Friday, October 31, 2008

Trivia

Been a while, Since I posted, so I thought I would share my good news.
My sister and husband, ( my husbands brother), are coming to visit on Tuesday.
We are so excited. We have not had company from Arkansas since 1998. That is a LONG time.
We have no big plans, just to relax and maybe do some sewing.

We do plan on visiting family and they hope to see everyone.
They did live here until 1971 or 1972. They moved away, much to our sadness but they wanted to raise their children in Arkansas.
They have a lot of friends that still ask about them so we will have a dinner while they are here, that way everyone gets to visit as much as they want.
It seems so amazing. It does not seem that 36 years has passed. We have all aged. I was only 20 when we met these friends. It does not seem possible. We all now have grandchildren.
Together, We have been through, Births, Christening, Deaths of parents, Raising Teens, Seeing our children marry only to continue the cycle of life.
Friends are wonderful additions to our lives.

I just returned home from shopping. Not one of my favorite things to do, I have to stop at so many stores, pool supply, Walmart, Costco, and Win co.
A lot of hopping in and out of the car. Now I have one more place to go.
Will do that a soon as I rest a bit.
Bargains. Yes I got em. I bought paint for the garage at $6 a gallon. it was in with Mis mix batch and it was a nice ivory and a nice tan. I will combine the two for a nice effect. Three walls one color, with the odd wall, being the tan color.
it will actually match the cabinet and toilet and tile. They are a beige color or white with beige trim. Bargains are the main reason for so many stops.

OK I have one question? WHO called today, left a message of horror on my answering machine. You know the sound effects from Jason or whatever that show is? You all know I do not watch Halloween shows. Spook me out.
Ken I bet it was you.

However I have caller ID and it does not show anyone called. How is that? Is something spooky going on here?
I mean it, the only call, on my ID Is David calling me and I got his message.
Whooo Hoooo Hooo. (scary music playing).
Who did it and how did you remove your ID?

We just completed dinner, Now I am making a bag of popcorn and David and I are going to relax. Tomorrow I will put him back to work. I still, Still have not planted my flowers I just had to buy. LAST WEEK.
It is raining, so Lou it is raining. A nice rain but be sure to bring clothes for wet and cool and warm. May have all three.
This is California.
Not Sunny California today..

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Halloween

OK with Halloween around the corner, I began thinking of being frightened. I Love and Hate a good scare.
So a good time to share a few experiences.

Have you ever been on a Snipe Hunt? I have!! It was in the dark woods, by little streams, (rain run off) and so DARK. It was soooooo scary. At my Grandpas house, on Little Creek Circle.
We were told to take a Toe-sack, (burlap bag for all you UN-Southerners, gunny sack for Westerners.) You go into the woods and you yell, "Snipe Snipe".
Soon, according to the older kids, a snipe would run into your bag.
I wonder how many kids tried more than one night? Not me. I was scared of the dark and only ventured out with my cousins. And only once. I never found a snipe.

I have always been a scary person, easy to scare. My brothers loved to tell me a bug was on me as I went into a screaming fit.
My younger brother still, to this day, will yell, "Snake, (stick)" I hear snake and jump.

I hated the dark, I would lie and cover my head when the boys tried to scare me, My Mom always told me they were kidding. I did not care I was still scared.

I believe Ghosts exist. Or spirits. (That is going to get a rise out of a few people.)

When we moved to a neighborhood, out of the woods, I was 11. Our first Halloween,
a bunch of kids show up at our door. I knew it was Halloween, I knew kids may stop by. ( At this point I had NEVER been trick or treating.)
When a ghost showed up at the door, I ran and hid. I shook for a long time. I just knew they were real.
The next day a LITTLE boy on the bus said, "You were really scared of us Ghostes". I dropped my head and refused to look at him.

Over the years I am sure I had many many experiences. Some I have probably blocked.
As I grew up I realized some were just SILLY
When my daughter was a teen. She got a little teddy bear that repeated what you said. It was so cute.
I had forgotten about the bear as I cleaned her room.
YIKES!!! Never forget something like that.
As I cleared my throat, the bear made the same sound. I stopped. I froze. My heart was racing. Someone was in the house. I should be alone. It was my day off and the kids were in school.
I listened, Not a sound. OK my imagination. Again I made a sound and the bear repeated me.
OH MY GOSH.
I am Terrified. What should I do? Run? Call for Help, Search or call out?
None of the above. That would only have kept the bear going.
I soon look down and see the bear. I remember !!!!.
Then I drop to the floor in a heap of laughter as the bear mocks me.
Yes I was still shaking. Yes, the bear was laughing.

A few years later, I decided to really decorate for Halloween.
I sat a chair on the front porch. Stuffed a scarecrow body and sat my wig head on it. I then shook cat sup all over the neck of the head and tipped it sideways. I finished off the head with make up and a wig.
I scared myself. I was so sick as I looked at it, I had to make a quick entrance to the house.
My Son came home and began laughing. His comments, "Mom you are sick".
Yep, I was, so I did not leave it up to scare children. Instead we sat a crock of hot cider out for our adult guests and handed out candy to all the children. That soon became a treat for the neighborhood as they looked for the nice people, with the cider and no scary things on their porch.


