I know that today's younger generation has so much more technology than we had growing up, but I am beginning to wonder if that is all that it is cracked up to be. When I heard this year that they were no longer going to teach school children how to write in cursive because it is a dying art due to the use of computers, it made my heart sad. I have seen some beautiful writings in my day and how sad it would be if the handwriting looked like everyone else's. When I was in school I couldn't wait to learn to do that wonderous thing on paper. I guess we should have seen this coming when shorthand went away a long time ago. My mom can still do shorthand, but she is the only one who can read it so I don't know if it really says what she says it does or if she is just winging it.
Speaking of improvements, the gas stations of today are so impersonal. You used to be able to pull up to the pump and a guy with a white hat came bounding out to fill up your car with gas, wash your windshield, and check your oil. He usually knew you by name and talked with you the whole time that you were in the filling station. I miss the old fashioned gas pumps that had the colored balls going around on the inside of that perfect little globe. I loved to sit there and watch them going around. Remember the smell from the leaded gas? Wow! How long ago has that been?
And what of car seats that keep children in one place? We used to pack so many of us in one car that it was like being strapped in. Remember riding up in the rear window? That is if you were lucky enough to be one of the youngest in the car. If you had two small ones, they could both fit up there.
Now we have people who come to our homes even in the country to pick up the trash. I loved the smell of leaves burning in the fall ~ does anyone even think about that anymore? I can't remember the last time that I even heard of someone burning leaves.
Between the smell of the leaded gas, the polution of leaves burning, and the riding in the rear window, we are lucky that there are enough of us left to create that younger generation who will never know how to write a proper signature.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Cable Guy
I can not figure out this occupation. I have had them tell me that they will be "there" between 8:00 and 5:00. They have showed up anywhere between 7:30 AM and 10:00 PM. Yes, that is right, one actually called and told us he was running late but would be there yet that day. He ended up coming a little before 10:00 that night and we had to get out flood lights so he could see what he was doing. Another one misjudged how far it was from Dayton to our house and showed up at 7:30 in the morning. It was nice to get it out of the way instead of waiting around all day for him to show up.
Recently we had to have them come out to our house again to switch their equipment for the digital revamp. They told me they would be there between noon and 5:00 that afternoon. I had to leave mom before 11:00 so I would be sure to be home when they got there. When it got to be 4:45 and they still hadn't called and weren't there I called the company. They had forgotten that they were going to come to our place that day. They said that they would send someone the next day or the day after that at the same time. I told them this was unacceptable and that they needed to send someone out yet that day, I didn't care what time it was going to be. They ended up sending not one but two of their top guys only to discover that they had already updated our equipment. I would have been very upset had I taken another day off just to find this out.
Today my mom switched TV providers. Yesterday they told me that it would be between noon and 5:00 and would take an hour. I received a phone call at 9:10 telling me that he was running early, shock, and would be at Mom's in about an hour. I quickly got around and came over to Mom's. It took me less than half an hour. When I pulled in there ahead of me was the cable guy and it didn't take him an hour to do the work, it took him 2 and a half hours. It wasn't that he didn't know what he was doing or took his time doing it, it just took that long.
So, it just goes to show you that you need to plan on the cable guy coming between 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM and he can stay anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 hours. When it comes to the cable guy, just be glad he got there.
Recently we had to have them come out to our house again to switch their equipment for the digital revamp. They told me they would be there between noon and 5:00 that afternoon. I had to leave mom before 11:00 so I would be sure to be home when they got there. When it got to be 4:45 and they still hadn't called and weren't there I called the company. They had forgotten that they were going to come to our place that day. They said that they would send someone the next day or the day after that at the same time. I told them this was unacceptable and that they needed to send someone out yet that day, I didn't care what time it was going to be. They ended up sending not one but two of their top guys only to discover that they had already updated our equipment. I would have been very upset had I taken another day off just to find this out.
Today my mom switched TV providers. Yesterday they told me that it would be between noon and 5:00 and would take an hour. I received a phone call at 9:10 telling me that he was running early, shock, and would be at Mom's in about an hour. I quickly got around and came over to Mom's. It took me less than half an hour. When I pulled in there ahead of me was the cable guy and it didn't take him an hour to do the work, it took him 2 and a half hours. It wasn't that he didn't know what he was doing or took his time doing it, it just took that long.
