Well, my blog seems rather boring after reading my kids and all their new technology STUFF and new phones that do everything for you except maybe go to the bathroom. Thank GOD we still have to do that for ourselves.
BUT...my Prayer Shawl group from church has been involved with Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers for a couple of years. A year ago the lady that heads this up asked if we would be interested in participating in sending shawls to Dover Air Force Base for the Dignified Body Transfer. I knew right away I wanted to be a part of this and the group agreed. So every two ro three months we send about three shawls to the Chaplain at Dover. In June we sent three for adults, three for children and I had two new stuffed animals here I had purchased sometime because they were on sale.
Yesterday I got my haircut and was listening to National Public Radio station out of Nashville and the two ladies that helped start the family participation in the Dignified Transfer of Bodies were on there talking about how it came to be. It made me proud to be a part of this Ministry.
Apparently families were never contacted or invited to be there for this service but these two ladies are military wives and felt it would benefit the families to see this. I hear it's a beautiful, moving service but usually held about 2 a.m. for some reason. Maybe if our leaders were invited to be there for these services we might not be in so many wars.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
EARLY MORNING HOURS
I LOVE the early morning. That's my time of day. Always had to get up early as a child and milk, then when I got married and kids began to come along THEY love the early morning.
I like to be up first, have a little time to myself, watch for the first ray of sunlight and that first bird call. That's just a neat thing to experience. One calls, then another and before you know it they are singing like crazy.
I do most of my GOOD work before noon. I used to try and get my boss to let me work from 6 to 1 but he never got excited about that.
Well, the day here is started and it's 8 a.m. for goodness sake. Jordan has made blueberry muffins and is eating, I've had my shower and she is about to get a bath. THen we are off to Prayer Shawl meeting and this day is about done for.
I like to be up first, have a little time to myself, watch for the first ray of sunlight and that first bird call. That's just a neat thing to experience. One calls, then another and before you know it they are singing like crazy.
I do most of my GOOD work before noon. I used to try and get my boss to let me work from 6 to 1 but he never got excited about that.
Well, the day here is started and it's 8 a.m. for goodness sake. Jordan has made blueberry muffins and is eating, I've had my shower and she is about to get a bath. THen we are off to Prayer Shawl meeting and this day is about done for.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
HEAVY HEART
I went to church this morning with a heavy heart. I didn't even know if I could stay the whole service but really needed to be in church.
We have a new minister and he is good. The sermon was on Martha and Mary. Now I'm a Martha from the word go. I don't LIKE that about myself, but as he preached I sat there and realized so many times a clean house was SO IMPORTANT to me. One minister even told me one time he thought I thought things were O.K. if I had my yard mowed and a clean house. My mother, however, could of cared less and when I was in high school I was almost ashamed of our house it was so dirty. But...by golly she always had time to visit.
This morning I was having a hard time to keep from crying and if I had not had Jordan with me I probably would of broken down. BUT...I did not want her to see me that way nor cause a commotion. I kept wishing I could go to the alter, get on my knees and GIVE ALL THIS TO GOD.
Then I looked at the bulletin and by golly, this minister HAD AN ALTER CALL. I think those of you that know me know I'm not a HOLY ROLLER kind but I DO like going to the alter after communion and a few other times during the year. Well, this was just what I needed and I left a lot of my pain there today.
Prayer DOES work and GOD does carry our burdens. Sorry if I've turned some of you off. Don't mean to but I FEEL GREAT. SO GOOD I just had to write a blog about it.
We have a new minister and he is good. The sermon was on Martha and Mary. Now I'm a Martha from the word go. I don't LIKE that about myself, but as he preached I sat there and realized so many times a clean house was SO IMPORTANT to me. One minister even told me one time he thought I thought things were O.K. if I had my yard mowed and a clean house. My mother, however, could of cared less and when I was in high school I was almost ashamed of our house it was so dirty. But...by golly she always had time to visit.
This morning I was having a hard time to keep from crying and if I had not had Jordan with me I probably would of broken down. BUT...I did not want her to see me that way nor cause a commotion. I kept wishing I could go to the alter, get on my knees and GIVE ALL THIS TO GOD.
Then I looked at the bulletin and by golly, this minister HAD AN ALTER CALL. I think those of you that know me know I'm not a HOLY ROLLER kind but I DO like going to the alter after communion and a few other times during the year. Well, this was just what I needed and I left a lot of my pain there today.
Prayer DOES work and GOD does carry our burdens. Sorry if I've turned some of you off. Don't mean to but I FEEL GREAT. SO GOOD I just had to write a blog about it.
