grannies ramblings

Depression?

2011-08-10T11:31:00.004-04:00

Hi Folks, can you believe it's near mid August already? The time does fly!
I actually feel like I have been in a whirlwind for this summer..
I really need to stop and smell the coffee or is it roses?
I have been with the grand kids since the end of June,
They will be going home tomorrow! Hooray!
But as my boyfriend would say, I will be boohooing
in a couple of weeks that "I miss them so".
It's a conundrum for sure, but it as old as time.

You have babies and raise them and the circle begins,
they marry, move away & have children of their own and
then you're a grandma before ya know it.
Phone calls, visits @ Christmas & Summer vacations.
Laughter & tears fill the air, but it's just life.

SO I'm a bit depressed today,
Is it because of this whirlwind summer
or them getting ready to go!

I'll be ok I always am, but for now I'll enjoy them as I can

It's Been Way Too Long

2011-07-19T10:29:00.005-04:00

brother Skip, sister Debbie, Me & brother Mike- reunion June 2011

Here it is the middle of July and I haven't blogged in forever, Goodness it has been since March, I was even asked by a friend if I had given it up altogether. No, not really, just haven't fit it into my day. I have taken on a couple of things and that's why I haven't fit y'all into my schedule. I am now the manager of the "Clothes Closet" at our church. We take in clothes, sort it to make sure it is OK and redistribute. I have wanted to do this for awhile, but I hope I haven't taken on more than I can chew. I also belong to a group of Christian women, who do a bible study. I am one of the teachers. Yes me! It's called "Women in the Word". We have a lesson then we brake into small groups and discuss (to make sure everyone understands) and how it fits into our lives.

Presently, I am in Maryland visiting the family up . I have been to NJ and a wonderful Family Reunion of over 150 aunts, uncles, & cousins and their families. I also returned to my old place of employment and enjoyed an indoor barbecue and seeing some old friends.

The grand kids keep growing the 12 yr old is taller than his mom now, but we expect him to be at least 6'4''. The twins now 11 are lovely preteens, and the youngest is 8 and continues to keep us on our feet! Last week he put a knife in the tire of a friend of my daughters. "I just wanted to see what it would do" he is not malicious just inquisitive. We decided we would have loved to do something like that but never had the nerve. He just goes with what he wants to learn. Now he has a bunch of stuff and trying to make a trap, but haven't figured what for, it's kind of big and elaborate. Just think if Ben Franklin or Edison's moms stopped their inquisitive minds we wouldn't have glasses , electricity or a variety of other things. Just this morn he helped his momma fix a flat tire.

So I AM BUSY, AND READY TO GO BACK HOME TO FLORIDA

Spring Daze

2011-03-25T10:32:00.003-04:00

Not quite what you were thinking when you read spring daze? Well this is a beautiful downed tree we saw when we were traveling this past summer in Yellowstone. But this was so beautiful to us. It's a shame it had to die, but it did leave beauty. Look how intricate the root system is.

My grandson, Kenneth has been hospitalized for a few days now, last eve he seemed so much better, should be coming home over the weekend and I can go back home. Dau#1 is missing me quite a bit, but she understands I am where I should be right now.

Have been quite reflective this am, so quiet here. We are so blessed as a nation! Even on some of our worst days, in America, we are blessed!
Look at Japan! they have had 2 horrific weather events, loss of many lives, now are looking at a nuclear event! One might say they have been there before, but why should they have to be? I can't answer that question!
Look at Libya and the rest of the Middle East-will their governing bodies ever stop fighting? More loss of life, homes demolished. Another horrible disaster!
What can we do? Pray, count our blessings and give as we are able to the folks of these disasters, afterall we are all part of the human race. We Must run that race as we are able & blessed!

Yikes

2011-03-12T09:16:00.005-05:00

Snickers & Daniel, excuse the childs dirty face! LOL

It is already March and I haven't posted since Jan 1st- where does the time go!? Busy busy busy! My family is always telling me to stop and smell the coffee! I like so many others are caught up in FB, you don't actually have to formulate thought when doing FB. I have not however been drawn into that farming game- that really is time consuming and in my humble opinion mind controlling!

I am up in Maryland, visiting dau #2 and the grandchildren. Seems like I always have more time here to write. I have been viewing my friends on blogger- ie; someone had a baby and another a puppy. some are relishing in the snow/rain some, like me are loving 80 degree weather in Florida.

My thoughts and prayers have bee going out to all those affected in the world by the earthquake & tsunami. Also with the never ending wars the world is in.

To 2011

2011-01-01T10:04:00.007-05:00

These are my beautiful granddaughter's New Years Eve- Can ya believe they are 10!

And no pic would be right without the puppies Sadie & Snickers

I know everyone heard about the snow in the northeast, but here where they live in Maryland it was but a dusting 'this time'.

I wish for everyone a Blessed New Year! Full of excitement, wonder & prosperity

Snow?

2010-12-27T14:03:00.002-05:00

Well Mt Airy, Maryland didn't get much snow in the last snow dump, but all around us seems to have! I was gonna go to NJ but the roads are pretty bad as well as the route I take there, so might have to postpone going this time? No use to test fate!

The daughter's property is pretty hilly, I was just taking the dog for a walk and stumbled up the hill. Now my back is hurting HUM maybe I should sue! Hum maybe this is something to entertain myself while here! Ya know, I have an old nurses back and it doesn't take much, plus last time I was here found out have arthritis in my neck! no wonder it hurts. AHA maybe I should take some pills and go to bed and read! That sounds like it!
I already have her infernal cold/sinus infection! Nice visit aye!

Peace and safety for the coming New Year!

Just Thoughts

2010-12-21T10:07:00.003-05:00

poinsettia from my yard last year- the weather got to it and its no longer there!

Well folks here I am sitting not much on my mind, guess that would be considered mindless, aye!? Look at the authors of the quotes of the post today, such divergent people and ideals! With one common thread which would be peace. What is peace to you? Can we ever have peace even if only in our personnel lives? do we really want it, and should we have it?

I think that people want peace so much that one of these days government had better get out of their way and let them have it. Dwight D. Eisenhower

I'm concentrating on staying healthy, having peace, being happy, remembering what is important, taking in nature and animals, spending time reading, trying to understand the universe, where science and the spiritual meet. Joan Jett

If they want peace, nations should avoid the pin-pricks that precede cannon shots. Napoleon Bonaparte

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. Mother Teresa

It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war. John F. Kennedy

Pat Down

2010-12-19T09:24:00.002-05:00

On the news of late we have heard so much about the 'pat downs' at the airport. In the past week #1 daughter and I flew so we had to go through security. She is in wheelchair and can't walk independently, so she has always had to be searched. I think it took less time this time as it ever has. She did not feel violated etc as you are hearing on the news. For goodness sake they are only doing their job. Do folk scream when at the doctors etc the way they have been recently. How much fondling can be done in front of all the people in the airport for goodness sake?
My motto is let them do their job and get over it. We have asked for more security at the airport so just shut up and let them do their job.
Has anyone seen the t-shirt with metal lettering of the 4th amendment on it, funny really, but that's what we have come to, cynical acts just to get on the security we have asked for!? We really cant have it both ways!

My first day of Snow!

2010-12-16T18:57:00.003-05:00

Hi folks, I know this pic doesn't look like snow but I love the flowers.

Dau #1 and I flew up to Maryland yesterday to dau #2 home for our Christmas holiday. This morn it started to snow, the kiddos came home 1/2 day because of the snow. They have one more day till their official Christmas Holiday, but who knows right now they may have already started it. they won't be sad I am sure. We have thus far been blessed with a couple of inches. Originally dau #2 said they were supposed to get about a foot of snow over the weekend, but that has been downgraded!? All I can say is I prefer the 60 degree weather we were having in Florida!

Christmas is a coming!

2010-12-07T11:03:00.006-05:00

What a winter wonderland AYE, Not really. Daughter #1 and I are in a Christmas shop here in Florida. We have been here a couple of times now and come out wallets lighter and bags in tow. But we have such a fun spirited time in here! All its missing is the real Santa and mulled spiced wine!

Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and of true progress.
- Nicholas Murray Butler

May the true Christmas blessings be with you and yours this holiday season!

Twas the day after Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T05:57:00.005-05:00

Hi all, it's early here in Florida, and I really don't know why I am up so early, just wasn't sleeping. Definitely not going out shopping, but I could have been there with all those who are.

Didn't really do too much yesterday. My #1 daughter & I pretty much stayed around the house till it was time to go to a friends house @ 5pm. I don't really like eating Thanksgiving so late in the day, but owell. The food was great, as well as the company.

Dau & I were a bit depressed with being away from our close family relatives.

Cozumel 2010

We went for a few walks in the wonderful weather we are having right now. Was about 84 here yesterday. At one point I told some neighbors to watch out I may have to take all the clothes off I was so hot.
This is something we do for Thanksgiving. We go around the table and say what we are thankful for. Mine is pretty much the same this year. I am so thankful for my family & friends. And I am glad I found a great new friend, He has made my life interesting!
To all my blogger friends: continue to be blessed.

Raw (ONE5)

2010-11-17T13:56:00.004-05:00

Ok folks Diane over at "that's what I'm here for" issued a challenge. Go to you albums. Pick the first album and pick the 5th picture, post it and a story with it.

This is a pic of some of the wonderful food which was served on the cruise. We mainly7 at e at the restaurant cause we were on vaca and wanted to be served! We could have gone to the buffet. I liked the more elegant tables and the REAL nice service!

This was salad, potatoes, caramelized onions and crab cake. All the meals were scrumcious!

Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French. Sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek. Soy sauce makes it Chinese; garlic makes it good.
Alice May Brock

Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.
Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755 - 1826), The Physiology of Taste, 1825

just some cruise pics

2010-11-09T22:17:00.008-05:00

Snorkling

In Cozumel Mexico

Not on the road again!

2010-10-29T06:49:00.004-04:00

However, I have been travelling again! Went on a cruise to Cozumel. This is a pic on the return trip. A bit cloudy and the water a bit rough.

I have never been on a cruise before. I was always too scared to try as I have pretty severe motion sickness. To my pleasure I didn't really get seasick. I was plagued by the "green apple quickstep". Who in their right mind goes to Mexico and doesn't take either pepto-bismal or immodium! I actually had to buy it there!

I went with my younger dau and a great friend . We had a splendid time. I truly enjoyed the snorkeling & shopping! I spent entirely too much money!

We went with a faith based group, called 'Cruise Chics'-they had planned activities. We had 2 singing groups- "Babby Mason & Beloved" There was also a speaker, Shelly Hendrix. So we had plenty to do, with that and all the ship activities. Next year Oct 13-17 will be the next cruise and will be going to Western Caribbean- if anyone is interested let me know.

Now I am all rested and hit the deck running when I came home. It often amazes me what I do in a week. I don't know how I fit it all in when I was working full time!

(more on the cruise later)

Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business.
Tom Robbins (1936 - )

His Will?!

2010-10-15T10:06:00.002-04:00

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I have really been pondering this of late. What shall I do, where should I be? Guess I am a bit down? Why you ask? well it may have something to do with the weather change? or maybe my pulse which has been too low? or my feeling just a bit "off"?

With that in mind maybe one of you can interpret a dream I had the other day. It was a doozy.

To begin with it was kinda fun and I really hated to awaken, but life proceeds. Nothing gory.

There was this disembodied head that was floating around. Don't know who the lady was but she had long dark flowing hair. I was with most of my family brothers, sister , daughters etc, We were taking a trip, I think it was by bus., I remember the driver distinctly, he was an gentle older man.

At any rate, Dan was very worried about this lady with no body. He says, " Grandma, Why doesn't she have a body, and just float like that". Of course I couldn't answer. He says, " Grandma I'm gonna find her body so she doesn't have to float around like that". Sure enough later in the dream he finds a body and somehow attaches it and then we all went floating around. It was so much fun.

How Can it BE?

2010-10-07T13:45:00.003-04:00

Yes of course, that's The Dan Man with his hand in the air. He is one spunky kiddo, and I love every bit of him. He is so charismatic and animated. He reminds me so much of myself and his momma at this age. Absolutely nothing goes by him without some comment or commentary.
This was at the end of Vacation Bible School I took him to in NJ this summer. They had quite a party afterward. Including confetti.
He went around and picked some up and asked me to put in my pocket for later. Of course I told him at first I didn't want to put into MY pocket, but with a bit of pleading I acquiesced. On the way home from the event, he asked for the confetti back. With guarded thoughts I did give it to him in my car, and of course told him NOT to throw it in my car. He assured me he wouldn't, then asked for POPPIES ashes we had in the car. Can you imagine what was going through my head at this point. (O we have a small mason jar of ashes in the car since the kiddos wanted to disperse some on our vaca)!
Later, I asked him what he did with that confetti. Well he put it in the ashes container. "Grandmom, Poppie needs them to play with, doesn't he!", was his reply. What could this Granny say to that. So now Poppie has confetti to play with in his ashes!

Just a Brief

2010-09-17T09:31:00.004-04:00

Well folk, I just wanted everyone to see my warped sense of humor, plus maybe get a smile or laugh out of some?
While travelling this summer I saw this brief case and thought-how many on "WALL STREET" needed one of these. Or how about Lawyers or Doctors or such! Might devalue some's inflated egos a bit AY!

note to self:get out and take some pics!

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
-Confucius

Yes I am still here!

2010-09-14T21:17:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't written lately, but have been quite busy of late.

