Nov 2nd

I WAS TOLD BY DAU #2 I HAD MISTAKEN THE TWIN IN THE SHOT I SENT! hum GUESS I WON'T BE WRONG THIS TIME!Meet twin #1 & 2!

Went to work today- the clocks were screwy everywhere! all the staff were concerned they wouldn't be paid properly. Every time a new person clocked in/out or in/out for lunch I was told- like I didn't know! The folks from night shift wanted it really known they worked an extra hour!
We rec'd phone calls from the pollsters for the patients, even expired patients to get out and vote!
The patients had a late Halloween party from one of the families of a patient- they had so much stuff to eat I doubt the patients will eat supper.
Is anyone as tired as me about the campaign stuff! get on with it already!!!!!
I am doing the daily posting in November thing so come back often.
Gotta get supper ready! It IS dark outside

No matter how rich you become, how famous or powerful, when you die the size of your funeral will still pretty much depend on the weather.
Michael Pritchard

New Month

Here we are the first day of November- can it be!?
Didn't we just begin summer? Where does the time fly!
We turn the clocks back tonight or is tomorrow @2am.
Could never understand daylight savings time
always seems darker in the winter!

Seems like I just got home from work and it's already bedtime!
or should I go swimming with the hubby, and cough again tomorrow!
Nah it's off to bed for me, 4:30 am comes too early
and this ole gal needs all the beauty sleep she can get!

Clouds have been forming and a slight drizzle on the window,
so best get up, take poochie for a walk and get into jammies!
before it's too late and I will just have to get up and go back to work!

Sky Watch Friday #1

This is my first attempt at SKY WATCH FRIDAY
It was a stormy day here in Florida.

a funny thing happened

I think I have shown all the grandkids by now? This is so typical of twin #2 She is one of a kind despite being an identical twin-is that oxymoronic?

Well the funny thing that happened, did happen right here in the confines of my home! Cough cough sneeze, sneeze- that's what I have been doing since last week! I did go to the doctor and got meds! Yes a nurse who goes to the doctor! At any rate I got the meds on Monday, have really not been feeling too much better. Got that hot Toddie last night and felt soooo much better today! While sitting here reading blogs etc, the pharmacy called me and asked how I was feeling and did I have any questions about the meds. I am telling ya I was flabbergasted! I, yes I didn't know what to say. This is the first time in my life a pharmacy has called me to inquire how I was feeling and how were the meds working!

Recipe- Hot Toddie
Hot strong tea mixed with equal parts (brandy, whiskey) since we didn't have those on hand the big guy used triple sec & mint schnapps, honey, orange/lemon juice topped with cinnamon & cloves. He said if it didn't cure me it would kill me. Well here I am blogging so guess it didn't kill me!

Disertation- 'Is murder justified in the Bible'- only the big guy would research that! I did wonder why he kept asking my thoughts on that, now I know!

I do not have a psychiatrist and I do not want one, for the simple reason that if he listened to me long enough, he might become disturbed.
James Thurber, "Carpe Noctem, If You Can", in "Credos and Curios" (1962)
US author, cartoonist, humorist, & satirist (1894 - 1961)

cold COLD cold

WOW has it turned cold! I have a long sleeved shirt & long jeans on today. I had to wear a jacket while walking the dog! I thought I moved to Florida not the North Pole!
Where are all those folk talking about global warming? I know they cant be here today! The flag is blowing so hard it sometimes sounds like a gun firing. Other times it sounds like its gonna blow away down the street.

Maybe some HOT coffee, Hot tea or a Hot Toddie is in order for toady! UM Hubby makes the best Hot Toddie! Don't have a fire place here so cant build a fire and snuggle up to it. But the bed and quilts seem in order for today! after the Hot Toddie!

I even searched the cabinet for some comfort food- Oatmeal! None to be found so ended up warming milk & putting over some oatmeal squares!

I do have a cold so that makes it even worse, went to the doc yest and have sinus infection! So am on antibiotics-having chills- that doesn't help with the cold weather! Yep it's under the quilts, & hot toddie for me! Good book, music and being left alone!

The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.
Harold B. Lee (1899 - 1973)

monday

Granddaughter #1 holding Snickers

Worked over the weekend and found myself quite tired. By 2pm I felt like every bit of energy just drained out my shoes. Why is it we sometimes feel like that!? Guess it could be the many trips up and down the hallway? Or getting up at 4:45 am? or just not as young as I used to be? I felt as though I could simply lie down and take a nap.
Today was spent with hubby. We went shopping at the antique places he likes to go. Plus I added a new one. Which he liked immensely. Ya know I am not the one who likes to shop in this family! however always find myself doing exactly that. I would prefer to take a walk on the beach, but find myself walking stores.

Holding on to anger is like holding on to a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."
--Buddha WHAT A WASTE IF TIME TO HOLD ONTO ANGER! NOT IN MY AGENDA!

A rainy Friday Morn

First may I introduce ya all to Twin #1 and my dog Snickers.

Now,may I introduce a new blog to you all. My daughter has just started her blog it'ss here http://shoebeeshappenings.blogspot.com check it out.

BIG, UNBELIEVABLE, SHOCKING NEWS! MY HUBBY JUST FINISHED HIS DOCTORATE PROGRAM! HE NOW HAS A PHD IN THEOLOGY. He has been working on it for the past 4-5 years, he told no-one, yes not even me. He was "afraid" he would fail! Him fail, I don't think so, he is too determined to fail! We are really proud! He loves school! & learning.

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.
Anne Frank (1929 - 1945), Diary of a Young Girl, 1952

just rambling

If one speaks or acts with a cruel mind, misery follows,
as the cart follows the horse...
If one speaks or acts with a pure mind, happiness follows, as a shadow follows its source.
the Dhammapada

Couldn't understand why I was so tired the other day, just smacked my head and realised: we just drove back from Maryland, I worked the weekend, got up at 4:30 am for 2 days, had a busy day! Humm why am I tired?

Cut some of the bushes around our home the past couple of days, they have grown or doubled their size since we have been here, guess they needed a fall haircut. BUT hated cutting the flowers that bloom- but they only last a day those silly beautiful blooms.

The flag is really blowing/unfurling in the gentle Florida breezes! How pretty!

Having friends over for supper this eve, need to clean or at least clear off the table TeeHee.

Went swimming last eve- Oh that water was warm and delicious! and the hot tub too hot for this ole gal.

Guess we will be turning the clocks back soon! yuck I hate that!

Fall is def here, guess I have my first fall cold coming on, could that be from inhaling too much pool water at 8pm?? poor me! Haven't taken any allergy meds since in Fla, took it this am!

My Hero's!

This is but a little post to say thanks to my hero's from yesterday!
You see at the facility where I just started to work had a fire in the laundry room.
All the staff simply jumped into action. I didn't have to tell one person what to do. In fact, due to their fast action the fire was contained in the laundry room and not a single patient was injured! We didn't even have to evacuate the facility!
The first responder had to be taken to hospital via ambulance for smoke inhalation, and later came back to work.
I shudder when I think how much worse it could have been!
It all started at 7:30 am, with that undeniable alarm ringing! What a day! I was still doing reports @ 5pm, but all were safe!
Thanks staff!

Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.
Benjamin Disraeli (1804 - 1881)

Dead?

