LOST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!