Gray Hair

When my eldest son visited I was amazed at the man that left the car. He had a gray beard and gray hair. It is amazing how they grow old when you don't see them for awhile. I talk to him very often on the phone but it has been at least a year since I have seen him. If I am remembering correctly. Another son was up the end of March. My other long distance son I haven't seen for over a year and then it was very brief. The last son I see almost each week. He doesn't seem to change. I hope it never gets so bad that I don't recognize my own children.

Entitled?

In my last post I made the mistake of saying I because of my age, was entitled to my opinions.
This weekend I had a couple of generations of my family visit and I could not believe what they feel they are entitled to. Are they wrong or is this how the world is going? I don't know.

Independence Day

That's what we call this day but I question how independent we really are. Our beliefs,our government, our health and our finances all dictate what we do.
At my age I find myself questioning many things and I have opinions that not everybody agrees with. I figure I have lived long enough that I am entitled to them and I listen to others but it is hard to change my mind.

Spirit Lifters

It is amazing how your spirits can be lifted by a visit. Regardless if you hurt or are blue it can all change for awhile. I had company this afternoon. My lawn was cut by my son and my ggd was full of energy and personality. That little girl can be so cute but she knows how to get her way. It was a nice visit and I spent time with my son's friend. It was a good part of the day.

RIP

A good man lost his fight against Cancer on Friday. He was my youngest boys principal and a good friend to my family. His family consists of a wife,three girls and one son. I am not sure how many grand children. I pray that God's peace will help them all at this time.
ENJOY HEAVEN RANDY!

Nothing Special

The weather was pretty bad with flooding and tornadoes last night. May get more of the same tonight and tomorrow but not right around here. It was windy for some time this afternoon and the umbrella for the table took off again. I had to move table and umbrella to more of a sheltered place. I thought the base would keep it in the table.
Today I asked my neighbor to lift up the hood of my car because I couldn't do it. :( He opened it without a problem and put in some brake fluid for me.
It is hot here but not as bad as Texas where my sister lives. She had 101 and 103 degrees. YUK
Have not been feeling as good as I would like but hopefully things will get better.

Outside

My table,my umbrella and my chair are outside now. I sat outside for quite awhile. Had coffee and relaxed working in my puzzle book. It is so refreshing to sit outside. There is value in just sitting and enjoying the peace around here.

No Rain Yea!

It rained during the night and they said it would this afternoon BUT it didn't. It is south of us and later may move up and get us again. Went up to iron mountain with Bob and picked up more pills from the doctor's office. I only hope they work. I also bought an umbrella stand so I can put out the umbrella and it will stay. No more flying in the wind. I love being able to sit outside and have coffee. It has been a nice day. While looking around in a store I saw two girls I worked with over 15 years ago. We had a nice chat. When you work where we worked there are memories not all good but easily remembered.
Gosh it sure feels good not to be in a down mood.

Trying Times & Other Things

I have been trying to change something on the blog comments and it hasn't worked so far. I just tried again and hope it will happen.
I cut my front lawn and didn't do side or back yard and then walked to post office. My legs had little or no strength but I made it. (Oh for the days when I could get things done)

Oh, have any of you that take pills looked at where they came from? I did that a few days ago and was surprised. I have one pill that comes from Belgium. I have another one that comes from Jerusalem, Israel.

The sun is out today!!! No more days this week are to be sunny. Like my kids taught me to say-WHATEVER.

Rain And Its Side Effects

This rainy period is getting to me;changing my attitude and putting a grey tone to it. Things that bother me are growing in importance and that should not be. The fact that I have to double up on a pill and that I can pull some dead skin off my burnt thumb should not be important. Hopefully the sun is to shine for awhile tomorrow and I can get back to where I should be.
My life is too blessed to be in this stinky mood and my blood pressure can go lower.

Week End Company

On saturday I had a brief visit from my son Bob and three of his grand children. He brought up Calvin who is only six months old. He looks like he is a year old. He is large. I was surprised at his size and weight. We didn't go or do anything but enjoy.
Today I did my laundry and thats it. Some days you just don't want to do much. I still have to make my bed and put laundry away.

Redundancy or Lack Of Communication

I agree a census is a vital tool for planning and programing but it should not be a way to get a lot of people doing the same thing and no one talking to the other one.
Someone came to my house and I filled out the form. I also gave info on a empty house next door.
Days later I was called on the phone to verify the info given.
Now this morning there is a knock on my door and census worker wants to verify this house is occupied. That was all. Didn't the filled out form and the phone call let them know I was here and the house was occupied?

Blame this on Mago

This ten questions blog is something Mago asked me to do.
Do you believe in ghosts? NO after death your spirit goes and all that is left is a shell.

Are you content with your life? For the most part YES. It keeps you happier if your content.

Have you ever been at or close to point blank? Yes sitting next to ex that had a loaded 45 to the back of his head. Man holding gun was screamed at by his wife and he turned the gun and pulled trigger saying "It's not loaded." BUT it was and went off in car.

Is philosophy necessary? It helps

Do you live with books? A few

Have you ever been on stage? Over 60 years ago in youth group.

Do you regularly read a printed newspaper? Once a week and on line 6 days a week.

Are you afraid of the future? For the world yes for me no.

Do you know yourself? I do know myself and why I do things that other people can't understand.

Will you play on? Probably not. I have only one question I would like answered. What do you consider old?

Efforts- Good- Bad-and Finished

That is how my day went. I dug up the last stone I wanted out. It took about 5 or 6 tries to finish the job but it is done. Land needs to be leveled but there is time. The stones need to be moved but not in a rush to finish that job.
Do you ever use spray paint? Do you like it? What do you do when it doesn't spray like it should? I needed to paint my large milk can that decorates my front porch. So I put it in the driveway where I can paint just it (or so I thought). Found out quickly spray was not working right. Did I quit- not on your life. My hands were full of black paint so finish the job. It was just a little windy so now I have speckled legs and arms. Oh Joy! It's so much fun to be a klutz. The can is painted and now the job is to get into the house and getting the paint thinner.
I managed to do that and went outside to wash up with the thinner and a old rag. So glad its a holiday and no one is around to see me clean up. Got the paint off of me and then went back in to clean off the paint thinner.
You know thats not the way I wanted my day to go BUT I did the job-only hurting my pride.
So it was a beautiful day. Had time to remember the fallen and accomplish something.

