Thoughts for today

This is one squash vine. It is so huge I had to pull it out of my Eggplant plant. It was devouring it.
Isnt this beautiful. As I said it is at least four feet tall and growing. at first it did not produce very many squash and now I can get at least ten at each picking. The homeless shelter will love to see me coming.

So my thought for today was something I read in Billy Grahams memoriers.

"When we come to the end of ourselves, we come to the beginning of God."
Isnt that a beautiful thought. Really makes you wonder where you are in Gods perfect will. I pray myself is gone, and I am totally in Gods will but I am human and humans do make mistakes, Thankfully we do have an advocate with our Heavenly Father and can call on him in a seconds notice and he will come to our rescue.

Ok on to my post.
Here it is Wednesday and I am dragging myself again. I think I am sleeping too hard. Sounds weird huh? I feel as if I am in a stupor when I wake in the morning.




So to wake me up I think happy thoughts, (Like Peter Pan on Hook,) My happy thoughts can make me fly, fly as in get moving.




His happy thought was being a Dad. My happy thoughts of today are my many blessings. ( My life for him, my patient husband, children and grandchildren and my many physical and spiritual gifts from God.)




OK Now I am awake.




Yesterday we had a garden meal. Turkey burgers, with fresh corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes and fruit.




It was so good. My corn is Bodacious, (Variety) It is a very sweet, full eared corn. Now I have to plan on a day to set and schuck and process all that corn, it will be over 100 ears. YIKES!!




I told David he has to pick it and we can both work it.




So it will have to be on a day he has off, maybe we will begin on Saturday. By then I should be rested enough to move ahead with putting away veggies.




Yesterday I took my squash and food to the homeless shelter.




As we walked in with the pumpkin, an older colored gentleman asked, "What kind of squash is that?" We told him pumpkin then when he saw the butternut squash he says, "I loves dat butternut squash"




All I could think was "Thank you God for letting me have an abundance of squash".




When evening began falling I walked back to the garden and picked over 15 squash off one vine.




I have never seen a squash plant grow like that. In addition it has pretty squash on it, very smooth crook neck squash.




I also planted one of the same variety by my front walkway, jsut for the looks of a beautiful plant with blossoms, it is no where near as big as my garden plant.




My butternut are still putting out babies, besides the massive amount that are about ready to pick, I have all stages of growth of new squash.




I wish God woudl grant us a way to live our lives out here, Although it is hard work, it is also the best soil in California. That is a fact. It has been rated by the state Agriculture Dept.




Who knows what the future holds. We have often dicussed how this would be a different place had we bought it in the early 70's. I can see lots of gardens on this six acres and I pray whoever buys it puts as much love into it as we have.




One of the clients has come into a bit of money and he wants it. His Mom is taking his trust out and he may purchase it. Time will tell.




He is the one that comes out each week and edges the lawns nad takes care of the trim work.




His Mom came out and picked up the flyer so she could study it. I am sure she would move out here with him.




So keep it in your prayers.




OK back to what my day will hold.




Right now I need to clean the office, it is a mess, plus I am packing it up now. So many things that can be put away. Things we never use as in old Computer books and loads of recipe books.




Then on the more laundry. I have to wash Gwenas bedding before taking it home. Or not. It is not dirty. It is just used. I will air it out then decide.

I will close now with each of you in my heart and in my prayers.

Memories

Today I visited a friends blog. It brought back many memories.
She had a photo of a river and a cabin she frequents. My mind immediately went to my Grandpa and Grandmas house on the Quachita River. The time spent in the shallow part of the river on Hot July days.
The fish we always knew we would have for dinner. The fried potatoes and biscuits or cornbread.
If I was adept at posting photos I would post a photo of that house and river but alas I am not good at that.
If I was adept at posting photos I would post photos of my children grandchildren and then I could show the world, my world.
So I will just talk about it.
I am suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome so my post may be blue. Sorry if they are.
I have a lot on my mind this week. Lots going on in my world.
Memories are what we make them, we can remember the good times and let the bad lie. We will know of them but they do not have to be part of our daily thoughts.

I remember the good times on the river, I am sure the roads down were not good, as it was not highway, it was dirt and if we had rains, MUD.
We always sang songs, our Mom and Dad encouraged singing. I recall lying in the back window while riding, sometime I did get to sit in the seat, but I was small and I fit quite nicely in the window.
I had seven brothers and sisters and seat belts and vans were unheard of. Maybe a Station Wagon but I am not even sure of that.
I recall the dark woods and every sound of the crickets, frogs and water slapping the shore.
I recall the acid smell of Carbide and the fish scales on the ground, Around where Grandpa cleaned the fish.
I recall the water rising in storms and the old Dogs my grandparents always had. I guess they were hunting dogs.
I recall the old boat my Grandpa kept tied up on the land.
One year I did a painting of that house and the many trees and the river. I never really liked the painting. Something was always missing. One day I sat looking at it and I realized it had no life. It showed no one existing in that house.
The sun was not shining on the house, it is surrounded by trees. I had failed to paint a boat docked at the dock. I had failed to paint the ferry that took us across.
My painting was not complete.
It will never be complete until I add the elements of life.
That is what life is, We add the elements to make it wonderful and fun and full of mystery.

