Wondering thoughts

When I am away from my computer, I can think of all of these wonderful topics to write about in my blog. And then I get in front of the thing, and my thoughts start to wonder and nothing sounds like it would be anything that anyone would want to read.
Like right now, my thoughts are traveling all over the place. I think maybe they need a road map.
Speaking of roads, I was traveling down one the other day and noticed all the beautiful wild flowers in the side ditch. It made me smile just to see them.
Which brings me to the subject of smiles. I like to collect them. I love to smile at someone and watch how it can transform them. Sometimes I think it might be the only smile they give up in a single day.
My mind is now on how can parents not love their children. In my line of work, I have run into many different people. I have come to the conclusion that the majority of them were not loved when they were small. I hear some of their stories and just want to hug them and tell them I am so sorry that they are on their own with no one who cares. And then I see the parents come in with their children and treat them like they are garbage or dirt under their feet. Actually, I have seen, out in public, some parents that treat the dirt better than they do their offspring.
Speaking of spring, where did ours go? I don't think we ever get one anymore. We go from the freezing cold to the heat. I remember the springs when I was a child, and they weren't like these.
And then there is the government. . . I think I will stop now before my mind wonders totally away. Have a good journey of your own.

You know it's hot when:-

Our temperatures have been in the high 90's with heat index in the 110 - 120 range. So today I saw many different sights that made me say to myself, "You know when it's hot when:-". Here are some of my observations.
You know when it's hot when:-
You see someone get a dish of ice cream and it melts before they can put their change away.
When you see a woman dressed in a nice gausey dress, but failed to wear a slip and stands in a lighted door talking on a cell phone.
When you drive by an Amish home in the early morning hours on your way to work and their matresses are still out in their yard.
When the best free thing at a country fair is the paper fans on a stick.
When everyone you see looks like they have just taken a swim, but no one is wearing a bathing suit.
We will get through this heat wave and will complain about how cold it is in just a few more weeks. I guess we just can not get that perfect weather that we all crave.

Gimmicks

I am not a big lover of gimmicks. I hate it when people try to say something while they are sneezing. Like no one can tell what they are trying to say ~ yea, really, no one can tell what they are trying to say. There is a car commercial right now that the one guys says to give tires with the car and the other guy sneezes "Gimmick". Then the first guy says to have them buy one axel get the second one free and the other guy sneezes "Gimmick". I really don't like that commercial.
When I was little the one gimmick that sticks in my mind was the 77 Gas Stations gave out double horseshoes that were bright orange and magnatized. The saying to go along with these horseshoes was to get a "Kick" in the gas! This was a big campaign for the gas station and it lasted for a long time.
I also enjoyed sitting in the car and watching the colored balls go around in the gas pump window. Those were the days! Just another trip down memory lane with no gimmicks attached!

Day of Surprises

Today is one of those days when you say, "Did that really happen to me?" And the answer would be a resounding YES!!! Even if I could explain it all right now in words that you would understand, I don't know that you would really believe me.
I started the morning helping to arrest one person and by the middle of the afternoon I was doing a stake-out in my car, trying to catch another bad guy in the act. To top off all of this, in between I was running a legal BINGO game.
So like I said, I don't know that you would understand even if I were to draw pictures for you. Just know that I made it through the day and am looking forward to tomorrow and what challenges might come my way!
I hope you have a great day also!

Storms

I can not believe that we had another bad day of storms yesterday. The tornado in Joplin, Missouri was the worst tornado in US history. That is saying a lot. I remember many storms when I was a child and how scared I was. I have learned to respect the warnings given by the national weather bureau and to take the proper precautions to keep myself and my family safe.
Yesterday's storms only gave twenty-four minutes notice. I can't even imagine the fear that was going through the public, especially the ones who were caught in the many different stores that were hit.
With the speculation the day before that the world was to end at 7:00 PM on May 21st, I am sure that some people thought that it was coming true, just a few hours late.

Moving Day

My daughter and her husband are moving to a new home. They are leaving behind a beautiful house and going to another that will require a lot of work. Now most people would think, "Why bother?" With these two it is, "Why not?" They have a lot of energy and many great ideas that they will implement as quickly as they can. They do the majority of the work by themselves, ask friends and family for help on some, and hire professionals for the ones that they just can not accomplish.
I think the world would be a better place if more people thought and acted such as this. There are too many people out there sitting around waiting for handouts. Just
waiting for someone else to do it or just not giving a hoot how things turn out. Come on people, make your corner of the world a better place to be.

Stormy Weather

That song should never have been recorded. I do not know a time when we have had such stormy weather. It started this past winter and is carring on through the spring. I am half afraid to see what the summer and fall will bring.
To date, the United States has seen over 300 tornadoes. In one day there were over 160 with over 300 people dying.
Last winter we saw blizards like we haven't seen in decades. It just makes a person wonder what is around the corner.
But I look at weather this way, we can't change it so there is no use complaining about it. When I was flying, in an airplane, and it was one of the first times every to be in one, an officer in the army was sitting next to me. He could tell by the death grip that I had on the arm of the seat that I was not comfortable with the whole situation. He said some profound words that have stuck in my head all of these years. And I quote, "You can't get out and travel another way, so you might as well sit back and enjoy the ride." Enjoy the weather ride, everyone!

Music

I have been listening to my CD collection all weekend. My player holds 101 CD's and yes, I don't have all of my CD's loaded in there.
I have speakers through out my home so I can hear it, even outside. There is a variety of different kinds of music and everyone feels my heart and soul with some kind of emotion.
The fast pace ones make me clean faster. They put a lift in my soul. They make me one to dance and sing.
The all music ones put my heart at rest. They fill my soul with wonder and well being.
The oldie songs take me back to a time when things were simplier. It might have been songs that my mom sang to me as a child or songs from my school years. They bring memories to my soul.
Every once in a while a more modern song will be playing. Those songs make me realize that the future is out there just waiting for me to capture it. These songs make my heart and soul hopeful.
No matter what kind of music you listen to, be sure to enjoy. Carry those songs in your heart and pass those notes on to others.

Another year

It isn't that I haven't wanted to write on my blog, the system was down and wouldn't let me. I have missed writing my thoughts down on here, even if there isn't anyone out there that is reading them.
I turned another year older this week. It is hard to believe that this year has gone by so fast and so much has happened to me and my family. I really don't know how anyone can function not believing in God because I know that he has touched my life in so many ways this past year.
He has saved many of my family members lives, including my mom's from a stroke and my brother-in-law's family from a fire.
He gave my guys the strength to help save a life from a car that was washed away and the driver couldn't get out.
He has given me a wonderful job and the joy of meeting new friends.
He has given me the courage to send a son overseas to fight for our freedoms and the ability to pray for him and the rest of the troops over there every minute of everyday.
He has given us health and time to spend together. He has made sure that my heart doesn't break when I don't get to see my loved ones as much as I would like, but be able to enjoy those precious minutes when I do.
Although I have turned another year older, I don't feel old. I look forward to the adventures that I might encounter in the next 366 days (don't forget leap year).

A new question to ask your mom.

With Mother's Day only a week away, I turn back to the questions that I would like to ask my mom. Today's question is: "When was it that you felt that you were no longer a child?" This is a very deep thought indeed.
I am sure back when my mom was growing up that they had to grow up very fast. They always had chores to do and there wasn't a lot of playing time. I think they went to bed a lot earlier than we do now because of the "NO TV" factor. They had to get up early, so they might as well go to bed the same way.
I know exactly the day that I was no longer a child, a summer day in my 16th year of living. This was the day that my dad died. I have never felt so old so fast in all of my life. I had to be there, not just for my mom, or for my younger brothers and sisters, but my grandmother was living with us at the time and she had as much stress as my mom did, but there was no one for her to lean on. I can remember seeing the strain in this precious woman's eyes knowing she was watching her baby go through so much. To be left with twelve children, all still at home, was more than any one person should have to deal with.
But deal and cope Mom did. Grandma turned out to be a blessing and I helped as much as I could. We made it through and didn't end up with too many scars.
I still can act like a child somedays. I think that is in the nature of all of us. But, for the most part, I think since that day, my childhood became a thing of the past.