Friday, July 23, 2010
BOUNDRIES
Boundries is a word my mother did not know was in the dictionary. I didn't either until I'd had a couple years of therapy and learned very quickly one day when I overstepped mine with one of the therapists.
ANYWAY...we have a boundry problem with two neighbors. One on the south of our house and the other on the north. They cannot either one mow in a straight line and this just bothers Ted a lot. Now the grass is tall and one of them has thrown her first big strip of mown grass on our property.
The other neighbor to the south has not spoken to us for a year or so when he ordered Ted to put a wooden post back that Ted bought, had put in the ground and decided he didn't want it there anymore so he had removed it. This guy came to our door and just told Ted he was going to put that post back. Any of you that know Ted know this is not the way to his heart.
We tried to go talk to him but he would not speak to us. HE wouldn't even come to the door one time when we went over so finally said "the CHELL with it!"
Now Jordan is visiting and knew none of the above. We had a brief shower the other evening and then the sun came out and she asked if she could go look for a rainbow. We said, "Sure".
She was out awhile and I saw the neighbors dog out in our drive way and told her not to pet it. It has never bitten anyof us - it just likes to use our yard for a bathroom. BUT...it barks at me when I walk like it's the town constable.
Jordan came in after awhile and said she had told the neighbor their dog was loose. That in itself was funny but then Ted said, "Did he come out and talk to you?" Jordan said, "No, I rang their doorbell". She had decided that dog did not need to be out running (like it does all over the neighborhood) so thought she'd better let them know it.
I LOVE IT. We just told her their dog usually was out and not to worry about it but she didn't need to go talk to them about it again.
Out of the mouths of babes.
ANYWAY...we have a boundry problem with two neighbors. One on the south of our house and the other on the north. They cannot either one mow in a straight line and this just bothers Ted a lot. Now the grass is tall and one of them has thrown her first big strip of mown grass on our property.
The other neighbor to the south has not spoken to us for a year or so when he ordered Ted to put a wooden post back that Ted bought, had put in the ground and decided he didn't want it there anymore so he had removed it. This guy came to our door and just told Ted he was going to put that post back. Any of you that know Ted know this is not the way to his heart.
We tried to go talk to him but he would not speak to us. HE wouldn't even come to the door one time when we went over so finally said "the CHELL with it!"
Now Jordan is visiting and knew none of the above. We had a brief shower the other evening and then the sun came out and she asked if she could go look for a rainbow. We said, "Sure".
She was out awhile and I saw the neighbors dog out in our drive way and told her not to pet it. It has never bitten anyof us - it just likes to use our yard for a bathroom. BUT...it barks at me when I walk like it's the town constable.
Jordan came in after awhile and said she had told the neighbor their dog was loose. That in itself was funny but then Ted said, "Did he come out and talk to you?" Jordan said, "No, I rang their doorbell". She had decided that dog did not need to be out running (like it does all over the neighborhood) so thought she'd better let them know it.
I LOVE IT. We just told her their dog usually was out and not to worry about it but she didn't need to go talk to them about it again.
Out of the mouths of babes.
DISAPPOINTMENT
Yesterday started out good. Jordan was sewing while I did some laundry and cleaned a little. Her friend was coming today and we were all looking forward to that.
BUT...about 2 yesterday afternoon her friends mom called and she couldn't come. She has asthma and her mother was afraid to have her this far away from her. Her husband is in Iraq and she has two smaller boys to care for and the weather is just not in our favor.
Jordan was really sad for awhile but she pulled herself together and by gosh she went on. We made plans to go for a horseback ride next Tuesday and she and I are going to water aerobics this morning and then do a bit of grocery shopping.
Oh, we also decided to LET G-Dad take us to Cracker Barrel this evening.
Quite a mature attitude for a 10 yr old.
BUT...about 2 yesterday afternoon her friends mom called and she couldn't come. She has asthma and her mother was afraid to have her this far away from her. Her husband is in Iraq and she has two smaller boys to care for and the weather is just not in our favor.
Jordan was really sad for awhile but she pulled herself together and by gosh she went on. We made plans to go for a horseback ride next Tuesday and she and I are going to water aerobics this morning and then do a bit of grocery shopping.
Oh, we also decided to LET G-Dad take us to Cracker Barrel this evening.
Quite a mature attitude for a 10 yr old.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Taking a Breath
We took Benjamin back to his mom yesterday afternoon. These two only get to see each other once a year and sometimes it's been a battle to see who could outdo the other one but this time they seemed to enjoy each other more. Think they might be growing up? Part of me wishes they were still little but time goes on and each new stage is interesting.