WAKE UP

I am so sleepy today, I should get this old body moving. I woke at 630, and opened the bedroom door, I went back to sleep and woke at 730 then back to sleep, again at 830, and made my eyes stay open.
I drug myself to the kitchen and made oatmeal and poured a glass of milk.Now I sit here reading and writing, Knowing the day is heating up.
I should be busy but I am at a I DO NOT WANT TO stage.
Yesterday I cleaned the two bedrooms, total cleaning, as in dusting everything, sweeping cobwebs and touching up paint. That room looks show ready. Next on to my room with the same work finally being accomplished.
During all this I managed to put 6 quarts of green beans in the freezer. I had planned to put my squash in but ran out of freezer bags.
I also made David a batch of cookies, He has been hungry for something sweet and as he said, 'Not Ice Cream". I made white chocolate chip with craisins.
For dinner we had squash, lightly browned, and topped with Parmesan, with eggplant added for good measure. It was fantastic. I planted the white eggplant this year. It is so mild, and when I added it to the squash, It tasted like Fried Green Tomatoes.

Recipe,

Slice small squash, peel eggplant,

place in skillet with about 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp butter,

with a dash of pepper.

Heat, add squash and eggplant, brown lightly,

(keep layers shallow so you do not make squash mushy)

when fork tender top with Parmesan and remove from heat.

Serve with salt if desired.

I do not use a lot of salt or oil, some would add lots of butter and oil but it is not necessary and .
I use olive oil in all my cooking, I prefer fresh Parmesan but had the dried on hand and it worked as well. I generally only add pepper.
I work most of my recipes to allow for he least fat and seasoning. When you add seasoning you disguise the flavor of the real food.
This is all my theories, I have pretty much taught my husband to leave the salt in the cupboard.
Do I ever use salt? Yes I do but find I use less as time goes on, I love the flavor of baked potato with no additives.

Above is my squash recipe, I hope yo try it and let me know how you feel about it. Wonderful flavor. I am sure that will be a taste treat for us a few times this summer.
Maybe David will not tire of squash so quickly.
I then made dinner and sat down, I barely moved the rest of the evening, I worked crossword puzzles and watched three of my favorite shows.
"Amazing Grace" and "The Closer" and "Bones".
All strong women with character. Grace I love, her show is for mature audiences only, but she seems real. Not a nice person but she faces life head on, she laughs a lot, she loves even more and she has her own angel. One that is not what we typically think of as an Angel. He dips and he is very silly and follows her through life, trying to show her the way to God.
She fights it with all she has but she is Amazing. The show is set in OK City. They often show a scene taped at the OK bombing site and how it has affected the policemen in that city.
This is information in case you have not watched it,
The "Closer", she is great too, again a very strong woman, having to prove she can do the job well. And Close the cases.
"Bones" A very intelligent woman who really has no life outside her job. She walks and talks her knowledge.
So that was my day and evening, not too exciting but I did accomplish a lot and went to bed totally wiped out.
Now I think I will go back, it is waiting for me to return.

Our Grandchildren

This photo was taken last week, This is nine of our Grandchildren, Three older ones, were unable to attend.

As you can see we do quiet well in producing boys. The oldest three are boys then my daughter had a boy then a girl then five boys were born to her and my youngest son before two more girls.

I think this is it, but you Never know for sure.

Kris would love to have more, just not give birth to them.

Left to right,

We have Jarod (7), then M (11), holding Leila(almost 6 mos), G (8), Caylum (5),

E(5), D (13), Kiara (3), and Evan, (10).

We had four of them for three weeks, What a precious time we had with each of them.

We try to spend quality time with each child, as their childhood passes so fast.

It seems only yesterday, we were welcoming our first grandchild into the world.

Today that child is a man of 19 years old, but to us he will always be our first grandchild and hold a special place in our hearts.

Tomorrow they may not remember us, and tomorrow we may be chasing them for attention. There was a day they chased us for attention and we pray we gave to each one enough to last a lifetime.

Never forget the love we shared.

Mamaw and Papaw

Here Today Gone Tomorrow

My cousin wrote a song many years ago, "Here today and gone tomorrow,"

Today I am feeling the "gone blues." My daughter and her children flew home yesterday. After three weeks of laughter and gaiety, my house is again quiet. Too quiet.

Dave and I will begin cleaning sometime this week, I plan on doing my fall house cleaning while putting away bedding from the visit.

The motor home has several items to bring in and put away, The beach towels are all dirty.

Do I mind? NO WAY!

I have learned a few lessons the last few years, one of which is.
Nothing last forever!

You only have a moment to enjoy your surrounding.

Why does it take so many years to realize this? My mom often told me this but it completely flew through my head. In one ear and out the other.

So today I sit and look at my surrounding and know I loved and cherished each moment I had with my children and grandchildren.