The Royal Wedding

"The" Royal Wedding might have taken place in England yesterday, which by the way was very special. I thought they looked so much more in love than Princess Diana and Charles did when they got married. I loved how he said, "You are so beautiful!" when she got to the alter. But anyway, back to my other thoughts - even though the main event was in England and the majority of us were only invited through our television sets, we still enjoyed many a party over here.
At my work place we had a Wedding Party of our own. Many of the ladies wore plastic terras and others wore big brimed hats. I wore a hat that was decorated with a giant red, white, and blue bow because I was representing the USA. I also had on a bright red feather boa.
We had a Wedding Luncheon that I sent Royal invitations to over the e-mail yesterday morning. We had some rejections to these because of the short notice, but for the most part, the office was full. We had Pizza "King" pizza, The Royal Feast obviously, and we had Dairy "Queen" cake which had written on the top "The Royal Wedding Cake."
There was alot of laughing and much talk about the wedding, which several of us got up at 4:30 to watch. The hour flew by and we had to return to our common jobs. But just for those brief moments we were royalty and that is what life is about. Take those few moments, however fleeting, and enjoy them to the fullest. They will give you memories for years to come.

Spring Break

This week we are blessed to have several of the grandchildren with us. One family is here because their spring breaks fall on a different week than their parents'. The other ones are here to spend some time with the cousins that they don't get to see often enough. We have had anywhere from three to seven grandchildren at one time.
It is fun to watch them play and get a long so well with each other. Oh, sure, we have our spats every once in awhile, but what children don't? It is usually settled quickly or else Grandma gives one of her booming yells and things quiet down fast.
Last night we had the traditional pillow fights, popcorn, and rootbeer.
Tonight we had Swiss roll cakes. They were a big success, that is until one was stepped on. I wasn't the happiest about that, but they all said that it was an accident.
The mess is cleaned up, the dishes are done, and it is almost time for teeth brush, prayers said, and lights out. I think next week will be a very dull week indeed!

New Question for Mom

Today's question is: "In what ways am I like you, Mom?"
That is a good one! I think I am a lot like my mom in the fact that we both have very tender hearts. We get our feelings hurt very easily and can hold a grudge forever. But when we love, there is nothing as deep on the face of the earth.
We are passionate moms. When we tackle a problem, we throw our whole beings into it.
Mom and I both like to cook. Although mom doesn't do it much anymore, since there is only one of her. I wonder a lot how different her life would have been if dad would have lived a little longer.
I think I look a lot like my mom. At least we have the same grey hair and long noses. I am not sure that those are the most attractive qualities that we share.
But the biggest thing that is alike for us is that we put three things first in our lives, God, family, and country.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is right around the corner and I would like to take a couple of entries and talk about questions that you would like to ask your mother (or mom, as I call mine).
Tonight's question is pretty simple. "If you could, would you change anything?" I can answer that one for my family.
I think on the most part, each and everyone of us has something that we would change. I know my biggest one would be that I would never have gained the weight that I did. I look at my daughters and I know that I should have tried harder to look as they do. I am trying now, but it is a lot easier to put the weight on than it is to take it off.
As far as the rest of my life, I know that I would remarry my husband in a heartbeat. I have never loved anyone as I love him.
My children, I wouldn't change them or their spouses for anything. They each picked exactly who I would have picked for them and they seem to blend well with each other. Oh, sure they have a spat or two, who doesn't? But they do compliment each other.
My grandchildren, there is nothing as special as grandchildren. Of course mine are the best looking and the smartest. They are the only ones who come up with something cute to say or do.
My extended family, they can irritate me sometimes, but you gotta love them. When you are at your lowest point, someone is there to hold out a hand. We always have each others' backs.
My friends, I have millions because I love to meet people and consider them my friends if they will let me. Sure there are those who don't understand me and turn away, but those are the ones who I try harder to become a friend because I think they need one more than the rest.
My country, I know that there would be no place on the face of this earth where I would rather live. We have freedom and that means everything.
So, my answer would be no! No, I wouldn't change a thing! How about you, Mom?

Who would hurt a child?

Why would anyone want to hurt a child? What could they possibly do to an adult that would warrant a beating, either physical or mental?
When I hear of someone beating on a child, even if I don't know them, it makes me hurt inside. I have a hard time keeping control of myself so I wouldn't do bodily harm to the creature who decided it was okay to do this nasty thing to an innocent.
When I hear of someone molesting a child, I want to take that person and hang him/her by their thumbs from the tallest point on the face of the earth. I want birds to come and pick his flesh off of his bones.
Hurt a child? To me that is the same as hurting God and I don't want to know who you are or where you live. Stay off of my planet! Stay away from me and mine!

Twinkle Lights

I love the white twinkle lights. I am not sure that is what everyone calls them, but I do. You know those lights at Christmas that are just white and really don't twinkle, but just make a happy glow. They don't even have to be white all the time, I just love to see them.
It was a dark and dreary ride into work this morning and a store in an area tiny town had twinkle lights on in the display windows. I know that it is April, but it helped to brighten my day and I hope that it did for other travelers on that road.
I just love the line in "You've Got Mail" when Meg Ryan is getting down because she knows that she is fighting a loosing battle on keeping her store opened and she says, "I think we need more twinkle lights!" I think the world can use some more twinkle lights, so let them shine on. I will smile back!

Now it is Spring!

I now know that it is spring. I just saw my first motor cycles go past on the highway. You got to love those bikers. You got to love spring.
And I need to do better about writing in this blog.

Marriage

I have been married for several decades now, boy that sounds weird, and I still can not figure out my husband sometimes. He will call me at the strangest times telling me things that are just really for no reason. And then when it comes to something important, he doesn't bother to tell me.
He was away on a fishing trip this past weekend and on the way up he would call me with different items that were entering his brain at the time. Some of them were sweet and brought back very vivid memories. Some of the calls were just to inform me of what he was seeing or doing at the time of the call.
So, today when he knows that I would be worried about him being safe on the lake and when he was getting off of it, he doesn't call. He traveled all the way home and didn't call me once on the way to let me know where he was and what time to expect him home. He showed up well after meal time and wanted to know what was to eat.
I have to say that life has always been interesting with him and probably always will be. Don't tell him, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Gas Prices

I just learned today that starting tomorrow we, USA, will begin using our summer gas. What is that, you ask? I did too! I guess up till now we have been using the winter supply of gass. People don't drive as much and there fore, the gas is cheaper. (That was cheaper?)
So, tomorrow, April 1st, we will begin using the supply of summer gas. It will be more expensive because of all of the summer travel. There might not be an overabundant amount of gas which could drive the prices higher. There might be more unrest over in the Middle East, which could drive the prices higher. So in other words, we just might be screwed!

Old Time Song

I am not sure who wrote this song, but it was a favorite of my mom's, my sister's, and mine. We would sing in three part harmony and thought we were by far the best. We even went so far as to tape ourselves singing it, but the batteries on the tape player were low and made us sound like a bunch of sick cows. But I am putting the words here tonight because they are beautiful.
"Now the day is over. Night is drawing nigh. Shadows of the evening, steal across the sky."
"Jesus give the weary, strong and sweet repose. With thy tenderest blessing, may our eyelids close."
"When the morning wakens, then shall we arise. Pure and fresh and sinless, in thy holy eyes."
Not a long song, but very strong in its words. Have a sweet, sweet night.

