself: Ugh! This is hard! I'd spend it on Christmas presents for my family and people cause it would make me happy and no one would scold me for it!

Those are my answers and here are the rules if you want to play too:1. If you are interested in being interviewed, leave me a comment saying “Interview me.”2. I will respond by posting five questions for you. I get to pick the questions.3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

He Did It!!!

2007-09-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't have believed it but The Dad actually DID retire! So far, so good. We are having a great time and he is getting lots of outside work done. He is still amazed that he can just get up and go and come back in when he gets tired. He is getting so much done and so am I, kind of. When I am well enough. Another good thing: he can take me around to, say, ER when I might have a kidney stone or some such thing--hypothetically, of course. WE both love getting to go wherever, whenever we want and getting up and going to bed when we like. I didn't know I would feel so much freedom too. All psychological I am sure. I still do my things and he does his.

We did get to visit Lake Geneva, WI, where we used to live and saw bunches of our friends. We stayed with Bonnie and Jerry, who are both recently retired also. Had a ball!! They are awesome hosts!! The thing I like best about staying there is that they let us do our thing and don't feel like they always have to be entertaining us and keeping us busy. And we can go during the week when the traffic isn't bad and the stores aren't crowded. Even got to go to the Jelly Belly Store!! Greatest place ever!! Sure I got bargains and Bonnie and I stuffed ourselves on samples. The Soap one wasn't bad nor was the grass--no one had the courage to try vomit, though. We didn't take one picture but this one was taken at our last trip there.

Mystery Solved

Remember the Beer Cans? Well, Karen, my next door neighbor has a solution: It seems that her husband collects cans (won't say where!), sells them twice a year and gives the $$ to their teen daughters for Christmas money. He was cleaning out his barn and hauled out the 2 50-gallon tanks of cans and left them out. Now. They recently got 2 puppies who chew everything in sight who, somehow, got some of the cans out and chewed them (not bullet holes after all). All we can figure out is that the varmints of some other species dragged them to our yard. I want to believe that!

You have a great week and y'all come, now, y'hear? God Bless!

EXCITEMENT!!

2007-08-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

Finally, at long last, I have the application for chaplain school! That's only the first of a long line of stuff to do but it is a first. OK, so i had to stand over our beloved chaplain as he downloaded it from Internet (he said he had had that on his To Do list forever ), but at least, it is done!!!

He "thinks" I could make it cause only 2 people from our facility have signed up but that's OK: at least I will have tried. If I hadn't pushed it, I would never know if I could have gotten in. Anyway, I will keep on doing what I do; just would be nice to know if I am doing it right!

Now it is in my hands--That's a bit scary but the Daughter can help me get started on the essay stuff. Even though I do enjoy those personality qizzes I feel uncomfortable writing about myself and that is what is asked--even citing some of the "good," helping things you have done recently--GULP!

Gee, I've been away from school for more than 40 years!!!!! Can I do it? Will never know if I don't try. And it would be one more of the 3 things I want to do before I die! May have to come up with something else!

ENFP Continued

2007-08-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

I didn't know how to make words on that graph they posted for me so I will do it now. It was fun and not surprising; but it didn't leave enough flexibility: was "either/or" and I am NOT for most of them!

And they misspelled "extrOvert"!

ENFP Personality

2007-08-25T07:09:00.001-07:00

Pow-werrrrr, Pictures and a Plea

2007-08-25T05:57:00.000-07:00

I feel absolutely POWERFUL!!! The Dad has, at long last, entrusted to me the CHAIN SAW!! Well, I think he got sorry for me cutting out branches of the trees-big ones too- with the small saw that I could use. Remember the ones we had at preschool? One of that kind; probably one of the very ones! Well I have 2 piles too tall to burn and can't burn anyway because of our terrible drought. Please pray for rain for us! Anyway, as soon as the chain saw blades get sharpened, I should be in business. I did chop a very big branch but ended up using my little saw to finish.

Pictures: I do so hope the ones I tried to put on gets there: Did you ever see such skinny legs on one poor little girl???? Really I did feed her, honest! And the youth on those young men's faces. Yes, I guess it was Brian's graduation. If they don't come, I'll try again!

And for the plea: Please tell me WHO threw the beer cans in our woods out beside the yard-the space beside where the dogwood orchard is??????!!! I don't want it to be anyone but it would make me feel much better to know it was someone I know (and yet, I'll kill you if you are drinking that stuff here!!) than to think it was some stranger. OK now, can someone reassure me that my imagination is working overtime and it is OK? They weren't that old and had been shot at also and were full of bumps: someone is a good shot! But not in my yard, for crying out loud!

Well, have a great day and God Bless You a bunch. I am going out to feed the beasts before it rains!! It does look cloudy!!

Whee! One of the pictures downloaded in only 20 minutes. Still waiting for the other! It's always interesting to see which will happen first: the photos will download or the Internet will sign off. Sometimes one, sometimes the other!

A Picture

2007-08-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

Who is this absolutely beautiful Baby? Name him/her and I will send you a whole picture with the handsome dad also! The Dad's Aunt Ginny was cleaning out her photos: said they had a terrible time when Shirley & Charley died sorting through their pictures so "I'm trying to avoid that-not that I'm feeling bad but I am 81..." And I might add, a lively, delightful 81.

Most of the photos you kids have but a few of them you might like. Several were of one of the graduation parties; I think Brian's. And a pair of the skinniest legs on a Daughter I have ever seen! Didn't know you were so thin! I may have to post that picture also.

Remember that lovely young Sycamore tree out in the upper meadow behind the chicken house? The one with the beautiful shape? The one whose branches went all the way to the ground? Well, my project this morning was to trim it a bit so I could get under it with the mower. Let's just say that it will be years before the boys will be able to climb it now! Zacchaeus would have a hard time!!!

A Symptom I Am Happy About

2007-08-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

This is really ramblings about lots of stuff since I haven't been on for a while but the first one, though not the most important one is the symptom.

Well, you see, I have been afraid that I am getting Cushings again--and it has taken me a while to accept that possibility with a sense of peace about it. I understand that is quite the common thing in an illness like this. Well, anyway, the symptoms aren't huge but there. One of the worst I had before and have been having are the eye problems: bloodshot, dry, tearing and worst of all, blurring when I read or do computer. This is really bad for an old addict like me! So I have been sick and had company for the last couple of weeks and, lo and behold, my eyes are much better--no symptoms at all! Today, I went out and mowed for a couple of hours and, sure enough, my eyes gave me the same old fits. ALLERGIES, plain old allergies!!! Now, I never have had allergies to grass and outside before but since the Cushings has gone and lowered my cortisol, I have had some allergies. How very thankful I am for allergies!!!

And On to better things: The Family Came for a Visit!! I was thrilled, of course! David was here for a Conference in Nashville and so came to visit. Amanda didn't get to come, nor did Tim, and we missed them a bunch but the rest of the tribe was here and how very much The Dad and I enjoyed them! And how very quiet it has been around here since they left! I like the noise!!

Tara had the brilliant idea of putting their family into one room so we converted our bedroom/sitting room into a bedroom for them. I think it worked out pretty well but we will be having some new rules for computer use the next time! Also next time, to be fair, their family gets the downstairs "suite" and Jenny's family gets the upstairs rooms. Mark had his own "tent bedroom" downstairs which he loved. He may never want to use the "plain" bed again. Will have to adjust that for him and I am not sure Jonathan would enjoy it much. Oh well, we have more tents!!! They can all have one if they like.

And we celebrated Andrew's first birthday! Doesn't seem possible! And yet can't even remember life without these 2 precious little dudes. Since Adam's daddy wasn't here, we didn't celebrate his "Day" but he got his present from Uncle David anyway! Andrew had a ball with his cake, as you can see. We had a ball watching him--and now, today, he celebrates his "Real" birthday with his other Grandmother and I am sure she is having as great a time as we did.

Well, someone else wants Internet and so I will post the "Big Boys" photos another time. He has been so patient and hasn't even asked for a long time so to be fair... It takes a bunch of time to get them to download anyway and my attention span isn't that great. Have a nice day and God Bless you all!

8 Random Facts about Me

2007-07-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Enjoy...
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Finally I'm Getting to this!

1. I Don't have 8 interesting things about me so you'll have to read dull, boring things.

2. I am absolutely terrified about driving behind pick ups loaded with ANYTHING! See blog of a few weeks ago when a load of someone's furniture came flying at me out of one. Never was thrilled but now am really paranoid about it.

3. I am MUCH more comfortable with kids and teens than with adults who tend to intimidate me but...

4. I am getting more comfortable with adults and can actually go up and start conversations with adults now and never could before Thanks to my job at the cancer center. I have a lot to thank that place for!! They are wonderful!!

5. Also I am learning, at this late age, not to be so petrified of making phone calls-also thanks to the above. One of my jobs at said place is to make calls to see how patients are doing after they have been finished with treatments for a while. As you can imagine, i get many interesting responses and am not scared anymore though i still get somewhat nervous about actually doing it . Occasionally, I get someone whose patient has just died. I just cry along with them and listen. It's OK. Now I can even make business calls if I absolutely have to and don't get nauseated.