Rewarded

Today I looked around my front yard and there it was-a beautiful solid white iris. Just one so far but more are coming. I worked on getting out another rock out. Another session and it will be out. Someone else could probably do it in a tenth of the time I spent so far but I am working a little while- then stop. I got out a flower box and a couple of pots to plant flowers in.

Undoing Rock Garden Is Hard Work.

Yesterday and today I worked at getting stones out of the ground in front of my porch. The big stones were hard to lift and were deep in ground. (Sometimes I wonder why I get these ideas)
My friend wanted the stones for her place. She got upset with me because of my new stitches,thought I might pop a few. When you pick up heavy load you just need to use good sense and pray. She also took me to buy top soil and humus. I got 2 bags each at 40 pounds apiece. They put them in her car but I had to get them unloaded. Another fun time. A large number of rocks had to be loaded back into her car. What i had to do was leave a few where they were.
4H is great but 2H heat and hard work can tire you out. I still have 4 bags sitting on my lawn and they can sit there for now.
These last few days have been great. I tried a new recipe for Rhubarb cake and it was sooo good. I love it when I cook something to share and it turns out well. Don't have too many chances for that to happen.
Have a blessed holiday!

Souvenirs?

I found three more stuck on my body today. Found one last night but the ones I found this morning were on my back. You can't be monitored without having all these things stuck to your body. They never take them all off before you leave. I also removed the pressure bandage this morning and am down to a small bandage and stitches. Now all I have to do is heal. Stitches will dissolve.
Just a little tired and I have no big plans for the day.
The first big holiday of summer coming up. I hope we will all remember the servicemen and woman that have served the country and unfortunately still are.

Good News

I am home no longer having a loop recorder in my chest. When it was done it went fine. The trouble was we went to the hospital for 7am. When we received the news that there was a meeting an we had to wait. Laying on a gurney for three hours hurts more than the procedure. Hooked up to a monitor so you are stuck. Nurses very good at putting in IV and all were very nice. But seeing the hospital is in another time zone we were up at 4:30 and their 7 is our 6am. No food or drink and nothing to do. My son at least had coffee in waiting room but that was all.
So I am feeling fine-don't hurt much at all; even riding 100 miles home.
So I am blessed.
Time on my computer is not right. It is about 2 hours slow on my posts.

Critters

Did any of you see the video of the president's press statement he made yesterday where he had a animal right under the podium. It was a combination of a mouse and mole. It was seen sitting quietly in front of the podium and then shown running on the porch. I guess there are a great number of these in DC but that one sure didn't respect the White House. It was on Good Morning America show this morning.
So I guess it is all over from my yard to the White House.

Unwanted Pet

Can't call it a pest because it is too little and too cute.(At least to me). This morning it was too sunny to sit and have coffee with my friend. No sunburn needed here. So we moved our coffee drinking to the shade in my backyard. Then I saw IT. Running checking us out then getting pieces of weeds and disappearing in tall grass behind us. Making multiple trips in front of us for pieces of weeds then run in back of us. But then IT changed it's route of travel going over to the side of the house. Red flag went up- could IT be doing what I thought? I watched a few more trips and then saw I was right. Every trip now IT came back with a mouth full of pink insulation. IT was going under the siding and some how getting to the insulation in the basement. IT must be padding the hole behind us with the insulation. Now you and I would not find comfort with insulation for padding but IT must. I put dryer sheets down where I thought IT was going on the side of my house. (Chemical Eviction Notice) I hope I am successful in this eviction.
IT is a cute little chipmonk and I don't want to hurt it.

Bad Day Outside- Inside Pretty Good

Cold grey damp- a good day to stay inside. What better time to do some more things in my house.
Took a tension pole and put it up in the closet so I could see what i had easier. Put it up and started to hang clothes on it. Working just fine i thought as I could place things i didn't wear too often on this new pole in the back. I didn't know when to stop I guess as the pole and all the clothes went down as I tried to hang a group of sweat shirts. Oh well, get the flashlight so I could see and pick up all the clothes and the pole. I will have to come up with another solution.
I then started to collect all the unused hangers, metal and plastic-need to find a place for them.

(Almost long for the day when I didn't have enough hangers)
I started to think about food. I need to do better healthier meals. So I made a good healthy sliced chicken sandwich for lunch. Now I thought of all kinds of food for supper but my first thoughts were not good healthy thoughts. So I fixed something that even surprised me. There has been this can of salmon in the back of my cupboard for a long time. I don't eat too much canned fish. Maybe once or twice a year. I checked for a recipe and made a salmon loaf.:o). It was good.
So you see it was a somewhat productive day. I like having days when I can say I accomplished something.

Amazing

Today I heard of the perfect person for my Spurgeon book. It is one of those things that has value to the right person. God gave me the information today and I gladly gave the book away.
I love it when I can give something to someone that would like it.

Today's Walk Down Memory Lane Via My Closet

I had gone through the clothes before but put off the floor and the shelves. But it is done and
I have gone from the 40's on up. Good things,bad things and strange things. I found a bag of paper back books mostly old romance books. I found a home medical reference book from 1940 and a book from 1896 by C.H. Spurgeon from Stockholm dealing with the Psalms. The only trouble with that book is -it is in Swedish. I could read the 23 Psalm because it is my favorite.
I found a box with squares of soft leather. (Don't have the slightest idea why) I for sure won't do any polishing with them. I found shoes (Woman"s Closet). One pair I wore over 10 years ago at my son's wedding.I found my roller derby shoe skates. I was so proud when I had my own shoe skates. I found some old records. Glen Miller's special album. A couple more albums that were collections of music. Found some old yarn so if I ever want some I have all kinds.
Christmas wrapping paper and bows and even paper to wrap baby gifts. Some decorations also.
I also found the book from my husband's funeral and the flag that covered his casket. Those things are over 43 years old. Naturally I had to look at the book and see the names.
There were a few other things but now I know what is there yet even if I don't know why. I think I have gone through my whole house now. Thank God I don't need any more memory lanes.

