Sunday, November 30, 2008
No words
I am thankful for Curly. She and I were resting after the big T-day dinner. "Tell me a story Grandma," she said. "I always tell the stories you tell me one."
"I don't know the words," she said. "You don't?" I asked. "No, I know Little Red Riding Hood went through the woods to grandma's house, but I don't know the words." she said with a crestfallen look.
"Why not?" I asked. "Because when I saw the video Dad had it on mute." Curly said.
"I don't know the words," she said. "You don't?" I asked. "No, I know Little Red Riding Hood went through the woods to grandma's house, but I don't know the words." she said with a crestfallen look.
"Why not?" I asked. "Because when I saw the video Dad had it on mute." Curly said.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thanksgiving
Next week we eat too much. I guess that represents that we have plenty. This year not so much. Too many don't have jobs and very little money. The poor big three automakers are crying cause they messed up. They want the people who have poor paying jobs to help them out. Of course the CEO's still fly in on their personal jets. They keep saying we should help so the autoworker can keep his job, or do they just want him working so he can help pay for the bailout? What a mess money makes. Maybe we should do away with it.
The thought behind this was to be negative but positive. I wanted to express my gratitude for what I have. I have two very fine sons and two fine daughter-in-laws. Three lovely grandgirls who are move precious than platinum because they are priceless. My sweet wonderful Big Guy who is the best guy in the whole world. Four crazy dogs who are always happy to see me.
I live in a house that was built larger and better by Big Guy. I got to finish and decorate and it is becoming a showplace. Well at least I show it to everyone who stops by. I have a stove that is warm and has a friendly fire. I have a cat who meows at me and wants to be petted at odd times. I have enough to eat and a place to workout. I have a recumbent bike, a Honda Civic, use of a Chevy Truck, a walk-in closet/sewing room, and all the time I need. Life is good.
Every day is new and unfolding its wonders. Behind the haze is a glowing sun. The snowflakes are soft and white and the ice has many patterns. Nature has so many lovely things to admire and explore. There has to be a God somewhere. The trees have relinquished their leaves and the landscape has become black and white with a touch of brown and a little green. Next month winter begins. Even winter has its charm like cozying up to a dancing fire or walking through the newly fallen snow. I am thankful for life.
The thought behind this was to be negative but positive. I wanted to express my gratitude for what I have. I have two very fine sons and two fine daughter-in-laws. Three lovely grandgirls who are move precious than platinum because they are priceless. My sweet wonderful Big Guy who is the best guy in the whole world. Four crazy dogs who are always happy to see me.
I live in a house that was built larger and better by Big Guy. I got to finish and decorate and it is becoming a showplace. Well at least I show it to everyone who stops by. I have a stove that is warm and has a friendly fire. I have a cat who meows at me and wants to be petted at odd times. I have enough to eat and a place to workout. I have a recumbent bike, a Honda Civic, use of a Chevy Truck, a walk-in closet/sewing room, and all the time I need. Life is good.
Every day is new and unfolding its wonders. Behind the haze is a glowing sun. The snowflakes are soft and white and the ice has many patterns. Nature has so many lovely things to admire and explore. There has to be a God somewhere. The trees have relinquished their leaves and the landscape has become black and white with a touch of brown and a little green. Next month winter begins. Even winter has its charm like cozying up to a dancing fire or walking through the newly fallen snow. I am thankful for life.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Camper and a penguin
What a difference a day makes. My intelligent son pointed out to me how something can be expensive, like gas, but if you have to spend money for a new car or camper it can be cheaper to buy the gas. I was all crazy about buying a new camper that would tow with a smaller vehicle. That would mean trading a vehicle and paying over 8000.00 for a like new camper. I think I'll spring for a new water heater and keep the camper I have. For 1000.00 I could spruce it up alot.
Weather here is gray and glum. It rains enough to look wet but not enough to help the grass seed I planted. It is warmer that is a good thing.
I bought a penguin today. A child's stuffed penguin who looks like he was in "Happy Feet". I saw "Happy Feet" the first time at my sister's in Houston. She has died since then and this will be the first Christmas I can't call and wish her Merry Christmas so I bought the penguin. It was a blessing for her to leave this life. She was paralized with no hope of any recovery. I like to think of her as free and able to use all her limbs again. Maybe she will slip in for my Christmas Eve.
