We had Benjamin come stay for the week-end. I think we enjoy these times more with him than he does with us anymore. I hear "I'M BORED" a lot more these days and realize he is growing up.
Saturday we got to see him play football and he's a good player. I hope he would NOT play that professionally for many reasons but if he decides to do that I hope he plays Quarter Back. He is good.
Yesterday I was taking him to school and realized I would not be seeing him for probably 3 months and just wanted to let him know how much we enjoy his visits. I looked in the rear view mirror and told him how glad we were he came out for the week-end.
He just grinned and said, "CUT THE SAUCE GRAMMA"
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
WHAT IF
I occasionally receive a blog from Beth A. Richardson, I believe Beth is an editor at The Upper Room, I know she is a minister.
Her blogs are usually very short and to the point and very meaningful. I love these. She has given me permission to share part of one that interested me a lot.
It is titled "WHAT IF"
Beth says, What If I miditated as often and I check my email?
I talked with God as regularly as I posted a new Facebook status?
My fingers longed to touch prayer beads instead of an iPhone?
There was space in my heart, my soul, my spirit I did not try to fill?
She just has a way with words as many of you also do and I do not.
Her blogs are usually very short and to the point and very meaningful. I love these. She has given me permission to share part of one that interested me a lot.
It is titled "WHAT IF"
Beth says, What If I miditated as often and I check my email?
I talked with God as regularly as I posted a new Facebook status?
My fingers longed to touch prayer beads instead of an iPhone?
There was space in my heart, my soul, my spirit I did not try to fill?
She just has a way with words as many of you also do and I do not.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
SOUTHERN WHAT??????
Sorry, I'm on a kind of soapbox again but there is one church down here that just sets me off.
It is called SOUTHERN ??????, I'll not mention the denomination here but we don't have a SOUTHERN METHODIST, SOUTHERN PRESBYTERIAN, SOUTHERN CATHOLIC or any other kind of SOUTHERN church so think you can figure out what I'm getting at.
First of all the newspaper yesterday said that lots of ministers were going to preach to their congregations tomorrow on who they should vote for in the upcomng election. Not to hint at who they should vote for but TELL them who to vote for. This church could loose their tax free status if someone wanted to really get nasty over this but I'm not sure that would be a bad thing anyway.
Then many of you do not know but a group wants to build an Islamic Mosque in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It has received much publicity, someone even set fire to one piece of equipment being used to prepare the ground for it.
Yesterday a group of interdenominational ministers met at the site to sign a pledge to work with them and help them accomplish this task and be good neighbors. BUT...yes, there was one disscenter - you guess it a SOUTHERN ?????.
I really don't understand people like this. Several years ago we had a neighbor call me and ask what the Methodist Church believed in. When someone throws that at you it's hard to come up with only one or two things, we believe in a LOT of different things. She continued to tell me that she was SOUTHERN ????? and they were raised to think they were better than anyone else and I really didn't have an answer at the time. She has long moved but I think maybe if someone told me that now I would have several good lines I could say to them.
It is called SOUTHERN ??????, I'll not mention the denomination here but we don't have a SOUTHERN METHODIST, SOUTHERN PRESBYTERIAN, SOUTHERN CATHOLIC or any other kind of SOUTHERN church so think you can figure out what I'm getting at.
First of all the newspaper yesterday said that lots of ministers were going to preach to their congregations tomorrow on who they should vote for in the upcomng election. Not to hint at who they should vote for but TELL them who to vote for. This church could loose their tax free status if someone wanted to really get nasty over this but I'm not sure that would be a bad thing anyway.
Then many of you do not know but a group wants to build an Islamic Mosque in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It has received much publicity, someone even set fire to one piece of equipment being used to prepare the ground for it.
Yesterday a group of interdenominational ministers met at the site to sign a pledge to work with them and help them accomplish this task and be good neighbors. BUT...yes, there was one disscenter - you guess it a SOUTHERN ?????.
I really don't understand people like this. Several years ago we had a neighbor call me and ask what the Methodist Church believed in. When someone throws that at you it's hard to come up with only one or two things, we believe in a LOT of different things. She continued to tell me that she was SOUTHERN ????? and they were raised to think they were better than anyone else and I really didn't have an answer at the time. She has long moved but I think maybe if someone told me that now I would have several good lines I could say to them.
Friday, September 24, 2010
THOSE WERE THE DAYS
Haven't been able to come up with an exciting blog this week (AHEM) but someone mentioned something that stirred a memory in me I thought I'd write about.
This is Western Illinois Homecoming in Macomb, Illinios. When I was a young high school girl, MANY YEARS AGO, our highschool band always marched in their parade. It was one of the few highlights we had in the band. I LOVED marching in that parade. The square of Macomb was always packed with people and even though our uniforms were hot we all looked pretty darned spiffy in them. Donna was our drum major and she was beautiful and I envied her being able to do that but baby, I played the drums and I kept that band marching.
A couple of years I was invited to Western's Homecoming Dance and that was really big time for this little country girl. I usually had a formal to wear or could borrow one and the kid that invited me was one of the best dancers I ever danced with. I never seriously liked him but boy could he dance.
