Old Friends

Sunday was not typical for us.
On Saturday we swam quite a while. We challenged each other in swimming on the bottom of the pool , we lounged. As we were swimming I had been down several times, Suddenly I got too tired to swim. I literally could not pull myself up. David was close by, I asked him to grab my hand and pull me to shallow water.
I was literally out of breath. That was a good lesson to learn, I think I can do it, I found out I am not as strong as I once was. So when Sheri is here, I promise to use more caution while playing with the children in the pool. And I will use more caution when swimming alone.
Saturday night I was up again, sick with a racing heart. I know I over did it but that is me, Always pushing the envelope.
On Sunday I was dragging and did not feel well at all. We decided not to go to church. It is a good thing too. I was back in bed by 1030 and slept until 130. David finally came in and asked if I was sleeping my life away.
Unfortunately I do that when I get over tired, I get nauseous my heart races, and I Must lie down.
I must be more careful. Now to print that on my forehead so I will remember.
When I did get up I showered and felt better. ( I was pretty hungry too, my stomach was growling). We then took a trip into town to eat at Olive garden that was his birthday dinner and our anniversary dinner.
The food was wonderful.
We then drove up to the Dam to see if we could take photos of the fires, however It was too smokey for photos, The fire is still raging. We could not see the planes or helicopters through the smoke.
We then drove back into Redding to shop for M a swimsuit bottom, No luck yet.
We did run into an old friend of Davids from work. (Beaty and Assoc). Pat,his wife, and I visited a while then we went about our shopping.
It was nice to have someone visit with David so I could shop and just touch and look and think. If is he there I feel like I am boring him to death,
It was beautiful to see the two old friends together. At one point Pat and I met up in the store and she stated "They are still talking". I responded with "Yes they have 10 Years to catch up on."
I love to see old friends together, It is so heart warming, I only wish I had taken their photo. Here two men, that have known each other for 38 years, one had black hair one was blond in 1970 now they are both gray and still have a lot to talk about. Still shake hands and smile.
I think of Louie Armstrong's song.

What a Wonderful World.

I see friends shaking hands

saying how do you do,

They're really saying,

I Love You,

That is what you do to an old friend, You really do love them and realize time is running out for old friends as we see a few of them pass away.
You cherish each moment.

Cute Poem

Gwena sent this to me, I thought it fit our lives so wonderfully.
I have no idea who put this together, but, it's wonderful!!

Long ago and far away, in a land that time forgot,

Before the days of Dylan, or the dawn of Camelot.

There lived a race of innocents,

and they were you and me,

For Ike was in the White House

in that land where we were born,

Where navels were for oranges,

and Peyton Place was porn.

We learned to gut a muffler,

we washed our hair at dawn,

We spread our crinolines to dry

in circles on the lawn.

We longed for love and romance,

and waited for our Prince,

And Eddie Fisher married Liz,

and no one's seen him since.

We danced to 'Little Darlin,'

and sang to 'Stagger Lee'

And cried for Buddy Holly

in the Land That Made Me , Me.

Only girls wore earrings then,

and 3 was one too many,

And only boys wore flat-top cuts,

except for Jean McKinney.

We fell for Frankie Avalon,

Annette was oh, so nice,

And when they made a movie,

they never made it twice.

We didn't have a Star Trek Five,

or Psycho Two and Three,

Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty

in the Land That Made Me , Me.

Miss Kitty had a heart of gold,

and Chester had a limp,

And Reagan was a Democrat

whose co-star was a chimp.

We had a Mr. Wizard,

but not a Mr. T ,

And Oprah couldn't talk, yet,

in the Land That Made Me , Me.

We had our share of heroes,

we never thought they'd go,

At least not Bobby Darin,

or Marilyn Monroe.

For youth was still eternal,

and life was yet to be,

And Elvis was forever

in the Land That Made Me , Me.

We'd never seen the rock band

that was Grateful to be Dead,

And Airplanes weren't named Jefferson,

and Zeppelins were not Led.

And Beatles lived in gardens then,

and Monkees lived in trees,

Madonna was a virgin

in the Land That Made Me , Me.

We'd never heard of microwaves,

or telephones in cars,

And babies might be bottle-fed,

but they weren't grown in jars.

We hadn't seen enough of jets

to talk about the lag,

And microchips were what was left

at the bottom of the bag.

And Hardware was a box of nails,

and bytes came from a flea,

And rocket ships were fiction

in the Land That Made Me , Me.

Buicks came with portholes,

and side shows came with freaks,

And bathing suits came big enough

to cover both your cheeks.

And Coke came just in bottles,

and skirts below the knee,

And Castro came to power

near the Land That Made Me , Me.

We had no Crest with Fluoride,

we had no Hill Street Blues,

We had no patterned pantyhose or Lipton herbal tea

Or prime-time ads for condoms

in the Land That Made Me , Me

.

There were no golden arches,

no Perrier to chill,

And fish were not called Wanda,

and cats were not called Bill.

And middle-aged was 35

and old was forty-three,

And ancient were our parents

in the Land That Made Me , Me.

But all things have a season,

or so we've heard them say,

And now instead of Maybelline

we swear by Retin-A.

They send us invitations to join AARP,

We've come a long way, baby,

from the Land That Made Me , Me.

So now we face a brave new world

in slightly larger jeans,

And wonder why they're using

smaller print in magazines.

And we tell our children's children

of the way it used to be,

Long ago and far away

in the Land That Made Me....Me.

Happy 45 Years

Ill do everything I can, to make you proud to be my man

And Ill fulfill all you fantasies

I guess we're promising a lot

but for now its all we've got

And Ill stand by you thru our rockin years





Rockin chairs, rockin babies, rock-a-bye, rock of ages

Side by side well be together always

And if you'll hold me tight when you love me

That's all Ill ask of you

And Ill stand by you thru our rockin years

Ill be your friend, Ill be your lover

Until the end, there'll be no other

cause my heart has only room for one

Yes, Ill always love you,

and Ill always be here for you

And Ill stand by you thru our rockin years





Rockin chairs, rockin babies,

rock-a-bye, rock of ages

Side by side, well be together always

And, yes, Ill always love you

and Ill always be here for you

And Ill stand by you thru our rockin years,

and Ill be here

And Ill stand by you thru our rockin years

Halleluah we made it, Although some thought it would not last. (Due to the age difference.)
Our love and devotion has only grown stronger.
As we lounged in the hot tub, I asked David a question, he responded with "I DO"
I said "You said those two words 45 years ago today,"
And we both still mean it.
Take those two words, break them down, It is not difficult.
"I" is one person, it is I, Me, No one else.
"Do" not maybe, not when I feel like it, only when I am not mad, but "DO" A very strong word.
We took this oath and we meant to stick by it.
Has it been easy? Not at all.
Has it been worth it?
In every sense of the word.
We have grown accustomed to each other. We can finish each others sentences,.
We are each others best friend.
We also made a vow years ago to discuss what is bothering us, It has not always been easy and most of the time it was trivial. sometime when we put our thoughts into words, it sounds so childish.
Most of our disagreements were trival. We never had big issues.
We had the usual issues, Money, children, decisions, children, homes, children, cars, Bills and Children.
So you see, Children have been at the forefront of all our decisions. Not always a popular decision, but one we agreed on.
We were the mean parents but we were respected. I see adult children yell at their parents, that is not excusable. I see rudeness, that is not excusable.
One thing we are adamant about has been respect.
We respect each other. We still say, Please and Thank you to each other. We never demand.
There is so many reasons our marrige has lasted so long.
I guess it can all come down to a few minor things, which when combined are astronomical.
Respect, playing, laughter, tears (shed together). Keeping God as the head of our home and decisions have only made us stronger.
We still play and tease each other. We still laugh a lot.
We know tomorrow one may not be here so we cherish each moment and never miss an opportunity to say "
I Love You!!!