6. Hey, I am doing pretty well with this! It's not as hard as it looks. I've been on thyroid meds for about a week now and think i am doing much better. I can actually listen to music and not get nervous--depending on the kind of course. Bluegrass is still beyond me. Did you know I cry every time I listen to it; and it's not because of my illness. I have done that since I was a very small child (well, young anyway; I was never small!!). A few of the songs I really like, honestly.

7. I was going to write about something I hate but I forgot what it was. I hate country music. There now. That's said. I love classical music and, right now, am into Mozart but next week it may be someone else: I'm fickle. And I just watched Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Whatever. The story is totally unbiblical but the music is absolutely fabulous!!! The first time i heard it, I woke up the next morning with one of the tunes going through my head and I couldn't remember where I had heard it but couldn't get it out of my brain until I got up and went and played it on the piano. Yeah, I can do that again too. Then I remembered where I had heard it.

8. Oh yes, my memory is shot and I feel badly about that. It may or not come back. And I love rain and am going to sit outside on my porch swing right now and wait for it to come. It is thundering and i am sure it will come soon.

Now, I don't know anyone to tag because only 3 or 4 people read my blog but Sarah or Ronda if you are still reading it, you can do it! It's really fun if you get around to doing it; and not as hard as it seems it will be.

One more thing: if someone will be so kind as to tell me how I can underline something like book titles or movie ones, I would be so grateful!!

Just Stuff

2007-07-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

And not very exciting stuff--unlike my progeny!

Remember this? At the time

Larry had 7 months and then some until retirement.

Now this. He has 8 weeks left and

his chain is getting shorter and we are excited!

Meanwhile, I am getting a break from most activities that I am used to doing. School is out and I seem to have been "fired" by my friends at school for next year. Well, they told me, since they are having 3 full-sized kindergartens, it probably wouldn't be practical for me to do all 3 so I should just pop in when I feel like it and visit. I don't know if that is a firing or just a sweetness. I think, really, they are thinking of me and, honestly, I didn't know how I would do it anyway.

If I should get accepted into the chaplain class at Deaconness-chances slim to none, but if God wants me there, it'll happen and if not, I wouldn't want to-there would be no time for school anyway. We'll see. It'd be pretty full time for a while but won't happen until Jan. now. The Sept. class didn't come forth and who knows about the Jan. one. It'll be a longer one going 12 weeks instead of the 8 planned. I hate the thought of driving "over the bridge" which is being painted and down to not many lanes for that long but life goes on.....

The Dad is in the height of his glory: his tractor works nicely and he got the mower fixed; and he has 20 baby chickens, more or less. What more can you ask?!

Now y'all hurry on down here, y'hear? I got the garage all cleaned out and it can fit both cars but only mine is living there and The Dad is using the other side to fix things. He handled my cleaning quite well and does seem to accept it now. Even got rid of some things too! i think he might even like it!!!! Come before it gets messed up again!

An Adventure: My Final Catch-Up Blog

2007-06-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

Trips are fun and I do so enjoy driving on Freeways--as opposed to back roads. I feel safer and can go so much faster; much the opposite of beloved husband. So, here I am, driving 65 mph, along with other traffic on Interstate 465, middle lane, on the way home from The Daughter's. Life's Good; I'm happy and he is resting. Around me speeds a red pick up loaded with furniture-know where I'm going with this?-and I comment to The Husband, "I don't feel comfortable behind this dude full of furniture with his straps blowing in the breeze." I begin to move to the right lane even though he is in the far left. However, the 2- 18 wheelers behind me were there first so I am waiting and signaling.

No sooner have I said that when, sure enough, the whole living room of furniture comes flying out of the truck across all of the lanes. I love red couches, really I do but it is very scary having one heading toward ones windshield!!! Thank God for 18 Wheelers, those anyway, who slowway down and let me fly over to the berm barely missing the couch!

The Dad was wonderful. He didn't yell at me or anything; simply said "Go right!" which was what I was doing but he said later that he thought I looked uncertain about what to do--and he was right but that was the only option I had.

It's amazing what you notice in circumstances like that: I noticed that all 4 of the spindle legs on the couch were still intact and they were sliding on the pavement very nicely. I noticed the 2 chairs, and many, many pillows flying all around.

I drive on down the road and it isn't until many miles later that I think, "Omigosh, I should at least have stopped and offered to help!" How's that for a Bad Samaritan Story?! I did notice the guy stopping and getting out. I say a prayer for them and we discuss the dialogue probably going on in the truck at the time and I drive on noticing every loaded vehicle for the rest of the trip. I do hope the couple is still together and alive. Should I have stopped? I don't know. I didn't and that's it for now. Can't change it now, can I? Sorry. No real pictures!!!

Very Behind!!

2007-06-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

I got way behind in my blogging the last couple of months and so now i have to use a bunch of blogs to catch up.

My first catch up and the most fun, I am sure, were my last 2 visits with the Noblesville contingent. The first one was a week, more or less, while the Daughter re-lived Civil War. The boys and I had a wonderful time! Little Adam was a bit traumatized as he absolutely hated to leave Mama--or Daddy if Mama was gone. Really, he was fine when they were out of sight and ear shot but if they were around, he had to be with them. However, as they were mostly gone, he tolerated Grandma really well. Cute as a little bug! He learned to use his sippy cup and really enjoyed it--and can that boy Eat!!! Stuffs into his mouth as fast as his little hands can shove. We played outside and he seemed to love the feel of the grass on his feet.

Mark was, as usual, so much fun!! Grandpa had sent him a "new" sandbox but didn't send sand so while he was waiting for sand, he transferred the 1 cup or so, of sand from his old sand box to the new one and was perfectly content playing in that! Yes, he did get sand a day or so later!! He and I went up to Ohio to the family there and took Jonathan his late, very late, birthday gifts. I was a bit nervous as I had never taken him a long way before. We had a ball! Going up, he was so very excited and chattered away. I was somewhat concerned as we left the gas station in his hometown on the way up when he questioned, "Jona-fen's house closer now?" Was it going to be a take-off on the old, "Are we about there?" But he just mentioned a few times that Jonathan's house was "far, far away." Oh, and he did say, "Jona-fen's watching at the window." We had a great time! He and Jonathan had a wonderful time and I was amazed at how well they shared. Jonathan was the greatest at sharing his new birthday toys and they would often ask, "May I please have it now?" Not perfect, of course, but perfect for their ages! Coming back, he was very quiet. You see, Uncle David and Uncle Brian had given him a tractor and some small cars they had had when they were kids and he was completely in awe. The whole trip back, he clutched the tractor in one hand while holding the tray of cars on his lap and rubbing them occasionally. I don't think he even took one out the entire 2 1/2 hrs we drove.

OK, so now this last weekend, we-Grandpa and I- went up for a quick trip. My high school alumni banquet was then and I decided to go for the first time. It was nice and I enjoyed seeing the "girls" and husbands whom I regularly see when I am Up North, but the best part, of course, was spending more time with the Grandguys. it is amazing how much they change over a couple of weeks!!

Adam has now given up his terror at Mommy's leaving and will let anyone hold him. Still prefers Mom but is OK with either grandparent it seems-or anyone else I guess. Guess what idiot forgot her camera.... But I was able to beg some photos off Tim anyway. We took up some special guests with us: 3 baby chicks whose mom got eaten (by raccoons if you're interested). They could have been left home with someone to watch them but we decided they guys would enjoy seeing them. Mark was ecstatic! He was amazed at their "little eyes" and "soft fea-vers" though he tried a couple of times to say "feathers" the "th" just wouldn't come through. He was really good with them but really enjoyed visiting with them. He was utterly thrilled that Grandpa was there and couldn't get over his good fortune at having him there. Jenny and I were thrilled that he was so thrilled! Little Adam just wanted to get into the box. He held out his little arms and leaned as far as Grandpa would let him! He had fun too. Mark tells me that the "Chicks are happy." and also corrected me when I called them "chickens."

Adam is Grandma's little Charismatic--YESSSSSSS! In church, every time the music would start, he would stand up, start dancing and jumping and even clapped his little hands once or twice. So cute! And when the music would stop, so would he! And he would settle back down. I loved it. Oh yes, did I mention that the music was How Firm a Foundation and Holy, Holy, Holy? Grandma was so proud. Not sure how he will fit into the Lutheran congregation!!! Maybe they will have to start going to the contemporary service (JUST KIDDING, kids!!).

Thanks to Tara for telling me how to get my photos where I want them!!!! I am so happy! And they all downloaded! Wheeeeeee! Life's Gooooooooood!!! This is getting too long and I was going to add my coming-home adventure but will have to make that another blog I think.

Woe Is Meeeeeeeee!

2007-05-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

I've waited a week to do this one so I could calm down a bit! To quote my neighbor, Karen, whom I admire greatly, "Laaaaaaaaafe's Goooooood!" But last week I wasn't sure if it would ever be good again: we got us a new tractor! Now, by "new" I mean never before used by anyone! Never driven by anyone except out of the shop! Doesn't happen often to my extremely frugal husband.

