mammao

Busy Week

2010-07-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

This has been a very full week. On Saturday, we hosted a small wedding for our friend, Lanton and his wife, Isnelvis. We actually attended their "church" wedding in Cuba in March, but they needed a ceremony done in the United States to get all the i's dotted and t's crossed. We had dinner with two other couples and it was very sweet.

Then, on Monday night I was contacted by Janie from Sounding Forth, that I needed to go stay overnight with our friend, Tramaine, who was in labor. People, you must realize that I have only been through labor once, 35 years ago, and it ended up in a C-section. I don't remember ANYTHING about the 29 hours up until they decided I wasn't going to have that baby vaginally!

Tramaine's uncle, who is only 6 years older than her and more like a brother, was on his way, too. He and his wife have 4 children, but they have all been C-sections, too. Talk about the blind leading the blind! I felt slightly like Prissy in Gone With the Wind, "I don't know nuthin' about birthing no babies!"

Sitting up with her through the night was a major thrill...scary, sort of, as the pains intensified closer to morning. When we were on the way to the hospital for a scheduled doctor's appointment, her uncle had the presence of mind to call the office and see whether we should go to labor and delivery or to the office. We were sent to L&D.

After they did the triage, they told her, good news, bad news. Good news is that you are dilated to a 4.9, bad news is that you have bought yourself a room! Things progressed fairly quickly, and I got to witness my first vaginal delivery. Unbelievable. Truly we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Sweet little Ada arrived at 3:49 on Tuesday eyes wide open, with the prettiest lips you have ever seen. Mom and Ada are home now under the experienced care of Nana Pat.

I spent the day yesterday helping Isnelvis organize her kitchen...poor Lanton, he may never find a bowl or cup! Also left some recipes for them to try. I will be interested to see how the recipes translate! Then off to see Miss Ada and her Mom and Nana Pat to deliver a rocking chair and dinner. Fun, fun, fun.

Taking it kind of easy today...

iPhone

2010-06-25T05:13:00.001-07:00

I have now done something I cannot believe! I stood in line for six and a half hours to pick up a new iPhone. Now, I was not really sure I even wanted this phone, but my family seems to believe I will LOVE it. I hope so...it is the first NEW phone I've ever had...in the past I got the one someone upgraded out of!

TBO had ordered the phones for us last week and he has done extensive research on the phones we need...if it fits in my purse, rings, gets reception, I'm good. Anyway, I want to let the people at the Apple Store know how much we appreciated their hard work of keeping order in the lines, the distribution of water and snacks, chairs, umbrellas and cheery updates of timelines. The store we were at had a wonderful staff and truly did do a good job.

I am thankful that it wasn't as hot as it had been the past few days, and we had a little cloud cover as we neared the Apple store, which had no awnings. So, if I am slow to pick up your call the next few days, remember I am climbing the learning curve, but, if I miss your call, I promise to call you back as soon as I figure out how to tell you called.

The Worst of Times, The Best of Times

2010-06-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

It was the worst of times, it was the best of times. (Apologies and nods to Charles Dickens)

Two weeks ago, at a family gathering celebrating our oldest son's birthday, one of my daughters-in-law received a call informing her of the death of her cousin, a Marine, in Afghanistan.

The worst of times:

Thinking of his parents, his widow, his sons, his extended family, and his friends.
Realizing that this young man was my youngest son's age.
Not being able to go to California to pay our respects and support our daughter-in-law and her family.

The best of times:

Traveling to this young man's childhood hometown for a memorial service.
Driving to the church in the procession escorted by fire trucks and police cruisers, turning the corner and seeing what would become hundreds of people standing at attention, waving the flag of the country for which this young Marine died, and displaying such affirming messages to his family.
Honor guards at the church, both inside and out.
His commanding officer, who made sure all knew that if it hadn't been for this young man's bravery in 2005-2006, he, himself, would probably not have been there.

The bittersweet times:

Remembering this young Marine in his dress uniform, escorting his wife at his cousin's wedding.
Spending Easter with him and his family and enjoying him interacting with his boys and wife during the egg hunt.

The truth:

He believed that he was doing called to do what he did, as have so many of our service people in the USA. Semper Fidelis. You will be missed, you will be remembered.

Springtime Update

2010-05-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

Aaah, I love to be asked my opinion, don't you? After the last electrical outage I wrote about I received a call from our energy supplier to ask how I would rate the customer service I received. I was in the middle of preparing dinner for a guest and TBO, but I put them off so I could give the energy company my FULL attention.

This survey was being done by a REAL, LIVE person, who responded to me with more than press 1 for most satisfied, 2 for satisfied...etc. which was remarkable, to say the least. I felt that someone who could actually do something for my frustration was actually listening to me. This lovely person also asked me what they could do to improve their customer service! Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles...so I gave them my opinion. I asked that the company give courtesy calls to let people sitting in the dark know that the automated system had, indeed, submitted the notification to the powers that be, or not be. I truly did not believe this was something they would implement, but a girl can dream, right?

Skip forward one week.

TBO and I are sitting in the living room, minding our own business enjoying a DVD, when BOOM, the lights and everything disappear. Our transformer has blown, AGAIN. There is no weather involved this time, just out of the blue loss...could have been a squirrel, but who knows?

We look out and realize that we are the only ones without power...not a happy thought.

I pull out my trusty cell phone and electric bill to give the asked for id number, (which I may have memorized by the next outage) and get the automated service...rats! This very pleasant voice tells me that they will get right on our outage and that we should have service returned within 2-3 hours. TBO and I laugh and scoff, the outage is less than 3 minutes old and they are saying that we'll have power in a matter of a couple of hours?

Suddenly, the home phone rings. (TBO has connected it to a UPS which is protecting our computer.) It is the energy company checking up on us! OH MY GOODNESS! They have someone in the area who will be out to our house within minutes. Sure, we think. We load up into the truck to go find a movie, discover that at the first theater there is nothing we want to see, and realize we have left both phones at home.

Head back to the hacienda for said phones and lo and behold, the energy company is, indeed, there! Alas, it is only a first responder, not a repair crew. Said transformer is now officially toast and will have to be replaced. TBO gives permission for the crew to pull their truck onto our back lot close to the pole to make it easier for repairs. Off we go again to seek entertainment in the air conditioning...

Three hours and a half hours later, (four and a half since the outage), we return. It looks like a SWAT team has parked in front of our house. There are flashing lights, trailers, bright work lights, trucks and a cherry picker in the back lot. I am excited to see all the activity, I must say!

TBO goes out to sidewalk supervise, while I remain at the house...too many critters out at night for my taste. I am sitting on the patio hoping to catch a breeze, reading my book by flashlight, when the lights come back on. Yippee! Back in the 21st century...only 5 hours of an outage this time. TBO did find out that we are at the "end of the line" when it comes to service in our area. This translates into our being the last ones to be restored to power when there is a major outage. Oh, well. Again, I thank the crew who came out in the night to get us back on the grid. They are the unsung heroes of springtime, and summer, and fall and winter!

Springtime in Texas

2010-05-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

I love spring...just not the severe weather that seems to be requisite with the season. Yesterday, along with the rest of the entire state, we were inundated with rain and thunderstorms. I was minding my own business when crack! the lights went out!

I called the prescribed number (proscribed?, given?) and actually talked to a human being, who gave me a confirmation number and told me to call back in "a couple of hours" to check on a time frame for restoration of power.

I am, of course, home alone at this point, without a car, but, it is cool outside and not raining cats and dogs, YET. Call TBO and ask if I should move the generator we bought during the power outage in February to the porch. It was deemed a good idea before the deluge began in earnest.

Mind you, I have no idea of how to connect the generator to anything, but it is ready for use when TBO gets home!

After four hours, I decide to call and check on the status of our work order. I am surprised to once again get a human being on the line. Not so impressed with her people skills, however...I imagine she had had one too many huffy customers, but she still left me with a bad case of feeling like I had stepped all over her toes. I actually had tried very hard to be patient, but she wasn't having any of it. Customer service? I don't think so.

We had decided to go to the movies yesterday, so off we go. Saw Robin Hood, which we both enjoyed...I spent a great deal of time with my hands over my eyes in battle scenes, but all in all, it was very good. Called the house to see if the answering machine functioned yet...no power. Had dinner, still no power. Bought more gasoline for the generator so TBO could have his CPAP during the night and we could have a few lights and hook up the fridge.

As we entered the circle, lights were on in every house around us- except our next door neighbor and us...woe is us. Try calling the energy provider, but only get automated response...I am beginning to become a little cranky...ok, a LOT cranky. Around 9:00 I receive a call from a real live person from said provider. She couldn't explain why we were the only ones in our neighborhood without power, but assured me they were out working and we would be back online as soon as possible. Different person from earlier in the day, and I made sure she knew I appreciated her kindness and the return call.

I went to bed realizing that I really had no reason to be so dang upset...I didn't have a hole in my roof, or no roof at all, I had a generator and a good flashlight. Added bonus of the outside temperature being in the sixties...perfect sleeping weather. Decided I should really get over the crankies!

At 4:20 this morning, the TV came back to life, the ceiling fans began to turn and we returned to the 21st century. I got up to turn off lights and the TV, and saw the number of trucks it took to get us back online...looked like a convention out on our street! So, thank you to all those men and women who go out in the elements to make my life easier. I hope that the Customer Service Rep I had yesterday gets some sleep and feels better soon. I am blessed!

Parent/Child

2010-04-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

Parents are not supposed to outlive their children. It is just too hard. The past week has been especially difficult as we have witnessed dear friends suffer the loss of their son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin. I weep at odd moments over this...thinking that it could so be me and my husband. It could be anyone.

Today, call your children. Let them know you love them and want to hear from them, too. Put aside all the petty squabbles that have your family tied in knots. As TBO said in the service this week, let it go. Our lives do not carry a written guarantee of time...tomorrow may not be an option. We have only today to express ourselves to each other.

Let those you love hear those words of love and appreciation from you, early and often. I know that I will be calling more often-sorry guys, it's a mom thing.

Eastertide 2010

2010-04-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

We had the ultimate pleasure of spending Easter with our youngest son, his wife and their almost 8 month-old son today. We also were with DIL's parents, sisters, brother-in-law, aunt, uncle, cousin and his wife and their 2 young sons. It was so much fun.

The cousin is shipping out to Afghanistan in two weeks, so it was an especially precious time for us to share with them. I am humbled by the grace this young couple showed today. This is his third deployment...perhaps since he is a Marine, as my dad was, it is more special to me, but also watching them as they went on with living, touched my heart. The day to day stuff of family life goes on- making little boys eat vegetables, say please and thank you, look their elders in the eye for instruction- goes on whether you are facing deployment or not. Your job as Mom and Dad remains the same, doing your best to teach your children well, to rear them in the best way you know how. May the Lord watch over you two during this difficult time of separation. May He bring you back together in safety and joy at the end of your assignment. May the Lord give your parents peace and a sense of His presence at all times. Thank you both for your service as I know that both of you serve whether you are out of the country or staying by the stuff.

Random Thoughts of International Travel & Return

2010-03-30T03:36:00.001-07:00

International travel can be very exciting, also, stressful. The whole wondering if the water is safe to drink is my biggest stressor. The joy of turning on the bathroom tap and wetting down that toothbrush just about tops all things...unless needing a sip, just a sip of water, but knowing that a sip from that enticing water fountain could cause unspeakable gastrointestinal problems!

We experienced an earthquake during our travels earlier this month. A new and somewhat unnerving experience for us both, I would say. Although 5.8 on the Richter scale may not phase some people, seated in a restaurant on the top floor of a 10 story building in a third world country gave TBO and me a little pause. Although we did not kiss the ground when we reached it, we witnessed some who did!

Customs and security lines can be frustrating, too. On one leg of our journey, one of my carry-on bags set off a sensor. It was emptied out, very apologetically, I must say, by a security person.

Nothing was found that should not have been there, but the mere sound of the buzzer made me shiver! Customs, for me, could not have been easier...not so much for TBO. He had to explain everything in his bags at one entry point.

All in all, we had a great trip, long, but still wonderful. Home looked pretty wonderful after two and a half weeks!

Travel Preparations Wear Me Out!

2010-03-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

We are leaving Saturday morning for a mission trip to Mexico and Cuba. I have been furiously trying to get enough clothes for 3 weeks into one bag. Ain't gonna happen. Clothes in one bag, other essentials in another...I will have to deal with it! Luckily my luggage will stack and roll freely once I am in country. Bless you Samsonite for great rolling bags!

I keep waking up at night thinking of things I should add to my suitcases, Saturday needs to hurry up...I won't be able to put many more things in those marvelous bags. Every time I go on a trip I think I'm going to streamline my packing...I just haven't got it down yet. I wish I could be one who could put all they need in a backpack and carry it on...I do love my lotions and creams too much, I fear, since I have way more than a 1 quart baggie will hold!

Anyway, we're making the final (ha!) run to the store for the last minute items today. Keep us in your prayers as we travel.

Surprise

2010-02-28T05:30:00.000-08:00

Well, our newest daughter-in-law pulled off a surprise 30th birthday party for our middle son last Friday night! Kudos to Karissa! She had been worried that he might have figured something out, but, from his reaction, I'd say that it was a total success. KT said he'd never had a surprise party before, so this was especially fun for him.

He and his sweetie are on the way to Mexico, even as I write, to enjoy some sun and beach time and celebrate his "real" birthday on Wednesday. I hope they have a wonderful, relaxing time and that the weather will cooperate for them. Happy, happy birthday to you, KT. May you have many, many more. I love you!

Happy

2010-02-26T19:09:00.000-08:00

Sunshine in the Morning

2010-02-15T07:05:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, wonderful sight this morning...the sun in its glory shining in my bathroom window to greet me as I awoke. Bliss, pure bliss. Plus, our furnace was still working--it had been cranky yesterday and we still had the power on.

The joy of being able to flip a switch and have lights, or cook, or just your basic coffee! I now know that I would have been a poor pioneer. I do not have the stuff it takes to rough it for very long. I guess if I had been born in that era it would have been different, since I wouldn't have known any different, but, thank you very much, I believe I'll just continue my life in the 21st century.

Thank you to the wonderful electric company provider repair people who worked so hard to restore the power to us and so many others. You people are amazing. I know you faced the worst of the storm getting here, and working out in it. I am grateful for your expertise. May those of you who traveled from great distances to help us out in Texas have traveling mercies home and those who are based here, also have a sense of the gratitude those of us who benefitted from your work experienced.

Snow, snow, go away

2010-02-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

It is official. I am sick of winter. I am sick of being cold. I am sick of gray skies. I am sick of sitting in the DARK in my house because my electricity has gone out.

How, pray tell, you may ask, are you blogging? TBO got us a generator. Now, our food stash will not have to be trashed, and we can have a few lights on this evening, and maybe even watch a movie. But best of all, TBO can have his breathing machine.

I am so happy that we have a fireplace, and that it actually seems to produce a little heat. I also am ecstatic that our sons were in the Boy Scouts and that their dad was a designated camping person! He has a most wonderful down filled sleeping bag that has kept me from freezing my extremities today.