For certain is death for the born
And certain is birth for the dead;
Therefore over the inevitable
Thou shouldst not grieve.
Bhagavad Gita (250 BC - 250 AD), Chapter 2


This is an early Halloween story!? However Truth not fiction.
Thursday dau #2 went to the kids school, driving down her driveway
She saw their cat as flat as a pancake out on the highway
She called dear old dad to remove it before the children could see
He did, called me and we had an official burial out back

When she got the children from school and was returning with them
She told them of good ole Angel who had been hit by a driver and was now dead
Much crying ensued as one would expect from children, mom, aunt & grandpa
Where did you bury him? can we see? can we dig him up? can we have a funeral?
can we put put a marker on the grave?

We got home and round the corner strolled Angel the cat!
He isn't dead! who or whose cat did we bury?
Grandson #2 said- 'cats DO have 9 lives!'
Granddaughter#1 said 'I'm really happy our cat isn't dead, but am sad someones cat is dead"

Reading Habits/Book MEME

Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)
May I make a disclaimer- I totally agree with Albert Einstein. I really don't like getting a book and curling up with it to read. They will never call me Well Read! Maybe I have a touch of ADHD or something cause I just can't sit that long. The book HAS to be a REAL grabber!

Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? Nope, never did!
What are some books you read as a child? Dick & Jane, Bible, Johnathan Livingston Seagull, Of Mice & Men, Call of the Wild.
What is your favorite genre? Medical Mystery, Spirituality Books
Do you have a favorite novel?Of Mice & Men
Where do you usually read? Car, easy chair
When do you usually read? When bored, when I see something I just can't keep my hands off
Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time? no only during research
Do you read nonfiction in a different place than you read fiction? Yes nonfiction is usually read while sitting up almost at a desk, Fiction is anywhere I plop myself
Do you buy most books you read, or borrow them or check them out of the library-buy and Library. Actually most from library
Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them? Keep them, others I share with friends
If you have children, what are some favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some same ones you read as a child? Same as I read as a child. Also, love taking the grands to the library, pick up a book and then read with them(not to them, but with them)
What are you reading now? Nothing really, have been really busy, but have purchased some for when I get a minute
Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list? no unless someone says you MUST read this
Whats next?POP goes the Weasel by Patterson
What books would you like to reread? None, I can't stand to reread stuff. 2 of the only books I have read many times are Of Mice & Men & Call of the Wild
Who are your favorite authors?Robin Cook, Patterson,Clive Custler, Max Lucado

Ok now you are tagged: Shoe, Zelda Parker, Merci, & Pax

Memories

We arrived safely in Maryland- all were sleeping except the mouse running about. The mice come in for the winter, Yes it feels like winter here, but I know tis only fall. The leaves are turning yellow,orange,red and such! How pretty. Pumpkins & Mums are on the porches. You can even smell the wood burning stoves. The smoke is going straight up, no wind blowing this crisp eve.
This morn, the kids got up for school and found us all here, what laughter and screaming we heard- Was great for us all. Things hadn't changed in the couple of months I had been gone.However the had all grown taller, grandson #1 is now just barely shorter than me and he laughs at it. He is only 9 but is as tall as grandma!
We got them all packed up and ready to go.
Later in the day we got the bed off the roof of the car- it looked so funny up there, We had more than one stare from people looking at it. We played it to the hilt- we were either the Clampets or Ma & Pa Kettle, or how about plain ole red necks! One lady did such a double take I thought she would have an accident or break her neck looking at it.
Dau # 2 made a wonderful sour cream coffe cake- we have been trying to replicate my moms-I think she may have gotten it now. Went well with the second cup of coffee. Was even hot right out of the oven.

Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1918 - )

On the Road Again!

Haven't been online or posting for the past week or so.
I have been working & getting for our road trip to Maryland.
Hey we have a lap top now that we can play with while driving! OMAN!!!
I am waiting for Dau #1 to get in her wheelchair so we can make a pit stop
at the outlet Mall in Smithfield N Carolina.

The puppy is great riding the car. Almost better than me! teehee.
For the past 2 hours I have been reading blogs and getting caught up with my emails,
so when I can get back online I can blog some more & make comments to others blogs.

Later then She is almost done- Happy blogging ME

Pure Joy!

FLORIDA MORN

After the rain, lightning & thunder;
Cool gentle breezes flow
Making the air to breathe so crisp & right.

The grass is wet from the moisture we've been given,
Even the drains are cluttered this morn
palm tree fronds litter the ground
which just yesterday was mown.

The birds sound even more happy
as they fly thru the air
The woodpecker is really at work
on the tree he's hammering can be heard.

As I walk snickers he even
smells every blade of grass,
looks to and fro
for what is new in our neighborhood.

Nothing new can be found
its just a cleansing which has been done
sparkling as diamonds on this Florida morn.



"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky."
Rabindranath Tagore

UGH!!!

Ugh she says? yes, somehow, someway the computer shut down, and had to have everything rebooted,redownloaded! I have spent this entire day so far doing just that, and am not done yet. LUCKILY, hubby can do the major stuff like installing windows etc! What a man- Right now he is on the roof washing it! and the gutters and downspouts! Guess I will have to go swimming with him this eve!

OOO the flower /plant is a bougainvillea. I Even have to redownload the pics. Glad I was almost finished with guess the flower! I have one more but have to go take the pic. I don't know what it called so will have to find out along with ya!

Kennedy quotes? don't know why, just did!

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.
John F. Kennedy

It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.
Rose Kennedy

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die.
Edward M. Kennedy, Democratic National Convention, 1980

Each time a man or woman stands up for an ideal,
or acts to improve the lot of others,
or strikes out against injustice,
he sends forth a ripple of hope
and crossing each other
from a million different centres
of energy and daring,
these ripples build a current
that can sweep down the mightiest walls
of oppression and resistance."

Robert Kennedy

sat am musing

The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.
Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809 - 1892)

The last one was a firecracker plant. The ends look like firecrackers, quite pretty. This is not and azalea which was what I thought when I got here

Me and the hubby got up pretty early this am as we are going further south for a Flea market. Usually we like to get a good start on the day. However whom we are going with hasn't arrived yet and it is already 10:40 am. So much for an early start!

We walked the dog and found to our amazement many folk were out and about early- these old folk get up EARLY. One woman had already done her mile walk @ 7am. A guy was washing the house next door before 8am! Gardening was being done, painting and such!

Man is it a beautiful day here! 80 degrees, no humidity, sunny. I keep getting messages from dau #2 about their Nor'easter and rain! and putting the heat on. Just opened up the windows and shut down the air conditioner!

Danny, #2 grandson, had his football game last eve. He made 3-4 sacks in the first 5 plays of the game. Shortly thereafter they took him out and changed him to a different position. A back I think. In flag football they are all about learning the rudiments of the game. Dan finally got to pull several flags and was sure happy!

Kenny, grandson#1, has his game today, and is all geared up for it. I spoke with him this am. He has gone from 104 to 93 pounds playing football- now that's a diet. He has also gotten taller- he looks thin to me on pics, but guess he is more muscle now. I know his doc will be happy! By now he is probably is as tall as me ! Boohoo- your 9 year old grandson taller than you!

Hubby put up his various diplomas in the computer room-Yikes who needs wallpaper or such. Looks very impressive! No wall space left for any of mine!

Reality??

this plant looks pretty much like it's name! a hint for this one. The last was a Jacaranda
Humankind cannot stand very much reality.
T. S. Eliot (1888 - 1965)

Humm Reality.

Some say that reality bites, however I agree totally with TS Eliot!

People just can't stand reality.