Just wanted to write a bit on honesty.

Today I returned something I had purchased about a week ago.

I didn't have the receipt, but took back anyway.

The original price was 34.95 but luckily I had a coupon, a $10 one at that.

Well when I returned it today, they gave me the original purchase price.

I could have just taken the money and run,

but I just couldn't!

I told the clerk about the error. He looked at me strangely, like are you for real.

He thanked me profusely for being so honest. All the while looking at me

like I had 2 heads.

I just couldn't in clear conscious keep it.

I am not saying all this for a pat on the back, just thinking aloud I guess

and wondering how many would just have taken the $10.

A fun memory

2010-08-27T23:41:00.005-04:00

Went to an unbelievable concert this evening. One of the ladies whom performed had a gold tooth which I could see from my seat. reminded me of something that happened while we were on vaca.

One day we stopped a Kentucky Fried Chicken . Two clerks behind the counter both had goldteeth. My 7year old grandson was fascinated with the golden teeth(grill). Out of the blue he says to the clerk "where did you get your gold teeth?" I of course wanted to climb under the counter, but that didn't stop Daniel, O NO. With pointed finger he says" Look grandma he has them too." I honestly was turning red as an apple by this point and tried to quiet him. he then announced "grandma , I want some of them." I told the clerks he liked their teeth and wanted some just like em. They both chuckled, and I sighed in relief. They weren't angry with this little chap.

All Good Things DO Come to and END

2010-08-12T10:01:00.003-04:00

The one boardwalk I know of in Florida-John's Pass- this is about as long as it is! Funny really when compared to the ones in NJ!

All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible. T. E. Lawrence

I have been sorta contemplative this morning-is it me or is it the cough syrup I have been taking? teehee

I have only a couple of days left here in Maryland before I start on the road trip back to Florida.

I am so happy for the summer to begin to come to an end. It has been quite a summer with the family-children and grandchildren, aunts,uncles, sister, brothers, in-laws, & old friends.

I will miss all these folk, but it is time for me! My new friends and my life! Believe it or not but I do have a life of my own. Sometimes I really don't think folk appreciate that I do! However, that's what happens when you give till you are exhausted. You need to get recharged so you can give more. AND that's about where I am today.

I have so much more to accomplish before I leave, and really don't know why I am on the computer. But, here I sit. Taking some time for me before I get out the ole mommanator routine and get it done.

I still have some things I promised to do with the kiddos, packing a car, and a couple of projects I have started in dau #2's home. OMY get up and get it done! So I will write again when I get back to my place in Florida I guess!

post script-some will say O you will be missing them soooo soon, and I suppose they are correct!

Quick trip to NJ

2010-08-08T11:35:00.004-04:00

No scenery quite as impressive as this, but I did see quite a few family and friends!

Believe it or not, but I really don't remember the trip back! And it was just yesterday!

The only thing I truly remember was on I95-4 lanes going each way bumper to bumper

in the small state of Delaware! Kids asked why and I said it's the ole

"too much traffic for the Real Estate"

Was gonna go to church this am, but got up with what I feel is Strep throat, so me and dau #1 need to go to medi-stop. Don't want to go back home with that!

Time is winding down here in the great Northeast, but we are ready for our own beds, and own schedules! Not that we haven't had a good time, but one can only have so much fun-teehee!

Found this on a site I frequent and took me to thinking. In our lives we do hold secrets, each and every one of us-isn't it great that the Lord takes care of them!

Deuteronomy 29:29, 'The secret things belong to the Lord.'

O it is Iceland in previous post

u huh

2010-08-03T18:23:00.003-04:00

NO this is not one of the places I visited this summer, however it looks like a great summer vaca spot! I have in fact been here and know first hand. Anyone want to guess where?

I am in pack/unpack mode. Or should it be sort mode? I have duteously been sorting kids clothes. even though it doesn't seem like it, school will be here before we know it. And I will be retuning to Florida in 12 days! I have to get it done before I leave! The kids wear uniforms. So granny sorts, hems and helps with the shopping for the upcoming year. It seems like the kiddos have growth spurts right as summer is here and need almost a new wardrobe by the time school starts! Kenny has now overtaken granny in height, he is 11! wears a 10 1/2 men's shoe! and did I say starting puberty! his brother informed us last night he has hair growing under his arms! I did ask him how his arm hair seeds were doing and he said NOT GOOD!

The kiddos are also all loosing teeth. Seems like everyday one or the other is handing me a tooth!
Yesterday in fact I got 2 of them. Tooth Fairy is going broke here!

I also have been sorting things too small or outdated for their other clothes and for dau #2 clothing too. Seems like a never ending battle. AND those socks OMG they have had babies. I think I may just take em all to Good Will and let them sort or do whatever with them and buy all new ones for the kiddos!

And I must take a quick trip to NJ to see my family & friends up there and get dau #1-she has been up there for 4 weeks now. She will return to FL Aug 25th. So many things to do and so little time! BUT I will get done what I am supposed to!

WOW!

2010-07-30T12:41:00.003-04:00

It's truly Amazing how quickly a bug of some sort can bring ya down!
Everything was going pretty well at the daughters house, I was making a real headway into the laundry and sorting clothes (to get rid of the ones too small for the children). When I got sick, and do I mean sick. I felt like I had a monkey on my back or a large 16wheeler had run over me!
A real good case of GI track something or other! Me and the toilet had become real good friends! I was in a cold sweat too. Dau thought she should take me to the ER, but I said no.

Well it took all night to get out of my system, and here I am a day later and still feeling the effects! I even got up late this am?? Very unusual for me. The kiddos were good and let me sleep in, but now they are wanting brunch- yes they let me sleep that long! So another day wasted!
or was it?? Probably not. I will get done what I really need to get done, and take care of myself!

Now I pose questions for you my blogger friends:
How often do we think of our self!?
How often do we stop and smell the roses/coffee?
How often do we put others before ourselves?
How often do we think we are indispensable?AND
How often are we wrong!

ps-dau made some homemade chicken pastina soup,
the kids got me ginger ale(with a straw in the glass)
grandson #1 continued the laundry!!!
& I spent some quality time thinking, since I couldn't do much else LOL

She aint what she used to be!

2010-07-26T11:21:00.005-04:00

Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. ~Hans Christian Anderson

The purpose of life is a life of purpose. ~Robert Byrne

The miracle is not to fly in the air, or to walk on the water, but to walk on the earth. ~Chinese Proverb

Well I am back in Maryland for the duration of the summer until I go back to Florida, I will be caring for the Kiddos until school starts back up. It is much easier here as there is more room for them. However i get to do the housework! It's back to laundry by the bushels, cooking and cleaning!

One might say, but you have the pleasure of being with your grandchildren. BUT BUT she remarks, shouldn't I be able to love em and send them back! Anyone knows me, knows I love the kiddos, but sometimes I like time to myself! Owell that's life I suppose. Their mother is working lots of overtime for extra cash to pay the tuition for this year! Just grin and bear it granny, you will go back to your sedate life all too soon and you'll be missing them!

Corn Palace

2010-07-16T19:36:00.016-04:00

You ask "Corn Palace" . Well it sits in Mitchell, South Dakota. We were driving past and Dau #2 says- I have seen that on "Ripleys Believe It or Not", We must go see. So we make a turn off the interstate and we go see. It's a building adorned in all types of corn cobs! Actually very interesting. I don't know what I expected to see. but here it is. Much larger in life! At the end of this post is a little something from their site.
The whole town seems to be fascinated with corn! In the background is the Palace

Inside the palace are many treasures one could purchase. All corn related! This id the corn man of course!

The Christmas Tree with ornaments made of corn cobs. And the kiddos being corny!

AH yes, corn hats, At first I thought they were the "cheese hats" till I looked further!

You can in the background some of the more recent murals made from corn. Every year they have a different motif.

See the duck made from corn of differing varieties!

This is how the artists block out a mural to actually make the entire picture.

The Corn Palace is a multi-purpose arena/facility located in Mitchell, South Dakota. It is a popular tourist destination, visited by more than 500,000 people each year.[1] The Moorish Revival building is decorated with Crop art; the murals and designs covering the building are made from corn and other grains. It also hosts the home basketball games of Dakota Wesleyan University and the Mitchell High School Kernels.
History
The original Mitchell Corn Palace (known as "The Corn Belt Exposition") was built in 1892 to showcase the rich soil of South Dakota and encourage people to settle in the area. It was a wooden castle structure on Mitchell's Main Street. In 1904–1905, the city of Mitchell mounted a challenge to the city of Pierre in an unsuccessful attempt to replace it as the state capital of South Dakota. As part of this effort, the Corn Palace was rebuilt in 1905. In 1921 the Corn Palace was rebuilt once again, with a design by the architectural firm Rapp and Rapp of Chicago. Moorish domes and minarets were added in 1937, giving the Palace the distinctive appearance that it has today. It costs $130,000 to decorate the Palace annually.
The exterior corn murals are replaced and redesigned each year with a new theme. The designs are created by local artists. From 1948 to 1971 the artist Oscar Howe designed the panels. Calvin Schultz designed the murals from 1977 to 2002. Since 2003, the murals have been designed by Cherie Ramsdell. No new mural was created in 2006 due to an extreme drought.[2]
Besides being a tourist attraction, the Corn Palace also serves the local community as a venue for concerts, sports events, exhibits and other community events. Each year, the Corn Palace is celebrated with a citywide festival, the Corn Palace Festival. Historically it was held at harvest time in September, but recently it has been held at the end of August. Other popular annual events include the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo (in July) and the Corn Palace Polka Festival (in September). It is also home to the Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers and the Mitchell High School Kernels basketball teams.

Badlands?

2010-07-07T11:32:00.007-04:00

People are drawn to the rugged beauty of the Badlands. These geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, deer, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.

This was not on the planned trip originally, but owell we were so close why not! We had many such stops along the way, I like trips that aren't all 'planned' out.

These are incredible. I also love places to see that are free. There was a nominal fee to get into the park, $10 a carload, but well worth it. Of course we didn't see everything, too many miles, but had a great experience.

Funny pics with everyone squatting, BUT the wind was horrible that day. Was awful driving. The kiddos were scared out there, even the big kids! We found out later there were tornado's in N Dakota, maybe that's part of why the wind was there!

This kiddo is usually so brave, but not this day! LOL Wind does have a calming effect! Have to remember and put in my granny bag of tricks! lol

If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.
Thomas A. EdisonUS inventor (1847 - 1931)

Home Again!?

2010-07-02T10:53:00.003-04:00

Every exit is an entry somewhere else.
- Tom Stoppard

This quote fits us to a T. Yes I am in Florida unexpectedly, but here none the less.

We went out to Colorado for the memorial service, but took the long way there.

Turned it into a real summer vaca! We saw: Devils Tower, The Badlands, Yellowstone, The Corn Palace, Wall Drug, Mt Rushmore, The Great Salt Lake and much more along the way. The Kiddos really enjoyed all the places going out there. You will be in for some unusual pics in the future!

Somewhere along the way we, #2 dau & I decided, maybe it would be a good idea for us to travel to Fl back home, the kiddos would stay with me for a few weeks , see the Shuttle lift off, and then I could drive them back after that! Somewhere along the way I must have gone brain dead. I am now thinking, after my dau has gone back up to MD, Me with 4 kiddos & 2 dogs by myself in the car! By the time we get back to MD we figured the kiddos would have been in 25 states! Now that's a summer huh?

I want you all to know, we did do some teaching along the way about states, and me thinks the kiddos have actually learned allot about this big ole country! I don't think anyone understands how big and magnificent this country is until they travel its expanse by car! Along the way we have met some pretty nice Americans- and just perfect remembrance for the 4th of July!

WHEW

2010-06-11T09:38:00.003-04:00

I hope I will see this fellow when I get back to Florida, and the oil spill hasn't killed him!

I'll be on the road again on Monday-heading toward Colorado., with 4 kids , two dogs and my daughter, wish me patience! Several days in a car with that many can surely try ones patience!

I have a pinched nerve in my back/neck, Wed. eve was spent at the local medi stop- basically they gave me some meds to shut me up. Then Thurs am was spent in ER, the pain was so intense I just couldnt stand it. After several hours of poking, prodding and xrays they decided I have arthritis & a pinched nerve- near my scapula. Yikes, they gave me Valium, Dilaudid, & Tordal IV followed up with Motrin & Tylenol. I went to sleep for about 20 minutes only. Still had the pain, but was relieved somewhat. and believe me I have high tolerance to pain! Usually I go to sleep just taking an aspirin! They sent me off with a couple prescriptions and said maybe I should have chiropractic care or get with my doc and have physical therapy! what part of I am on vaca didn't they understand? O yeah they listen to what they want to hear. AND this is coming from a nurse folks!

The house is kinda cleaned up, now we are on to packing! Yikes packing just for the kids alone is a task! Then of course we have to pack for ourselves and 2 dogs what fun! O and pack the van! I am tired already and we have only just begun. But I cant do it all and the daughter went off to work. The doc said I should rest, Yea I can do that watching 4 kiddos and 2 dogs and a handicapped daughter.

The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark. Michelangelo

Maryland View

2010-06-08T22:54:00.005-04:00

Gone are these days on the pier for awhile! Me and friend DD @ John's Pass Florida

Well I've been here about a week now, except for the time I went up to NJ. Yes I95 is still as crazy as always. So many cars, trucks & vans. It was a steady stream of traffic all the way there and back. But it was done without a hitch!