I know that one day of no power is no big thing. I truly do. I am so grateful for the noisy generator out on our patio--set way out from the house--that I can hardly believe it. Hoping that the power will return during the night, but if not, there is a promise of a hot shower in the morning! Even if it is at my friend's house across town!

My fingers are getting too cold to type, so it's back to the bag for me. Stay warm everyone.

Is There Still a Sun Out There?

2010-02-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

I know it is winter, and that means some gray, nasty days. What concerns me is that since I live in TEXAS, not the Pacific Northwest, I think there should be a few more SUNNY days here. We did have one nice, sunny day sometime in the last week, but I forget when it was, due to my SAD. All I can say is that I am sorely upset that the groundhog saw his shadow.

TBO and I are dieting, and as a result, we are much more susceptible to the cold, I guess. Many days in the last week or so have found us bundled up to our noses while sitting in the house, whose thermometer resolutely states it is 68 degrees F. I, who am never cold, have taken to wearing socks to bed, long sleeved gowns WITH pajama pants. I am a sight to behold.

I am supposed to sub tomorrow and have outside duty after school...I think the rain is due to let up and it has been forecast to be up to a balmy 50 degrees F. I sincerely hope the weatherman has made a good forecast. If it is still raining in the morning, come by the school for an interesting show of cold/wet weather attire. Flannel nightgowns and pjs are part of the teacher's dress code, I'm sure!?

Subbing

2010-01-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready to sub this week for four days...in a row! I am not sure that I'm exactly ready for it. No, really, I'm subbing for my friend who is probably the BEST Kindergarten teacher in the country, maybe the world. She will have everything ready and waiting for me.

I've been in her class twice earlier in the year, so I know the kids, which makes it a whole lot easier.Tonight I'm trying to get a few meals together so that when I come home I can at least pop something into the oven with a view to heading to bed early.

Speaking of early, must go and make lunch for tomorrow so I can hit the sack. Five-thirty a.m. will come pretty early tomorrow.

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

It has been 2010 for three days now.

We rang in the new year with our friends in Trophy Club and two couples they have known for over 25 years, plus us and another "new" couple. We had a great time eating and drinking, playing Catchphrase and bowling with the Wii system. Best part was being able to stay the night and not worry about our 45 minute drive home!

New Years' Day we spent eating and visiting still in north Tarrrant County. While the husbands watched and slept through the new Star Wars, new babies were visited. The first was without me as I had to have a wee nap to counteract going to bed at 3:00 am. I did get dressed and presentable to meet the newest of our hosts' grandchildren, sweet little girl born on December 28.

After suitable oohing and aahing, we packed up and headed for the south end of the county. There, we just kind of collapsed. We are not as young as we once were, late nights take it out of us! And it takes longer to recover.

Today, TBO and I went up to Irving to have breakfast with a college dorm-mate of mine who "found" me on Facebook! It was the first time in about 30 years we had seen one another. I am happy to say it was fun, and that I will definitely be getting in touch with her when I am in OKC next time. I had found some pictures from our sophomore year at OSU and their wedding to share. Where did those long, lean young women go? Where did my red hair go? Ah, the mysteries of life!

Anyway, happy new year to all. May the year be one of peace, joy, and new awareness of the One Who has our lives in His hands.

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-24T12:02:00.001-08:00

Such an anomaly. We are experiencing snow, on Christmas Eve!

Right now my youngest son and daughter-in-law are piled up in a chair allegedly watching a movie and the fire, while their sweet little four-month-old son naps in another room. (I think they are also napping.) We met for breakfast and Pace was the cutest baby in the place, of course. While we were in the restaurant, the snow started in earnest! It is comforting to know that we are snug inside.

Our oldest son is without electricity due to the ferocious storm blowing in Lawton, OK. When I called to check on him and his family, they were getting ready to go to WalMart to warm up, then, hopefully, their electricity would be fixed and they could be home. No fun to be in the snow when the wind is blowing fifty miles an hour!

Our middle son and newest daughter-in-law are happily spending their first Christmas Eve together as a married couple. They are expecting her parents and siblings for breakfast in the morning and for packages. The rest of the Christmas festivities may have to be postponed due to sleet and blowing snow in the Oklahoma City area.

My Mom is safe and snug in her home and will be glad to have all of us come see her when all this mess is gone!

All in all, a lovely time to reflect on the birth of my Savior, to be thankful for a wonderful husband, terrific children, and tremendous grandchildren. May your Christmas be filled with the love and joy of the Father's gift to the world, His Son, Christ Jesus.

Let Christmas Come

2009-11-30T08:10:00.001-08:00

I have my Christmas tree up! I didn't put one up last year due to the fact that I didn't have any of my sons here to retrieve the tree and ornaments from the attic. (I am banned from attics, but that is a different story.) Also, we were going to be gone for most of December and it seemed like a whole lot of trouble for MY few days of enjoyment. Anyhoo, I missed it too much to skip another year, also, I have a new grandbaby who will most likely be by the house at least once before Christmas! Photo ops! I am going to hang up the stockings-15 this year! I hope our mantel is long enough! I guess I'll have to pin the dogs' and cat's stockings to their owner's stockings, which brings it up to 18. Then, my decorating will officially be finished for this year.

I love the Christmas season, most of all for the joy of knowing Whose birth I celebrate at this time. As a child, of course, it was all about the toys and other presents, but now, I am aware of the sacrifice Jesus made to come to earth as a human baby, to grow up as a young man, and to make the decision to go through the horrors of the crucifixion. Although Easter is the ultimate high point of the Christian year, His resurrection fulfilling the prophecies of the Messiah, the fact of His birth in a stable moves me, especially this year. Maybe it was hearing the first cry of our newest grandchild, and the joy that brought to all of us waiting. Whatever caused it, I am again thankful for the Savior.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T17:46:00.000-08:00

I have so many things to be thankful for this year. I have a precious new grandson who is by far and away the cutest thing to come down the pike this year in our family. My husband, TBO, puts up with all my whinging and only really gets torqued when I am waaay out of line. I have wonderful sons and daughters-in-law, and six other terrific grandchildren.

But I have had a rough time the last few weeks. I have never thought that I could be depressed. I found out differently. It seemed as though my life had totally spun out of MY control, my control being the operative words here. I discovered that I lack the ability in my own strength and self to control anything.

Life is sometimes tedious, as my Mom says every once in a while. I believe the tediousness just kind of overtook me for a few weeks. I wallowed in unhappiness and ungratefulness until I finally realized what was happening...I had truly forgotten to be thankful for all my blessings and for the One Who has been so extravagant with them to me.

I have a loving husband who would do anything for me, if I would remember to ask him, not expect him to read my mind. I have a beautiful home for which I have, to my shame, not shown much gratitude for lately.

I merely forgot to continue to be thankful. So tonight, on the eve of Thanksgiving, I say, thank you, Lord, for always providing for me and my family. Thank you, TBO, for loving me when I am lovable and when I am a pain. Thank you, my sweet sons and daughters-in-law and grandchildren for just letting me be me-sometimes good, sometimes, not so good! Thank you to my friends who put up with my stuff, who hold me accountable, who love me through the good times and the bad ones.

More Wedding Festivities

2009-11-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

Our friends had their last child get married this weekend...number six! It was a groom, so Mom and Dad were a little less stressed than when it was one of their girls! We were asked to the rehearsal dinner as well as the wedding itself. I'm sure some of the bride's family was wondering what we were doing there, but, the Lord put these special ones in our lives and we feel like we are part of their family. The rehearsal dinner was really fun and following the tradition they began when their oldest daughter got married, people shared fun stories about the bride and groom. Hearing some of the stories from their childhoods was priceless. Some of the stories about not so long ago were also amazing!

The wedding itself could not have been more beautiful. The ceremony took place outside in a vineyard here in North Texas. This bride had a lot of faith for the weather, I must say! Everything went as planned and the weather cooperated fully.

The aunt of the groom invited TBO and me to come to her home for breakfast on Sunday morning...once again, I am thinking some of these people don't even know me, but we went! It was such a fun time getting to know Auntie's in-laws, and hearing the story of their courtship. TBO said it seemed as if they were doing a stand-up routine it was so funny and well done. They will have been married fifty years in a couple of months. I love hearing of marriages like that. We only have fifteen more to go to make it to fifty...ooh, I am feeling kind of old all of a sudden!

So tonight, I am vegging. Seriously vegging. I cannot find a thing on DirectTV I want to see, so as soon as I finish this post, I am going to locate my favorite chick flick, pop some popcorn and veg out to the max!

The Queen

2009-11-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

Many of you know about our almost 18 year old Yorkshire Terrier, Sweet Pea, aka the Queen. She lived with us for the last 5 years of her life, and I think she enjoyed her life with us. Yesterday, I had to make that decision which all owners of older pets dread. The Queen left us quietly, in my arms to go to the place where her deafness, blindness, arthritis, confusion, and "inappropriate eliminations" will no longer be problems. She will be missed.

Blog Fodder

2009-10-28T15:23:00.001-07:00

TBO and I met Janie, from SoundingForth, for lunch today. She was in town on business and had time to stop before heading west. It was, as always, a treat to spend time with her. She makes me tired just listening to her schedule!

As we were leaving, she was headed to the ladies' room, and I remembered the time TBO wandered into the ladies' instead of the gents' on our way home from a conference in Branson. According to Janie, there is no statute of limitations on blog fodder. So here goes.

We are tired, cranky and both in need of a bathroom. We pull into a Love's in eastern Oklahoma somewhere. I race into the store and locate the restroom, barely making it into the stall in time.

As I am about to leave my stall, I hear a rather familiar voice talking to another definitely MALE voice. I'm thinking, OMG, I've gone into the men's room by mistake. I tell you, I can flat fly out of a stall, wash hands hastily-no time for drying-and beat feet out of there. As I open the door, I look at the sign. It is DEFINITELY the little girls' room. I go back in and call out to TBO and say, "Is that you?"

"Yes, it is." came a rather sheepish reply. I asked what he was doing there and he said, "I don't know, the guy who followed me in here and I were talking and not paying attention to the signs, obviously!"

I hurried out of the way so as not to embarrass the other gentleman. When we got into the truck, TBO said, "We kind of thought something was wrong when it was so clean and there were no urinals, but we both had to go too bad to leave!" Shades of Working Girl! We laughed all the way to Oklahoma City.

Every time we stop at a Love's, you can bet I check the signs carefully-and listen for familiar voices!

Cold Wedding

2009-10-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

We traveled to Navasota, Texas this weekend for TBO to perform the wedding of a young man we have know for a long time and his fiance.

The wedding was held at the bride's family home, under some amazing trees of some sort...sorry, I am ignorant of most things botanical except for the most obvious! The guests were seated on hay bales, which, by the way, make pretty comfortable seating, and there was standing room only. The only drawback was that it had been raining for most of the week, and although it was not raining during the ceremony, it was DAMP, and a very cool wind decided to kick up. There were blankets around for people to use, but I had to go back to our truck to retrieve our "travelling" blanket! My "balemates" were three older people, one of whom did not have a coat...I shared! I was very glad to have had said blanket by the end of the evening.

The bride and groom were beautiful and handsome, their attendants were stunning, and their flower girl and ring bearer were scene stealers. Lovely dinner, watched the cake being cut, then decided we were too old and cold to stay for the dancing.

When we returned to our motel, I put on all the clothes I could find and piled up in the bed to warm up. I was very charming looking, I must say. The best was the sweater on top of the nightgown, and the socks. TBO laughed, but I did get warm!

As some know, I am not a great fan of gray, dark, rainy days. I am OFFICIALLY ready for a little sunshine now. The weather forecast is not looking promising until Friday. I will be looking forward to Friday with great anticipation!

Showered Out

2009-10-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my friend had two, count 'em, two showers at her home! One, a baby shower for her youngest daughter and two, a wedding shower for her last unmarried son's impending nuptials.

Since we live on the opposite side of the county from my friend and her husband, TBO took me up to their house yesterday morning and dropped me off at 7:30 am on his way to a men's meeting. Only my friend and her husband, whom I had awakened with my agreed upon phone call were up...for a few moments. The oldest of the four grandchildren staying with them soon joined us and we were busy with the feeding and watering of them, then the youngest was up, nursed, and I got to play with her for a while so her Mom could get a shower.

Full blown prep mode ensued for the baby shower at 10:00. Arranging the tables, making sure the drinks were ready, giving lessons on telling time to the anxious little guys about the arrival of their much beloved cousin, generally trying to help. The shower was beautiful, food sublime, lots of wonderful gifts for the sweet little guy who is due to make his appearance in about 7 weeks...can't believe it's time already!

Clean up, load the dishwasher, wrangle the baby, visit with said baby's parents and aunt and uncle a little, enjoy a little down time with my special, God sent friend who never lets me whine! Then, whammo, it is time to begin preparations for the next shower. We work to find the best arrangement of chairs and tables for the food and drinks. The caterer arrives-such a sweetie-so accommodating and willing to work with my friend and her desires. Another bout of time telling lessons, and now it is time for the next shower.

Again, lots of fun people, lovely gifts and a grand time had by all. Looking forward to seeing all these people in about a month at the wedding! TBO and I left about 9:30 pm to make the trek home. Amazing day, but I was ready for my bed. Hope things are back in order in the north portion of the county!

I am so blessed by the Lord with wonderful friends who allow me to participate fully in their lives and the lives of their children. And for their children who allow me access to them, too!

Busy

2009-09-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

This past week and a half has been amazingly busy for someone who does not work outside the home. I got home from helping my Mom on the 15th. We had friends who were in town for a conference staying with us, which was wonderful. They left on Saturday morning.

Saturday afternoon, some other friends from the conference came by after lunch and stayed for the evening. The Wii got a good workout and we all had a great time together!

Sunday we sort of vegged out and read and did laundry. Monday morning we went out to run errands and to pick out a replacement vacuum cleaner (thank the Lord for extended warranties!) Our friends from Midland called on their way into town for the wife to get her hair cut and colored by the colorist and stylist extraordinaires here in the DFW area.

Tuesday we had breakfast with our friends, then TBO and her hubby went on their way, while we began the beautification process! I was just the cheerleader, really, and even left for a while during the coloring process. We met up again for an early dinner, then they left for a few days at Lake Granbury.

Tuesday night about 9:30 I got a call from our friends...the lake house rental was not quite what they had expected. So they came back and stayed with us for the night and began looking at rentals again!

Off our friends go on Wednesday morning, inviting us to come down on Thursday evening for dinner. Errands to be run, grocery shopping to be done, bank deposits to be made...

Thursday I met our daughter-in-law and newest grandson and one of my friends for lunch. I tell you that this little guy is the cutest fellow...no pride involved, of course. Then we drove to Granbury and had a tremendous time. We took a boat ride and looked at the gorgeous properties and came back and enjoyed a "gormay" dinner! I wish I could say I stayed awake on the way home, but I'd be lying!

Friday was spent with a lovely young couple for lunch and fellowship, then home to crash.

Saturday saw me running up I-35 to a baby shower, which was a lot of fun. Home now blogging about my week...

Next week I am subbing for three days...I will be ready for the weekend again!