So, it just goes to show you that you need to plan on the cable guy coming between 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM and he can stay anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 hours. When it comes to the cable guy, just be glad he got there.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Power Washing
I love to use a power washer! It makes everything look so nice. I am thinking of asking for one for Christmas. Right now I am using my brother-in-law's.
I have used the power washer on the bricks on the fire ring. Thank goodness it took off most of the soot from the oversized campfires that we have had lately.
I used it on all of the benches that go around the fire ring. They turned out to look brand new. I have to put some weather proof sealer on them yet and maybe a little paint to some.
It has been used on our deck and it made it look like we put brand new boards on it. I still need to put the stain and sealer on it also.
Then there is the front porch siding and the rocking chair on the porch. A little touch of paint might be needed for them also. My husband said that before he knew it I would probably power wash the whole house and party barn.
The only problem with using the power washer is that it creates more work. Did I mention the stain, sealer, and paint that I need to reapply to everything I power wash? I think the house is safe. Maybe another time!
I have used the power washer on the bricks on the fire ring. Thank goodness it took off most of the soot from the oversized campfires that we have had lately.
I used it on all of the benches that go around the fire ring. They turned out to look brand new. I have to put some weather proof sealer on them yet and maybe a little paint to some.
It has been used on our deck and it made it look like we put brand new boards on it. I still need to put the stain and sealer on it also.
Then there is the front porch siding and the rocking chair on the porch. A little touch of paint might be needed for them also. My husband said that before he knew it I would probably power wash the whole house and party barn.
The only problem with using the power washer is that it creates more work. Did I mention the stain, sealer, and paint that I need to reapply to everything I power wash? I think the house is safe. Maybe another time!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Cry
I have been known to cry at a drop of a hat. Show me a Little House on the Prairie episode and I can tell you what it is about and what is going to happen, but you can also count on the fact that I will cry at some time before the end of the show. That is what I do.
My family have come to expect me crying at every little thing such as; a grandchild singing a song in a school performance with the rest of his class, a gift that has been given to me with much thought and love, or even a rainbow in the sky. They carry extra tissues with them for these kind of occasions.
I have a close friend that swears my tear ducts are connected to my bladder.
The one time that I almost died laughing from crying happened in church. You know those times when you start laughing and can not stop but you are in a situation that you shouldn't be laughing and everything just keeps making you want to laugh more? Remember the Mary Tyler Moore episode where she laughed at the clown's funeral? Kind of like that!
Well, as I said, we were in church and a song was being sung that reminded me of my childhood and my dad. I started to cry, just some tears running down my cheeks, and my oldest daughter, who was about seven at the time, put her arm through mine and her head on my shoulder. It was a very sweet and tender moment. After a few seconds she whispered in my ear, "Mom, are you crying because that lady is singing so awful?" There across the aisle from me was one of the so-called self appointed patriarchs of the church singing very loudly and a little off key. I started laughing and every note that she sang made it a little worse. I was still crying and people started to think I was becoming hysterical with my grief. I had to get up and leave the church. I went to the car and laughed so hard that my sides hurt. It still brings a chuckle to me even now after all these years. I will never hear that song again and not smile.
My family have come to expect me crying at every little thing such as; a grandchild singing a song in a school performance with the rest of his class, a gift that has been given to me with much thought and love, or even a rainbow in the sky. They carry extra tissues with them for these kind of occasions.
I have a close friend that swears my tear ducts are connected to my bladder.
The one time that I almost died laughing from crying happened in church. You know those times when you start laughing and can not stop but you are in a situation that you shouldn't be laughing and everything just keeps making you want to laugh more? Remember the Mary Tyler Moore episode where she laughed at the clown's funeral? Kind of like that!