People have watched so much tv over the years and can't imagine real from fiction!

they don't believe the world is in crisis,

they don't believe there are devastating storms/hurricanes

they don't believe there are children going hungry

they don't believe there are people dieing from horrible diseases

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955),

they don't believe we are in the most important election of our nations most recent history

they don't go out to register to vote nor do they go out and vote if registered

Wake up my neighbors/friends/cobloggers

We are in some tough times and it takes all of us to get together and fight these things!

I will quietly get off this soap box now! Just had to speak up before we loose!

lavendar blue

Whatever is in any way beautiful hath its source of beauty in itself, and is complete in itself; praise forms no part of it. So it is none the worse nor the better for being praised.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121 AD - 180 AD), Meditations

You should see this tree when it is in full bloom! So pretty and fragrant! I really had never heard of it before coming to Florida. Name it, if ya can.

Potatoes! The other day I asked hubby to put some potatoes on so I could make Scalloped Potatoes & Kielbasa. Did he ever put potatoes on! He cooked 10 pounds. What did he think, I was cooking for an army?? We were having friends over, BUT!

We have been eating potatoes for every meal since then. I have made potato quiche, fried potatoes & kielbasa, home fries & eggs.

Was gonna make potato salad, but only have three left-OMY! so am gonna make potato, tomato, chicken & cheese quesadilla. SO what else could be done. I know I won't be having potatoes for awhile!

Weekend Notes

Bromeliad is the flower of the last post. Here's another one to view and guess. They were new to me here in Fla.

Work was ok on Saturday, nothing too bad happened. I didn't work on Sunday cause I was just orienting and they thought that was enough. So in two weeks I will be on my own. The nursing part of it is a breeze. It's learning the people and their paperwork. AND where they keep things that, I need to know most now. I have a really good staff so I should do just fine.

The weather here has calmed down a bit in terms of heat and humidity. Actually, it is getting quite nice. Folks say wait about a month and you will really like it. Raining now. Happy Autum/Fall to all!

Sunday we went to yet another church. We haven't found the right one as of yet. The search continues! Actually I thought I would really like this one, and was quite disappointed when I came out! I have been wanting to try this one for awhile. Alas! it was quite BIG, felt like going to church on a football field! Not for me I like it a bit more intimate than that.

My grand sons football teams both won, YEAH! for them. The little one is playing flag football, but wants to tackle! He gets through the line really great, but cant seem to get the flag. He gets quite mad about that.

My grand daughters were both baptised yesterday! Now that's exciting! to have your grand children follow in the faith! You should have heard them over the phone. Grandma we are COLD & WET and we were Baptised! They were having a baptism service, where they dunk them. Usually its scheduled, but the girls both said to momma- WE WANT TO BE BAPTISED! So they went and talked with the pastor, to make sure they understood. Low and behold they got baptised in their Sunday go to meeting clothes! I am sad I didn't get to see it, but I could hear the excitement in their voices!

Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.
Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC), The Confucian Analects

AH Yes Work

GUESS THE TROPICAL FLOWER

It has been my experience that one cannot, in any shape or form, depend on human relations for lasting reward. It is only work that truly satisfies.
Bette Davis (1908 - 1989), The Lonely Life, 1962

Well I've gone back to work! Only every other weekend, but work non the less! What is it they say? Once a nurse always a nurse! Actually I guess we need that little bit of extra income till the house sells or I collect social security, whichever comes first.

Last weekend, my first weekend at this place, we had the local police there each day!

Yes I am working at a nursing facility. I am the day shift weekend supervisor of nurses. We only have about 100 patients. Not too many to manage. The staff seems so nice so far! Seems so strange doing real nursing after my last job. I can't really explain that, but the ones who know me understand.

moving is more than moving

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

For those of ya who wanted to see the mommanator on the cycle! I just ride with hubby, haven't learned to drive one yet! Maybe in my next life!

On to moving-ya think when you get your stuff moved and somewhat sorted out, you are done with the move! OOOO NOOOO!

Next ya have to change your address on EVERYTHING.

you have to get new drivers' licences,

get new tags for the car, and new insurance.

you need new bank accounts and get all your direct deposits going to the new bank,

you need to go thru the process of getting your nursing license updated and changed

ALL of these wonderful things come with a price, of course, and you on a limited income!

You have to get acclimated to the new weather,

need new doctors, o and change the health insurances,

you meet loads of new people, mostly all you like,

you have to remember new names, new addresses

you have to remember you are now living in a community that have allot of grey haired people.

You have to get new vet and someone to groom the dog

AHA and now you have to pick up puppy dodo

whenever you take him for a walk.

You make lists and lists so you don't forget one item!

and even find yourself asking did I do that?

you even have to contact your last state employee so they

don't take NJ state taxes out any longer! guess I will have to find a new tax man too!

What bliss it is, BUT I could do away with some of these things!

I could go on forever, but guess you get the idea!

O Dear!

Recieved this pic from a friend and thought it was worth sharing! Can you imagine them in your front yard? They are quite beautiful, but surely belong in the wide open spaces! If they can find any! Hubby and I were just talking about how people have invaded the spaces of the 'wild' animals-where will they eventually go?just in zoos?

History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.
Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC), Pro Publio Sestio

motorcycle granny

[Memory is] a man's real possession...In nothing else is he rich, in nothing else is he poor.
Alexander Smith (1830 - 1867)

Today hubby & I went for a ride on the cycle!! Yeah it was fun, but hot. Haven't been out with him for awhile, so thought I had better.
Here in Fl they don't have to wear helmets, which I think is NUTS!
I still have helmet hair from it!
DO you get the pic? My hubby has a beard & looks like Santa! and I sorta am built like Mrs Santa! We didn't get anyone pointing at us, so guess we didn't look too silly!


Hubby is upset this eve. He has been saving quarters for about 5 years and thought he had a bunch of money! Well it's about a quarter of what he thought he had! He has decided he is gonna stop saving them-"what's the use" hey you 're saving even if it doesn't add up to what you think! he doesn't see that logic!


I however, think I have finally gotten out of my most recent funky mood!? Paid the bills and maybe we can even go out for dinner and get groceries till we get paid again. Even though Hubby forgot to pay the electric and they were gonna shut it off! That bill was one of those that want you to"go smack your momma bills"! God does provide! We used to get paid biweekly, but since I have retired it went to monthly! What a difference to get used to. O yeh and it would be good if the house up north would sell!


Seems like I work every day and still have more to do! but I guess thats the way of a housewife!

Shop till ya drop

Today was a girls day out. We went to Bradenton Outlet Mall.
I think I only spent $40 or something like that. The others in the party
were much more generous than me.

Today was the first day we used the new wheelchair lift on the car for my handicapped daughter! What a joy it was having it! No more lifting the wheelchair for me YEAH!
I actually didn't have to push her around either cause she took her new motorized wheelchair
she got while I was up north- settling things
I almost didn't know what to do with myself not pushing her
Plus in all this heat I didn't get heat stroke or heart attack-what a relief,
we should have gotten it years ago- would have saved me and hubby allot!

When we drove back I used the GPS in the car- one of the gals that went showed us how to get down there- she was amazed I could remember all the turns etc. I laughed out loud and told her I wasn't all that smart I was using the GPS. She had never used or been in a car with GPS and was so very amazed! She actually had an argument with it, said it was telling me wrong and had to apologize to it when it was right. She actually called it a bitch!
We had a great day with just perfect weather! The Skyline Bridge was truly beautiful-you could see for miles!