AND...he always brought me an orchid to wear and I'd never even seen one till then. So...I'd march in the parade, get home and clean up and off I'd go dancing.
THOSE WERE THE DAYS
This is Western Illinois Homecoming in Macomb, Illinios. When I was a young high school girl, MANY YEARS AGO, our highschool band always marched in their parade. It was one of the few highlights we had in the band. I LOVED marching in that parade. The square of Macomb was always packed with people and even though our uniforms were hot we all looked pretty darned spiffy in them. Donna was our drum major and she was beautiful and I envied her being able to do that but baby, I played the drums and I kept that band marching.
A couple of years I was invited to Western's Homecoming Dance and that was really big time for this little country girl. I usually had a formal to wear or could borrow one and the kid that invited me was one of the best dancers I ever danced with. I never seriously liked him but boy could he dance.
AND...he always brought me an orchid to wear and I'd never even seen one till then. So...I'd march in the parade, get home and clean up and off I'd go dancing.
THOSE WERE THE DAYS
Monday, September 20, 2010
LIFE REALLY IS FRAGILE
After having just a WONDERFUL day of family and friends we learned yesterday morning that Ted's brother's wife had had a stroke and was in the hospital in Seattle. She had a blood clot at the base of her brain the size of a golf ball.
It was operated on about noon yesterday and was a quick surgery and successful - so far. She has already moved fingers and toes and that's a good thing.
Ted and Gale are on their way to the airport and he will be there this evening. We hated to see him leave but knew that's where he needed to be.
Please hold them in your hearts and prayers.
It was operated on about noon yesterday and was a quick surgery and successful - so far. She has already moved fingers and toes and that's a good thing.
Ted and Gale are on their way to the airport and he will be there this evening. We hated to see him leave but knew that's where he needed to be.
Please hold them in your hearts and prayers.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
FUN DAY
Yesterday was the day the Tennessee girls and their better halves were coming to see Gale, Jeff, and Mary. AND...maybe say HI to mom and dad too.
First though we had to take a short trip to "BACK IN TIME" at Henry Horton State Park. Ted and I had been there several years ago and was very disappointed. But...we decided we had a couple of extra hours before everyone else was to arrive so drove over. We were shocked at how much it had grown. There were craft booths with everything from Light House Bird Houses, to Candles and Jewlery and most of it was made by people in the area. There were old cars on display and a train ride you could take for a mere $3. (I really wanted to do that but didn't)
Mary and I took off in one direction and Ted and Gale in the other. Soon I realized I was not going to be able to go very far and we had to turn back. Saw a neighbor with her jewlery booth so went in to see her and here came Ted and Gale. We all realized Gale could walk further than I could which pleased him.
Then home to a quick lunch and get the ribs in the oven. The only problem with that was when I opened the ribs they turned into Pork Loin that had been sliced and packaged to look like ribs. Now wouldn't you think the cook would read what she was buying? Yea, most cooks would.
We decided it was all the same thing, pork, just cut different or something like that. Anyway, it got the home made bar-b-q sauce on it and into the oven it went.
Mary had brough her home made gumbo and rice and that was wonderful. Everyone loved it. I could use Mary around more often.
The day was just one of those special days. We all felt it and everyone hated to see it end, especiall mom and dad. IF...the rest of the families could of been here it would of been perfect.
First though we had to take a short trip to "BACK IN TIME" at Henry Horton State Park. Ted and I had been there several years ago and was very disappointed. But...we decided we had a couple of extra hours before everyone else was to arrive so drove over. We were shocked at how much it had grown. There were craft booths with everything from Light House Bird Houses, to Candles and Jewlery and most of it was made by people in the area. There were old cars on display and a train ride you could take for a mere $3. (I really wanted to do that but didn't)
Mary and I took off in one direction and Ted and Gale in the other. Soon I realized I was not going to be able to go very far and we had to turn back. Saw a neighbor with her jewlery booth so went in to see her and here came Ted and Gale. We all realized Gale could walk further than I could which pleased him.
Then home to a quick lunch and get the ribs in the oven. The only problem with that was when I opened the ribs they turned into Pork Loin that had been sliced and packaged to look like ribs. Now wouldn't you think the cook would read what she was buying? Yea, most cooks would.
We decided it was all the same thing, pork, just cut different or something like that. Anyway, it got the home made bar-b-q sauce on it and into the oven it went.
Mary had brough her home made gumbo and rice and that was wonderful. Everyone loved it. I could use Mary around more often.
The day was just one of those special days. We all felt it and everyone hated to see it end, especiall mom and dad. IF...the rest of the families could of been here it would of been perfect.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
LIFE IS FRAGILE - HANDLE IT WITH PRAYER
I have a wall placque Ted gave me years ago with this saying on it. I LOVE IT.
Yesterday Ted's only living sibling arrived and it brought tears to my eyes to see these two men together. At one time there were eight Tingley children. Ted and Gale are only a year and a half apart in age and grew up very close. I am thankful there never was a time Ted had to choose between me or Gale because I doubt I'd of won that pick.
Gale is on oxygen 24/7 and we don't get to see him nearly enough. They live in the state of Washington and that's a fer piece to drive - even in good health.
