Another year

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

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

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

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

just a quickie

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

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

Quiet Insanity!

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

One thing is clear to me. You can't know everything you'd like to know. You can't do everything you'd like to do. You can't read everything you'd like to read. You must hold onto some things and let go of others. Learning to make that choice is one of the big lessons of this life.

Real Live Preacher, Real Live Preacher.com weblog, September 9, 2003

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

The Insanity Continues!

Yep it's snowing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talk about Insanity!

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

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

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

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

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

Another Day of Insanity

different pic of tree out back, think its a ficus

Unfortunately insanity of a different kind.

An elderly gentleman from the neighborhood died yesterday.

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

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

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

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

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

Countdown to Christmas!

A littl' decorating in the home. 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

grannies got a question

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

Any suggestions on what I should do with it?

Buy, sell, trade or just let it sit?

It would be nice to make it more,

but I am illiterate on that score.

I would like to have a margin of safety

guess I should see a financial person?

any suggestions?

Quote from Rumer Godden

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

Thanksgiving

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

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

Here goes a short list:

THE HOUSE SOLD signed sealed delivered! Yeah!

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

I have my health

I have 2 wonderful daughters who bless me daily

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

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

Thanksgiving

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

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

Daughters and grandchildren, OO lucky me!

Gratitude

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOST

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