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 I think some blogs have been replaced by Facebook & Twitter and like, but writing here is different, you can put as much time & effort as you want.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!

WOW! END of JULY- already!

Daytona Beach Bike Week 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Me

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



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


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

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

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

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

Lazy ME

grandson's enjoying the fire



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

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

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

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

I'm back

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





Alexzandria & me


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



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

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

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

Sunday Rambling

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

#3 award

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

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

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

another award!

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

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

ENDURING

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


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


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

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

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

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