Smoke and Ash?

Who knew? I certainly did not have my thinker on.
Today I washed my sheets and quilt and hung them on the line. Yea I love clothes hung in the fresh air to dry and get that wonderful fresh California sunshine.
But Alas we are surrounded by fires and with fires come ash and smell.
I am very sensitive to smoke, I usually can smell smoke a block away. In fact this week I was sure I smelled cigar smoke. No it was just the smoke from the trees and brush burning.
So today, I took a load of clothes off the line. I brought them in and hung my bedding out.
Later I came in to slip a shirt over my swim suit while I worked in the yard.
As I slipped it over my head I was instantly taken back by the strong smell of smoke. I pulled it off as quickly as I put it on and handed it to David. I yelled. "Smell"
Now I have to rewash everything.
Now on to the ash.
I began helping David with the yard work. As I started to step on the tractor it was covered with a fine ash. Fine white ash.
Again I assured myself the laundry would all need rewashed and dried inside.
We were going to the Lake tonight to watch the progress of the fire but decided to get the yards done instead.
We can drive up to Shasta Dam and actually see the fire on the hillsides. Lots of different plumes of smoke.
There are still over 100 fires burning.
Did you know since the beginning of time, fires have ravaged the land?
Did you know certain species of pine can not repopulate unless a fire hits the land, then the cones pop open to spread seed to reseed the land?
Did you know,after a fire the landscape comes alive with more beauty they you knew existed below the brush and trees?
Fire, began by lightening is as natural as breathing.
However Man has invaded the forest so homes have to be protected.
The California Division of Forestry has prevented a lot of fires and limited them, now we pay the price with overgrown brush in our forest, trees that can not survive without more light and oxygen, therefore trees are smaller and more densely concentrated on the hills and valleys.
New species of bugs are surviving in these dense forests, Bugs that are destroying the baby pine, pine that are specific to our area/
While in Lassen National Park we noticed lots of tee pee like piles of trees and slash.
When we talked to a Ranger, we learned the natural thinning of forest had been damaged so now they are realizing the errors and trying to correct them by clearing out the undergrowth.
It is amazing how it took so long to realize God intended natural elimination of trees.
So tonight I look at the sun which is still blood red and pray for our fireman, the homes and lives of many who may be lost.
We just learned they have closed several more roads and evacuated several more areas.
Today we had a south-west wind, and wind right now is not good. Not good at all.
So I close tonight with a whispered prayer for all in the line of fire.
Goodnight sweet kids , see you in my dreams.

Food

For the first time in ages, I have a full freezer. I am trying to get food ahead so when my daughter comes in with her four children we do not have to run to the store.

Dave and I do not eat a lot of things, We stick to the basics, like Chicken and more chicken. I think children would tire of that pretty fast.

So I bought wieners and ice pops, fish sticks, tuna, taquitos and the ever present,(when children are around) corn dogs.

Next week I will buy the potatoes and eggs. I do not want to buy fresh food too early or it won't be fresh, Right?

As I said, I as a rule do not keep a lot of food on hand. My poor fridge and pantry were looking pretty empty except for the cleaning products, (pantry) and sodas.

Oh yes, Papaw said he will not be buying much soda when we have company, He is the soda drinker and children certainly do not need the acid on their teeth.

One item I do keep on hand is a bag of Onions. Is that weird? I eat onions with almost every meal. As long as Vidalia and Walla Walla are in season my pantry will have a ten pound bag. I love Onions. Fish and onions, Beans and onions, chicken and onions. You name it and it goes with onions. OK OK not ice cream or any sweets.

When they get here we may have beans and peas producing and possibly corn. I know we will have squash. We always have plenty of squash.

Today has been a futile day. We did shop but not much else. I cleaned the floors last night and I am getting the guest bedroom ready for company. (not that it needs much).

We then came home and watched Rambo. It was pretty good. It was gory but it did have a story line.

It was a pretty good depiction of war. So do not let the children watch it or they may have nightmares.

Lots of blood and heads blown off and language is pretty awful.

If you all were here I would have turned it off, that is how bad the language was, Embarrassing.

Definitely not child proof.

That is my day, not much else.

David had a quiet birthday, I think he is sad because I did not get his caked baked.When he is home my day seems thrown off. I can accomplish very little.

Now it is Friday, another trip into town, David had to get his check, deposit it and I had to go to Longs.They had pork and beans on sale, Three for a dollar. I love pork and Beans.
when I was a kid, if I opened the beans, I always, Always ate the pork and proceeded to tell my brothers and sisters, they had not put pork in that can.
I have always done that, however the last can we opened did not have one piece of pork in it, Not one.
I then relived my time stealing the pork and told David. He laughingly said, "Yes you do that now and did when the kids were little".
He is right but what can one little tiny piece of pork hurt? Not like I eat a lot of anything but I love that pork, seeped in bean sauce. Yummy.
I actually bought 24 cans of beans today. That is a lot of beans but I am sure we will eat them, I plan on bar-b-Que beans. Have you ever ate those. You take bacon and onion and fry it up in a pan, add your beans, pour on some Bar-b-Que sauce, top with a few pieces of bacon and bake until bubbly and bacon is cooked.
I Have not made that in Years.
We also made a trip up to Shasta Dam. We could see the fires, it is so sad to see that hillside burned. We stood there as Channel twelve interviewed a fire coordinator from Southern California. we have them here from all over the state and surrounding states.
Whiskeytown Oak Bottom had 98 campsites open, they were on hold for holidays not they are all cancelled.
Most of the campers were from southern California.
All I can say is I want to get away to the mountains, As we drove up today I just wanted to keep on driving.
You know the feeling, You get in a car and you want to go and go.
so tonight we plan on going back up and taking photos at night, of the blazes. You could see them flaring high as a big tree caught on fire. we watched the bombers as they dropped the chemicals on the fire.
So far no lives or homes lost.
Thank God.

Happy 70

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday my darling,

Happy birthday to you.

For your birthday I will give you 70 kisses. How is that?

Not that you would mind.

You have given me so much but how did this happen?

You were 25 yesterday. I know it was just yesterday.

I went to sleep, when I woke up time had passed.

So when did this happen?

How did the years go so fast. When we were young, we would dream of the day we could retire and just enjoy each others company.

So far that has not happened. Retiring.

(We have never failed to enjoy each others company.)

After 30 years in accounting, You now work at something you love, Teaching a person less fortunate then yourself to survive in the world.

I admire you so much for that.

There are few people in the world that would have the patience or love you do for those less fortunate.