Springtime

We are having the craziest weather this spring. Before it was the twentieth of March it was warm, too breezy, but warm. Now that spring is officially here we are suppose to get snow tonight. Go figure!
My daughter just called with total disgust in her voice. I told her that she needs to expect this when March comes in like a lamb because it is sure enough going to go out like a lion. That is why you always cheer for bad weather at the beginning of this month. It makes the end of it something to look forward to.

End of a Week

At the end of a week, when life slows down
And you have a chance to look around.
Be sure to thank the One Above,
For sending you His awesome love.
For without Him being around
We wouldn't be able to get off the ground.
Be sure to thank Him everyday,
Always take the time to Pray!

Brothers

Last night we were traveling in the car with some of our grandchildren. Two of them were clear in the back of the mini van watching a movie. (By the way, the best invention for long trips and little children stuck in car seats.)
Our six and four year old grandsons had on headphones so the rest of us could travel without the sound of the movie. The oldest grandson would make comments to the younger one on what he shouldn't do in life. Everytime one of the cartoon characters would do something not to smart, he would yell over to the other one that he shouldn't attempt to do this in real life. Here are some of his examples:
"Never eat dog food!" "You can't really skateboard like that, so don't try it!" "That is why I tell you not to swim in the ocean. Sharks will get you!" "If you are a mountain goat, which you are not a mountain goat, do not eat dog food."
We were having fun just listening to the lessons being thrown out from the back. One great trip!

Hail

We had a giant hail storm at our house last night. It hit so hard that it sounded like someone was attacking our home. The windows shook and thunder filled the air. Our deck was covered with hail and ice.
I went to work thinking that someone else was kept awake by the storm. No one said a word. When I finally asked one of the girls if she heard it, all she knew about was the thunder.
So I have come to the conclusion that either there are a lot of heavy sleepers in the area or that we were the only ones who got hit by hail. I am sure that God would not just keep me awake!

What is normal?

Driving down one of our country roads today I started to think about how normal my day was.It was a beautiful day today. The sun is shining and I had the whole day to look at the bright blue sky. I don't have big buildings around me and there is plenty of room between me and my neighbor.
Then I started to think of the people in Japan who might have thought that same thing last Friday. How can one second be so normal and the next, your whole world is turned upside down?
I pray for those people. I am glad that I am here and not there, I am not afraid to say that. But I have always felt that way. I think we have it pretty good here.
I don't have to worry about radiation, or earthquakes, or being without a home. I am very thankful for all that I have.
I don't know how things will turn out over there. I pray that the time to get their lives back in order comes quickly. I hope that someday soon they can have a normal day again.

A New Day

Night time is such a peaceful time of the day.
A time you can let your troubles drift away.
The silence of the dark can swallow you in,
For another day is about to begin.
So let peace be in your heart,
The New Day is ready to start.

Topics

Some of you might think that I would eventually run out of things to write about. I have never been at a loss for words, written or spoken.
My grandma use to say that she could take any word and would know a song that had that word in it. She could do it too, as we would put her to the test very often. (I do miss that woman a lot!)
Well, unlike my grandmother, no one would want to have me sing for them. (Although I do like to sing all of the time.) I can however talk about anything that is brought up to me. Any word and I can talk about it.
For example, my grandson is sitting across from me and I just asked him for a word. He is six years old and he looked out the window and said "trees". So here is my topic on trees.
One of my favorite things on the face of the earth is trees. They provide shelter for many birds and animals. They grant me the comfort of their shade on a hot summer day.
I grace my home every year with a Christmas tree that I adore and think about all year until I replace the old memory of that tree with the sight and wonder of a new one.
But I think my favorite thing about a tree is the poem by Joyce Kilmer. "I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree." From the moment I first heard that poem until this very day, that poem can make me tear up. It is wonderful how someone can put down just the right words to conjure up a picture in your mind that is as mighty as the subject.
So there you have it, I can write or converse about any subject. My dad use to call it the gift of gab. My siblings call it a bunch of bull. Whatever it is, I really do have it, like it or not. And I like it!

Free Time

We enjoyed a meal, with family members, this evening in the Party Barn. It was another grand time.
After the meal was over, different free time activities started. We had some watching TV, I was working on the computer and talking with the different grandchildren, some were playing foose ball, the grandchildren were playing with different toys, and then there was the Lego table.
Two of my grown sons, a daughter-in-law, two grandsons, and a granddaughter all were building different things with Legos. I could not believe the intensity that was happening on the different projects. Houses, forts, and ships were soon covering the table. They were works of art. It thrilled me to see them all there working, talking, and laughing. This is a memory that won't soon leave my mind.
Free time is the best!

Generic Products

I am not one to purchase generic products. Call me old fashioned, but I have certain products that I like to use.
I hate to use public restrooms because they always seem to have the cheapest toilet paper. When you have to use a whole fistfull of paper to get the job done, I just do not see the savings. And on top of that, it really is not refreshing.
Also in public restrooms is usually cheap soap and paper towels. Once again, where is the savings when you have to use extra?
I think maybe the whole problem might be using public restrooms. I try to avoid them at all costs, but sometimes you just don't get the choice.

The Artist

I am a big fan of anyone who can create art. Even though I love art, I am not talented enough in my own right to compare with anything that is worth anything.
There is one artist that I like to observe everyday. He can make the most vivid images. He uses a lot of nature in His works. You guessed it, it is God.
The images of the sunsets on my home page of this blog speaks volumes of His work. I love to see what He has in store for us each and every day. And the wonderful thing is that it doesn't just have to be at the end of the day, He likes to paint the skies in the morning also.
And He doesn't just stop there. We get the green of spring, the beautiful colors of flowers all summer long, the vibrant hues of fall leaves, and the brightness of white of the snow.
This morning He amazed me once more with a wonderous sight. Driving along the plowed fields of the country side, a heavy mist rose from the ground. It encased everything in a fairy tale vision. I know no one could never create that scene on any paper, but He blessed me with a memory that will linger in my mind forever.

Education

I can see now why the state governments want to curtail the education system. The following is a post on my wall on Facebook. It is a conversation between my great nieces and some of their friends.

Brria, why u call me then not answer ur fone when I called back?? geez

lol cus u aint answe when i called....and whe u called i aint here it, and i didnt feel like callin back lol

nxt time i txt u, or call u bout sumtin u BETTA answer ASAP!!! lol

lol she is.

Now, I have to admit, it takes some brain power to figure out what this conversation is about, but I wonder if they really spell like that all the time or is this just something to impress each other.
I have never been one for short cuts on anything, especially writing and speaking. I think your communications skills speaks volumes about yourself. If you spend your life using short cuts in something as simple as talking and writing, what is going on in the rest of your life?
I am worried about the future of our country. Can you imagine the speeches made by our leaders if they write like that now? Soon we will be down to just consonants and no vowels. Let's get behind the education systems and help our young people take pride in their communication skills.
P.S. There is no lol (I detest that) in any of this.

Sneeze comments

I would love to meet the person who first thought of the sneeze comments. Maybe they could explain the whole concept to me. I do not understand why you would have to fake sneeze so you can make a dumb comment about someone. Half the time I don't understand what the person is saying because I am looking at the person intently, trying to figure out why they would want to do that.
If you have something to say about someone, say it! If it is something that you think you should keep to yourself, keep it! Sneeze when you have a cold or something stuck in your nose. Talk when you have something to say. DO NOT COMBINE THE TWO!
Thank you (no sneeze)!

Sayings

In my lifetime I have come across many sayings that have touched me deeply. They are ones that stay in my heart and I bring them out when the world can seem like a dark place to be and it gives me light.
One of my favorites is: "Life is not measured by the breaths that we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." How true is this? I do not remember every minute of everyday, but I do remember my first kiss, the births of my children, and the smiles of my grandchildren.
Another one: "Wish, Hope, Dream. . . Make it Happen!" This one says a lot about trying. Never, never give up. God gave us wishes and dreams for a reason. Our lives would be pretty dull with out them.
Today I have a new saying. "Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." When life hands you a bunch of "wet", just dance in it. You will feel a lot better and can lift your head and go on.
I am sitting here listening to Enya and want to wish you all the best of days. Go take a deep breath, do a little dreaming, and don't forget to dance!