Leaving Mom

2009-09-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

I am getting ready to leave my Mom on her own after her surgery. It is a little more difficult than I had thought it would be, but I need to go home, at least for a few days.

Mom and I have a rather full day planned for today. She is going to get dressed for the first time since we left for the hospital on September 2! We are making some really important stops today: the bank, the license tag office and the public library. We are hoping that I can do the standing in line at the tag office, and that they won't require her to come in. The library is a little more of a challenge...I could probably pick out a book or two, but Mom is such a prolific reader that I'm not sure I could find things she hasn't read!

My sister and I had a little "chat" with Mom yesterday about THINGS...like wearing her "I've fallen and can't get up" necklace, instead of hanging it on the bedpost, asking for specific help-which she doesn't seem to be able to do, remembering that the doctor has said no lifting, pulling or pushing...offers of staying at my sister's house, etc. I really think that once we get the staples removed from her incisions tomorrow, she will feel better, but I don't know if I will feel all that much better! If she were eating better, maybe I'd not be in such a snit, and she does seem to be a little better today.

Knowing she is on the mend is wonderful, yet I struggle with the leaving. It is now that I wish we weren't three and a half hours away, that we were much closer, so I could check on her daily, yet let her have her independence. My control issues are bubbling to the surface. I will have to entrust her to the One Who cares so much more for her than I do and do my checking via telephone.

Nursing: Not My Calling

2009-09-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that my Mom has had some surgery this last week. Now my Mom is almost 80 years old, has had one hip and both knees replaced, so she is one tough lady. She had her gall bladder removed and a resection of her colon due to a HUGE polyp removal. The gall bladder surgery was easily done laproscopically (sp?), but the colon resection was too low and she had to be opened up for that surgery. All went amazingly well, she did not have to have an ostomy bag, and the polyp was biopsied and is NOT malignant. We all are praising the Lord for this, as well as her amazing recovery.

My sister and I have split hospital duties. We each took a night staying with Mom and each took most of a day alone being Mom's advocate, gofer, and walking partner! We let her stay alone last night at her insistence. The nursing we did was minimal, and we both were just a little queasy when the REAL nurse removed a drain tube and some other kind of tubing...ewww! (These had to come out so that she could come home.)

Mom had surgery on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. She came home from the hospital today, Saturday, at 4:00 p.m., just in time to see her beloved Sooners play!

Thanks to all of you who joined with our family to pray for Mom. I will be here for several days until we, the non-nursing sisters, decide Mom is okay to be on her own.

Averted Tragedy

2009-08-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

We were in Trophy Club overnight on Friday to attend a meeting on Friday and Saturday. Since our friends there love us so much, they allow us to bring the Queen whenever we spend the night. As Her Majesty seems to be losing the battle of the cataracts, it requires constant supervision when she takes her constitutionals. She has been at their home, and in their yard innumerable times, and up until yesterday was able to navigate quite well around the pool, particularly in the daytime.

Yesterday morning, the fear that I had feared came upon me. We were sitting with our friends on the patio, poolside. I realized that HM probably needed to come out, so I carried the Queen out to do her business, set her down on the pool apron, then, splish (a four pound dog doesn't make a splash)! The Queen had misjudged the distance and was now in the pool. I am so shocked that I just let out a screech...it wasn't that loud, I think. But our hostess, was johnny-on-the spot, reached in and grabbed the thoroughly frightened, ratty looking Queen out of the pool. This was a selfless act for my sweet friend...she really doesn't even like dogs, she tolerates them, plus she was down on her belly in her white jeans retrieving MY dog, while I stood there being shocked.

It took the Queen quite a while to calm down and quit shaking. She has recovered now and is back to her imperious self...barking and running in circles begging for whatever treat she can get. Redoubled efforts on her keeper's part to help her "see" her environment will ensue.

Another Baby!

2009-08-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Our friends in Morocco just sent us word that their daughter arrived on Saturday morning. She is beautiful, like her older sister and brother (and Mom and Dad, of course!) It will be a little harder for me to go and do my Nana thing this time for them. I will just have to redouble my prayers and believe that the Lord knows right where they are, and just what they need. I know that this little girl will be a blessing to her family, and I look forward to holding her as I have her siblings whenever that happens.

Our youngest grandson has been practicing playing on his floor mat, and his Mommy sent me pictures this morning of him focusing on the hanging toys! He is, of course, so very clever, since he is only 1 week old, and seems to be tracking, according to his parents. I do believe he is going to have his mother's beautiful dark eyes. It will be said of him, I am sure, that he is a brown-eyed handsome man! Can't wait to make the next trip to Oklahoma to see him (fourteen days but who's counting?)

101

2009-08-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I wasn't even paying any attention and I realized that I had made it to 100 blogs. Huh, who'd a thunk I'd stick with it? I sure didn't. I appreciate anyone who has taken the time to read my ramblings, you are true friends-or gluttons for punishment.

Today I am resting up from a marathon of cleaning yesterday. I am not much of a housekeeper, which I have admitted freely in the past. When I left a couple of weeks ago for baby arrivals, I had to leave the house unvacuumed, undusted, unmopped, etc. due to a knee injury. Wonder of wonders, the housekeeping police did NOT arrive in my absence and cite me for nastiness.

TBO went to east Texas yesterday for a meeting and I decided that I would do all the above in one day. Now, I am generally opposed to doing that much manual labor on any given day, but I felt the opportunity had presented itself and I should avail myself of it. Also, I only had the unairconditioned Volvo at my disposal, which made leaving less of an option.

I also had a grand plan of action. I would do one set of "work", then I would watch one episode of "The West Wing". I had enough to do that I made it through 8 episodes yesterday. Now, that may surprise you, but I actually finished all of my list about episode 5! The rest of the day was spent recovering with ice on my knee, back and elbow. The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be.

Anyway, it was lovely to go to bed with fresh sheets last night. And especially marvelous to awaken to clean floors and no giant dust bunnies peering at me from the night stand. If I recover from my frenzy, I'll try to get back on my schedule of cleaning so I don't have to do this again!

New grandbabies

2009-08-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

It has been an exciting few days in Oklahoma. My stepgranddaughter gave birth on Friday to a precious little boy, well, not so little, 8lb. 2 oz. for a little bitty 100 pound girl, but she delivered normally after a tough 20 hour labor. I wasn't present for the birth as I was tending to one of his uncles. The little guy is having a few minor health problems, so please pray for him.

Our youngest son and his wife had their first child today...another grandson. He was born this afternoon about 6:09 pm after about 12 of hours labor in the hospital. He weighed in at 7 lbs, 14 oz and was 20.5 inches long. He is mighty cute, and seems to be doing very well. Mom and Dad are, too! It was a long day for Nana Pam, but oh so worth it.

I think I shall call it a day and try to get some sleep. I'm glad I'm just the grandma and I don't have to get up with either one of the sweet darlings!

Quiet on the Circle

2009-07-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

We have had a spate of visitors in the last week. Don't get me wrong, I love having people at the house, and try to be a good hostess, but yesterday we sent off the last of a week's straight worth of houseguests!

TBO's brother and daughter were in for one night last week. It was wonderful to have them here, especially since I had not seen our niece for about 5 years (they live in Phoenix). Our niece has just finished a term as a Senate Page in Washington, D.C. Although I hadn't seen her in several years, I imagine that this experience will be much like our middle son's Philmont Scout Ranch experience - we sent a boy to New Mexico, and an amazingly mature young man returned. Our niece will be a senior in high school this year, but I would lay odds that she is the most mature young woman in Phoenix. She is bright, funny, aware, reads the NEWSPAPER (!), and an all around lovely child. I know her Mom and Dad are incredibly proud of her, as are her aunt and uncle.

Janie from Sounding Forth and her husband came in late Thursday and spent the weekend with us. We ALWAYS have a great time with them. They had to go home on Monday, but we were still trying to get them to stay...we were figuring out ways to fix beds for them and our next guests...but they felt they should get home to the ZZ crew.

Monday afternoon, TBO's brother and daughter came back...our niece had been visiting a fellow page in Dallas along with several other pages, and BIL had been to OKC. He and his sister rode the train to Fort Worth, and his daughter rode the TRE to Fort Worth. I sent TBO to the train station while I did a quick tidy up job, washed towels and ran to the grocery store. We had a great dinner and played a "bookshelf" game called Acquire. Lots of fun was had by all.

Tuesday, we went to Grapevine and picked up our oldest grandson for the day. He also had not seen our niece for about 5 years. We went to the Dallas World Aquarium which was awesome. I am not really that into fish, but there were many more species there! We then went to the Sixth Floor Museum. I had been several years ago when my oldest son was in high school, but the exhibit has changed and expanded since then. Even the 10 year old was totally engaged.

Driving in Dallas makes me crazy. I do much better in the insanity that is Fort Worth! Adventures in Dallas driving included: almost being run off the road by an 18 wheeler, 2 near misses of small cars in the next lane as I tried to make my exit to the aquarium, missing the turn to 635W and having to retrace our route, (but only once), nearly missing the 360S exit. Not too bad, I guess. I should say that my BIL drove home from Dallas and that all mistakes in navigation were MY fault, but to my defense, I WAS sitting in the back seat! Bless BIL's heart, he traversed the streets of Dallas to pick up our vehicle and pick us all up at the Sixth Floor. SIL and I probably would not have made the trek back to the aquarium with our bad knees and hips.

Yesterday, SIL had to be at the train station in Fort Worth at 5:00 pm, and BIL and daughter had to be at DFW at 6:30. Fun time to be leaving anywhere! We got SIL to the train as it was boarding, then got to DFW right on time! Wahoo! Success!

So, now what to do? SIL got the sheets washed and put back on the beds for me before she left. The towels are done. I guess I'll go clean the bathroom, run the vacuum and dust before the next crew arrives. Give me a day or two, okay?

Weekend Guests

2009-07-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

We have had the joy to have Janie from Soundingforth and TMSL with us this weekend. It is always a fun time when they are here.

Friday Janie and I spent the day at the salon getting her hair colored and cut. I am always amazed at the process of coloring hair. I have had low lights put in a couple of times, but since I was having a red shade put in, which I hear is the hardest to keep in, I soon abandoned that idea and just let the hair go gray. There is enough red left that the gray looks strawberry blondish, in fact, when I got my passport several years ago, I took a poll at the application center as to what color I should put down as my hair color. They said blonde, to my delight, and not white! Yet, to this day, I consider myself a redhead. Kind of like the Marines, I guess, once a redhead, always a redhead.

Yesterday Janie, TMSL, and TBO went downtown and other places in search of computer parts. I opted for vacuuming and returning things to Target. Later we went to dinner at Del Friscos in Fort Worth-YUMMY is the only adjective I can think of to describe everything I had to eat or drink. Next we went to the Jubilee Theatre's production of Sam Shade the Musical. If you have a chance, go see this. Great voices, clever dialog and plot, good dancers, super time.

Today we went to brunch, then came home to more computer stuff. I don't understand much of what is going on, and frankly, don't want to know! That's why I have TBO around - much to his chagrin at times - to be my resident computer guru.

We are planning on watching a great old movie as soon as TBO and TMSL get back from buying yet more computer parts!

The End of Festivities

2009-07-19T18:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday three of my friends and I had a receptions for our middle son and his new bride. Many of his friends and ours were unable to make the wedding last month, so this was a chance for some of them to meet our new DIL.

One of my friends' nephews has a wonderful facility at his home that they use for family gatherings. She was able to gfor us to have the reception there. It was absolutely perfect. I am so grateful for such wonderful friends.

Now, on to baby watch...our newest grandson is due on August 12...I wonder if he will be on time? He's a first baby, so who knows?

Hot and Tired

2009-07-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

I am officially tired of hot weather and it's only the middle of July. I probably should just build a bridge and get over it since I live in Texas and we are likely to have at least two more months of HOT weather.

It is actually supposed to be much cooler this weekend...maybe as low, LOW??as 90 tomorrow and Sunday.

I knew it was hot on Tuesday when I could get out on the lawn tractor at 9:00 in the morning without worrying about the grass being too wet to cut. It was only about 89 degrees that morning, but had climbed up to the mid to upper 90s by the time I finished. But it's a dry heat as they say in Arizona. Ha. Heat is heat is heat.

I shall quit for today as I am only capable of whining! Thinking thoughts of cool autumn days and nights.

Sewing troubles

2009-06-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am not much of a seamstress, I confess. I bought some fabric last week to make another top for my daughter-in-law, and finally had time to think about cutting it out today. Obviously I need to have a refresher course in reading the AMOUNT of fabric required. I overlooked a minor requirement and now do not have enough to make said garment...not sure I can find more either. Perhaps the newest grandson will enjoy a bright red shirt or something!

Trattoria Il Centro

2009-06-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

If you are ever in Oklahoma City and want a great Italian meal, I highly recommend Trattoria Il Centro downtown. It is located in the old Montgomery building and has a wonderful menu and experienced waitstaff.

Our son's rehearsal dinner was held there Friday night. Everything was delightful. We had such a great time and I think everyone there enjoyed the evening.

I want to thank Maggie, Greg and Stephanie for answering all my questions and helping me put on a most memorable evening.

Do give this restaurant a try if you haven't. I know we will be going back.

The Wedding

2009-06-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me and if you have been reading my posts for the last little bit, know our middle son was married on Saturday night.

The wedding was beautiful, held at a lovely bed and breakfast in Tulsa, OK. The bride was radiant and the most comfortably shod...she was barefoot! Gotta love that. I didn't know it until my sister-in-law told me. I always watch the groom as the bride enters, and missed seeing her tootsies.

K & K did a wonderful job planning this. They had great catering and the staff at the "mansion" were so incredibly accomodating and helpful.

They are off to California on Monday for a few days of honeymoon, then back to the real world.

Have a great time dear ones. I love you.

Weather Blues

2009-06-12T06:03:00.000-07:00

It is always interesting to endure springtime weather in Texas. On Wednesday I was supposed to have picked up our grandson for his uncle's wedding. The weather predictions were horrific, and his mom and I decided we'd wait until Thursday to meet up. Good decision.

During the night sometime, we lost power at our house. We know it was around 3:00 a.m. because TBO's CPAP quit, and he was UP!! I didn't notice until sometime around 5:00 when I became aware of the lack of CPAP swooshes and no fan breeze. We decided after our call to report our outage to see if we could find a place for breakfast, since we are total electric, and neither of us was going to be happy without our coffee. We stumble around in the dark finding clothes and set off, find a restaurant with power and enjoy our breakfast.

TBO was a little concerned because he had not put the wedding order of service on a jump drive, and since we had no power, he had no way to do so. He had printed out a trial copy, and found that, thankfully. We both tried to sleep a little after we got home, but TBO really doesn't rest well without his CPAP. By now, I'm getting concerned about the contents of the refrigerator and freezer...not much in there, but still, I wouldn't want to replace it all.

At 11:00 we started loading the truck to make the trip to pick up the grandson and go to the wedding. It began to thunder and lightning so close that even The Queen (our ancient Yorkie who doesn't hear well)was disturbed. Before we could get it all in, the bottom fell out and before we could finish, I looked like a drowned rat. Hair and clothes were soaked, shoes were squishy, just generally nasty looking and feeling.

