2009 Boom or Bust

No final judgement on the year as of yet. There were high spots and low spots but I have made it thru. I know I have gone down hill this year. The one thing that hasn't lost it's sharpness is my tongue. I only hope the brain continues to kick in before my tongue or shortly after so I don't rant. It would be so wonderful if my kids would always do what I think is right. It would be wonderful if I always knew what is right.
I am me! I am a person that has been alone for many years and I don't always agree with other people's ideas. I, according to many, have a weird outlook on life but the life I have lived gave me that attitude. I try not to hurt anyone. I also appreciate all the help people give me.
I am more than willing to say good bye to 2009 and hello to 2010. There may be changes but don't expect too many from me. Hope I continue to hold my own.

Posting

I just deleted a post I had put up. It was a rant and I probably didn't sound too good. But don't we all get disgusted at the news lately? At this time of year it isn't easy to look at all the hate and bad things going on. This cold and the way it makes me feel doesn't help either.
I guess I need to pray more and have more hope in the new year and the power of God. There were no comments so I either shocked the reader or no one read what I posted.

Christmas Joys

Last week I received a fruit basket from a group from the public school. Apples,oranges,grapefruit and a loaf of fruit bread.
Tonight I had two families from church come over with their children and they sang carols and they gave me a loaf of bread. I am not sure how to spell the name of the bread-cardamen? They stayed on the porch and I could hear them thru the storm door. They didn't need to get my coughing on them. I had to walk away once to cough. It is so nice to see people that know how to celebrate Christmas. I am still fighting this cough and even my cat is getting upset with me because she gets all comfortable and then I start to cough and she takes off.
The weather is getting bad again and this time it is down by my kids. We may get some snow but they are getting a mess of things-snow,sleet,ice,freezing rain. My kids have to drive in this and I pray that they make it. I am so glad that none of them are coming to see me. I would be worrying all the time they came up and while they would be going home. 200 miles each way too too far.

Little Dab Failure

Yep, the little dab that I hoped would keep my cold down and no coughs didn't work. The coughs come up from somewhere and scratch my throat. What I had to get done is done and so I will be able to stay in and fight this cold. The good Lord let me get done the most important thing of getting the great grands gift cards mailed. This year I cut my gift giving down to remembering
my great grands. Merry Christmas anyway!!!

"A Little Dab Will Do You"

In the 40's there was a hair creme that used that line in their ads. I have found a new use for that line. I went to the dollar store and bought a jar of vapo-rub. I dislike putting it on my chest area or under my nose to get its fumes so here it is: I take a little dab of this on a small piece of tissue and set it on my bed side table in line with my head. It works and I get the fumes. I don't sleep facing the table but before I go to sleep or when I first wake up I get the value. The dab is potent for a day or two. It doesn't hurt bed side table and can be picked up and removed easily. With the furnace running as much as it does I may be doing this for quite awhile.

Last Few Days

It has been an interesting last few days. On friday I went up to Iron Mountain with my son.
Before we went he picked up my mail at the post office. It had been a week since it was last picked up. There was a letter from social security stating my benefits for the next year. I supposed they had to send it out even if it won't change, I felt like it was being rubbed in that there was no increase. I know there are a large number of people that have it worse than me but my human not thinking side took over. I went up did my laundry and then went and picked up my new glasses. Laundry cost had gone up and those glasses were more than I remember them being the last time I bought some a few years back. Showing my human side again.
Saturday we were going to pick up a couple of great grands and get some things to help with fixing windows. Plastic covering and foam insulation. After we picked up the two kids my son decided as long as we were so close to his house we would go there so I could see my great grands down there.
When we arrive my 6 year old great grand son met me with a big hug. I was able to hold and feed a bottle to my newest greatgrandson only 19 days old. What a joy. Then we had to go get the things for the house. I didn't really mind buying things for the house because it was cost effective. Before we left that morning my mail contained my property tax bill. Human Again!!!
I haven't ever missed a meal and I wish I could stop being so cost conscious. It might be my age and I can remember what things used to cost.
When we arrive home my son went to work fixing the windows. I don't know how he could have done all he did because I was so tired. Riding the miles made me tired and I didn't even have to drive.
Today before he left he did a few other things for me. He got my scoop out of my shed and checked my propane supply. I fixed a new recipe for lunch. The great grands like it but my son couldn't eat much of it because it had too much pepper in it. I followed the recipe but my son didn't have much lunch. I am glad he had a good breakfast. He still had to take great grands home.
Long post from one tired lady. I know I am blessed but once in a while I get soooo human about money. Have a great week.

Old Age or New Smarts

I'm not sure which it is but I have been inside my house and not gone anywhere since I pulled my car into my yard on Monday. That is something I was unable to do until lately. I had to go to the post office if no other place. I don't have the desire to go out in the cold and I am content. My son is coming tomorrow and he is taking me up to get my new glasses and do laundry. The laundry is really stacking up and it has to be done. Glasses and laundry are in stores in the same block. This is so different than I was before. I would go for a ride just to go.
What do you think? Old age or New Smarts.

Wisconsin State Is Closed

Would you believe it. The state is closed-all state offices-all the state run universities-Workers at these places don't have to come in unless they are emergency workers. I can't remember a time when everything in the state was shut down. It is white and quiet!:(
I am sitting in my house watching the snow and wind. :) I have a pot of chili and crackers to eat on this day. Stay safe and don't go anywhere.