OK, so far, so good. Now, as background, please realize that I had just driven 250 miles from the daughter's house where I had been for a week (more about that another time). I was tired and a bit fussy at best. All I would like to do is grab a soft drink-preferably one with caffeine-and relax. However, it was not to be.

In bounces my Dearly Beloved all excited for him announcing, "The tractor is ready-really this time. We can go get it!" Please note the "we." Which meant, I found out, that I, Big Mama, was to go also and FOLLOW THAT BABY HOME, lights flashing and all! Talk about panic-stricken, that was me. So we get there and find out no one knows how to put the dang thing in gear so we wait while Charlie comes back from dinner to show us. But small thing, right?

Well, we got out to the BUSY highway-rush hour in Henderson isn't as bad as Chicago but pretty nerve-wracking for this old gal right now. For whatever reason, the Dad decided he had to keep to the highways instead of the back roads so there we were, driving 10 mph down highways 60, 41, and then 416. Oh, and I failed to mention that because, it turned out, the wheels weren't turned quite correctly, he couldn't keep the thing in between the highway lines and many times went over the double yellow lines which, even in Kentucky, mean "stay on your own side!" We were passed, even on those yellow lines, by every imaginable vehicle including 18 wheelers who were probably the most polite of the passers by.

Took over an hour to get home and, I am happy to say, I didn't soil myself in any way though we had just eaten at McDonald's and I was nauseated enough to! As we were driving home, I was ready to kill him but terrified he was going to kill himself before I had the chance. PRAY, I surely did!!! And, at least The Daughter will know how I prayed: Please keep him safe but if he is I will kill him--or hurt him severely!

When we got home-yes, we did make it home-he came over very sheepishly and said, "Well, I guess I owe you big time." Actually I restrained myself very much but did say several things I should have been ashamed of but wasn't and am still not! It was the most foolish, dangerous thing he has ever put us through and will never happen again!! I did say that! So he even volunteered that he wasn't going to garage sales Sat. and would work at home, which he did mostly. But he hasn't taken me to my favorite restaurant yet--but he will.

Oh yes, the tractor is nice and when they finish fixing it, will be really nice--when he can drive it, I mean. And, boy am I annoyed now: danged pictures again! This is the 3rd time I have tried to load the photo of him and his tractor. Am still trying. Maybe this time!

My Fun Interview--by The Daughter

2007-05-29T16:31:00.000-07:00

As I have said before, I love fun "interview" questions and so I made the comment on the Daughter's Blog that I would like to answer questions she made for me. She did and I shall. Now I am supposed to let you know that if you would like to play this game, let me know on my comment page and I will make up questions for you. What fun. Anyway, here are the questions she made up for me.

1. Where would you go on vacation that you've never been? Money is no object. Well, really i have been everywhere I have really wanted to be but if my grandkids were somewhere I never have been, i would want to go there. I think, right now, if also flying were no object, I would enjoy Scotland because David has made it sound so interesting. Ireland also. However, if i were in that area, I would go see David and Amanda. Oh! I have never been to their new house so that would be the place!

2. What is the most ridiculous thing your kids got into trouble for? Be specific. Wow! This one's hard. Most things were ridiculous really. They were so creative that they got into trouble for so many things!!! If I had known other things before the statute of limitations ran out, there would have been many more! I guess I would have to say right now, the guys really looked stupid and ridiculous fighting and rolling around on the ground in the front yard. The daughter, no doubt, would be for her mouth!! Remembering one time in particular when I tried to get her to get some summer outfits that were pretty and stylish. She adamantly refused saying they were stupid, etc. No, that isn't what she got into trouble for: what she did get in trouble for was when she saw her friends wearing the very same kind of things, she said she would like to have them but her mom wouldn't let her. Same friends who, when she was with, she came home with a nasty mouth and was told that if she came home like that, she wouldn't be allowed to go back. I meant it!!

3. My guilty pleasures: So many! Because I am trying to be a recovering work-a-holic, most things I do that aren't work are "guilty pleasures." But I would have to say, doing these silly questionnaires is one, reading light fiction, and watching fun-light DVDs and old musicals.

4. What-realistic or not-would I like to be able to do? Drive a motorcycle. Own a jeep. And argue intelligently with my family and not feel dumb.

5. What will I like most about retirement? Hoping that it comes! Freedom to come and go as we please and go places. Having the Dad come home not grouchy; having him go with me on my baby-sitting expeditions; and GETTING THINGS DONE AROUND THE HOUSE!!!!

Now, for whom do I get to make up qestions? Given that my only readers, mostly, are my family......

Strange Things about Me

2007-05-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

My Son (the Thief-that one) had a tag-thing on his blog that said if you wanted to be tagged, do it. It is List 6 "unusual" things (translated "weird") about yourself and that is the first one for me:

1. I love doing these dumb lists!

2. I'm more like that son than i thought

3. Though I am very shy, I also enjoy public speaking, teaching

4. I have an OCD about finishing things: absolutely can't stop reading a book, for example, even if I hate it! That is a familial disease, by the way! Once I start something i simply must finish it even if it is stupid.

5. I was so ignorant I barely knew anything about a college until i went!--I accepted a band award over a college scholarship because I didn't know what it was (You see, in our school, you could only have one award as a senior).

6. I march to my own drummer and make up my own songs even though I also am a people-pleaser!

Found I had a harder time narrowing the 6 than I thought i would.

I don't think I have 6 readers, but if you want to, please consider yourself tagged! Have a great day!

Virtual Church

2007-05-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, there really is such a thing! I thought the guy at the cancer center was just kidding me at first but he was so in earnest that when I came home, I tried it out. Sure enough, I can't do the link thing but I typed in "virtual church" in Google and got a bunch of sites!

According to the guy, you can pick out the songs, sermon, everything you want to hear and you will get that. Now, I find a bit of concern about that because what we really need to hear, we often don't want to hear but, anyway, off I went to find a virtual church. The guy said most of them he found were from England, and sure enough, a lot of them were.

But the first one I found was The Ark. It is a black congregation in South Carolina, I believe. I couldn't find a way to choose what I "wanted" but when I finally logged on (not their fault but the fault of my slowww computer!) a gentleman was reading Scripture. Oh, I forgot to say that a couple or 3 times before I was able to get on, a sign came up saying to stop right now and pray that you will find what you need and are looking for (something similar anyway). Well, sure enough, the Scripture was the one in Philippians about not worrying but asking and giving thanks. I love that Scripture! I didn't find out how to pick my music but theirs was spectacular!!! It was what I loved! Couldn't understand the prayer cause it was garbled but then I left to find something else. Oh, we were also given the address and phone numbers so we could visit them if we were in the area or had questions we needed answered.

I did go, next, to England and found one there that had many Bible Studies and worship places to go but I didn't still, get to pick my own music. I ran out of time, or else my computer kicked out and I left but it was quite interesting!!!! I may have to do that today because I was sick yesterday and couldn't go to church. Sure do miss it when that happens. Not having a tv to go find a service, I think this would be better than being a heathen! Well, from the tv ones I have seen, which I will admit haven't been many, I think this would be better anyway.

I guess this is for people who are home bound or, for some reason, aren't happy with the traditional church. I realize we do need the church cause we need the rest of the Body but it was fun to see. I will do more later!!

One More Set of Pictures

2007-05-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

I couldn't pass up this one last set of photos from the Visit--then I (maybe) won't bore you more. But they are so cute. So the first one is of Good Old Andrew in the hot tub. That little guy just loves the water. He was having such fun splashing in the water but then they put him into the Turtle. He leaned back, with his little toes up and floated around like King of the River--well, hot tub anyway. I think he would still be there if parents hadn't decided he was tired. Was it because of the many yawns or the red eyes? Not sure. Anyway, he didn't let out a peep when he did go down for his nap. Hot tubbing makes one very tired.

Jonathan was a bit cautious at first but had a ball. He got his head all the way under--an unusual thing I have heard. The first time it was by accident but his very wise parents gave him such encouragement and praise that he wanted to do it again and again. Both little guys were such fun to watch!! Old Granny sat taking pictures and waiting to take anyone who got overtired before others were ready to come out--HA! Fat Chance. One photo made it; maybe the other one will this time!

And now I sit listening to London Symphony Orchestra playing Mozart. It's beautiful! I'm trying to keep my internal monologue positive. Have not felt very well the last couple of days and it has been hard to be "nice" to me. This is my way of compensating I guess.

Am well today and was out before even making my bed or having prayer time to weed whack before it got hot. Well, 76 isn't very hot yet. Got done but will be so glad when either mower is fixed! I kind of used it as a mower too. Know what? both got done and the world didn't fall apart because I messed up the timing!!!!

Next visit should be with the other 1/2 of the cousins so will be, of course, posting their photos too.

Has been a Looooooong Time!

2007-05-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking I don't have time to write and want to do so when I have plenty of time but just remembered, I don't have to write a book! Probably would be better if I didn't. Definitely the highlight of April was the visits with the kids and grandkids.