When we arrived at our meeting spot, we had to virtually unload the back of the truck and dry it out (we have a cover for the bed, but during the loading process lots of water got in), repack and make room for the grandson's things, etc.

By this time, TBO and I were hungry, our 6:00 a.m. breakfast has gone. We stop to grab a bite and I ran back to the restroom to wash up. There, hanging on the wall was my new best friend. A hand dryer! My hair was STILL sopping wet, and although I hadn't used one of these as a hair dryer in about 37 years, I was so excited! Dried a little of the top layer, especially the bangs which were amazingly gross looking.
When I went to college back in 1970, there were not many hand held hair dryers in Oklahoma yet. I, and many of my friends used the hand dryers in our communal bathroom to dry our hair. It was a blast from the past, I must say. I would have done more drying yesterday had there not been someone else in the restroom. Anyway, it made the drive a little less wet!

By the way, the power came back on about 2:30 yesterday afternoon. Whew!

Third Pair Make the Grade

2009-06-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

I am done shopping for apparel for this wedding.

TBO and I went to one store yesterday and found the absolutely most beautiful shoes to wear with my dress for the wedding. One of few that had a heel that wasn't 4 inches tall, in my size, and the right color. I am officially the Imelda Marcos of Rendon, TX with shoes for this event! Officially, I have purchased 3 pairs of sandals, but now I am satisfied, as is my fashion advisor (TBO).

Let the festivities begin.

One Week To Go

2009-06-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

It is just one week til our social event of the year...aka our middle son's wedding! We have gotten all the RSVPs for the rehearsal dinner and are ready to call in the final count. I picked up my dress from my friend who did the alterations yesterday and my shoes arrived in the mail. I got my eyebrows and lip waxed (being very fair skinned, I tend to have interesting reactions to these procedures, thought it would be prudent to do them early). Made my appointment for my manicure and pedicure, already have my hair appointments...yes plural. One here to have a trim from my most marvelous hairdresser, and one the morning of the wedding to be coiffed and hairsprayed into submission for the ceremony and pictures by my mom's equally wonderful hairdresser. Can you say "football helmet hair" ala Sally Field in "Steel Magnolias"?

Sound ready, right? Not so much. My resident fashion expert, aka TBO, has decided he's not sure about my shoes...ok. So, later this afternoon we are going back out on a search for silver shoes, or pewter, whichever we can find in size 10, low heeled, that don't cost an arm and a leg and kill my feet. I have seen a pair online that I hope are in a local store...will let you know about the success or failure later.

Sewing

2009-05-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

I am not an accomplished seamstress-read rank amateur-but can usually follow a Simplicity patter for EASY garments. My daughter-in-law is expecting in August and I thought I could make her a few little tops for her wardrobe.

Well, back when I was having babies, granted my "baby" will be 26 soon, there were always several patterns to choose from, even in the Simplicity book. Now, in the current book I looked at on Sunday, there were 4, count 'em, 4 patterns. Period. I was only able to find one in the size I needed for DIL.

I purchase some fabric and notions and think I'll just whip these first two out. Well, someone forgot to tell the people at Simplicity what simplicity means. Oh my goodness, such convoluted, confusing and sometimes even missing instructions. They did have good illustrations, though, which did give me some help!

I am thanking Mrs. Reynolds, my 7th grade Home Ec teacher right now for her patient instruction, as well as my mom's friends Bonnie and Doris who bailed me out of many a mess.

I finished one top and am mailing it off this morning for DIL to try on and see if she even likes the style, and if it even remotely fits. If not, I guess I'll chalk it up to a fun day at the machine!

Cleaning Woes

2009-05-27T05:40:00.000-07:00

As any of you who have EVER read one of my posts realizes, I really do not like housework. Particularly vacuuming, mopping, dusting, cleaning bathrooms. I don't mind doing the laundry so much, but am not a great fan of ironing, either.

Yesterday, I decided that the spots on the living room carpet had to be dealt with. In my misplaced enthusiasm, I also decided to move all the furniture out and REALLY do a bang up job. I must say, it does look good now, but I may be paying with a sore back and muscles for the rest of my life.

Of course I picked the most humid day of the year to do this little deed, so between running the shampooer, the air conditioner at arctic temperatures and fans to try and dry the carpet, I am not sure it might not have been more cost efficient to pay for someone to come in and do the job.

All that remains is the final vacuuming and replacing the furniture...I shall ask for help today, trust me!

Successes!

2009-04-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

I am ecstatic to report success in two areas that have been bugging the crap out of me lately: a dress to wear to our son's wedding in June and a venue for the rehearsal dinner for said wedding. With help from blogging buddies these two items are now off my plate!

Janie, from Soundingforth, found the PERFECT dress last week out in Midland. To top off the color, cut, style, etc., it was on sale for $36. Can you beat that? I think not. It was not exactly the color my new daughter-in-law had suggested, but, when she saw the dress last night, she agreed that it was THE ONE!!!!

Snooty Primadona has also helped me in the venue department. Although none of her suggestions were used, she at least got me moving and looking at places in Oklahoma City. TBO and I made a trip up to OKC on Monday with the express goal of finding a venue. Actually, TBO did almost all the work once we were in OKC and got online and everything.,,thanks, honey. He set up the appointment for the place we ultimately contracted with and downtown we went. Everything was what I had envisioned and we had our son, the groom to be, with us and he approved also. We are set. Signed, sealed, not quite delivered, but I am confident we chose wisely. Before we left the restaurant, we decided to have lunch and try some of the entrees on the list for the dinner. Had a great server who was just the right amount of attentive. The food was excellent. And to top it off, when we got the check, the manager had comped our meals. I was blown away again. Now just the minor details of the invitations, response cards, decorations....

Painting

2009-04-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

I know I said I hated wallpaper, but now I have turned my hatred to painting. I had successfully avoided painting much more than a little patch in my hallway until yesterday. I now remember why I haven't painted in about 30 years...it is messy, you have to go up and down ladders--for someone of my size that is a BIG issue--and some people criticize your work (as if!)

We have, hopefully, one more coat to finish the guest bathroom then, if we haven't killed one another, we may try to finish the powder room, which only needs one coat of color, again, said with hope! Finally, one coat on the kitchen ceiling and the walls and we have our project finished. I just don't know if I can make it.

TBO acted as if I had asked him to commit some major crime when I asked him if he would rehang the trim around the doors of the bathroom. I guess he was just going to leave the sheetrock showing...I don't think so! Anyway, that may involve painting again...to be continued.

Wallpaper, I hate wallpaper!

2009-03-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

I have been stripping wallpaper last night and today in preparation for popcorn ceilings being removed and texture applied onto said stripped walls. Some of you know that this process began about 2 years ago with me pulling the paper off the kitchen walls and the powder room walls...still bare sheetrock today. Now the walls of the second bathroom are bare also even as I write this, the ceiling is being scraped.

We are one step closer to having paint on the walls, hallelujah. Possibly tomorrow we will have texture and smooth ceilings.

Now, I just have to get my hands, back and legs to quit hurting...where is my ibuprofen bottle?

Extra Grandma

2009-03-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

I am the "extra grandma" for six, soon to be eight sweet little darlings, whose paternal grandma has gone on to be with the Lord. Last week I spent time with the newest addition. Oh, man, those little girls are something to behold! Having only had boys and acquiring a fourteen year old granddaughter when she entered our family, it is most interesting to see these tiny girl children and their activities.

Has anyone but me and my mom made the amazing discovery that no matter what the size of the girl baby, they just "feel" different, lighter somehow? Boys seem to have more bulk about them...I don't know if it's all in my mind or what. Nevertheless, this newest one is like a little feather and has two cute big brothers and a precious big sister. Love spending time with them and their parents, who are some of the most consistent parents I've known.

I enjoyed the time with them, but was glad to get home to our quiet home on the circle...I only have the Queen to answer to right now, well, also TBO, but he is a little easier to talk to!

Vacuum Cleaner Woes

2009-03-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

I have a fairly new vacuum...not quite three years old. Last week when I was using it, I discovered that the hose attachment wasn't working well. I figured it needed some kind of adjustment, maybe a new belt, who knows?

I get out the trusty manual and discover that wonder of wonders, we bought an extended warranty serviced policy on said appliance (we rarely do). TBO takes the vacuum to the store to see about getting it fixed. While in the store, it works great, so he brings it home and we just think the ride to the store and the possibility of major surgery scared the little darling into sucking well.

Today, as I am preparing for my future daughter-in-law and our son to be here, I get trusty vacuum out to clean up a little. Seems fine for a while, hose attachment has lots of suction, change it for the carpet, then when I get ready to vacuum the rest of the tiled floors...NO SUCTION! Dagnab it, I feel like it knew that I needed it so badly and is just laughing up its little dirt bag. I guess I will have to take it to the store again and try to get it to act up. Perhaps I can explain the problem better, or maybe I'll just run the risk of having to pay a $40 service fee if the people they send it to can't find anything wrong.

I wonder if they give out loaners?

Wedding Preparations

2009-03-04T11:59:00.000-08:00

Although the mother of the groom has little to do except to "wear beige and smile" as a friend of mine's sister-in law-told her (both ladies only had sons, as do I), there are a few things I must do.

Number one, is to find the flipping beige dress! I believe I have found the one I want, but I am waiting a few more weeks in hopes of losing a few pounds before purchasing--hope springs eternal. I am just so glad that Omar the Tentmaker has a fairly lovely selection this spring! My future daughter-in-law asked if I would wear either champagne or navy-gotta love it-two of my BEST colors. Anyway, this one meets all of our requirements-sleeves & below the knee length (for me), and in a lovely champagne color. Now, I'm on the lookout for a grandmother of the groom dress in navy for my mom....

Number two, I must find a place to have a rehearsal dinner. Not generally a problem, but when you are 250 miles from the city (Oklahoma City where the bride and groom live) in which this dinner is to take place, it does pose some interesting issues. Like, get me a guest list, or just a number! The wedding is in June, so I know that many places will be booked up pretty soon. I warned the groom that it might be KFC in a park if he doesn't get on the ball..

Number three, the wedding itself is not going to be in OKC, but Tulsa, another 70 miles up the turnpike. Why, you may ask? A lot of it is due to wanting a beautiful venue at a decent price. I believe they have found such a place. As it turns out, the venue was the childhood home of a friend of my father's-who was born in Tulsa. It is now a B&B and has lovely grounds, etc. My brother, who lives in Tulsa, told me that this friend of our father came to see him when he first went to work in Tulsa. My mom then remembered that this man's mom and my grandmother had been This bridge buddies! This gives me a little history to hang onto.

Last problem is finding someone to "do" my hair for the wedding...although I think I've got that covered. Being inept with a hair dryer and round brush scares me for the pictures...but if I didn't have something to worry about, what would I do? I am sure all will be well....I'll let you know in June!

Music at Mickey's

2009-02-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

I've been in Oklahoma City this week to visit my mom and to go hear my future daughter-in-law sing at Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse in OKC. I knew she was a good singer, but I was truly amazed at the talent that girl possesses. Possibly because I would love to sing, but sound most times like a cross between a frog and a sick cow. I loooove to sing, but am resigned to singing alone in the shower or the car, *sigh*.

Future DIL is just incredible. She arranges a lot of her own music and covers a wide range of genres. I heard some rap, pop and old standards the other night. Of course, someone had to tell me when it was rap music because I am too old for that stuff! She's backed up by a guitarist, bass and drums. They are all wonderful musicians.

Provision

2009-02-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

You know, sometimes it is just flat hard to be a mom.

Our youngest son and his wife are expecting their first child in August. We are ecstatic! DIL is one of three girls, our son is one of three boys. As our son put it last night, they win whatever! As we have only one granddaughter out of our other six grandchildren, you can imagine what I would like, but truly, healthy is great. Although there is a bounty out for the first red haired granddaughter-she will write her own ticket!

Anyway, about three weeks ago, DIL was laid off due to the economy. She took it well, and our son was only a little worried. Then, last week, he was laid off. Dag nab it! I am really trying not to get too upset and worry. TBO asked me why I was so gloomy when we heard the news and I said, well, what about the kids and the baby? I am just concerned about them. He said, "Well, we did it, didn't we?" I answered that with, "That was us, these are my babies!" Such logic.

It all comes down to trusting in the One Who has always taken care of us. Shortly before TBO and I were married I read Psalm 37 and I felt the words "I have been young, and now I am old, and I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor their seed begging bread" were written to me personally. I, for the most part, don't feel very righteous most of the time, but I do have close to 35 years of walking with TBO and seeing the Lord provide. I just need to look back, remember, and be thankful. I know that God knows where my son and DIL are, and they will be all right.

The Queen and the Vet

2009-01-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

Well, the Queen has been hacking around for a couple of days, once yesterday she coughed/gagged so hard that she knocked herself over. Called the vet and couldn't get in until this morning. (For any new readers, the Queen is our soon to be 17 year old Yorkshire Terrier.)

We get to the Vet's office this morning and weigh in...4.4 pounds. She is amazing, keeps her weight so carefully. After the indignity of a temperature check, the Vet arrives and listens to her heart and lungs. THEN he scares me a little by ordering an X-Ray. As usual, I am concerned that this might be THE DAY every pet owner dreads...the day when you must make the decision to put your beloved furry friend down.

The X-Ray shows a slightly enlarged heart and liver, but no masses or anything that the Vet is very worried about at her age. Then, we have the TALK about when he really encourages pet owners to put down their animal. He encourages owners to be aware of their pets getting "lost" in the house, getting in a corner and whining, pottying in their beds or in the house.

The Queen has some pretty serious cataracts, so I have been noticing her using the walls and furniture to navigate lately. But, other than the annoying cough/gag she is still the ruler of all she surveys. She is demanding of her carrots, dog biscuits and outside time. She still doesn't really like being held and petted (except at the Vet's office). The Vet said to keep an eye on her, and to think about his guidelines, but he did not recommend any drastic measures at this time. He gave her a B-12 shot and an antibiotic to help her drainage and sent us home.

The Queen will begin taking an oral antibiotic 5 days every 3 weeks to keep the oogie boogies in check in her mouth. The Vet is not sure she is a good candidate for anesthetic and a thorough cleaning. So, we continue our walk with our geriatric pet, dreading that day which shall surely come, when the Queen will need to go to her new realm. Until then, Long Live the Queen!

Dorothy L. Sayers

2008-12-30T14:14:00.000-08:00

Ahh, Dorothy L. Sayers...what a writer. She was a contemporary of Agatha Christie and wrote some of the most wonderful books about her detective, Lord Peter Wimsey. Spooky Rach is reading some of her books now and I am thinking of digging mine out and reading them all again!
My mother-in-law, who started me reading English mysteries, was a true Lord Peter fan. She even taped the PBS series that was telecast in the 80s and then we would discuss how well or poorly the screenplay followed the books. As an English teacher, she was quick to point out that in England the use of the word "ain't" wasn't a sign of being unlearned as it is here in the USA, which was a total surprise to me.