Two of my kids gave me a pep talk yesterday about being OLD. I have never FELT old until the last few years. That seemed to keep my YOUNG. Not sure how that works but when you keep thinking you are 50 in your mind, you DO seem to feel younger and able to do more things.
I need to give myself a pep talk about being YOUNG - especially with young ones here this week. We are taking a breather today and tomorrow Jordan gets a friend to come for a couple of nights.
Next week she is going to get to go horseback riding but doesn't know it yet. Think I'll wait till a BORING day and tell her.
Time to get this day started. Much to do and many games to play I expect.
Two of my kids gave me a pep talk yesterday about being OLD. I have never FELT old until the last few years. That seemed to keep my YOUNG. Not sure how that works but when you keep thinking you are 50 in your mind, you DO seem to feel younger and able to do more things.
I need to give myself a pep talk about being YOUNG - especially with young ones here this week. We are taking a breather today and tomorrow Jordan gets a friend to come for a couple of nights.
Next week she is going to get to go horseback riding but doesn't know it yet. Think I'll wait till a BORING day and tell her.
Time to get this day started. Much to do and many games to play I expect.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
GRANDKIDS, OLD AGE and LIFE
Well, I was all excited about writing about the trip to the Duck River yesterday but Ted did a good job on that one so I was at a loss for something to write about.
No one wanted to hear how tired I was last night and I couldn't think of anything to write about. Then I read Kim's blog this morning and there is MARK on here. Now if we can get Connie and Jill we don't have to have telephones at ALL. YEA - go bug someone else AT & T.
The younger generation is so smart though. They are the one's making us OLD people FEEL OLD. THey put pictures on their blog, have these fancy backgrounds, and all this NEW stuff.
BUT...that's O.K., we've had our 15 minutes of glory when we moved from our hometown to go clear over to Bloomington/Normal to make a home and Ted get a good job. This was kind of new when we were young - 100 years ago.
So...as you can see I'm rambling today and before what I'm saying altogether I better get Jordan and Benjamin some breakfast so we can go back to the Duck today and Ted has already told them they are going in a deeper current today.
They can't wait.
No one wanted to hear how tired I was last night and I couldn't think of anything to write about. Then I read Kim's blog this morning and there is MARK on here. Now if we can get Connie and Jill we don't have to have telephones at ALL. YEA - go bug someone else AT & T.
The younger generation is so smart though. They are the one's making us OLD people FEEL OLD. THey put pictures on their blog, have these fancy backgrounds, and all this NEW stuff.
BUT...that's O.K., we've had our 15 minutes of glory when we moved from our hometown to go clear over to Bloomington/Normal to make a home and Ted get a good job. This was kind of new when we were young - 100 years ago.
So...as you can see I'm rambling today and before what I'm saying altogether I better get Jordan and Benjamin some breakfast so we can go back to the Duck today and Ted has already told them they are going in a deeper current today.
They can't wait.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
FUN, OH MY, I AM GETTING OLD
Yesterday was fun. We kind of hung out in the morning, then found a neighbor that let us use their pool. (Sorry Kim) They have a little boy about Benjamin's age and a daughter older. SO...the three of us went down for an hour yesterday afternoon.
But..first I learned that I'm not the ONLY person that can make egg salad. We had kind of planned that for lunch yesterday and Jordan and Benjamin were flying Grandad's plane so I asked her if she wanted me to go ahead and make it. She said, "Do you know how?" Ted and I both had to laugh at that one.
After our swim we got home and decided to make some brownies. Grandad had just finished mowing and so we got everything out, and the recipe I wanted to use called for 1 cup of coffee. Well, Jordan wasn't sure she wanted that in it but we finally convinced her you couldn't taste it.
After only getting flustered once and pulling the beaters out of the mix while they were running (I did that), the brownies were in the oven and a wild game of UNO Attack was on the agenda. Then a wilder game of aggrivation and I have to say I can't win anything anymore.
The Wii is my friend this week and Jordan brought a couple of new games so Benjamin has enjoyed that. SO much that we called Connie to see if he could stay another night. YEA!!! HE doesn't have to go home now till Wednesday afternoon.
Finally about 7:30 I told them at 8 p.m. we were all going to get our P.J.'s on and read Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer or whatever it is. Jordan didn't want any part of it and Benjamin didn't think he did either. They both wanted to read the same WIMPY KID book.
BUT...I had my mind made up and so I DID win that game. HA!!!!!!
I told them we'd read one chapter and if they didn't like it at all they didn't have to hear any more. SO...at 8:30 they were both ready to go to bed and I asked if anyone liked it and miracle of miracles, both did. Jordan would just like to know what he does to become a REAL lawyer (I think that means read the last chapter RIGHT NOW) and Benjamin just likes the book. I'm hoping this is part of a series.