Grandpop and I went to baby sit the Ohio clan for the week after Easter so the parents could go on a much-needed retreat. On the way, we stopped at the Noblesville plantation to visit that group. And we stopped on the way back also. I could bore you to tears with cute little anecdotes of each boy but won't. Suffice it to say they are the cutest, most talented, smartest, and any other -est you can imagine. We had a ball! Were kind of tired when we got home but not horribly like everyone said we would be. Honestly, though, I don't know what I would have done without The Dad to help out. Guess I will find out the middle of this month when I go alone to sit the other couple for 3 days. Can't wait! I do plan to go see the other bunch for Jonathan's birthday shortly.

One of the cutest things was the day, when asked where Jesus lives, almost 3-year old, put his little hand over his heart and said, "In Heaven and in my heart." Did it bring tears to old Granny or what? He feels and hears his heartbeat and declares that is Jesus. So cute!

And other almost-3 had something very exciting to tell but Granny wasn't home so he left a message just falling over himself to tell it--but only wanted to tell Grandma Sarah. How sweet. When I called back, he was in bed but good old momma let him get up long enough to tell me. That was so sweet and gave him the excuse to be out of bed for a second.

So then, about a couple of weeks after we got home from the visit, the Ohio clan came down South to visit here. Again, we had a wonderful time. Got a good chance to bond with the babies and think they are tops too! If I talk more about the "big" guys, it is because they are doing so much; but those little fellers are the cutest and happiest little guys. They are doing fun things too now. I can't wait until they are big enough to all come to Granny's at once!! We'll have Granny Camp.

Well, shux: I tried to download 2 photos at once and only one did--so I am trying again. The orange photo of Jonathan and Andrew, of course, is of them sitting in a bulldozer (I think--ask Mark or Jonathan) at the Evansville Children's Museum. It is really nice!!!!

Funny--Kind of

2007-04-05T05:31:00.000-07:00

Finally can access my blog after a week or more of not!! And, hopefully, here is the picture I threatened last time. Still aren't finished as the Dad has to put down the molding but he has it stained and will get to it!!!

So what's funny---or not so??? OK so we're on a No Call List, right? Well, all week I have been getting this automated call saying "this is about your credit card" which one? no one knows. Mostly I have been just hanging up but yesterday I listened after the second call that day. Says they have some wonderful thing to get lower interest on ALL your credit cards. And this will be my final notice. If I want to know more about such a wonderful thing, I can press 9 to get a real operator. If I don't want any more of these calls, Press 8. Now, what would you do? I pressed 8 and got a message "You have made an invalid choice." and the message repeated itself. Now wait: I thought this was my final notice..... After trying a couple of times, I hung up. The Dad says I have to talk to a real person and threaten them if I get another call with litigation or something.

I think I have too much time on my hands if I listen to such drivel! By the way, I really don't: have been too busy since my self-imposed LOA from school to do any of the things I had planned or that The Daughter planned for me! They all sound so good, though, maybe I will just do all of them and never, ever work again. BOSH! I miss them too much!!! Everyone's been on Spring Break this week and I keep thinking of things I want to tell someone and then remember, "Oh, they're all home and not at school." "Oh, I am on leave anyway....." It should end in a week or so anyway.

Still waiting for my photo to download. Started it at the beginning of this--bad sign!!! Wheeeeee it did download. I'm so proud!! Really can't tell much about the floor from a picture. The Dad forgot the purpose of the photo and just tried to get me I think. Oh well, it's pretty and I am very happy with it.

Sooooooo Thankful

2007-03-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

Know what I am thankful for today? Of course you don't! I'm thankful I'm not a surgeon! I thought that as I mended innumerable (is that a word?) pieces of molding from the kitchen floor that "Someone" broke removing. No, we aren't going to use them again but they are needed for measuring--a fact that I had missed somewhat in the translation. Anyway, as I did the painstaking work reconstructing, I thought of surgeons who put together shattered bones every day and said a prayer of thanks for them and for the fact that I am not one of them. For years I wanted to be a doctor but am so glad I'm not.

Sing the New Floors song for me: we are getting new kitchen and utility room floors tomorrow and have killed ourselves getting ready. The guys came today and brought the stuff to sit for the night so it will get used to our house before they lay it tomorrow. it smells so good!!!! I'll try and send a picture when it gets done but with my picture record, I'm not sure how it'll do. For the past 5 years or so, I have been physically unable to scrub the floors on hands and knees ( Good old Tim did it once and so did lovely ol' Tara) so it was in very bad need as I had to scrub all the marks off the places where the moldings were also. After about 2 1/2 hours, the kitchen floor looked passably clean and I looked dead!! But I DID IT! Didn't work as hard on the utility room as I did the kitchen but it had been scrubbed not long ago when we had our little flood. Tomorrow the slate is clean! And so is the floor.

Oh yes, we can sing the New Glasses song too. My new glasses are finally in and I can see!!!! Yeah, I also have a huge headache but the vision difference is amazing! Will probably not be driving in them for a few hours though!

Poor Ol' Pitiful.....

2007-02-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

Poor old pitiful is hardly enough to say for him but, as you can see, he can still do e bay! Took me days to get out of him what happened but, as far as I understand, some lady had made "something" ( who? what???) and he was taking it out of the microwave at work. It was too hot but he took it anyway ("Take it, Take it, it's hot!!"--ask a Vinson), dropped it onto the countertop and hot grease splashed onto his fingers--all of them except his little thumbs. He and Phil, his boss, don't need that much grease anyway. Says after that he couldn't eat it!

Came home with bandaids all over his fingers and I worried about it so. Never did see it! The next day, he went to the walk-in clinic in Owensboro and got them fixed up right. He didn't like the way they did it so he had me "improve" upon it ( the green bandage). he didn't like the way I did it either so he commanded me as I was doing it. IF the picture gets on here, don't think I did that awful looking bandaging alone. A good patient, he isn't! He goes back to the ER clinic today so I hope he is fixed up again.

Of course, he went to work!!! Yesterday, he got a ride but only because I needed the car. Wish he wouldn't try to drive but, oh well..... He isn't home yet so I hope he gets here in one piece.

I'm Not Bored.....

2007-02-22T13:38:00.000-08:00

I'm not bored, I'm not bored, I'm not bored...!! My first whole week out of school and I'm not bored. In our family, if the kids claimed boredom, B.M. always had work to do: wash walls, wash windows, etc. Walls are done. Too cold for windows, but i think God is laughing at me for worrying about it!

Has definitely NOT been a quiet, easy week starting with Tues. I spent a nice leisurely few minutes talking with Ma while the laundry did its thing. Then went to put clothes in the dryer. I had the first inkling of a mishap when I had to wade in water to get to the washer. Yes, Once again, the drain had overflowed. This is the first time I had to do it all alone but I did get the things moved and the water up, fans on the floor, etc. Oh yes, did I mention that it had, of course, run downstairs in the overloaded storage room? I had most of the shelves unloaded and the water up from that room when the poor old Dad came home from work with all his fingers bandaged (more about that later). He had to do the very heavy stuff and get the rug out. One of the printers he has stashed around leaked ink onto the rug which, subsequently, leaked all over the good carpet as he was taking it out. Yeah, guess who had to clean that too--but it is all gone so that is all good.

Now the nice family room looks like a war zone with all the junk all over drying out. I guess I will begin putting it back soon. I am so sore---. the dad's car has been in the shop and so I have been carless but did take him away EARLY yesterday (in the fog and dark, i might add) to get a ride. I feel better having him not drive anyway!

Anyway, plenty to do. I get to work Mon. anyway. Have a great day.

It's Cut In Stone Now--Maybe

2007-02-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

The Dad's going to retire! It is almost semi-official: we made a paper chain! How more definite can you get???!!! Just says to me that we have too much time on our hands. Well, so we spent Sunday afternoon, instead of doing all the jobs we had on "the list," making a looooooooong paper chain. It is 31 weeks and some days. Now, will he take them off at the proper time? No, but it is done.

He plans to retire the day before my birthday and, hopefully, I won't get sick that day because he is waiting until then because the insurance before Medicare kicks in for me is outrageously expensive--unless it is through his company. Then it is still horrid but not as bad. Makes me feel guilty that he could be footloose and fancy free (strange cliche) except for me. Won't say what I feel about it in my down-days! Guess that's the "worse" part of "for better or worse" in those wedding vows, huh?

I have exciting plans and look forward to his being home and cooking dinner when I am working and away. But it is a little scary too: though I have told him that he has to stay off my turf. Once (or more) when he was out of work, he decided it was necessary to supervise my kitchen and alphabetize my spices among other things. Dern it, I am still hunting some of them. Well, almost, anyway. Anyway, we can go off to see the Grandkids whenever we want--or almost anyway: when they will have us! And when I can get away. He has a zillion projects-some of which are just in my mind-to keep himself busy; and he loves puttering about his acres. Then there's always his chickens and e bay to keep him busy. I will be jealous (not really: my work is my choice!). Is this a party occasion?????

by the way: NO!!!! The chain does not live on the fan in the living room. He has moved it!

Friends

2007-01-30T18:18:00.000-08:00

This one's Better.

Friends are good things to have around; they make life a lot more fun. I've been thinking about the friends I've made over the many years I've been around and have decided I like 'em.