When I first arrived in Maryland all that I could think of as I exited the car was the smell! The lush green trees and so many varieties of flowers in bloom. Yes I missed spring, but I can never forget these smells!

My daughters tomato plants look spectacular! about 2 1/2 foot tall all full of blooms.
Her potato plants are just about to bloom. All the vegetables she has set out look great!

I do miss Florida, but I enjoy being with the family.

Lopped OFF

2010-06-04T09:01:00.008-04:00

So you don't think my grandchildren are total scamps, this is what the twins did yesterday.

They have been growing their hair all winter for locks of love. I can't believe it only took a year, but here it is. Lizzie went first as it was her idea to start off with. One day she came home from school and announced she was growing her hair for 'locks of love'. My daughter was so happy as she does work for Hospice.

Her hair was much longer, and she came out with this cute bob. She complained all day she missed her hair, but when she got up this am she was happy it didn't take too long to fix.

They actually partition off the hair and measure it to make sure the areas are all long enough, must be 10 inches for 'locks of love'. Daughter says Pantene will take 8 inches.
Whatever it is a great cause and something the twins can do for someone else they don't even know.

Michelle came out with a bit different doo. She always wants her hair different from Lizzy, bur of course Lizzy loves being a twin, and always wants to look the same. Don't they look older than 10?
Now we have to get packaged and sent off.

Summer Craze!

2010-06-01T09:43:00.003-04:00

Well I arrived safely in Maryland, actually don't remember most of the trip. Listened to the new Peterson book on tape! liked it!
The trip was not without drama though. The truck my brother was driving had a slow leak and we babied it the first day. Then the second day got a late start cause he had to repair the tire, in 2 places. Thank God he is a truck driver and knows how to do it! Thanks Uhaul for the 'good truck' It made the trip a bit longer, but at least we arrived safely!
The next day we made our usual holiday trip to the doctor. Seems as though grandson #2 got into poison ivy while at his dads and he has a whopping case of it. Quite close to his eye. He is now on steroids!!
Took the twins to a swimming barbecue party! I prob knew 3 people there besides the girls! Wasn't much fun for me, but I wanted them to go. They had a great time swimming AND eating!
Then we came home and had dinner! At least the rest of the family did! Actually dau #2 made nice salad with chicken grilled on the barby. We also had a fruit salad I made with the kiddos.

Time to go to bed after a full day, but not one kid wanted to go. We had quite an ordeal over it. Usually they go @ 8pm, but now school is out. They get to stay up later, imagine 11pm, screaming and yelling I could hear in my room downstairs. It ended with the house looking like the Texas Chain Saw massacre happened here. One girl kicked the other in the face and the bleeding and crying started. There was blood everywhere! and the bloody nose lasted quite awhile. They were banished to their rooms, but ended up sleeping on the floor downstairs!
Owell the start to a fun filled summer in Maryland! (hopefully) Luckily today has started out quietly!
We did Memorial day in grand style, even remembered the soldiers and those lost in combat and shot off some fireworks in their honor, AND how was your holiday!

The only difference between stumbling blocks and steppingstones is the way in which we use them.
- Unknown

Good Days

2010-05-27T09:34:00.002-04:00

The sun is setting on a good day I had at the beach with my new friend!
It seems my heart is on the mend?
Now I find myself getting ready to go back up north,
for eventful summer months to spend!

Maryland to New Jersey, then off to Colorado
will the driving ever end!
I will miss Florida and my new found friend.
long hot summer months to spend.

Time spent @ Mt Rushmore & Crazy Horse, don't forget Yellowstone too.
Baby showers, reunions galore, & barbeque's to even the score.
Three months- how will I fit it all in!
But believe me I wont get thin!

Write the bad things that are done to you in sand, but write the good things that happen to you on a piece of marble.
- Arabic Proverb

Atlantis!

2010-05-15T16:04:00.007-04:00

It was a spectacular site on a picture perfect day for the shuttle WOW I loved it. I have been waiting for years to experience a shuttle take off! So on 5/14/2010 I finally did! Supposed to be the last flight of Atlantis. Of course I got a t shirt! and a book!

It was a 7 1/2 million pounds of thrust. It was off the ground in mere seconds!

And then the contrails were all that was left to see!

We arrived there at 9:30am, and many people were there already! All sizes shapes and colors.

Young, old and babes in arms! There was one lady whom was celebrating her first blast off on her 88th birthday. It was one hot day! I did come home with sunburn despite being under an umbrella, loads of sunscreen & light clothing covering me! But who cared when that thing blasted off. Everyone in the crowd was excited ;yelling screaming & clapping. I was so nervous(excited) I shook all over for about ten minutes afterward! Man if ya ever get to visualize one of those babies take off DO IT SOON! only 2 more to go!

EEK the traffic coming home was just horrible. We drove 2-3MPH for at least 20 miles, and we waited for the crowd to thin out. It took us 6 hours to make a 2-3hr drive!

It was all worth it and I am gonna try and make the next one!

post script-7 1/2 million ton thrust and only 3 womens bathrooms where we were! except if ya count the porta potties!bottles of soda $2.99, hot dogs $7

O let me Ramble a Bit

2010-05-10T22:13:00.003-04:00

This is me a few weeks ago, just profiling

Mothers day was a bit unusual one for me.
I went to a mothers day breakfast without a child.
I got phone calls from lots of folk, but not one from my grandchildren!
I went to a mothers grave and put flowers on it, but it wasn't my mom.
I had lunch with a NEW friend, but didn't have a homemade meal!
I received a rose but not from my child!

Don't get me wrong I had a really nice day, and eve
however my children & grandchildren weren't involved. Crazy huh.
Guess I really am in a new season of life!

the WALL

2010-05-06T08:16:00.002-04:00

yet another birthday bouquet- man it was nice having a birthday filled with flowers! These were from a past exchange student-he's a son I never had!

The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer up somebody else.
- Mark Twain

I should read the Twain quote myself for sure. I do need cheering. A friend was just diagnosed with cancer of the leg and they want to amputate. She is 45 yrs old and such a wonderful person. I have been pretty sad since we talked last night. She is getting a second opinion, but not until the 21st of May. She is also in a bit of pain. I am praying with and for her and a miracle for her!

Well the infamous wall in the entry way is being enlarged today so dau #1 can maneuver her wheelchair a bit better so as not to tear down the other wall. It has been a real source of contention. I know she cant help it, but it sure incited me every time she busts through! It's not a supporting wall so is not supposed to be a problem.

I also hit a big wall yesterday with a guy I have been dating for over a month now. I won't elaborate, but he said and did all the right things in response. He is a great guy, he would have to be to put up with me. Is it possible God has sent me another great guy!?

I hope all the walls you all hit today are little ones!

You Got Mail!

2010-04-30T11:49:00.004-04:00

Newest Roses from Daughter #1 "just because"

I don't know why all the roses, but I sure have been blessed!

The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.
- Hadia Bejar

I'm still quite busy. Got the outside done how I wanted it. Now I am working on getting the inside done before I go back up north. Right now dau#1 is emptying a kitchen cabinet I am going to clean, and put new shelving paper on. I would not have gotten done if she didn't give that extra little push by cleaning out the cabinet!

The flowers around here are finally in full bloom! Jasmine, gardenia-how sweet the smell! Bird of Paradise, Amaryllis- O MY can they get any prettier! WE may have had a harsher than normal winter, but the flowers are making up for not blooming earlier.

I have been going out to the beach in the evening with a friend and watching the sun set. You should see the sky. WHEW pretty spectacular. Last eve was really something, a sailboat was in the foreground. Then a bit later a couple of dolphin were swimming about! I do love it here. I have always wanted to be near the beach so I could take in some of Gods wonder whenever I felt like it!

awake @ 5

2010-04-18T05:18:00.003-04:00

more pretty flowers I have received Just suddenly awake in a cold sweat-whats up with that. All is right in the world.

the dream

I had been running and pushing a cart thru a mall I had never been to before. The cart was filled with clothes that had been washed. So many weird elements to this dream! I was meeting up with my family@ a restaurant. Many of the things fell out along the way and I had to pick them up. I had had a hat on, yes me. It fell off and my hair was indescribable. I met old school friends along the way. I'd chat with them & give hugs. All I knew was, I had to go potty really bad! I get to the restaurant and all my family were gone, but the bathroom thankfully was still open. That's when I awoke! you guessed it I had to go potty.

All you dream people give a go at it. All I know is I had to go potty, I want a hug and I miss the big guy. OR it could be I worked too hard on my place yesterday as I cleaned up the carport, and washed the walls on the outside, yes soap & water.Just overtired? Maybe the meds I am taking for the knee? Or it doesn't mean anything.

Have a great day in the Lord and have a great day.,Whatever it may bring.

Dreams that do come true can be as unsettling as those that don't.
Brett Butler, 'Knee Deep in Paradise'

He felt that his whole life was some kind of dream and he sometimes wondered whose it was and whether they were enjoying it.
Douglas Adams (1952 - 2001), "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"

You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, "Why not?"
George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950

Just another day in Beautiful Florida

2010-04-15T11:53:00.003-04:00

Received these edible posies for my birthday Nice Eating!

I have learned through bitter experience the one supreme lesson: to conserve my anger, and as heat conserved is transmitted into energy, even so our anger controlled can be transmitted into a power that can move the world.
- Mahatma Gandhi

Well finally went and got the ole Taxes done, this is the latest I have ever done that! AND to my chagrin I had to pay, but owell that's life. Seems as though they are taking enough out of my pension. Will have to care of that right away! I could stand up and scream and shout, but what good would that do?? Just pay it and be done with it!

Went to the orthopedist, my knee has been giving me fits. I was supposed to have knee replacement about 10 years ago, but with babying it, have been ok. I told the doc I like my cute dimpled knees and just not ready, yet. See what we can do to avoid it. He said he would. So its pain meds, bracing, heat, and whatever. He did inject it and it is a bit better, but not perfect!

Yesterday, I went to the beach with a friend! WOW was it nice. It was about 85 degrees and gentle breezes blowing. Was to a little Island around here. We walked around it a couple of times-I need to exercise the knee! We talked, and just sat there and watched the gulf, so peaceful and calm. What a great day being retired! I made a picnic lunch. I slathered on sunscreen and still got pretty pink/red, but no problem it is good today. O I did walk IN the water- it was about 70 degrees, there were plenty of folk swimming, but not me yet, too cool.

Hope all my blogger friends are well and blessed!

Just a Quick One

2010-04-07T18:19:00.007-04:00

I have been missing doing my blog, but I never seem to have time for it. I haven't even had time for sleep for the past week or so. So I sat myself down and said, Get soemthign written! So the blog friends will know I am ok

SOOOO I am ok, just been busy

Had a wonderful Easter-much time spent there with being in the choir and the many services I have attended.

Sunrise service was indescribable! The sun came up on the horizon as the last song was sung. Was a bit chilly as the wind was blowing off of the bay. But I survived, and me wearing a dress!

I have been trying to go to the pool frequently, am working on my tan, want the folks up north to know I live in FLorida ya know, when I go back up!

Been spending much time over my gf home- another friend is here from the east coast, and FAR too much wine!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the fine line between sanity and madness gotten finer?
George Price

POLL

2010-03-30T14:27:00.007-04:00

A pic of me @ my gf , we were just messing with the camera

O, how this spring of love resembleth The uncertain glory of an April day!
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), "The Two Gentlemen of Verona", Act 1 scene 3

OK so I am being silly and taking a poll

What is your favorite Easter Candy!?;

Peeps!- have ya seen the new orange ones YUMMY
Truffles!!- O are they exciting!
Cadbury eggs!- I don't like the center
Jelly Beans?-why waste calories on the when there is so much wonderful chocolate?

Robin Eggs?-did ya ever use them as lipstick?

Bunny Crisp-don't like them too much

pastel M&M's- you definitely can't eat just one!

Dove squares_ OMG that's what Easter candy should taste like!

Chocolate covered eggs- peanut butter , solid choc, coconut with your name on the top-man have they gotten expensive! I like the peanut butter ones.

And the newest Gummy Bears- kids like em!

Tea Party

2010-03-24T18:03:00.022-04:00

Friends/neighbors

My daughter Melanie & I @ the Tea Party - look at all the pretty tables

And last but not least our Table

Today I spent some of the time by the pool, getting some sun! and hot tub! Yeah I think spring has finally sprung in Florida!

Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.
Henry Miller (1891 - 1980)

trip too short

2010-03-22T11:39:00.003-04:00

Well it's almost time to travel back down to Florida. I've had a fun time and think the rest of the family has too. We went to Lancaster Pa, for the weekend. Had a lovely time.The weather was spectacular! We loved celebrating Spring coming with such wonderful weather. All the spring flowers are bursting through!
We went to Sight & Sound and saw JOSEPH. The grands loved it, actually we were surprised they liked it as much as they did. They all want to go back there again. For those of ya who don't know , it's a wonderful theater located in the Amish country. They do religious based shows. There is singing,acting & even animals onstage. I can't really explain it well enough, but it's great.
The hotel we stayed in had a heated pool & hot tub. My grands would have been just as happy spending 24/7 in the pool as anything. However there are shopping outlets! So ya know where we spent some of the time. The first store Danny & I went in he looked around for about1/2 a second and reports "boring"! Additionally, being in the Amish country we had to go to "Good & Plenty" a restaurant with Amish/Dutch fair. We did the family style one. Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Chow Chow, Pepper Cabbage, Apple Sauce, Home Baked Breads. O and for dessert was Apple Crumb Pie, Shoo Fly Pie, Orange Jello with Fresh Pineapple & Homemade ice Creams/Sherbets. Needless to say we needed a rest after that TeeHee!