Well I think I will start planning on how I am going to decorate the camper. I could clean it too. I know that is a bit over the top but I just might.
Weather here is gray and glum. It rains enough to look wet but not enough to help the grass seed I planted. It is warmer that is a good thing.
I bought a penguin today. A child's stuffed penguin who looks like he was in "Happy Feet". I saw "Happy Feet" the first time at my sister's in Houston. She has died since then and this will be the first Christmas I can't call and wish her Merry Christmas so I bought the penguin. It was a blessing for her to leave this life. She was paralized with no hope of any recovery. I like to think of her as free and able to use all her limbs again. Maybe she will slip in for my Christmas Eve.
Well I think I will start planning on how I am going to decorate the camper. I could clean it too. I know that is a bit over the top but I just might.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
New and old
This has been a great week. We have a new president who can't wait to get started. He is already working and he doesn't have to work until January. He will be a good president and accomplish much.
The weather has turned cooler and I have been using my new pellet stove. It is amazing. It stops if it isn't getting fuel. It shuts off if it gets too hot. It burns a hot fire with very little fuel. It is great.
Leaves keep falling and I keep raking. Michigan Dude has blown a lot of them to the curb from the backyard and I have been raking the front. Some of the oak leaves don't fall until the new buds come on in the spring. The colors have been lovely. I will add a picture of some of the beauty.
We are progressing on our house. Soon will have the upstairs windows in and the cracks around them sealed. The big windows are in but there are two little side windows that blow cold air because there are cracks around them. The down bath is still bare. Big Guy cleaned it out and tore out the floor. His progress since has been limited due to other projects but I think he is about to refocus his efforts on the bath. It will be wonderful when it is finished.
Life is becoming more fun. I have adjusted to staying home and doing what needs to be done here then finding things I want to do. Some days I have to remind myself that I am retired and can play all day if I want. Days are interesting and I am surprised when I look at the clock instead of thinking the day will never end, I think is it that late already?
Lately I have been mourning the death of my Aunt Catherine. She died at age 95 this year and my sister Alice died a few months prior. They were both severly debilitated and I welcomed their deaths for their sakes. But now I miss my aunt when I was younger and she was at herself. She was my counsel and my listener. I can't stop by her house because it has been sold. I can drive by and I do often. But she is gone and I can only imagine what she would say and how our time together would be. I also realize that I haven't been able to mourn her until now. May be because I feared it would hurt too much.
The weather has turned cooler and I have been using my new pellet stove. It is amazing. It stops if it isn't getting fuel. It shuts off if it gets too hot. It burns a hot fire with very little fuel. It is great.
Leaves keep falling and I keep raking. Michigan Dude has blown a lot of them to the curb from the backyard and I have been raking the front. Some of the oak leaves don't fall until the new buds come on in the spring. The colors have been lovely. I will add a picture of some of the beauty.
We are progressing on our house. Soon will have the upstairs windows in and the cracks around them sealed. The big windows are in but there are two little side windows that blow cold air because there are cracks around them. The down bath is still bare. Big Guy cleaned it out and tore out the floor. His progress since has been limited due to other projects but I think he is about to refocus his efforts on the bath. It will be wonderful when it is finished.
Life is becoming more fun. I have adjusted to staying home and doing what needs to be done here then finding things I want to do. Some days I have to remind myself that I am retired and can play all day if I want. Days are interesting and I am surprised when I look at the clock instead of thinking the day will never end, I think is it that late already?
Lately I have been mourning the death of my Aunt Catherine. She died at age 95 this year and my sister Alice died a few months prior. They were both severly debilitated and I welcomed their deaths for their sakes. But now I miss my aunt when I was younger and she was at herself. She was my counsel and my listener. I can't stop by her house because it has been sold. I can drive by and I do often. But she is gone and I can only imagine what she would say and how our time together would be. I also realize that I haven't been able to mourn her until now. May be because I feared it would hurt too much.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
AUGUST
It is a sunny Sunday. Church was very nice today and so was breakfast with the bunch after. I always feel the August is a crazy month. It is more connected to the supernatural then October. There are more creative juices flowing this month. I can write better in August and my awareness level is higher. Even though my eyesight is blurry. I am not blurry other months not like in August. May be the way the sun is cast, it seems so bright this month. The nights here are cool and sleep laden. It is almost like a sleep drug is in the air. The zircada make a monotonous sound that soothes me to sleep. The breeze is steady and brings laziness. School starts tomorrow so the streets will be quieter through the daytime. Children will be put back into school clothes and homework.