You see them as Gods creation, not as a person with less abilities than the rest of us. You see the soul in them and they admire you for it.

So Honey This is dedicated to you, the one I love.

I love how your eyes close

Whenever you kiss me,

and when I'm away from you

I Love how you miss me'

I love the way you always treat me tenderly

but darling most of all

I love how you love me.

I love how your heart beats

whenever I hold you

I love how you think of me

without being told to.

I love the way your touch is always heavenly

But darling most of all

I love how you love me

I love the way your touch is always heavenly

but darling most of all

I love how you love me

I love how you hug me

I love how you squeeze me, tease me, please Me

Love, How you love me

I love how you love me

Stay Inside

The warning is still out today. If you have respiratory problems or Heart Disease, stay inside. The air is thick with smoke. I never recall seeing it this bad, this long.
I just read the Platina area is in danger as well as Igo and Ono. For you that do not live here or are unfamiliar with our area, We are surrounded by hills, valleys and forests.
We are also surrounded to the north, east and west by lakes, rivers and streams and a beautiful Mountain to the East.
Having all this beauty comes with a price.
Our summers are typically dry. We have rains in the fall and winter. I fully expect a wet winter. It usually happens this way. We may be the ones in flooding conditions.
However today we are dealing with fires. Lots of fires, I read about the fires in Southern California pushed by the Santa Anna Winds.
Yesterday we had lots of wind. As I was out putting sprinklers on my garden, I prayed for the firefighters and the people in harms way.
A reverse 911 call went out before daybreak yesterday.
David and I could tell one was close, too close for comfort.
Redding burn? No that wont happen, We may have spot fires but we are a town not a community and David and I live in the lowlands. Redding is in the valley, not in the hills.
Last night it was horrible to smell the smoke from the fires.
The smell hangs heavy in the air, as heavy as the smoke that limits visibility.
As I worked out side yesterday morning, I could smell cigars. I kept looking around for a smoker. Actually not one smoker lives on our road.
I find that amazing in itself. We have four families including ourselves, it is a small rural, country road.
In addition it would not surprise me for the property at the beginning and end of our road to burn. They do not clear a defensible zone and it is surrounded by tree limbs from old walnut trees and piles of brush and dead grass.

I pray if it does catch on fire, everyone is safe. We keep ours green and clear so that is not an issue for us, Only problem is we could not get out if that does burn. We would sit and keep sprinklers going. I guess we could use the PGE right of way and go out another way but it is fenced.
OK now I am surmising what can happen.
Fact is we need to get these fires out and now they are predicting thunder storms this weekend.
That again will bring in more lightening fires.
So I am inside again today, Actually I may walk out but no work will be done. I will take care of my lungs.
So keep Our State in your prayers. Pray for the firemen and all the families being displaced.
If you want to check out the news, go to www.Redding.com.
They have a map showing all the locations of the fires.

Gaardening

Our garden is again tilled. David completed it today. It should be OK now for at least two weeks. I would have completed it before he came home but he asked me not to. For once I listened. I told him is he ask me not to do something, I wont do it, If he says, NO you can not. I will do it.
Difference is I am an adult and like to be asked not told.
Silly Huh?
I, in the meantime, fed teh front lawn. It should green up nicely. The weather is certainly conducive to a nice green lawn with the overcast skies. Today was hot, if you were outside, but I had to cover up while inside. I think it is physchological. You see dreary skies, (from the smoke) and you think it is cool.
It is almost ten PM and I know I should be in bed but I am not sleepy yet.
I have just watched a special on Ice Cream, made me want an ice cream bar. It was good too.
It seems lately I have dreamed of food several times, I actually dream I am eating it, and have no taste. I know it is hunger that is making me do that, but I refuse to eat late or get up at night to eat. That has always been a big No No to me. I laugh at the dreams as I often thing I wonder what i think I am chewing on, with no taste? I can say I am just glad my pillow is still there in the morning.
so tomorrow is another day, I am so bored here at times, but I do not want to go in to get the car and what would I do anyway? Nothing!!!
I just have nothing to do, I could be sewing and maybe I will pull out the machine and start something. Maybe Embroidery for Christmas.
I still need to make two quilts but I am so lazy lately, Not into sewing right now, I am just anxiously awaiting the arrival of my daughter and her children. We will miss Mike and I know she will, they are a pretty tight knit family.

I shall close for tonight and say I love you all.
Sue
your Mama and friend and fellow blogger.

Storm Strikes

I hate to be right, in this instance.
As I told you of the storm activity, I was waiting on the local paper to let me know just how bad it was.
There were over 3000, (that is three Thousand,) Lightening strikes from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
That is a lot of strikes, I knew it was bad but I had no idea it was that bad. You should read the local paper it reads like a horror of fires. Actually if you have allergies you should not even be outside now.
The Sunset it a brilliant Red from all the smoke cover.
As we drove to town today, We were looking at the plumes of smoke rising from the surrounding mountains.
We had thought of a trip to Lassen this weekend, and it is good we did not go. It is good we did not go anywhere. Had we been that close to the lightening I am not sure it would have been a good idea to be in a motor home.
One home in Redding had a Strike hit their chimney and blew it apart.
How weird is this?
Let me tell you the statistics.
Shasta County Cal fire, 52 fires,
Shasta Trinity National Forest 75 fires
Whisketytown National Park 5 fires
Tehama County Cal Fire 30 plus
Siskiyou County Cal Fire 6 fires
Klamath National forest 150 acre Happy camp fire
Lassen National forest, 9 fires
Lassen Modoc Grange 23 fires
Lassen area BLM 3 fires.
So we are surrounded by fire and smoke.
Just keep all the firemen in your prayers, They knew it was going to be a bad year,and it is not July Yet.
It is going to get worse before the fall rains hit.
I know a lot of people will be leaving their homes and lives they have built.
I took our fireman a pan of Cinnamon rolls a few weeks ago and thanked them for the work they did.
These men and women put their lives on the line for us every day. Every time they walk into a fire situation, they are burning their lungs and face the possibility of a fire storm.
I appreciate them so much more now than ever. Sometime we take these things for granted never knowing or really realizing the sacrifices they make for our safety and to protect our homes.
Since I started a fire in my own yard this spring I know how frightening one can be. These brave soldiers walk into these fires ready to do battle.
So I ask again, Keep them in your prayers.