Spring

I am sitting in my kitchen today, warming my hands on a nice hot cup of tea. Looking out my window I see my first sign of spring. There is a pair of robins hopping across my yard. It makes my heart soar.
I do love the change of the seasons. I love the winter and how beautiful it can become. I don't like trying to drive in snow and ice. I like to be able to walk out my door and not worry about falling and hurting myself. My sister fell this year on ice and is just now getting her "boot" off after eight weeks.
Spring has a very special place in the seasons. It is the new birth of the trees. The birds who left us last fall are coming home again. Soon the brown earth will be green and the soft breezes will blow through my open windows once more.
I will miss winter and look forward to seeing it back next year. But for now, I am watching my robin friends have their lively walk on my front yard.

Safe a Life

Are you a blood donor? That is one great way to safe a life. It doesn't cost much more than an hour of your time.
Are you an organ donor? That you can wait to do until after you die. Just make sure that your wishes are known. You can also be a living donor. You just need to be on a donor list.
Do you know CPR? You might be surprised how often that one comes in handy. I also keep asprin in my purse just in case someone needs one, in fact I had that happen a couple of years ago in a resturant. I was on my way out and a gentleman was on the floor at the entrance. A lady looked up at me and asked if I had any asprin. I got in my purse and handed them to her. Talk about being in the right place at the right time.
Are you a fireman or a police man? They safe lives all the time. My sons and husband helped safe a young lady the other night. It is a great feeling. Thank one a public servent when you see them. They need to know that we appreciate what they do.
Are you a service man or woman? If so, you not only safe our lives but people in other countries. You have my total respect and more thanks and love than you will ever know.
Safe a Life!

Flooding

We are experiencing a lot of flooding in our area due to the heavy rainfall and the melting snows. It is causing a lot of damage to homes and closing schools.
The thing with high water is to try to avoid getting caught in it, especially when driving in a car.
Last night my husband and sons, who are firemen, got called out to a rescue for a woman who tried to drive through high water and got swept down into a deep ditch full of water. The woman called in the problem, but couldn't get out of her car. She failed to put down her window and left her seat belt on. The firemen couldn't get the windows broken and once they did, had a hard time getting her out because of her seat belt. This put their lives in danger.
If you are ever caught in high water, take off your seat belt, put a window down so you can get out (the pressure of the water prevents you from opening the door), and if you have a cell phone ~ call 911. The best idea is to avoid high water all together.
Let's stay safe and help keep those rescuers safe also.

Teenagers

You hear a lot of what is bad with teenagers, I would like to write about some good.
The other night, while driving in a local town, I saw three teenagers in a front yard making snowmen. It was a wonderful sight. The snowmen (there were two of them) were taller than the kids. They were having a ball making them. (Did you like the way I threw in the "ball" remark? I am just too clever!)
In church, several teenagers helped with the ceremony. They looked so saint-like in their actions. Also, sitting behind me were a couple of girls who sang like angels. It was wonderful hearing them. On the way out of church, I observed a young man helping an elderly woman down the church steps. I am sure it was either a grandma or an older relative, but it made me tear-up watching how gentle he was with her and how much care he gave to making sure that she was safe. He didn't mind how many people saw him or how long it took for her to maneuver her steps.
I know that these are just a couple of examples of what teenagers can do and I know that there are a lot more out there. We need to see the good things in them and not always the bad. We need to compliment them on a good performance and encourage them to keep it up. I honked and waved at the ones making a snowman, I told the girls after church how wonderful they sounded, and I thanked the young man for helping the grandmother. All of them smiled and that was a wonderful sight also.

Hands

I think one of the most beautiful body parts of a human is their hands. They can tell so much.
My mother's hands are starting to cripple up, but they are still a thing of beauty. When I look at her hands, I see all the times when I was little and had a bad dream. Those hands would stroke my hair and wipe my tears until I felt safe again. I see hands that have encircled me and given me some of the best hugs of my life. I see love.
When I look at my husband's hands, I see hands that work hard for a living. Not just at his job, but around the house. I see hands that are always helping the neighbors, especially the older ones, but also the ones with bigger families who are going through some very rough times and can use an extra hand or two. I also see him being gentle with the grandchildren and helping them learn how to fish, or build, or even just play patty cake and peek-a-boo. I see love.
When I see a child's hands, I see the future. I see the innocence and trusting of an individual with the world at its feet. I love to have a child put his hand in mine or cup my face in a very sweet sign of affection. I see love.
When I see my hands, I see hands willing to help anyone, anywhere. I see hands reaching out to protect the ones I love. And I see hands folding together to thank God for all the blessings He has given to me and to ask Him to make this world a safe and wonderful place to be. I feel love.

Music

Yesterday I wrote about talk radio, today I would like to tell you my views on music.
I am a music lover. I have it on all the time. I have a 101 CD player that is loaded always and has speakers in every room, including my outdoor space. I love to sit on my deck, eat a great meal with my family, and have music softly playing in the background.
I have radios in all the different rooms, including the shower.
I was raised with my mother's music so I know all the songs from the World Wars. I grew up when rock and roll made it's mark on the history pages. Those songs have a soft spot in my heart.
I love classical music, some country (if it isn't twangy or sappy), instrumental, and yes, even some of the modern songs.
I don't like "rap" that much, but I am intrigued with their ability to create a great beat with some of the "songs".
Christmas music is by far my favorite. You can catch me playing it all year long. When I am tired, it picks me right up. I carry a Christmas CD with me in the car so it will perk me up when I am driving.
I love music! I guess you could say that I carry a song in my heart. Come take a listen.

Talk Radio

I do not understand how someone can listen to talk radio. When I think of radio, I think of music, not talking.
My husband can listen to someone talking on the radio for hours. He will even listen to the guy who has no emotion in his voice. But as soon as I turn on some music that is a little on the slow side, he is saying that he wants something snappy or upbeat. What is upbeat to someone talking about the same thing over and over?
I especially do not like to listen to someone reporting on a sports event on the radio. How do you follow that? I can never figure out who is doing what. Give me a game to watch on TV anytime, but never on the radio.
I do have to admit that when I was growning up there was a radio program on every morning when we were getting ready for school. It was two old time announcers who would pretend to go out to the barn for the daily chores. You could hear the door squeak open then hear them talking to the different animals and the animals would make the proper sounds back.
I will never forget the time though that someone streaked through the program one morning and the two old guys talked about that for years. There was always a lot of laughter involved when they brought that subject up.
That show I wouldn't mind hearing again, or even Jack Benny, or Allen and Burns. Now that was talk radio. But I don't think my husband would like to hear them. I guess we will have to start using headphones.

Doctor's appointment!

My mom had a pace maker put in this past September. She has to go for tri-monthly checkups. The clinic is over an hour from her home.
The first one went perfectly. It was in October for a follow up to the surgery.
Her next appointment was for January 13th. We got snow.
They rescheduled the appointment for the next week, more snow. The next week, more snow and the next, yes, you have the pattern going now.
So after this last one couldn't happen, we skipped a couple of weeks. Her appointment is for Friday . . . and they are calling for freezing rain and snow starting Thursday night. I give up!
I think we are going to be done rescheduling until the weather gets better. Maybe we are keeping the snow around and I would like to see green grass sometime this year.