Time for this OLD WOMAN to pay some bills.
We are going to the river today and take our lunch.
But..first I learned that I'm not the ONLY person that can make egg salad. We had kind of planned that for lunch yesterday and Jordan and Benjamin were flying Grandad's plane so I asked her if she wanted me to go ahead and make it. She said, "Do you know how?" Ted and I both had to laugh at that one.
After our swim we got home and decided to make some brownies. Grandad had just finished mowing and so we got everything out, and the recipe I wanted to use called for 1 cup of coffee. Well, Jordan wasn't sure she wanted that in it but we finally convinced her you couldn't taste it.
After only getting flustered once and pulling the beaters out of the mix while they were running (I did that), the brownies were in the oven and a wild game of UNO Attack was on the agenda. Then a wilder game of aggrivation and I have to say I can't win anything anymore.
The Wii is my friend this week and Jordan brought a couple of new games so Benjamin has enjoyed that. SO much that we called Connie to see if he could stay another night. YEA!!! HE doesn't have to go home now till Wednesday afternoon.
Finally about 7:30 I told them at 8 p.m. we were all going to get our P.J.'s on and read Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer or whatever it is. Jordan didn't want any part of it and Benjamin didn't think he did either. They both wanted to read the same WIMPY KID book.
BUT...I had my mind made up and so I DID win that game. HA!!!!!!
I told them we'd read one chapter and if they didn't like it at all they didn't have to hear any more. SO...at 8:30 they were both ready to go to bed and I asked if anyone liked it and miracle of miracles, both did. Jordan would just like to know what he does to become a REAL lawyer (I think that means read the last chapter RIGHT NOW) and Benjamin just likes the book. I'm hoping this is part of a series.
Time for this OLD WOMAN to pay some bills.
We are going to the river today and take our lunch.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Grandkids
Yes, well, we have six grandkids. Each from their own individual, unique mold and all GREAT kids. AHEM!!!!! Other Grandmothers will understand.
Today Ted and Jordan are on their way to pick up Benjamin. Jordan is our third grandchild and Benjamin is our fourth. They lived together for awhile in Nashville so are more like brother and sister in some aspects.
Both are very competetive so we have to be careful when they are together.
I have no idea what they will want to do today and tomorrow. I bet swimming is NOT refused and as hot as it's to be that's fine with me. I would really like to go canoing but not sure I should do that and Ted said he thinks 91 is too hot. He tried to get Jordan say she'd go swim where he takes the kids fishing but she wasn't in favor of that. She's our CITY girl, nothing wrong with that, just sometimes doesn't want to try anything new.
So...I'm taking a few minutes to myself, gearing up my skills to try and stay ahead of these two (FAT CHANCE OF THAT) and waiting for them all to get here.
Today Ted and Jordan are on their way to pick up Benjamin. Jordan is our third grandchild and Benjamin is our fourth. They lived together for awhile in Nashville so are more like brother and sister in some aspects.
Both are very competetive so we have to be careful when they are together.
I have no idea what they will want to do today and tomorrow. I bet swimming is NOT refused and as hot as it's to be that's fine with me. I would really like to go canoing but not sure I should do that and Ted said he thinks 91 is too hot. He tried to get Jordan say she'd go swim where he takes the kids fishing but she wasn't in favor of that. She's our CITY girl, nothing wrong with that, just sometimes doesn't want to try anything new.
So...I'm taking a few minutes to myself, gearing up my skills to try and stay ahead of these two (FAT CHANCE OF THAT) and waiting for them all to get here.
Friday, July 16, 2010
The HELP
I finished the book Kim loaned me. So many things go through my mind when I reflect on that book. Truly one of the best books I've ever read. She's quite a writer.
The first thing that comes to my mind is how ashamed I am for all we have done to the black people in this country. Living in the south I see it and HEAR it a lot. It bothers me when I do but I tuck my tail and run. I'm not about to take on WHITE TRASH and the honest to God truth is - I'm a wimp or am I WHITE TRASH too?
I have a friend at church that has fought for the black people to be allowed in an organization he belongs to. He's fought, argued, and LOST this battle every year. He said his first thought was to quit but then he said he'd have no way to fight it. He and his wife have grown children but about 5 years ago they adopted two little sisters and they are black. His wife almost cried when they told of an incident and realized these people were SUPPOSED to be their friends and had visited in their home. Todd makes no apologies for his actions and the organization cannot boot him out as he's already a member. I admire this couple a lot.