Well, as I said, we were in church and a song was being sung that reminded me of my childhood and my dad. I started to cry, just some tears running down my cheeks, and my oldest daughter, who was about seven at the time, put her arm through mine and her head on my shoulder. It was a very sweet and tender moment. After a few seconds she whispered in my ear, "Mom, are you crying because that lady is singing so awful?" There across the aisle from me was one of the so-called self appointed patriarchs of the church singing very loudly and a little off key. I started laughing and every note that she sang made it a little worse. I was still crying and people started to think I was becoming hysterical with my grief. I had to get up and leave the church. I went to the car and laughed so hard that my sides hurt. It still brings a chuckle to me even now after all these years. I will never hear that song again and not smile.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
The Airport
My son flew into a large airport yesterday, Columbus. His plane was supposed to have landed at 9:45 PM. My husband and I left home around 6:00 because it is a two hour drive from our home. While we were in route to the airport, my son, who was flying from Okalahoma City headed to Chicago to get to Columbus, called and told us that his flight had been divertated to Madison because
Friday, July 23, 2010
Funerals
What a strange tradition we created when we, as a culture, decided to start viewing people when they die. I know you want to remember the loved one, but looking at someone when they can't look back just seems sort of strange.
I went to my first viewing and funeral when I was ten. I had nightmares for weeks, maybe even months, after that. I couldn't smell flowers for the longest time because it would remind me of my uncle lying in a casket.
The funeral and viewing that ended up staying in my mind, even to this day, the longest is my father's. It was so hard on my mom and if I had it to do over, we would not have had the viewing for two whole days and my mom would not have been left to sit up by the casket by herself while we, the children, sat in the first row of chairs ~ oldest to youngest. It was horrible watching her go through that.
So, I have planned my funeral. There won't be one. If someone wants to see me, they can come see me while I am able to laugh with them or kick them if I have the mind to do it, not while I am lying on my back with my hands folded across my chest. (Now that would be a sight.) I will allow my loved ones to see me before they turn me to ashes, but only anyone who has seen me sleeping.
I don't want a bunch of flowers. If someone wants to remember me with flowers, send a rose bush that way my family can plant it. I only want one one long stem rose, doesn't matter what color, sitting on a table. No pictures of me set up, but there can be family photos.
The best part of my funersl, I want people to bring a covered dish and have a party. They can sit around the campfire all night long and tell good stories about the crazy things that I did with my life. I hope that there is a lot of laughing involved with these. I do so love the sound of laughter.
I think that this sounds like a solid plan. It sounds a lot better than my one sister's who wants the top of her casket to be turned into a taco bar.
I went to my first viewing and funeral when I was ten. I had nightmares for weeks, maybe even months, after that. I couldn't smell flowers for the longest time because it would remind me of my uncle lying in a casket.
The funeral and viewing that ended up staying in my mind, even to this day, the longest is my father's. It was so hard on my mom and if I had it to do over, we would not have had the viewing for two whole days and my mom would not have been left to sit up by the casket by herself while we, the children, sat in the first row of chairs ~ oldest to youngest. It was horrible watching her go through that.
So, I have planned my funeral. There won't be one. If someone wants to see me, they can come see me while I am able to laugh with them or kick them if I have the mind to do it, not while I am lying on my back with my hands folded across my chest. (Now that would be a sight.) I will allow my loved ones to see me before they turn me to ashes, but only anyone who has seen me sleeping.
I don't want a bunch of flowers. If someone wants to remember me with flowers, send a rose bush that way my family can plant it. I only want one one long stem rose, doesn't matter what color, sitting on a table. No pictures of me set up, but there can be family photos.
The best part of my funersl, I want people to bring a covered dish and have a party. They can sit around the campfire all night long and tell good stories about the crazy things that I did with my life. I hope that there is a lot of laughing involved with these. I do so love the sound of laughter.
I think that this sounds like a solid plan. It sounds a lot better than my one sister's who wants the top of her casket to be turned into a taco bar.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Sounds
I am a person of sound. I love to hear the birds singing in the trees. I love the sound of rain hitting the roof and knowing what wonderful things are happening because of this refreshing water. Or the sound of fire crackling in a fireplace or at a campfire.
I love music. I need to have music playing most of the day. It doesn't matter what kind, but I prefer the oldies and Christmas music. I am not too fond of Country, but I can listen to it if it isn't twangy.