Seems like almost everywhere I've lived I have found very special friends who have hung in there with me over the years: yeah, even The Dad. He has hung the longest, I guess, and we haven't killed each other yet even though we have been married forever. Won't say we haven't thought of it--never divorce but-.

Now, I don't know that I would know "deep" discussions if I fell into one and drowned but I feel like I have special friends that I can talk about my deepest feelings with and know that they will not think less of me nor will they blab everything they know. We can discuss the Lord, Heaven, even Hell and disagree and not hate each other. We can discuss death and life, is that "deep"? I don't know. I do know that we at the cancer center periodically discuss how our values have changed having faced death and cronic illnesses. Is that "deep"? Politics and philosophy don't grab me much as being "deep" though when I was young I thought so. I think I am so much more into feelings and not into intellectual pursuits that to me, "deep" is in feeling and not smarts. Good thing.

The Daughter once told me that people in the South who say "If you need anything, call," really mean it and I have found that to be true. I think this is the first time I have really needed to depend on people for a long period of time (and don't like it: I'm too independent) and the Lord is teaching me a lot from it. I'm glad I am here instead of so many other places I could be. I especially think of Cindy who loved me enough to talk really firmly to me and send me to the Dr. so I didn't die. Then I was there for her to talk her through dying and help her be ready to face her Lord gladly. I think of next-door-neighbor, Karen who dropped what she was doing and came over when I called and said I was really sick and needed distraction. And then there is Linda who came over and spent 5 hours wrapping Christmas gifts and stayed because she was afraid to leave me alone; she being the same one who drove 90 miles a day for 6 weeks to take me to radiation. And there are Barb and Laura who listen and listen and tell me I'm not bad but OK no matter what I think. I could go on and on. Yes, here I have made so many friends. And my earlier friends who were really friends have kept touch even though I haven't really felt like a lot of contact. My Lake Geneva friends, my Kokomo friends are still there even though I don't see them much.

The people who ran away when I became sick don't feel much like real friends and I don't much miss them. Their loss: I hope they never become sick enough to need someone. They don't like me when I can't counsel them or listen for hours. That's OK. I'll have that time in Heaven.

Oh and did I mention my precious family most of whom love me no matter what and I feel the same about them. Best of all is my Lord who loves me in spite of all my sins and failures and doesn't find fault--just forgives me for it all even when I don't talk to Him as much as I should. One thing about Him: He's forever and ever!!! God is so Good!!!!

1 Corinthians 13:13

Psst: Wanna see a Picture?

2007-01-30T15:07:00.000-08:00

It was Ugly Day at Kindergarten--Really, Truly, Honest! I don't really dress that way!!!

To impress the letter U in those little minds, the teachers go to any means they decently can. I am so amazed at the kindergarten teachers and assistants: they are so creative and want so much for the little people to find learning fun. These ladies are amazing! I am so very glad they let me work with them and for them.

OK so we crawled under the table and made upside down pictures under the table with the parachute draped over the table. The kids found it cozy and had a ball. Me??? I'm still sore from crawling under there and holding my arms up to tape the papers to the table underside. Let's face it: Michaelangelo, I ain't! And we sang U songs and all.

One thing I should be a bit offended about: Those 2 days, many adults came into the room for various things and not once did anyone look the least bit curious about why a teacher, an old one at that, was crawling around and lying under the table. I mentioned that to one of the real teachers who said, "They probably just looked and said, 'oh, it's just Ms. Sarah.'" Should I be offended or worried about my reputation at school?????

These teachers are the greatest!!! If you see Barb, Laura, Sarah, or Breia, tell them they are wonderful! They don't get nearly the recognition they deserve!

Yipeeeee! It posted! It really did!!! Wheeeeeee!

Decisions! Decisions!

2007-01-16T09:04:00.000-08:00

How I hate making decisions! I know why I hate it but it doesn't make it easier to make them! What if it makes someone mad? Or worse, what if it hurts someone's feelings? Or, Or, Or.....

My current dilemma: what to do about school: I dearly love to teach and do my volunteer teaching. It gives me something to do, something to think about and even, sometimes, something to gripe about. OK, so what's the problem???? Every derned time I go there I get sick. Not just a little cold but a real down-and-out sick-in-bed sick. My immune system stinks since the cushings bit; so I pick up absolutely everything flu shots notwithstanding (that's an interesting word). My drs. think I may get better when the cortisol gets stable; my kids think that has nothing to do with it and it is just because I'm older than dirt. My words, of course.

Dear husband says my constitution doesn't allow me to just stay home and he is right too. I can't stand just being here doing nothing and we're too far away to just jump in the car and go do stuff. But when I get sick, then I can't do the spiritual counseling I love doing at the cancer center and it is so far away that once a week is all I can do that. Woe is me!!!

And my friends at school would be so disappointed if I couldn't do that thing. It's fun and, let's face it, I'm good at it and they always let me know that. I get a warm fuzzy and need that too. With my personality, they're hard to come by!

Now WE have to decide if we want to head up the Sat. pre-service prayer time. Thankfully, that decision is shared by the husband and I'm happy. Right now, i feel somewhat negative about it but haven't really prayed it through yet. And, yes, I HAVE prayed about the other but don't have a real answer though it would seem that having gotten sick once again last week would tell me something, wouldn't it?

Well, anyway, that's all the biggies I have right now though the time may come when I have to decide if I should go back to school and take the chaplain program--though that may not come about because the chaplain who would recommend me for the program (and the tuition coverage by the hospital) doesn't really like me! That may be good.

Thanks for "listening." Now I have to go decide what to thaw for dinner.

Have a great day and remember Jesus loves you--I do too.

He Came

2006-12-21T17:49:00.001-08:00

Santy Came, Oh yes he did!

I"m as happy as a little, fat squid!

My cook top came and I 'm so happy and surprised: it is a glass kind of smooth top and is black and is just what I wanted but didn't want to spend all the extra $$. The Dad picked it out and really shocked me. It's going to be Christmas, Anniversary, Valentine's Day, Chanukah and anything else that I can think of probably but i don't care. I'm thrilled though I don't deserve it!

I've already burned stuff on it ( well, I did cook, didn't I???) and have to learn to cook on it cause it heats much faster and higher than my old one.

Did I say I am happy? The Dad is my hero today!!!!

Happy, Happy Christmas to one and all. God's richest blessings to you all.

He Came

2006-12-21T17:49:00.000-08:00

Santa Won't Be Coming

2006-12-18T15:46:00.000-08:00

Oh Dear!! I've been baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad! I think I won't be seeing Santa Claus cause I've been so bad!

First off, started with my stove top. It's nice and came with the house I am sure. So being the slovenly housekeeper I am I hadn't cleaned under the knobs for a loooooooooooooong time. Finally decided to do so. First one, no problem; next one, a bit of difficulty coming off--so I pried it off only to find that I had broken the little post that fits it back onto the stove. BUT it is very clean under it. The Dad was willing to help me with the next one but since company was coming (of Course: why else would I have gone to all that trouble??), "we" decided to wait but he forgot and several days passed so I again proceeded to remove the second one and, guess what: I broke it too..BUT it is clean underneath once again. The fourth still has filth under it but is working! It will cost more for the 2 knobs than for a new stovetop but I still have 2 working burners. My new stovetop comes on Wed. Guess Santa could bring that, huh?

THEN, as if that weren't bad enough, I went to the Daughter's for Thanksmasgiving and ruined my car brakes to the tune of some $670. I just bravely had them fixed without even asking!!! The mechanic was apparently surprised they hadn't "locked up" on my way there. I think that's bad. He didn't look like Santa (How do I know: I didn't even take it there!) but he could have been, and probably saved my life or someone else's.

I won't even go into my other badnesses but I think I will stay safely in my little hovel here until Spring Thaw and try to stay out of trouble. I don't think I can possibly mess up anything else if I just sit quietly and learn to knit.....Fat Chance!

Hey Brian, how can I make the background pretty colors??????

Mad!

2006-11-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

Mad! I'm really mad! Waited a couple of days to send this so I wouldn't be so mad! Still mad!!!

Me and Forwards don't get along very well. Oh, I love the funny ones and the inspirational ones are very nice usually but I got one Sat. that blew all the bounds of any forwards I have read. Gullible. I admit that I am gullible but even I began to question this one.

Got a forward titled "Urgent Prayer Request" and, of course, opened it to pray. It was from a very respected pastor who said it was from a respected friend in the ministry. It was supposedly to have been sent by a person whose husband was fighting in Iraq and was suppposedly being sent, with his "group" on what sounded for all the world like a suicide mission. They were told to "call their families to say good bye" (#1 questionable idea). I got horribly upset: either it was a sick, political ruse to discredit our leaders; or it was saying that we were no better than the terrorists. Or it was some sick-o's idea of a joke.

At any rate, the longer i thought about it, the worse I felt. Sure, I prayed hard for the fighting men and women there--probably harder than at other times, more's the pity-- but things just didn't "feel right": know what i mean? The dates were not quite right, the times were off and the whole idea sounded implausable. Why would they be allowed to call about such a mission and why were they going "door-to-door" looking for snipers. Even I know more than that!