Had some special time with each grandchild. Danny the youngest wanted to know when he would be getting hair under his armpits, I said not till you're a bit older than Kenny. He said are you sure? I can feel the seeds of hair coming, can't you. I just looked with amazement at the things this kiddo can come up with. Of course I didn't laugh, that would be improper!
The twins loved their new outfits. Lizzie almost has enough hair to get it cut for ' locks of love'. Michelle is still plagued by spelling & memory verses, but it doesn't seem to bother her. She still goes around with a bright smile. And finds many things comical.
Kenny kept asking if he looked slim. Which of course he is. Plus he is now taller than grannyjax- a milestone to him, but not me! Not right that my 11 yr old grandson is taller than me!

Well I've gotta get the packing done!

Happy St. Patricks Day

2010-03-16T09:13:00.004-04:00

The English Tea a week ago where I live, more to come, but this one fit with the theme today.

May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

We go from the Ides of March to St. Pat's Day.
Personally I go from daughter#2 birthday to my
anniversary.
Such great memories them all!

Now I'm left with a bit of sadness,
but I do have wonderful memories to share.
Of a man who loved me and the family,
with every beat of his heart.

Now I'm left with pictures and ashes,
but I can only be sad for awhile.
Cause I am left with a future full
of new memories to share.

Our daughters are great contributors
to the world in each a differing way.
And I love them for what they give,
but most of all for who they are!

A world full of beauty
family & friends galore.
And four wonderful grandchildren
who make me smile!

Guess its time to quit for today as I've spilled my coffee
all over the computer desk
guess it was time to clean it anyway!

Womens World

2010-03-12T10:18:00.010-05:00

Yes, turn the clocks forward! My error, I always get that messed up.Except when actually doing

March is the month we celebrate women. Personally they should be celebrated all year long.

Over the years there have been some fascinating women, not just the ones who have fought for our equal rights. I like to imagine myself in other women's shoes at times! Like the pioneer woman! Did she have it hard or what! The Haitian woman I read about in the paper who lost a child and family in the rubble, but found a couple of month old baby. She took the child as her own and is gonna raise despite what her world looks like now.

How about Carrie ten Boom who locked many Jews in a closet during the holocaust, but believed God would prevail. You can read her story in THE HIDING PLACE. She also lost many of her family members but continued her work for disabled and the Jews in the Netherlands.

"Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile, when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family."
Mother Teresa, in her Nobel lecture Indian (Albanian-born) humanitarian & missionary (1910 - 1997)

I couldn't write about inspired women without mentioning Mother Teresa! She was so inspiring, we should aspire to be just a bit like her! the world would be a better place.

Then of course, there was Eleanor Roosevelt- One of the First Ladies of the USA, was at one time dubbed The First Lady of the World! Go back and read of her O MY what a lady she was. She was involved in so many things, The UN, Equal Rights, the Red Cross only to mention a few. She was a strong woman whose hubby said "she was stiff backed", meaning of course she was stubborn.

Women are wise, inspiring, tough, knowledgeable, stubborn, & fascinating, we must continue in that spirit! For one another and the world!

Texas

2010-03-09T16:23:00.002-05:00

There are actually 3 pyramids here in Galveston. One of the places we visited while I was in Texas. There was an aquarium, movie complex, beach resort & great gardens here. Funny to see on the horizon when you are driving to Galveston. Don't quite expect to see. We had a nice time here and a great place to take a 7yr old child! before a long evening of an adult gathering!

We had a really fun time at a park too! Nearby is a water park of which was closed, but looked like fun!

DON"T FORGET WE CHANGE THE CLOCKS BACK SATURDAY NIGHT!

YEAH SPRING IS IN THE AIR_WHAT? 11 DAYS AWAY!

Listen, can you hear it? Spring's sweet cantata. The strains of grass pushing through the snow. The song of buds swelling on the vine. The tender timpani of a baby robin's heart. Spring.
Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider, Northern Exposure, Wake Up Call, 1992

visitors from the North

2010-03-05T19:11:00.003-05:00

My brother and his wife Clare came to visit from NJ. SO far we havent done really that much. But do we have to? We enjoy each others company and thtas enough!
I also like to see them interact, they remind me of my mom and pop, the way they banter back and forth. After 30 years of marriage I can still catch them smooching in the store. Teehee
We haven't had the best weather in Fl, it's been cool, but it's nicer than the snow in NJ

trying to get orgnized

2010-03-02T11:39:00.004-05:00

Well here I am with the birthday boy! We had a real nice time @ Landry's in Galveston Texas for his 40th birthday. He was my first exchange student from Sweden 22 yrs ago, and we have been in contact ever since. He is presently a doctoral student @ Baylor University in neurophysical Sciences in Houston.

I will never get organised! My brother is coming from NJ tomorrow so I need to fix up the room he will be staying in, but never have energy!

the weather is nice here today despite them saying it was gonna be awful. I hope it's nice while my brother & wife are here!

Well gotta go

DAYS REVISITED

2010-02-23T10:50:00.007-05:00

" THIS IS MY NEW TOY SO LEAVE ME ALONE, I'M JUST SITTING ON EVERY ONES COATS THEY FORGOT TO HANG UP ". SADIE

Men show their characters in nothing more clearly than in what they think laughable.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

" DANNY, don't get up in a tree like your brother Ken,

NAH look at the Eagle in the tree up there" Dau #2

A day at the zoo. It's a wonderful little zoo in South Jersey. Free, you can give a donation if ya want, don't even pay for parking! Close to the very tip of NJ @ Cape May, NJ. Although a small zoo it has all the animals. It's over many acres of land and wonderful walk paths, under trees which show the fauna & flora of NJ. Very educational. And really not too big to get the children crying & exhausted. We went with my 4 grands & my brothers 3 grands. It was great, the youngest child was a year and oldest 10. The older kids actually were a real help with the little ones. There were 6 adults. We made a donation, of course, and we took a picnic. So the day cost us practically nothing. I love those types of trips! Didn't even have to get souvenirs!

Nothing is worse than active ignorance.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We go from summer to winter. Kenny grandson #1 made this @ school. I wanted to take it home with me but momma said NO! Pretty neat for a 10 yr old huh!

I have just come to a realization, I don't take nearly enough pics of Kenny. So when next up in MD, will have to do better. Can't totally blame granny though. He usually is on the computer or video games or outside tossing a football. AND I have to be the one he tosses it to.

no NO NO!

2010-02-18T18:49:00.003-05:00

Yes a pretty sky in my neck of the woods

No, No thanks, I said no, what part of no don't you understand?CLICK

I have had two real annoying calls today! you know the type, the ones who don't take no for an answer. How do these folk do it? call people over and over and are told no, sometimes not even politely, but down right aggressively! Is the money that good or do they need that paycheck that badly!

I really try and be polite, but after several attempts at saying no I get aggravated! I don't usually berate, I simply hang up on them. At one time I would play with them for a bit to try and get them to thinking I might get their offer, but I have grown out of that.

Today I told em I wasn't feeling well and had a headache and had just taken medicine, and I would not be able to make any decisions today. He came back, I am not trying to make you make a decision, I am ONLY asking you send us $99 to upgrade your membership(which has relapsed by the way). O well, thanks but no thanks CLICK!

I have even gone as far as telling them I was dyslexic and they would have to explain everything to me backwards- did that dissuade this fellow! by no means- he started doing his spiel backwards!

Then I found out a friend was dyslexic and thought that mean.

I haven't had a house phone for awhile, and decided maybe I needed one since I have a handicapped daughter, but you wouldn't believe the calls I've received. I even got one the other day in which the entire one sided conversation was in Spanish- I decided that was def a wrong number!

I will continue to try and be polite, BUT it's a hard task sometimes!

Such is the irresistible nature of truth that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.
Thomas Paine

Where's my Valentine 2010?

2010-02-14T19:23:00.004-05:00

Here he is Snickers! Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving.
Albert Einstein
YEP I FIND MYSELF HAVING TO EXERT MYSELF IN MOST THINGS THESE DAYS. BUT SOMETIMES WHERE DO YOU GET THE STAMINA JUST TO EXERT YOURSELF!?

What else is love but understanding and rejoicing in the fact that another person lives, acts, and experiences otherwise than we do…?
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 - 1900)

YES AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THAT OTHER PERSON DIES AND YOU ARE LEFT HOLDING THE BAG? YOU PICK YOURSELF UP BY THE BOOTSTRAPS AND CONTINUE ON!

Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.
H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
I IMAGINE I HAVE INTELLIGENCE DOES THAT COUNT?

There is no remedy for love but to love more.
Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862), Journal, July 25, 1839

I AM SO GLAD I HAVE CHILDREN & GRANDCHILDREN!

Just because you love someone doesn't mean you have to be involved with them. Love is not a bandage to cover wounds.
Hugh Elliott, Standing Room Only weblog, February 16, 2004

WHAT!!! I WANT TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE ONES I LOVE.

I know what a weird post, but that's about how I feel this Valentines day. Weird, lonely, depressed, however I know I am loved and I have love to give & share!

happening

2010-02-12T10:18:00.006-05:00

I always love this moss and how it looks on the trees. Saw this one weekend while I was on a retreatThis little chapel was on the grounds of the retreat center. Lovely inside

Can ya see the beautiful rainbow? This was one of the most wonderful ones I have ever seen. You could see every hue! and at one point it was a double rainbow! I just wish I could have captured it better, but too many buildings were in the way.

Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
Euripides (484 BC - 406 BC)

Christmastime 2009

2010-02-10T18:54:00.012-05:00

The cousins all together. They don't see each other often but when they do they are like brothers and sisters. One big happy family.

Keyanna, Kailey (grandnieces) & Danny- he is a ham!

Keyshaun (grandnephew) Keyanna, Danny & Alexzandria

#1 grandson Kenneth, during school play, his class did China. All the students in the grade school had different countries in which they learned how they celebrated Christmas and other interesting facts. Yep he is as tall as me now!

Alexzandria, grand niece

Alizabeth(grand niece) & Daniel they are 6 months apart in age she is older, we always take pics of them together to see who is bigger- I think he always will be, it's in his genes! His dad is 6'4" hers was about 5'7"

Michelle with Snickers & Elizabeth with Sadie, my girls! oops granddaughters

ups/downs

2010-02-02T10:59:00.007-05:00

grandson Daniel when he HAD to have a Mohawk over the summer 2009

Prejudices, it is well known, are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilized by education; they grow there, firm as weeds along rocks.
- Charlotte Bronte Quite a quote huh!

Today hasn't been one of the best for me. This morning when I got up the sugar was 89, good right! Well I ate breakfast of oatmeal & coffee. Around 11am it dropped I didn't even take it again, didn't need to, felt shaky & nervous but ate a sandwich and had some cheese. Then for about 3 hours I felt like crap! It's now approx 7pm and I'm finally feeling better. I have diabetes, and really try to keep it under control, it was just one of those days when it just kept dropping.

Some folk I know with diabetes have trouble keeping their sugar down- I'm just different, mine always goes down. It still makes ya feel awful, either way.

I am relating all this because It's just a health note from me, I never stopped nursing. Elevated sugars for a prolonged time can cause all kinds of problems, without ya even knowing it! That's why it's called the Silent Killer. Yes, Heart, Eyes, GI & Extremities. Warning signs of Diabetes:tiredness, unquenchable thirst, urinary frequency, sores that won't heal, frequent infections, weight loss, blurred vision, red swollen & sore gums, tingling of hands & feet.

So if ya have any of these get out to a Doctor or Nurse Practitioner!

February

2010-02-02T00:53:00.004-05:00

Sorry he has such green eyes here, but he is truly a love! Man was my hair short, didn't realise it at the time.

It's February! What types of things do you think of when you hear February!?
A short month, a nondescript month. Snow or the beginning of snow.
Days are short and so is the month.OMG a month has already passed in 2010.
Thinking of vacations.Have you given up on New Years' Resolutions yet!
The groundhog-will he see the shadow or not-who ever thought of this silly day? someone sitting around wishing winter had passed already!?

I have a paradigm shift- I really don't know what to expect in February in Florida.
The rains are coming and so are the hurricanes. The days are warm, but the nights are a bit cool. Plants are looking a little sad, but will soon be colorful again. Should I plant tomatoes?Spring training is just around the corner. When will the snow birds return to their places of origin? Guess the Canadians will be going soon.

O Winter! ruler of the inverted year, . . . I crown thee king of intimate delights, Fireside enjoyments, home-born happiness, And all the comforts that the lowly roof Of undisturb'd Retirement, and the hours Of long uninterrupted evening, know.
William Cowper (1731 - 1800), Task (bk. IV, l. 120)

Clairification

2010-01-29T10:07:00.004-05:00

#2 Grandson Daniel and Me Dec 2009 @ his school play

Dau #2 said I should make some clarifications to previous post. Those folk were prob not my peers, they are prob 10-15 years older than me. Also, I don't really have grey hair. I have just a few grey spots, and I dye not to cover it, but because I like my hair a redder hue not mousy brown.
Age is relative anyhow. I tried to make some humor only. I just don't feel old and hope I never do(good for me). I have many blessings which I am very grateful for. I try not to dwell on things. Sometimes when I go out with my daughters folk think it's nice us sisters go out and laugh allot!