Today we will have Gale, his son and wife (that drove him here from Florida), Connie, Jim, Benjamin, Jill, Tim, Sam, Meagan and her new beau, Tanner. SO...our kitchen table will be full and it will be wonderful.
LIFE IS FRAGILE, LIVE IT TO IT'S FULLEST
Yesterday Ted's only living sibling arrived and it brought tears to my eyes to see these two men together. At one time there were eight Tingley children. Ted and Gale are only a year and a half apart in age and grew up very close. I am thankful there never was a time Ted had to choose between me or Gale because I doubt I'd of won that pick.
Gale is on oxygen 24/7 and we don't get to see him nearly enough. They live in the state of Washington and that's a fer piece to drive - even in good health.
Today we will have Gale, his son and wife (that drove him here from Florida), Connie, Jim, Benjamin, Jill, Tim, Sam, Meagan and her new beau, Tanner. SO...our kitchen table will be full and it will be wonderful.
LIFE IS FRAGILE, LIVE IT TO IT'S FULLEST
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
CAR REPAIRS
Yesterday I got up early, walked, did my exercises and had a list of things to do because we have a housefull of company coming Friday and today we go to Winchester to the dentist.
My first item to get done was groceries. I was in the middle of making an ice cream dessert and was out of vanilla ice cream.
As I drove out of the garage I noticed two lights on the dash shining in my face that didn't look right. Decided Ted needed to see why they wouldn't go off. We figured since I was going to be close to the GMC Garage might as well go see what they could tell me.
I walked in and the shop manager, Freddie, said it would take about an hour to run the diagnostic test. I have no idea what they do but it sounds like maybe a quick physical for a car. Now this guy was a nice man. He wasn't FAST FREDDIE that I had heard about years ago in Illinois.
One of my friends had a daughter in collage at University of Illinois where our daughter went and had been invited to Champaign to see FAST FREDDIE. I never was invited to see FAST FREDDIE and wasn't sure I wanted to be since I wasn't really into that kind of entertainment, but when I saw this man the memory of not being invited to see FAST FREDDIE crossed my mind.
After waiting the alloted hour here came Freddie with paper in hand and sat down beside me. I said, "You look like the Dr. bringing the patient bad news". He kind of laughed and said, yea, he guessed that was what he did.
He told me the test showed that the ABS or something wasn't working right and needed to be replaced RIGHT AWAY. It would cost $456??? and he could have it done by noon. (Wish I could get MY ABS back in shape in a couple of hours)
I never trust shop repairmen so called Ted and had Freddie tell him. It was decided that we would leave the car, Ted would take me to grocery shop and we'd see what the status of the car was after that. When we finished groceries the part still wasn't in the shop so we came home.
The dessert was finished, lunch was eaten, noon came and went but still no call about our car. Finally at 2:30 we were called to come get the car.
One of the things on my list was to wash and clean my car but of course I never got to that but when I walked up to the car it had been washed, cleaned inside and the tires looked like they had been waxed. Now I don't think Freddie did this or how fast he would of accomplished it if he had but Freddie is an O.K. guy in my book.
My first item to get done was groceries. I was in the middle of making an ice cream dessert and was out of vanilla ice cream.
As I drove out of the garage I noticed two lights on the dash shining in my face that didn't look right. Decided Ted needed to see why they wouldn't go off. We figured since I was going to be close to the GMC Garage might as well go see what they could tell me.
I walked in and the shop manager, Freddie, said it would take about an hour to run the diagnostic test. I have no idea what they do but it sounds like maybe a quick physical for a car. Now this guy was a nice man. He wasn't FAST FREDDIE that I had heard about years ago in Illinois.
One of my friends had a daughter in collage at University of Illinois where our daughter went and had been invited to Champaign to see FAST FREDDIE. I never was invited to see FAST FREDDIE and wasn't sure I wanted to be since I wasn't really into that kind of entertainment, but when I saw this man the memory of not being invited to see FAST FREDDIE crossed my mind.
After waiting the alloted hour here came Freddie with paper in hand and sat down beside me. I said, "You look like the Dr. bringing the patient bad news". He kind of laughed and said, yea, he guessed that was what he did.
He told me the test showed that the ABS or something wasn't working right and needed to be replaced RIGHT AWAY. It would cost $456??? and he could have it done by noon. (Wish I could get MY ABS back in shape in a couple of hours)
I never trust shop repairmen so called Ted and had Freddie tell him. It was decided that we would leave the car, Ted would take me to grocery shop and we'd see what the status of the car was after that. When we finished groceries the part still wasn't in the shop so we came home.
The dessert was finished, lunch was eaten, noon came and went but still no call about our car. Finally at 2:30 we were called to come get the car.
One of the things on my list was to wash and clean my car but of course I never got to that but when I walked up to the car it had been washed, cleaned inside and the tires looked like they had been waxed. Now I don't think Freddie did this or how fast he would of accomplished it if he had but Freddie is an O.K. guy in my book.
MY CHURCH
I LOVE my church. Ted and I helped build that church but then moved to the lake and we were gone for several years.
It's a much bigger church now and I don't understand the politics of a big church but they do a LOT of good and I LOVE IT. I love the people, the music, the youth - well, you get the picture.