Weather Talk

In my last post I said, "If we have thunder storms, fires are not far behind."
None was predicted but a big clap of thunder woke me this morning.
Actually last night about midnight, I smelled rain. You know the wonderful smell you get when the dust settles?
So today the thunder was here, Lightening was to the North, South and West. No east lightening. But a lot of fires have started. One 600 acre fire was reported around Watsonville. I think that is more coastal , but one can flare up a week after a lightening strike. It can strike an old snag and smoulder for a long time. The Forest Service is now on high alert.
I should never have jinxed the weather by talking about it. (joke).
Today I sat on the porch and watched the clouds roll in and out. It was beautiful. Noisy but beautiful. At one point the lightening really made me yelp. It seemed so close.
I stayed on the porch all morning, working my puzzles and just enjoying the peace and quiet. (quiet all but thunder, loud and rumbling). I really do like the sound of thunder if it is not shaking the house. I am just afraid of lightening.
We had one realtor look at the house and she seemed to be interested for herself.
Only time will tell.
So tonight I sit here wishing it were bedtime. I am again wanting the bed to come to me.
David reminds me it is bedtime when I want it to be bedtime.
Not true, I would wake too early and I do not like early.
Tomorrow is church and we go at 10:30. We had planned on getting out today but decided to make it tomorrow instead. When we go to church we will get everything else done in town. When it takes 73 dollars to fill a tank, you are careful where you go and how many trips you can cut out of your daily routine.
David now drives my car to work, it gets better gas mileage then his truck, Like twice as many.
I seldom need a car anyway. If I don't have to do it, I don't do it. I try to make all my pharmacy runs and grocery runs at once. Sometime I have him pick up things for me, then I don't have to leave my little nest.
So that is our day, not much. David slept about two hours and would have slept longer had I not waken him at 430. I tried to sleep, but I could not relax.
So now I am tired.
Y'all have a good night.
Hey M tells us Y'all is easier to say than You guys. So good night Y'all.

Beautiful

8 AM
Today is again a beautiful day. The sun is shining with not a cloud in sight.

As David picked up the paper last night and read the forecast, he said, "No Rain in Sight". Well Duh. (pardon the grammer) We, as a rule do not have rain in the summer. If we have a thunder storm, which we do occasionally, we know a fire is not far behind. A fire in California is devastating due to our dry conditions.

Just last week there was a huge fire in and around Chico and Paradise. I called my SIL to be sure she was OK, She lives in Paradise.

Retha had been evacuated the day before but had been allowed to return. She told me, the road out was packed, they sat in traffic for three hours. I had heard on the news this was happening but having a loved one in harms way made it much more real.

Paradise has only three roads out, one down the mountain toward the fire, One north toward more mountainous country and one to Chico. Remember the fire was around the Chico area so the one road I usually take to her home was closed and Chico was monitored closely. (at one point they were letting no one use that road.)

I would hate living in a fire prone area like that.

Her Mobile is surrounded by tall pine trees and the underbrush is thick.

But we do what we have to do.

So my plans today are few. I am past the sick tummy again, I will probably just put my swim suit on, go to the pool and sun and get warm inside. I feel so cold.

Yesterday I kept covering with a blanket when I lay down,. Lay down, Heck I spent the entire morning in bed. Today I need to get some sunshine on my body, Nothing quite picks the spirit up like a bright sunny day.

8 PM
And I did just that, I spent the day at the pool. Literally most of the day. I made the bed did a load or two of laundry, and put my suit on and out the door I went.
I called Sue, (my neighbor) to come over but she was about to take the horses to train.
So I went alone. Alone with my three towels, my crossword book, my nose plug, my goggles, my sunblock, my sun lotion, my lip balm and a Huge Tumbler of ice. I also took my big pink floppy hat. Love my hat. David laughs at it but I laugh with him.
We had bought a sand umbrella and was going to return it but I used it today. It is great, I can set it right above my chair and be in the shade most of the time.
I sat and just relaxed, I do not know when I did that little. I did hop up once in a while and move a sprinkler or turn the filters on and I even turned the Fountains and waterfalls on so I could nap through the sound of running water.
At times I would jump in but I did it safely, I would take my float noodles with me and float around for a while. I swam maybe ten times around the pool, then when David got home, we both took turns diving.
OK Ken, I know what you are thinking. I know it is not a diving pool but I shallow dive. So does your Dad, he taught me. (after we were married, in case you read my book).
Today was the most peaceful day I had in a LONG time. WHY? Because I am a mover and a shaker, I want it now and I want it right and if possible, Can you do it yesterday?
Today I gave it all up and I feel rested tonight.
We are watching a movie and free movies on Direct TV. Tomorrow the grind starts again. We have open house and Bill will be here around 10 AM. We are leaving.
I do not want to be here all day, I have some shopping to do. Food mostly and I can run to Walmart for a few items. I also need to pick up a pair of swimsuit bottoms for M, they are on clearance.( Love that clearance.)
I can not relax with sales people (Realtors) around so why even try? At least it is over at 2PM.
I have to get up early and re mop the floors and be sure all the toilets are scrubbed, fresh towels and maybe a bouquet of roses to finish up.
That is my day, not really exciting but it was mine to make a memory with and I did just that.
As I sat there I thought of all the times we had in a pool. Times you played Hop on Pop (poor Dad) or football or basketball, or the ever present challenge you children always thought up.
Who could Hoola Hoop the longest, (me) who could do the most sit ups, (Sheri) who could bench press the most, (Charles) , who would take the least to jump in a 30 degree pool, (Ken). Who ran around the pool and broke the rules about running? (Dad) It was all coming back to me today and I smiled while sitting alone and dreaming of our times together.

I thought of each of you and your spouses and my beautiful grandchildren.
Love and Blessings to each person that reads my blog.
Sue

Two weeks

Two weeks from tomorrow morning my daughter and four children will be here for three weeks. That is so wonderful. We are very excited about the time together.
As I may have stated we have no big plans, just to relax. I am one of those people that believe the best blessings are in your back door. You don't have to travel or go out to eat or visit sites. Sometime just roaming the fields, checking out the garden, just visiting makes many more memories.
Getting in the kitchen cooking together, sharing thoughts and ideas, seeing the adults our children have become is a blessing to us.
I have videos of my visits to my Mom's. We all sat in her floor and laughed and sang and just generally acted like kids. Mama said "it makes me so happy to see you all together again".
And my mom had Eight children.
I have the best memories of that time.
I have need of so little, Our lives have been richly blessed with our children and grandchildren.
That is all we need. Time to just meditate on Gods blessing, his care in all these years and our hopes for tomorrow.
Tomorrow, a day which never comes, so we live for today. Live and Love and Thank God for his tender care.

Travel

We may not get to travel this weekend. That is OK with the price of gas, but we did need to get away, not sure about getting so far away.
I seem to be better. However I had pretty much overworked in the yard. (whats new)
I set the sprinklers on the garden, moved the motor home, mowed with the tractor, mowed with the mower, (I wanted to surprise David by having the back yard all done). I set sprinklers on my Cannes garden then begin working on the Grapevines when a bunch of men walk up.
It was David and his guys. I was not dressed appropriately for men to see me. I had on my shorts with so many stains you could call them mottled and my Bra Top.
David said "Oh you are OK". I looked at him and sternly said, "NO!"
He ushered them back to the front yard so I could go inside.
They are nice guys but I dress sloppy when in the yard and I don't want anyone seeing me like that.
David had the guys mow and edge the front lawn, so we are set now with our outside work done.
That feels good. I had planned on doing a little shopping but I think a rest is in order.

I did pick another squash this morning, so squash it is tonight with grilled Chicken breast.
That makes three I have in the fridge now. They are just beginning to produce so one day I will walk out with too many to know what to do with.
Now I have to rest a bit and drive into town to pick up David.
He will be glad.
He looked tired when he was here. All he really wants to do is sleep this weekend. Maybe we can drive the motor home to Lassen and put our chairs out and do nothing but play cards, dominoes and scrabble. That is only an hour drive and Lassen is so peaceful.
So Trip we are not sure of. We certainly can not keep up the pace we go, all the time, so a rest is in order.