Weekend Wonders

Well I had a weekend that I will remember for quite awhile. I'm not sure where to start. My son came up to fix the porch and he brought along three of my great grandchildren. The youngest is just a little over a year old and he took a instant fear of me. I have only seen him two or three times since he was born. If I walked into a room he would cling to his grandpa. I couldn't pay any attention to him. I could only get a little half smile by the evening. Saturday while my son was working on the porch I took the three for a short walk to a neighbors and they played with her toys. Little one tired out in the fresh air and fell asleep in my arms. He slept for over an hour while his brother and sister continued to play. I sat in the chair and had a visit with my neighbor. It was so nice outside.
I thought my son plans were to replace the one board in the front and one board on the deck of the porch. Boy was I wrong. When he started he started to pull boards off the porch and showed me where the boards under the deck of the porch were bad and needed back up. He fixed the bad side of the porch and then started on the railings. They were very loose and not steady. They are now solid. With fresh lumber I wanted the boards painted. He painted until the paint was gone and then worked on the railings while I went to get more paint. The whole porch was painted. It looks so nice.
I had time with my son and 3 of my great grands. He went away tired, and I am tired. I took a nap this afternoon. I went to church this morning and I managed to stay awake even if I was tired. I came home and had left over fish sticks and mac and cheese for lunch,then a nap. What a wonderful hard weekend. Or should I say weakend. My son probably was glad to go home and go to work this morning.

Ginger's Toy

I had a large soft hugable black and white cow. Over a foot long and at least 6" wide. I say had because my cat has fallen in love with it in the last two weeks. She plays with it,sleeps on it and generally just enjoys it. I can't take it away from her. She tried to hide what she was doing at first but all the cat hair gave it away and now she will lay on it and play when I am in the room. She will hit the floppy feet and ears. Now Ginger has a toy bigger than she is.

Plans

I had hope to work on my porch this coming weekend but if we get the rain they are predicting no work will be done. I know we need rain so the weather might win out. My kids have trained me to say "What Ever". Sometimes it is easier to say that and not say what you would like to.

What A Day

My son came up and brought along two of my great grands-Lexie and Robbie. We traveled about 50 miles to a city with lots of places to shop. I was able to get a few things I wanted to buy for quite awhile. I bought two rose bushes. Won't get them planted right away but thats okay. I was going to buy some wood to fix my porch but since there were no measurements and no saw available it was put off. It was a good thing since I said 2 by 4 and I needed 2 by 6s.
I wanted a pair of backless sneakers and I got them today.
We went to McDonalds for lunch. It was something to see and hear as we ate in the play room. The kids had a great time running and climbing all over the place. All these kids shoeless having a ball. You never go there with a headache but you may have one when you leave.We stayed there for quite some time but when we were leaving ,the shoes were put on and jackets put on with no trouble. We had seen a dad trying to get his little one to leave and he had a time of it with this boy around 2.
After we came home the kids and I went to the park. They had so much energy and went up and down on the slide. They were on the swings to. I can't remember the last time I push someone on a swing. When I said it was time to leave they didn't make a fuss.

Memory

Have you ever thought how far back you can remember? How old you were at your earliest memories?
Now I know I have memories back before a lot of you were born-stick around long enough its easy.
But today I even shocked myself. I found a newspaper article about the day my little brother was badly burned by hot tea he pulled down on himself. He was 1. I can remember the scream my mother let out and all the rapid moving and them taking my little brother to the hospital. It was about a month after I turned three. Mother kept that piece of newspaper; dated and put in a little wallet. I wasn't sure when it happened but I remembered it and the scars my brother had. But thanks to my Mom I know when.
Now if I could remember recent things as well.

You Want Billions

You hear and read the billions that are spent and you can't comprehend that figure. Well here is something that puts it in perspective. The yearly estimate budget for one year -
Total receipts $6,650,410,000
Total Expenditures $7,345,655,000 (exclusive of debt retirement)
Net deficit $695,245,000
Debt retirement $200,000,000
Gross deficit $895,245,000
This was in what year? I bet the people didn't like that budget because we were in marked recession in business. Would you care to guess the year.

Old Music Found.

Looked at some records I found upstairs. I found an Al Jolson record. I have a few from the Knickerbocker Male Quartet and others. They were on Silverstone and Columbia records. From the tittle of the songs these were from the time of WW1. I also found a few albums that are a litle more modern. Two by Perry Como, One by Bread, and one by Crosby Stills and Nash. Oh there was even a record with music recorded at Ziegfield Follies. That started my week out.

Wrong Box?

Tonight I opened the wrong box to check what I could throw away. It had very old memories but it still hit me like a ton of bricks. I found the paper from the cemetery for my husband's burial.
There were sympathy cards. I couldn't just put them in the garbage. I had to look at each one and see so many names that I don't remember. They are still in the box; maybe I will be able to shred or throw but not tonight. It amazes me after all these years how this affected me. These were from 1966.
I also found the bill for my son's surgery less than 2 months later to check if he had Cancer.
I had to wait for a week before I got the final results. He was fine. My son was a little over 2 years old.
This certainly was not the best of times for me.
I did find a Christmas Program from 1974 where my son played solo Silent Night on his small organ.
I am not sure how i'll sleep tonight but the good Lord will give me peace I am sure.

MISC.