When we arrived home hubby was full of perspiration from working outside all day! I told him to go get his bathing suit on, he needed some swimming and the hot tub! OOO and drink something!
What a beautiful, sunny morning. It makes you happy to be alive, doesn't it? We can't let the sun outshine us! We have to beam, too!
Takayuki Ikkaku, Arisa Hosaka and Toshihiro Kawabata, Animal Crossing: Wild World, 2005

Florida Breeze

I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of the way and let them have it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 - 1969)

It's calm and so quiet here
standing on the porch outside
hearing an occasional car go by
or the crickets undeniable sound

It's hard to believe there are storms abrewing
Tropical depressions and hurricanes abound
The ocean is roaring on the other side of the state

There are children crying
from lack of food from their mom and dad's
the diseases that mame and disfigure
the Innocent ones

There are still wars
going on across the miles to other continents
killing the soldiers we have sent abroad

the rumbling of the parties
those Democrats & Republicans
calling names where rhetoric abounds

Lord, please let the things we see and hear
in the nature you provide
be noticed and mimicked
by all,
let there be peace, calm and quiet
for everyone to see
not just me!

In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948)

holiday??

Any one who has common sense will remember that the bewilderment's of the eyes are of two kinds, and arise from two causes, either from coming out of the light or from going into the light, which is true of the mind's eye, quite as much as of the bodily eye; and he who remembers this when he sees any one whose vision is perplexed and weak, will not be too ready to laugh; he will first ask whether that soul of man has come out of the brighter light, and is unable to see because unaccustomed to the dark, or having turned from darkness to the day is dazzled by excess of light.
Plato (427 BC - 347 BC), The Republic


I was reminded it was a holiday today, but it really wasn't for me.
I cleaned one of the closets. I mean I took everything out, rearranged , threw some stuff and put other stuff to give to Good Will. I took nothing out of the car or the darn trailer I drove down here! Am I nuts- don't answer that it was rhetorical!
We did go out to a friend's for dinner and went swimming, but it didn't seem like a holiday.
Maybe tomorrow or the next day I will have a holiday?

Traveling the Highways & Byways

So divinely is the world organized that every one of us, in our place and time, is in balance with everything else.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe




I left the grandkids & Dau#2 crying in the driveway as:
I started out the driving trip to Florida with great aplomb only to have it vanquished about a football field away from Dau #2 home! EEK the trailer fell off the Pacifica, in the rain of course! It was 7am so much traffic was seen going by, rubber necking! The trash guys actually stopped to help, but alas! the trailer was under the Pacifica a little and would damage the bumper if they pulled it out or I drive the Pacifica forward.

I have to call hubby to call dau #2 as she recently changed her phone number and I hadn't either remembered it or put in my cell phone!

She came quite quickly to rescue mom in her dilemma! She is quite smart and figured it out effortlessly. Lift the car with a jack and roll the trailer back where it should be! O yes, easy! HAHA, the trailer is filled to the max! but of course she did it!

I was off again in less than 30 minutes. My thought was to just leave the @!#& thing, but she had other thoughts. SO off! next thing was the traffic! Have ya ever travelled on 270?? It's a twelve lane road going to & from DC or Va! AND it was FULL. I travelled about 5-10 mph the entire route! Is it 12 or 15 miles long?

So then onto 495 to Va to get myself to Richmond airport to pick up my friend coming from Fla to ride with me to Fla (now that's a friend!) Did I tell ya it was raining? well when I got to Va it decided to deluge the highway!

Well I was almost 30 min late picking my friend up- luckily she is a good sport. By cell phone we tried to find one another. Expecting Richmond airport being big with post signs for airlines. I found myself confused! There were no signs! She was at one end and I was at the other.

So far on the trip I thought I was in a very bad nightmare! BUT! the trip turned out to be a great time of laughter, joking, eating & shopping. The first night we went to a motel that was housing the entire 120 rooms over the weekend to the "Warlocks". They motorcycles arrived all night long!

We took an extra day of travel just to shop! We arrived here in Florida just 3 days later Safely!
Labor Day weekend!

noting Tuesday

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler.
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955), (attributed)

Yes, there were tears as the littlest of the grandchildren started his first day of school. The back pack nearly looked as big as he, and he is a tall kiddo, probably tallest in his class. he did look a little fearful as he departed, but I am sure he will do well, he is also very smart.

The day is cool here. I thought they should have sweaters but was reminded they are hot kids?
Can't wait for the homework to start, it's always FUN!

Grandson #1 had his first football game- they lost by a touchdown in the final seconds of the game. OWELL more wins to come. We look at it as a game even the losses-builds character.

Yesterday, I made homemade spaghetti sauce/gravy. We still have loads of tomatoes. Dau #2 children don't like tomatoes. Of course we have so many. Other children take apples to the teacher- we send tomatoes. The twins brought a birds nest they found in the yard- they are gonna be studying science the first part of the year.

Yesterday after school we built a campfire of sorts on the driveway. Grandson #2 has been begging to build it since he put the wood in the driveway, and went to my brothers who has a fire pit. My dau kept looking at me 'letting them start the fire', but finally got into it and helped. We just didn't have any marshmallows to roast- fun was has by all. We told the little one it was the 'end of summer fire' so he wouldn't think he could build it daily! Isn't this how wonderful memories are made? What granny in her right mind helps the grandchildren build a fire in the yard? Yes this one!

Well I gotta go get more stuff packed for the trip to Florida. Does packing ever stop. me thinks no!

Oh and thinks for the support on my last post! I am sure I will cry more, but it has to be!

tears of saddness & joy

To perceive is to suffer.
Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC)

This weekend I went to my 40th Nursing school reunion- a good time was had by all. We laughed and cried together.

I packed up the very last of the things of the house and said a tearful good-bye! As I looked around the house(by myself), I remembered many of the things which happened there. Ambivalence growing in my heart about selling the house altogether! I looked about the yard/garden and said- those were my moms rose bushes, I have bulbs from her and also from my grandmother in this yard. How can I leave them behind? It's like leaving a piece of me behind! BUT my hubby and daughter await my arrival in Florida.

I drove yet again down I95, and even took pictures of the traffic to remind myself I won't miss I95. The traffic was unusually heavy this weekend. Bumper to bumper going both ways the entire stretch of Delaware!

I arrived at #2 daughters and the floodgates opened! How am I gonna say good-bye even for awhile to my cherished grandchildren and daughter on Thursday? I know they will all be ok without me hovering over them, but they are my babies.

When the kiddos arrived from their dads we hugged and hugged! The girls have been away for only 2 weeks. I then called my hubby and I just haven't been able to stop crying! The 5 year old bless his heart, came in and said what's wrong gran ma? I'm gonna lock your door, you look like you need some 'alone time'. The granddaughters knocked on the door too, asking whats wrong grandma? Why are you crying! I just couldn't answer. Dau#2 explained it to them.

This weekend has been quite a tearful time! I see long time friends and said good-byes, I said good-bye to my home of over 30 years, and have come to the realization SOON I will be saying good-bye to my grands & dau. To start a new season in my life. I will get threw it but no one said it was gonna be easy!

Never to suffer would never to have been blessed.
Edgar Allan Poe (1809 - 1849)

Not Green Tomatoes

There are so many tomatoes in the garden, #2 dau decided to make ketchup. Yes ketchup! Why you say? Well her 5yr old son LOVES ketchup- he puts it on everything. I have even seen him put it in ice cream of all things! She even asked the doctor one time if something were wrong with him he eats it so much. Doc said as long as he is eating something with it don't worry!