Letters

I know that letter writing is going out of style, but I am putting in a request from my readers for a giant favor.
Today I witnessed my mother intently reading a junk mail letter. I realized that she is letter starved. She has so little in her life right now that was so busy and rich just a handful of years ago. All she does now is watch TV (shows that she doesn't always understand or is able to hear), working on her sewing, getting an occasional phone call, and her mail.
I started to think of the other elderly living in their own homes or in nursing facilities, that are going through the same thing. It makes me sad to realize that we are so busy with our own lives that we are forgetting the ones who need us the most.
There are also the men and women in our armed forces who are needing some messages from US. They are out there night and day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year, protecting this great country. We always seem to remember them at Christmas, but let's not forget the fact that they are still away from the homes that they love all the time.
A letter or card only takes a forty-four cent stamp to mail, and for twenty-eight cents you can send a postcard. I know that it will take a little of your time, but in our busy days we should be able to take a few minutes to let someone, somewhere know that we care. Come on America, pick up those pens! Send a message to a loved one who needs to know what is going on in your world. I know I am writing a few letters tonight, and the very first one is going to my mom so that in a few days, when she opens her mail, she will have a real letter to read.

Really???

I just received an e-mail that was suppose to be funny and instead I am sitting here saying to myself, "Really?". I sometimes wonder what people are thinking when they do certain things.
This image, that I am sure will take the rest of my life to get out of my memory, was of a little boy, sitting naked, holding a very sharp knife up close to his penis that he is holding with his other hand. The picture was taken up close and personal so it makes you wonder, did the adult who took the picture say to the child, "Hold still while I run get my camera?"
It is like the Christmas song that I can not stand. What mother, lying in her hospital bed dying, would want her husband to not be paying attention to their child, who is at a store by himself, dirty, trying to buy blue shoes for his mother. "Really?" That would be one sure way to bring me back from the dead because I would be jumping up out of that bed and kicking my husband's a**! He would have a lot of explaining to me on why he didn't know where in the heck my child was, let a lone why he was dirty! (I really do not like that song.)
I hear of children who are left in their homes by themselves for days and it breaks my heart. Or what about the mothers that would rather drown or shoot their children than to deal with the pressures of taking care of them. Give them to me. I will love them or find someone who wants to. Don't take pictures of them doing things that will hurt them and then have the dumbness to put it on the internet. If you get this e-mail, I beg you not to pass it on. Don't fuel this stupid behavior. Help make this world a better place for all children.

Lawn Ornaments

I really do not like many of the "fad" lawn ornaments that have been around for years. Do you remember the butt of the fat lady bending over in everyone's gardens? Or how about the little boy going to the bathroom? I have even seen that one on the back of some "red-necks'" pick-up trucks.
Then we got a little more sophisticated and started putting out cement geese dressed up differently daily depending on the weather. Gazing balls were also another big hit for many years. We had a visitor from another state who had never seen one of these balls before and was totally baffled by them. I didn't know for sure what to tell him other than they were called gazing balls and I wasn't sure what people gazed at when they looked at them.
I do have to admit that I have lawn ornaments. They are called trees and flowers. I also have grandchildren who on nice, warm sunny days run around the lawn and on cold, snowy days go sledding or skating. There are also the lawn ornaments around our fire pit any day of the year when we can get a campfire going to roast hot dogs and to make smores.
I feed my birds so I have a beautiful flock of them to brighten my lawn. And there are always the two dogs who love to sit on the porch or lie in the sun on the grass if it is warm enough.
So if you haven't anything to do this summer and would like to come sit with me and become a lawn ornament out by the pond, I will set out an extra lawn chair. Here's to the human kind of lawn ornaments!

USA

Three of the most powerful letters in the alphabet ~ U.S.A. I am so proud to be an American and to be able to take advantage of all the liberties that this country provides for all of US.
I have been watching what is going on in the Middle East and how they want what we have had since the beginning of our country. DEMOCRACY! How great were our fore fathers that they could put down on paper back in 1776 an unique idea that would make this country the greatest on the face of the earth.
I am so glad that I don't have to demonstrate for freedoms that we have, but I love the fact that I can demonstrate without threat to my life or to the lives of my loved ones.
I am also so very proud of all of the men and women that serve in our armed forces. I feel safe in my home knowing that they are out there protecting US day and night.
I love this country and all that it stands for. In John Wayne's words: "You ask me why I love Her? Well give me time, I'll explain. Have you seen a Kansas sunset or an Arizona rain? Have you drifted down a byute down Louisiana way or watch the cold fog drifting over San Francisco Bay? Have you heard a bobwhite calling in the Carolina pines or heard the bellow of a diesel in the Appalachian mines? Does the call of the Niagara thrill you when you hear her waters roar, look with awe and wonder at Her Massachusettes' shore where men who braved a hard new world to step on Plymouth Rock? Do you think of them when you stroll along a New York City dock? Have you seen a snowflake drifting in the Rockies way up high, have you seen the sun come blazing down on a bright Nevada sky? Have you hailed to the Columbia as She rushes to the sea, or how you headed to Gettysburg in our struggle to be free? Have you seen the mighty Tetons or watched an eagle soar, have you seen the Mississippi roll along the Missouri shore? Have you felt a chill in Michigan when on a winter's day the waters rage along the shore in a thunderous display? Does the word Aloha make you warm and stare in disbelief when you see the surf come thundering in on the reef? From Alaska's cold to the Everglades, from the Rio Grande to Maine, my heart cries out, my pulse runs fast with the might of her domain. You ask me why I love Her? I've a million reasons why. My Beautiful America, beneath God's wide, wide sky."
God Bless the U.S.A.

Computers

I sometimes think that computers try to tick us off. I got my laptop two years ago this coming May. Last June I had to get a new cord for it because the other one wouldn't charge my battery and wouldn't turn on the computer. It cost me sixty dollars.
Now my battery is going out on my laptop. I am sure that it won't be cheap for me to get a new one, but what can I do? It is probably more expensive to buy a new computer and it is sort of hard to get anything done on our desktop. It is still on dial up.
It just makes me wonder what can go wrong for next year? My key board, or maybe the screen will stop working. Yes, you got it, I am ticked off!

Jim Brickman

I was privileged to be able to attend another of Jim Brickman's concerts the other night. He is such a wonderful performer. I could sit and hear him play the piano for decades and not tire of his music.
My fantastic sister and my niece took me to the concert. It was my niece's first Jim Brickman concert, but my sister and I have been to many, many of his performances. We often travel out of state to attend.
Usually his concerts have been at Christmas time and we were a little worried about the difference in the music at this one, but he plays everything beautifully.
If you haven't heard of him, he is from Cleveland, Ohio originally and he travels with different artist, but it is usually Tracy Silverman on his electric violin and Ann Cochran singing. He has performed with many great stars, including Donny Osmond, which by the way was a fantastic concert. He has many great songs including The Gift, The Simple Things, and Rainbow Connection (Kermit the Frog).
If you can't get to a concert, try one of his many CD's or go online to JimBrickman.com and just check out his music. You won't be sorry that you did.

Family

My family is the best! They are always there for each other and in these times it is great to know that you have someone in your corner.
Yesterday was a long day for me, starting out in the dentist's chair for over two hours is not my idea way to begin any day but especially not Valentine's Day.
After this ordeal was over, I got the opportunity to spend some quality time with my mom. She is 85 and there are days when I can see sure signs of her slipping away from us. I am thrilled with each hour that I can spend with her. I do hear the same stories over and over but I laugh like it is the first time because hearing her laugh is one of my favorite things.
Later in the afternoon I had the privilege to watch two of my grandsons have their swim lesson. I was watching the three boys while their mom had a doctor's appointment. I left the one year old in the day care and everytime I went in to check on him, he would run up and hug my legs like it was the first time he had seen me in years. The two swimming would almost drown trying to wave to me or to give the thumbs up. It was too precious for words.
After getting them back to their house and doing homework, I put a movie on for the older ones, tucked the little one in bed, and left them in the hands of the babysitter who had come to relieve me.
Having a hour drive ahead of me, I started thinking about stopping at a fast food place for something for my husband and I for our supper. I wasn't going to get home until after nine so I didn't want anything to heavy. My cell phone rang and it was my son asking me to drop by his home on my way because he had fixed our meal. I am so glad that I taught my sons to cook. He had meatballs with his own homemade secret sauce and twice baked potatoes. What a treat and what a sweet son!
Life is good and I can't wait to see what today has in store.