Happy Birthday Party

Saturday was a great day. We began on Friday cooking the pork and chicken. We cooked a huge loin and four chickens with spices and lots of onion.

We then shred it and put it in the refrigerator. Now our Big Day would be so much easier.

Ken and Kris came in on Friday morning with their five children, Sheri was here with her four and one more. The one more was a surprise visit from her husband.

Mike's Dad flew him out on Thursday as a surprise to everyone, all but Sheri. I suspected something was up but tried not to press the issue. I did ask her what was a good weekend to hold the party, So the weekend was planned.

When Mike walked in the door, all the kids yelled and at least one of them cried tears of joy.

They had missed him so much. They have been apart very little and then only as necessary.

So we had a big beginning to the weekend.

Our company began arriving around 2, Robert and Gina from Sacramento with two of their sons, (which are men) arrived. We had about 35 guests with a special treat.

One of our guests called to say, she had company from out of town, Her niece and nephew. I, of course said, "Bring them on over, we would love to have them."

When they arrived we were introduced and they seemed very comfortable. Remember I had never met these people or knew nothing about them.

Our dear friends, Ron and Darlene arrived, (we have been friends over 40 years). They began visiting with our new visiting guests.

Now to the treat. Ron and the new guest had been best friends in high school, over 50 years ago. It was so wonderful to see that happen. It was meant to be. These new friends coming into town at the right time to see an old friend. A friend they may have never encountered.

David had a great time, He was his usual self. He showed everyone what I have endured for over 45 years. A time I would not trade for anything. He cracked jokes, He did his silly walk, he was entertainer of the day. One person made a comment that he sure had the drunk act down, he must have had experience. Actually he is quiet good at that act, but he grew up with a couple of them. He learned a lot about life from that experience.


For his birthday he got this cute T shirt. I must include a photo of that. It has hand prints of his five grandchildren from southern California on the front with "This is our Papaw,"
on the back it says,
"And if you don't like it you can kiss our Butt." It has the butt print of Kiara, (three years old) in pink with fairy sparkles.

All done in good taste of course.

We had a great meal and several people swam. We had a great visit. I have several photos to transfer to the computer and you will be able to see the fun time we had, the guests and our hot day.
Man it was hot. As usual, it is always hot when we party. I guess that is from being born in June and getting Married in June. Hot months.

Today is now Wednesday, my daughter and grandchildren leave in two days. We are already sad. We have enjoyed this visit so much.
The children have swam to their hearts content, (I know they will miss the pool), D the oldest was able to earn a little money by helping his other papaw tear out a deck and shred paper at the office.
He then helped me sort garbage from plastic, cans and bottles, We then drove to the recycle stand.. Hey 8 dollars is a good amount to earn for sorting garbage but not sure it was worth what we had to deal with, (in the garbage.)
This was garbage and recycles from the last week. I always save my aluminum but I never knew I could make so much on glass.
Guess you know I now will recycle my glass and plastic.

M , 11 spent the night with her cousin, Today is the cousins birthday. The Mom took them to town for manicures. Tonight was pizza or some equally child food.

We stayed home to relax and prepare for lonely.

The younger ones are so much fun. G the 7 almost 8 year old is so sweet. He is the most obedient child. You tell him something he, as a rule, says, "OK"

The younger one, E-5 is something else. He is totally unafraid of anything. He runs and jumps in the pool and swims really well, Swims with his swimmies on. We have let him swim without them but he does not realize he can come up for air. He just keeps going. His Mom freaks.

I told her he has really strong lungs for a little guy. We have photos of him in his gear, as in goggles, nose plug and swimmies. He fits the name I call him, E.T. Like the alien.

Friday we take them to the airport, it will be a sad day,. We are not sure we will come back home that day. Going to be too hard to be home with the house so empty.

We may take a trip through Y.C., to see our son, on the way out. Not sure of anything yet.

Photos are to follow.

All I can tell you for sure is this has been a great three weeks. I have been so relaxed, so not doing housework.

I figure I have rainbows to see and little time to see them.

House work can wait, R a i n b o w s won't.