Gardening

We weeded the garden yesterday. Now it looks like we have a garden, instead of a weed patch.Weeding was pretty easy. We actually worked on it for two evenings. We go out about 730 and work only an hour or so.
I am confused as to why my peas and beans looks so sad. I planed on Giving them a boost today but instead cleaned the house, Top to bottom.
We are supposed to have open house this weekend, however we won't be here to take care of it. We are taking Bill (realtor) the key.
Man did I ever clean, I moved all the furniture in the office and mopped it all down, and moved the computer tower to a more central location.
I thanked God for the stamina to complete that part, then on to the living area. Again Move furniture, dust and polish everything.
By the time I was through mopping and cleaning the Great Room I was wiped out with the beginning of a major headache. I always get them if I do any heavy work. My neck and back always do that to me, Darn It.
I then take a nap. I rested for about an hour, ate a little deli ham and back to work.
I need to hang laundry on the line, but not sure I want to lift the basket.
I have not yet, put my laundry out and I want my whites on the line. The sun bleaches them out so nicely, no need for harmful chemicals.
Now when it is cool I will put Miracle Grow on my garden, I know that works. Two years ago we had so many squash and beans, Even into fall. David finally told me I had to quit feeding the plants, Then that did not work so he pulled them up as he picked beans.
I guess he figured that was the only way I would let the plants die back.
Now I have to figure out dinner, and vacuum the two bedrooms, I will be DONE.
At least until I find a new project. I think we have a little more gardening to do, like weed around the corn but believe me that is so easy. It is all loam with a few rock mixed in.
My potatoes did nothing this year. Maybe I will put them in this fall and see if that works.
The headache is still here but so much better. When David got home I hung the laundry and we both lay down a while. He is still asleep. I did not sleep, just rested.
Sometime that is all we need to get moving again.
Every day he comes home with another story on the guys. I know he sure is a busy fellow. He keeps getting jobs for the men. He has pulled in lots of work for them. (must be his smile and winning personality).
That was not a joke I was serious. He has really signed a lot of contracts lately for the men to work. He is pretty proud of that fact as he should be, the men get to earn a little more money to supplement their social security.
So that is my day, now for dinner. I am warming up a bowl of Lima beans and defrosting tri tip bar b que sandwiches.
I will close now and start dinner.
Bye see ya.

Angels

As you may know, by reading my blog, I am a firm believer is Angels. I believe God sends one to you, perhaps a realtor, (happened to me) or a Mobile dismantle, (again to me) or he sends one in the deepest of night to comfort us.

The Realtor story.We had our house in town up for sale. One day I came home and the key was still in the lock. Anyone could have walked in and wiped us out. I immediately got on the phone and tried to find which one did it.
I was not angry, it was a mistake I wanted to make them aware of. When I finally located her, she came to apologize. We sat on the porch and chatted a while. We talked about our beliefs and I felt she had been sent to give me grace for a day.
Later that morning I called the Mobile dismantle. As I was discussing with him, what to do with the old mobile on our new property. He began telling me to put it in Gods hands.
Wow I did not know this man. His words to me were, "When I try to do something I always mess it up, When I just let God take control It turns out OK."
Again something to make my heart light and lift a load that was about to come my way.
A year prior I had Open Heart Surgery. I was told to avoid stress of all kind, Choose what bothers me and what does not then figure out why it would bother me, then let it go.
Learn the serenity prayer and use it, post it where I can see it.
I have a type A personality, I think I can fix anything and I want everyone happy. I want the world to spin smoothly, no bumps.
Unfortunately the world does not always spin the way I want, in fact it never does, God is in Control.
Within a few hours something happened that ordinarily I would have sat and cried and cried for days, I would have been upset, I would have wanted to snap back.
I did none of the above. I was sent Angels to help me deal with any problem that came up.
I was amazed at my own stamina through this trial.
And God took care of it.
Another time which was more important to me.
I had been sick for a few years, nothing the doctors could tell me was wrong. They put me on tranquilizers, (to make me settle down) They told me I had a weird virus, They told me to begin a walking regimen to strengthen my legs, (my legs hurt a lot). I began walking tow to four miles a day. The days I did not feel good, I would turn around and go back home. They told me I had Arthritis of the breastbone, (my chest hurt when I did something strenuous)
I am one of those people that listen and try to do what the doctors tell me. This went on for several years, That was three years I had been trying to get help.
It was so bad, at times I was afraid to lie down, I needed David some nights to be with me, as my head felt strange when I lay it down.
We bought a phone so I could page him in the next room if I was not doing good.
One night, I was particularly sick. I went to bed. David came in with me. We both fell asleep.
sometime in the middle of the night I began talking to my Angel, He had been with me lots of times.
I was talking as I talk to a person sitting on the side of my bed.

David raised up, he said, "Honey who are you talking to?"
I responded "Oh it is my Guardian Angel, Go back to sleep, Everything is OK".

The next morning I was very aware of what happened. I had told David many times "I have a guardian angel and I talk to him when I am sick"
David did not believe Angels just came in and watched over you. He believed in Angels but not in this sense.
I said, "Honey what did you see last night?" He said, "I saw a face it was hazy almost in blue." I asked him what I said, He repeated what I had told him the night before,
I said, "Do you believe me now?"
He said "Yes I saw something and you were definitely carrying on a conversation, It was one of those things you are aware of but wonder "am I dreaming,?"
I had a believer and I was so glad he saw my angel.
A few months later perhaps six, I was so sick, I told my doctor you have to check me out, I know something is wrong, bad wrong.
My doctor had no idea just how bad when he sent me for a heart cath, He thought maybe a little heart attack had happened or I had a small blockage. I knew better.
I was not surprised when the surgeon walked in and said, "I usually give patients options, You have not options left, if you do not have surgery you will Die."
My heart was blocked in five major arteries, main one being 100 % blocked, four others were 80 and 90 %. I was one blessed person.
My Body had made many, many collateral arteries to supply my heart and body with blood. I was alive only because of the miracle of Gods creation.
When I had my last heart cath, two years ago, the sub cardiologist told me he had never seen anything like it, I not only had collateral arteries but I had a big bundle of them.
Now tell me I don't have a guardian angel. It won't work, I know I do.
Thank you God for your undying care.
It has been six years in November since I had this taken care of, My arteries are again beginning to block. I make cholesterol, I take all kinds of meds, I watch my diet, I exercise. I am just genetically engineered the way God wanted me to be. My heart is a replica of my Dads, of that I am sure.
He died at 42 from heart disease, I have had 20 years he never had. I have seen my children flourish and trust in God. I have seen my many grandchildren.
I have been blessed.

Tribute to Daddy

In 2002 David and I took a trip to Louisiana. I walked the streets where my Mom and Dad walked. Those two days will forever be engraved in my memory.


Let me take you back.



As we drove into Southern Arkansas the atmosphere was changing. It felt like it was charged with millions of tiny pink electrons. Every color was more vibrant. Each shade of green stood out. The trees were draped with a moss hanging to the ground. I marveled at the moss. The beautiful green moss.