Well, by the time The Dad got home from Garage-Saleing, I was really upset and mad. I didn't even give him the chance to take off his coat and gloat over his purchases before I dragged him to the computer to read it and, sure enough, he was about as mad as I was. He shot holes in every sentence of that baby in the e mail he sent back to said pastor and told him best to go back to his usual stance of not sending forwards.

Surprisingly, said pastor wasn't a bit mad at him and told him that it all made perfect sense to him after Larry had explained it. He was going back to his source (who, undoubtedly had to check his source and on and on).

My question is Why, on God's Green Earth, would someone do something so blatantly stupid and mean???!!! People believe this stuff and we Christians are the most gullible people: when someone asks for a prayer, we jump right in. Guess we all have to kick in that gift of discernment even if we aren't blessed with the actual gift, huh?

Some Random Ramblings Or Why do I Never Listen?

2006-11-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

...to The Daughter....She always knows what movies I can stand to watch and why not. We don't always (usually) agree on what's good but she ALWAYS knows what I can watch comfortably. So virtually everyone (else) said The Terminal was really great and funny. She said. "It's so sad." Well, The Dad brought it home from a garage sale and I thought I would watch it cause everyone else found it funny. How very right she was!!! It was the saddest movie I have watched in ever so long-maybe ever. If I wanted sad, I would go out into the world and listen to people talk--but that's another issue. Worse than sad, it was pitiful. True, I know it was just a story but how pathetic! One part I kind of smiled and the dad came in and thought it was funny but mostly I just wept. Kept watching to see if it would get funny or resolve and it never did. Yeah, some issues it resolved but others never did. Some I understood and some I never did. Oh well, Back to Fiddler on the Roof.

Which, by the way, I finally got back. I was worried: loaned it to a friend who loaned it to another friend who loved it but died before I got it back. Hate to ask her grieving family for it but finally did and now I have it back and am going down to watch it shortly.

Perhaps I should stick to watching videos of the grandkids. Which, by the way, I am wanting to put on my photo at the top of this page where my info. is: can one of you tell me how to change the one I have to another which will include all 4 of the little angels?

And my day is complete!! I am having an unexpected day at home having gotten sick at school. Well, it is just a cold but lately when I get one, I get fever, chills, upset stomach, etc. Anyway, as I left for school this morning, I saw 6 (yes, 6!) deer in our lower meadow. Makes me smile! And the Dad is going to bring me a Diet Coke when he comes home!!! How Happy!!

On Fire for the Lord????

2006-11-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

Or Perhaps it should be titled: A Preacher's Worst Nightmare.

Tonight in church, we had a most moving service on 1 Corinthians 11 about having the Lord's Supper the right way. Music was fantastic as always and very relevant: not many dry eyes, even the Dad was awake. We had tables up front with beautiful fall leaves and flowers, etc. with communion elements sitting out for us to go forward to partake, which we reverently did (unlike we always do-not the reverence but the going forward).. Do you see where I'm going????

Then, if that weren't moving enough, we shared the anniversary of the tragic tornado in Evansville complete with movies and were beginning the sharing of some thoughts by one of the victims.

We heard a quiet "POP" and one of the candle holders broke and, yes, fire broke out! Several of the men jumped up and ran out (hopefully to get the fire extinguisher) and Todd, the preacher in charge went over and tried to put it out by tossing what was left of the grape juice on it-bet he has burned hands. Finally Eric, another of the pastors, came over with a wet towel from the baptistry and did extinguish it promptly. Another great reason for baptism by immersion: the baptistry is always available should it be needed for fire extinguishing. We clapped.

I suppose you could call it "comic relief" but it did break the tension if you could call it that. The Dad and I agreed that if you must have candles and pretty decorations, you really should have a fire extinguisher present. I have always worried that something like that could happen. Bet my sons would have had a plan... Daughter, too probably, but the guys were always big on their "plans".

London Again? Maybe???

2006-10-04T04:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I was blathering about nothing much and mentioned that when the grandsons were in school, for Grandparents' Day the Dad and I would have to split up and go to each of the kids' school then trade for the next year.

His response: "What about Zosi? Are you going to just leave her out??" Zosi is D&A's cat, by the way.

Anyway, that spells a trip to London, right? Of course, right!!!!

Grandkids are STILL Wonderful!

2006-09-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

And this set is Mark and Adam. As Ms. Opal so astutely noted, All really good August birthday folks have A Names and we will call The Dad Alarry. Another cute pair here. Mark can hold Adam for approximately 10 seconds before he gets tired and gives him back. Yes, someone grown up is holding his head! I'm so thankful the cousins will all be close (and will be able to gang up on granny one day!!-can't wait)! Now tell me: aren't they all the cutest things????!!!!

Grandkids are Wonderful!!!!!

2006-09-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

Ok so I can only post one photo this way! I have 2 new grandbabies and 2 two-year olds and am so thrilled. They are all so sweet and cute. Can't wait for a few years when they all can come to "Grandma Camp" and wear me out! This one is Jonathan and Andrew. They are the older couple so they can be first. Haven't gotten to spend much time with them yet but---just wait!!!!

Book Challenge

2006-08-10T04:40:00.000-07:00

Never one to refuse a fun challenge, I am doing that Book thing the Daughter ordered me to do if I want to. Like the daughter, at this time in my life, I am mostly into light reading; I have had so much heavy stuff in my life for the last while that I don't really need much heavy but I do have a few.

1. Name one book that changed your life: Would have to be the Bible! My whole Christian life I learned from there and that is who I am now though I don't follow it nearly well enough. But then most of my answers, like the Preacher Man's, would be The Bible so I guess I will have to come up with others. One of the best was How to Raise Children at Home in Your Spare Time by Dr. Marvin Gersh a pediatrician who says "Relax and let them grow." He gives very practical information and I raised my kids "by him" (more or less) and still have the book to this day. OK, so if you know my kids, you may not want to read it! Another one is How To Pray for Your Children by Quinn Shearrer ( NOT several of the others by that name). It, too, is very practical and good for praying for anyone else too. Evelynn Christenson also wrote some very good How to Pray books too that really helped me in my prayer life.

2. Name one book that you have read more than once: that would be impossible because I read ALL the books I love dozens of times! Right now, I am reading and re-reading all the Margaret Peterson Haddix books for about the 10th time since Christmas when the Daughter bought me Running Out of Time and I read it a couple of times as soon as I got home. I also read L'Engle books, C.S. Lewis, and Erma Bombeck books probably a million times--OK so I exaggerate. Dang! this blog thing doesn't have a space for underlining and I HAVE to underline book titles!

3. Name one book you would want on a desert island: Besides my cookbook? Definitely the Bible cause it has all the types of literature besides great comfort for my little spirit and direction for my behavior which i don't particularly like but if i am on a desert island I'd probably need.

4. Name one book that made you laugh: Well, the Bible has some pretty funny parts. But to laugh aloud, I would have to say most of Erma Bombeck's books and just lately I found Humor for Preaching and Teaching which is hilarious. If Chonda Pierce ever writes a book, I will certainly buy it for laughter!!

5. Name a book that made you cry: Ohmigosh, all of them. I cry at just thinking about some of them. The most recent, I think, is Don't You Dare Read This Mrs.Dunphrey a journal of an emotionally abused teenager. It is fiction but so real!! However, the Bible also has some most teary scenes also as I think of those last days of Jesus and the end times of all those who will NOT be joyful before the Lord. Also, Erma Bombeck's Family: The Ties that Bind and Gag, I believe is the name of it. It was not her usual humor though that was mixed it but it was kind of bittersweet.

6. Name a book that you wish had been written: The one Jenny and I never wrote on child-raising. It would have been very funny and practical.

7. Name one book that you wish had never been written: Right now, the book of Numbers--and Leviticus is right behind it (sorry, Kids). I get so bogged down by the numbering of Israel! Also, I read a book a few days ago that I don't even remember the name of the author or the book but it was about Where we go when we die. It was pretty scriptural and was pretty well researched and presented some ideas that I have had too, BUT was so poorly written-- grammar, syntax, etc. were so bad--that I threw it away. It was an embarrassment to Christianity. Now, my grammar isn't so great but for me to notice and be so bothered was a huge thing! Especially when he was using tense-agreement or lack thereof in a proof text and his own tense agreement was wrong in the same paragraph.

8. Name one book that you are currently reading: Like the rest of my family, except perhaps the Dad, I never have just one book I am currently reading but here goes: Leviticus!!, To Hell and Back by Maurice M. Rawlings M.D. about NDEs, Forgiving Our Parents, Forgiving Ourselves about healing of adult children of dysfunctional families, The Sylvia Game, a teen fiction, In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado which we were doing as a Bible Study in small group. I am very tired of it but, typical of our family, I can't just stop it. And many, many books to approve for our church library.

9. Name one book you have been meaning to read: All those boxes of books in the church library that are waiting patiently for me to read and approve to get on the shelves and I haven't because I am doing this crazy blog. Ireally don't have any because if I want to read one, I do!

10. Tag 5: I can't cause I don't have 5 people you haven't already tagged but I could add the Dunces as I don't see them on the Daughter's list. Now Daughter Dearest, is this OK? It was really fun.