This is the climate for just being. For resting in a hammock or a lawn chair and looking at the blue sky and white clouds. Clouds are also more shaped and intense in August. One year I am going to take a photo each week to show how the green changes in the leaves. This is the first year that our oaks don't have brown leaves in amongst the green. It must be all the rain. Watching how the sun changes the leaves throughout the day is also worthwhile. Many people see this as wasting time but it is awareness of time. It is time to value the time there is.
This is the climate for just being. For resting in a hammock or a lawn chair and looking at the blue sky and white clouds. Clouds are also more shaped and intense in August. One year I am going to take a photo each week to show how the green changes in the leaves. This is the first year that our oaks don't have brown leaves in amongst the green. It must be all the rain. Watching how the sun changes the leaves throughout the day is also worthwhile. Many people see this as wasting time but it is awareness of time. It is time to value the time there is.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Laughing Eyes
This was going to be a long blah on my recent activities but I changed my mind. I can do that. I was 46 before I became aware of that fact. Before that I thought I had to stick to whatever decision I made but all that did was cause me to avoid decisions then blame my husband for the way things turned out. I have since given up both. Sticking to decisions and my first husband. I have a second husband and so far that decision is one I want to stick with.
Last week we had a funeral service for my sister who died in March. She suffered from MS and eventually was weakened by pneumonia and died. She was 5 years my junior and I can't help thinking about how it could have been me . It is a mystery why some people suffer so much and others don't. Take that back, I suffer watching others suffer. It isn't the same thing, I know, but I seem to be given that lot. I once read about how some people are sensitive and I definitely qualify as a sensitive. When someone describes surgery I feel the pain and I don't mean figuratively. I feel it.
Alice, my sister, was a lovely person with laughing eyes. Even when she couldn't move anything but her face and mouth she had those eyes. Her son has them too and maybe her granddaughter. I reserve judgement until she is at least a year. When Alice was young and working she must have been a flirt. She had dimples and a natural beauty, dark lashes and brows. Dark curly hair and of course, dark laughing eyes. She wasn't as tall as myself or Phyllis, my other sister. She was smaller all around. When she met Vin. that was it. No turning back wedding bells were gonna ring. He caused a stir because my dad had always been against marrying outside the race and he wasn't even German. But he was ok with Vin and who couldn't be? He was such a fair, non-violent, pleasant man.
So many years have passed, so many things have happened. Alice leaves behind Vin, Ben, Kisha and Lisa. Some thinks she left before Lily so she could help prepare her coming. If Lily keeps those laughing eyes, I will have trouble believing otherwise.
Last week we had a funeral service for my sister who died in March. She suffered from MS and eventually was weakened by pneumonia and died. She was 5 years my junior and I can't help thinking about how it could have been me . It is a mystery why some people suffer so much and others don't. Take that back, I suffer watching others suffer. It isn't the same thing, I know, but I seem to be given that lot. I once read about how some people are sensitive and I definitely qualify as a sensitive. When someone describes surgery I feel the pain and I don't mean figuratively. I feel it.
Alice, my sister, was a lovely person with laughing eyes. Even when she couldn't move anything but her face and mouth she had those eyes. Her son has them too and maybe her granddaughter. I reserve judgement until she is at least a year. When Alice was young and working she must have been a flirt. She had dimples and a natural beauty, dark lashes and brows. Dark curly hair and of course, dark laughing eyes. She wasn't as tall as myself or Phyllis, my other sister. She was smaller all around. When she met Vin. that was it. No turning back wedding bells were gonna ring. He caused a stir because my dad had always been against marrying outside the race and he wasn't even German. But he was ok with Vin and who couldn't be? He was such a fair, non-violent, pleasant man.
So many years have passed, so many things have happened. Alice leaves behind Vin, Ben, Kisha and Lisa. Some thinks she left before Lily so she could help prepare her coming. If Lily keeps those laughing eyes, I will have trouble believing otherwise.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Neahwantha Inn
This week I and an old friend went to Michigan near Traverse City. We spent a few days in the Neahwantha Inn. Attended a yoga class and enjoyed the quiet, no TV. The inn overlooked the lake there was even a yacht in the bay. The bathrooms had old fashioned sinks, one with a marble sink. The claw foot tub was long and deep. All the furniture was antique or hand crafted. It was great stay. Breakfast was provided each day and consisted of organic foods and very healthy. I didn't want to leave.