Anyway, for those of you needing a good read for the new year, check her out! Great stories, tight plots and wonderful characters. The saddest part is that there are only about 10-12 Lord Peter novels. The rest of her work was in Christian apologetics, and I've never ventured out into that world! There is a writer who has taken at least one unpublished manuscript and finished it. It is pretty good, but I can't remember her name at this time...perhaps it will come to me soon! Get comfy with your favorite beverage, blankie and read up a storm.

December Ramblings

2008-12-23T04:19:00.000-08:00

I have been fighting with my computer since I last posted almost a month ago. The computer, unfortunately, has been winning. I have been able to view other people's posts, and sometimes make comments (I know you have been blessed), but haven't been able to open my blogspot to make my scintillating observations.

Yesterday, the bearded one fixed my "side" of the home computer. I am now back in the 21st century, so to speak. I can now e-mail, blog, bank online, etc. with impunity. I am soooo excited.

This has been a strange December for me. I didn't have anyone under the age of 60 around to help get the Christmas boxes out of the attic. I have been banned from attics since I stepped through an unfloored section in our old house about ten years ago and ended up on the washing machine! Anyway, I, who love to put up a tree and decorate with my limited abilities have been stymied this year. I am sure that in January, I will be glad that I don't have to face taking it all down and getting it up to the attic, but I do miss my "Christmas things".

We went to Oklahoma City last week to attend the annual Lifechange Ballroom competition. It was an awesome show. Eight groups of fifth graders competed for the traveling trophy. These were the best of the best...the program is now in about 24 elementary schools and these students won the preliminary round to come to the "big show". Kudos to my sister for her vision and perseverance to make this happen for these children. In many of these schools, there has been a marked increase in test scores and a marked decrease in discipline referrals. As Cindy says, this is a mentoring program disguised as a dance class!

Last Friday I went to pick up my check for subbing in the last pay period. I was so blown away to discover that one of my former ESL students is now an assistant to the business manager for the school district. She has her BBA and is being groomed to take this woman's position. Who knew when she came and could speak no English that she would accomplish this? I am excited that I had even a tiny part to play in her success, because I know that each of my former students worked so very hard to achieve all their goals.

We are looking forward to a visit from our youngest son and his wife tonight before they go on to her parents' home for Christmas. We will see them again at her parents' on Christmas day for food, fun and fellowship. We will be picking up our grandson in Fort Worth on the 26th and taking him back to Lawton to have Christmas with his dad and family as well as our middle son and his fiance and JM's great aunt.

Following the Christmas festivities in Lawton, we will be heading to Frederick for the weekend. We missed our annual Christmas/NewYears visit last year due to TBO's sister's surgery, but will take up where we left off. Looking forward to food, wine and games galore when we get there.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

I am home from my mom's and our annual Thanksgiving feast and overeating contest. I think I won this year! If being officially miserable and unable to even consider eating anything is a sign of the gluttony award...I get it.

We were down a few participants this year...only had 14 at the table, but I'm sure we could have fed several more, as is the usual occurance.

Just before hubby and I left, my sister was relating a story about how when things were much leaner for her and her man, he would get her to count her blessings and to articulate the things she was thankful for...I thought I would steal that and make my list this year.

I am thankful for:
*living in a country where I can voice my opinions about things without fear of retribution
*my mom still being alive and well and able to live on her own
*my loving husband who puts up with all my crap, and still thinks I'm a "good woman"
*my three wonderful sons, two precious daughter-in-laws, a daughter-in-law to be, and six, count 'em, six grandchildren (yours, mine, ours-but ALL mine!)
*my amazing sister and her husband (too many things to list on this list, but I shall post about her another time)
*my brother and his wife and family
*my sister-in-law who thinks my childdren and grandchildren are wonderful
*my brother-in-law and his wife and daughter
*a host of friends who just love me and put up with all my stuff
*having a relationship with the Lord Jesus that just amazes me daily...oh how He loves me and forgives me!

Not a comprehensive list, but one that makes me realize that I, too, have so much, and that when it is all said and done at the end of the day, my needs are few, my blessings are bountiful, and my wants are all just that...wants. May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

Back in the USA!

2008-11-05T06:46:00.001-08:00

After a perfectly marvelous trip, with the small glitch of a cancelled flight we had no notice of, I made it home last night from our cruise of the Western Med, tour of Barcelona, and ministry trip to the Canary Islands. Whew! I may need a couple of "robe days" to recover!

If anyone is considering a cruise, I highly recommend the Norwegian Gem...we were treated like royalty and I don't think a came across one surly crew member while we were onboard. The food was great, a creme brulee with chocolate ganache that I would kill for...and I don't even really like creme brulee! We took tours of Malta, Pompeii, Rome, Florence and Monaco and all were extremely interesting and well organized. I need to go back to Rome and Florence, though...just not enough time to see everything in a 3-4 hour tour, of course.

Barcelona was amazing. I was all geared up to use my Spanish when I realized we were in Cataluna-where they speak Catalan, a mixture of Spanish and French, which is totally out of my range! I could read some menus, but even the street signs stumped me! But the city was fantastic. We bought 2 day passes on a tour bus line and spent the first day riding all over the city looking at amazing architecture and hearing little snippets about museums, etc. The second day we used our pass to get to the Museum of the History of the City in the Bare Gotica. It was a museum unlike anything I have ever been in. It is built on the site of some of the Roman ruins of the original city. You go down an elevator which shows you "2008" as your beginning floor and "5 BC" as your destination! Our trip to Pompeii was helpful in understanding some of the architectural elements found there. We got to spend a few evenings with our friend, Felix, from Texas A&M, who is studying there for this semester. He had lots of great ideas for places to visit and wonderful restaurant recommendations.

The Canary Islands are a group of 7 islands, I think. I never really got it straight in my mind...we landed on Gran Canaria and spent one day at the airport waiting to fly on to Las Palmas...that is another story altogether. Our time in Las Palmas was so special. Michael and our friends Doug and Rita and Lanny ministered to a conference of pastors from all of the Canary Islands. I was the designated prayer!

We were scheduled to fly out of Gran Canaria at 11:30 pm on Sunday night. One of the participants in the conference arranged for us to be picked up at the airport Sunday morning about 10:00 am when we arrived from Las Palmas and we were entertained royally! We had a great tour of the island, some of which we were sorry to say, we did while sleeping! We ate at a restaurant that is carved out of the side of a mountain...it is a CAVE. Great food and fellowship. Then the guys spoke at 2 church meetings before we left...Our hosts took us to the airport about 10:15 and left us. We walked into the airport and discovered, to our amazement, that there was NO flight to Barcelona that night. After discussions with airport information, crew chiefs, etc. we got hotel rooms, then returned to fly to Madrid, then Barcelona, missing our connections to New York and home.

I have always wanted to go to Madrid, but I really would have liked to have seen more than the airport! Following the extremely hard work of an American Airlines agent in Barcelona, we were booked on the flight home for Tuesday. Doug, Rita and I were disappointed that we would not be home in time to vote, but were glad to get home. Michael had voted absentee before he left the states, and he was going on to Munich and Florence before returning...he's going to be tired, I think.

So, after all of this, I got home last night around 11:00, tired, facing a mountain of laundry and several little things that must be done before I get back on the road to retrieve the Queen from her vacation with my Mom. I think it is time for a rest!

Barcelona Bound

2008-10-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

I will post this, then begin wending my way to the airport to head for Barcelona, Spain. I am so excited, I haven't slept much for the last two nights. I hope the persons on either side of me on the flight to Barcelona aren't too bothered by my snoring!

I'm meeting the bearded one at the docks in Barcelona where we will be getting on a cruise ship-our first!- with our best friends in the world for a Western Meditteranean Cruise. Watch out Italy, here we come! Then we will be going to the Canary Islands for a conference after the cruise.

I probably won't be posting while I'm away, but will be keeping a journal to update everyone on our adventures. Hasta luego! Dios les bendiga.

Preparing to Travel

2008-10-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

I now have 9 days until I fly to Spain and board a cruise ship...I had my "practice pack drill" last night and was able to get all my clothes and stuff into one bag and was under the weight limit! Ha! TBH scoffed at me when I said I could do it. But now, after further deliberations, I have decided to go ahead and bite the bullet and take another bag to check.

Why, you might ask? Well, I did forget one or two things in my initial pack drill...nightgowns, a book or two that will be required on the trip. Also, although I will be gone for 17 days, total, TBH will be leaving on Friday and will meet me in Spain, and will stay after I'm flying Texas bound for another week. He thinks he might need me to bring him a thing or two! I'm sure I will be bringing home more than a thing or two!

I am flying to and from Spain with our good friends who are taking the cruise with us. I don't think I would be afraid to travel alone, but it will be much more enjoyable during the 3 hour layover in NYC to have them there!

Now, the big question is, can we get TBH packed up and out the door by 1:00 pm Friday? He needs to check in at the airport by 2:10...I'm sure we'll make it, just not too sure of how much sleep we'll get Thursday night! The clock is ticking!

MemServ

2008-09-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

My family has a rather unique sense of humor, especially concerning death and funerals. When my father passed away, he was cremated and had left instructions to have his ashes spread over his favorite golf holes. It was December, and Mom wasn't up to golfing then...although Dad would have been out no matter the temperature or conditions.

Consequently, Dad's remains were stored in the hall closet until spring. One day, my Mom saw my sister standing in the door of the closet, just looking into it. She asked her, "What are you doing?" My sister replied, rather testily I might add, "I'm talking to Dad!", shut the door and came back to the den.

We also are prone to making bad jokes and laughing inappropriately at such things as funerals...a classic line is from some movie my children quote, "We put the FUN in funeral." I don't think we have ever gotten as hysterical as Mary Tyler Moore did in the episode about Chuckles the Clown, but it has been close.

All of this drivel to say that the memorial service (memserv) for our dear friend was held last Saturday. It was so well done, I hope that everyone who attended was as blessed as I was. There were memory boards of her life displayed, from birth until just a couple of months before her passing. Her family had examples of her handwork-quilts, afghans, dresses, cross stitch-displayed. It was magnificent.

Her children were there, of course, and her grandchildren, and all of us who had been her "other" children. It was good to see so many of those people who had been blessed by her life. This was a wonderful memserv! I think she would have loved it!

New Beginnings

2008-09-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Our middle son has become engaged! Yee haw! He took his father with him to pick out a ring and to lend moral support...dad has pretty amazing taste in rings, as anyone who has seen my wedding band knows, but I digress.

Middle son was planning to wait until next month's hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque to pop the question while soaring up in the air in a balloon, but I think the ring was burning a hole in his pocket, so he talked to her father last week and asked her last Thursday. Then he didn't even call to let us know what she said, I had to call him Friday to see how it went.

I tell you, sometimes my boys do not get how important these things are to their momma! His reply to my question was, I wouldn't have asked her if I didn't think she was going to say yes...I didn't know that did I? Huh? Oh well.

Anyway, now the diet begins in earnest. I wonder if I can lose 90 pounds before the big day? Do you think there are enough Spanx products to hold all my parts in place? I'm not entirely sure! We've been told that it will be at least a year, but I have doubts about that...we shall see. The saga begins.

Grandma Helicopter

2008-09-02T05:45:00.001-07:00

Some of you know the parenting workshop Love and Logic, right? I thought my helicopter had been grounded, but I guess it won't be permanently so til I pass on! Oldest son and wife had to go to Ohio last week for a family emergency...oldest grandson was in the area with his mom. How to get said grandson home to school, and who would supervise stepgranddaughter while mom is gone? Helicopter Grandma, of course! Long story short, hubby arranged for our friend who has a private plane to fly us to Oklahoma where we were met by another friend's daughter. A real help since the ancient Volvo is no longer roadworthy. Got to oldest son's home and had three great days with the grands. I was even able to volunteer at the grandson's school for 3 days...something I have never been able to do. Not working does have advantages! Everything went well in Ohio and all are home again.

Helicoptering is exhausting, though. I am still trying to catch up on my sleep, get back in my exercise routine and get the house back in order. But my sweet hubby did something for me that I am so proud of...he cleaned out the garage enough to put my car inside. We have never, in 34 years of marriage, had a car inside the garage. Wow! His thinking was that we need to replace the Volvo, so he would clean out a space, in faith, for our new car! Anyway, the Volvo is enjoying the pampering.

Surprise!!

2008-08-11T08:46:00.001-07:00

I did it! With lots of help from my friends and family, I successfully surprised hubby with a party celebrating his 60th birthday. I was not really sure if he knew or not, but his reaction when he walked in was classic.

I had to do something to mark this auspicious birthday...he surprised the absolute snot out of me on my 50th, so as they say, paybacks are hell! No, he just does so many nice things for me I wanted to try to do a little something for him. All our boys and their families were here ostensibly to celebrate the youngest grandson's first birthday--which we did. But then it was the countdown for deception! I would never make it as a secret agent...

I want to especially thank our friends Graydon and Diane for hosting this event in their home. I tried to find a restaurant or party room but there was nothing to be had in my price range. Plus, they were able to provide me with the perfect blind...Graydon's birthday was the day after the party for hubby so we were going for HIS party.

I was so worried, not worried exactly, anxious, some kind of emotion...that I didn't sleep the night before, then I couldn't even do my usual nap on the way up to the house for the party because hubby kept calling people who were either at the party or on the way to the party! Whew!

Anyway, there will probably not be any more surprise parties planned by this old gal...I think my hair is two shades lighter from the gray I got just this weekend.

Thanks to all of you who came, your presence was such a gift to him and to me.

The Passing of a Saint

2008-08-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

How precious in the sight of the Lord is the passing of one of His saints. Yesterday, my "other mother" went home to be with the Lord. I am happy for her, sad for me and her children, grandchildren and friends. She fought the good fight and now I am certain that as she made the transition from death to life she heard the words, "well done".

Jury Duty and Other Happenings

2008-08-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

I received my jury summons a couple of weeks ago. This is NOT the most convenient time for me to do my civic duty, but decided that rather than risk winding up in the pokey, I would hie myself downtown this morning at 8:00 am. The good thing about the time was that it was ONLY about 85 degrees while I waited for the shuttle bus, but even that wasn't enough when I had to wait for a second shuttle! It didn't bode well when the bailiff of the juries said that there would be standing room only today, either. I did, however, find a seat. Whew! After two hours I was picked to be in the reserve jury pool for the afternoon. Basically, I had from 10:00 until 1:30 free, then had to report back to the jury check-in room in case I was "needed". At 3:00, I was released, donated my $6 pay and headed for the hacienda. I've never been seated on a jury, I was picked for one, but before the jury was seated, the parties settled. My hubby has been on several juries and also has been the foreman. I don't think I would mind being on a jury, but man, the sitting around waiting and the voir dire (sic) process wears me out.

Our oldest son passed his journeyman electrician's test today! I am so happy for him. He's been close a couple of times, but today, he did it. It doesn't affect him so much with the job he's on right now, but will definitely make a big difference in the future. Way to go MLO!