Last night I was asked to come to the Outreach Meeting and speak about UMCOR Sager Brown in hopes of getting some enthusiasm on a team that might come down to work. BUT...there wasn't much excitement there. The chairman of the committee likes it and I think everyone likes the idea but they just don't want to go work.
I could of left after I gave my speal and passed out some short video's that we use for promotion but I wanted to see just what they did.
I heard three or four of the people speak on their committee's and the need to help homeless families and hungry children is overwhelming. We collect clothing for the homeless and there is an organization in Franklin that has just about anything people need free so we donate to that. We feed the homeless Sunday dinner once a month and the numbers have more than doubled in the last 3 years.
One lady said she needed something to have donations put in so they didn't get mixed in with other committee's collection. They talked about some big plastic tubs and where they might be stored. She asked if she could put them in the Narthex. This seemed logical to me. I put some cardboard boxes there a couple of years ago when we were collecting blankets for families in Franklin.
Well, one member informed her that she BETTER speak with the Trustees before she put ANYTHING like that in the Narthex. You see, we have a new addition and the Narthex is where everyone comes into the building except those of us that come in the "kitchen door".
I guess they didn't think that would look good there and they don't like these boxes sitting there. WHAT???
A BIG church that doesn't want people to know we give to the needy or where to put things if we do bring something? Let's put on our happy face and big hat and look important but don't leave any dirt on the floor.
I know, churches aren't perfect but if we can't collect stuff except in the back room what are we? I also learned that my church has a $1,000,000 budget (I didn't know that) but only $12,000 goes to Outreach. I think that's embarrasing. It is to me.
It's a much bigger church now and I don't understand the politics of a big church but they do a LOT of good and I LOVE IT. I love the people, the music, the youth - well, you get the picture.
Last night I was asked to come to the Outreach Meeting and speak about UMCOR Sager Brown in hopes of getting some enthusiasm on a team that might come down to work. BUT...there wasn't much excitement there. The chairman of the committee likes it and I think everyone likes the idea but they just don't want to go work.
I could of left after I gave my speal and passed out some short video's that we use for promotion but I wanted to see just what they did.
I heard three or four of the people speak on their committee's and the need to help homeless families and hungry children is overwhelming. We collect clothing for the homeless and there is an organization in Franklin that has just about anything people need free so we donate to that. We feed the homeless Sunday dinner once a month and the numbers have more than doubled in the last 3 years.
One lady said she needed something to have donations put in so they didn't get mixed in with other committee's collection. They talked about some big plastic tubs and where they might be stored. She asked if she could put them in the Narthex. This seemed logical to me. I put some cardboard boxes there a couple of years ago when we were collecting blankets for families in Franklin.
Well, one member informed her that she BETTER speak with the Trustees before she put ANYTHING like that in the Narthex. You see, we have a new addition and the Narthex is where everyone comes into the building except those of us that come in the "kitchen door".
I guess they didn't think that would look good there and they don't like these boxes sitting there. WHAT???
A BIG church that doesn't want people to know we give to the needy or where to put things if we do bring something? Let's put on our happy face and big hat and look important but don't leave any dirt on the floor.
I know, churches aren't perfect but if we can't collect stuff except in the back room what are we? I also learned that my church has a $1,000,000 budget (I didn't know that) but only $12,000 goes to Outreach. I think that's embarrasing. It is to me.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
REUNION
My trusty little Webster's Dictionary says that the word REUNION means: "A gathering of people that have been apart".
I went to a high school class reunion this past week-end and that definition would describe it pretty well. BUT...it left out all the great feelings that go with that.
We started out with a good friend having about 10 of us for dinner Friday night in her home. She had a spread of salads, meats, casseroles, and desserts that you would think she was feeding thrashers. SHE LOVES TO COOK. We all had just the best time and she just acts like this is an everyday thing. ME??? If I had cooked all that they would probably of had to wheel me out in a wheelchair.
Then Saturday we met Kim and Jeremiah and Sierra in Ipava for the Camp Ellis Homecoming Parade. Now that was just a special time for us. To think that we can meet them and spend time with them and not have to be gone from them for months and months is just so special to Mom and Dad. We'll be doing that again.
AND...the kids LOVED that silly little parade. The band only has about 12 members and when I was there (100 years ago) we had 60 or so. I wanted to cry. But they marched and looked good and even sounded pretty good to me. I got to see friends in the parade and a cousin drove his tractor. Sierra and I yelled at him till he FINALLY threw us some candy. Didn't want Sierra to go home without any candy. HA HA HA
Then Saturday night we had the big REUNION of 10 classes that graduated from the very first V.I.T. High School. They consolidated Vermont, Ipava, and Table Grove in 1948 and moved the high school to Table Grove. They only used that building for 10 years and then built a whole new complex on the road between Ipava and Table Grove. During that 10 years Ted and I both graduated so we BOTH get to go to the same reunion.
We had a good time but there are so many now that are SO much younger than we are and we knew very few. We did get to REUNITE with some good friends and family that we would not otherwise see.
Then Sunday morning we drove to Normal and Ted dropped me off at church and he went to Kim's house to assemble the fishing poles he and the fishermen would use later. He'll have to tell you that story since I watched football and slept while they were fishing.