Valentine's Day

Did your sweetheart remember you on Valentine's Day? Mine did! He got me flowers, a card, and some new baking dishes. Baking dishes, you ask? Yes, my husband thinks economically not sentimentally. And that is fine by me.
First of all, I am glad that he didn't get me chocolate because of my "more or less" year and it might have been hard not to eat "more".
And I am also glad that he didn't get me jewelry because I am wearing the pieces that I love the most and it might be hard not to wear something that he would give to me.
The flowers were just enough mush to get him through another year. At least until my birthday and then I would like the kind that can be planted instead of some that will have to be thrown away in a few days.
And for the first time in my life, I now have a glass bread pan. The other parts of the gift pack are good, but I have some of them. I am looking forward to making some bread!
I hope you all had a great day, even if you didn't wear read or have someone tell you how much they love you. I love you and that might just be enough for anyone. Have a great night, America!

The Wind

The wind is blowing fast and hard. It makes a lonesome sound.
I wonder when it blows like this, is anyone else around?
Am I alone upon the earth, does someone hear my cry?
Will I be safe here tonight under this dark, dark sky?
But as the trees shake and quiver with the wind creating a song,
I know that He is with me and will always right the wrong.

The sleepover!

The other night my daughter-in-law and her family were staying at our home overnight and my son and his family stopped by.
At 8:00 my daughter-in-law told her three boys that it was bed time. Their ages are six, four, and one year.
They got their pajamas on, brushed their teeth, said their prayers, and had a story read to them. My son's daughter, who is two, told her mom that she wanted to go night-night. So, up to bed she went with the boys. Her brother, not to be undone, wanted to go also. He is only two.
The little girl got into bed between the two older cousins. The two littlest boys shared a crib.
After they had gone to sleep we snuck up and took some pictures. I think they will become some of my favorite ones. I can't wait for the next sleepover.

Book Fairs

How much fun are book fairs? When I was in school, I loved to go to them and see all the beautiful covers with all of the bright colors. Every book looked more intriguing than the one before. I wanted everyone that I saw. But it was hard for mom to come up with the extra money, they cost all of fity cents up to two dollars. So I had to be careful that I got the one that I really wanted.
My sister was just a year older than me so we would pick out books that would interest both of us and that way we got twice the books. We started reading A One of a Kind Family series and The Box Car Children series. We would read and reread them until the covers almost fell off. We were in heaven every single night and anytime there were days that we HAD to stay inside.
Tonight my grandson experienced his first book fair. The prices have gone up slightly, now they are anywhere from four dollars to eight. He was just as excited as I had been those long years ago. He too was having a very hard time picking out just one book. He ended up picking out one for himself and one each for his younger brothers and sister. How sweet is that?

The Cardinal is never wrong!

I am a big lover of birds. I don't even mind the occasional sparrow. But wild birds are my very favorite.
We put bird feed out all year round. My husband is forever looking for the best sunflower seed that he can find. Me personally, I just go get wild bird feed and let it go at that. He doesn't like it when I do though, so normally this is one of his jobs.
The thing about wild birds is they always let you know when a storm is coming. They are better at predicting the forecast than the area weathermen. Everytime before a big storm, somewhere within forty-eight hours, the wild birds, especially the cardinals, will come up to the feeder and stock up on seeds. Just like we hear there is a storm coming and run to the store to get plenty of junk food and staples to make it through whatever.
The birds have never let me down. I can get to the store long before everyone else and be back safe in my home watching for what is going to happen in the skies. So put out some bird feed and watch for your own little weather birds!

Sleep

What a wonderful thing sleep can be, that is if you get enough of it. I love to sleep at night and when I have a bad night, it shows the next day.
It's very unsettling when people tell you that you look tired. That is something that you don't have to hear because you already know it and it doesn't help to know that someone can see it also.
I am also one that doesn't like to get up in the night. My husband on the other hand can get up several times at night and then fall right back to sleep. If I get up, I might as well stay up because I am done sleeping for the night.
My husband also can fall asleep while sitting in a chair watching TV. There is no way that I am going to take him to a movie because I pay $10 for him to get a nap.
Speaking of naps, why do children fight them and adults fight not to take one? Maybe if we just switch places at those times, let the children run the offices and we curl up on a nap mat, things might be different. I am sure they would be, there wouldn't be much of a world left. Most of the children wouldn't even know how to answer a phone let alone run a machine. I guess we better just get more sleep at night and enjoy those cat naps when we can fit one in.

Super Bowl Sunday

What a greatday! Went to church with our daughter-in-law and her children and then ended up at Buffalow Wild Wings for lunch. They were having forty cent wings and there wasn't anyone in the place. It was a great time to be there.
When we got home, part of the rest of the family were already here ready to party out in the party barn. The others soon showed up. We had frozen pizzas and lost of appitizers. Everyone pitched in to help get the food ready.
We had a great time watching the ball game and the commercials. They seemed a lot better this year. We also had the grandchildren playing foose ball and other toys. A couple of the daughter-in-laws worked on a jigsaw puzzle.
The game ended as we had hoped, since all of us were cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Most of the little ones didn't make it to the end of the game, but that was okay because we got a lot of goodnight kisses.
The sad part of the whole evening is that it is a long time until football is on our TV sets again. But if the next couple of months fly by as quickly as the first two have, we will just be turning around and it will be fall and time for those games to start again.

Day Three!

Today was a day to play outside. Snow forts were built and lots of sledding down the hill.
The pond was cleared off and my grandson caught a fish. Maybe some ice skating tonight or tomorrow night.
Right now, while supper is in the final stages of cooking, we are sitting around the table playing cards and working on computers. A lot of talking is going on about various topics and we are just enjoying being in out of the cold.
My daughters-in-law and myself did another workout and plan on doing so the rest of the weekend. We would like to continue our support group and try to get in shape together. We want to get my other daughter-in-law to join us.
All-in-all, it has been a fun filled three days. It makes me want to pray for another blizzard soon.

Update on the Blizzard of 2011!

Well, we have been snowed in for two days and are loving each minute. We have done crafts, played games, and eaten a lot of junk food. Actually, I have done very well with my less and more concept for the year and have stayed away from the junk.
My two daughter-in-laws and myself did a workout today and will probably do it again tomorrow because we just found out that my one daughter-in-law has been called off again. Yea! Another day!
The boys went outside to play, including my son who had a great time digging out the driveway with his front loader.
All-in-all I am hoping that this stays around until the weekend so we can keep the party going. If you are in the neighborhood, stop in for a cup of hot chocolate and some fun.













1

The blizzard of 2011!

I saw a satellite view of the United States. The current storm/blizzard is covering from Texas to Maine. Some places are getting snow, others ice and a combination.
Yesterday stores were packed with shoppers stocking up on bread, milk, eggs and junk food to keep the kids quiet for awhile. Today schools are closed and those kids who have already gone through all the sugar coated stuff are out burning off the extra energy by sliding down snow banks.
I am cleaning my house and baby proofing it because my daughter-in-law is coming over with her four. They have a lot of ice and she is afraid that the electricity will go off. If I were her I would want help trying to keep the four entertained. I am sure my son that lives down the road will come help keep the boys busy with snowmobile rides and snowball fights.
So if you are at home today, have fun! If you are at work, be careful when you drive. But just remember that we are not in this alone. There are a lot of people in the area of "The Blizzard of 2011!"