When she started I thought it would be a horrible process, but it wasn't really-we were able to do laundry and other things while making the ketchup.

We'd picked the tomatoes the day before so they needed to be cleaned, diced and boiled down. Onion cut and boiled down separately. Young son even helped cut up the tomatoes! After boiled down we got to smell ketchup in the house the rest of the day. The condiments were added you see. 12 1/2 pounds of tomatoes yielded 7 pints of ketchup!

I always kid her she lives on "lil house on the prairie of Maryland". I started to make a rhyme about her panties hanging on the line all pink and pretty in the sunshine, but she chastised me into stopping!

It's like history repeating itself- the canning, cooking, simple life in the prairie house. She reminds me often of my mom. Her determination of making things work!

History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity.
Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC), Pro Publio Sestio

Changes

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'

Last week dau#2 and I made changes to our home in NJ(mostly she did). She changed the plumbing, faucets, did a bunch of caulking in the bathroom, fixed the water softener system. Not much seems too daunting to her except climbing on the roof to clean the gutters. I thought once she got up there and a bit used to it it would be ok, but no. She kept telling me I would have to call the fire company to get her down. I was able to get her down with coaxing. She refused to do the ones out front, but finally did with the ladder and a cutter cleaner tool.

I waxed all the hard wood floors- humm they look nice now. We had other things planned but time didn't allow.

We went to Atlantic City for an hour and let the boys play on the beach till we had to go to a christening. Of course we had to go get new clothes cause they got WET! We also went to a local park over the weekend for a picnic. They also waded in the water there. It's a place called Weymouth Furnace, where they made munitions for the Revolutionary War. A river runs through it where canoeing can be done. You aren't supposed to swim there, but! Can ya keep a 5 & 9 yr old out of the water on a hot summer day in New Jersey?

Next weekend will mark my 40th nursing school graduation. We will be having a reunion at one of the gals homes. Talk about change! 4o years of nursing has definitely made change! Yet somehow we still get together after all these years! We are more like sisters than school mates.

Then the end of the month I will make the final change to a Florida resident. We haven't sold the house in NJ, but time marches on and I need to be with my hubby. I will driving I95 south till I hit Safety Harbor! Time everflowing......

OO almost forgot, got a call today and the other guys insurance is gonna pay for my vehicle to be fixed! yeah!

LOST?

When you close your doors, and make darkness within, remember never to say that you are alone, for you are not alone; nay, God is within, and your genius is within. And what need have they of light to see what you are doing?
Epictetus (55 AD - 135 AD), Discourses

Today I feel lost
lost in my own thought and reflections
lost in who I am versus who I want to be
lost in worry the 'house' will sell
lost in thought of driving to Florida
lost in feelings of leaving my precious grandchildren
lost in what in the world should I do today-
pack, take paper off walls, laundry, tear up carpeting, fold socks
lost in remembrances of yesterdays Sermon
lost in thought of another war
lost in thought of the accident, insurance
lost in thought of the 40th reunion of my Nursing School class

OK just throw in the towel and take the advice of Epictetus as sited above.
Just sit in HIS light and find myself in serious contemplative prayer and I will be found!

Saturday Rambling

Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd.
Voltaire (1694 - 1778)
Our doubts are traitors, And make us lose the good we oft might win By fearing to attempt.
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), "Measure for Measure", Act 1 scene


Don't know why I chose doubt today, but sometimes I doubt myself too much. I know I have the smarts and "gut feelings" to aid me. but still doubt a decision made. usually find out it has been the right decision, but alas still doubt myself. guess somehow it's how I find my truths??

update on accident: haven't been able to get in touch with the other guys insurance company yet! doubt again- should I pursue or not? Yes, nothing ventured nothing gained. why should I pay my deductible to get it fixed? esp when hubby can prob fix.

both grandsons are playing football this fall. should the 5 yr old be playing? he likes it thus far and it's flag, hope it will teach him some things. the 9 yr old is into it, but his asthma like symptoms are on the rise. he complains about every bruise he gets-don't know why he is like that? he has practise every day except Sunday right now, but will slack down to 3 days per week when school starts. it can't interfere with his education. they start Aug 25th, I never started til after Labor day, so weird to me to start before then.

The twins are in Colorado with their dad. couldn't figure out what clothes to pack. colder in the mountains for sure. I saw snow in Colorado in Aug when I lived there, but only lasted a day. quite different snow there. why doesn't their dad call to say they got there safely? guess I can't make others do what I feel is right. I know they are ok but would be nice to hear from someones mouth!

Dau # 2 did plumbing this week! she had leak in the bathroom and decided she could do it all, and of course she did! She changed the pipes, sink, drains- when she sets out to do something she gets it accomplished. think she likes those kind of challenges.

Now I am off to making cookies with #2 grandson, doing some housework and maybe pack some stuff for my trip to FLA at the end of the month. O yeah he just asked me to fly a plane with him! guess I will do that too, all before I get dressed, owell whats a granny to do!

accidental meeting

One of the indictments of civilizations is that happiness and intelligence are so rarely found in the same person.
William Feather (1908 - 1976)

I took dau #1 to the airport today to fly back to Florida. Reagan International. Had to fight morning rush hour traffic. Lost my way a bit even with GPS in the car. Was permitted to actually take her to the gate as she is handicapped. She had her precious peanut butter confiscated by the Security (haven't figured that out yet). She thought she could munch on with crackers in the flight.

Went to my car, very sleepily for the return trip. Had just had a couple of hours sleep. Got to an intersection in the parkade and was stopped by an attendant. The other driver (of a utility vehicle), was motioned forward. He shook his head NO and I was motioned to proceed. Slowly I did and crunch was hit by another driver on the drivers side of my vehicle. "O it's only a minor fender bender, Hubby can spruce the car back to its pristine condition" "should the authorities be notified?" "guess we'd better".

The other driver an Asian, very quiet gentleman, kept bowing at me. He looked quite dismayed at the whole situation. We exchanged salutations and "are you okays". Of course not a scratch was on his car.

The attendant came running over. She started yelling profanities at me- in my most enduring mommanator way I informed her, I had been motioned forward by her. She shut her mouth quickly when I told her there was no need for name calling everyone was ok. I'd have thought her car had just been hit with the way she was yelling.

After several minutes the officer arrived, we exchanged insurance info. I really didn't think we'd need to, but when I got home and looked at the damage a bit better, rethought that. When I perused the report found out the quiet man was 80 years old! I have yet to find out how to locate his insurance company. When I called him he told me his English conversation was not good, he hadn't reported the incident to his insurance and he would get back to me. I am still waiting-Tomorrow is another day!

It was a minor mishap, no one was injured. Actually if ya look at all the miles I drive in a year, I am quite lucky. And so it's just another day in the life of the mommanator!


Old age, calm, expanded, broad with the haughty breadth of the universe, old age flowing free with the delicious near-by freedom of death.
Edith Wharton (1862 - 1937)

weeps, weeps

We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.
-Kenji Miyazawa

I saw this quote and just thought about it for hours and wanted to share with my blogger friends.
Doesn't need comment!