OUCH

Today I helped in the yard, I trimmed and watered and cleaned. I cleaned the back yard and moved a few items. DUMB MOVE.
I HAD two tables to use on Saturday. (two table and 42 people). You notice the HAD is caps? I moved umbrellas, and had the guys move the iron base and umbrella to the patio.
I decided to move the extra table to the patio from teh pool area. I carefully took the glass top off, ( I had done it several times). I moved the table base. All went well, I pulled or scooted the table top to the patio. I carefully eased it onto the base and all was well. I then moved the umbrella base in place and picked up the huge umbrella to place in the hole.
That is the mistake, I was handling it OK when suddenly it tipped to the side. I tried to correct the tip and the umbrella began tipping more, and put pressure on the table.
CRACK!!!! and then millions of little cracking sounds I heard. The table was safety glass, it broke into millions of tiny pieces.
SAFETY ?? Right. Something hit my second toe. Right next to the big toe.
I take anti-platelets, and I bled for a while. I walked in puddles of blood. I am sure it was less than it looked like because I was also in the water.
It hurt pretty bad for a cut. Usually I can take a lot of pain. After all this was a little cut.
I then took the hose and used high pressure to wash out the cut. I wanted to make sure no glass was in my toe. It hurt but it seemed to be fine as far as glass being in it. However it had a big bump on it immediately.
AS the day wore on it hurt more and more. I banded it as it began bleeding again, and noticed it hurt even to touch the toe.
Now I believe it is broken. It sure looks broken, it is red and ugly and has that bump on it.
Not a good time to deal with a broken toe.
Hurts like HECK!!!
I had to drive in to pick up David and I was so tired. I complained about everything. I finally said, "When I get home I am taking a tranquilizer I feel stressed."
His response was "Please hurry up."
I was complaining about not being able to decide about Saturday and tables and shade. I complained about my foot, I complained about the traffic. This is not like me. I was just tired. After working all morning in the yard and ruining a table that was desperately needed. That table is now sitting in a garbage can on the patio. I complained about the indecision I am in when I am wiped out.
So I took a tranquilizer and by the end of dinner I was drooping in my chair. Literally melting into the seat. I guess I needed to relax. I then went to the pool with the kids and hit my toe on the bottom of the pool. I almost said a bad word but caught myself. Cant do that. LOL
So that is my day, now I am wiped out and I think I will go to bed.
Good night all.
Love you so much and thanks to all who read my blog.
Sue

To make matters worse, tonight as we were in the kitchen, G, (8 ) turned as I turned, he stepped on my toe and I stepped on his, We both began jumping and yelling. I was in pain, he finally began giggling. I had no giggle in me. Sheri came to see if I was OK, which I was but I did not want him to feel bad. He looked at my foot and the cut reopening, he felt bad, but a big hug and we were OK.
So treatment, Sher suggested I tape two toes together. I am so giddy from exhaustion, as I sat down in the bedroom to tape them, I asked, "Do I tape it to the one next to it?"
David stopped. He grinned and said, "NO tape it to the one on the other foot."
We both laughed at my innocent question, What I meant to say was, "Which toe next to it, do I use, the big toe or the smaller toe next to it?"
OK David finally had an opportunity to go tell Sheri I could not walk now since I taped it to the other foot. Ha Ha.

Tuesday

Today began with a blue sky. It seems the firemen have a head on the Whiskeytown fire. Finally. It is still burning out of control in the Zogg Mine Road. If you review my post, you will see where we made a trip up that road this spring. I have been here 42 years and that was the first time I had been in that area. I am so glad I did see it before the devastation. It was amazingly beautiful and green. I am sure it is not as pretty now. How sad.

There are numerous people just waiting to hear if their homes are intact.

We pray for the best.

Are we in danger? No I am sure it is going to be OK. Redding would have to really be unprotected in order to burn.

I will not say it is impossible, I will say it is not likely.

The children are still having a great time. I am not sure the boredom is sort of setting in with the older ones.

They are still swimming a lot and the little one, ET is swimming like a fish. He is quite good. Yes he wears his swimmers. However he has learned to come up for air, and he is like on uppers when around water. He is just antsy to jump in. He is constantly running and jumping. Comes up swimming to the edge. He can jump half way across the pool, and it is 16 feet across. For a tiny guy that is a lot. It took a while, but he has the hang of how NOT to jump. He would jump and immediately turn in mid air to go back to the side he jumped from. I guess it was a challenge for him. He could literally turn around in mid air and drop in the water, swim to the side and begin again. His Mom finally made him sit on the edge and count each time he did it. Increments of five was added each time. He was at 100 last time I heard. Sheri said, "I bet he is at 1000 by the end of the day." He is just so competitive. He and his older brother G, He wants a challenge. I am usually the goal.

"Who ever touches Mamaw first is the winner. Who ever reaches Mamaw is the winner, Whoever is fastest to run to Mamaw wins." Man am I bruised from the boys, I am OK though it has been so much fun to have them. I have bruises on my arms, between my breasts, my thighs, and tomorrow I bet my tummy. Tonight I was tummy kicked in the pool. I am a push off for them in the pool. They have no idea how hard they kick off and believe me it is not intentional.

Tomorrow they plan on a movie, IF they get to town first. you can see a movie free, Tomorrow the free movie is RV. Although they have seen it, it is good to see it again. Funny movie.

Well it is Wednesday now, I have just pulled my self out of bed. It is nice to wake up to the smell of coffee. Sheri gets up every day and bakes for the kids and makes coffee.
When I am alone I just have coffee, and cereal. Today I ate an angel muffin, sugar, sugar, but Yummy Yummy.
They guys are coming out to work the yards, I am so glad, David would wear out doing that much work and Saturday is a big day. He had hired D to do it but this is a big job. Like an acre to clear and mow and edge.
I still have lots to do, I must find umbrellas and more tables and chairs, We will be eating outside, Food will be inside, Unless I find a way to keep it perfect out there, and I am praying for nice weather. I know it will be sunny I just do not want it to be HOT.
Friday, G 8 years has suggested we clean the house all day. Wonder if he is trying to tell me something? Maybe, like Mamaw the house needs cleaned. Actually it is pretty good. The living and kitchen area are great. The bedrooms are fine, as is the office.
I am just not concerned about it at all.
I figure when my company leaves I can then work.