I joined a book club this summer here in our little town and couldn't hardly stay the hour but never once challanged them. SO...I'm just as bad as Hilly in many ways.
I have read many books by a good old Baptist Minister here in Tennessee. He wrote one book that helped me understand the south better than anything I've read. He and his brother were as opposite as night and day on this subject and he worked for the Civil Rights in the 60's and was in danger many times. BUT...he never backed down from his belief's. His name is WIll Campbell and he lives in Mt. Juliet. He's one Baptist Minister I'd go hear preach if he had a church.
This book made me cry, laugh, gasp, and a couple of times I had to lay it down and take a break. I don't know how you could ever eat Chocolate Pie again without thinking of this book. I LOVED MINNY.
One thing I've noticed living here and in the book too is, the white people really do believe they are a superior race. How can ANYONE think they are better than anyone else?
Many of my friends dislike President and Michelle Obama JUST because they are black. They don't see all the good they are doing and never will because they just don't look at the person.
Well, enough of an Old Woman's Musings on this subject.
The first thing that comes to my mind is how ashamed I am for all we have done to the black people in this country. Living in the south I see it and HEAR it a lot. It bothers me when I do but I tuck my tail and run. I'm not about to take on WHITE TRASH and the honest to God truth is - I'm a wimp or am I WHITE TRASH too?
I have a friend at church that has fought for the black people to be allowed in an organization he belongs to. He's fought, argued, and LOST this battle every year. He said his first thought was to quit but then he said he'd have no way to fight it. He and his wife have grown children but about 5 years ago they adopted two little sisters and they are black. His wife almost cried when they told of an incident and realized these people were SUPPOSED to be their friends and had visited in their home. Todd makes no apologies for his actions and the organization cannot boot him out as he's already a member. I admire this couple a lot.
I joined a book club this summer here in our little town and couldn't hardly stay the hour but never once challanged them. SO...I'm just as bad as Hilly in many ways.
I have read many books by a good old Baptist Minister here in Tennessee. He wrote one book that helped me understand the south better than anything I've read. He and his brother were as opposite as night and day on this subject and he worked for the Civil Rights in the 60's and was in danger many times. BUT...he never backed down from his belief's. His name is WIll Campbell and he lives in Mt. Juliet. He's one Baptist Minister I'd go hear preach if he had a church.
This book made me cry, laugh, gasp, and a couple of times I had to lay it down and take a break. I don't know how you could ever eat Chocolate Pie again without thinking of this book. I LOVED MINNY.
One thing I've noticed living here and in the book too is, the white people really do believe they are a superior race. How can ANYONE think they are better than anyone else?
Many of my friends dislike President and Michelle Obama JUST because they are black. They don't see all the good they are doing and never will because they just don't look at the person.
Well, enough of an Old Woman's Musings on this subject.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JEREMIAH
I had fully intended to write about the book "The HELP" that Kim loaned me when we were there. Truly one of the best books I've ever read but today is for Jeremiah.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEREMIAH!!!! This is your day. There is something WONDERFUL about OUR birthday. It just make us feel SPECIAL like we all really are but don't very often feel that way.
I remember the first time Grandad and I saw you. You were asleep in the bassinette. Your mom was about to burst out of her skin, she was so happy. And...your dad came down the stairs and the buttons were almost all off his shirt.
We have watched you grow into a caring, smart, protective brother and son. Seen how you care for your sister and how you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to.
I cannot believe how good a swimmer you are and even though we were all melting in the heat the day we saw you play ball you never complained, even when you put on the catchers gear. I don't think there is much I do that would be that important to me.
I hope you keep learning new things and being the caring, loving child you are. AND...remember - LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER!!!!
ALSO...eat lots of cake. HA HA HA HA
Love you,
Gramma T
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEREMIAH!!!! This is your day. There is something WONDERFUL about OUR birthday. It just make us feel SPECIAL like we all really are but don't very often feel that way.
I remember the first time Grandad and I saw you. You were asleep in the bassinette. Your mom was about to burst out of her skin, she was so happy. And...your dad came down the stairs and the buttons were almost all off his shirt.
We have watched you grow into a caring, smart, protective brother and son. Seen how you care for your sister and how you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to.
I cannot believe how good a swimmer you are and even though we were all melting in the heat the day we saw you play ball you never complained, even when you put on the catchers gear. I don't think there is much I do that would be that important to me.
I hope you keep learning new things and being the caring, loving child you are. AND...remember - LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER!!!!
ALSO...eat lots of cake. HA HA HA HA
Love you,
Gramma T
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
WORDS
Well, you all read I've been in a FUNK. The truth was, I just plain didn't feel good and who wants to hear AN OLD WOMAN bitch about pain?