But there are some sounds that I can do without. I think I can live the rest of my life without hearing fingernails on a chalk board. Thank goodness most of the chalk boards are a thing of the past. Now everyone is going to the wipe off board, yea!
How about the sound of a dentist drill. I don't think anyone, not even a dentist, can say, "Now that is a sound that I love!"
Then we have the snores and grinding of teeth. These can really distrub your sleep.
Glass breaking is another sound that is disturbing. Even if it isn't something that you really liked, which nine times out of ten it is, you know that you are going to have a mess to clean up. And I usually get cut on at least one piece.
But one of the worst sounds ever is on a hot summer day, reaching for your ice cold drink and the sound of an empty glass coming up through the bottom of your straw. That is one of the worst sounds in the world. Thank goodness the ice and beverages are usually close at hand. Make sure you keep hydrated on these 90+ days!
I love music. I need to have music playing most of the day. It doesn't matter what kind, but I prefer the oldies and Christmas music. I am not too fond of Country, but I can listen to it if it isn't twangy.
But there are some sounds that I can do without. I think I can live the rest of my life without hearing fingernails on a chalk board. Thank goodness most of the chalk boards are a thing of the past. Now everyone is going to the wipe off board, yea!
How about the sound of a dentist drill. I don't think anyone, not even a dentist, can say, "Now that is a sound that I love!"
Then we have the snores and grinding of teeth. These can really distrub your sleep.
Glass breaking is another sound that is disturbing. Even if it isn't something that you really liked, which nine times out of ten it is, you know that you are going to have a mess to clean up. And I usually get cut on at least one piece.
But one of the worst sounds ever is on a hot summer day, reaching for your ice cold drink and the sound of an empty glass coming up through the bottom of your straw. That is one of the worst sounds in the world. Thank goodness the ice and beverages are usually close at hand. Make sure you keep hydrated on these 90+ days!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Locust
We heard our first locust on the 5th of July. There is an old wives' tale that says that this means 6 weeks until the first frost. My children who have become school teachers claim that it means 6 weeks until school starts. They are pretty close with that one.
To me it means that fall is right around the corner. It seems like we have just got our summer started and already the bugs are telling us that it is coming to an end. Don't get me wrong, I like all of the seasons and am glad that I live in a part of the United States where I can experience the different changes to the plants and vegetations not to mention the temperatures. I just wish that the locust didn't have to sing the fact every night that we are coming into cooler weather. But if we look on the side of the locust, they only have a short time to let their voices be heard so they have to let loose when they can.
So my advice to everyone is to enjoy this hot weather as much as you can. Sit out on your deck a little longer each night, enjoy an extra meal on your patio, or make sure you get in enough of the summer activities to fill those memory spots in the dead of winter. We will have enough time to sit inside and watch the nasty weather in a couple of months.
To me it means that fall is right around the corner. It seems like we have just got our summer started and already the bugs are telling us that it is coming to an end. Don't get me wrong, I like all of the seasons and am glad that I live in a part of the United States where I can experience the different changes to the plants and vegetations not to mention the temperatures. I just wish that the locust didn't have to sing the fact every night that we are coming into cooler weather. But if we look on the side of the locust, they only have a short time to let their voices be heard so they have to let loose when they can.
So my advice to everyone is to enjoy this hot weather as much as you can. Sit out on your deck a little longer each night, enjoy an extra meal on your patio, or make sure you get in enough of the summer activities to fill those memory spots in the dead of winter. We will have enough time to sit inside and watch the nasty weather in a couple of months.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Weddings
We had a family wedding over the weekend. My sweet and handsome nephew got married to a beautiful girl, not just her outward appearance, but her personality also. They make a lovely couple.
The wedding and the reception went off without a hitch. Everyone had a wonderful time with the dancing, eating, and visiting. We don't get together often enough. Almost all of my children and their families were there. They enjoyed seeing all of the aunts, uncles, and cousins and catching up with each other.
They had one of the most unique things that I have ever seen at a wedding. Instead of having a register book, they had a photo booth. It was similar to the old fashioned ones that they had in the malls and fairs except that you got to select different ways of presenting your pictures. They came out with two strips, one was put in a scrapbook that you signed for the newlyweds and you got to keep the other one. It was a nice way for them to remember all the guests.