One of the highlights of the whole week-end for me was to have Kim and Sierra serve me communion Sunday. These are times a grandmother lives for.
I have a lot of good memories from this week-end and can't wait to get moved. I'm anxious to see these two grandchildren a LOT more and be involved in their activities.
I went to a high school class reunion this past week-end and that definition would describe it pretty well. BUT...it left out all the great feelings that go with that.
We started out with a good friend having about 10 of us for dinner Friday night in her home. She had a spread of salads, meats, casseroles, and desserts that you would think she was feeding thrashers. SHE LOVES TO COOK. We all had just the best time and she just acts like this is an everyday thing. ME??? If I had cooked all that they would probably of had to wheel me out in a wheelchair.
Then Saturday we met Kim and Jeremiah and Sierra in Ipava for the Camp Ellis Homecoming Parade. Now that was just a special time for us. To think that we can meet them and spend time with them and not have to be gone from them for months and months is just so special to Mom and Dad. We'll be doing that again.
AND...the kids LOVED that silly little parade. The band only has about 12 members and when I was there (100 years ago) we had 60 or so. I wanted to cry. But they marched and looked good and even sounded pretty good to me. I got to see friends in the parade and a cousin drove his tractor. Sierra and I yelled at him till he FINALLY threw us some candy. Didn't want Sierra to go home without any candy. HA HA HA
Then Saturday night we had the big REUNION of 10 classes that graduated from the very first V.I.T. High School. They consolidated Vermont, Ipava, and Table Grove in 1948 and moved the high school to Table Grove. They only used that building for 10 years and then built a whole new complex on the road between Ipava and Table Grove. During that 10 years Ted and I both graduated so we BOTH get to go to the same reunion.
We had a good time but there are so many now that are SO much younger than we are and we knew very few. We did get to REUNITE with some good friends and family that we would not otherwise see.
Then Sunday morning we drove to Normal and Ted dropped me off at church and he went to Kim's house to assemble the fishing poles he and the fishermen would use later. He'll have to tell you that story since I watched football and slept while they were fishing.
One of the highlights of the whole week-end for me was to have Kim and Sierra serve me communion Sunday. These are times a grandmother lives for.
I have a lot of good memories from this week-end and can't wait to get moved. I'm anxious to see these two grandchildren a LOT more and be involved in their activities.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
BURNING THE KORAN
I leave for Illinois early in the morning so thought I'd better get this off my chest now.
We had just sat down to dinner when they said on the news that the Florida minister was giving up his plan to burn the Koran. Both of us sighed a sigh of relief. I'm not sure just how they got this accomplished but it was good news.
The next item of news on was that a minister in Springfield, TN had decided he WAS going to burn the Koran.
WHY? He wants to show "THEM" that OUR GOD is THE ONLY GOD. Who appointed him President of Humanity? Who gave him the right to decide WHO GOD loves? I wouldn't want anyone to take my blood pressure right now.
I could go on and on but I won't. I know that everyone reading this blog agrees with me. I just had to get this out of my system. Sorry to be on such a negative attack this week.
We had just sat down to dinner when they said on the news that the Florida minister was giving up his plan to burn the Koran. Both of us sighed a sigh of relief. I'm not sure just how they got this accomplished but it was good news.
The next item of news on was that a minister in Springfield, TN had decided he WAS going to burn the Koran.
WHY? He wants to show "THEM" that OUR GOD is THE ONLY GOD. Who appointed him President of Humanity? Who gave him the right to decide WHO GOD loves? I wouldn't want anyone to take my blood pressure right now.
I could go on and on but I won't. I know that everyone reading this blog agrees with me. I just had to get this out of my system. Sorry to be on such a negative attack this week.
LIFE IS GOOD
Well, have been trying to read Connie's blog for awhile but just couldn't pull it up. FINALLY realized I was entering the info in the wrong place. SO...today I got to read a few.
I LOVE these blogs. I know my children pretty well but the blogs are just different and I LOVE reading them and the comments.
Like, Kim, having her children sit down to discuss a problem. Who would ever think of doing that when the children are 8 and 9 years old? Kim would, that's who.
And Connie talking about Benjamin - you can almost see the print change shape when she talks about him. He reminds me so much of her and I remember when she was in high school and wanted me to come visit. I wasn't going to go because I thought all her friends would laugh at both of us and she'd be embarrased. Well, I did go and it was something I'll never forget. It was wonderful and the students LOVED having me there even if they did look at me kind of strange.
And Jill, telling about the change in our childrens comments about us as they grow older. I remember when Jill was a little girl and I was SOOOOOOOOOOO big with Mark before he was born. I had been out working in the garden and it was hot and I was miserable. She went in the house and brought a glass of water clear out there for me.
Now, Mark. Well, I guess Mark still likes the picture of the kid that can't quite get the B M out and the poor kid has been sitting that way for a week. Come on Mark. Now Mark is the one that ALMOST convinced me that Mrs. Sewell took all her kindergarten class to the airport in her little bitty car. ALMOST because the kids was SO convincing till I picked up the phone to call her and he looked at me with that twinkle in his eye and said, "I was just teasin"
You are all SO different, yet so much alike it is a mystery to me.