Today I have a few rainbows to check out and enjoy.

Rainbows are here and gone

I have one more week and two days to enjoy this season of my life.

A Week Already

Time has flown by this week. I can not believe it has been a week since we drove to the airport to pick up out family.

The week has flown by, we have swam, ate and played and SLEPT. A Lot.

This morning Papaw had to clean up the pool area.

It was coated in soot, black and white. The fires are not getting any smaller. When they think they have a handle on them, the winds shift. Today has been especially windy. North winds.

It was supposed to be 108, but it felt cool to me. As David was cleaning the pool, Dyl a 13 year old was standing by the side of the pool. Now Mamaw being who she is could not let the chance pass by. (he secretly wanted pushed in). His toes were on the edge of the pool deck. He loved being made so swim so early.
I have to say , the pool felt cool to me. I did get in with him, as did the rest of the family. E I call him E. T. (Actually fits his personality.) wanted to get a rock off the bottom of the pool. He wears swimmers, I told him, "ET you can not go down with swimmers on, you have to take them off." Suddenly off came the swimmers, he had his goggles and nose plug on, he proceeded to dive down to get the rock. I moved the rock further away, he again swam half the length of the pool steps, ( we only let him go that deep with no protection on) which is about 8 feet. Because of me we now have to keep a close eye on him, he has no fear! Now we must try that with Cay. He is brave also.
Because ET (5 years old) is doing this, his older brother, who is 7 years old is now trying to swim without swimmers. He is doing pretty good too, he has not gotten over the water in the face thing. I worked with him this morning a while with the kick board and the arm movements. Now to get him past the fear of water in his face. Older sis and bro are swimming like they have been practicing for years.
So this week has passed, we have accomplished a lot, We have taught the kids to swim and that was our biggest goal. Now on to another week and this week we prepare for a family party. I would love to have a band, not very likely to happen.
Tomorrow we must clean this house, I have lots of laundry to put away. I just don't seem to get it all accomplished. I am more kick back than I have ever been. I think at this stage of our lives we realize, even more, how time is flying by. We try to cherish each moment we can.

When you see a rainbow to share, you share it now,

The work can wait, the rainbow will not wait.

Reflections of the Past

As I gazed out the back door, the pool was full of children, They are all laughing, jumping, and diving.
That took me back to a time long ago, when our children were in a pool, laughing, jumping and diving.
My daughter at six, who is now Thirty something, was just learning to swim pretty good.
She is outside now playing lifeguard to her children and a friend of hers is here, with her two boys.
There is laughter ringing in the air. The pool water is splashing out and it is wonderful.
The typically well manicured lawn is strewn with toys and games.
The typically organized patio is full of chairs covered with pool towels and more toys.

This weekend, the 19th, my youngest son and his five children will be here for a big day.
We are celebrating the birthday of the Oldest member of the McLemore Clan. That day we will also have the youngest McLemore here. She will have to have her photo made with Papaw.
The youngest is 5 months old and the oldest is 70 years old.
What a great time to celebrate.
However the day will be less fulfilling. Our oldest son and his family of three sons and a wife from Seattle are unable to be here. We will certainly miss them.
Little Joe, Nic and Josh. Our first born grandchildren.
All the children have grown up so fast. It is amazing to see the changes in our lives. It is a blessing to be here to witness the changes.
Once I was the young Mom with children to watch over. Now my daughter and sons children need watched over and some of them are old enough to have children of their own Someday. (We wont rush that one.)
So as I sit here and look out the window at the pool, I am taken back to a time, thirty years ago. A time when our home was full of laughter, a time when our home was a haven for our children, No matter how bad the world was or how many trials they faced as teens, they knew they had a home to come to and refresh their spirit. A home not a house, A home with parents who tried to
make good decisions, and loved them with no reservations.
Today our home is still that refuge, a place where they know Love is Unending.
And Parents are here for support, spiritually and emotionally. We will never cease loving you.

And The Day IS

On my last post I said, it was now Tuesday. I was wrong, it was Monday, Today is Tuesday. I must get these days straight. Yesterday we again swam all day, or most of it. The pool is balanced with chemicals, so that is good. David had it checked at the supply store.

Last evening Sheri began itching and having whelps on her neck and arms. She has broken out from something. Then ET began breaking out and today he has big cheeks, He looks like mumps but it is possibly an allergy. Sheri now has taken him to the Doctors office to be checked. We have to be sure what is going on. Everyone, especially his big sissy is pretty concerned. She kept saying "Mom I think he is worse, Mom what is wrong with him? Mom is he OK?" Someday she will be a wonderful Mommy. To get an idea of the big cheek ET be sure to check out www.TheShadesofPinkblogspot.com.