Hope everyone had a great Easter. I saw some great posts about the meaning of this holiday.
And it didn't have a thing to do with rabbits or colored eggs.
Yesterday I finished going thru my old medications. I opened the bottles-emptied them into plastic bag and took the labels off the bottles or boxes. I had hoped to get rid of them today. My druggist wouldn't take them but said I should take them back home;fill the bag with water and when they are destroyed put them in coffee grounds or kitty litter and put them in the garbage.
They are almost all melted.
I did my wash this morning because it is supposed to be rainy for the next few days. Another job done!
When I came home there in front of my house in an old garden spot was one little crocus in full bloom. Oh the power of one. :)
I went to the store and saw some old friends outside. It was great to see them and chat for awhile. The day has hours to go but it has been such a good day.

Happy Easter

Today He died! BUT on Sunday HE AROSE!! The promise of the Bible was fulfilled and gives hope to all who believe. So I have no problem saying Happy Easter.

When I was working it went from most people working in an office Monday thru Friday to my area where we worked 24/7. The office staff had half a day on Good Friday. Once our area started there was a problem with Easter Sunday holiday pay. A few of us stated if you didn't have Easter Sunday Good Friday didn't mean anything. We won for a little while.

So Happy Easter to you all.

UpDate

Don't think I can quit yet; but at least I can get into the storage room. There is still a lot of things that belong to my kids. There are things of mine that I want to get rid of also. Its like this: I don't want it or need it but I wouldn't want to give something away without giving my boys a chance to say "I wouldn't mind having that."
Yesterday even after we did over 200 pounds in the morning I got busy and we took 4 bags up. I put them in my car and my son came along after I talked him to taking my car. We went to refuse place and then to another town's hardware store. I need string for my weed eater and that is where I bought it. We bought the string and headed home. John fixed it all up and then proceeded to do
the area that needed to be done. He raked the area also. I think he was happy to be outside in fresh air and he knew that it was something I needed done.
It was a good couple of days. I had time with my son and We accomplished things.
It sometimes gets to me when I see things that need to be done and I can't do them.
God I love my sons.

200 Pounds

Just a little over 200 pounds of trash were taken up today. It seems like alot but I still see more I think can go. I have said more than once I would like to reduce the things in my house by half. I don't feel like I should be on the program called 'HOARDERS'

Work Day

Well, my son came up and I can't believe the amount of purging we did. We are going to borrow a truck tomorrow and get rid of some more things. It wasn't all work and having time with him is great. I found more pictures. Some I kept and some I did throw away. I am beginning to see an ending to this chore.

Good TV

Tonight I watched some good tv. It was on the Discovery Channel. It was all about animals all over the world and how they adapt. It is called Life. It started last Sunday and it is going to be on next Sunday also. I don't agree on the evolution and dates given but all the strange animals I saw tonight and their ways to do what is necessary for survival. After that program there was one about a man catching a Demon fish that lives in the Congo River.
I enjoyed and learned a few things tonight. TV isn't always worth my sitting and watching but tonight I did.
My two sons that were coming up tomorrow is down to one son. The other son is sick. I hope to get some more things done tomorrow.
Have a great week and God Bless

Bank Robbers NOT

Did you hear about the two bank robbers from Conn. that were arrested by the police at the bank.
Robbers were not coming out of the bank--they were going into the bank.
The idiots called ahead and said they would be there in 10 min. and have the money ready.
Now really give me a break!

Junk Day

It is cold this early morning but as the old saying goes--I am hot to trot. I have to get the garbage out for the garbage men to pick up around 8:30. Then get all the stuff-- bags and bags of stuff they don't take ready for my son coming up from Green Bay sooooo the two of us can load his vehicle up and go to disposal place and GET RID OF IT!! I felt that my name should have been changed to Emelda Marcos when I went thru my shoes. I am getting rid of alot of shoes. When you pack shoes away it is just plain dumb on your part because you won't or can't wear them again.
Throw them away or donate don't pack them away.
Sometimes when you throw away you get a feeling that your life wasn't so bad if you have this much to get rid of.
Monday two more sons come up and take their things. Then I can peruse what I have left and get rid of alot more. One more son to get his things and then blessed relief I can dispose of more things without regard if its something I am storing for some one.
Someone told me yesterday I am doing my kids a favor by going thru this now- I can't accept that.
I am doing it for me. I want my house back and don't want or need all this stuff to feel secure.
I am blessed and I know it. So here I go!

Nice Visit

This afternoon I had a great little visiter. It was my little great grand son Calvin. He is 4 months old. I haven't seen him since he was less than a week old. It was such a nice surprise.
When his mom called and asked if I wanted to see him I was so happy. I didn't have to go upstairs I could stay downstairs and enjoy the baby leaving the work upstairs. I did go up later and found a few more surprises. But I am tired and don't want to go upstairs and deal with things the first part of my day every day.

History & More

I didn't realize all the things I would find when I started to clear out my house. I have so many things that bring me back many years. Baptismal certificate from 1938 for my mother,my sister,my younger brother and myself. Birth announcements- one for my son from 1963 and then one for his daughter in 1985. Pictures of people I haven't seen for decades. I am reliving many things these last few weeks. Not everything I find is good but it is history.
This is some project I started. I didn't have to do all that I am doing and my upstairs does not look better right now for all the time I have spent up there. But the memories keep flooding my days and my mind. My brain is really getting a workout trying to fathom what and how I feel.

Treasures

I have to make correction. Newspaper article was for my grandparents 60th anniversary not 50th.
When I put it in a protective cover I saw my error.
I sent my niece a letter that came from her parents with pictures of her and her siblings that was sent to my parents on March 20,1973. Almost exactly 37 years ago. I received a call tonight that she received them and was surprised. It felt good to share.
I shared some pictures with my sister and she received them today also. There was a picture of her that my dad carried in his wallet. She remembered the suit she had on.
This has changed my attitude a little bit. I have always said "stuff" is just that "stuff" Things don't have value as much as people and memories. I guess I was wrong.