Lying in bed would be an altogether perfect and supreme experience if only one had a colored pencil big enough to draw on the ceiling.
- G.K. Chesterton

O could you see the ceilings if kids had those crayons! Reminds me of a time hubby & I were babysitting our toddler niece. We had driven from NJ to VA after working all night and were a bit tired. My bro said would ya watch her? Of course we said yes. But sleep got the best of us. When my brother got home he said who was watching who? Sleepily we said huh! My brother the told us to look at the wall behind the sofa. Yikes how were we supposed to know she wanted to audition for a Picasso!? or could get out of the crib, and had crayons! Well we've laughed about it for years. However at the time Her folks were a bit peeved at us, to say the least.

A friend of mine put on her FB about pencils not being what they used to when she was a kid- she may be 35! She has 4 kids and pencils always, just don't last. I told her that's what happens when "you take the lead out of the pencil"(bad me!)

Yes I could find myself lying in bed writing on the ceilings. I lay in bed and look up and imagine what shadows are. I could color in the shadows and have lovely prints!

BAD TASTE!

2010-01-27T19:21:00.004-05:00

I want to give a forewarning for this post, anyone offended I'm sorry. I just post the facts as I see them.

I think I am age discriminatory, yes me!
I went to the theater this afternoon with my oldest daughter who is 39, and in a wheelchair. They had probably 40 handicapped parking spaces. We were there an hour before the show started. I could not find a handicapped place to park. So I hoofed it pushing my daughter who is no lightweight.
As we were seated I looked around the theater and to my utter dismay over 90% of the theater goers were Qtips (folk with GREY hair). Now I don't care if folk have grey hair, but over 90% in a 500 seat theater! In the daytime. Yikes I was almost scared. I felt like I was in the "day of the walking dead"! I know, I know I live in Florida!, but I never expected every senior citizen would be grey headed, tilted over, walking slow!
My adventure continues, we were in the 5th row back from the stage. A gentleman seated in the 4th row had a pair of binoculars out and using them! OMG I could almost see the blemishes on the singer.
Every member of the 5 piece band was a Qtip.
All the ushers were Qtips. Now picture this a Qtip usher helping a Qtip patron and they both had trouble walking- on flat services, never mind the stairs I won't even go there.

I really did enjoy the show I had quite a wonderful time viewing the sights. O, ya know when someone sings or the like, you see at least a few in the audience bobbing their heads or tapping their feet! Well non of this was seen by me. In fact, I seriously wondered if they had taken their last breathes! I felt sorry for the singer. She almost had to start the clapping(bad me).
Side note- it was 68 degrees when we exited the show @ 3pm- I actually saw a woman with a fur coat & hat on!

Now to almost the best part. Do you know how long it takes 500 seniors to exit a theater? Not very long. I don't know what they had to go do @ 3 pm! Go get the senior citizens discounts @ Denny's, etc., Ah maybe the depends were overflowing. I am telling Ya I think my daughter was the youngest person in the theater and me the next youngest and we were just about the last to leave. There were 2 other wheelchair patrons on the other side of us. They had to go around us to get out the theater. For what I ask! I just stood and marvelled with my daughter.
Then we are finally walking to the parking lot. A lady in front of me , with a walker, going down hill. I was really afraid I couldn't stop the wheelchair so as not to hit her!

In the car we, I am trying to back out and see all these crazy seniors speeding in the parking lot! I just sat there in bewilderment.
I know I should not be writing a blog about my peers in this way, but come on dye your hair!
I know I will have nightmares tonight of crutches, wheelchairs, canes, hearing aides, & dentures all sporting Qtips!

Just a lovely pic of Florida a couple of weeks ago when it snowed here

An Update

2010-01-26T13:10:00.006-05:00

Snickers, Elizabeth & Alizabeth over the Holidays

This is Sadie- just resting, she has gotten so big. She is actually lying on Dau #1.

Ok a lot has transpired since I have done any serious blogging. I have lots of new pictures & anecdotes to write, maybe for at least awhile. In fact I have so many blogs to read, I seriously doubt I will get accomplished before Easter.

I just put my suitcases away, and hopefully won't have to use for any travel before going back up north as a snowbird. Why are we called snowbirds? O duh- its because we travel where it's warm and doesn't snow! But doesn't it actually sound like we like snow??? We should be called something tropical, airy, sun baked, any ideas?

Thanks for all the well wishes on My mother-in-law.

Since I have been home I have be SICK! Some kind of flu bug or something I don't want anyone else to get!!! A 24 hour thing! but have been quite tired since. Imodium/Lomotil, crackers, and ginger ale are my new friends if ya know what I mean! No one I know has had these symptoms so I am attributing it to the plane. Where else could I get it!?

Where does all the laundry come from!? 2 people I tell ya and I have done a couple of loads a day since I have come home! My house presently looks like I have the ole hoarding disease, I haven't even put up holiday decorations, etc. OWELL I will get it done.

Hope all is well in your worlds!

A Wierd Winter

2010-01-19T07:53:00.004-05:00

As I told ya I am in Colorado.
Last weekend I was in Florida.

I didn't bring a coat with me.
Last weekend I had to wear a winter coat, gloves & hat!

GO figure! When I was in Maryland & New Jersey
I about froze to death!

Well it's about to change again,
supposed to snow the next couple of days,
and I didn't bring a coat!

I'll take some pics of the mountains,
and keep ya posted on my weather observations.

The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball.: Doug Larson
Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.: Robert Frost (1874 - 1963), Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
I love Robert Frost so had to include this one!

Passages

2010-01-17T17:24:00.002-05:00

Did this yesterday, and somehow got lost in cyberspace.

I am now here in Colorado. I wanted to come before my M-I-L passed but that wasn't in the plan.
I arrived almost 24 hours after she passed. Thought I would come anyway, to help out my sister in law.
We have decided to have the funeral in the summer so all the kids could come, right now everyone is so spread out, and school! WE wanted to have the funeral in the mountains, so this works great to have it in the summer.

Rest in peace Eva Grace McClement Carver-1912-2010

WINTER

2010-01-02T20:04:00.008-05:00

Things are only impossible until they're not.
Jean-Luc Picard, 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'

So as not to confuse y'all I am mourning the sun, sand, beach and WARMTH.

This was taken one summer with the kids enjoying the beach. Now tell me who would rather be 'enjoying' the snow & winter rather than this?

I don't ever remember being this cold for a long long time! Have I acclimated to Florida weather so quickly! I suppose so. Not to mention my allergies have given me fits here! I haven't even had to take allergy meds in Florida. I will be back to Florida soon and be missing the grand-kids, but not this refrigerator I am in.
OO and not to mention we were without electricity for a couple of hours today- glad her wood-burning stove works or else we'd have been icicles!
I also will be glad to get back to my bed and routine!
Hope the year 2010 is the best yet!

Another year

2009-12-29T09:34:00.002-05:00

Today it has been a year since the hubby died. Am doing ok, just gotta keep busy, and its always busy around here. We are getting ready to go up I95 to NJ. I sure hope the snow & ice pass us by, but all the weather men say something is coming.
Don't really have that much time to post but wanted to say

THE WINNER IS; Denise- I will send when I get back if ya send me you address!

Yikes another year is passing by! when we were kids it seemed like forever from one year to the next, but now it goes by in light-speed! May everyone have a wonderfully blessed NEW YEAR.
Health, wealth, prosperity!

I think I could write a book about my grandson! Right now he is sitting near me, he got new boots for Christmas and is swinging them around saying it's booty time- he really doesn't realize what us gutter minded adults are laughing at. He is part of what keeps me from crying, glad I came up north for the holidays.
Leaving in an hour gotta go for real!

just a quickie

2009-12-22T20:46:00.003-05:00

Was laying on the bed with grandson #2, just watching tv , relaxin & talking. All of a sudden he asks, "gran-ma, can we go to the North Pole?'
I said, " O honey we cant go there it's too cold there."
He says, "Why?"
And I say, " Well it's just too cold, only scientists go there, to study weather and like."
I then ask, " why do you want to go there?"
Unscathed he answers, " cause that's where Santa lives, and I would like to see his house."

Sometimes I forget he is only 6 years old, what a dummy I am!

Quiet Insanity!

2009-12-20T19:23:00.004-05:00

If indeed you must be candid, be candid beautifully. Kahlil Gibran (1883 - 1931)

One thing is clear to me. You can't know everything you'd like to know. You can't do everything you'd like to do. You can't read everything you'd like to read. You must hold onto some things and let go of others. Learning to make that choice is one of the big lessons of this life.: Real Live Preacher, Real Live Preacher.com weblog, September 9, 2003

Ya know stuck in a house for a day doesnt hurt anyone, but you would think it does! Yes it snowed and my goodness it snowed a bunch. I think we got about 22 inches over a day. We were only stuck in the house one day! ME my kids & grand kids!
But these crazy Americans we live with still thought it necessary to go out. They were getting stuck everywhere. My favorite I95, was even closed. Come on folks take a day of rest. Spend time with the family, Go sledding with the kids. Have Hot chocolate and sit by the fire. Just sit in Awe of all the snow. Contemplate on how much water was dumped! I think in DC they said 6 million people were affected.
So what did my crazy family do. All of the above plus- dau#2 & I started a quilt we are giving as a Christmas present. I cleaned the kitchen (how many times?). Got kids into and out of clothes, hats & boots all day. Used those millions of socks as gloves. Wrapped some Christmas gifts (did I ever tell ya I hate wrapping!) Sneezed a trillion times, took a nap because of too many antihistamines, even fell backward off a stool while sneezing. Got caught up on bloggers & facebookers, cleaned out 2 email site boxes. Amazing what one can get done while stuck in a house for but a day.
O I forgot took the dogs for walks and thought we'd loose them in the snow. O and lost my camera once again!
So friends take stock and as my daughter would say stop and smell the coffee. It's not too often we are forced to be home! Enjoy it while you can!

The Insanity Continues!

2009-12-19T12:10:00.010-05:00

Yep it's snowing!

Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome.Isaac Asimov (1920 - 1992)

I have been to 4 different school presentations. The children are doing different countries, I have been to Canada, China & Germany. The girls also had a real cute Christmas program, written & produced by the class. Have to show pics later.

After this we went shopping for the first round of Christmas goodies. After which we go to school to pick up the cherubs. Dau #2 goes to the doctor cause she is having multiple pvc's & chest pain- cardiologist next week, no change in the EKG! YEAH I had to about kill her to go to the doc. CHILDREN what can ya do with them!

While she is at the docs, dau#1 in wheelchair and my four grands go off shopping again, must get gifts for momma! That was indescribable fun! but they were pretty good, and I lost no-one!
When she gets back we go off to dinner at a local pizzeria. She drops us off and drives home to let the guys deliver wood. She was gone an hour and they never arrived! We ate. & Ordered her food too. The kiddos were really worried about her, so sweet.

Well after dinner whats left to do- go to the grocery store of course-Ya know its gonna snow! and we may be without for DAYS! As soon as I went into the grocery store I lost #4 grandson, and was getting a little frantic when dau #2 said he right here! You should have seen all the crazies in the store, one might think it were gonna be the end of the world. there wasn't any milk, eggs and almost all the chips gone! See whats important huh!

Finally we arrive home and must unload the car that we nearly couldn't fit into for all the shopping throughout the day! But we got in and all the stuff out to see it start to snow. A wonderful ending to a happening day!

I only have four of ya signed up for the giveaway, so let me know if ya want to be included!

Talk about Insanity!

2009-12-17T12:05:00.004-05:00

First off don't forget the giveaway slated for December 24th-anyone interested in the drawing? A Janet Evanovich book in the offing!

The above is the motley looking crew this summer, did I post this!? am battling with A in Alzheimer's! HAHA Just dau #1 missing. She was away. I am in orange next to dau #2

Just 14 hours before we were to fly my friend tells me she cant watch the dog, so I make arrangements for him to come with us! Yikes one more thing to do. Do you know his ticket cost as much as mine! Plus I had to get a CORRECT carrier. That took me almost all day!

Well we arrived safely in Maryland to be about frozen to death. I left 80 degree weather and it was 35 when I arrived. Sure am glad I brought the jacket. This weekend they are talkin a foot of snow! So where are my boots! I have done allot of sleeping since I arrived, can't seem to get enough, and there isn't even a time change! Must just be relaxed with kiddos around. We've been shopping, but have lots to still get. We will bake cookies over the weekend. Right after getting off the plane we went to children's' school for a program and to surprise them all! What fun!
The children start their Christmas vacation this Friday till after the new year.
It will be nice to not have to get up early to get them off. You should see it around here! They get up about 6am, and all bound on my bed to wake me. Then their momma starts making lunches, breakfast, making sure they have correct clothes and shoes ( are the dresses long enough), teeth brushed and all hair combed, then drive them to school by 8am. Some take cookies & Stollen she has made for school programs. Never ending around here!

I found out my daughter changed computer carriers so all my book mars are gone, so dont know how many blogs I will be viewing, but I will try and keep ya up to date on me. I will have much to catch on when I get back to FL!
Blessings for a wonderful holiday for all of ya! "It's a wonderful life"!

Another Day of Insanity

2009-12-04T16:23:00.005-05:00

different pic of tree out back, think its a ficus

Unfortunately insanity of a different kind.