The streams had a green scum on them, As we stopped at a boardwalk, I saw a trail through the green muck, it was a trail left by a frog, (per David) I was sure it was a crocodile.

The water was not dirty, that was just the color.

As we drove in to Bienville Louisiana, we saw a town that time seemed to have forgotten. ( I was thankful for that). It gave me a look into life as it was in 1938. A time my Mom and Dad walked these streets.

As we approached the town, I wanted to walk around. We parked the car by an old Cotton mill and began a walk, We walked up and down several streets, We marveled at the gardens and how prolific the flowers were. We stopped and looked at church fronts and the beautiful details that we knew was placed there by men, using rough tools, but creating a piece of art.

As we walked, the streets felt familiar, like a page out of history, coming to life in my world.

I was walking on a street my Daddy had walked on in 1938. It was a feeling I will never have again. I was like a kid, tears came to my eyes several times as I pictured him on some of the streets. I wondered what he did, how he talked, how he approached people, I am sure he was admired, as my daddy was a talker.

I would picture him a young man, in his 20's being jaunty and jovial. He had a swagger (per my mom) in his step, as a young man.

My daddy had black hair, Jet black, he had clear blue eyes, A beautiful combination.

He was also a Ladies man before He met Mama, when he met her and married, if he wanted to be a run around my Mom would put an end to him. (Really)

Next we had to find Bienville parish, We began driving again, We drove deeper and deeper into the countryside. At one point we passed a very small, Train depot. When my Mom arrived in Louisiana, to be with my Dad after they married, She told me she rode a train and debarked in Bienville. That was the first time she had been more than ten miles from where she was born. It was an adventure for her. I was seeing the train depot she walked into as a young woman of 19. The train tracks were still there, but appeared to be idle.

We had to find the parish, Beinville Parish, As we drove down the magnolia lined, two lane roads we were in awe. (Little did we know a parish is like a county, so we were in the parish all along.)

The humidity hung so heavy in the Louisiana air, we were seeing pink. Truly the air was pink. Again we were in awe.


What a wonderful place to be, in the midst of such beauty, A beauty only God could create.


Now I knew what my Dad referred to, when he spoke of the old country roads.. I saw it first hand.


At one point we stopped at at he court house.(we thought) The house was one you read about in novels written about the south, It was magnificent.

As David got out of the car an elderly black gentleman walked out. We asked if we were at the local court house. He stated,with a big toothy grin, No in fact this was his home and he was in the many year long process of remodeling it.


In the front yard was the most amazing tree I had ever seen. It was a magnolia. I have seen many magnolia trees but none like this. Each branch came to the ground and re rooted, Each branch became a tree. Each branch was rooted and had massive blooms. Again we sat and just enjoyed the beauty.


We did not pass one car, we did not see one person. We did see lots of home places. Lots of farms, Lots of signs of life.

One old red hound was walking slowly down the road as we drove deeper into the country. At one point we stopped at a local mom and pop store and asked where Bienville Parish was located. We were told. "You are standing in the middle of it."
I had to have a chocolate soda, that was something I always had when, as a child, we traveled. But alas there was none to be had. I settled for a Bargs.

We loved our trip down memory lane. As we passed a huge field we saw a sign, "Bonnie and Clyde days Sept 13-14. We were not going to be in town then. We were very disappointed.
I wanted to see the reenactment of the chase and shoot out.

I had heard my dad speak of them or some other notorious outlaw of the 30's but my memories were vague, as vague as the sun trying to peek through the humid air.

When we decided to enjoy the local food, we stopped in at a quaint little town restaurant. It was full of people. Locals. In the back room, I am sure the local politicians were there. One came in, with the air of someone running for office, he shook hands,he introduced himself and he kept watching us. I am sure he though t "Oh Maybe new constituents in my area."

The menu was pretty basic. Basic for the south. Pinto Beans, hush puppies, southern fried catfish, Sweet tea. Had to put that in there. When I asked for unsweetened tea they offered to make me a "jug". I declined, they did not have decaffeinated. "Such a strange request, No one ever ask for unsweetened tea, let alone a glass of decaffeinated." I had to laugh. I had just stepped on a time honored tradition.

I assured the waitress I was fine with water, in fact Water was perfect.

We completed our meal and decided we just could not leave this quaint town, We found a motel room closer to the interstate and had another day of enjoyment.
When My Daddy told me about this place, i never dreamed I would walk where he walked.

It was amazing.
My Aunt Lucille, Mamas sister, told me she spent time with them at one point, She said, her and a girlfriend slipped off to town. They Saw my Daddy approaching, At that point they hid behind a building, Daddy found them He told her to go on home with Lou where she belonged.
She laughed and said, "All we did was buy a coke and I think we went to a movie."
I learned so much from a few minutes with her and I had lots of questions and I know I have many more.

I lost my Daddy in 1957. He was a kind man and I miss the times he could have had. I know his life was too short and I feel cheated, in ways. What would it have been like to have a Daddy to teach me to tie my shoes, to play games with me.
I do have to say, he did show me a lot of the world in his short time, He taught me all Men are Created Equal, He taught me about being a lady, He showed me streams that rushed out of the ground with water as sweet as any you can imagine.
I drank from those streams with his Prince Albert Can. He would scoop back the leaves and debris and we would quench our thirst.
Even though he left us so early I will never forget what he taught me.
so on this Fathers Day I remember my Daddy.

Summer is Here

Hot Day, I told you I would soon be complaining because of the heat.(not really complaining just stating a fact.)
With 100 degree temperature the humidity is only 6%, that is very doable. I felt so exhilarated when I was in town and walked out of the pool supply store.
Like a Kid in a spring rain, I spread my arms and told my husband just how wonderful it felt to be warm all over.
I am sure some people thought "Man she is weird, loving this heat." But I do. I love our summers. I must, I have lived here 42 years.
Today I vacuumed the pool and balanced all the chemicals. Now I am ready to swim.
Tomorrow I am sure that is just what we will do.
We do need to weed the garden, but who cares? The moles and gophers are eating the roots of my squash as I write. I did purchase a mole scar er thingy. How is that for a description?
It is called a Mole Mover, Supposedly it vibrates the ground and they stay away. Ha, They better stay away at that cost.
After purchasing the Mole mover I read the paperwork, (note to self, read instructions first).
It says, "You may see increased activity around the site, due to the curious nature of the animals." That is all I need is more activity. My garden is a tunnel of mazes as it is.
At least they have not bothered my tomato plants, YET.
So today was a very busy day for me, again, I began by going to Wal-Mart to get my supplies, and some pool toys.
Then home to vacuum the pool and clean the deck. I was enjoying the outdoors when someone came to see the house, (drive-bys).
I then came in and realized I had not ate since breakfast so I ate a piece of cantaloupe. Yummy.
At 2 I had to pick David up so I am off and running again.
when my day gets off balance I always forget something important. Today I forgot my Nitro patches. (that is pretty common, I either forget to put them on or take them off.)
Not a smart thing to do when I am this busy. I need that extra kick of nitro in case my heart begins to act up. I Certainly don't want that. I am too busy to be ill. LOL
David is just not feeling well, Please keep him in your prayers.
In two weeks he will be 70 years old, (excuse me I mean young).
Most are amazed he is that age. I tell them I keep him young, He has to stay young to keep up with me, as I am eight years younger. (no brag just fact)
Actually I worry about him a lot, I told him just a while ago, "I forbid you to die, you are not allowed to do that," He was sitting in the office looking horrible with a sick expression on his face. I asked what was wrong he said, 'I just don't feel good, at all."
ON the weekend of the 21st we are having open house, If we leave for Washington Bill will handle it for us, I just hope he turns all the pool power and deck jets on, that makes the pool even more beautiful.
I will leave a note of to dos, He will be fine I am sure. He knows what he is doing.
Now if we go, that is the question. Not sure as David is not well, we shall see.
As you age, one thing we have learned, you take one day at a time and never make too big a plan ahead of time. You may have to change them.