It is so much work for so few hours, and sometimes you wonder if it is really worth the trouble. But after seeing the glow on that couple's faces and watching the great celebration, I would have to say it was well worth the effort.
The wedding and the reception went off without a hitch. Everyone had a wonderful time with the dancing, eating, and visiting. We don't get together often enough. Almost all of my children and their families were there. They enjoyed seeing all of the aunts, uncles, and cousins and catching up with each other.
They had one of the most unique things that I have ever seen at a wedding. Instead of having a register book, they had a photo booth. It was similar to the old fashioned ones that they had in the malls and fairs except that you got to select different ways of presenting your pictures. They came out with two strips, one was put in a scrapbook that you signed for the newlyweds and you got to keep the other one. It was a nice way for them to remember all the guests.
It is so much work for so few hours, and sometimes you wonder if it is really worth the trouble. But after seeing the glow on that couple's faces and watching the great celebration, I would have to say it was well worth the effort.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Containers
I bet I could go to any home in the United States and find at least one container that doesn't have a lid, or a lid that doesn't have a container. I think we should all gather in Hometown, USA with our containers and lids and if someone has one that matches, you flip a coin to see who goes home with the complete set.
But there are other containers that can drive me just as crazy. I have lotion, from a brand name company, that I can never get the last two ounces out of the container. They make it so it is impossible to do this task. You can pound, shake, and squeeze to your heart's content, but you will end up throwing the thing away with the last of your lotion inside. One day I got desperate enough to take one of my kitchen knives and saw the blasted thing in half. As they say on TV, "Do not attempt this at home." Not just because it is dangerous to saw a round container in two with a knife of any kind, but it also left little shavings in my lotion and I had to throw the crazy thing away anyway. So, I have come to the conclusion that I am not purchasing eight ounces of lotion, only six. It helps me keep my sanity. (I am sure that I will still try to shake, squeeze, and pound those last drops out.)
But there are other containers that can drive me just as crazy. I have lotion, from a brand name company, that I can never get the last two ounces out of the container. They make it so it is impossible to do this task. You can pound, shake, and squeeze to your heart's content, but you will end up throwing the thing away with the last of your lotion inside. One day I got desperate enough to take one of my kitchen knives and saw the blasted thing in half. As they say on TV, "Do not attempt this at home." Not just because it is dangerous to saw a round container in two with a knife of any kind, but it also left little shavings in my lotion and I had to throw the crazy thing away anyway. So, I have come to the conclusion that I am not purchasing eight ounces of lotion, only six. It helps me keep my sanity. (I am sure that I will still try to shake, squeeze, and pound those last drops out.)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Towing a Car
Today, coming back from town while traveling down a back road, I came upon two cars, one was towing the other. It looked like the wife was in the first car and the husband in the second. Neither one looked happy with the situation.
Now if you are a woman and have never had the pleasure of towing a car, well God Bless you and make sure that you never take the opportunity to do this feat. I personally have had to do this and refuse to ever again. No matter what the woman does, it isn't right. You can drive exactly as they say and in the end that isn't what they meant at all. You just can't win.
The only exception to this was the day that my dad had my mom help him try to start the tractor. He was driving the car pulling mom on the tractor. She was suppose to try to turn it over while he was going around the block. They got back in the driveway and the tractor still hadn't started. Dad thanked her for helping and said that he would have to try something else to get it going.
Mom came in the house and pulled me to the side. She made me swear not to tell dad, but she had forgotten to try to turn the key over on the tractor while he was towing her. They had just driven around with Dad yelling back to Mom, "Anything happening?" She would yell back, "No, not yet!" They had just taken a nice trip around the block with the neighbors watching and waving. Mom never let on that it could have been any different. Dad passed away without ever knowing the truth. It has made me smile on many occasions when I have brought it to mind. The image is very vivid and I wonder how different it might have been had dad ever found out the truth.
Now if you are a woman and have never had the pleasure of towing a car, well God Bless you and make sure that you never take the opportunity to do this feat. I personally have had to do this and refuse to ever again. No matter what the woman does, it isn't right. You can drive exactly as they say and in the end that isn't what they meant at all. You just can't win.