An elderly gentleman from the neighborhood died yesterday.

'Ezra' was such a kind, spirit filled man.
He was in our Sunday School class and had such a wonderful knowledge of the scriptures.
Just another reminder of how frail life is! I was talking with him in his house yesterday
and he looked fit as a fiddle. We joked and had a good visit!

This is a pic of my youngest grandson next to a 'precious moments' doll that looks amazingly like him! In fact, I bought the doll cause it reminded me so much of him.

It is RAINING here and I feel like I am back up north, I can't seem to get warm today Me sitting here with a sweater on! Did I say it was RAINING & COLD! Tomorrow my friend wants to have another yard sale. I am telling ya if it's like this I will not be going.

I have to pack, get my cards written, shampoo the carpets, o and generally clean the house before I go up north. I never want to come home from vaca with the house a mess! My family used to think me crazy when I'd go on vaca and make sure everything was all spruced up before going. BUT they always liked coming home to clean sheets and towels etc. It was always worth the effort and will be this time too!

Dont forget the giveaway and to tell me you want to be entered. see previous post

Countdown to Christmas!

2009-12-03T11:50:00.005-05:00

A littl' decorating in the home. 2009

The time blogging between now & Christmas will be dedicated to my insanity!
I haven't even started shopping, guess I won't till I get to Maryland.
I just don't want to haul it on the plane.
PLUS I don't have any ideas of what to get anyone.

I am in such a practical state of mind. I don't want to buy anything that isn't disposable.
Disposable you say, yes we ALL have too much! so disposable means- something that collects dust NO, something to wear NO, Toys(they already have too many) NO.
That leaves food, yep that's disposable, everyone eats and with this economy everyone can benefit!
O just thought of something else disposable-MONEY! My mother in law always said, green is the right color, size, etc

I will have to get a couple of things for friends here in Fla, but that will prob be food related?

So follow me in this adventure before Christmas, and in the spirit of it all I will be having a giveaway. A book entitled 'Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich, you got to love her writing.

Just put your name in the hat, by telling me you'd like it. I will have dau #2 pick it out of the hat on Dec 24th. And hopefully get it to you in January 2010!

There is an hour of calm relief
From every throbbing care;
'Tis when before a throne of grace,
I kneel in secret prayer,
When one by one, like threads of gold,
The hues of twilight fall,
Oh, sweet communion with my God,
My Saviour and my all!
Fanny J. Crosby

grannies got a question

2009-11-30T19:54:00.005-05:00

well folks as you all know the house finally did sell and I do have some profit.

Any suggestions on what I should do with it?

Buy, sell, trade or just let it sit?

It would be nice to make it more,

but I am illiterate on that score.

I would like to have a margin of safety

guess I should see a financial person?

any suggestions?

Quote from Rumer Godden

'There is an Indian proverb or axiom that says that everyone is a house with four rooms, a physical, a mental, an emotional, and a spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time but, unless we go into every room every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person.'

Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T19:38:00.007-05:00

I think I have posted this before, but am gonna give another stab at it. At thanksgiving dinner, just before the prayers, everyone at the table goes around the table and says what they are thankful for. It is always funny to hear what the children have to say. And sometimes quite amusing what the adults add! One of the best, the year after my mom died. It was the most tear filled and inspirational. Mostly it was confirming us all as a family during that difficult time.

I don't guess we will be doing that tomorrow, as am going to my friends for turkey, but me and dau#1 will some time tomorrow.

Here goes a short list:

THE HOUSE SOLD signed sealed delivered! Yeah!

I have a great bunch of coconuts er I mean family & friends who have held me up since the hubby died.

I have my health

I have 2 wonderful daughters who bless me daily

I have the best grandchildren in the whole world, and as Danny says "I love more than they love me, this big, bigger than the universe!"

and of course I have an indescribable list of blog friends!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T18:20:00.003-05:00

SO you say, 'what are you thankful for?'

I say pictures are worth a million words, but I am most thankful for my family

Daughters and grandchildren, OO lucky me!

Gratitude

2009-11-21T11:45:00.005-05:00

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. - Johannes A. Gaertner

Hi folks, I was able to get one in full bloom! So beautiful, unbelievable colors! I don't think the owner has ever seen it in bloom, but she should be home next week, hope she gets to see it. It only stays about a day and then the bloom closes.

Since we are embarking on Thanksgiving thought I would write some things of which I am thankful for the next few posts.

Yesterday I had a yard sale. whew what a work out! I did make over $200 and I got rid of some things out of the house.

Some men in the neighborhood have been so helpful in pricing things for me so I won't get robbed! What do I know of what tools cost? They even helped getting the heavier things out of the shed, and one of them is barely able to walk!

One neighbor housed the hubbies motorbike in his yard so I would have more room for the yard sale. A couple others 'made' me put a sign on it so I could sell it!

One guy brought me a banana split! I joked to him I needed one, and low and behold he went and got one! He even bought blizzards for my daughter and my friend. I can't eat a whole banana split, but it sure tasted good!

My daughter rode her motorized bike about a mile to a little sandwich shop and got us iced tea and also my favorite clam chowder they have on Fridays.

My friend did most of the selling, did I tell ya I hate yard sales! Especially when people start dickering!

Hey, I bartered about one thing and a guy who does painting and power washing gave me some money for a carpet cleaner and threw in a power washing for my gutters and trim! (I had already done the house)

My knee is killing me today, but I did have a fun time talking with neighbors and friends that have been away for awhile, I also got to meet new neighbors, so guess I'll do it all over next year!

just one little thing I am not particularly grateful for, is my toe hurting like the dickens! I ran over it with my daughters motorized wheelchair while putting it away!

LOST

2009-11-10T17:25:00.005-05:00

A neighbors plant I sorta like & have been watering while she has been gone. Think its called a pony tail plant

I have been loosing things right and left! HELP!!! I need to tie things to my neck, but if I did that I wouldn't be able to walk around! or I'd be bent over! Teehee

should I list things just this past couple of days:

glasses, dog leash, keys(loose them whenever), credit card, debit card, books for my study,

doctor info I have to have tomorrow, calendar which has appointment times, my mind, cell phone. That's all I can think of right now.

I haven't lost weight, my sense of humor or my Kiddos!

Nothing is permanent in this wicked world - not even our troubles.
Charlie Chaplin (1889 - 1977)

We have to fight them daily, like fleas, those many small worries about the morrow, for they sap our energies.
Etty Hillesum, O Magazine, October 2002

EEK I just found out I lost papers I went to my daughters doctor to get today! Yikes I have to go find them!

Just a Thought or Two

2009-11-03T20:51:00.005-05:00

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
Albert Camus (1913 - 1960)

the beginnings of a century plant-my granddaughters got a seedling this summer! I can't wait til it grows up. have ya ever seen a century plant? granddaughter#1 was so happy to see a real live century plant- she did a report on one last year. they only bloom every one hundred years. they grow about 11 feet tall.

next to the house-it really has pretty color, but I don' t like it too well, another one I keep cutting

I stand corrected. I also didn't think that star flower was from a jade, so I went back to the neighbors house and found the bloom attached to a kind of cactus! guess I will look closer the next time!

I have been thinking allot about helping others lately. I have always been that kind of person, but I seem to do it with more fervor now. It is just amazing how many folk are down and out now a days! People are suffering all over the place. It's sad to see some of the folk in my community be down and out. I know they weren't always this way, just by the way they talk & act. So dau #1 and I find ourselves sharing what the Lord gives us. ie a neighbor friend, who is taking care of her elderly dad. she was working as a counselor at the college two months ago, she got laid off and now cant find a job, she's only 50. so we share our leftovers with them. she is always saying 'I am gonna kill you guys', 'I will never be able to repay ya'. We always say one day we may need something and someone will pay it forward to us.

I am not writing this for kudos. but be aware of those around you. your leftovers could feed a family. you could take out someones trash. walk a neighbors dog. It's wonderful to see smiles on faces of those less fortunate than you!

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T17:39:00.005-04:00

Not much going on here. I live in a retirement community. SO no tricks or treats!

While all of you are enjoying cooler weather we are having the last hurrah of summer here in Florida. They keep saying it's gonna cool down next week. They been saying that every week since I have come back from NJ & MD.

You never saw anyone more into Halloween than my mother. She loved all of it. Costumes, parties, tricks, & treats. She made Halloween fun! We would never have a purchased costume. We would always make ours, and we had some humdingers.

I remember when I was real young we entered into the local town parade. My older brother had some good ideas. One year he painstakingly made a robot costume, and that was before robots were in vogue. Another year he was an Indian in full regalia-shamee for his loincloth. Not much else besides that, Indian war paint and a tomahawk(Don't know how he didn't freeze). Of course he won both those years!

I was always heavy as a child. One year I went as a baby-with diaper, t-shirt, bonnet, and pacifier. They thought that one up and I never lived it down-the kids called me baby Huey the rest of the year.

After we had our first dau who was in a wheelchair we dressed her as a jack-in-the box, she was so cute. Everyone thought we were clever. My youngest wanted to be a cowgirl (for many years).

One of the last costumes I wore was at work. I simply had my teeth darkened & had a witches nose on. It was one of my first days at this particular job and did I make an impression! One of my co-workers always said-"I knew you were ok as soon as I saw that nose on ya"

So I'm wishing you all treats and no tricks!

TIDBITS

2009-10-28T18:36:00.008-04:00

This plant & I have been fighting. I keep cutting it back and it keeps getting taller!?

Unusual bloom of Jade Plant- I didn't know they had blooms, was much prettier earlier today-looked like a star fish.

These leaves seem to be getting greener?

My newest plant-bought today, hence not planted yet! It's a whirly butterfly!

Interesting tree in the back yard. Everyone has been posting their beautiful tree autumnal pics, so thought I should also. A bit different in Florida!

Talked with my sister-in-law awhile ago, it snowed. They called school off for snow.

It was about 90 here, but we had a downpour!

I have one grandchild with a punctured eardrum and another with strep throat. They had chicken soup for dinner.

Just some thoughts for ya today:

Any transition serious enough to alter your definition of self will require not just small adjustments in your way of living and thinking but a full-on metamorphosis.
Martha Beck, O Magazine, Growing Wings, January 2004

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
Nelson Mandela (1918 - ), 'A Long Walk to Freedom'

Change your thoughts and you change your world.
Norman Vincent Peale (1898 - 1993)

Turbulence is life force. It is opportunity. Let's love turbulence and use it for change.
Ramsay Clark

This isn't good or bad. It's just the way of things. Nothing stays the same.
Real Live Preacher, RealLivePreacher.com Weblog, January 03, 2004

More stuff

2009-10-23T10:02:00.004-04:00

Faith and doubt both are needed, not as antagonists, but working side by side to take us around the unknown curve.
- Lillian Smith

So what have you been doing that you have been so busy with, you might ask!

Well, for almost 2 weeks I was in a real bad depression. So bad I didn't even want to go anywhere or do anything! Thankfully that has past and I am onto other things.

Of course we are still volunteering @ the clothes closet on Mondays.

I have also enrolled in a bible study on the book of Ruth. It is very time consuming to say the least. Study, study, study!

Our church also had a three day revival. I was at the church more than at home. However I truly enjoyed the speakers, music, and he was a real artist!

And I have been up late every night watching baseball! Ya know it's just something ya have to do!!! Baseball will only be on a few more weeks and the Phillie's are working it!

OO and I have been doing some fall cleaning. Closets etc. NO ONE do you hear me NO ONE is supposed to buy another outfit in this house for at least a year! We are only supposed to buy disposable stuff like groceries! see how long that stays in effect!

When I did one closet today I found 6 pump bottles of hand wash from 'Bed Bath & Beyond'. I actually have 3 large containers of dishwasher detergent! This is criminal I tell ya. Who needs 5 boxes of hair dye! and I am not even dying at present! I'm looking to see if it's too grey!

A lifetime is more than sufficiently long for people to get what there is of it wrong.
Piet Hein (1905 - ), "Grooks"

This & that

2009-10-22T15:40:00.006-04:00

My daughter told me I should put up a new post. I told her to do likewise!
I have been so busy the past week or so. I have hardly had enough time to sleep.
But I think I am a bit back to normal, whatever that is!

The weather here in Florida last week was COLD, but it's back to wonderful Florida now. Temps around 85 and NO humidity!! YEAH that's what I like!

Can anyone tell me a site that buys books? I have found a site, but they don't want any of the books I have put up so far. I also did that swapbook site and haven't come up with anything yet. So give me some advice if ya have any!

Since Facebook it seems like hardly anyone posts, but I find it a good outlet for saying stuff in other than 'snippets'. So here I am and will be! Although FB is a good way to keep up with friends when ya don't want to call or write! I was chatting with
2 folk today one in Sweden and the other in England! Where else could you have that so easily done!
Hope all are well, and I will try and do better on this!

A while back I told you all that I was starting a new garden in my yard. Well here is the elephant ear plant. Isn't it great! Not too bad for planting in the HOT season and I have pruned it a couple of times. I always wanted one of these, but NJ summers were not good on them!

The newest addition to the garden.

This is Hubby's lemon tree, He always wanted one. It is finally growing so nicely! Can ya see the spikes it has on it!? I never knew they had spikes, but they sure hurt

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.
Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)

Breat Cancer Awareness

2009-10-13T12:00:00.002-04:00

You are never too young to think about this! Plus MEN do get breast cancer!