YARD SALE

Well ya have to get started by getting all the stuff on the front yard! EEK- do we really have all that stuff to get rid of! Yes, Mommanator and there is more that you don't have the strength to get out. I sorted stuff I had just thrown into boxes to get down here- to go through!
Folks are pulling up to look, don't they know we aren't selling until tomorrow? Hey if they buy something who will stop em, just less to sell tomorrow! The kiddos want to know who will stay up all night and watch no-one steals all the stuff. We laughingly said you will-no you will and then tell the kiddos -"if someone needs it bad enough to steal it let em have it"

Prayer for a good sale and also for No rain to spoil the event!

EEK the first customer is here! it's what time? 7:30 am, but I am not dressed and I haven't had my coffee. owell throw something on, they might want to buy something!

Change, who thought to get change-I'll go out! No I'll go out and get it, and coffee and doughnuts and and! OK go and get it- I can watch the 5 kiddos and do the yard sale I guess! Just don't take all day!

O we made our first sale- she really bought that-I never thought that would sell! "One persons trash-another's treasure!"

So how long did we say we were gonna have this sale anyhow? we didn't decide did we. Some folk around here close at 12 noon, some @ three! Hey I put all that stuff out and am waiting at least till dusk to start putting away! Besides we are gonna sell all and won't have to put anything away!

About 1/2 way through a Spanish guy and his son stopped by- they were the only two all day that tried getting a lower price. In broken English we managed to have a great time with these two! They ended up being our best customers of the day. Poppa was very funny, joking with us about the children and trying to get lower prices, sitting on the front steps. Mommanator was even called "El LO CA"! Humm- little ole me!? He bought an air conditioner- which he really needed for his breathing! We even gave him a bottle of water- I was afraid at one point he would have a heart attack or stroke right there on the steps! He bought one of the girls' skirts- I said it was too little for him- he laughed and said was for his country El Salvador- I gave him a couple of other things to send there! He smiled a great big toothless smile that would light up the world- you just couldn't NOT like this character- out of a movie you saw as a kid!

I have to go get # 1 son's football outfit- sure while WE are having a yard sale! go-on and don't take all day. I'll take some of the kids- NO they didn't want to leave granny?

Lunch what's for lunch! the kiddos are starving! Hot dogs yes hot dogs- OOPS not enough and need rolls! I'll go this time- You know I hate yard sales don't ya! I also purchased the most delicious grapes- they were cold and wonderful to put into mouth and pop the juices with just enough crispness! and cookies of course!

Grandson #2 found an old hatchet that was my dad's - Mom I want to cut some thing down-Ok go cut that tree down- it's only 15 feet tall Huckleberry tree-that will keep him busy for awhile! He will loose interest in no time- customers stopped by and watched him- he is quite determined isn't he-maybe he will be president one day!, it's good to see boys be boys! Mom offered $10 and a trip to Jimmie Cones if he completed it! 2 hours later the tree was on the ground, money was in hand and the trip to Jimmie Cones planned- Many pictures were taken- I just can't believe he stuck with it for so long- stopped only for a short rest and water. Maybe he will be president one day LOL
Grandson #1 modelled his uniform & tried his cleats, helmet and cup! He needs to get used to these things!
OO I am getting tired and hot-let's go for a swim in the pool! Ah yes, let the yard sale run itself! NO your sister is here -she can manage it- Yeah she counts money better than me. O the pool glorious pool! the kids were in heaven! and so were the grown ups! who plans a yard sale for the hottest weekend this year-YES US!

The sun starts to dip- we must clean up! some things were put into boxes to take to a local Salvation Army- some were put on front as Free! $200 hundred for the day and all that work! Now what shall we spend it on!? Most of the stuff mine that was sold! AH yes-dinner! and a trip to get school supplies- what better to spend it on! Maybe it's a good thing to have a yard for school supplies! Yes all agreed!



The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.
e e cummings (1894 - 1962)

things remembered

Got the trailer loaded and drove back to Maryland last eve. Got back around midnight and then couldn't sleep! what the heck!
Of late I have been having trouble sleeping-o what could it be? not enough time to relax MAYBE!, too many things to think about MAYBE!, living in three places? MAYBE! Who needs sleep anyhow! I got online and cleared the mailboxes, til about 3am and still couldn't sleep, but decided I must go and rest at least! got up (first in the house) @ 7:30 am.

Is so wonderful to come in and no-one knows you're coming! When the kiddos realised I was here they just about broke my neck with hugs & kisses! The youngest had to sit on my lap and computer with me, like old times! all the while "I LOVE YOU, you're mine"

Today and the next few will be of adventure, we are having yard sale! yes with 4 kiddos, oops I have inherited a three yr old niece for a week! make that 5 kiddos! by the end of the weekend I will be ready for the psychiatric hospital for sure!

I still have some stuff at the house, but it is looking real bare! I go out and get the real needy stuff only- I have one pot- now you make dinner with that!

Yesterday, I also weedeated my whole front yard as I couldn't get the mower started! I will be down here for a week and the grass would be too high if I hadn't done anything. This past week I also weeded garden beds two of which have cactus gardens! I still am pulling out tiny stickers! The realtor said I should do it! I told him the next time anyone gets the bright idea to weed the cactus- they should supply gloves with that! He said- who plants cactus intentionally! I do- I love it! Really low maintenance, until you have to weed! O I also cut down all my rose bushes in the front of the house, they were getting overgrown!

In honor of Pax's birthday a great qute from THE DIVA!

The real power behind whatever success I have now was something I found within myself - something that's in all of us, I think, a little piece of God just waiting to be discovered.
Tina Turner (1938 - ), O Magazine, December 2003

Sunday Rambling

First of all I will be back in NJ later today and no computer again for a week- miss me! teehee. Just can't keep off that I95!

Twin #1 had us really concerned the other day! She had quite a bald spot right on the top of her head. She insisted she nor one of the other kiddos had cut it. It looked like there weren't even any follicles. What could cause that to happen in an 8 yr old? nerves, metabolic problem? I was sure she had caused it somehow just by her reaction when questioned about it, plus I had cut her bangs just before vaca, and hadn't noticed any falling hair. I would have noticed that much of a bald spot! Finally we got her alone and explained we had to know what had happened, if it was something medical we would have to have it taken care. She very shyly said, I got gum caught in it and couldn't get it out so I pulled it out! Wow that must have hurt- down to the follicles! and sooo much. We told her if it happens ever again and hopefully not tell us. Mom has stuff that will take it out. She seemed sooo relieved! I think she thought she was gonna be banned from gum or be punished is why she didn't tell. We looked at each other and smiled-KIDS!

Twin #2 had us going yesterday, She was vomiting for 24 hours. She also had a tummy ache- no specific area. We hemmed and hawed. We discussed it, both being nurses. Decided she was constipated-one little enema, and she felt somewhat better, but continued to vomit- called the doc- went to the ER. They didn't do much-urine test & xray- 3 hours later we were sent home. Just an intestinal virus, her bowel is full of air- your should expect diarrhea tomorrow! O goody!
She got up this am and is just fine-guess mommy & granny were right- constipation.

Well gotta go-see ya in a week!

Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense.
Gertrude Stein (1874 - 1946)

early am Saturday tidbits

Either I've been missing something or nothing has been going on.
Karen Elizabeth Gordon



It's 12:10am, just drove back to Maryland where I have computer access. It's quite unbelievable to be without TV, Computer, Radio for a week! So I am really taking advantage of the computer because I will be driving back to NJ tomorrow AAAH I 95 again!


The news cast started off this eve by a naked person, two on the top of a bus and one killed, and more mayhem in good ole US of A. I can see I haven't really missed that much. I really don't read the news or look at tv news. I have this line of thinking- If it is really important some one will definitely tell me or I will see the sky falling. Makes life so much simpler.