The only exception to this was the day that my dad had my mom help him try to start the tractor. He was driving the car pulling mom on the tractor. She was suppose to try to turn it over while he was going around the block. They got back in the driveway and the tractor still hadn't started. Dad thanked her for helping and said that he would have to try something else to get it going.
Mom came in the house and pulled me to the side. She made me swear not to tell dad, but she had forgotten to try to turn the key over on the tractor while he was towing her. They had just driven around with Dad yelling back to Mom, "Anything happening?" She would yell back, "No, not yet!" They had just taken a nice trip around the block with the neighbors watching and waving. Mom never let on that it could have been any different. Dad passed away without ever knowing the truth. It has made me smile on many occasions when I have brought it to mind. The image is very vivid and I wonder how different it might have been had dad ever found out the truth.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Blocked
I haven't written on my Blog for a couple of days because my brain has been blocked on what to write about. Now anyone who would know me would think that this is very odd as I never run out of things to say. But for some reason, it is harder tring to write something that others might think worth reading.
It is complicated not to sound too sappy when writing a Blog, but you also do not want to have it too simple. If you try to make it funny, it sometimes comes out just stupid, or if you try to be serious, it can be boring. You are not suppose to put in personal details but try to make your postings timeless.
It can be hard to come up with something interesting. If it is interesting to me, will it be interesting to someone else? A fine example is this entry. . . I am sure that I will come up with something better tomorrow. Until then, let me leave you with this thought. My brain may be blocked, my thoughts can be scattered, but having you as friends, is all that really matters. Keep smiling!
It is complicated not to sound too sappy when writing a Blog, but you also do not want to have it too simple. If you try to make it funny, it sometimes comes out just stupid, or if you try to be serious, it can be boring. You are not suppose to put in personal details but try to make your postings timeless.
It can be hard to come up with something interesting. If it is interesting to me, will it be interesting to someone else? A fine example is this entry. . . I am sure that I will come up with something better tomorrow. Until then, let me leave you with this thought. My brain may be blocked, my thoughts can be scattered, but having you as friends, is all that really matters. Keep smiling!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Toilet Paper
Who ever invented toilet paper knew what they were doing. Why not create something that is forever going to be a neccessity by everyone? It is not something that you can reuse or recycle. It just gets flushed away and then you need more. I wish I could come up with an idea like this.
To think that shortly before I became potty trained, people were still using magazines and catalogs. Thank goodness that changed before I needed it. I had to, however, experience the out house until I was in the third grade when we updated the family home with indoor plumbing. Let me tell you that it is not fun to have to use the facilities outside when it is below zero and the freezing air zips through those holes or so hot that the smell alone could kill you.
But back to the paper issue, once again by the time I was old enough to run into the store for mom to get a package of toilet paper (trust me, in a family of fourteen you run to the store often for those items) it only cost twenty-five cents for a four pack. Then a brilliant late night host decided to come up with the toilet paper shortage and the price skyrocketed.
You can get all different kinds; two ply, quilted, extra soft, super strong, or really cheap and rough and any of them will usually get the job done. We used to be able to get them in colors, but that turned out to not be a good idea. Sometimes you can even find it in your oppossing football team's name. I personally always get a certain name brand.
You can either have it roll over the top or go down the back. I like the over the top because I feel like it is always ready. I am not sure that there is a right way or a wrong way to do this feat.
But the one thing that gets me about the whole toilet paper issue and my reason for writing about this subject is, "Why do people hate to change the rolls?" When the children were all at home, it always seemed like everytime I went to the bathroom the holder would be empty. I always blamed the boys for this for I knew my daughters would never let me down. I think I might owe my sons an apology. Now it is just my husband and myself in the home. We have two bathrooms and way too often there will only be just a sheet or two left. He doesn't dare use it all because he might be forced to change the thing. One day the culpret even had the nerve to write me a note on the roll to let me know that he had left me three sheets this time. He had to remove the roll from the holder to write on the toilet paper and the cardboard roll and then he put it back in place. Does anyone need a roommate?