Safe Drivers

I recently was told that I am not a safe driver. There are things in this world that I might be, but an unsafe driver is not one of them. And I get very upset when someone says something negative about me.
I go the speed limit always, in fact on highways that are posted 70 miles per hour - I can't go over 65. I do not talk on my cell phone while I am driving, I do not text (ever), I do not eat, change clothes, or even write letters!
My children have always teased me because I do not look at the other drivers when I am coming toward them and have often missed the fact that I have just passed one of them.
I have never gotten a ticket and the only accident that I was responsible for was when I was pulled into a pole by a giant snow drift.
So to the "gentleman" who made a comment about my driving, you do not need to ride in my car! If you need to get somewhere - call a taxi!

Sundays

What would we do without this wonderful day? I realize that some people still have to work, but I am sure that they get a Sunday off every once in awhile and then they also can say, "What a wonderful day!"
It is great to get up and go to church and thank Him for the week that he has just given to us, for our good health to be able to get out and go, and for the opportunity to gather as one and sing at the top of your lungs.
It is a day when you can take your time over a nice breakfast and enjoy that second cup of coffee, or in my case tea. To talk with your loved ones while having homemade pancakes, eggs and bacon, or a big bowl of oatmeal.
To be able to just do whatever you want, to go visit a loved one, go for a walk, or just stay in on a cold winter's day and enjoy a book or a movie.
The hours seem to fly by, not like those endless days while you are at work wishing the hands on the clock to hurry up so you can go home. But even when they are flying by, it is okay because it is Sunday and we are enjoying the day and life.
So, at the end of another Sunday, I hope you have gotten rested up for the start of a new week. Embrace each challenge that comes your way in the days to come because it is only six more days until Sunday.

The eyes have it!

Have you ever looked at someone's eyes and been able to see their soul? I have a knack of being able to do this.
A child's eyes are full of innocence and wonder. I always hate to see this change. It is wonderful to believe that they can stay like that forever.
But the world steps in and brings new sight into those eyes. Hopefully when you look at them you will always see love. It is the one wonder that should never leave anyone. But it doesn't always work that way.
I have looked into someone's eyes and have seen hatred. It is not a pretty sight and what I feel most for that person is pity. No matter what you do, the soul shows the dark side. All you can do for that person is pray that they will someday find peace.
I never want someone ever to look at me and see that darkness. I love life and do enjoy every aspect of being here. I hope if someone ever sees into my soul that they will see light and happiness because that is what I try to live each day with.

Ground Hog Day

One of the craziest days of the year, Ground Hog Day, and it is growing in popularity every year. If the ground hog sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter, if he doesn't see it, six weeks until spring. Does this make sense to anyone? And yet the media cover it like it was a dignitary coming to the United States. I guess we all need some silliness in our lives.

Alone Time

Today on the radio they asked the question, "What is the one thing that people say makes them happiest?" The answer was, alone time. Now I have to admit that I do like some time alone, but to go as far as to say it makes me the happiest, I would have to say that it makes me wonder what people are thinking. In fact there are times when it is down right lonely when you are having too much alone time.
And there are so many other things in life that can make you happy. The kiss and hug from a loved one, a dandelion picked and presented to you from a child, a beautiful sunrise or sunset, or just taking a walk and enjoying nature with someone. There are always fireworks or fireflies, butterflies or fresh buttered rolls, or just watching a good old fasioned movie.
There are just too many things in life to pick one that will make YOU the happiest.

Wisdom

God has installed in all of us certain wisdoms. Such as; the wisdom to lie down when we are tired, to eat something when we are hungry, or to drink when we are thirsty.
Unfortunately sometimes we don't use the gift as God intended. You would think when someone is so sick that they can't stand up that they would go to the doctor. That when they can't eat because they are afraid of seeing the food again that they would go to the doctor. Or that when they are to weak to drink that they should go to the doctor. But no! It is much easier to stay at home and wish themselves healthy or think that they can "ride it out" and everything will be better "tomorrow".
My mother-in-law is now in the hospital because things just couldn't run well at home if she admitted to being sick. Now she knows that they can and will be just fine because she isn't there anyway. Maybe next time she will go to the doctor to avoid going to the hospital.

New Traditions

I believe in traditions. Our family has a whole slue of them for each holiday or special occasion for when we get together.
I also have some traditions that I do on my own for just myself. Some of these others might consider to be just superstitions. But regardless, I do love tradition.
Yesterday I started a new tradition. Every year I send out the same Christmas cards to the same people. Every year I have been getting fewer and fewer cards back. So I started to think to myself that maybe people just weren't into the Christmas card thing anymore.
I have been putting off doing anything with my cards that I received this year because I was trying to come up with a way to only send cards to the ones that had sent them to me. Usually I write down the names of the people who have taken the time to write to me but I always end up loosing the list and send to everyone once again.
So, while I was home tending to a very bad cold yesterday, I started looking at the pile of cards. I got out my Christmas cards that I had bought for this coming Christmas and started writing out my cards. I am pleased to report that I have about 2/3 of my cards done and will probably finish up this week. I am then going to put them on top of my decorations for next year and be ready to mail them next December. The ones that I normally write letters in, I didn't seal up and will stick a letter in them when the time comes. But otherwise, they are signed, addressed, have return addresses, and are waiting for the stamps. If anyone moves, I will just use white out. I feel so liberated.

Slipping and Sliding Away!

It is that time of year when not only cars on the road, but people walking, are slip slidiing away. They have been showing on TV different streets and roads that have caused many accidents because of the icy roads. The other day they showed a street that had to be closed down because of the fact that any car entering ended up sliding down the hill and piling up with either other cars or the light poles. It was sort of entertaining watching the different accidents, none of which were serious.
The other morning, one of our local interstates had to be closed down because there were too many accidents. They couldn't get to all of them and the accidents were causing accidents.
But, unfortunately it is also treacherous to walk on such icy conditions also. My sister fell on the ice and broke her leg. I fell yesterday on my Mom's ramp, but thankfully I didn't get hurt.
My cousin wrote to me on Facebook and shared her fall with me. She was opening the side, sliding door on her van. Her foot slipped on her ice covered driveway and it carried her under the van. She said that it was like being in slow motion because she held onto the door handle. She had a hard time getting back up since it was so icy. She ended up making a snow angel before it was all said and done.
I know that I worry about trying to get my mom in and out of the house when it is like this. I sure don't want to have her end up with a broken bone or two.
So on this Friday afternoon, with cold temperatures setting in and more snow on the horizon, be sure to take your time, not only driving but in walking, and have a safe and enjoyable few days.

Baking

I love to bake! It doesn't matter what it is, cakes, cookies, bread, whatever, I love to bake. The only problem is that what you bake is not anything that can be good for you.
I have been trying to loose weight and did not realize until lately that I have cut way down on my baking. I use to make cookies every week and when I made them the other day, my husband said, "I didn't know that you still knew how to make these."
By my trying to loose weight and not eating baked goods, I have been taking this pleasure away from him. I am going to have to try to find a way for him to have his goodies without tempting me to join in. I am not good at being strong on things such as this.
If you have any ideas, please let me know. I am open to any and all suggestions.

Girl Scout Cookie Time

One of the most dreaded times of the year, Girl Scout Cookie time. Not because I don't want to buy any, because I don't need to eat any! They have way too many different kinds to pick from and they seem to add a new and better cookie each year. This year's new one is called Shout Out. Of course we will have to try them. The good news is that I have learned to freeze them and use them in my husband's lunch when I don't have time to make any desserts. But I am sure that I will have to at least sample a few.
The good thing about the cookie sales for the Girl Scouts and the popcorn sales for the Boy Scouts is that it helps to build character in our youth of America. The ones that ask me to buy from them have such pride in themselves for the job they are doing and are always appreciative of any support that we as a community can give.
So when those little ones come around, call, or you see them in front of stores selling their cookies and in the fall popcorn, take the time to buy some. It means more than you can imagine.

Weekend!