I do miss the noise the TV or radio make though. I keep telling my daughters I am on a silent retreat. Now if I could have the time to really enjoy it! Don't get me wrong the house was definitely NOT quiet by any exaggeration of the human mind. Both daughters and the 4 grandchildren were there! nuff said?


Daughter #2 decided we needed to paint the living room, hallway & foyer! She decided it should be white ceiling & walls to the chair rail, chair rail very light grey and the remainder of the wall grey. Throughout the painting I closed my eyes and blinked several times, all I could see were purplish walls! However when all is said and done it looks pretty nice. I didn't do too much of it, so the credit goes to her. I kept laundry and cleaning done for all of us. Those kiddos can sure dirty clothes! not really dirty, BUT swimming in the pool and the towels O MY!


I miss the hubby, but will soon be able to return to Florida. To stay I hope! And the house will sell and I will wait for the next shoe to drop/ catastrophe appear. Do I sound doomsdayish!? not really, just a realist!


Granddaughter #2 is under the weather this eve, puking. Both her mother and her lovely grandmother have decided although both nurses "don't do puke" ! She hasn't really bothered us, but we feel we must check her periodically.


Just a comment on the "gas crisis". I would never have known it travelling today on I 95! Parts of it were bumper to bumper! Luckily more going north than south. Aah yes and gas is slowly creeping down in NJ. paid $3.84 per gallon today just before going over the bridge. Hope that continues to drop. Going up and down NJ to Md is costing me a bundle!
O yes and the other day while getting dau #1 from the airport- going I 270 a twelve lane or so highway, it was bumper to bumper in both directions, then The beltway around DC just ridiculous.


If any of ya get the chance go over to evilchickenscratch.blogger.com - it is just a wonderful story of an aide trip he just went on in the US.

Just one more idle thought- I have spell checked this thing once already and really thought I could spell better-am I getting old or something like that!?

tidbits for Saturday

Let not thy will roar, when thy power can but whisper.
Dr. Thomas Fuller (1654 - 1734), Gnomologia, 1732

I need to think on this quote today!

went to a thrift shop the other day with Danny(the five yr old) he saw and grabbed an American flag and started singing "hail to the chief" Granny can I have this flag? sure, well he went to the cashier singing all the while, saying how much for this flag? she said any kid that can hum hail to the chief at your age can have it! he placed this postage stamp size flag in my front yard for all the world to see. I gave him a bigger flag yesterday and he had to put it on the house. Patriotism is alive and well in the next generation!

went to dinner with #1 dau last eve. we went to a patriotic place 'Red Lobster'. teehee. at least the lobster is red. I had the most delicious thing I have ever eaten I think. Talipia with macadamia nuts toasted with coconut and with a hint of white chocolate sauce. I would never have thought to put those things together, but I am telling ya it made my mouth drool!

dau #2 and I have been a bit crazy! we have been cleaning, not just the ordinary type of cleaning. We cleaned out her garage-you can actually put stuff in it now. we also, cleaned 1/4 to 1/3 of her barn out of my stuff. only took 2 days and lots of sweat. ya see the time is coming to a close to when I will be going to Fla permanently and we just have to sell off some of my treasures. It is so hard to think of all one accumulates over 30 years living in one house. We only really took essentials to Fla. You should see the memories we left behind, but we are making new memories and all it is, is stuff! I even had 'stuff' from my mom's we collected after she died, and haven't had the inclination to get rid of. we laughed and cried over some of the stuff!

I'll be driving back to NJ today- yeah another trip up I95- one just has to go with the flow over that!

Dau # 2 is brushing her hair right now. She has quite a bit of it, thick ,lustrous & wavy-shoulder length- then ties it up with a scrungy thing-hum why have it long then? so it can be put in a bun or french braid or the like? when she was young she had straight pure white blond hair, now its a brown/golden color and a little grey showing through. Her hair is truly like my sister-in-laws. She is a a true mix of her heritage. She has many attributes of my family especially my mom, but I can see so much of Jim's in her.

Serena just fell into the Venus trap again at Wimbledon
A Safe holiday weekend to everyone- enjoy your family & friends and joy in the fact that you can be an American and all the freedoms it can supply.

home again??

The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.
Harold B. Lee (1899 - 1973)



Well I am back in Maryland from Florida, not really my home, but one of them at the present time.

Tired- yes

Poorer- yes and no- money yes, but wouldn't have missed the experiences with the kiddos!

They are such cute, good kids! They can be a handful, but most of the time quite enjoyable.
Dan just loves the beach- no surprise here! we almost had to drag him off the sand every time we went. Ken has always loved the beach. One of the twins loves swimming, the other is quite satisfied kicking sand in grandma's legs , feet, face!

Before we left Fla they wanted to know just when were they coming back, so guess they had a pretty good time too. Twin # 1 said Grandma- I really love your new place here in Florida.

I am sure the neighbors will be happy we've gone= peace and quiet in the neighborhood.

Taking my dog for a walk was a real adventure! they had to argue who was gonna be the poopie scooper and who was gonna do the leash, who could be strong enough to hold the critter when he saw a rabbit! ( he's about a 5 pound tzih tsu) O and how about geckos-can anybody catch one!

The plane was a better ride than going down we all sat together, but Spiritair has spoiled me, the pilots there know how to fly a plane- the take offs and landings are smooth- Airtran on the other hand- we felt like we were gonna turn over!
I was really pleased with the kiddos in the airport- please and thank yous to everyone they met or saw. One woman even looked at them like they were from Mars, when they said excuse me I am really sorry for bumping you.
Twin #1 was just miserable on the plane I encouraged her by threatening bodily harm. however guess I should have given her some slack as she had to go to the bathroom and they wouldn't let her undo her seat belt till they were past us serving drinks, so everyone had to use the facilities!
All in all it was a good trip. Now I must get some sleep !

Busch Gardens/Adventure Island

While on vacation here in Florida, we decided to visit these two places. Disney is just too expensive! When you are talking 8 people just to get in! We could go to these two for one price for three days! Plus we got Florida resident tickets! Woohoo-that's the ticket!
On the first visit we went to just one side of Busch Gardens-we were all exhausted by the end of the day in 90 plus humid weather. I had the great pleasure of pushing my #1 daughters wheelchair most of the time! I call it exercise! and another nail in my coffin!
We, #2 daughter ,the kiddos, me and Cyrus rode wild water rides! The water was wonderful, most of the time. I actually got soaked. The new Jungala is great for the smaller kids-sorta like a ropes playground-my grand kids loved it! There was something for every age child there. My littlest one wasn't too happy that he couldn't ride some of the rides-they have height restrictions. He so wanted to ride one of those crazy roller coasters that turn you upside down. I was happy to take him to the carousel and feigned motion sickness so they would push my daughter for awhile.
We had good food there but of course costly! One thing we found out is that one can get water anytime at the concession booths. We had photos taken on the one ride and Cyrus had #1 dau & all the grand kids caricatures- you should see the set of boobs #1 dau has! We were happy the park closed @ 9pm!
Next we went to Adventure Island-had a swimmingly good time! We packed lunches so we wouldn't have to spend so much moola on food. Dau #1 tried to drowned in the lazy river, had 10 lifeguards try and get he out! Teehee- she can swim like a fish! They were afraid to let her go, mommanator wasn't with her, she had gone to drop off the wheelchair. When I returned to the lazy river and they found me I was shocked, they wouldn't let her go with her sister! They had also called my hubby, and somehow dropped the call. He was nervous wreck till we finally retrieved our phones from the locked cabinet and saw all the calls from him and called him back!
Just a little bit of excitement makes every trip fun! We left the park early as a terrible storm with thunder & lightening ensued. We could have waited it out but we were already sunburned despite sunblock! When the littlest one said I am ready to go home we listened and packed it in!
Then we went back to Busch Gardens today-on the agenda for sure was feeding the giraffes, for an extra charge of course. We stayed on the other side of the park we didn't get to the first day. Train ride around the whole place, more roller coaster. and then the big feed. My one granddaughter loves giraffes, so she was in the proverbial pig heaven! We got some great pics from there. I will try and do a photo montage one of these days I promise. The actual ride was closed half way through because of anther storm complete with lightening. They close the parks when the storm is in a 5 mile radius.
While dau#2 was getting a pic c/d and REFUND for part of the trip I took the kiddos to see the lions/tigers & mirecats! We also saw the biggest tortoise ya ever saw, and some really ugly BIG crocks!
We had a couple of real fun days even if cut short by storms.