"According to the American Cancer Society, every three minutes, on average, another woman learns she has breast cancer. The good news is that there are several strategies that can help reduce risk. Try incorporating the following lifestyle changes into your daily routine:

Get active. Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes on most days) has been shown to be protective against breast cancer.

Maintain your health care.

Early detection is key: in addition to monthly self examinations, women between ages 20 and 39 should have a clinical breast exam performed by a health care professional at least every three years; women 40 years of age or older should have annual breast exams and talk with their doctor about mammograms.

Supplement wisely. Folic acid, vitamin D and antioxidants all may help decrease risk.
Reduce exposure to xenoestrogens. These chemicals with estrogen-like activity are found in common pesticides and industrial pollutants and as hormone residues in meat, poultry and dairy products.

Avoid exposure to radiation. Limiting the number of chest x-rays you receive, especially at a young age, may decrease the risk of breast cancer.

Talk with your doctor. If you have close relatives with breast cancer, your personal risk is increased. Let your doctor know your family history, and discuss other ways you can help to prevent breast cancer. "

Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging

tidbits

2009-10-08T09:36:00.008-04:00

guess this is what it will look like soon up north, 'I didn't take pic'

I want to thank you for all the well wishes from the past post. I don't know what was up with me. Have been in a sorta whirlwind for the past month etc. Maybe just allowing myself to sit and think got me into a funk!? Don't know but seem to be back to normal today.

OK who has any ideas of what to do with my dog! Since we came back he has taking to barking at night. He may not get another year older if he doesn't stop it. I know his routine was mixed up too, BUT I do need to sleep. He has never done this before? Do I need to take him to psychiatrist or get some tranquilizer or just beat him up!

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.
-Colossians 3:23 (TEV)

Did you know "Barcodes" were invented 57 years ago? presently they are using for other things besides @ stores. In the rain forest they are tracking tree deforestation to see where illegal logging may be going on. They are using to identify plants & stop illegal trade of endangered species. In some places recycling centers give you a barcode to place on your bags and you can get $35 for amounts of recylced items-wish they had that here. More folk would recycle!

When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.
- Ernest Hemingway

A little bragging here- my grandchildren were in a foot race at school. It's called run for education. This year they are running for new playground equipment at the school.The whole school does it. They get sponsors and like! Twin #1 in the beginning of the race fell and 'got trampled', Her words. I said did you go to the nurse , did you get hurt? No gramma, I just got up and ran, I wasn't hurt! I cant believe that-she complains about everything I call her Wendy Whiner most of the time! But she likes to run. She usually is the best runner in her class. She only did 26 laps, her sis did 24. Older brother did 20 something, but the youngest did 39 laps. That equals 5 miles in 1 hour! woowoo. I don't think I could do 5 miles in 5 days, but that's youth for ya! Guess Grammjax will be sending a check! These kids are gonna brake the bank with me Teehee.

I'm back

2009-10-02T20:48:00.004-04:00

Or am I?
Physically I am back in Florida with it's nice weather, beautiful shores, blooming trees, BUT
where am I? I can hardly tell.
I have so much to do, and have been doing, BUT
I feel so lonely right now.
I walk the dog, do laundry etc. BUT
I miss......hubby, Bobby, friends and family.
and miss some more!
Have no fear I'll get back into the groove, BUT
How long will it take or how many tears will I shed?
only time will tell!

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.
Robert Frost

And The Winner Is!

2009-09-23T20:41:00.004-04:00

VIRGINIA GAL!!!!!!!!!!!
congrats, send me your address and I will get it out to you. I hope you haven't moved to Arizona
yet! Happy Drinking or sharing!

I am so sorry for not posting sooner, but a real close friend died in Florida and I had to make a quick trip. Additionally, I didn't have computer access online-it's unbelievable how we rely on the net!
Hope all are well!
Hope to see ya on the net soon! I have so much to catch up on! I had 286 emails and haven't waded thru them as of yet!

300th POST & Giveaway

2009-08-27T14:58:00.010-04:00

Clearwater Beach June 2009

they are celebrating my 300th blog, actually 2 on left are my 2 nieces in a program @daycare

I can't believe it. When I started this blog back in Jan 2007, I never expected that I would get here so quickly. So much has happened, so many blogs. When I first heard the word blog- I said "What in the world is that!, I could never do that, I wouldn't commit to it, Folk wouldn't read my stuff." But, I have gone on to find differently, plus I have the advantage of finding some great blogs & folk to become friends with in the blogosphere! Unfortunately some of them don't blog any longer, but I still think of them and wish their blogs sites were up and running. I think some blogs have been replaced by Facebook & Twitter and like, but writing here is different, you can put as much time & effort as you want. Almost like journeling, but to me easier. I do love reading others blogs and sigh when they haven't blogged in a day or two, and worry if it's over an extended time! or it's the demise of yet another good read.

What with my blog be without a quote:
Let us take things as we find them: let us not attempt to distort them into what they are not. We cannot make facts. All our wishing cannot change them. We must use them.
John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801 - 1890)

In commemoration of my 300th post, I am celebrating with a giveaway. I am giving a bottle of locally grown Blueberry wine. Supposedly the home in NJ is the capitol of Blueberries!

To gain chances, just do the following

1 entry-leave a comment (with contact information)

2 entries-follow me and leave a comment stating that you follow me (for my current followers just leave a comment stating you follow)

3 entries-blog about this giveaway, then leave a comment with the link The maximum number of entries is 3 total per person.This contest will end on Saturday September 9, 2009 at 2pm EST. I will pick the winner by random draw,
if you are the winner and I am unable to contact you for your mailing address within 3 days of contest ending, I will pick a new winner. Good luck to all and thank you to all my blog friends!

Hitting the Beaches

2009-08-22T22:26:00.005-04:00

Been watching the news about BILL all day. Seems as though he is going right up the Eastern Coast. Where will he hit land!? I hope not at all, but only time will tell!
Saw this pic and couldn't resist, no I didn't take, but wish I had. Quite surreal I think.
The storm we had yesterday was quite surreal too. We drove from NJ up I95 and saw it coming all the way. Seemed like we were skirting it really.

At one stop my grandchildren were outside eating at a picnic table while dau #2 and I were getting coffee. All of a sudden twin #1 comes in the shop and says "grandma, I am scared it looks like we are gonna get caught in a tornado!' I say well go get into the car I will come out with you.

All the kiddos ran to the car with dogs tucked safely under their arms. You could see folk pointing toward the sky and running for cover. We were right on the storm front and it was quite a site to see. We only saw rain for a bit about 20 miles further down I95.

We come back to dau#2 home and then take kiddos to their dad's for the weekend. When we drove back to dau#2 abode did we ever see some clouds & lightning. Thunder was just that thunderous! To be quite honest I have never been in a storm quite that bad before, that I can remember. Lightning was striking all around us! Whew I feel lucky that we didn't get struck.
We had an unbelievable amount of rain, the collection barrel is almost full!
Hope everyone is safe and secure!

Just an Fyi- I am nearing my 300th post woowoo. I will be hosting a give away, so watch for it with next post!!!

Though the circular round-and-round of routine be the bulk of life's affairs, make an occasional jutting diversion - of fun, love, or something that will outlast you - so the shape and motion of your life shall resemble the round lifegiving sun with bright rays shining forth from all directions. ~Destin Figuier

Dog Days of Summer

2009-08-20T09:52:00.008-04:00

Nothing is so good for an ignorant man as silence; and if he was sensible of this he would not be ignorant.
Saadi (1184 - 1291)

The dog days of summer are really here
when the air is oppressive as it can be.
Children are thinking of return to school
all too near.

The cicada are singing their unusual song,
the crickets join in like a jubilant throng.
The Squirrels are starting to gather the nuts.
Hummingbirds, butterflies are also around!

The lawn needs mowing every other day.
Is that a hurricane I hear is on the way?

Swimming pools cleaned more than in May.

Beaches are crowded as they can be.

All too soon it will be fall

when the trees turn color

red, yellow, & brown

in waiting for the first frost to fall.

So enjoy the end of the summer

as long as we can

even if its hot as can be.

Lets just go out and have a ball!

POISON IVY! / A DAY IN THE LIFE

2009-08-19T17:36:00.011-04:00

Dau #2 has a sinus infection, bronchitis and now a wonderful poison ivy infection on her leg,arm& ???face. Needless to say she is in itch mode! She has too much poison ivy around her house and she just can't stay out of it. You'd think she'd learn by now. On Sunday we were moving brush on her property. I wore long pants and longer sleeves despite the temp, but she had shorts & tank top.

Poison Ivy is pretty to look at, but one must stay away from! I can't tell ya how many times she has had it!

There's been many men coming in and out of the house! Repairmen of all shapes and sizes.

A very large earth mover arrived today. Maybe I will get back to Florida before winter! Keep

hoping!

Today we went for a dip at a friends pool, oops the kiddos went, we went without bathing suits, but I got drenched none the less. Great time!

This eve are going to a local joint for dinner, have live music and great food, so should be good!

On another note I am asking for prayer for an orphanage in India which my cousin is very involved with. There are 37 kids there. Five have contracted swine flu and are hospitalized. The administrators wife now has symptoms. The home has been under quarantine. Please pray, these children already have so many strikes against them!

Time Marches ON

2009-08-18T13:34:00.003-04:00

Family Reunion 2009 in New Jersey- This is a pic of my brothers and sister. I am in orange.

There are many years difference in our ages. Oldest soon 65 & youngest 44. We had an interesting upbringing. The oldest and youngest never lived in a house together. He was off to college when she was born. We had great parents who somehow melded us into a family. They actually wanted 10 years separating us, but that was not to be. My younger brother was born when I was 13. I learned how to take care of children when I was a youngin. I sometimes feel like I am the youngest ones mom. They rely on me like a mom now. I am the oldest granddaughter of about 45 grandchildren to my grandparents. My youngest cousin is in her 30's now. A couple of weeks ago we went to a concert together. It was fun. Luckily we went to a country concert so I did enjoy the music. You should have been to the reunion-so many folk there. I still have 1 aunt & 3 uncles who are alive out of 10 children. I saw folk I haven't seen for along time.

Update: I hate selling a house! I am stuck here in the north till all is done. I have to put in a new septic system!! Who knows when that will get done. WE have pushed settlement back 5 weeks.

The system didn't give us trouble, but they say it has to be replaced! Luckily the buyer still wants the house. AT least the weather has been nice up here and I am not in that heat & humidity in Florida. Although it is 90 degrees here today!

The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.
Bret Harte (1836 - 1902)

WATER

2009-08-13T11:50:00.004-04:00

Niagara Falls

you can actually get this close

Ok I am on a nature trail this week, go figure. Maybe just reminiscing about vacations of the past?

I have always been fascinated with Niagara Falls. That much water coming continually. I have even seen it in the middle of winter when the water was frozen @ midnight with the moon glistening its texture, but somehow the rumble of water continues! Amazing I tell ya!

I also think I love it so much because its nature, God's amazing nature. Plus its not like going to an amusement park, you don't have to pay just to see it! Just like Mt Rushmore!

You don't have to stand in a big line with folk pushing, grabbing or grumbling just looking in awe!
I took just about every exchange student to it- 9 of them. It always made for a fun 4 day weekend for the family! Now we would have to get passports to go Canadian side. thinking of that I have to get mine updated! Tell ya why later!

Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither. C. S. Lewis

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. C. S. Lewis

p.s. anybody have any knee arthritis remedies besides knee replacement? mine is KILLING ME!

Hills & Valleys

2009-08-11T08:36:00.007-04:00

IF YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN MT RUSHMORE, IT'S AN UNBELIEVABLE SITE!

A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral. Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I am imagination. I can see what the eyes cannot see. I can hear what the ears cannot hear. I can feel what the heart cannot feel. Peter Nivio Zarlenga

I never thought when I was young
life would be filled with hills and valleys
Hills so high you can hear a birds song
and valleys so low I want to sing a durge song

Life is so full of every imaginable thing
a child's first cry
to the last breath drawn

Kids so jubilant with their first puppy
to the tears they have when poppie is gone
Little ones wonder at everything
but slowly grow to adult life's wrongs

We try and shield them from deaths song
but alas they can feel the longing of the one gone
We try and explain all the hurt away
but how can that be done?

When we are feeling deaths song
thank God I'm not in this valley too long
Get up and see the birds singing their song!

I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities. Theodor Geisel

Days Gone By

2009-08-10T10:46:00.006-04:00

Look at the tiny face looking at ya! Stolen from my daughter! I must get my pics downloaded one of these days!

This was taken last summer when the kids were visiting@ the Sponge Docks in Florida-How little they look then! Dau #1 looks burnt,Dau#2 is hardly visible, and departed Hubby looks so happy with his grandkids and kids!

"If A is a success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut."
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein

Today is sure a hot one. Hanging clothes outside one works up a sweat! We did some yard work early before it got too hot. It's 4pm now and siesta time although I am online I can rest LOL.

Did I ever tell ya that retirement is a state of mind! It sure seems like it to me. I have done more labor since I retired than when I actually worked I think!

Update on the house selling. Bad news, I have to put in a new septic before I can sell it. Owell its just money! money??? who has that! The settlement date has changed to Sept- whenever the septic is finished. However, it passed the certificate of occupancy-can't quite get that one! Thankfully the people still really want it!

Just been told by dau#2 that that's me in the pic!?, not her, click to enlarge.