Grandkids are the Greatest!!

2006-08-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

I got to spend a week with Jonathan and Dad a few days ago. What a blast! Got to spend a couple of days with Mark on the way to and from Jonathan's. Such fun. Oh yes, I got to see various parents too. They are fun too. But back to the boys.

I am amazed at the language patterns of 2 year olds. Like their mothers, both boys are very verbal. They now say everything. Can't really post a list of their words cause they say all of them--some of them we wish they hadn't yet learned. I think it is neat that though they don't see each other that much, they have similar word abberations. For example, each of them calls diaper "pi-dew" though I noticed Jonathan switching it properly a time or 2. For a while, Jeep was Peej but now it seems to have changed. Grandpa is Paw Paw or Pap Pap depending on the time. Mostly now, for both boys it is Paw Paw (as in animals' feet). Sorry David.

Cutest thing though, Mark did correct Jonathan's pronouncing of Cooper truck: each time it was said in the former manner, Mark would say "Pick up truck." Personally, I prefer Cooper truck. Oh well. Jonathan is just as likely to correct Mark also. wonder if all 2 year olds have the same patterns.... I don't do a lot with that age so am not sure.

One of the cutest things that happened to me on my visit was one time that i was putting J. to bed. As trudged down the stairs the plaintive cry came from the room where he doesn't sleep on the bed but on the floor, "Le' me outta here!" So funny to me! I almost did (but restrained myself!). And, one last thing (maybe) Remeber the time J's Dad was telling about what Daddy says (Aw Shucks!) , and what Mommy says (A-Mess)? Well, Grandma Says, "AAAAAAA-Men!".

Personality Quiz #2

2006-07-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"Tell them I said something."

What Will Your Famous Last Words Be?

man! How original! Whee! This is fun! Why can't I be hilarious like my kids?????

Personality Quiz #1

2006-07-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

You Are Big Bird

Talented, smart, and friendly... you're also one of the sanest people around.

You are usually feeling: Happy. From riding a unicycle to writing poetry, you have plenty of hobbies to keep you busy.

You are famous for: Being a friend to everyone. Even the grumpiest person gets along with you.

How you life your life: Joyfully. "Super. Duper. Flooper."

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Wow! Now I have learned something new again! Thanks to Brian, I now can take all these famous tests and get them onto a blog. I took this once before and was Ernie but today I am BB and tomorrow, probably will be Oscar The Grouch! Have a nice day Y'all.

The End

2006-07-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

Our Last long walk in London; our Last tube ride: did I mention I loved the tube? The Son took us to Victoria Station and put us on the Gatwick express amid many tears from Big Mama and went off to work. The ride to Gatwick was very comfortable and we had no trouble finding our place.

Every one of the security personnel was so courteous and kind. I got "patted down" and one of our pieces of luggage got opened and searched. The Dad thinks it was because of the pretty rocks we had in there. Our departure time was 1 hour earlier than we had expected; and our departure from Detroit was 1/2 hr. earlier and that was fine with us!

By 7:30 P.M. we were at the hotel in Louisville-I'm so thankful the Dad agreed to staying the night: we would have been much too exhausted to have driven all the way home. I have to say that I would be happy not to fly for the next 35 years but the desire to see my children will, I am sure, make me willing much sooner than that. I have already started a list of things I want to see the next time.

And now it is over and we have lovely memories. Thanks for hanging in there with me as I reminisce!!!

A new way to do Photos! It worked!

2006-07-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

This was one of the photos I wanted to post yesterday! It was the one The Dad took from above the crowd. He just held up his camera and shot. Didn't even see what he was shooting. Will have to try this all the time to get photos to work!

Day 9 We're Finishing Up

2006-07-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Our Last Bus ride and I'm not sorry! However, I am still very impressed that every time it has been busy, some young person has given me his/her seat. Don't find that much these days: ah the advantage of being OLD!

Today, The Son took us to the Sir John Sonne Museum, left us there and went off to work. I wasn't that impressed with it but it did have a lot of art that was interesting. Think I would have been more impressed if the L.D. had been with us. She could have added a lot more to the tour (but sometimes she has to work like real people). I felt that the people there who were to guide us, were more standing around waiting for someone to do something wrong so they could yell at them. We didn't but others did and they were right on top of it! Mr. Sonne, from what I read, was quite a popular architect and drew quite fabulous things. His sidekick, Mr. Gandy was good too but seems to have been mostly a dreamer and didn't get much of his stuff actually built-or Mr. Sonne's either for that matter. But I could be wrong. Was hard to say. Anyway, it seems like Mr. S. collected quite a bit of stuff and then had to build a house to put them in. I fear that is going to happen at our house given the "collections" of The Dad. The thing that most impressed me was the BRIGHT yellow drawing room with the matching furniture! The Sister would have felt right at home (She had a bright bright yellow bedroom for a while in which she had much difficulty sleeping as soon as the sun rose!).

After our tour there, we went across an absolutely lovely park to The Royal Academy of Surgeons to the museum there. We both LOVED it! It had cases and cases of things preserved in bottles including lots of fetuses-even human ones. I'd forgotten how small 4 week fetuses were and 8 week ones--and how well formed! We saw skeletons and deformities and instruments of vast kinds! And we watched videos of some surgeries. Even the Dad had a good time though I don't think the surgeries were very high on his list of fun things to watch!

We, then, sauntered up the street to The Son's lab. Didn't get lost even though I had the directions--much to The Dad's dismay. We found a few gift shops and I got to buy just exactly the right things I had been wanting to get for the babies. I had in mind just the size, etc. of buses I wanted and there they were. The Dad took more photos of those red buses and one if me beside the petrol prices sign. Again, that was most impressive to him.

We went back to The Kids' home and rested and had supper. Let me tell you about the food they served! It was outstanding! They are vegetarians and I didn't know what they would serve but felt like I should enjoy it because they are so gracious about my messes I fix for them. Well, the food they served was so great I would be a vegetarian if I could fix food like that. Tonight, we had pumpkin soup and I had been a bit worried about that cause I hate squash soup but this was very spicy (not too, though, mind you!) and was great! Wish I had gotten the recipe cause I would serve it! The Son made us sandwiches for one of our excursions and I don't even know what he put in them but they were so good! Everything was! Not once did I wish for anything else! We had a deal: they cooked and we cleaned up. Worked well and we all were happy.

We all read for a while, played a game where most everyone had to think a bit (not me, of course: I just played for the sake of playing and making my board pieces pretty) so I didn't really have time to bawl much if at all because we were leaving in the morning

2006-07-05T17:56:00.001-07:00

Day 9 or So

Hope the photos load: the one of the Buckingham palace guards was interesting: The Dad just held up the camera and shot without even seeing what he was shooting. Pretty good, huh?

this day was neat: It starated by successfully returning the rental car. Then, I had 4 things left I wanted to do and by co-incidence, they were all in the same location so we started out The Son leading in his usual efficient manner. WE took the Picadilly Line to Green Court which is beside Buckingham Palace. We didn't really want to see the changing of the guards because of the crowds but when we got there, we saw a bunch of people running and, sure enough, there we were at just the right time (or wrong as it may have been). We really saw nothing but got a good photo anyway and if it downloads, uploads or whatever it does,you will see what a great shot the Dad got! Then on to Fortner and Mason where I got to buy the gifts I needed for home. The place was fantastic and I could have spent the day there! But, on to the rest of my request: the Science Museum. What an absolutely marvelous place. We spent several hours and saw only the medical side. Could spend days there and never re-see anything. I also wanted to have a picture of a bus and so got dozens from the Dad. Then got to ride the tube again (have I mentioned that I really enjoyed that experience?) for a ways and then walked to The LK's home. Even the Son was worn out. We rested a while and then walked to a Turkish grocer. It was interesting and The Dad bought some strange spices which I have no idea how I will ever use.

Oh yes, on the way to the grocer's we saw a guy about to be arrested! I was so innocent I didn't even realize it until we went another way home and the guys told me. Had a wonderful meal provided by our hosts and then played a game called "Articulate" which I was scared of cause I don't do very well but was teamed with The Son and we won. Then, he randomly drew me again for the next game: more to his misfortune but he won that one for us too. Good old Son!

Well, let's see if those pictures loaded this time and then off to see the delayed-for- weather fireworks in the City. WEll, dang! They didn't. Will try once more and then give up! Well, once again it didn't make the pictures so I give up: they were nice too!