I remembered how quiet a home is without TV. When I was a child there was none, only radio. My mom and dad only turned the radio on to listen to a program then. It didn't blare all day. Inner Sanctum, The Lone Ranger, Amos and Andy, Stella Dallas. Those were the days. Life was more restful then slower paced and relaxed. I felt safe as a child. Living on a farm outside of town it was just me, my family, and the neighbors. Simplicity.
Staying at the inn was a lot like going to stay with a relative. I recommend it to anyone who wants a quiet rustic place to stay in Northern Michigan.
I remembered how quiet a home is without TV. When I was a child there was none, only radio. My mom and dad only turned the radio on to listen to a program then. It didn't blare all day. Inner Sanctum, The Lone Ranger, Amos and Andy, Stella Dallas. Those were the days. Life was more restful then slower paced and relaxed. I felt safe as a child. Living on a farm outside of town it was just me, my family, and the neighbors. Simplicity.
Staying at the inn was a lot like going to stay with a relative. I recommend it to anyone who wants a quiet rustic place to stay in Northern Michigan.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Choices
Did you ever help someone who was trying to succeed only to see them fall down again? This happened recently and I have been dealing with it. The person in question has a problem with self sabotage. Whenever he is doing well he finds a way to do worse. I think it is called skipping a step. Instead of working his way up he tries to jump up, missing a few steps along the way. Important steps that when avoided turn you into a cheater. I'm really sorry that is the path he chose but I hope he learns a lesson from it and chooses a different way next time.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Palm Trees
Well I made it to Florida and back. My two grandgirls were a bit tired and one of them a bit testy but we made it nonetheless. My friend was so kind and generous. She let us use her duplex which she usually rents but since it was empty we got it. The duplex had two bedrooms, one with a king bed which worked for the girls. There were 2 baths. It bordered the canal to Indian River and you could dock your boat there. We didn't have a boat but enjoyed some pretty sunsets on the dock. We could walk a block and be at the ocean. The water was perfect and Many Hats was in it most of the time. Cocky chose to remain indoors. She is in 15 yr. old crisis. I am told this will pass. Soon I hope.
My friend has a magazine picture home. You step inside and can see her inground pool through a glass wall. The pool was all tiny tile with a small spill over pool above it. The pool was enclosed in screen so you could leave the patio doors open which made it easy for the german shepherd to run in and out. The dog loved the water and Many Hats had a lot of fun with her. Roxie. Th e other dog Coco wouldn't go near it. Coco is a chihuahua mix and had not desire for water . My friend, let's call her J has two daughters. Sweety and Gonga(or something like that). Gonga just returned from Spain on a 10 day trip. She was jet lagged and funny. Sweety is tiny next to Gonga or probably anyone. She is friendy and helpful and sweet but she gets that from her mom. Dad or Big J is easygoing and pleasant. Cocky liked him because he defended her stand on a few issues. Big J makes quite a picture with Coco the tiny chihuahua.
Well you get the picture. Prices are high in Hutchison Island and most of Florida. Watermelon was 7.99 for seedless. They ain't t that big.
We really enjoy the trip and I really enjoyed seeing Big Guy when I got home. The drive took 2 days both ways which was a bit tiring. Next trip I'm looking into trains.
My friend has a magazine picture home. You step inside and can see her inground pool through a glass wall. The pool was all tiny tile with a small spill over pool above it. The pool was enclosed in screen so you could leave the patio doors open which made it easy for the german shepherd to run in and out. The dog loved the water and Many Hats had a lot of fun with her. Roxie. Th e other dog Coco wouldn't go near it. Coco is a chihuahua mix and had not desire for water . My friend, let's call her J has two daughters. Sweety and Gonga(or something like that). Gonga just returned from Spain on a 10 day trip. She was jet lagged and funny. Sweety is tiny next to Gonga or probably anyone. She is friendy and helpful and sweet but she gets that from her mom. Dad or Big J is easygoing and pleasant. Cocky liked him because he defended her stand on a few issues. Big J makes quite a picture with Coco the tiny chihuahua.
Well you get the picture. Prices are high in Hutchison Island and most of Florida. Watermelon was 7.99 for seedless. They ain't t that big.