My mom has been down in her back for the last several days. So bad that she even went to the doctor-a major concession on her part. The doctor took x-rays, then wanted an MRI too. Scared all of us a little bit but there is no fracture at all! So she's good to boogie down again! Ha. But she does feel like she will be able to come to our house this weekend for her great grandson's first birthday party. I'm really very thankful and relieved. Mom already has had both knees replaced and one hip replaced. I don't know if she was really ready to have back surgery.

One Car

2008-07-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

It is interesting here on the circle in the middle of July...HOT, HOT, HOT. The aged Volvo's air conditioning is not near enough for my comfort. So, we are virtually a one car household for the first time in YEARS!!!! Not that we really have to both be anywhere incredibly important most days, but just the thought of cranking up the Volvo makes me rethink the importance of my trip. Good way to save gas, huh? Today was Hubby's day out, tomorrow is mine! Sure hope the library calls with my reserved books!

I've just finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. Wow, if you haven't read it, you should pick up a copy. It has challenged some of my core beliefs and made me realize some of the erroneous ideas I have harbored over the years. I "speed read" through the book and finished last night. I am on my second time through and discovering just in the two chapters I've finished today that I may be working on this for a while. Perhaps the most wonderful thing I realized in my read was that relationships are much more important than institutions. I actually knew that, but somehow it got lost in my old brain. So, I think I'll go see what else I can challenge myself with in the book.

My Other Mother

2008-07-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

I am currently in Oklahoma City visiting family and friends. My mom and I went to see my "other" mother yesterday. This special lady lived next door to us when we moved to OKC in 1962. She was always a hoot to be around and was willing to listen to me when I couldn't, or wouldn't talk to my own mom. One year for Mom's weekend at OSU, she and my mom both came and did the activities with me.

She is probably the main reason I became a teacher, and was willing to work with special needs children. She had a masters' degree in learning disabilities waaaaaaay back when the syndrome (?) was first identified. She could get the most amazing results from her kids. I, however, wasn't cut out for LD, and preferred working with those who had a low IQ.

My other mother turned 90 in June. She is in declining health now, but still lights up when her friends and family come to see her. Her son and daughter-in-law have her in their home, so she is lovingly and well cared for. Her legacy of love, laughter and service to all she knows will go on long after she goes to her reward.

She is reknowned for sewing wedding dresses, mine included, quilting or crocheting baby blankets, doing income taxes, and keeping the books for her church (which she did until 3 years ago!) The year I married, she sewed at least 4 wedding dresses that summer/fall...maybe more, I forget! But however many were sewn, they were all done with love.

I am so blessed to have had this wonderful woman in my life. I am grateful to her son and daughter for sharing their mom with me.

San Antonio

2008-06-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

We just got home from three amazing days in San Antonio, TX (in case you were wondering where SA is). Home of the Alamo, SeaWorld, Fiesta Texas, the Spurs, etc. It was a trip just for fun and relaxation...which we haven't done in two or three years. We stayed in a hotel on the infamous riverwalk in downtown San Antonio and never got our car out until we left! I LOVE public transportation in SA!

We walked a good bit, took the VIA trolley and the SA bus to where ever we were going. I always forget that most of the places I want to visit in SA are all in one little area. We visited Market Square and Mi Tierra, walked by the Alamo...too many tourists(Ha), La Villita and took in a movie at the Rivercenter Mall. Just basically did whatever we wanted. Siestas were in order every day, and our last night there we didn't even leave the hotel...love pizza delivery men!

On the way home we stopped in San Marcos to do a little shopping...now shopping is not my bag really, but I endured and got through it. Whew!

Now I must begin in earnest to clean house before the oldest son and his family get here for the Fourth...but he is bringing the youngest grandson, so that will make it fun. We are going to celebrate the oldest grandson's birthday a few days early along with allowing said grandson and his dad to "blow stuff up" with fireworks. Since we live out in the county, it is legal for them to do this here!

It should be fun,I'm looking forward to making birthday cupcakes that will, if they turn out even close to the pictures I've seen, resemble small servings of spaghetti and meatballs...more about this later, and maybe even pictures if I can get someone to show me how to upload them. Anyway, I should begin the cleaning, so the fun can begin.

Water Heater Blues

2008-06-20T17:55:00.001-07:00

In my last blog I related my love of cleaning, especially cleaning up after the Queen...NOT. Anyway, yesterday was spent vacuuming and using the carpet steamer to get up the last of the stains from Tuesday's "accidents". The carpet was looking pretty good...I was heading back to the guest room to lay out towels for Janie and Steve, when I stepped in a puddle of COLD water.

GREAT!! The air conditioner had been running pretty much non-stop since I finished steaming to try to help finish the drying process. I'm thinking it is the condensation tube blocked up again...all over my freshly cleaned carpet. The bearded one begins his fixing...runs into some problems, needs more tools...hustles off to Home Depot at 8:30 pm. Our friends are due any time and now it looks like we might not have air conditioning.

TBO comes back, gets everything just about done, our friends arrive...as TBO is replacing the air filter in the ac unit, Steve says, "Hey, Mike, I think your water heater is leaking." It is...all fittings are sweated on, it's 10:30 pm, too late to call plumber...or get a water heater for that matter.

After much ado about water in the hallway, both wives bailing on them, TBO and Steve get most of the water out of the tank. But of course, that leaves us hot waterless for the morning. Not too bad for me since I showered late in the afternoon after my cleaning jag, but kind of hard for our guests and TBO. TBO took a quick cold shower and got a few hours of sleep before having to get to a meeting this morning. Before he left he was able to get hold of a plumber and get us in the queue for having a new water heater installed today. Yay TBO!!!!

New water heater installed, I hear the plumber say, "Ma'am?" I'm thinking this may not be good...not bad so much-as another slight inconvenience. The new water heater is just enough smaller in height so that the electric wires that cause it to heat the water won't reach...call TBO, plumber tells him the sad story and what he needs to buy to finish the job. TBO comes in, rewires, and presto, change-o, another one and a half hours later, we have hot water.

Also, why do we call them HOT WATER HEATERS? If the water were hot, we wouldn't need a heater, right?

I'm just curious...I think I'll go take a shower now.

Cleaning up after the Queen

2008-06-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

Since I am not a great housekeeper, read I HATE TO CLEAN, yesterday was the pits. Sweet Pea, aka the Queen, got sick in the night and left all kinds of nasty surprises all over my carpet. After a quick pick up and minor attempt at spotting, I had to take her majesty to the vet, of course.

At sixteen, we felt it was important to have her checked out. The vet was great with her, and said she has colitis...great! When pressed about the life expectancy issue he said she had exceeded her expiry date by about 3 years already and except for the colitis she was very healthy. He was amazed that at her age she had no heart murmurs. Sweet Pea is now on the chicken, rice and yogurt diet for a few days. That is not a problem, getting her meds down is...and when she goes back to her regular diet, I am sure that the Queen will make her displeasure known.

Each time I have to take her in for anything other than routine shots, I am aware that we are on borrowed time. (I try to be prepared for the inevitable "it is time to put her down" speech.) Although Sweet Pea has only been with us not quite 4 years, she has become a true member of our family. I won't replace her. She is quite irreplaceable and will have to learn to entertain myself without her "carrot dance" and "I NEEEEEED to go outside dance". My prayer has been for a long time that she would just go to sleep one time and not wake up...chicken, I know, but I am really not sure I could hold her while they put her down. My sister was able to do that with her aged Irish Setter, and I know that if it comes right down to it, I will...I just hate crying in public, since, as a former teaching colleague once said, it is more socially acceptable to laugh than to cry.

Too Old to Camp

2008-06-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

I realized yesterday that at the ripe old age of 56 I am too old for camp! I went out to substitute for the cook at the Boy Scout Camp my guys all attended...and I worked at 2 years ago when my middle son was the camp director.

This camp is one of the oldest in the Boy Scout organization in Texas, and of the ones I've seen over the past 20 years, the most beautiful. Breathtaking views of the Brazos River, gorgeous cedars (cough, cough), amazing rock formations...you get the idea.

After one day, my legs and arms are so sore I can hardly move. My friend, the cook, does this for the duration of the camp season...by herself...and I don't know how she does it. Of course the fact that she is 15 years younger than I am probably helps. I just hate that I can't do all the things I used to do without needing two days recuperative thearapy. Even two years ago, I knew I would never be able to be the cook's assistant again...I had a bad elbow and couldn't really close my fists for several months afterward. But I wanted positive proof that I hadn't really just woosed out last year. If there had not been another lady there to help me, I wouldn't have made it. Oh well. Time does march on, doesn't it?

To all of you who staff the camps our children go to from counselors, cooks, directors, etc., thank you for the hard work, accepting low pay, and in the case of this particular camp, the love of the camp and its place in your lives. May you always embody the love of service I have witnessed on your faces. God bless you.

Learning to be a lefty

2008-06-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

I am sooo excited. Our grandson is coming tomorrow to spend a few days with us before he goes to his mom's for the summer. There is only one, major, purple problem. His right arm is in a cast from his fingers to past his elbow! Now I am not worried about bathing or anything mundane like that, as we have experience with casts around here. His father broke both feet, one at a time, thankfully, within a three month period.

But for crying out loud, what do you do with a terribly creative little guy who loves to draw, play games, build with legos, and bake cookies when his strong hand is bunged up? I'm thinking we will learn to be ambidextrous. Yes? No?

Anyway, I'm in the process of thinking up things to keep him busy, entertained and reasonably calm. Maybe he can learn to Wii left handed...and sitting down (the calm part!)

He is reading The Chronicles of Narnia, so I know we will be going to see Prince Caspian, and has learned to snap a whip like Indiana Jones left handed while visiting his great aunt, so maybe there is hope for ambidexterity! We shall see what we can accomplish this week. Stay tuned.

Home Again

2008-05-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

The bearded one has returned from his trip to Ukraine, Denmark and Norway. I was really glad to see him come out of the customs area at DFW yesterday afternoon. I'm thinking that 3 week trips without me are going to become rarer. I miss the old guy something fierce when he's gone, and he misses me, too.

It was a successful trip to hear his stories, with invitations to return and go to new places, too. TBO thinks that he will do some of this at the end of our trip to Spain in the fall. I probably won't grouse too much about coming on home since the invites to minister are all at "new" venues for us. TBO likes to scope these out by himself...not wanting to subject me to possible poor living conditions. I think it is kinda sweet, but hello, we've been married almost 34 years...I am hardly a shrinking violet, or terribly fussy. Although one of the places he stayed this last trip sounded a little dicey!

But, as I said, it is nice to have him home. Nice to be back in the usual routine, such as it is...

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

After reading Snooty Primadona's post about Memorial Day, I decided to add my two cents' worth.

My dad was a Marine in World War II. He had to get his parents sign his papers because he was only 17 years old when he went to join. This was in 1942, and even with a 12 inch plate in one of his legs as a result of a motor scooter accident when he was younger, my dad became a Marine. He was sent to boot camp and learned to shave without a blade in his razor, because Marines shaved everyday then...and Dad didn't really need to shave but about once a week. Then he got every childhood disease he'd never contracted back home in Oklahoma. It took him almost a year to graduate from boot camp. But he was a Marine.

My dad chose to be a point man because he always wanted to know what was happening. He told my husband stories about his experiences that he never shared with me. He was one of a handful of his platoon that survived more than one battle in the Pacific. I never knew this until many years after my dad passed away.

I learned to sing the Marine Corps Hymn as a tiny little girl...I could sing it today, and actually did sing along with the orchestra at the National Memorial Day Observance last night. I remembered my dad, my hero, the Marine.

The saying "once a Marine, always a Marine" was probably written about dad. Thank you, dad, for your service to our country and for the example you were to me of the meaning of patriotism, love of country and selflessness.

To all of the men and women who have served in the armed forces, I thank you. I thank all those unbelievably brave men and women who serve today. May you know that this Marine's daughter is grateful for your service.

Blogging Away from Home

2008-05-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

I have been out of town the last week. I am visiting my family in Oklahoma City and Oklahoma in general. It has been very fun and fulfilling. Hubby has gone to Ukraine and Denmark, and I couldn't go this trip, so instead of stying home and working around the house, I decided to make a break for the border!

All of our children and grandchildren live in Oklahoma now, and several loved ones have asked, when are you moving back? The answer is probably never. Having a little distance between me and the offspring is actually a good thing, I think. I tend to compartmentalize a lot and when I am closer, my compartments tend to break down and I worry about things that are not mine to worry about. Like. adult. children. and their. problems. None have life threatening ones at the moment, thank the Lord, but I do know myself pretty well. I was the ultimate helicopter mom--swoop in and rescue whenever a problem arose. That really retards your children's growth, if you don't know this important fact. There is only One who can do that properly, and I ain't Him!

Our oldest grandson fell at school last week and broke his arm while playing on the playground. He is still in a splint and sling until they do another x-ray Tuesday. The doctor will determine then if he will need surgery to pin the arm or if it has begun to heal properly. I am praying, of course, that the arm is doing well and he can get his cast and get on with his life. I do think if you are going to have to have a broken bone in the summertime, that at the beginning is the best (?) time...at least there will be some swimming time left. He will miss the rest of his baseball season, though, which is sad. Last year the season was cut short because of unbelievable rains, this year, broken bones. Middle son, grandson's uncle purchased him the Chronicles of Narnia paperbacks to help him pass the time while recuperating. UK is hoping that this will help GS become an avid reader, since he is pretty much couch bound...we shall see, I suppose.

My sister received a national medal of honor from the DAR this week for her work with the children in Oklahoma City. We, my mom and I, are so proud of her. Although we have refused to curtsy to her, a small salute has been agreed upon! It was exciting to see her recognized for the amazing work she has done.

I have been a detective on this trip, also. My mom has a beautiful set of wedding rings, which had been missing for several months. They were in a very safe place, to be sure, but mom couldn't remember where that safe place was. Mom is a widow, and when she couldn't wear the rings any longer due to arthritis in her fingers, she decided not to have them sized up again. Usually she places them in the bank whenever leaving town, but last time, the trip came up suddenly and she couldn't get to the bank...hence the hiding place. Long story short, after a discussion with a couple of her grands, she decided to take the rings to have them appraised and put them in her safety deposit box. Thus begins the detective work. Mom has looked everywhere she can think of out of season purses, jewelry boxes, closets, artificial flower arrangements (where she hid them another time for several months), etc. I kept calling and giving her new ideas, but she is pretty sharp, she'd already been there and done that. The other day, she had to go somewhere and I stayed here. She asked what I was going to do. I said, "look for your rings". I had done a little beforehand and met her, "I've already looked there" scorn. This was going to give me a couple of hours of no interference. She did tell me that she was fairly certain they were in one room. So there I started. I got out the trusty step stool and began my methodical search. I found all sorts of interesting things...shaving cream to a hot lather machine my dad used...he's been gone 19 years, buttons, rings belonging to my late grandmother and her late sister, etc. In the last cabinet on the very top shelf, I found all sorts of travel kits, and lo and behold in one that had been shoved waaaay back in the corner there were the rings and the diamond watch, which I didn't know was missing, safe and sound. I called mom and let her know the lost was found and felt my trip had been a success! NOTE: Lest anyone think I am picking on my mom...I am so prone to doing the same thing. I don't have jewelry that I lose, but I am constantly putting other items in "safe" places, which then become "lost". It is a good thing that everything has to be somewhere!