Life IS GOOD.
I LOVE these blogs. I know my children pretty well but the blogs are just different and I LOVE reading them and the comments.
Like, Kim, having her children sit down to discuss a problem. Who would ever think of doing that when the children are 8 and 9 years old? Kim would, that's who.
And Connie talking about Benjamin - you can almost see the print change shape when she talks about him. He reminds me so much of her and I remember when she was in high school and wanted me to come visit. I wasn't going to go because I thought all her friends would laugh at both of us and she'd be embarrased. Well, I did go and it was something I'll never forget. It was wonderful and the students LOVED having me there even if they did look at me kind of strange.
And Jill, telling about the change in our childrens comments about us as they grow older. I remember when Jill was a little girl and I was SOOOOOOOOOOO big with Mark before he was born. I had been out working in the garden and it was hot and I was miserable. She went in the house and brought a glass of water clear out there for me.
Now, Mark. Well, I guess Mark still likes the picture of the kid that can't quite get the B M out and the poor kid has been sitting that way for a week. Come on Mark. Now Mark is the one that ALMOST convinced me that Mrs. Sewell took all her kindergarten class to the airport in her little bitty car. ALMOST because the kids was SO convincing till I picked up the phone to call her and he looked at me with that twinkle in his eye and said, "I was just teasin"
You are all SO different, yet so much alike it is a mystery to me.
Life IS GOOD.
Monday, September 6, 2010
CHANGE IN THE WEATHER
I walked this morning about 6:30 and it was 49 degrees when I got home. I had to wear a long sleeved sweatshirt and almost wore my gloves.
Last week we had the air on and were so tired of the heat, now we are hoping we don't have to turn the furnace on.
We keep thnking the hummingbirds will be gone when we get up but not yet. We are filling our feeder three times a day and I may suggest Ted buy stock in a sugar plantation.
It's nice to have all the doors open and feel the warmth of the sun when you walk by on the floor. We will soon be heading south like the hummingbirds only have an easier way to travel.
Since it's Labor Day and I have done absolutely NOTHING the last couple of days I think it's time I LABORED a bit.
All you that work all week enjoy the extra day off.
Last week we had the air on and were so tired of the heat, now we are hoping we don't have to turn the furnace on.
We keep thnking the hummingbirds will be gone when we get up but not yet. We are filling our feeder three times a day and I may suggest Ted buy stock in a sugar plantation.
It's nice to have all the doors open and feel the warmth of the sun when you walk by on the floor. We will soon be heading south like the hummingbirds only have an easier way to travel.
Since it's Labor Day and I have done absolutely NOTHING the last couple of days I think it's time I LABORED a bit.
All you that work all week enjoy the extra day off.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Infant Mortality In Memphis, TN
Last night I was channel flipping and came upon a program on Nashville Public TV that was all news to me. Where I've been, I don't know.
It was about the Infant Mortality in Memphis. Now part of Memphis is VERY wealthy and the churches are VERY LARGE and one even has a bowling alley in it. But...I had never seen this side of Memphis.
There is an old Dr. there that has developed one of the very best NeoNatal facilites in the country. Their premature birth rate is staggering. AND after looking on the Internet this morning to see what I could find out I learned that India has less Infant Mortality than Memphis.
I watched as they took little wooden boxes out of the back of a truck and buried them in a mass grave. A bull dozer covered up six or seven of these tiny little boxes at a time. This is called Babyland Cemetary. They then drive a small marker above each little box to mark where it is.
THIS IS MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE people. I want to swear, screem, but most of all cry like that would do any good. Ted and I talked after the show was over about what could be done. I'm not like the one rich white lady that goes in there and takes a girl and sees that she gets medical attention and her vitamins and takes her to the Dr. every month and was even there when the baby was born. She says her friends and family fear for her life but she didn't seem too concerned and she sure stood out being a tall, white, blond woman.
Ted and I understand education is just NOT THERE for these families. Most of them are single women, no job and no husband. One had not had electricity or water for over a week and seven children. At one point this lady had gone out to her light meter and by-passed it to get electricity. When the light company saw this they removed the meter from her house. Ted is an electrical engineer and he said this was a trick and very dangerous operation. I wouldn't even have a clue about doing that. THESE WOMEN ARE STRONG.
I realize legislation is the ONLY way any of this will change. My church certainly isn't going to go to Memphis and try to make a difference and it doesn't look like many of their churches are either.
I know, I'm on a soapbox but just had to get this off my chest.
The one thing that keeps coming to mind is a saying I saw at a school in the Appalacian Mission trip I took with the youth a few years ago. I cannot find it although I know it's here in my desk somewhere. It more or less reads like this:
I want to ask God why He/She lets all these things happen but I'm afraid God will aske me the same thing.
It was about the Infant Mortality in Memphis. Now part of Memphis is VERY wealthy and the churches are VERY LARGE and one even has a bowling alley in it. But...I had never seen this side of Memphis.
There is an old Dr. there that has developed one of the very best NeoNatal facilites in the country. Their premature birth rate is staggering. AND after looking on the Internet this morning to see what I could find out I learned that India has less Infant Mortality than Memphis.