Old Me Me

I got this from...Loretta of http://www.pastand%20present/blogspot.com
I have done this before but was just relaxing.


In your entire life, have you ever......gone on a blind date?
Yes literally he was blind in one eye, Hey I did not know and he was so darn cute.
Skipped school?
(Skipped at school,) NEVER. MY MOM would kill me.
Watched Someone Die ?
Yes my Mom in 1999. It was beautiful as I felt an angel in the room.
Been to Canada?
No...
Been to Mexico?
New Mexico.
Been to Florida?
No
Been on a plane?
Yes, several times, I love flying, I can get where I am going FAST (need for speed)
Been lost?
Yes, But, I sorta knew where I was...My husband and I got off a trail in Lassen Park and we could not find a path. We ended up climbing a hill to the main road to walk a mile back to our car. Dangerous thing to do. (we thought we were following the bridal path because the path by the creek was full of shale and I kept slipping. Also a dangerous thing to do, that would have been a long fall.
Been on the opposite side of the country?
Well No I Live in California, Oh Yes, I went to Hawaii, does that count? That is as far oppsite as you can get.
Swam in the ocean?
Yes, Several times, it is amazing and scary.
Had your booze taken away by the cops?
No. ...dont carry it to be taken away. Believe me I was more afraid of my Mom than any old cop.
Lettered in high school sport?
No...
cried yourself to sleep?
Oh Yes...many times....and cried my self awake.
Played cops and robbers?
Yes...My younger brother and I were good friends growing up, I played all boy games.
played dolls?
Yes! I loved my doll I got when I was ten years old, I still have her, she is a Tonette doll, Anyone remember those? (they came with their own tonette permanent)
Sung Karaoke?
Yes, several times. And I was not drunk, I do not do that but I was having fun, Imagine that having fun and being sober, Novel Idea.
Paid for a meal with coins only?
Yes when my daughter was little and I sold AVON, I got so hungry one day (while on an avon route,)
I raided the ash tray, (isn' that what ash tray is for) and had to get some pennies unstuck from the bottom. I was embarrassed but too hungry to care.
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
Oh yes....Haven't we all?
Made prank phone calls?
Yes.... "hello, this is Little White Dove, have you seen Me Running Bare?"
Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose?
Yes..
Caught a snowflake on your tongue?
Yes....
Danced in the rain?
Yes....
Written a letter to Santa Clause?
Yes
Watched the sunrise with someone you care about?
Yes... and a sunset in the ocean it was so beautiful, you kept expecting to hear a sizzle.
Been kissed under the mistletoe...
Yes....
Ever been arrested?
No!..
Blown bubbles?
With my mouth? LOL Yes.
Gone ice-skating?
No ..Tried.
Been skinny dipping outdoors?
Yes
Had a nickname?
Q (for susie Q) My husband calls me wom, (sounds like womb, he means for woman) Sukie Jane, ( at times my Mom called me that) PITA, Not sure why but my grandson could not say Mamaw so he called me PITA, my daughter said he meant, (puta, spanish for Whore,) or PITA for Pain in The Ass)
Been to Africa?
No...
Eaten cookies for dinner?
Probably
Neen on TV?
No... Oh I had forgotten, I was interviewed for the American Heart Association, The first year of the Go Red For Women Campaign. I had just survied a major heart bypass which should have never gone that far, I was a woman I was ignored by my Doctors, because " I do not look like a heart patient." (That is a direct quote from several doctors.)
Been in a car accident?
Yes if you ever rode with my husband you would not even ask. LOL
What is your Mother's name?
Maggie or Lou she was called both
Favorite drink?
Water
Favorite alcohol?
I might drink a small glass of wine every two or three years....although my doctor tells me it would be good for me.
Birthplace?
Arkansas ..Sparkman, Beautiful town of 200 plus people. My cousin, Jim Ed Brown was born there too. Anyone know him, he is a County music singer, Brother to Maxine and Bonnie Brown, The Brown Trio, they recorded The Three bells or Little Jimmy Brown and Looking Back to see. and Many Many others. They are members of the Grand Old Opry.
Favorite vacation spot?
Mountains, I love to go to Mount Lassen.
Favorite salad dressing?
Blue Cheese
Favorite pie?
Apple .
Favorite number?
1 for God , 2 for a couple (as in husband and I) 3 as in how many children I have.
Favorite movie?
Fried Green Tomatoes.. Got to go with Loretta here.
Favorite holiday?
Christmas. .. Oh Man I love them all, a Holiday is a day away or with family or with friends. Just a holiday is wonderful.
Favorite food?
Cereal. (not presweetened)
Favorite day of the week?
Sunday..
Favorite brand of body wash.
Dove
Favorite toothpaste?
Crest...
Favorite smell?
Sweet baby smell, nothing is more precious.
Do you have any tattoos?
No My body is a temple, LOL of Doom,
Body piercings?
Just my ears. .
Do you drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle?
Four door Mercury Marquis
What do you do to relax?
Blog or sit by the pool or wander around my rose garden, singing Karoke to God.
How do you see yourself in 10 years?
Walking on streets of Gold or Hummmm not sure otherwise.

YEAAAAAAAA

Today I found out, (for sure) my Daughter and children are coming for a few weeks. YEA.

It has been a year and a half since we saw them and we wonder where did the time go. It does not seem that long, I talk to her nearly every day. She seems as close as the phone.

But seeing the person is so much better than talking on a phone.

They will be here July the Fourth and spend three weeks.

I tell her the sunshine will be good for her. Now if the wind would stop blowing, the weather would be perfect.

One plan we have, Teach the children to swim. The older ones can swim but the younger two can not. We hope to take care of that.

I must remember to pick up two more pair of water wings.

That is a big help for children, they can paddle around and feel relatively safe.

However I would NEVER leave the pool gate open, with children around. We keep it padlocked, Only when an adult is in the yard are the children allowed to go near the pool.

That is why we fenced the pool separate from the house.

I don't care how old the child is, anything can happen. Never take a chance with a child's life.



I also need to pick up a bottle of Swim Ear and and a bottle of Water Baby. No sunburns here.

I give my daughter a bad time, for leaving California. I tell her all time, we have better sun. Truth is California does have a higher percentage of sun than any state. However in our area, we also have a higher than average temperature. So you give up one thing for something else. Nothing is ever perfect. If it were, how would we complain?