So...I went to the Dr. and am not back on Mobic and stretching my neck every day and right now I'm off to water aerobics.
BUT...the reason I'm writing is: These words we have to copy at the end of these writings. They are driving me NUTS. It's stupid - YES STUPID. Half the time I have to do two because I get the darned thing mixed up - well who wouldn't?
PSSBU TKXIC BITNX S H I T That's what I say!!!!!
So...I went to the Dr. and am not back on Mobic and stretching my neck every day and right now I'm off to water aerobics.
BUT...the reason I'm writing is: These words we have to copy at the end of these writings. They are driving me NUTS. It's stupid - YES STUPID. Half the time I have to do two because I get the darned thing mixed up - well who wouldn't?
PSSBU TKXIC BITNX S H I T That's what I say!!!!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
IN A FUNK
Have not written in awhile, been in a FUNK and please do not ask me to explain. I did NOT make that word up - I've heard it for years and no, I did not look it up in Funk and Wagnals. :) Should of known all I had to do was read Kim's blog to pull me up.
First I kept telling myself, get a grip, get on with it. BUT...whatever I had to do seemed almost insurmountable. I knew I had no real reason to be feeling like this.
Then I decided to clean a bit and since I'm a Cleanaholic (or used to be) that will usually make me feel better. Then I realized to finish I had to dust AND vacuum. YUK.
I did dust a bit (not like the old days) but enough you can't come in the front door and write your name on the first table you see. Then, Ted said he'd run the vacuum. Now when HE runs it the house is CLEAN. He moved furniture and takes his time and does a really good job.
Then I pulled up Kim's blog and Sierra and her architecture of a mind always make me laugh. WELL, almost always. Good job, girl on the volcano and THANKS for getting me out of my FUNK.
mom/gramma
First I kept telling myself, get a grip, get on with it. BUT...whatever I had to do seemed almost insurmountable. I knew I had no real reason to be feeling like this.
Then I decided to clean a bit and since I'm a Cleanaholic (or used to be) that will usually make me feel better. Then I realized to finish I had to dust AND vacuum. YUK.
I did dust a bit (not like the old days) but enough you can't come in the front door and write your name on the first table you see. Then, Ted said he'd run the vacuum. Now when HE runs it the house is CLEAN. He moved furniture and takes his time and does a really good job.
Then I pulled up Kim's blog and Sierra and her architecture of a mind always make me laugh. WELL, almost always. Good job, girl on the volcano and THANKS for getting me out of my FUNK.
mom/gramma
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
This Day in MY History
July 7 was my oldest sister, Mary's, birthday. Don't ask me how old she would of been now, somewhere in her 90's.
She was just like a second mother to me. She used to wash my hair when they came to our house on Sunday's and then she'd pin curl it. You young women probably don't remember how we used to run around with our hair pin curled up and a scarf wrapped around it. I would usually go to sleep when she did this.
She always took me to a Christmas parade in Peoria, Illinois. One year we were in SZOLDS (SP) store and they had a ring set up in the middle of the room. Quite like a boxing ring only there was a man in there with a pony and the pony was doing tricks. I was pretty short and she had two of her own children with her. She told me to get up where I could see. SO...being the horsewoman that I was I climbed right up into the ring with the guy and his pony. He was NOT happy at all and made me understand very quickly I wasn't welcome.
Some man felt sorry for me and held me so I could see.
She took my big doll one time and made her a wedding dress AND a tuxedo. That was my Christmas present that year in a suitcase all my own. That is the doll Sierra has now.
When Ted and I were married we went to California that first summer and got jobs. I was told I had to have my birth certificate. In those days we didn't pick up the phone and call people so on this date in 1956 I told Ted I had to write my mom for a copy of my birthcertificate. That's when I learned I was not a biological daughter of hers.
That discovery is a book in itself.
Ellen
She was just like a second mother to me. She used to wash my hair when they came to our house on Sunday's and then she'd pin curl it. You young women probably don't remember how we used to run around with our hair pin curled up and a scarf wrapped around it. I would usually go to sleep when she did this.
She always took me to a Christmas parade in Peoria, Illinois. One year we were in SZOLDS (SP) store and they had a ring set up in the middle of the room. Quite like a boxing ring only there was a man in there with a pony and the pony was doing tricks. I was pretty short and she had two of her own children with her. She told me to get up where I could see. SO...being the horsewoman that I was I climbed right up into the ring with the guy and his pony. He was NOT happy at all and made me understand very quickly I wasn't welcome.
Some man felt sorry for me and held me so I could see.