Flying Fast Past

My upstairs has my mind going thru years at a speed I have trouble comprehending. I pick up something and I am looking at a newspaper clipping from 1947 about my grandparents 50th anniversary. I pick up another piece of paper and it is from 1926. It was my parents marriage license. A brief time later I am looking at pictures of their 50th anniversary celebration that I gave. Then I am looking at Christmas pictures from 1966 of my boys first Christmas with out their dad. He died in september of that year. I am looking at pictures from January 1967 when my son had his first birthday. More pictures when my sons were older. High school year book of mine from my junior year 1950.
It is a little hard dealing with all of this coming at me so fast. I have set myself down on the top stair and just sat more than once.
They say you can sometime see your life pass before you before you die. I'm seeing it now without any thing bad happening to me.

Memories

Going thru things that you have stored has an advantage. You can find triggers that bring back memories of the different times in your life. Yesterday I found a stash of recipes of my mom's;
some handwritten and some cut from newspaper. My mom cooked some good meals. She made a good fruit cake and she and my dad canned some great relishes.
I also found the program for my high school graduation almost 60 years ago. Then I started to think about where I have lived. I thought of all the places since birth. Each house brought back a memory. And I can state that they were mostly good. Not all were good but thats expected out of life.
I will be happy to finish this work though because it is work. Some of the boxes are heavy for me. My back is complaining.
Have a great week and if you start feeling bad go to your memory bank and think good thoughts and thank God for them.

Fog

Do you have those days when you feel like your in a fog? They seem to be coming more often for me. But the state has been having those days lately. Friday there was a 31 vehicle pile up with another short distance away 7 cars had a pile up. Today when i turned on the TV I saw schools in many places were starting 2 hours late. I first thought it was a snow day and couldn't figure that out. It was fog. There are places where visibility was down to less than a 1/4 mile. They could not see across the street.
I am trying to deal with my foggy days and I think and rethink what I am doing. Concentration is the way and means for me. Sign of old age I guess.
But what does the state do?

What Did I Start

Well once I got started I can't quit. I have gone through drawers with a vengence and I have shredded all kinds of records,cards,and old banking papers. I am not done yet. I am staying in because of the weather so I am not sure when I will stop. It is a good thing because I can't think of my kids or grandkids going through my stuff. Also when I am done with papers other
things will be going out. This has been needed for a long long time. I work for awhile, stop and then start up. This morning I started to shred before I even started breakfast-without a cup of coffee even. I hope this continues because I want my house the way I want it and that is a house with alot less stuff in it.

No More Paper Work

This morning I shredded papers from when I worked. I had made copies of a few reports that were not for the general public as they had names in of people I dealt with and worked with. I made those copies for me and as I don't think I need them now or want anyone to see them they are gone.
That machine worked pretty hard today and will work again tomorrow when I do another drawer. I am getting a big bag full of shredded paper. I quit that work and did other . I had to take something up to the lab at my doctor so I got the sample and my laundry. I did those two things plus picked up light bulbs and a few groceries. It was a busy day.
I have only one question- with the large size of my car door why do I bang my head on the car when I put the laundry in or take it out?
Have a great week. It is cold and we may get snow tomorrow so no adventures just some more exploring here in my house.

Why & What For

I am feeling over run by stuff. I'm asking why have I this in my small house? What is it good for?
Do I need it and how do I get rid of it when I can't find a reason to keep it?
Example: June/82 report of training 24 hours. Did I keep it out of necessity-no or because I received a 95% grade. It was needed training for my job Physical Intervention. Don't need that now. I have other things I want gone. Clothes that I won't wear. Things that belong to my kids.
Pictures of people that I won't ever see again and haven't seen in more than a decade. If I could empty out my small house I would be so happy. Even if I get all this separated how do I get it to a refuse place? The back seat of my car isn't big enough. With all the time I am spending in my house I want it cleaned out. I don't want to live in a storage unit anymore!!!

Such A Day

It was an "old timers" morning this morning. First thing was, I left work I wanted to do last night and went to bed for a quick nap. I planed to get up and set up my meds for the week and vacuum the front room. Had the vacuum setting in the middle of the front room waiting and the meds sitting on the table in the kitchen. Plows woke me around 4:30. I went back to sleep and had some crazy dreams.
So when I got up I put bread in the toaster started a pot of coffee. I concentrated on getting my meds set up for the week. When I was done yikes the pot was not under the grounds and coffee was running all over the cupboard. After I cleaned up that mess I took the cold bread out of the toaster and ate it and drank some of the coffee. I then vacuumed the front room. Last nights work was done. Life is funny sometimes and I know there isn't going to be any quick naps at night for me. I did make a good lunch with no problem and supper wasn't bad either. I accomplish a few other things to. Just have to remember to be fully awake before I start my day.
Have a great week.

Weekend News

On saturday my son Bob came up for a few hours. I could go where I wanted to go and do what I wanted to do. He didn't bring any of my greatgrands so I had no restrictions. Did I do everything I wanted to do-No. I pooped out-no big deal but when you stand around figuring out about something I get tired. I have been thinking about a cell phone for quite awhile for safety sake. The plans and which way to go took alot of time. Did I make the right decision maybe not but it is made and I am satisfied with it. We had a good time together,we had a great meal out and I called a halt to the trip not Bob. I got a few things to celebrate Valentines day with my greatgrands. Bob can deliver them. It was fun to run with someone. I don't get a chance to do that like I used to. My neighbors are good about taking me with quite often but they need time alone since they still have grown children living with them.
I have always been afraid of being the third leg or third sleeve on a pair of pants or a blouse.
There's my weird way of looking at things again.
Saturday night was not a good night for sleep so I didn't get up today until after 9:30. No plans for the day. We will see what happens. Have a blessed week. Oh and if you celebrate it--
Happy Valentines Day. Isn't it great that we have a day to celebrate love?