So we are all excited here about the visit. Now I need to sit down and make a list, of items I need. For example my oldest granddaughter is eleven and has the build of a teen ager. She needs a swimsuit desperately. I want to find nutella for E and Pineapple for G. D I am not sure, I guess whatever is baseball, or some swim goggles, He will be in the pool most of the time.

We also plan on a trip to Washington pretty soon. Later this month. (perhaps the weekend of the 21st.) We have a busy few weeks ahead.

It has been over a year since we visited our son in Washington, but he was here in April.

However he did not bring my grandsons with him, We are suffering from withdrawal pains. No Joe or Nic or Josh for over a year.

Life goes on and we will take one day at a time, One day as god gave it to us. One day to rejoice in his beauty and glory.
One more chance to say I Love you.
Never miss the opportunity.

Fair Time

I tried, I really did. Tuesday I was supposed to take my exhibits to the fair, before 6 PM. I did not make it.
I had to make a trip into town to buy my flour and pick up medicine. You all know I am not a town goer, (is that a word?)
Since it is early and Costco does not open until 10, I roam arounnd TJ Maxx. (love that store).
I need a cake plate that is big enough to hold my cake and look nice too.
(according to the judges, display, display, display)
I see a beautiful plate, On the clearance rack. It is not my colors but it is beautiful. Blue and Yellow are country colors. attached is a photo of the cake and plate. See Plate is beautiful.
(Some day my daughter will get the plate, she has a set of blue dishes.)
What I see next is even more amazing, Spode Archive, British floral Poppy. First made in 1831. Black and pink. Now that, I can use daily. Once I get my dishes unpacked.
I buy those too, as they are also on the clearance rack. (Like I need more plates).
Costco opens up and I am able whiz across the parking lot, (it is almost empty) since I am a Gold Member I get in early.
I complete my shopping in Costco and head home, it is now after 11 Am.
I am wiped out. I rush home and change clothes, I must get busy.
First I get the cake in the oven, it looks great so far. I began the rolls and realize I did not pick up Vanilla pudding mix. As soon as the cake is ready and out of the oven cooling, I head on up to Kent's Market, a mere 2 miles or so. ( with gas at almost 5 dollars a gallon I am not sure it was worth it).
I return home and make the rolls. Boy do I need an energy drink.
As they rise I sit and eat half a bagel.(That is such a nourishing lunch.)
Now It is after 2 pm. I wonder where the day is going. I have worked and moved since before 8 AM.
David comes home, as I finish up the rolls, he begins edging the lawns and flower beds.
I take him a roll to test, (he has always been my tester, maybe that is why he had a weight problem). I am not happy with the rolls, I tried a new step this time, (to improve display.) I rolled and cut them, I won't be doing that again, Not enough cinnamon and butter and sugar.
He says they are good. I know what good means. It means they are not Great.
I can tell by his tone, he usually says "Oh Honey those are the best".
Still I get my display ready, neatly laid on my new Spode plate with lace beneath the rolls.
Now onto the cake. I finish the cake, as in frost and coat with a layer of toasted coconut.
You are supposed to take half a cake with one piece cut, and lying on the plate. It looks beautiful. (Uncut).
As I begin cutting, it begins to crumble, not dry crumble but it is so moist it will not hold firm enough.
I still try to make it look good, again not great.


I wash all the dishes and finally David comes in at 5 PM. I now have an hour to wrap the dishes and dress myself and go.
When I get to the bedroom, I say, "It is not worth it, My back hurts too bad and if I go I may not be able to walk the plates into Trinity Hall."
David agrees, he says, "I think you should just rest", He now has a big grin on his face.
Grin being, now he gets all the cake.
What did I do with the rolls, I sent them to the men at work, (men at work, isn't that the name of a singing group?)
They will love them and I am too tired to care this year.
Not one thing I had made, turned out so It was in the cards that I stay home.
Good Idea. Don't you think?

However I did get some new plates, Do you think I am addicted to dishes.?
Can you get addicted to dishes? If you can I need help. I go though stores and when I see something unique I have to buy it, if it is on clearance.
I do have a niece that loves dishes too, Gina is the same, in fact we have pretty much the same taste.
As I helped her on Christmas put away things I saw her collection. Now I don't feel so bad. We are hooked on dishes and fabric.
Fabric, did you hear that, I also have a closet full of clear boxes, full of fabric. (OK that is another story).
I will close this rambling post and let your eyes rest and think on those dishes, fabric, Fair and what Good and Great mean to me.

A Big Happy Birthday

I will remember you,
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass your by,
Weep not for the memories.

I'm so tired but I can't sleep,
Standing on the edge of something much too deep.
Its funny how we feel so much but we cannot say a word,
We are screaming inside, but we can't be heard.

I will remember you, Will you remember me?


Today you are nineteen years old. I will never forget the day you were born, Our first grandchild. We could not have been happier.
To go a day without seeing you was pure torture. You were so much like your Dad, it was like seeing my baby all over again, but having the knowledge to enjoy each moment.
But alas you had to grow up and find the world, all your way in Gods given time.
We recall how you loved to go to the Lake to See the Quack Quacks (ducks).
To study each blade of grass, each walk we took was endless due to your inquisitive nature.
You loved to look at the the stars at night and marvel at them.
We recall you trying to show us the mun, (moon) even on moonless nights, You looked so hard for it, You just knew it was there.

Above is your photo with your Dad, (our oldest) taken approx. 2005. You thought you had the world by the tail.

Your entire future was ahead and you never knew. You never knew just how hard life could be. We prayed for your safe passage into adulthood, and have the world at your feet.

Just for the taking.

Below is the photo of you and your Dad when you were such a small boy.

A child of innocence. You never knew what life held for you, Had you known, you would have refused to grow up. You would have stayed the innocent baby you were.

It is hard for us to imagine the young man you have grown into. No matter how old you get, we will always see you as the baby.

Josh, please never forget how much we Love you or How much you Loved us.

Remember us as we remember you.

Remember us with smiles and laughter as we remember you.

If you must remember us with tears, please don't remember us at all.

As the sun was setting I walked to the pool, I wanted to just get out of the house. I sat in my lounge chair, Soon David followed.
As we sat there with the fountains running and watching the golden sunset, We were in Awe of the beauty and peace we felt.
We began discussing the yards and the need to mow. He said, "I will start then tomorrow when I get home."
Suddenly he said, "No I will start them now." HUH?
He usually puts it off or says, "Remind me tomorrow."
So when he left his perch, I left mine. I took the tractor and began mowing the back yard, beyond the pool fence. It looks beautiful.
He mowed the interior of the yard, between the house and pool.
As darkness approached I turned on the pool lights and just enjoyed the flicker of the lights under the water.
We did accomplish a lot last evening, Today it will be a quick finish up.
We have to mow at least an acre. David will not let me mow the lawn with the tractor, he likes the clean lines of the mower. he is right, It does look better when he mows it.
Today my plans are, as soon as I eat my breakfast, clean the pool and hot tub. It is nice standing there in the heat with my swim suit on, When I get hot I just jump into the pool.
Now I must get busy I have a bed to strip and put on the clothes line. Love my sheets line dried. They smell so fresh.
So have a wonderful day. You are in my thoughts. All time.
Love you