We really enjoy the trip and I really enjoyed seeing Big Guy when I got home. The drive took 2 days both ways which was a bit tiring. Next trip I'm looking into trains.
Friday, June 13, 2008
In Memoriam
My surrogate mother passed away this week. Her funeral was yesterday. She was my dad's sister, my favorite aunt. She bonded with me after my birth since my Mother was ill and couldn't. (Mom recovered after a year.) I have always depended on her for answers and help. Well at least until the past years when she was unable to think clearly. She was a very caring woman with very high principles. As she neared the end she still did not believe she was good enough to go to heaven. If that was true then there is no hope for me.
She was the port in the storm, the one with the spare change. She was the ear for listening and the shoulder for crying. She had the good advice I didn't always follow, then wished I had. She loved her family, her siblings and their children and their children's children. Sometimes she said no because she knew that was the right answer. She really loved us all.
She loved to laugh and we used to giggle into the night. Her wit was loved by many because it was self deprecating or kind. She didn't use sarcasm often. She wasn't afraid to point out that something was wrong, that you needed to make a better choice. She helped when we needed someone to stay with us. She helped her mother in her last days. She helped her younger siblings when her father died. It was never all about her, but this is.
I will miss her kindness, her gentle ways, but she will be there in my memories. Nudging me toward the right choice and loving me. I will try to let her rest in peace.
She was the port in the storm, the one with the spare change. She was the ear for listening and the shoulder for crying. She had the good advice I didn't always follow, then wished I had. She loved her family, her siblings and their children and their children's children. Sometimes she said no because she knew that was the right answer. She really loved us all.
She loved to laugh and we used to giggle into the night. Her wit was loved by many because it was self deprecating or kind. She didn't use sarcasm often. She wasn't afraid to point out that something was wrong, that you needed to make a better choice. She helped when we needed someone to stay with us. She helped her mother in her last days. She helped her younger siblings when her father died. It was never all about her, but this is.
I will miss her kindness, her gentle ways, but she will be there in my memories. Nudging me toward the right choice and loving me. I will try to let her rest in peace.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Yoga and Politicos
Beautiful day!! I remarked to someone today that without the crappy days we have had we wouldn't appreciate days like today. It is so clear. Yoga class this a.m. Feel so relaxed.
Yesterday I was reminded of and old friend who moved away. Three people I worked with were invited for lunch and she would have been the fourth. She moved to far to come for lunch. Funny how you don't really value someone until they leave. Made rhubarb custard pie and it is gone, actually it was gone yesterday. I would make more pie but I'm so fat and I can't leave it alone.
Just saw the latest Paul Rudd video on the Huffington Post. Called "Right is Left." Good! It is interesting that Bush never angers me the way Condeleeza Rice does. It must be that he looks like an idiot but she doesn't and with all her education she still stands up there and lies and tries to convince us that what they are doing is alright. She must think the American People are dumber than Bush. Well if he's her guage then I get it.
My yoga teacher gave me an affirmation for my sore knees today. The action was to forgive others and not to judge. I will forgive her. Can't do the other.
My granddaughter Many Hats read the first reading at church this morning. She did a good job. She is growing up, when she walked down the side aisle with a grown woman they were the same height. The woman wasn't tall, average.
Tomorrow might be zoo day for me and Curly.
Yesterday I was reminded of and old friend who moved away. Three people I worked with were invited for lunch and she would have been the fourth. She moved to far to come for lunch. Funny how you don't really value someone until they leave. Made rhubarb custard pie and it is gone, actually it was gone yesterday. I would make more pie but I'm so fat and I can't leave it alone.
Just saw the latest Paul Rudd video on the Huffington Post. Called "Right is Left." Good! It is interesting that Bush never angers me the way Condeleeza Rice does. It must be that he looks like an idiot but she doesn't and with all her education she still stands up there and lies and tries to convince us that what they are doing is alright. She must think the American People are dumber than Bush. Well if he's her guage then I get it.
My yoga teacher gave me an affirmation for my sore knees today. The action was to forgive others and not to judge. I will forgive her. Can't do the other.
My granddaughter Many Hats read the first reading at church this morning. She did a good job. She is growing up, when she walked down the side aisle with a grown woman they were the same height. The woman wasn't tall, average.
Tomorrow might be zoo day for me and Curly.
Friday, May 16, 2008
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