Haiti Stories and Me

Yesterday I read about a couple that was adopting a baby from Haiti. They had gotten their child and gone to the hotel in town to spend their first night as a family. They were found in the ruble huddle together the next day after the earthquake.
I felt so sad by this story but also so blessed. Here I sit in my warm house with only a little snow on the ground and all around me people are hurting.
I need to thank God for my blessings more. When my kids do something I can't understand I can't complain I should be thankful I have my kids,and grandkids and great grandkids.
Is my life exactly like I want it NO. BUT- Thanks be to God for what I do have.
If your day isn't going like you want it to go remember to thank God that you have the day at all.
We have so much plus the promises of God.
We don't always understand the "Whys" but we will someday.
God Bless

Productive Day

Today was a productive day. A neighbor inflated the tire that has a slow leak while I was sleeping. When I saw that my tire was okay I thought "Gee I can check my mail. Its only been 5 days," Now to get the car started and running right. Battery seem down. Went and got my mail; there was enough. Took it home and decided to take a run up to the store so the battery could be charged and I could get a few things I needed. While I was up there I decided to take time to get my hair cut. (It really needed it) I headed home with my groceries and a balky car. It was running but not smooth and carburetor was backfiring. Nine miles from home I checked where I used to wash my clothes and they had opened up again. I came home -got my clothes and headed back. I still hadn't looked at my mail. Oh well, I could read it later and while the car was sort of running I better go. I washed my clothes and came home. I was happy but tired. I don't know if it was the stress of the car acting up or the fact I had been going for quite awhile.
But this old lady got things done and can sleep tonight. I decided to make a good supper tonight with some chicken I had cooked. I cut it up added some things and rolled it up in tortillas. Baked them about half an hour and enjoyed.
I had no plans to do anything when I woke this morning. LOL

One Of Those Days Again

It has been a few weeks since I posted. I'm not saying it was dull but I could not find two keys that were important after my trip on the 22nd. I went from friends car into house and I had my keys at post office. I was given them 2 blocks away from my home and I put them in my pocket. I looked and looked could not find. Moved two loveseats turn them over and checked their cushions.
Tipped over my lift chair and looked. Moved all my grand"s toys to see if they fell in them. I had bought food and I looked where I had put the food when I put it away. I even looked in freezer. How could I walk from car to house about 20 feet and lose my keys. I finally called after a few days and asked my friends to look in their car. They were there. I was beginning to fear I was headed for a home.
Today my friend and I were going to have girl time. I had to go to doctor appointment first.
I was there an hour and a half. Our morning was shot. I found out I was suppose to have blood work last week so I have to get it done as soon as I can. i had to have a flu shot. I had to get some meds after I left the office so that was more of our time gone. I was good as far as doctor but had such dry skin needed to get the meds.
While I was waiting for my meds I found a new electric blanket on sale. Mine has been acting strange and I don't want it to start on fire. I came home and found my kitty cat left me an unwanted gift just by my bedroom door. IT WAS A GOOD DAY. I am tired to the max but I have gone thru a couple of days that make me happy to be alive. No chance of feeling bored like I was the other day after days in the house.

Tired But Happy

Today friends took me along when they went shopping. They called and asked if I was up to it. It didn't even come into question- I needed to get meds and food. I also needed to get out of this house after staying in for a week. I also needed to get my mail. I hadn't gotten it since last week. I jumped at the chance to go and to spend time with them. My cupboards were bare and even my freezer was starting to empty out. I had food but I didn't have all I needed. I wouldn't have starved but no milk,only one apple and a few oranges. No good cold medication.
It was a great time and if the storm that is coming is really bad I will be fine. But I AM TIRED!
So what. I will rest for the rest of the day. What needed to be done is done. I had a good day with friends.:-)

You Would Think

Dealing with a cold and coughing from your darkest and lowest parts once in a winter would be enough. I guess not because I am doing it again. This time I can only say that I wish all coughing spells would be in the bathroom. Think a little- you will figure out why. The other thing is you never know when you are going to start coughing. You can't keep cough drops in your mouth all the time. Oh well, this to shall pass. I will let it take its course. Have a great week but take a little time to pray for the people in Haiti.

Winter Driving

What a joy-NOT. The other day I had trouble going up a hill after stopping for a stop sign and making a right turn. Traction finally kicked in BUT today no traction,trapped on hill had to go in reverse until I was stuck again. Then to make it worse had traffic coming at me. So after that I wiggled the car to get it loose and then put it in reverse and backed down the hill. There was no car waiting behind me so I reverse and go a different way. When I was at post office in town I heard I wasn't the only one with the problem others had it happen to them. Needless to say I took the long way home. I called town chairman and asked for some sand put on the hill.
I had lost a small skein of chenille yarn and I found it today. It was all pulled apart and laying on the floor in my closet. Ginger must have used it as a toy. I just happen to see a small section of it. I picked it up and managed to get it rolled up into a ball. I don't think Ginger wanted me to teach her how to crochet. Her kitty paws just couldn't do it.

Winter Driving

Weekend

This was an interesting weekend for me. It wasn't so good for my son. He sounded fine when we talked early in the day. He came up and brought along my 2 year old great grandchild Lexi. I did get my wash done and was able to do some shopping. But his cold got worse. I felt so sorry for him. He coughed so much he threw up. He couldn't go to work tonight. He came up to help me and so I could see my Lexi and he got sick. Some how it doesn't seem fair. Our weekends usually are good time for me.
I have a bunch of houses that are electric and are plug into a power strip. Lexi must have seen me light them before because now she goes to the power strip says "lights" and turns them on.
I don't have to want them on but Lexi does. What a saturday and sunday.

Bearded Wonder?

Have you seen this guy? He is on the computer on the weather channel for car insurance and now I saw him on msn on mortgage ad. I think he is scruffy looking and I personally wish he get off my computer screen. This is 2010 and long hair and beard are not the norm and if a man has them they are combed and clean.