The Queen Makes a Break

2008-05-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

I should have seen it coming, but no. When you own a geriatric dog, some things just don't occur to you. Sweet Pea, aka the Queen, is sixteen years old. She just had a great check up last month at which time her veterinarian responded to my question of her longevity with, "Don't change a thing that you are doing. She'll probably live a lot longer, although she does have the beginnings of cataracts."

Well, ever since that day, she has acted like a different animal. Now, she still requires about twenty-one and a half hours of sleep a day, but when she is up, she is feistier than I've seen her in the four years she has been with Hubby and me. She's barking at us to get her a carrot, a dog cookie, a greenie, go out, come in, yada yada yada. Not just barking, mind you, loud, annoying yippy Yorkie yelps! What has become of my sweet tempered, if aloof, Queen of the Circle?

Today was the topper. It is Sunday. I just got home from spending a week with one of the sons of her former owner (getting to be an extra grandmother) and was relaxing with the New York Times Sunday Crossword...relaxing may not be the correct word, but I was being mostly successful. Sweet Pea demanded to go out, so I obliged, taking my puzzle with me out to the patio. She does her business, then all of a sudden, (perhaps not ALL OF A SUDDEN) but I realize I have no idea where the Queen has gone! She is not anywhere in our yard that I can espy.

Horrors! There are lawn tractors buzzing all around us, and although she is a mighty monarch, she is but six inches tall and only four and a half pounds, she could easily be missed by an errant tractor driver. I make the trek around the house to see if she's surveying the front yard of her domain, but no Queen.

I decide I must look farther afield, but am certain not everyone in our neighborhood will enjoy my printed "patio dress" and bare feet. Grabbing somewhat more appropriate duds, I begin walking out to the street calling for my liege. No answer! I make it two houses when a young man riding a lawn tractor stops and I ask if Sweet Pea has passed by...she has about 10 minutes earlier.

I am stunned, amazed, flabbergasted. The Queen has taken off on foot!with no escort! I walk on for a couple of houses and see no sign. Now I am beginning to become seriously concerned...she is, after all, sixteen! I hasten back to the house, collect my purse and keys and begin an earnest search of the circle.

About one-quarter of the way around the circle, I spy the little darling. I don't know if she heard and recognized the sound of my Volvo, saw the car or was really just turning around to head home, but there she was in all her glory, tongue hanging out and panting. I threw the Volvo in neutral, set the parking brake, got out and scooped her up. (As we passed the boy who gave me the lead I held her up so he could see her, he gave a cool head nod in response.)

She got a tongue lashing and reminder of her lack of stature when we got in...also several hugs and kisses. I guess the days of unsupervised potty breaks are over for Sweet Pea...I can't take the drama!

Relationships and God's Goodness

2008-04-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

We were at a retreat this weekend here in the Metroplex. It is one we have attended with some regularity over the last few years because it is close to home and we have known many of the attendees for a looooong time.

This year at the first session they opened with a time of recounting God's goodness. Well, if you have been in a semi-funky time for a while and you hear people praising God for family trials, illness and recovery, going home stories, etc, you have to almost be dead not to begin to see how ALL of our lives are touched daily, hourly by His goodness.

I have prayed for many people over the years that they would be blessed with God's goodness which leads to repentance...particularly family members who are the hardest for me to talk
with...they know me too well! Anyway, I was made aware again of how God has shown this same goodness to me over and over again. And, that no matter where I feel that I am in my spiritual life, HE IS GOOD TO ME- period. There is not a breath I take without His permission, not a step I take, not a moment of my life that He is not intimately aware of and mindful of, even when I choose NOT to acknowledge Him.

The circumstances of our lives can do a number on me so easily when I forget that as the psalmist said, "I have been young, and now am old and have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread". Today, I can easily remember the day almost 34 years ago that I knew the Lord showed me that verse...shortly before I got married. All these years, that verse has sustained me, when I stopped to ponder on it! God's goodness to me is wonderful.

As I sat in the meetings, I realized that in this group of maybe 60 people, I knew all but around a dozen or so for at least 20 years. Some I had known for over 35 years. One of the men was a groomsman at our wedding. Another couple are our best friends in the Lord and in the world...learned how to be married together (we married within 3 months of one another), learned how to be parents together, how to disagree and make up, how to walk through the good times and the bad ones, too. God's goodness to me expressed in the relationships He provided for ME!

It was a blessed time, I must say. Growing together as we walk through this life, experiencing His goodness and the relationship with Him and those He places with us on our journey...priceless.

Snow in April

2008-04-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

I am home again and am amazed at the diversity of weather we have here in the good old US of A. We were in Minnesota from last Thursday until this afternoon. I am a true lover of the four season deal...although having grown up in Oklahoma and lived there or Texas all my life, I rarely had more than winter, spring and HOT. Some years we would have a little fall when I lived in Tulsa, but not the kind you read about in New England...gorgeous fall leaves, crisp days and nights, yada, yada, yada.

I knew I was in deep trouble when we were landing at Minneapolis/St Paul and I could see snow on the ground in APRIL!!!! (I suffer somewhat from the syndrome where you go a little crazy during prolonged gray nasty days...) I'm good with the snow because it is not on all of the roads or anything, but holy moly, it is APRIL and some of the ponds are still frozen. I told the bearded one I could probably not live in Minnesota where it might snow on my birthday (in April).

But, we did have a little sun on Thursday and Friday, but it was cloudy and rainy the rest of the weekend. This morning while I was packing up to go to the airport there were SNOWFLAKES falling out of the sky. I ran in to TBO and practically screeched the news to him...he already had seen and was not terribly impressed.

It was a good thing to get off the plane at DFW this afternoon in 75 degree weather with sun and green trees and lawns.

We did have a great time though. TBO ministered at a spring conference there and we got to stay with some great friends. All in all, a wonderful time was had by all, but I was glad to come home to the south! I hope I remember this in July and August.

Conference Ows

2008-04-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a conference in Branson, MO. The conference was wonderful, so why the title? Those of you who know me are aware of the fact that I have PLENTY of padding on the old caboose...too much to my way of thinking, but anyway, my sitter is pretty well worn out. Three days of listening to some truly great speakers, yet the old adage still holds true...the mind can absorb only as much as the behind can endure. It wouldn't be so bad but we are leaving for another conference on Thursday and it promises to be more of the same...poor tushie!

This conference is one that the man who puts it on says is to introduce the Body of Christ to itself. We have gone 3 of the last 4 years, and it really does do what he says. We have met some amazingly gifted folks we might never have encountered without this conference. Every time I go to one of these I learn something new and am happily amazed that Jesus is still speaking to His children and teaching them about His ways. (Whew, what if He weren't?)

It's been good to be home and I know we will have fun on our next adventure...but we're going to Minnesota and it's still COLD up there. Leaving springtime in Texas is going to be a little harder this week!

Peace

2008-03-15T11:54:00.001-07:00

I just got home from a Bible study written by Beth Moore about peace. It was really eye-opening to realize how much of my life has been spent in "keeping the peace" as opposed to being a "peace maker". Being at the core of my person a relatively non-confrontational being, so much of my life as a wife and mother has been spent keeping a lid on situations that if I had just let the Lord deal with it immediately, my life and those in the middle of my world would have been better too. Her premise is that peace keepers have two motivations for their actions, fear and distrust. How true that has been for me.

I'd like to think that in the past few years I've learned a few lessons, and I think I have, but I do see the absolute truth in her naming those as primary motivators, at least for me. I have always felt that if I kept things calm, I could eventually fix anything that was happening. How incredibly arrogant of me! A quote from Mrs. Moore "fear keeps us in turmoil, that is no way to live." How true, how true.

Anyway, today I'm praying that I will allow God to deliver me from my fears and distrust and begin to walk in His peace, His light, His love for me and mine.

Back from Savannah

2008-03-04T06:42:00.000-08:00

We were in Savannah over the weekend. What a beautiful place, such wonderful people. Hubby was ministering in a mostly Spanish-speaking congregation which is always fun and a little nerve racking, since he speaks no Spanish, and I understand quite a bit but am too slow to translate for him. Also, my Oklahoma/Texas drawl does something to the Spanish! So I listen in English and Spanish and try to make sure he uses terms that are easily translated...then try to make sure that the Spanish translation gives the "flavor" of what he said. I am exhausted at the end of the meetings. It's hard enough for me to keep up in English, much less in two languages. He had good translators and the people seemed to receive his teaching well. We hope to go back another time to visit and minister.

Saturday night we went downtown to do a little sightseeing and have dinner. It was so amazing down by the Savannah River. Cobblestone streets which I guess have been there since the town was settled. The place was hopping with tourists and natives alike. One of the sights we beheld were a bunch of college age (looked like to me) young men and women who were dressed in antebellum costumes. Very appropriate on the historic streets! Unfortunately we didn't get to see much more of the town on our trip this time...next time I want to see some of the famous squares that are just a little ways off the river.

Lost!

2008-02-15T06:27:00.000-08:00

Well, hubby and I have officially entered the Lost watchers. Our youngest son leant us a copy of the first season last weekend...our evenings have been full of the twists and turns of the survivors. Interesting show, the writing is pretty amazing and for the most part things are believable. I really enjoy the flashbacks that fill in the holes in the characters' stories...and how some of them have overlapped. Does kind of make me want to go to Sydney, the shots of the Opera House have piqued my interest. Anyway, if you want to get hold of us for the next week or so, try the house...we're probably Lost.

Blustery Day on the Circle

2008-01-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

It is very, very windy outside today.

I mean it is blowing hard enough that the Queen, when she had to go out to do her duty, was almost blown away. Luckily, I thought I might ought to step out with her due to the blustery conditions. If it hadn't been so scary for her, I would have laughed out loud...the sight of the five pound ruler the circle being pushed by the gusty north wind was pretty amazing. One must realize that said queen is a five pound (on a heavy day) Yorkshire terrier. She, as one might surmise, was NOT amused.
I will have to tie weights on her before her next outing.

I don't know how long this wind is scheduled to be howling, but I am officially tired of it now, and am ready for some sun, although there does appear to be some peeping out of the clouds, those that are not being blown to South America. Ah, the joys of winter in Texas.

Hill Country and back

2008-01-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I returned yesterday from a ministry trip to the Kerrville, TX area. We had a wonderful time, and stayed in such tremendous quarters. A couple has a beautiful retreat and they allow the fellowship we were ministering in to house visiting ministers there. (An interesting sentence, I know, but...) The views from the decks were astounding, and if it hadn't been so cold, I know where I'd have been having my morning coffee! We enjoyed our fellowship time with old friends and new ones! Looking forward to our next visit.

Frustrated blogger

2008-01-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

I came home yesterday and dutifully blogged about my trip out to Midland and all the adventures I had. Clicked on the publish post button, and I have no idea where the post is! How sad that I am so inept with technology. Oh well, it wasn't much of a post after all (said in an Eeyore voice). Sometimes cyberspace really freaks me out.

Traveling

2008-01-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

I just got home from visiting my good friends in Midland, TX. I had such a good time!

There is never a dull moment with Janie. She had her back window shot out on Friday night. Very spooky, but we were fairly sure that it was a bb gun shot, not a rifle. Police, etc....

Friday morning I went hunting for the first time in my life. Well, I didn't exactly hunt! I decided rather quickly that even though I was dressing in camo and denim, I wasn't really up to the rigors of the hunt. The terrain was pretty rough and I didn't have boots, plus I have definitely not taken the hunters safety program and was semi concerned that I would be in or cause an accident with one of the rather lethal looking rifles (?). I opted for sitting in the truck and watching from the warm comfort of Janie's Yukon. I did make a run to town to purchase batteries for her camera, though. When I returned I did get to see the dogs work, which is pretty amazing.

Great service by the glass company in Midland replacing the shot out window, until they lost the keys to the vehicle. After two hours they were successful in recovering the keys. More drama than I was ready for. I was glad we opted out of our trip to Lubbock.

On the way home this morning I was chosen (?) for a random check by the TSA at the Midland airport. I DO NOT DO THIS WELL!! The TSA man asks me if I have anything that is sharp or will stick him in my purse...Oh no, I think, what in the heck did I leave in my bag? My answer is no, I don't think so....Then he asks me about an item in my makeup bag. Oh, just take it and throw it away, I say. He says RELAX!!! Relax, sure, no problem.....He finishes checking out my tote bag and sends me on my way, wishing me a good day. The rest of the trip home was uneventful thankfully. Glad to be home once again. Looking forward to the next visit to Midland!

It's Over

2008-01-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is officially over for me today. I FINALLY got my tree and decorations down. It would seem that I am doomed to be the last one to decorate and the last to store it all. Not that all is put in the proper place, it is awaiting strong arms, legs and backs to hoist it into the attic. I am banned from entering the attic after an incident at our last house...I stepped off of a beam and through the ceiling into the garage. My guardian angel was working overtime that day! No injuries except a really bad bruise on one leg!

Anyway, I was surprised at how emotional putting the ornaments away was today. I don't know if it was because I'm pretty tired from all the hustle and bustle, or what. Nevertheless, I cried a little as I carefully wrapped the decorated eggs, my kids' picture ornaments, ornaments from my former students, my husband's ornament made in kindergarten or first grade, and most especially, the glass ornament I remember on our trees when I was a little girl. I don't know why that ornament is so special, maybe because I've never seen any like it anywhere else.

So, onward and upward to the new year. I'm ready to see what is going to happen next, I think.

Happy New Year

2008-01-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

We have been having a grand time celebrating the new year for the last few days. Our friends from Midland have been in town to celebrate their anniversary and to just chill out and we've gotten to spend some great time with them.

New Year's Eve was spent at a local seafood restaurant...such a great concession for hubby who REALLY doesn't like fish of any kind. We split a surf and turf platter and it was yummy. By the time we'd had all of the appetizers, we were fine. We left our friends who were staying in downtown cowtown to go to another friends' home to witness him and his bagpipe band "pipe in the new year"--it was awesome. They played Amazing Grace as the new year began. I hope that the choice of tunes was prophetic. It was really neat to see how people came over to his carport to enjoy the pipes.

New Year's Day we got all gussied up and went to brunch downtown in Ft.Worth. Brunch lasted about 3 hours! We talked and laughed and ate and ate....way fun.

Our friends came to stay with us for a couple of days the next day. We played Wii until I gave up about 1:00 am--I think they continued for at least another hour or two.

Janie and I went to Hillsboro to meet another of my friends from Mexia on Thursday. We shopped until I dropped then headed home to meet the guys for a movie and dinner. Great movie, "Charlie Wilson's War" and super hamburger at Dutch's.

Janie and Steve got all packed up to leave on Friday morning, then we went out to breakfast and more shopping...(I'm done for the year, think). When we finished we decided we needed another movie and dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Talked J&S into staying, saw "The Great Debaters", another superb movie, and ate fajitas at Marianos in Arlington...wonderful!

When we got home our oldest son and his family were here for the weekend. We played a quick round of bed changing and blowing up air mattresses so everyone had a place to sleep!