Right now we are wiped out, I just woke up, I took a two hour nap, David is washing up the dishes, I am doing as little as possible. It is hot here. I think it is about 111. However that is not horrible, it is a dry hot. It is the humid hot I can't deal with very well. At least I can dry out, and we think that may be the problem with ET. He may have sun allergy.



OK now it is Wednesday, Again I just got out of bed. I sleep so good. I wear out in the pool but it is a nice wear out. We swim to the bottom and pick up pool toys.

When they arrived the older ones could not get to the bottom, now it is easy. They spend a lot of time on the bottom of the pool, just playing and seeing how many flips they can turn.

We are still keeping E out of the sun and water. We are not sure what is going on. It absolutely looks like Mumps. We will keep watching. He is not his happy self. He says he is OK but we don't like the solemn look he has.

He is usually talking our heads off and smiling a lot.

G is doing great, He is now jumping in the pool, not so afraid of water in his face. It will come to him. I tell him it took me over 30 years to learn to get my face wet and not panic.

OK OK it is now Thursday, I am getting little posting done. I seldom sit down to write. Well as you can see I do write I just never get it proffed, so if this is poor English or misspelled words, I apologize I refuse to keep putting this off. I began this post on Tuesday. LOL
ON Wednesday we went to the dam. We had a great time, however the tour was full of college students from Santa Barbara. They were touring water projects in the state.
College students in the summer? Yep I thought the same thing.
The dam tour was nice, It has been over thirty years since I made that tour and the last time My Mom was with me. Time sure flies.
We also went to the Mall, M had to see our Mall. Bigger than the one she has in her home town in Oklahoma, a town of 280 people. I would rather have her town in my State.
Then on to In and Out to eat. I had not ate since breakfast and I was starved.
HOME, HOME finally home.
Today we begin again. M and Sheri get their hair done today, M needs a cut and style badly, style as in shaping, nothing dramatic for her. S is getting hers woven. A treat for them. I go along for the ride and to pick up med. Mine is not as fun as theirs. Plus I come away looking drab. OH well. Ask me Do I care? NOPE
I will eventually sit down to fill in all the blanks but right now I need to eat my breakfast.

Swimming

I have swam so much the last two days. It has been great to have the children here.



To begin with, Dyl is so much a man. I am in awe. His mannerisms are kind and gentle. He has a sweet spirit. He laughs a lot and speaks with so much respect and kindness. Tomorrow he goes to his other grandfathers and helps tear down a deck. He has told his grandfather, "It is not necessary to pay me. That is what family does, we help each other."

How many 13 year old do you see make that assessment of life?



When my eleven year old granddaughter walked down the stairs at airport, I had to look twice, once to see her legs and once more to look high enough to see her face. Man what a gorgeous, tall, long limbed young lady. She is 5 foot 6 and 1/2. That was at last measurement, we are sure it is more now, Her great grandmother who was 5 foot 8, is now not as tall as M.

She has the same build as that Great grandmother. Tall, statuesque, with a very graceful slow easy walk, slow calm speech and soft spoken.

I am only 5 feet tall, and the top of her legs come up to my waist. We laughed and laughed.



Then came Gav, what a sweetie! He lounges on his papaw which makes his papaw very happy.

He has a thousand questions, some we can not answer. Like can you drive Gold cars in Heaven, after I told him the streets were gold. He is in second grade and knows his math quite well. He knows his multiplication tables. He told me to ask a math question and let him guess it. He was right every time, not little numbers but big ones. He said, "You may have to give me a while but I can get it."

Very very intelligent child, Gee I wonder where he gets that math knowledge?

We have several Math whiz in the family.



Next came ET, Oh Man what a talker and tale teller. Not fibs but tall tales. I laugh a lot.

On swimming, Sher said, " I lay odds that E is swimming by the end of the first week". OK I certainly would not take that bet.

From what I heard of him, he is like his cousin, (Cay, who is 2 months younger) is afraid of nothing. They are very social little boys and are loved by all who talk to them.



E was swimming by the end of the first day. With water wings of course, but going like mad across the pool. So glad I did not wager on that one. E jumps in and does the dead mans float, Which freaks his Mom out.

We had lots of good laughter. They certainly make us happy to be here. I am so glad they came.

Traveling days for us are about over. (like long trips).

No one quite knows the pain traveling is on our bodies.

We both had major back pain from sitting, and that was from a drive to Sacramento. When we left town, I asked David was he sleepy, He said "No I am fine."
Well guess you can imagine the next thing, He was asleep within 10 minutes. (of course I was driving). He slept almost 120 miles of the trip. I never slowed down, I set the cruise and several times I had to shift to ease the back and leg pain, AT one point I put my left leg up and sat on it to relive the pressure on my spine. I could have waken him but I wanted him to sleep. He gets so tired.

Every time we go somewhere we realize how tiring this is getting.

Not complaining just stating a fact. So if we do not come to see people as much as you wish, remember we wish the same thing. We are just realistic. We can not put our bodies through that much stress.