She took my big doll one time and made her a wedding dress AND a tuxedo. That was my Christmas present that year in a suitcase all my own. That is the doll Sierra has now.
When Ted and I were married we went to California that first summer and got jobs. I was told I had to have my birth certificate. In those days we didn't pick up the phone and call people so on this date in 1956 I told Ted I had to write my mom for a copy of my birthcertificate. That's when I learned I was not a biological daughter of hers.
That discovery is a book in itself.
Ellen
Monday, July 5, 2010
I HAVE NO TROUBLES
Yesterday we had a new minister come and he preached for the first time. He said his wife was very sorry she couldn't be there but their little girl (Becca) is in Vanderbilt.
Later I learned that Becca weighed 13 oz. at birth. She's the smallest baby to survive in the state of Tennessee.
Last night a good friend sent me the mother's blog so I just read about Becca. This is truly an amizing couple with just the most amaizing little girl. Having had two grandchildren born early I had a little idea of what this couple had gone through but when I read the blog I realized I knew NOTHING.
I heard a lady speak at a church one time that told us she was just this tiny of a baby when she was born. The Dr.'s told her mother and father they didn't think she would live. Then she said the most amaizing thing. She said, "I didn't know I wasn't supposed to live" so I did. I've thought of that a lot over the years and how these children are born fighters or they wouldn't make it.
One time there was a secretary where I worked that had a premie born. When he got big enough she put him in a day care and he had a lot of social problems. One time they told her she would have to take him out as he bit another child too bad for them to keep him. She was writing notes to the other parents apologizing to them and I couldn't stop laughing. She got a little upset with me and I said, "You know, I understand how you feel, but if your little guy wasn't a fighter he wouldn't be here". When all the facts were learned he had been treated very badly by the other boy because he was so small.
So...today I have NO TROUBLES and hope I can keep that thought.
Ellen
Later I learned that Becca weighed 13 oz. at birth. She's the smallest baby to survive in the state of Tennessee.
Last night a good friend sent me the mother's blog so I just read about Becca. This is truly an amizing couple with just the most amaizing little girl. Having had two grandchildren born early I had a little idea of what this couple had gone through but when I read the blog I realized I knew NOTHING.
I heard a lady speak at a church one time that told us she was just this tiny of a baby when she was born. The Dr.'s told her mother and father they didn't think she would live. Then she said the most amaizing thing. She said, "I didn't know I wasn't supposed to live" so I did. I've thought of that a lot over the years and how these children are born fighters or they wouldn't make it.
One time there was a secretary where I worked that had a premie born. When he got big enough she put him in a day care and he had a lot of social problems. One time they told her she would have to take him out as he bit another child too bad for them to keep him. She was writing notes to the other parents apologizing to them and I couldn't stop laughing. She got a little upset with me and I said, "You know, I understand how you feel, but if your little guy wasn't a fighter he wouldn't be here". When all the facts were learned he had been treated very badly by the other boy because he was so small.
So...today I have NO TROUBLES and hope I can keep that thought.
Ellen
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Getting Old
After church today I ran a couple of errands and then my last stop was to visit a friend that has been in a nursing home almost 3 years. She's about 85. She was in my knitting group from the time we started and never came to a meeting without at least three Prayer Shawls.
I knew her family was at their yearly trip to MN to their cabin on the lake. This is always hard for her and I understand it. BUT...she is so angry. I just hurt for her so badly. She's ready to leave this life and has no control over it.
She complains about EVERYTHING and it is SO unlike her. I'm not criticizing, I would be far worse than she is I expect if that happens to me. She cannot get out of bed, can only move one arm and her head.
The lady next to her is just mean she says. Her kids just went and when they came to see her they were all talking about what they would take to the lake and she didn't care about any of it.
All of a sudden I noticed a large shadow of the tree outside her window on the wall. It was BEAUTIFUL and I tried to get her interested but, she just cannot see the beauty of any of it.
I hate seeing her like this but try to go by when I'm up that way. I always imagine myself in the same situation and hope I can keep a positive attitude but have doubts that I will. Getting old is SO hard. I find myself complaining more and more and really do try to stop.
Ellen
I knew her family was at their yearly trip to MN to their cabin on the lake. This is always hard for her and I understand it. BUT...she is so angry. I just hurt for her so badly. She's ready to leave this life and has no control over it.
She complains about EVERYTHING and it is SO unlike her. I'm not criticizing, I would be far worse than she is I expect if that happens to me. She cannot get out of bed, can only move one arm and her head.
The lady next to her is just mean she says. Her kids just went and when they came to see her they were all talking about what they would take to the lake and she didn't care about any of it.