Perk of Retirement

Tonight I will see one of the best perks of retirement. There is a blizzard coming and since I am retired I don't have to go out in it. It has been a long time since we have had a blizzard warning. We have had snow storm but blizzard not too often. "White Outs" are not fun when driving. Driving thru an area of flat fields with high winds is not fun. When I worked I did this and many nights it was God's goodness to me that I made it home. Some nights I didn't make it home because no one could come in to take my place. I have walked a half mile in foot high snow when I was much younger and I was totally soaked. When I got home I couldn't open my door so I went to a neighbor's house to warm up and then went to open my door. So you see I know of what I speak. Beautiful snow covered trees and houses look nice but that doesn't last long.
I hope everyone that is driving tonight and tomorrow are driving slow and stay safe. Last winter my son was in an accident on an icy road.

Winter

I want to thank my DIL for my new look. It is fitting because when it gets cold and snowing what is better than a cup of hot chocolate. Coffee and tea just doesn't have the comfort. There is snow coming but I don't think we will really have to worry where I am until Wednesday.
People around here have started decorating for Christmas. I don't do anything outside like my neighbors. My little fiber optic tree will be down soon. I have a plush snowman and a winter bear I need to put out. My only problem is will the cat I live with allow me to put the bears out. I have a ceramic manger scene and an angel that matches it. I have another manger scene with a barn and animals with Mary and Joseph and the Baby. Plus two trees that are about a foot high to put in the windows. I am not sure I will put them all out.
Do you have alot of decorations or special memories of Christmas. One of mine is when we had a candle light service and during the service smoke was pouring out around the organ as the pastor's daughter was playing a violin solo. The church had a fire in the basement.

Thanksgiving Day 9

I am thankful for a few things today. My granddaughter and her baby are going home tomorrow. A friend reminded me about being thankful and praying for the service men and women and their families left at home. Her son is over seas fighting. I talked to my sister today. One of her sons is doing Thanksgiving and Christmas at his home. Another one of her sons came to visit her for a few days.
Now can you believe how the stores have gone crazy. Black Friday ads are really getting nuts. Stores used to open around 6am.
Now some stores are opening as early as 3 am. I have never been caught up in the going shopping the day after Thanksgiving.
I am sure that the stores are doing everything they can to get shoppers into their stores but at 3 in the morning LOL.
Nine days I could find something to be thankful for without too much trouble. I have been blessed by God and I know it.

Thanksgiving Day 8

Today I am thankful for Calvin at 7pounds9 oz. He was born at 3:59pm another great grand. Also thankful to John for a gift I wasn't able to accept. Even when things are not exactly the way you want them to be there is still always something to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving Day 7

My sister called me today. She has a new pacemaker and is doing good. She is home and feeling better. She sent me messages but my computer didn't get them. Boy am I thankful now!

Thanksgiving Day 6

We all live our lives with certain sayings that help to rule our thinking. One of mine is - No News Is Good News. So needless to say that has help today as I wait for news about my sister. It isn't easy sitting waiting but she hasn't got it easy either. I am thankful for that saying. My son called me this afternoon and told me that he took his 2 year old granddaughter to see the Sesame Street show that was in Green Bay. She loved it and sat through it . When he put her on the phone she was happy and we both mentioned Elmo and Big Bird. I liked that call. I am thankful for that also.

Thanksgiving Day 5

Today I am worried about my sister Betty. She went to the doctor yesterday for a heart problem and trouble with her pace maker.
She was put in the hospital and her DIL told me today that her husband told her they were going to fix the problem. Its amazing what they can do now and I am praying that God gives the docs sure hands and knowledge.
I am thankful for being taken out for breakfast this morning and having good conversation with a good friend. I have known this lady for quite awhile. I met her when my boys were little. Isn't it amazing how God gives a chance to enjoy something even when you are worried.

Thanksgiving Day 4

Sometimes when you try a new recipe you make mistakes. Thats what I did making two loves of pumpkin bread today. I left out a half cup of oil. But it turned out okay. So I am thankful for that. I have a loaf for the freezer and a loaf to eat. I have had a couple of slices and it was good and it looked good also. So you see God even helps when we make mistakes.

Thanksgiving Day 3

I am thankful for my home. I have had this home for 33 years . There is something about knowing you have a place to lay your head down. A place you can hide when things are not going like you want them to. I moved into this home with school boys who are now grown. Now the children in the house are my great grandchildren who visit me. This house is my sanctuary. We all need a place- this one is mine.

God and Me

If you are wondering why I didn't thank God first it is because I have seen too many people thank God for this award and that award and still live questionable lives. Some sound so unreal and done for show. I know if it wasn't for God in my life I wouldn't be around. My relationship with God is not for show or for blogging. Joyce

Thanksgiving Day 2

I am thankful for friends far and near. They make a day go better with calls, e mails and comments on this blog.
Family and friends are two things that most people can be thankful for. It is so easy not to be thankful and to expect them to be around. I am blessed with them and by them.
What will Day 3 bring?

Thanksgiving

Starting today I am going to post something I am thankful for and plan to do this until Thanksgiving Day. It's a simple task and doesn't take too much thinking to do.
I am thankful for my family; the good things and the bad things. It isn't perfect by no means and they give pause to think but they are my family and I love them.