When the end of the week finally comes, we all feel like celebrating because the weekend is here. It is just two days, except on weekends such as this one that we get that extra day, but it is like a mini vacation that we get fifty two times a year.
But it seems like those couple of days fly by because we try to pack so much into just forty eight hours. It is the perfect time to get with family and friends and it is also a great time to thank God for the wonderful things that He has provided for us each and every day!
So, on this extended holiday weekend, I am wishing you each a happy and safe mini vacation!

The blue spruce

In our front yard is a big, beautiful blue spruce. It looks so majestic, especially with the winter snow lying in its branches. The tree stands well over fifteen feet, maybe even closer to twenty. But when it started out, it was only a foot tall.
The first five years that it was in our front yard, it didn't grow. In fact, there were times that I didn't know why we didn't just pull the thing up and plant something that would look better. But, I gave that little bush the benifit of the doubt and just kept talking and loving it. And now I am getting repaid with the grandest of evergreens, standing straight and tall, streching toward the heavens to show off its splendor. I am a tree lover and do not like to see any cut down. I have had many trees that have been very special to me through the years, the chopped down tree (which was actually struck by lightening) and the mighty oak that has its branches come clear down to the ground to let my children play in them. But there will always be a special place in my heart for my beautiful blue spruce.

A "More or Less" update!

I am finding that this concept is very liberating. I am having the best time getting rid of things that I thought I could just not live without. It is surprising how much junk you can collect.
This isn't just material things such as too much Tupperware or too many clothes, I also have way too much in my pantry and freezers. We are eating what we have here and not getting anything but milk, bread, and things that we have to have. I am becoming very creative on making meals.
As for more exercising and less snacking, that too is a big hit. I feel like jumping around the room all the time because I feel so much better. I also think that it is making me look better, but that is probably just in my mind. (That too I can use "more" and not "less"! Keep those brain cells working!)

Two post in one day ~ How lucky can you get?

I got this following post on my e-mails and wanted to share with you. It brought back many memories of my grandma and my mom. I hope it brings a smile to you!

The History of 'APRONS'

I don't think our kids know what an apron is. The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few. It was also because it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and aprons used less material. But along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for drying children's tears, wiping drippy noses, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven. When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold Grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.
Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds. When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men folk knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.
Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw. They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron. I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron - but love...

Calling Leo!!!

Leo has given out my cell phone number. "Leo who?" you ask. I too would like to know who Leo is. All of his creditors are calling me asking to speak to Leo. I think I would like to speak to him and give him a piece of my mind. In the last two days I have gotten over a dozen calls for him and they are from all different places. Every single time that I have gotten a call, I explain to them that there is no Leo here, nor do I know a Leo. I then ask them to please remove my number from their list as Leo is using my minutes by having these places call me, not to mention I am not enjoying talking to creditors. I will keep you informed if and when I find out who Leo is. He better pray that I never run into him in person.

John Wayne

What an American Hero he was. This weekend I have been watching part of a John Wayne Marathon. Although I have seen each movie over a dozen times each, I love to see them all over and over. Right now I am watching Red River, yesterday it was True Grit and Rio Lobo, and Saturday was Mclintock. What an amazing group of movies.
I know that he wasn't the best looking of movie stars, but he had this presence about him that made his movies that much better.
But the one thing about him that I loved the most was his pride and respect of America. He was one of my first experiences of hearing such love for our country. I had learned about the United States in history classes at school, but he added so much more when he was talking about it. He would make me want to stand taller and want to wave the flag more.
When I think of him, I do think of his movies but I also see our nation's colors waving and know that he is one of the many reasons why this country is as grand as it can be.

Gratitude

We sometimes have a hard time expressing our gratitude to others when they do something special for us. My daughter-in-law is a great example of this. She is on her own while my son is serving overseas. They have four small children and she is trying her best to keep life at home as normal as possible.
People in her community want to help. They have cooked meals for them and tried to help with various chores that she might have. She does not know how to accept their kindness or how to tell them that she might not need as much as they are willing to give. She doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but she also doesn't want to become dependant on others on things that she could possibly handle on her own.
Now my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, who lost their home to fire Wednesday, are running into the same problems. They do need help and are very grateful to all that have come along to show their support at this difficult time. But they also want to have time to collect their thoughts and figure out just what they need and when they might need it. It is wonderful how people pull together to help someone and I would not want to ever dampen anyone's generousity. Just sometimes it might be better to take a step back and maybe help down the road when the dust has settled and a person would have the chance to figure out just what needs to be done.
I am glad that I live in a community that will pull together for the downtrodden and the weary. I love the fact that when disaster happens, we become one big family.

OH! What a day!

I stayed up way to late Tuesday night watching the Sugar Bowl game. I love College football and am going to be sad when the last bowl game of 2011 is played next Monday night. But Tuesday's game was great and I enjoyed every minute.
I remember turning out the light at 1:23 because I thought that was funny. Next thing I know it is 2:17 and the phone is ringing. It was my husband's brother and he was telling me that their house was on fire.
Of course we jumped up, got ready, and went to their home. We were there by 2:30 and found the house totally on fire. My sister-in-law was sitting in the EMS with the dog, so I went in to be with her. My husband went to be with his brother. Thank goodness everyone was okay.
We finally left the fire by 5:30, the firemen had it out, and we wanted to give the family time to collect their thoughts and comfort each other.
At day break, my husband and youngest son were on their way back over, and I followed a half hour later. We worked along side neighbors and church members trying to pull whatever we could from the rubble, hoping to find some of the life that had been put into the home. The house itself was a total loss, but we were able to find some treasures and hoped to give the family some of their memories back.
We finished up at dark, went to eat supper at one of the church member's homes, took some supplies to the Inn that my brother-in-law and family were going to stay, took another trip to storage, and headed for home and a much needed shower.
Now you would think that this had to be the end to a very busy day as it was now 8:30, but NO we got stop by a patrol car who thought that we were selling drugs. I know that we didn't look the best, and as for the smell - well maybe that is where the drugs came into view, but I can't think that the guy actually thought that my husband and I were drug dealers. It still makes me laugh! I am sure that the officer was more than ready to let us get on our way.
I do have to say that the shower that I took when I got home was one of the best that anyone has taken anywhere at anytime.
I am truly thankful for the safety of my extended family and know that it won't be long until they are in their new home. My brother-in-law doesn't know what woke him up, but we are pretty sure that it was God and thank Him for this miracle.
And although I am tired, I only have four more college football games until next fall. Guess who will be up watching the Go Big Daddy bowl game tonight?

Children!

I love children! They are so innocent and have such a wonderful outlook on life. They tell you just the way that it is!
Yesterday I was going by an Ammish home and there was a little girl out at the pump trying to get water. She was about four years old. She would pump the handle and then run around to the front of the pump and hold her bucket under the water. The only problem was that she was holding the little red bucket by the lip and it was upside down. Everytime that the water hit the bottom of the bucket, it would splash up and hit her in the face. She would then run back to the handle again.
I laughed so hard that I had to slow down the car.
By the way, the more or less year is coming along fine. I have come up with a couple of other things to do, but I am going to take it slow so I don't have to go back on any of them. I will keep you informed.
Have a great day!

Trash

As I was driving to my mother's home today, I noticed on the side of the road in several different spots that someone had seen fit to throw out trash. There were beer and soda cans, fast food wrappers, and even what looked like a soiled baby diaper. Also a long side of the road were dead carcusses of what looked like family pets.
It just makes me wonder what kind of person would just throw things like this out the car window or who wouldn't notice that their family pet was lying dead out by the road. Where is the pride? Where is the concern for our environment?

Happy New Year!

I love New Year's Day! It is the very first day to a new beginning. There seems to be endless possibilities on many new adventures. I plan to take advantage of as many of these as I can.
Also today is a big day for college football and I am going to watch as many of them as can possibly be crammed into a twenty four hour stretch.
I am wishing everyone the greatest of new year's and may all of your resolutions work out for each of you. I am praying that 2011 is one of the best years.
Love and Peace to all!