2006-07-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

Day 8 Greetings from Lincoln

We left the B&B, oh did I say it was really nice?, and headed home to London with a loooooong stop in Lincoln. This had to be one of my favorite places. Each day I found several "favorite places" and it was OK....Son said I didn't have to pick a one favorite. Here they were reenacting the War of Roses and there was lots going on including the advance of the Scottish regiment complete with drum and bagpipe. That was very interesting but one of the best things about it was going away from the castle where they were doing the War and having the Bishop's
Palace ruin all to ourselves. Everyone was at the War so we could wander at will. It was really neat. One of the neatest things was the medieval graffitti on some of the doors. Imagine, it has kept all these many years. Again, I was overwhelmed at the ages of things. The cathedral was one of the best. Quite like the others we have seen but not as crowded. Again the L.D. had a lot of interesting things to add to our tour that made it outstanding. In the castle, was a dungeon where all the family went--except yours truly! I was scared. It was down a dark hole by way of a ladder. Not me! Prisoners were chained to the walls. Yuk!!! We did see a 13th century prison (above ground) which was quite interesting. A couple of areas had videos of women being accused for things. In one case, of something she didn't do and she was being sentenced to death. It was so sad. She had her little baby with her. I felt sad. Also, we saw the Magna Carta which had a whole building dedicated to it. Oh, and in the cathedral, were several small chapels including one that had an altar for each section of the Armed Forces. That was so neat.

To get to these places we had to walk up a VERY steep hill called "Steep Street" appropriately enough. Easy to see why!! The brochures suggested that you do all the things you wanted to do on one level before going on the other one because going up and down would be impossible on foot. Fun and
exciting day and safely back "home" to London which is really home to 1/2 of our group.

2006-06-08T05:11:00.000-07:00

Photos from yesterday that refused to load: trying again. Don't know the order they will decide to load but they are the Durham cathedral where we had Easter Services, The Seaside, and a road sign which described how we old folks felt. We hope to put one of those at the bottom of our driveway soon.

Have a great weekend and i will talk to you later. Love to all B.M.

2006-06-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Day 7

The Easter Bunny came to see The Dad and me!! We got a bag of chocolate eggs that were colorerd with a chocolate praline "workaholic hen" sitting on top of them. And here I didn't even think of Easter gifts. How sweet of the e bunnies here.

We had an early breakfast and then went to Easter services at Durham cathedral. Because we got there early, we got the option, which we accepted, of sitting in the "choir" where the nobility used to sit. Were we important or what!! The seats weren't all that comfy, thank you very much. The services were very impressive: High church and all. I, of course, was most impressed with the music which was outstanding. The adult choir and boys' choir sang and they were--WOW!-I'd almost forgotten that I love formal church music too. I especially enjoyed a couple of little boys of about 10 who would have much rather been almost anywhere else. The message was great and short. A pleasant thing for some of our company. The Dad didn't even sleep.

Afterward, we went 'way down the hill to walk along the river until time for Durham Castle to open. Of course, we had to walk 'way back UP that hill to get there. It was pretty neat and the gal who did the tour was outstanding. I asked her how long she had been doing it cause she knew everything and used no notes (of course) and she informed me it was her first time alone. I do wish we had been able to have seen more of the living areas. Today, students from Durham university live there. Wouldn't I have loved to have lived in a real, live castle when I was in college.

After lunch at an almshouse (which didn't look much like one) we drove about 20 miles or so to the North Sea and walked along a cold windy beach which was so pretty. I got some rocks-just a few-to put in my garden which probably was the cause of our having our luggage opened and checked when we came home. Did I mention that also was down a very steep hill and back up? Yep. Big Mama was beat!

Finally, the last of our HUGE day was a trip out to the ruin of the Priory at Finchale-pronounced "Finkle." It was too late to go in so we wandered around the outside and the other members of the family went across a scary bridge and tromped around in the wooded area and got some great pictures. The Priory had at one time been occupied by a hermit and it was fun to imagine where he might have stayed but even L.D. didn't know exactly where he had lived.

Back to the B&B for a short rest (OK so I collapsed!) and then out to a Family Style Pub for dinner.. I think I did have the fish and chips then. This old chick was one tired old bird.

Dang! I don't think those pictures published after all this time trying to upload them. Sorry. Maybe tomorrow.

2006-06-07T05:28:00.000-07:00

Some photos I wish I had posted yesterday. The second one is The Son's favorite setting to pose for. The location is Barnard Castle. We have some nice latrine photos from other times. The other 2 are the fabulous gardens at Raby. I really hope they all post this time. I never know. Really the photos were in a different spot when I posted them so whatever, you know the latrine is the one that is the favorite.

2006-06-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

Aging Grandmother is a genius...The Sister not far behind!

In case you may not know it, we have had an unwelcome guest at our house for the last several days: a little skunk has taken up residence in our crawl space with the ground hog who apparently has lived there for a while. He, however, made no smell so no incentive was sought to get rid of him. Not so, Skunkie.

So, whom should i call to get any old wives' tales of success for such things? That's right. Good old mother. She has always come up with harmless and successful ideas for all kinds of stuff. For example, who was it that taught me how to get rid of the gamey flavor of our free-range chickens (also squirrels, deer and buffalo-ugh, I won't care to try-and anything else nasty I guess. Also works on turnips)? Yup: Momma. And who was it that gave me the lovely recipe for small children's diarrheas-safe, yet successful? Yup again..and said children have never forgiven her even though I think it tastes like cinnamon rolls not yet cooked.

So, a call was put in to Momma. For those who may not know Mother, she is 96 and as active an old bird as I could ever hope to be at half her age. She was off gallivanting and I had to wait for her to get back but, sure enough, she had a solution. And that is where The Sister came in: they decided that we should put mothballs all inside the place and then put coyote urine deterent on the outside. They also decided, The Sister's advice, to have us borrow a dog to keep the skunks away. We haven't done that yet.

So anyway, The Dad got the mothballs and gingerly opened the door to the crawl space and tossed them everywhere. However, no varmit was there at the time so he hurried up and blocked up the hole they came in (now why didn't he do it much earlier? Cause he didn't feel the need, I guess).

Now, how do you get rid of mothball smell, Mother Dear? Sure beats skunk!

2006-06-06T05:10:00.000-07:00

Day 6

Well, I hope to have this post this time. Yesterday I worked so hard on it and put in photos and waited..and waited...you get the picture and after about 1/2 hr. it said it couldn't connect. Bummed I was, after all else that went wrong yesterday. But, oh well, today is a new day, right?

Today we saw 2 castles. I was in the height of my glory! The first we saw was Barnard Castle. It was a ruin and I liked it best. We could wander at will and imagine what it must have looked like. It was so neat! We almost didn't have to pay to get in: we went in and wandered and on the way out, found the ticket booth so went in and paid. I wish I could post a bunch of photos of this one!

Then we went on to Raby Castle. It is a real "working" castle. People live there. The same family has owned it for generations. Actually, the same family owned Barnard too and tore it down to make Raby. How sad!! The people who live there weren't "on display" but their photos were displayed many places which kind of distracted from the authenticity of the place. Not a lot of it was open but what was open was very impressive--even down to the dog that one of the previous owners had stuffed at its demise cause she loved it so much. It has some quiet interesting gardens and they are beautiful. Wish I could see them in the Summer when all the flowers are out. Springtime was magnificent too though.

Back to our B&B which is a farm setting with a really old house. It was built in 1750-something, i believe. The lady who runs it was very nice and friendly (almost everyone seems to be friendly!) and tolerant of us. We were allowed to use the parlour which D&A did but we old folks went off to bed. We were exhausted but happy. OH, it was very cute: the next morning, I ordered breakfast but asked for a hard boiled egg (the menu just said "boiled egg") and when she brought it, she was very apologetic and kind of embarrassed because she didn't know what to do with a hard boiled egg. The scenery is just fantastic!!

Musings from Mama

This week in Travels

Finished!

In Crisis---AGAIN!!!

And a Picture to prove it

Wheeeee!!

Nicer One

Frustration!!

Back Again!

Happy Birthday

Great Quick Trip

Wonderful, Wonderful

I Found a Flower!

June's Over!!!

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa and DANG!!!

The Nicest Thing!

Suzy Homemaker

Our New Addition

Highlight of our Trip-Smokies

Then Came the Winds

Looking Better

Christmas Trees

Messing Around

My Bubble has Burst!!!

Only in Kentucky!

Spinning Straw into Gold

Camp Again

DONE!!!

A Few Random Ramplings

My pretty Rock

Awesome!

My New Song

The Dad Sets a Record

Done!!!!

How Well Do You Know Me?

Crushed!!!

Flowers

Thank you, Thank You, Thank, YOU

Back Again

In Crisis Again

New Reading Material

Happy Valentine's Day

I think I can....

Where I Belong

First Day of School

Kids say the Funnest Things

What I Did Over Christmas Break--OR WOW!!!

ihatemyjob!!!!

Want a Free Gift? A Fun Chain Letter to My Fans

Quiz Questions

He Did It!!!

EXCITEMENT!!

ENFP Continued

ENFP Personality

Pow-werrrrr, Pictures and a Plea

A Picture

A Symptom I Am Happy About

8 Random Facts about Me

Just Stuff

An Adventure: My Final Catch-Up Blog

More Questions

Very Behind!!

Woe Is Meeeeeeeee!

My Fun Interview--by The Daughter

Strange Things about Me

Virtual Church

One More Set of Pictures

Has been a Looooooong Time!

Funny--Kind of

Sooooooo Thankful

Poor Ol' Pitiful.....

I'm Not Bored.....

It's Cut In Stone Now--Maybe

Friends

Psst: Wanna see a Picture?

Decisions! Decisions!

He Came

He Came

Santa Won't Be Coming

Mad!