To think that shortly before I became potty trained, people were still using magazines and catalogs. Thank goodness that changed before I needed it. I had to, however, experience the out house until I was in the third grade when we updated the family home with indoor plumbing. Let me tell you that it is not fun to have to use the facilities outside when it is below zero and the freezing air zips through those holes or so hot that the smell alone could kill you.
But back to the paper issue, once again by the time I was old enough to run into the store for mom to get a package of toilet paper (trust me, in a family of fourteen you run to the store often for those items) it only cost twenty-five cents for a four pack. Then a brilliant late night host decided to come up with the toilet paper shortage and the price skyrocketed.
You can get all different kinds; two ply, quilted, extra soft, super strong, or really cheap and rough and any of them will usually get the job done. We used to be able to get them in colors, but that turned out to not be a good idea. Sometimes you can even find it in your oppossing football team's name. I personally always get a certain name brand.
You can either have it roll over the top or go down the back. I like the over the top because I feel like it is always ready. I am not sure that there is a right way or a wrong way to do this feat.
But the one thing that gets me about the whole toilet paper issue and my reason for writing about this subject is, "Why do people hate to change the rolls?" When the children were all at home, it always seemed like everytime I went to the bathroom the holder would be empty. I always blamed the boys for this for I knew my daughters would never let me down. I think I might owe my sons an apology. Now it is just my husband and myself in the home. We have two bathrooms and way too often there will only be just a sheet or two left. He doesn't dare use it all because he might be forced to change the thing. One day the culpret even had the nerve to write me a note on the roll to let me know that he had left me three sheets this time. He had to remove the roll from the holder to write on the toilet paper and the cardboard roll and then he put it back in place. Does anyone need a roommate?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Laughter
I love to laugh! I love to hear others laugh! There is nothing like the sound of real laughter. However, I do not like a fake or forced laugh.
I have a grandson who is not a year old yet and he has the biggest, funniest belly laugh that I have ever heard on a little guy before. When he laughs, people actually come over to listen to him. While looking around at the people watching him, there are smiles and more laughter. It is the sound of the future.
But the best laugh that I ever heard and rings through my mind to this day, is the laugh that came from my uncle, my mom's oldest brother. He was a giant of a man, not only his physical side but also with his personality. He passed away when I was only ten years old and I wish that I could have known him better. He loved life, his family, his country, and he laughed with his whole being. It was a deep, genuine sound that would seem to bounce off the walls. Like my grandson, when anyone would hear him, they didn't need to know what he was laughing about, they too would be compelled to join in. This is the sound of the past.
The sound of the present is anytime that I see or hear people having a good time. This past weekend is a good example. We just celebrated another year of freedom. As a nation, we have come through a couple of hard years, but the laughter, thank God, is still there. Take the time to join in and have your own bout of genuine laughter.
I have a grandson who is not a year old yet and he has the biggest, funniest belly laugh that I have ever heard on a little guy before. When he laughs, people actually come over to listen to him. While looking around at the people watching him, there are smiles and more laughter. It is the sound of the future.
But the best laugh that I ever heard and rings through my mind to this day, is the laugh that came from my uncle, my mom's oldest brother. He was a giant of a man, not only his physical side but also with his personality. He passed away when I was only ten years old and I wish that I could have known him better. He loved life, his family, his country, and he laughed with his whole being. It was a deep, genuine sound that would seem to bounce off the walls. Like my grandson, when anyone would hear him, they didn't need to know what he was laughing about, they too would be compelled to join in. This is the sound of the past.
The sound of the present is anytime that I see or hear people having a good time. This past weekend is a good example. We just celebrated another year of freedom. As a nation, we have come through a couple of hard years, but the laughter, thank God, is still there. Take the time to join in and have your own bout of genuine laughter.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
4th of July
What a great weekend we have had. Our fammily has a campout each year with a different couple being the camp directors. This year it was my husband and I and we did M*A*S*H for our theme. In the past we have had a variety of camps such as; Fear Factor, Old Fashioned Farmer's Days, Pirates, Logging Camp, Indian Camp, and Margaritaville.