The night we came home David was in such pain, He was moaning all night and could barely move. I know the feeling.
As he tried to clean the pool filters,he again was in pain. I begged him to let me do it so he let me do the last two of the four, so he could go sit and relieve the pain.

Man getting old is not for Sissy's.

You just make adjustments in your life style.

Not always a popular one but one that must come. That is the life cycle.

OK it is Tuesday now, we just ate and the big kids are off to Papaw S to visit and work. I saw these two grown up kids walk out the door and suddenly became very sad. When they moved away they were only 8 and 10, now we see a young teen man and a young lady at 11.
They all make us proud. They choose their friends carefully, they uphold their values regardless of pressure.
I am sure a lot of that is not being exposed to the cattiness in school systems but it also is a reflection of their parents teaching.

Now I must get showered.
Just so I can hop in the pool.

Happy Birthday America

Because of the fires still surrounding up, Fireworks have been cancelled, I think this is the best idea ever. It seems to be sad, not lighting candles on a birthday cake.
However the firemen are all busy, very busy, We,as I said, have them from all over the state.

One good thing I can see from this. I never leave this house that I do not see a man in uniform. LOL
Love those guys in uniform. As I stood in Walmart yesterday several walked by, as I checked out, I had the pleasure of seeing another one. I looked at the clerk. I said "Hey uniforms still make me weak in the knees. You know you can take the ugliest guy on the block and put him in a uniform and suddenly he looks good. " We had a good laugh. She proceeded to tell me of one in her line earlier in the day. I then told her of my firemen. LOL
We laughed until we were almost giddy. Two old women drooling over young men in uniform.
We will have own fireworks, We have a huge day planned. Tonight we drive to my nephews home, Then tomorrow we drive to the airport to pick up our Daughter and four children. Three weeks of swimming and fun.
For the fourth my niece has a bounce house for the little kids, Her brother bought it and is bringing it over. I think they thought of everything.
As I worked my roses yesterday I thought of her and I. When she was a new Mom , they came to our home for the fourth with lots of family present. She had the babies, I had the adult children. Now she has the adult children and I am supplying the babies. (my grandchildren). Time is playing tricks on us.
At that time, we had my Brother in Law and family, now they have gone on to meet the Lord.We are the generation in the lead. David and I. We are the oldest Macs. Well him, not me. LOL
no he really is the oldest Mac, did you ever think of that? Makes you kind of think about mortality.
Time is a wonderful thing, Take from it what you can, use it, learn from it, Too often we learn too late to cherish each moment.
I cherish each moment with you all. I pray you never forget my guidance or Love for you. Never Never doubt my love. It may seem distant at times, especially when you look at me and say, "Oh that is just Mom, Bossy". That is not bossy, that is hoping to make you think. OK sometimes I am a pain but my Love never fails.

Every generation Blames the one before

And all of their frustrations Come beating on your door

I know that I'm a prisoner to all my father held so dear

I know that I'm a hostage to all his hopes and fears

I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Say it loud Say it clear,

you can listen as well as you hear,its too late when we did to admit we dont see eye to eye.

Crumpled bits of paper Filled with imperfect thought

Stilted conversations I'm afraid that's all we've got

You say you just don't see it,

he says it's perfect sense

You just can't get agreement in this present tense

We all talk a different language,

talking in defense.

Say it loud, say it clear

You can listen as well as you hear

It's too late when we die

To admit we don't see eye to eye

So we open up a quarrel

Between the present and the past

We only sacrifice the future

It's the bitterness that lasts

So don't yield to the fortunes you sometimes see as fate

It may have a new perspective on a different day

And if you don't give up, and don't give in,

you may just be okay

Say it loud,

Say it clear, You can listen as well as you hear.

Its too late when we die

To admit we don't see eye to eye.

I wasn't there that morning

When my father passed away

I didn't get to tell him All the things I had to say

I think I caught his spirit later that same year

I'm sure I heard his echo in my baby's new born tears

I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Say it loud, say it clear

You can listen as well as you hear,

Its too late when we die

To admit we don't see eye to eye.

July 2

Today my Mom would be 89 years old. She could have done it, My Mom had a strong constitution.
She fought many illnesses and won. She beat cancer, she beat a heart attack, she beat so many things, a stroke but the stroke is the reason for her demise.
It took me over a year to stop mourning her loss. I missed her every day, The grief was so strong I wondered if I would ever be normal again.
It took a while to figure out but one day I realized what it was. I was an orphan. I lost my Dad when I was eleven years old and now I had lost her .
I was a grown woman but realized my own mortality.
I realized I am the older generation.
Now I realize it is not a bad place to be. I can be a spiritual guide or I can be a sad sack.
I pray I am more of a guide in your lives. One day you can look back on and say "My Mom told me that would happen." Or "I wish my Mom were here to help me in this decision,"
I will be there, just ask, and I will be looking out for you. I truly believe that.
I try to impart wisdom. I hope it is taken in the love it is given.
I recall so many times my Mom would tell me something and I passed it off as "Oh My Mom will always be here.," It is strange, but you never think your parents will be gone.
Oh you know they will pass, it is the cycle of life, but it is not a reality in your world.
It is easier to go day by day and know they are are phone call away and they are praying for you.
I still miss my Mom every day. I never peel a potato that I do not remember her teaching me how to do it so none is wasted.
I never make a bed that I don't hear her say , "Do it right the first time."
Will my mom ever leave my thoughts? I pray not. She is my guide in my life. She was my support when times were bad. I could call her and cry my heart out, and yes I did more than once.
Often I called her to let her know she was still needed in my life and I needed her guidance.
I called her on quilt questions. She loved it when I did that. I called her to find out how to fix a potato a specific way.
When I am in town I smile when I see and elderly person being cared for by a younger person. I want to walk over and say, "You may see this as difficult now but you are so blessed for a season." A Season is all we have.
It is now fall and quickly becoming winter, a winter in our lives, We have enjoyed the sun and the life we have, we Thank our parents for their wisdom and care.