9-1-1 How may I Help you?

I actually called 911 the other day, and you will never believe what for!
We were driving in good ole Florida on a pretty heavily travelled road when a car just swerved onto the shoulder of the road, with a guys foot dragging. Well he looked like he was jumping out of the car. We collectively yelled what do you think that is all about? Looked like he and the driver were having an argument and he was jumping out. We sighed and said owell glad I'm not in that car.
Then we continue to drive down said 4 lane highway to see someone driving across the four lanes in front of MUCH traffic! Only to find out it was the Nuts in the same car. He was walking across the highway with her driving in back of him. He then sees a bus and starts to run to catch it.
She then drives fast and heads toward the bus to prevent him from getting onto it. She almost broadsided the bus. I say enough of these two nuts they are gonna kill someone and I don't want it to be me or my grandchildren. They can play games but not with a highway loaded with traffic! I could care if they want to kill themselves, BUT not others!
So I called 911 and they dispatched the police.
We never saw them again, and I sure hope the cops got them and hauled them to jail or something like that!

Fla again

Well #2 daughter and three of the kiddos travelled by plane to our place in Florida.The airplane was a mess! they had us all sitting apart! A child of 5 doesn't sit by himself, let alone girls @ 8 years old. All of them were crying and the stewardess just looked and said," take your seats , maybe someone will change with you". That wasn't happening! Then their was this fellow with his 2 daughters one of which was prob 3 sitting apart. How crazy is this! The passengers, led by me finally got it all straightened out. And the lovely stewardess got the credit for simplifying all the mess! What a piece of work she is.
Then there was the mess getting the van. Whew I thought we'd never get that done!

We have been doing allot of swimming in the pool and getting a new sunburn! Twin #2 has swimmers ear and we had to make a late night visit to the pediatric medi stop. She was crying with the ear pain. At first we thought she had a spider in her ear. And being true nurses we irrigated it . No spider so we had to consult with a doc. Then a visit to the pharmacy @ 11 pm.
Today it is still hurting a little but is on the way to health.
I can't tell ya how many loads of clothes have been washed yet. My grands wear something for a second then put it in the dirty. No water conservation here! BUT I will put a stop to that post haste! I am the one doing the laundry!
Hubby is busy doing stuff outside and needs help! that means we go out and watch him! So we sit in the lounge chairs and drink iced tea and watch him. We can do that easily!
We are gonna go to the beach sometime today, but dau #2 is waiting for a phone call. Then of course a trip to Busch Gardens is in order, but I can't get up enough steam to even decide when! We are thinking when a friend comes in from Sweden, we will let him help out with the kiddos.
Vacation is a nice change of pace! Different air! HOT AND MUGGY, Different food , and different flowers to view.
They are calling to get outa here so LATER.

My Daddy's Eyes

My Daddy's eyes with a tint of blue could peer over
his glasses and make you do what he wanted you to.
Sometimes scary and harsh but most of all
funny, whimsical and filled with love.

Daddy's hands and arms were as strong as could be,
chopping wood and hugging like a bear could do.
His arm had a tattoo yielding a heart saying "love" too.

Daddy's feet had travelled far and wide.
Taking him places only to be talked of with pride.
His Kentucky home, England, Germany, Czechoslovakia,
then settling in NJ to hide.

Left school in the fourth grade to help the family.
In the coal mines, then to the Conservation Core,
that led him to the Army for WWII.
Things he wouldn't talk of,
only a tear,
would slowly creep down his chin
that was usually in a grin.

He lived and died as he wanted to,
with his diabetic hand clutching a candy bar.
Tasting all the sweetness that life could bring.
Showing his family what could be done,
with strength, perseverance and trusting God.

I have not seen all that he had seen,
but he let me see by his heart & stories I can repeat.
To show what a wonderful man he was,
to my children and grandchildren for them to repeat.

All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.
Galileo Galilei (1564 - 1642)

just a thought or two

Have ya ever had your toenails painted by a five yr old!?


Have ya had work done on your house and not seen it for a week? Paid for sight unseen? Not cared what it is done with? Happy with the results?


Have ya ever played in the rain with the grandkids?


Have you loved the cool after the rain?


Have ya been on the recieving end of a water shooter (gun)?


Have ya just taken funny pics for the fun of it?

I feel like a tiny bird with a big song!
Jerry Van Amerongen, Ballard Street, 08-18-05

mondays morning moan

Dwell not upon thy weariness, thy strength shall be according to the measure of desire.
Arab Proverb

Howdy folks. I have not posted for the past week or so because my darling hubby took the computers & tv's to Florida! He wanted to make sure all I had time for was to work on completing what has to be done in the house before we finally sell it. He was kind enough to leave me a bed and some food! O and I had a cd player. I listened to books on tape- Thank God for that or I would have been totally sensory deprived!

During the week I also became ill with sinusitis I guess- went to the doc and that's what he thought I have. On an added note my twin granddaughters have strep throats-could maybe be that!? Anyway who felt like cleaning and packing? Not me for sure but alas, I did it. I can't believe we accumulated so much more stuff since we had it empty last year! My hubby is a true collector! and where do ya say dust bunnies come from? I know they must hatch in NJ!
To add to this the inhaler the doc gave me keeps me awake! so no sleep! I would throw it out the window, BUT the wheeze is horrible and the cough is great too!
I also mowed the grass twice, ya know ya have to keep it looking nice for potential buyers. (did I mention our riding mower is beltless?so did it the hand mower type. We have almost an acre, but I only did a portion-too HOT here to mow)) I also took some flowers/ bushes that I had to have. Especially the butterfly bush which I bought as a remembrance of those I worked with. With some of the money they gave me on retirement. I also had to have my curly willow bush-almost as tall as I. I grew it from a mere branch taken from The Philadelphia Flower Show a couple years back. My friends laughed at me hauling it through the flower show, the marketplace and onto the train back to NJ. You see it was quite long. People looked at me and laughed out loud! I also moved some hosta to where I removed some plants to cover the holes left.

Then of course I had to take the packed boxes, by myself, to the trailer, to bring down to my #2 daughters house. Drove back to MD yesterday after church and unloaded the trailer!
O did I forget- I had to go pick out new flooring to be installed today-so the buyers would love the kitchen!
And so it goes- my mom used to say-"no rest for the weary!" Me weary- heck no just another day in the life of an old broad.