I watched as they took little wooden boxes out of the back of a truck and buried them in a mass grave. A bull dozer covered up six or seven of these tiny little boxes at a time. This is called Babyland Cemetary. They then drive a small marker above each little box to mark where it is.
THIS IS MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE people. I want to swear, screem, but most of all cry like that would do any good. Ted and I talked after the show was over about what could be done. I'm not like the one rich white lady that goes in there and takes a girl and sees that she gets medical attention and her vitamins and takes her to the Dr. every month and was even there when the baby was born. She says her friends and family fear for her life but she didn't seem too concerned and she sure stood out being a tall, white, blond woman.
Ted and I understand education is just NOT THERE for these families. Most of them are single women, no job and no husband. One had not had electricity or water for over a week and seven children. At one point this lady had gone out to her light meter and by-passed it to get electricity. When the light company saw this they removed the meter from her house. Ted is an electrical engineer and he said this was a trick and very dangerous operation. I wouldn't even have a clue about doing that. THESE WOMEN ARE STRONG.
I realize legislation is the ONLY way any of this will change. My church certainly isn't going to go to Memphis and try to make a difference and it doesn't look like many of their churches are either.
I know, I'm on a soapbox but just had to get this off my chest.
The one thing that keeps coming to mind is a saying I saw at a school in the Appalacian Mission trip I took with the youth a few years ago. I cannot find it although I know it's here in my desk somewhere. It more or less reads like this:
I want to ask God why He/She lets all these things happen but I'm afraid God will aske me the same thing.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
DIRECTIONS
Last night on the 5:30 news Brian Williams mentioned how much men spend on driving around looking for a place instead of asking for DIRECTIONS.
We've had that discussion a few times at our house too. Even Ted had to laugh last night at the thought.
I remember one time in particular that was rather scary for me. You see, Ted has a perfect sense of direction. He ALWAYS knows which way a street will run, where to turn to get where he wants to go. I was even surprised he let me buy a GPS.
BUT...when we came to Nashville to look the town over and see if we thought we might like to live here (that would of been Labor Day week-end 1983) Ted got turned around when we came into town. I guess coming down those hills turned his brain around. He had no idea where we were to go and the REALLY ODD thing was I (who NEVER knows which direction to go ) knew exactly the road we needed. My sense of direction is so bad that when we moved to Indianapolis and I had to go somewhere new I'd have Ted give me directions but made sure Mark was there with me. When Connie, Mark, and I drove home from Houston one time if I hadn't had Mark with me I would never of turned on I55 to come north and we lived in Indianapolis at the time. If I had gotten into Memphis in those days I would probably of still of been there looking for a way out.
Back to my trying to help Ted around Nashville. He knew I NEVER knew directions and he ALWAYS did so he would ask me which way to turn on a certain street and I'd tell him "Go to the light and turn right". He'd go to the light and turn left. I began to wonder if he was loosing his mind and that was ONE SCARY THOUGHT. He would glare at me like I was something from Mars and be upset that I was right.
It took almost a whole day of this before he realized he had gotten turned around when we drove into town and thought he was going north when he was actually going south.
Brian said most men spend about $3,000 in a lifetime on extra gas because they won't ask for directions and I'm certain we didn't spend that much but I was one happy lady when he realized which way he was driving and didn't need me to try and help anymore.
We've had that discussion a few times at our house too. Even Ted had to laugh last night at the thought.
I remember one time in particular that was rather scary for me. You see, Ted has a perfect sense of direction. He ALWAYS knows which way a street will run, where to turn to get where he wants to go. I was even surprised he let me buy a GPS.
BUT...when we came to Nashville to look the town over and see if we thought we might like to live here (that would of been Labor Day week-end 1983) Ted got turned around when we came into town. I guess coming down those hills turned his brain around. He had no idea where we were to go and the REALLY ODD thing was I (who NEVER knows which direction to go ) knew exactly the road we needed. My sense of direction is so bad that when we moved to Indianapolis and I had to go somewhere new I'd have Ted give me directions but made sure Mark was there with me. When Connie, Mark, and I drove home from Houston one time if I hadn't had Mark with me I would never of turned on I55 to come north and we lived in Indianapolis at the time. If I had gotten into Memphis in those days I would probably of still of been there looking for a way out.
Back to my trying to help Ted around Nashville. He knew I NEVER knew directions and he ALWAYS did so he would ask me which way to turn on a certain street and I'd tell him "Go to the light and turn right". He'd go to the light and turn left. I began to wonder if he was loosing his mind and that was ONE SCARY THOUGHT. He would glare at me like I was something from Mars and be upset that I was right.
It took almost a whole day of this before he realized he had gotten turned around when we drove into town and thought he was going north when he was actually going south.
Brian said most men spend about $3,000 in a lifetime on extra gas because they won't ask for directions and I'm certain we didn't spend that much but I was one happy lady when he realized which way he was driving and didn't need me to try and help anymore.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Telephone Calling Card
I've had the same Calling Card for almost 10 years. I LOVE that card. I can go to Walmart, give them $5 and they give me a bunch of minutes. They don't charge me minutes JUST for using it, I have the bunch of numbers we have to key in all memorized so I can use it when I'd rather not use my cell phone and Ted has it all set in my phone I use here at home so I just push two buttons and then dial the number I want to call.