As our grandchildren get older, we are trying to incorporate them into the competitions. This time I had them in the different games along side the adults. I finally figured out that they were getting tired when one of them said, "No more games, Grandma." But I think all in all they totally enjoyed their time here at the old homestead.
We had great food and drink and fireworks that lit up the sky last night. We enjoyed a hayride and campfires with Smores and popcorn. We had a talent show and I learned that there is not a whole lot of talent in our family but a lot of fun and laughter.
We had an airplane fly overhead and drop bags of candy. He was 5:00 Charlie. The grandkids loved that one.
The tents were beautiful at night with all the lights everyone had on display. But it was very sad to see the empty spaces when they all went home today. But we know that we will all be back to enjoy another 4th of July next year when our theme is going to be Firefighter's Freedom. I will let you know how that one turns out. Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July.
As our grandchildren get older, we are trying to incorporate them into the competitions. This time I had them in the different games along side the adults. I finally figured out that they were getting tired when one of them said, "No more games, Grandma." But I think all in all they totally enjoyed their time here at the old homestead.
We had great food and drink and fireworks that lit up the sky last night. We enjoyed a hayride and campfires with Smores and popcorn. We had a talent show and I learned that there is not a whole lot of talent in our family but a lot of fun and laughter.
We had an airplane fly overhead and drop bags of candy. He was 5:00 Charlie. The grandkids loved that one.
The tents were beautiful at night with all the lights everyone had on display. But it was very sad to see the empty spaces when they all went home today. But we know that we will all be back to enjoy another 4th of July next year when our theme is going to be Firefighter's Freedom. I will let you know how that one turns out. Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Coin Purse
My husband likes to hold on to and use things that he is familar with. For instance, his cell phone is still one with the pull up antenna. He just keeps getting new batteries for it. Thank goodness he didn't have one of the original car phones or he would still be using it.
Speaking of cell phones, he keeps using the same cell phone holder even though it doesn't close anymore. I bought him a new one for Christmas last year, but he thought he would stay with the old one because it wasn't worn out yet.
Don't even approach him about his wallet or his socks and underwear. If they don't have a bunch of holes in them, they are still good.
But the one thing that is probably his most used possesion is his coin purse. He made it when he was in Bible School as a elementary child. It is leather, sewned together on the sides and closed with a snap that has long ago pulled through the leather but he can still fasten it with the hole and slip it around the head of the snap. He is always so careful to get into it because it looks like it will fall apart if the wind would blow just right. And you know if something would ever happen to my guy, that coin purse would be the one thing that I would want to hold on to forever.
Speaking of cell phones, he keeps using the same cell phone holder even though it doesn't close anymore. I bought him a new one for Christmas last year, but he thought he would stay with the old one because it wasn't worn out yet.
Don't even approach him about his wallet or his socks and underwear. If they don't have a bunch of holes in them, they are still good.
But the one thing that is probably his most used possesion is his coin purse. He made it when he was in Bible School as a elementary child. It is leather, sewned together on the sides and closed with a snap that has long ago pulled through the leather but he can still fasten it with the hole and slip it around the head of the snap. He is always so careful to get into it because it looks like it will fall apart if the wind would blow just right. And you know if something would ever happen to my guy, that coin purse would be the one thing that I would want to hold on to forever.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Farming
I live in a rural area and today while traveiling down one of our back roads, there was a local family, consisting of many seperate families, bailing straw. They had taken a break for their noon meal. The wives had brought tables and lawn chairs. They had set up the lunch right there along side the road in the field. Little ones were sitting under the table to be in the shade. The whole family seem to be having a great time.
It was a very pleasant sight to see a family unit working and eating together. It brought those simple pleasures to the surface and made me think of how our fore fathers probably had similar lunches and suppers. It is refreshing to see families still working hard.
In these times, it is easy to let things like family values disappear. Thank goodness that there are still some that exist. It made me feel good and it has put a smile on my face for the whole day.
It was a very pleasant sight to see a family unit working and eating together. It brought those simple pleasures to the surface and made me think of how our fore fathers probably had similar lunches and suppers. It is refreshing to see families still working hard.
In these times, it is easy to let things like family values disappear. Thank goodness that there are still some that exist. It made me feel good and it has put a smile on my face for the whole day.
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