Afghan

Notice it is even spelt right. I finished that color I was working with and it looks so good that now I am trying to figure what color next. Do I go with what I have or do I go buy new. I have a couple of things I started before and don't want to finish so I could rip and get yarn. I started just so I could have something to do and use up the yarn I have setting around. Its not like I haven't a few afghans setting around. I will never worry about staying warm with all the afghans I have. Winter and afghan just seem to go together.
I won't rip any finished works of art but the undone can be even more undone. Tomorrow will tell the tale.

Web Search???

Last night when I put a blanket over a window in my bedroom I had to do a web search. Not on the computer but on the wall. I couldn't believe what I saw; I got my broom and started the search. With a dirt floor in the basement I do have spiders but I do look for their webs. I do web searches pretty darn often because they are easy to do and if you don't yuk! I don't worry about the spiders that live here because I have never seen the big ones that I saw in Panama. There you worry.
It has been cold and now its snowy so I have started another afgan. It is something to do and I seem to be able to do it without too much wrist pain that I had before. At this time the color I am using is giving my eyes trouble. I will be done with this color hopefully tomorrow. I am using up some old yarn that I have.

Funeral

Today I went to the funeral for a former neighbor. The man was 86 years old and had been suffering from the ravages of cancer. I am sad for his family but for him it was a release from the pain. There are times when death is a blessing. My friend is grieving her loss and I will do anything I can to help her. Am I wrong to feel death had lost its sting in this case.

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.

Common Sense

Is common sense really common at this time? I think not. Look at what is going on and you wonder. But life goes on and we have to do the best we can. My common sense tells me this: If I don't like it but can't change it-forget it. If it is broke-fix it or again forget it. If you want it but can't afford to buy it-forget it. If there was something you could have done but you didn't-forget it. With all the forgetting you find yourself not remembering names or faces but like I said life goes on.
Eat when your hungry, sleep when your tired, pay your bills and you can get along fine. Nothing fancy just common sense!

Ramblings

This is my last blog for awhile. I am taking a break.

This Robin Has Gone Home

Tonight a Robin went home. She is walking on streets of gold and seeing Jesus. She is checking the mansion that she has up in Heaven. She won't hurt anymore. The hurt is down here on earth. She will be morned by her husband,her children and her grandchildren. Her parents and friends will morn also. We will all ask WHY?
We will see her when we follow her to heaven. BUT NOW: We are sad.

Hurts Poll

What is worse- a physical wound or sickness OR an emotional hurt? How do you respond to someone with these hurts? I believe there is a difference in responses. Some people can't respond to emotional hurts. They think they are less important.

HOW DO YOU ANSWER?

Children Yea or Yuk Is The Question?

Today on the morning TV there were stories about people and their children. These stories made me wonder what they are thinking.
We have a family that was making a large amount of money for filming their family life. Now that divorce is in the picture it is going to stop filming because it will hurt the children. What good was it before? This family-did it think of those kids?

The second story was about people raising a little monkey as a child. One family was fighting the empty nest after the last child left home. One family could not have children and "adopted" a monkey. This wasn't a cheap thing to do,some monkeys cost 6K.
Make-up, infant clothes and furniture all purchased for their baby added to the cost.

As a great grandma I can say children can give you the greatest Joy and the greatest Pain you will ever feel. Right now it is the grandchildren and great grands that are doing it to me. The only thing I as a parent can do is to pray! At the moment I hurt but i know there will be some joy down the line.

Woolly Bear Caterpillar

Today I look at the middle of my porch and I saw it. It crawls up to the side of the board looks down and came up and went on to the next board. Stuck it's head down between 6 boards and on the seventh board went down to the ground under my porch. It knew where it was going I guess. There are enough plants under my porch so it will have a good meal. I haven't seen one of these in years. In folk lore the width of it's stripe predicts what winter we will have. I'm not sure but it's stripe seemed pretty large to me. I was amazed how it looks for the right spot. Isn't it strange that it knew and we don't always know where to go?
Is instinct better than brains and thinking?

Keeping At It

Have you ever felt that you are in a deep rut? No big reason to do anything or go anywhere. Your brain didn't have to work; you could survive doing the thing that come naturally. That was how I felt-no things I could change or help with. THEN
I started to test myself and what I knew. I started with the 50 states trying to name them. I did this for three days. I found out that got better each time I did this in my head but on the third day I wrote them down to see how many I could come up with. I came up with 44 states. I thought for awhile and came up with 4 more. I finally gave up and got out the road map atlas.
I had to find out which ones I hadn't remembered. I had forgotten Colorado on the third day but had remembered it a day before.
What was that state? It was Vermont.
I have done more cooking in the last few weeks things I haven't fixed for ages like stuffed peppers, bread pudding. I cooked a squash and ate it for a few days. I ate it plain and then tried it with pumpkin pie spice. Yum!
This getting old and having things go wrong around you sort of stinks when you can't do anything about it to help.
Maybe I am just feeling the effects of another birthday. I guess I will have to give myself another challenge.
God Bless

General Douglas MacArthur

He has been on my mind today. I remember sitting in a class room in my senior year in high school and listening to his speech to congress after he was called back from the war. He said "Old soldiers never die. They just fade away". I won't ever forget that line. Now as I turned 76 today I wonder when I will fade away.
I know life expectancy has increased but I still feel old. I can't believe that I am this age.

Life Goes On

It has been a less than exciting time around here since my last post.
I had my 2 yr and 4yr old greatgrands for a day here with my son. I love that little girl and boy. I probably won't see them much in the future due to family complications. Life styles change and I can't always agree with them.
I went to a rummage sale and found a lawn mower I could start. Bought it right away. It died before it cut my front lawn. Darn!!
The weather has been great. The trees are starting to turn colors and the area around here is getting to show off it's beauty.
Earlier this week I slept in. Just up, not dressed yet only in my night gown and there is a knock on my door. I peek out and it is the town chairman at my door.??????? what to do. I opened my door a we bit, stuck out my head and said I not dressed just got up. His quick reply to that was he would be back in 45 minutes. I can tell you it has never taken me that long to get dressed.
He came back and we discussed ways to solve water runoff problem on the road along side the house.
A few days I felt a little sick very close to being afraid to eat.
Yesterday I went up to do my laundry. While up there I called my ex boss and asked if she would be free for lunch. She and another friend did lunch with the bunch once a month for a couple of years. It sort of stopped when my friend died and then my car did to. She said yes but she had no car that day. I said I would pick her up when I was done with my wash. She had driven more than her share years ago. We had a great lunch,great talk.
So you see life goes on.
The road isn't always smooth but it is there to take you where you want to go. Have a great week and God Bless!