BUT...two weeks ago I went to get it filled, gave them my $5 for 100 minutes and when I got home went to make a call and it said I only had 50 minutes. OOPS!!!! Somethings wrong here.
So I get on line and check my calling card number and pin number and it tells me I have 309 minutes. THAT'S NOT RIGHT EITHER.
The next day I drove to Lewisburg and had the girl in the AT&T office check it and she said it told her I had 109 minutes. That sounded about right so I figured it had corrected itself.
I got home, went to make a call and was told I had 32 minutes. SO...went back to Walmart and they put 100 more minutes on the card for me but when I got home and went to use it I still only had 32 minutes.
SO...yesterday I went to buy a new calling card. They range anywhere from $10 to $65 and most of them have a set number of minutes on them and expire after 30 days. NO, NO, NO.
When I got home I figured I'd just have to learn to use my cell phone more but then realized Ted still has his AT & T calling card and they keep telling us when we make a call we can get more minutes over the phone just by pushing the LB key and then 3 or something. I've never done this but why would they do that if they were closing out this wonderful calling card?
SO...today I FINALLY found a phone number to call for customer help on the CALLING CARD page of the Internet but was asked to pick out the department I wanted from at least four offered, then had to give them my home phone number (it isn't even with AT & T), then my address and zip code and my cell number that's not AT & T either. I FINALLY got to a stage that they said they would have a representative help me but they were experiencing a high volume of calls and to please hold - then some LOUD rock and roll music came on and nearly ruined the little hearing I have left.
I held for 5 minutes but wanted my land line open because we were expecting a call and so I hung up.
WHY can't we just get SOMEONE to answer the phone when we call? I know, it progress and people cost money but is there something left out there called SERVICE?
BUT...two weeks ago I went to get it filled, gave them my $5 for 100 minutes and when I got home went to make a call and it said I only had 50 minutes. OOPS!!!! Somethings wrong here.
So I get on line and check my calling card number and pin number and it tells me I have 309 minutes. THAT'S NOT RIGHT EITHER.
The next day I drove to Lewisburg and had the girl in the AT&T office check it and she said it told her I had 109 minutes. That sounded about right so I figured it had corrected itself.
I got home, went to make a call and was told I had 32 minutes. SO...went back to Walmart and they put 100 more minutes on the card for me but when I got home and went to use it I still only had 32 minutes.
SO...yesterday I went to buy a new calling card. They range anywhere from $10 to $65 and most of them have a set number of minutes on them and expire after 30 days. NO, NO, NO.
When I got home I figured I'd just have to learn to use my cell phone more but then realized Ted still has his AT & T calling card and they keep telling us when we make a call we can get more minutes over the phone just by pushing the LB key and then 3 or something. I've never done this but why would they do that if they were closing out this wonderful calling card?
SO...today I FINALLY found a phone number to call for customer help on the CALLING CARD page of the Internet but was asked to pick out the department I wanted from at least four offered, then had to give them my home phone number (it isn't even with AT & T), then my address and zip code and my cell number that's not AT & T either. I FINALLY got to a stage that they said they would have a representative help me but they were experiencing a high volume of calls and to please hold - then some LOUD rock and roll music came on and nearly ruined the little hearing I have left.
I held for 5 minutes but wanted my land line open because we were expecting a call and so I hung up.
WHY can't we just get SOMEONE to answer the phone when we call? I know, it progress and people cost money but is there something left out there called SERVICE?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
HAIR CUT
This Monday I called the gal that cuts our hair here in Chapel Hill to see if I could get a haircut sometime before we leave next week for the class reunion. She asked where I'd been, said she was closing her shop out here and going to Cool Springs in Franklin. Now that's 30+ miles from here so I know I won't be going up very often but was going to have lunch with Connie yesterday anyway so made an appt.
It's a really nice salon and I figured the price would go up some - that was the whole reason for Kim (our beautician) to go as she's a single parent and has several children to support.
ANYWAY...got in there and she shampood me and we had a nice visit. I gave her her tip before we left the chair and she walked me to the front desk. I asked how much and the girl behind the counter said (we need a drum roll here - snare, tympany, maybe a symbol clash or two) "$50" I said, "WHAT?" And she told me again.
I turned around but Kim was off talking to someone else so I paid and left.
I cannot believe ANYONE charges that kind of money for a haircut that took maybe 20 minutes.
AND...I sent Kim a nice email explaining why I would NOT be coming back.
It's a really nice salon and I figured the price would go up some - that was the whole reason for Kim (our beautician) to go as she's a single parent and has several children to support.
ANYWAY...got in there and she shampood me and we had a nice visit. I gave her her tip before we left the chair and she walked me to the front desk. I asked how much and the girl behind the counter said (we need a drum roll here - snare, tympany, maybe a symbol clash or two) "$50" I said, "WHAT?" And she told me again.
I turned around but Kim was off talking to someone else so I paid and left.
I cannot believe ANYONE charges that kind of money for a haircut that took maybe 20 minutes.
AND...I sent Kim a nice email explaining why I would NOT be coming back.
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