WHEW

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





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



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


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

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

Maryland View

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

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

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

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

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

Lopped OFF

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

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

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

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


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

Summer Craze!

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

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




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

Good Days

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

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

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



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

Atlantis!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

O let me Ramble a Bit

This is me a few weeks ago, just profiling

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

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

the WALL

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

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

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

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

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

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

You Got Mail!

Newest Roses from Daughter #1 "just because"

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

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

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

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

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

awake @ 5

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

the dream

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

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

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


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

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


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

Just another day in Beautiful Florida

Received these edible posies for my birthday Nice Eating!

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

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

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

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

Hope all my blogger friends are well and blessed!

Just a Quick One

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

SOOOO I am ok, just been busy

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

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

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

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

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

POLL

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

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

OK so I am being silly and taking a poll

What is your favorite Easter Candy!?;

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

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

Bunny Crisp-don't like them too much

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

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

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

And the newest Gummy Bears- kids like em!

Tea Party

Friends/neighbors

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

And last but not least our Table

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

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

trip too short

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

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

Well I've gotta get the packing done!

Happy St. Patricks Day

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

Womens World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Texas

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

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

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

YEAH SPRING IS IN THE AIR_WHAT? 11 DAYS AWAY!

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

visitors from the North

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

trying to get orgnized

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

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

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

Well gotta go