Boonies

Today I enjoyed the joys of living in the boonies. I left early this morning to do a few things. I drove for about 10 miles thru the woods on a two lane road. I saw all kinds of trees with just a few spots where there were homes. I saw a few places where the trees were starting to change color. In one front yard there was three deer. At the end of the road I saw wild turkeys sitting on a fence around a baseball diamond. There was one turkey on the baseball field with his tail all spread out. Showing off for a hen I suppose. I love going thru the woods and even where the land has been cleared there is beautiful green field. What a peaceful ride.
I accomplished alot today. I did my laundry. I stocked up on bread. I ordered my medicine. I was going to pick it up but some mixup with insurance I couldn't . Hopefully it will be squared away and the store will mail them to me. I then went to a resale store. It is so much fun to look around and if you see something you can afford to buy it. I also met a friend there. We haven't spent much time together lately so we followed each other to another resale store in another town. After that we went for lunch together. Then we went to dollar store. I found a mat for the floor by my kitchen sink. In fact I found two. Not every thing is a dollar at this store but the two mats were on sale. I spent more at that store than the two resale stores. My friend and I separated so each of us could go home. I went to a grocery store and then home. What a great day out in the boonies.

Rest In Peace

I remember the day when our president K. was shot. I saw when his brother was shot in the kitchen of a hotel. And now the last brother has died of brain cancer. Three deaths of people that were working for Americans. What a family. With the spirit of service that goes thru generations. It saddens me.

House Terrors

As I have said before I live in an old house and every once in awhile it attacks. I have a dirt floor in the half basement and someone working down there put plastic on the floor. Now that led to water on top of the plastic. I left doors open so air could get down there and dry it up. Didn't work. So I put a few holes in plastic to see if that would get the water to drain to dirt floor.
I used a nail to make small holes and not to many of them. Hasn't solved the problem. So I am thinking dehumidafier.(sp) I then discovered this week that outlet in basement isn't working. I thought it was trouble light and bought a new one but it's the outlet. Next thing I am going to try is clumping kitty liter. If that works I can scoop it off the plastic.
The house attacks go on. Thursday evening I decided to clean the bathroom sink before I went to bed. When I let the water out it went all over the vanity and the floor. Had to clear out the cabinet under the sink,dry that out and clean the floor. Pushed the pipes back up onto the drain and am hoping for the best.
I love my house but like I said to my kids years ago I love them but don't always like them. That is my relationship with my house.
We shall see if the attacks go on!

Summer Doldrums

With road work going on all around I don't go too many places and I am watching my spending. I like the feeling of my bills being paid now more than ever lately. I don't have the need to go for a drive just for the fun of it anymore. I am able to change my menu if I find that something isn't in my house. I can always cook something else.
The cat's food and litter are always watched out for.
My summer is getting to be more hermit like. Is it old age or am I just lazy? Have a great day and God Bless!

What If?

I am beginning to wonder what would happen if parents and grandparents started having this feel of entitlement that so many of the children of today seem to have?

Rambles

The last few weeks were not boring but not too exciting. I live in an old house and the pump in the basement was sounding like I had a bearing going. You couldn't flush or rinse a dish without hearing the loud banging and clanging. Then about two weeks ago it started waking me up. I would get up to see if I had drippy faucet. No water dripping in house. I had someone get me a pump replacement and when they brought it they took it downstairs to see what all was needed to have a secure water system.
When we were down there I saw that my sewer pipe in the basement was dripping where a clean out plug was. Old cast iron pipes don't last forever. That was something else that needed to be fixed plus the pump and water tank needed to have some new piping. Joy Joy! The work is done and I am waiting for all the receipts so I can pay for it. I also had a new electric switch put in the basement by the pump(surprise but it was nice;no need to go upstairs if I want to shut off pump).

My blood pressure is giving me fits. So I have been trying to get off of one more but I can't do it- the rebound effect of stopping one is really bad and I only cut the dose in half. Am now following doctors orders.

My sister had to deal with the hottest July and I had the third coldest July since 1880s. So how do you decide where to live?

Silly Songs

Are they still out there? The Worm Song for spaghetti suppers or the Boarding House Song for group meals. A long time ago we could have a good time just singing these songs. You can't get in trouble (except for getting someone upset while eating),you couldn't be mad at anyone while singing this foolishness together.
At the boarding house where I lived
All the food was green with mold
And the cook's hair is in the butter
Silver threads among the gold
When the dog died we had hot dogs
When the cat died catnip tea
But when the landlord died I left there
Spare ribs were too much for me!

Farmer ?

The other day I was given 6 cherry tomato plants. They only stand about 5 to 6 inches high but they had tomatoes on and buds.
I was amazed how little the plants were and still had tomatoes. These had to have been pro grown by someone who knew what to do. I sure don't show skill but I have a love for a very small garden. I love to get my hands in dirt once in a while. I planted 4 outside of my bedroom so I can see them out my window. I put the other two in a pot on my porch. Small enough for me to take care of with out my body giving me grief.

Yellow Tomato

It's harvest time. I have one yellow pear tomato ripe. The rest of my tomato plants have some green ones and some blossoms but I will certainly not be overwhelmed with tomatoes. The other plants have red tomatoes when they ripen. They need to grow larger before they turn color. This year has not been the best. Oh well, I'm not a farmer with fields to tend. I just have a few pots on my porch.