The newest grandboy is way too cute. He is such a little butterball. It's hard to believe that he was such a sick little guy just 3 weeks ago.

Here's wishing all of you a happy new year.

Home Again!

2007-12-24T05:48:00.000-08:00

I just got home late Saturday evening from helping my sister-in-law who had had major surgery. I forget how blessed I am to have a loving husband and children, plus the incredible blessing of having my mom to help, too. SIL has been divorced almost as long as I have been married, had no children of her own, although she taught school for 32 years, and never remarried, and her mom passed on 15 years ago.

Anyway, I took the train to OKC in the middle of the ice storm so I could get her home from the hospital...only to discover she had no power at her house. We bunked at my mom's home for three days, along with my youngest son and his wife, while power was restored and the weather quit being too threatening...we didn't want to relocate again.

The saddest part of the time with her was throwing away all the food she had prepared ahead of surgery so she would be able to care for herself more easily when I left. Two refrigerator freezer parts full to overflowing plus all the iffy stuff in the fridges themselves. I filled one of those great big trash bins cities issue to their customers. I cried as I did it, and she really did!

But, praise the Lord, even with the weather and spoiled food, she is doing extremely well. She is wanting to do more things for herself than I would let her (Nurse Ratchett is my new nickname), and can't wait to be able to drive and get back to her estate sale roaming. I take this as a GREAT SIGN!

We also celebrated Christmas three times last week. Once with our son, daughter-in-law, SIL, other son, my mom and our oldest grandson, the next night we drove to our oldest son and daughter-in-law's home to celebrate with them and the rest of the grandchildren. On Saturday, my brother and his children drove down from Tulsa to OKC in the snow to gather at mom's for the annual Christmas festivities. A good time was had by all, but I am glad to have today to rest!

We came home on Saturday to be able to be at the bris of our friends' twins yesterday morning. It was a most interesting ceremony. I applaud the parents of these little ones for being able to witness it. I was in the back and because I'm so short, I couldn't see anything...hearing those sweet little ones was enough. The dad said, "I've been to lots of these, but it is definitely harder when it's your own children!" Well put. The rabbi explained this ceremony welcomes these boys to the family of Israel. Welcome, little ones.

Lest anyone think we are forgotten for Christmas Day, oh no, we have TWO invitations to eat dinner, one at 2:00, one at 4:00! We will go by our son's inlaws for a short visit and bite, then head to friends up north of FW for more festivities...I won't have time to miss my kids today!

Having given everyone the update of my life the past two weeks, let me say that God gave us the ultimate gift in the life of His Son, Jesus. In all the busy-ness of our lives, do remember the One Whose birth we celebrate. Happy birthday, Jesus, thank you for humbling yourself to come to save me. Merry Christmas everyone and may you experience the blessings of God in the coming year.

Decorating Hassles

2007-12-07T05:21:00.001-08:00

My Christmas tree has been up for about two weeks. It has had decorations on it for about one week. During that time I have been searching high and low for the Christmas stockings of two of my sons and one of my daughters-in-law. You see, I have what I call "safe" places in which I put things. Unfortunately, I sometimes - nay - MOST times - cannot recall where these "safe" places are. My oldest son and grandson's stockings were easily discovered, and new stockings were made for the newest daughter-in-law and grandchildren...but where, oh where, had I put the others? I even found the stocking I had made for our dog, AKA, the Queen! After searching high and low, opening every box of ornaments two or three times and rummaging around in them, I gave up. I decided I'd just go to the store and replace them. Oh, no, not so easily done. There were no more stockings like the ones I had to be bought even if it was only the 6th of December. Woe is me! Finally, I resorted to praying. Unfortunately, I often leave that til last. I even went back to the store (another branch) to try to buy stockings yesterday and found ONE, and bought tree skirts to cut up to make the other two. When I got home, I remembered I had had a thought about looking in the Christmas giftwrap for the missing items. Eureka! God is good! There they were, all along, waiting for me...now if I could just remember to pray first and not obsess about "lost" things, I'm sure my life would be easier! Merry Christmas everyone!

Hanukkah Blessings

2007-12-07T05:15:00.000-08:00

I am privileged to know a couple who are celebrating a very special Hanukkah this year. They welcomed twin boys last week, and brought them home on the first night of Hanukkah. These little ones were long awaited and truly embody what I understand Hanukkah is about...miracles. So to the family of these little guys I say congratulations, and I bless them with joy and peace and long life. May they grow and become pillars in the community as their parents are. God bless you all.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-25T06:04:00.000-08:00

Whew! I am glad to be home. We just got in from an extended ministry/Thanksgiving trip to Oklahoma. I must be getting old, as I was soooo excited to get to sleep in my own bed last night.

We left the Friday before Thanksgiving to spend the weekend with friends in Pauls Valley, OK. It was a great time of fellowship, food, and fun. We got to spend some really special time together and our hosts and I learned how to use a Bible program on the computer. Hubby has used it for years, and I have, until now, been unable (unwilling?) to spend the time learning how to use it. I believe I can now at least navigate in it. I'm afraid I may have to retire my big old Strong's Concordance after 35 years. It will continue to hold a place of honor in the bookcase!

Monday we went up to Oklahoma City to visist my mom, sister, sister-in-law, two of our sons and one of our daughters-in-law. We enjoyed our visit a lot. My mom and I got to go visit three of the schools that are participating in the ballroom dance program my sister has begun in the schools there. AWESOME! I was blown away, particularly by the students at the alternative high school...they have only been having classes for about 6 weeks and were amazing to watch. The best part was when two of the students were showing the instructors some "style" moves they do when dancing one of the Latin dances...

We had dinner with our youngest son and his lovely wife on Tuesday night. They cooked for us and it was a treat. They weren't going to be with us for Thanksgiving, so it was especially nice to spend the evening in their new home.

I hope we have begun a new tradition for Thanksgiving Day. We went to a cafeteria for our meal, then returned to my mom's home for dessert and coffee and visiting. I was blown away with the quality of the food at said cafeteria, but also by the number of people who had obviously decided this was the way to go. My sister and I are in for next year. I'm not sure about Mom, but I think she might go for it! The best part was not having to rush around Thanksgiving morning and get everything ready. The dishwasher was only run ONCE! Usually it is going nonstop...it may feel somewhat left out, but maybe feels THANKFUL?

After a meeting in a friend's home Friday night, we headed home Saturday morning. Our oldest son and his family were there spending Thanksgiving with his in-laws. We are getting to see our newest grandson and, of course, that is great.

I think we're going to put up the Christmas tree today before they leave. It will be nice to have some help this year. My daughter-in-law enjoys decorating for Christmas...it's been a long time since anyone here wanted to help me trim the tree...my boys quit enjoying that years ago. But that is another story.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Enter the Worship Circle

2007-11-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

We just got home from a fabulous trip to Frederick, OK where we visited with friends and got to experience a concert of some of the Worship Circle musicians. Now, I am on the downhill side of 55, and these kids are all waaaay younger than I, but they do know how to worship the Lord!

Thanks for allowing the Father to use you in such a tremendous way. I know that my family was blessed both at the concert and during the fellowship afterward.

May the Lord bless you with continued anointing to help his children enter into true worship in the Spirit.

"Regular Time"

2007-11-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

I love it when we "fall back" to regular time...it makes me feel like I'm all together again, that missing hour has returned to me overnight and I am suddenly better! Hah. Just wish the powers that be would pick one method and stick to it. I wonder if a letter writing campaign would work for Texas so we could NOT change. I mean I don't call my brother-in-law's house in Arizona because I can't keep up with the difference in the time zones, and since they DON'T change I am in a perpetual state of confusion...

On to other things. We are going to a "Thanksgiving Feast" at a little fellowship we have been attending this morning. I volunteered to make dressing...usually my Mom's contribution, but since she is in Oklahoma City and I am not, I had to muddle through on my own. One would think that making dressing wouldn't be so daunting, but I have a lot of years of wonderful cooks' dressing to live up to...not a performance issue, of course. Anyway, I got it all made up last night and into the refrigerator. When the Queen awoke me this morning to take her constitutional, I realized I didn't know whether to cook the dressing covered or uncovered. So, forgetting it was "fall back" Sunday, I had to call the expert, Mom. Whew, she was up and was able to give me her advice. I'm sure it will be fine now that I've gotten her input. (Not the first panicked call mind you-had to get the recipe, first!)

I also made three, count them, three pies last night. Two were the family's favorite, Mimi's Lemon Pie, which is very simple. But the other required a little more thought and effort...Mimi's Pecan Pie. We have two beautiful pecan trees in our front yard and due to the rain, I guess, we have a bumper crop of pecans. I have been out picking them up and trying to beat the squirrels and birds this year. Taking a pie with a slice gone is not too gauche is it? I mean, someone had to do the taste test, right? Well, they love us at the fellowship...I'm sure it will be all right.

Puppy Visitors

2007-11-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy few days on the circle. We had good friend, Janie, and her friend, Suzan, overnight on Sunday. Oh yeah, with them were two of the cutest little puppies. Miss Sweet Pea, aka the Queen, was NOT amused. She really didn't think it was a good thing AT ALL for those frisky little darlings to be in her castle. She did, though, enjoy their puppy chow!

As always, it was good to spend time with Janie, even though she was suffering from sleep deprivation (puppy duty in the middle of the night). She assures me that now that a decision has been made as to which puppy was to be theirs that things are settling down. Zoie has joined the family with a bang and I am sure she will make her mark. If she is half as intelligent as her "big brother" Janie and Steve have their work cut out for them.

Dog Tricks

2007-10-21T12:39:00.001-07:00

My youngest son called yesterday afternoon to say hi and to give me this website: idodogtricks.com. If you have read my older blogs you know about my Yorkshire Terrier, Sweet Pea, aka the Queen of the Circle. The dog on this website looks so much like Miss Pea that it is a little spooky. In fact, my sister wrote and asked me if it was Sweet Pea. If you like dogs, or enjoy interactive websites, you should check it out. Be sure to ask the dog to "kiss", as it is pretty funny.

I love things like this that I haven't a clue how they work, kind of like the old joke about the thermos bottle. Anyway, just a cute thing to visit and try your hand and getting the dog to respond.

Elizabeth, The Golden Age

2007-10-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I just got back from seeing the new film, Elizabeth, the Golden Age. It was really interesting to me, a confirmed anglophile. I was reared in the Episcopal church, so Elizabeth I has always been a character in history that fascinated me.

The costuming was fabulous. Made me glad that I don't have to wear all those clothes and head gear! I was quite comfie in my jeans and sandals, thank you kindly! I had read a review that was less than glowing, but the reviewer and I are almost always polar opposites in our film tastes. There were a few historical licenses taken, I think, but all in all, it was worth the time spent.

That's all for now!

Branson

2007-10-09T14:39:00.001-07:00

Just got in this afternoon from Branson, via Oklahoma City. My sister provided hotel accomodations for her children and our mom and my hubby and me. It was a wonderful experience. We all had such a great time!

Branson Landing itself was a great place for all of us. We could just walk out of our hotel and find great places to eat and shop without going in a car. Or if we wanted to, we could go to shows and other shopping areas. I did more shopping last week than I have done in a LONG time...

We saw The Shepherd of the Hills play, Yakov Smirnoff, and a Broadway Review. All were great fun.

We're gearing up for next year...same place and hopefully same time.

Preparations

2007-10-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

Love to travel...hate to prepare to travel.

Had my pressure check today for my glaucoma...Dr. was pleased with results. She cracks me up-every time I go in she has the same question for me. Have you used your drops every day three times a day without fail for the last 3 months? I can tell you that I am sufficiently concerned about what might happen if I don't, that I DO!!! Even if I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and blindly search for that little bottle of bedtime drops!

Getting everything tidied up to leave again is not my best suit. I needed some things at the store, to make a bank run, a veterinarian run for the Queen's heartworm meds, blah, blah, blah.

All of this and the doctor's appt. before noon today. The rest of the day is very strictly scheduled (blogging isn't really on the schedule, but, oh well.). Paying bills, finishing clean up from the weekend, pest control company visit, laundry, packing, bathing and delivering Sweet Pea to her home away from home.

By the way, I must acknowledge my son's sister-in-law, who graciously keeps Sweet Pea for us when we travel. Alex loves the Queen and I think, as much as Her Majesty can deign to show, she loves Alex. At any rate, she runs right up to the house when we get there and even puts up with the resident CAT! Anyway, Alex is a Godsend...not everyone will put up with geriatric canine drama queens. Thank you is such a weak statement for all I feel.

I suppose I should get back to the scheduled events for the afternoon so we can take off in the morning. I will be letting you know how the trip goes...

Heading for Branson

2007-09-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

We have had a very busy past six weeks...ministry trips to Mexico and Tennessee, hosting people for a 3 day conference, hosting middle son and 2 of his friends while thy attended a conference, having oldest son and his wife and sons here for the weekend, and attending the wedding of our friends' son. Whew!

I am so glad that my sister had planned this trip to Branson for us and her family. My sister is one of the most generous people I know, and planned this trip and provided our lodging long before our time got so crazy. I am planning on sleeping late every morning we're in Branson, maybe catching a show or two, and just generally doing whatever I please, within reason! I wonder if I can still sleep til 11 or 12 like I could when I was in college?...probably not, but I intend to give it a try.

The wedding this weekend was lovely. Our friends' son and his new bride are a joy to behold. It has been fun seeing the Lord work in their lives. The wedding was lovely, I'm sure, but I was "baby wrangling" for one of the groom's brothers and sister-in-law. This was NOT hazardous duty, but one I really enjoyed. Getting to play with a four month old baby girl was delightful. Having only sons and grandsons, I am always up for "girl" time! Unfortunately, mlle decided to fuss just as the wedding party was entering the chapel. We missed the wedding itself, but heard tell it was beautiful...amazing set of lungs on that tiny little girl. I can't wait to see the video! The bride made her entrance down a spiral staircase, which I think sounds cool.

Everything else is pretty much business as usual. Hopefully I will get the laundry caught up before we leave early Wednesday. Will keep you all posted.

Tennessee Travelers

2007-09-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

We are home...again! Yep the wandering duo has returned from our Tennessee tour. Hubby had meetings in Lebanon, TN over the weekend and we extended our visit to include visits with longtime friends in Franklin and Lewisburg, as well as seeing family in Chattanooga.

Living in Texas surely makes you appreciate four seasons. Although Tennessee is in a major drought right now, there are small patches of glorious leaf turnings to be seen. The highways,
I-40 and I-59 are lined with the most amazing trees...huge, hundred foot, I would guess, pine trees line the road. It is a little daunting for this flat land girl to take!

We went to the little town of Whitwell, TN to see the memorial that the middle school there has created to honor the memory of those lost in the Holocaust. If you have not had a chance to see the documentary, Paperclips, please try to see it. This is a great lesson for all of us to learn, that one person can make a difference. You can read more about this amazing memorial at their website www.marionschools.org/holocaust. I knew that it would be a heartrending visit, but I wasn't prepared to begin crying even before I walked in the gate. If you get a chance, take the time to visit this.