Rocky Road

2009-08-04T10:09:00.004-04:00

This was taken a mile or two from my place in Florida

A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. Lou Holtz

This quote reminds me of the tornadoes last weekend

A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. John Muir

just what are mistakes??

A mistake is simply another way of doing things. Katharine Graham

put this in your mind!

A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books. Walt Whitman

A woodland in full color is awesome as a forest fire, in magnitude at least, but a single tree is like a dancing tongue of flame to warm the heart. Hal Borland

patience is something too many people don't have or care to have! we are a folk of immediate gratification aren't we, a throw away society!

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Don't know why I posted like this today! just a little different to suit my mood I guess. I am ready to go back to Florida, but know as soon as I get back will be longing for the family up here. esp for dau#2 and grandchildren. I am not looking forward to the drive back with my pooch, but am ready for my own space and time frame! got so much to do before I go!packing,parties, lunches, dinners, etc. have allot of angst about the house selling, not the actual selling, but all the stuff that goes with it! inspections, final repairs etc.

do we ever know what we want! or what we want to be when we grow up!

EARLY MONDAY MORN

2009-08-03T01:24:00.004-04:00

Saw these two while driving up I95! Yes there are pink elephants, one granddaughter loves them so had to click the pic! Can always find interesting things on that road!

My daughters and I went to The 'Women of Faith Event' in Washington DC. Despite dau#2 and I not feeling too well, we had a nice time all in all. Great speakers, and the music OMY! Steven Curtis Chapman, Mandisa & Sandi Patty were the main singers, they had that place a jumpin! Then of course the regular event singers were there. The speakers were very good. They dealt with 'folk dealing with a variety' of things; Depression, Money, Abuse just to name a few.

Of course, I got lost going there, but who doesn't in DC. For some reason they have changed the exit numbers on 495! They could have told me! teehee! It was in the Verizon center. We all went in my Mini- that was fun! Ya know, I really love the capitol! so much history, and the buildings! ya gotta love them. Washington Monument looks so different without the scaffolding all gone from the repair! Verizon Center is a few blocks from the White House and I wasn't invited there! Humm whats up with that! Pushing a wheelchair around in DC is sooooo much fun! no wonder my knee is aching and I can't sleep!

Maryland hosted 3 tornadoes over the weekend! Mother Nature had her sort of fire works, with wind & rain! Dau #2 house was sorta around the center of the three of them. Since she went later than us, she texted they were in a monsoon! Luckily not allot of damage was done around here, but ya can tell there were good winds, many trees and branches are everywhere! Sunday,we were still having remnants of rain. Maybe the sun will shine later!- one can only hope! I even did some laundry Sunday as I only brought so many clothes with me, and put them in the dryer! It was a good old fashioned do nothing Sunday after church! Gotta get rested before the dau puts me to work Monday! On the agenda is: more laundry, getting stuff off the trailor so I can haul a freezer back up to NJ, & getting ivy vines off the big red barn!

It's 2am- just went out to take Snickers for a short walk, There were stars in the sky and the moon is quite full & on the horizon! Maybe we will have a blue moon this month!

Thanks for all the wonderful responses I have been receiving-I don't usually respond to them, but I sure read them and appreciate!

WOW! END of JULY- already!

2009-07-30T23:38:00.006-04:00

Daytona Beach Bike Week 2009

I still will never get used to how the time flies anymore.
Seems like I get up and before I know it the day is over!
days turn to weeks and weeks to years.
Does it seem the same to you all too!?

When I'm in the throws of say cleaning house & doing laundry like today.
The time goes by too slow, but then before I know it the day has past and what did I do!
I cleaned the whole downstairs, did 4 loads of laundry, hung out , etc and
before I knew it was cooking supper.

Dau #2 went crazy out in the yard, chopping down yet another tree
then making a place for her new Chimeras for the family to enjoy fires in the eve.
I don't download pics here on her computer, but believe me I say she did allot of work today.

This eve I started another sewing project. I am gonna make
new bible covers for the granddaughters.
Got the material all measured and cut and will now need to sew.
That's unless dau #2 has some other outdoor project in mind! teehee

Going to the 'Women of Faith Concert' over the weekend in Washington DC.
Will prob do metro!? although travelling by car is so much better when ya have to take someone in a wheelchair.
I am sure me and the daughters will have a good time.
We have enjoyed them before.

The Old Grey Mare Ain't What She Used To Be!

2009-07-25T13:57:00.006-04:00

Went up to NJ last week to do some modifications to the house so it would sell! We primed the whole downstairs!, did a couple of little plumbing leaks and were just about to order the carpeting when the realtor called and said. 'Stop what you are doing- we sold the house! , the new owners are gonna redo the whole downstairs so we didn't have to do another brush stroke!' I was so happy it sold and promptly penned the contract- almost what I was asking, BUT we bought the paint & painted for 2 days. All the taping done, light fixtures down etc. My nephew and friend were helping so I paid them plus the costs of all we purchased. Owell its just money, time and energy, And like I said I ain't what I used to be! Bottom line it sold!
Now pray that what happened the last time doesn't happen again! They wanted to settle right away-July 31st, but because of NJ law the water tests must be in so are settling Aug 10th.
The ole knee is killing me, but I guess I'm no worse than I used to be!?

I swear there are more mosquito's in NJ than anywhere else. I have more bites on me than I have had in ages! Itch, itch, itch! Yikes, but dau #2 has found something great for it Ivarest, has calamine & benedryl & something else in it. Works good, now if I could just find it today. We packed up yesterday and drove down to MD and haven't gotten all the stuff unpacked as of yet. Dau #2 had to work last eve & I had to take the kiddos to their dads, AND today is supposed to be a day of rest. Mind ya I have done 2 loads of laundry and hung them out. However, I did really sleep in for me. Actually got up early went for lite breakfast with the dau before she had to do visits. Was on the computer and found myself nodding off so went back to bed. Was awakened to the rapping of the door. Was the new neighbor who wanted to chat! I don't even live here, but she spoke on, couldn't she see I was almost asleep!
Tomorrow is another day, have to drive to get one of the kiddos at their dads-he is invited to his first birthday party-he cant miss that! Whats a granny to do? Mom is working again!

From Me

2009-07-17T11:59:00.005-04:00

First I'd like to say thanks to one and all for the well wishes and encouragement to rest, and I have been going with it.

This pic is one my niece sent me in an email I just had to share! That's about the only way us humans can walk on water! And should be reminded of that! Wow isn't that some pic? I understand no one was hurt! memo to self ' don't go boating with him!'

Believe it or not I have finished 2 books while here in NJ on the air mattress!

#1 is really a chick book, very entertaining "the Undomesticated Goddess" by Sophie Kinsella easy read

#2 is "the Shack" by Wm. Paul Young" wow its a real grabber, I couldn't put it down! and I would love everyone to read it. It was particularly good for this season of my life but would have been just as appropriate when I was younger! Apparently many theologians don't like it, BUT it presents the trinity in a very different way. The story was so captivating! I really can't say enough good things about it! I actually am challenging some of my blog friends to give it a try!
IE. the girl who wore my shoes, Merci, Zelda, a Telling place,shoebee, Craver, all of ya who read my blog and anyone stumbling upon it.

I also am in the second book of 'Bookworm" a mindless word game on the computer. Teehee had to put that in, What am I to do with no lights, tv etc, but be on the computer and sleep! for some reason this computer doesn't like facebook so don't get onto that much and take those tests!
Hope one and all have a wonderful, safe weekend! Don't know if I'll have much time on the computer next week cause dua#2 will be here with the kiddos and we are gonna paint!
O I have seen some great friends while here, been out to dinner, lots of gab and catching up to do!
If you have something to say, then say it. If not, enjoy the silence while it lasts. The noise will return soon enough. In the meantime, you're better off going out into the big, wide world, having some adventures and refilling your well. Trying to create when you don't feel like it is like making conversation for the sake of making conversation.
Hugh Macleod, How To Be Creative: 24, 08-22-04

Lazy ME

2009-07-15T10:36:00.007-04:00

grandson's enjoying the fire

Since I have returned to New Jersey I have been quite lazy! I really don't know whats up with me. I know my hubby would say well you must need the rest, but somehow I still feel guilty about doing nothing! I get up all well intentioned to get some things done, but I sit, I go on the computer, I read and I basically lay around.

Granted there isn't too mush to do in an empty house, but I could go out and work on the yard or maybe tear up the carpet downstairs to get ready for the new or Spackle the places we are gonna paint or even go get my nephew who is gonna clean the gutters, but no I just sit!

It's almost like I am on a sabbatical or silent retreat! Communing with God and nature. Thinking out what I should do with the house-sell or not sell etc.

I feel so at peace right now, nothing is happening in the world. I can remember a time when I would never sit so silently for so long a time! EEK I guess I am going thru another season in my life.
The whole life of man is but a point of time; let us enjoy it.
Plutarch (46 AD - 120 AD)

I'm back

2009-07-13T17:30:00.003-04:00

This is one of my nieces children. they say she is quite bad at times? now how could they say that about this cherub! If I could I would adopt her in a millisecond. She and I have some kind of special bond. This was at our family reunion picnic, I hadn't seen her for months, and she just wanted to sit on my lap and not let me go! SO much love in a pint sized container!

Alexzandria & me

Try to put your happiness before anyone else's, because you may never have done so in your entire life, if you really think about it, if you are really honest with yourself.
Margaret Cho, weblog, 03-11-04

This am I went to look at carpet for the downstairs and ordered it, they have to come round and measure before I find out what it's gonna cost! While I am here will also do some painting, did I tell ya I hate painting. Dau#2 likes to paint, so think I will entertain the grands whilst she paints. I think I rounded up my nephew & a friend to help out! I know I am getting him to clean the gutters out. Dau #2 says never again for her!

I also want to get with some friends I haven't seen since moving to Fl. Hope it works out! Need to make some calls in the regard.

O I am sleeping on an air mattress this time. Want peace and quiet?! go to an empty house with no TV, radio, etc. I may finish a couple of books I've started, don't want to be working on the house the entire time.

Sunday Rambling

2009-07-12T11:11:00.002-04:00

Well here it is July 12th already and I have been away from home for a couple of weeks. I am ready to go back to FL, but I know will be staying sometime into August! They tell me it's pretty hot and muggy and rainy in Fl so I might as well enjoy the pleasant weather here!
The next couple of weeks will be in NJ and plan to get some sprucing up done in the NJ house so it WILL sell! Not relishing the fact to put out time money and energy just to sell it, but the realtor says the cost in the long run will be worth it. Rather than reduce the price go in and make some minor changes. If that what it takes!
Been to church already and am working on stimulating dau#1 into getting herself ready for the drive to NJ from MD. Sometimes that is a futile battle! Yikes she can be slow, but I know she doesn't have control of that most of the time! However it doesn't make it any easier for me!
I have lots to get in my mini before I leave so better get started. See ya's in NJ.
Here we come I95!
Maybe I will get some pics out of the computer for my next posting!

#3 award

2009-07-07T15:41:00.005-04:00

I recieved this from www.Journeysofcactusjack.blogspot.com
Can you believe I rec'd an award from a horse? This is no ordinary horse, but an Arabian. You MUST check out the site very different!
If you receive this award, you are to credit the person who bestowed it, give it to 10 other blogs (let them know) and tell your readers 10 things about yourself that they don't know. The award is supposed to go to blogs that speak honestly, from"

wow 10 things about me that other bloggers don't know! hum my life is pretty much an open book
1. I just got my hair cut, not the way I wanted might I add, I am not happy about that
2. I am truly blessed by the Lord. I have a wonderful family, and great friends!
3. I was voted class clown in high school and missed it by a couple of points
4. I am on Facebook
5. I hate camping, but go for the people that like it and want me to go along.
6. I have trouble saying no to most folk.
7. I played tennis, field hockey, basketball in High school & College
8. Niagara Falls & Mt. Rushmore are places I love to visit. DID I forget Iceland!
9. I would rather go to a museum than Disney
10.I am going to Women of Faith in July and can't wait!

Now I pass this award to:
1. virginia gal
2. red headed rover
3. Jerusalem Hills daily photo
4. a telling place
5. the girl who wears my shoes
6. MERCI
7. Zelda
8. Craver
9. that brittish woman
10. An English Girl Rambles

another award!

2009-07-06T16:08:00.014-04:00

This is another award I have rec'd of late, lucky me. It is from: http://www.thegirlwhowearsmyshoes/
What an unbelievable site. So many heart warming words and pics!
I almost always have to get my daily dose of her! Whether up or down she has a wonderful command of the written word!
Here are the rules:
1.copy and paste the rules and pic with a link to the person who sent it to you
2.post a link to another blog you have recently discovered
3.leave a note for those you have recommended to receive the award
4.leave instructions for them

My awards go to
http://www.chickenscratch/
http://www.ramblingwoods/
http://www.sandysmainblog/
http://www.shoebeeshappenings/
http://www.comedyplus/

ENDURING

2009-07-04T12:26:00.008-04:00

Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession. George Washington

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. Barack Obama

Our country has endured wars on our shores
and our men have served abroad,
however we have endured over 233 years.

Civil disobedience, man made castroprophies,
natural disasters & shootings galore,
however the people have hung in there 233 years.

A rag tag bunch leaving to come to our shores
we're all immigrants, sorta ya know
and we have endured over 233 years.

We stand mighty in the world,
just as the flag waves unfurled
the Eagle & Statue of Liberty,
but it's the men of this nation who continue to endure!