So today I recall my Mom, Happy Birthday Mama, I know you are in Heaven rejoicing and no pain.
I love you forever and a day.

Garden

Above you see my Zucchini plant. It is huge. Those leaves are unbelievable. Needless to say I am already giving zucchini away. Not a lot of yellow squash yet but it is blooming beautifully. This is my baby pumpkin, It just grew on the vine a day or two ago and it is growing Fast.
My corn patch, It really is deceiving, the center stalks are about four feet tall, the stalks on the end are much shorter. I am sure they get less water.
The shorter plants in the corn row are beans. I had a few seed left over and decided to plant them in that space, which was empty at the time.
Some of the corn was slow in coming up. I know now it was not getting as much water, enough water but not as much as the center of the row.
But isn't the garden beautiful. That is from David tilling it, and I crawl around and pull weeds by the plants. Really not a lot of work but so worth it. If I pull a weed when I see it, I don't have so much to do at one time.
I love a clean garden.
To the right of the corn patch are my black eye peas, and green beans.
We left wide middles so we could easily keep it tilled. Some of the middles are five feet wide. That was my fault, I tried to plan my garden for the vining plants. I think I over thought the process.

Blue Sky

Blue sky shining on me,

Nothing but blue sky do I see.

Wo it is so nice to see blue skies. The smoke seems to be clearing, for the most part. I hate to jinx
it by saying it is gone.
The state brought in a HUGE plane to dump water on the blazes. In one dump it can cover 3-4 acres with water. It needed , I believe six miles of water to pick it up in. That we have at Shasta Dam.
I believe it is working.
Thank God. Finally some relief for people that have been in danger. And a big
THANK YOU TO OUR FIREMEN.!!!!!
HIP HIP HURRAH, HIP HIP HURRAH.
Great job. We have seen several Con-voys being brought in to man the fire lines.
Really Cons from southern California, minimum security prisons. I hope none fall in love with the north state. That would ruin our reputation of a quiet, minimum violence area.

Today has again been very productive. Actually after David came home yesterday, we had dinner then went straight to work in the yards and on the pool. He vacuumed it while I tried to save a rose bush and set up lighting.
I now have my twinkling lights all around the pool fence, It look amazing at night. Not a lot of light just enough to light the path when the kids are out there.
I Had a few out, as they have been hanging there for a year and a half.
This morning I took more out of my stash and put them out to fill the bare spaces.
As I said it look amazing.
The rose bush, Sad! It is my Just Joey Rose. I have a grandson named Joey and I loved to look at the sweet face of the rose.
As I was working in the garden a few days ago, I noticed it looked kind of dry, I checked and there was plenty of water getting to it. As I went out yesterday I moved the bush a little and noticed it had no solid structure. I then pulled on it and up it came. All I had was the tap root, not one feeder root.
Some Mole or Gopher has ate it. Last evening I replanted it and trimmed it back to winter cutting. I hope I can save it. I get so sad when I lose a rose bush. I get angry at the moles and want to scream. How dare they eat my Joey, Why not the ones I have multiples of,like the Princess Margarita. I have about four of those.
Oh well I prayed it would live. Maybe I can save it, I am sure going to try.
Today I fed the garden also, I must get a photo to post, My corn is growing so fast, You could almost watch it grow, Really it is abut 4 feet tall now and my beans are blooming. My squash are producing like crazy and my melon patch is really taking off. I have over 15 melon vines, All kinds, Hale Cantaloupe, Ambrosia cantaloupe, sugar baby melons, Crenhaw, Honey dews,. and multiplies of each one. I also have a huge pumpkin vine it produces pumpkins up to 100 lbs. We shall see, I do have one pumpkin on it so far.
Maybe this year I will have great melons.
It wont be for lack of trying, I fed them too, so they are not neglected.
Now it is rest time, No one can say I do not rest when I need to , I am exhausted right now and tried to do payroll but something is wrong with the program , it is not holding out state or federal taxes. David has to check it out when he gets home.
So I close this rambling post with,
Thank you for being you.
Love Mom, friend and someday an Angel.