All of a sudden I noticed a large shadow of the tree outside her window on the wall. It was BEAUTIFUL and I tried to get her interested but, she just cannot see the beauty of any of it.
I hate seeing her like this but try to go by when I'm up that way. I always imagine myself in the same situation and hope I can keep a positive attitude but have doubts that I will. Getting old is SO hard. I find myself complaining more and more and really do try to stop.
Ellen
Saturday, July 3, 2010
RODEO IN CHURCH
I thought I had seen everything here in the south. Mules Days in Columbia and Fainting Goats in Lewisburg but the news last night had a new one.
A RODEO IN A CHURCH SANCTUARY. I couldn't beleive it. This is a big church in Nashville and they showed the actual place where the Rodeo takes place. They interviewed the minister and he said they tried every year to do something at their church to make the people more aware of what is going on around them. This year they felt there is so much BULL in our government AND churches that this was the most obvious way to make their point.
Well, first of all, I don't like RODEO'S - PERIOD. I think it's terrible they are allowed to hold them and treat these animals this way. AND, second, a good sermon could certainly make the point better - to me anyway.
I guess they had to turn people away Friday night to get tickets so I must be getting old.
Ellen
A RODEO IN A CHURCH SANCTUARY. I couldn't beleive it. This is a big church in Nashville and they showed the actual place where the Rodeo takes place. They interviewed the minister and he said they tried every year to do something at their church to make the people more aware of what is going on around them. This year they felt there is so much BULL in our government AND churches that this was the most obvious way to make their point.
Well, first of all, I don't like RODEO'S - PERIOD. I think it's terrible they are allowed to hold them and treat these animals this way. AND, second, a good sermon could certainly make the point better - to me anyway.
I guess they had to turn people away Friday night to get tickets so I must be getting old.
Ellen
Thursday, July 1, 2010
HOME
We just got home from a great trip seeing family and friends. Left a week ago and it seems we were non-stop all the time we were gone.
Saw the Short family first. Well, as much as we could without electricity at Paris Landing State Park. Had fun though - never can be around that family and NOT have fun.
Then to Kim's and she took care of us all week-end except on Sunday we we got away from her and went to a family reunion on Ted's mother's side of the family. She had some Chicken's in her history but this was the Easly Family Reunion. Fun time and really good food.
Monday we let Kim help us learn to clean a garage, mop a kitchen, trim bushes and eat more rhubarb pie she had baked for us Sunday.
Then we headed to southern Illinois and some friends we've had for over 50 years. That's a VERY LONG time to have friends. As we were on our way there I was thinking of how long we'd been friends with them and how much fun we have had over the years. When we met them Ted had just started work with GTE and of course we had NO money, I mean NO MONEY. One time it was so bad we drove to Muncie, IN to borrow $25 from Ted's sister to last us until he got his first pay check.
There were 6 of us and we all went to church together, the men all worked for GTE and we used to play cards ALL THE TIME. We all had babies, no money, but sure did have fun.
Some of our friends are newer like the couple we met in Bardstown, KY yesterday. That history doesn't go back 50 years but we were both in the Navy group that met yearly for 10 years. We had a good time but when you have known a couple for 50+ years they get to be like family.
None of this makes any sense, it's just MUSINGS OF AN OLD WOMAN
Saw the Short family first. Well, as much as we could without electricity at Paris Landing State Park. Had fun though - never can be around that family and NOT have fun.
Then to Kim's and she took care of us all week-end except on Sunday we we got away from her and went to a family reunion on Ted's mother's side of the family. She had some Chicken's in her history but this was the Easly Family Reunion. Fun time and really good food.
Monday we let Kim help us learn to clean a garage, mop a kitchen, trim bushes and eat more rhubarb pie she had baked for us Sunday.
Then we headed to southern Illinois and some friends we've had for over 50 years. That's a VERY LONG time to have friends. As we were on our way there I was thinking of how long we'd been friends with them and how much fun we have had over the years. When we met them Ted had just started work with GTE and of course we had NO money, I mean NO MONEY. One time it was so bad we drove to Muncie, IN to borrow $25 from Ted's sister to last us until he got his first pay check.
There were 6 of us and we all went to church together, the men all worked for GTE and we used to play cards ALL THE TIME. We all had babies, no money, but sure did have fun.
Some of our friends are newer like the couple we met in Bardstown, KY yesterday. That history doesn't go back 50 years but we were both in the Navy group that met yearly for 10 years. We had a good time but when you have known a couple for 50+ years they get to be like family.
None of this makes any sense, it's just MUSINGS OF AN OLD WOMAN
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)