So Worse yet. The year is 1998, We take a trip to Daly City to see a Doctor. I have to spend the night in town so they can make sure I am OK before the drive back to Redding.
That is OK, we can find a nice Oceanside motel and restaurant. We decide to make a two or three day trip of it.
We drive around. We stop at several Ocean sites. Suddenly we see it, a rustic restaurant on the hill, over looking the ocean.
That looks interesting.
We stop and ask how it is and if the food is Good. Not too expensive and a good atmosphere. Food was considered excellent.
Atmosphere was debatable.
It was said to be haunted. OK , Miss Scary, Will you do it?
Remember I love and hate a good scare.
As we debate on dinner, we sat on the deck and watched the ocean hit the reefs below. It is a looonnnnng way down.
We had the best fish and chips you ever ate. So good. We are content. We decide this is not so bad, (OK, I decide this is not so bad.)
So we make dinner reservations. I tell David "however there is no Way I am going to the bathroom so I may as well not need to."
We drive back to the motel at Rockaway Beach and dress for a late dinner.

Why, oh why did we make a late dinner reservation?

The next thing should have told us to stay there. As I am cleaning my rings, I drop them down the drain. They are headed to the Pacific Ocean. I yell, David comes running. I turn the water off.
I am desperate. I call the front desk. Within the hour a handyman shows up. He removes the trap and my rings fall out into my hand.
I want to hug this guy. I am bouncing all over the room I am so happy.
(this is my wedding set, a set we could not afford until we were married five years).
We even forget to tip him.

OK back to the dinner reservations.

All the time I am a little nervous, see I can feel bad spirits. (Again another controversy.)
The owners at the restaurant tell us, "It is safe, No one ever gets hurt, pretty scared but not hurt." Yeah right, I would hurt myself getting out of there.
One woman was in the rest room and felt someone touch her leg. She was said to come out in a fright and white as a ghost and wanting to run, vowing never to return.
As you read the attached article. You will see this place is real, or is it fiction? It was featured on a television show, "Unsolved Mysteries".
Was I scared? Yes, but I went. I tried to relax but my mind never left the possibility something was going to happen.
As we left the dinner house, my heart was racing. I would only walk out as other patrons were leaving. There was no way I was walking to my car, after dark, even with David at my side.
It was horrifying. I was so happy to see my car and set down. Safely with my legs intact and untouched. Now to find a bathroom.

The Moss Beach Distillery

Is well known for its famous ghost, "The Blue Lady"
According to the ghostly Coastside legend, some 72 years ago a beautiful, young woman met by chance, a handsome dangerous man and fell in love with him. This sophisticated ladies' man was, say some, a piano player in the bar. The naive young woman, always dressed in blue was already married to another but her unsuspecting husband and young son never knew of the illicit affair. She made many trips to the restaurant to be with her lover.
The beautiful lady in blue died in a violent automobile accident and it is here at the Distillery you will now find her searching for her lover.
Many strange events have been documented since that time that can not be explained such as mysterious phone calls from no one, levitating checkbooks, locked rooms from the inside without any other means of entry, women diners losing one ear ring and then several of these are found in one place weeks later, date tampering with computers, sightings by small children. We are glad she is not destructive with her pranks and continue to hear of new events that cannot be explained.

Moss beach Distillery.
Be sure to visit when you have the nerve.

OK that is only a couple but it was funny, HUH?
Mom is a nut.
Goodnight, sleep tight, Hopefully I will but I bet not.
See I have scared myself. LOL

What a Day That Will Be

When my Jesus I shall see,
When I look upon his face,
the one who saved me by his grace.

OK I am thinking
What A Day!
Then this song hit my brain.
I have been pretty busy today. I called my brother, who is still in need of prayer, he is so sick and the loss of his son is overwhelming.
I called my daughter, We had a few good laughs. I needed to laugh. So as you can see my morning was spent just doing little.
David came home at eleven, we had eye doctor appointments. My eyes have not changed. Hallelujah, I am so thankful.
I do not need new glasses right now, but don't tell my eyes that when I am trying to thread a needle at night.
David on the other hand did, his are three times stronger then the ones he took in with him. ( the ones that were held on by rubber bands a few short weeks ago).
We picked out some really nice Stetsons*, (brand glasses).
So as we wait for an elderly lady and her daughter and granddaughter to finish, we listen, Or is it eavesdrop?
Hey they were loud and very verbal about their home issues. (with each other).
we laughed (quietly) as the dirty laundry and health issues were flying.
David picks out a pair of glasses( with my help).
As he looks at them they have a logo right over the lens.

(does that remind you of Ms, Butterworths on the Geico commercial?)

They put a logo right over my eye." (label)

His question, "Will they take that off or does it stay on?"
I laugh, I say "No that has to stay on so they will know the brand".
NOT!!
Then as he looks at the display pair, "This nose piece is off, will they fix it before I take them?"
Again, "NO that is not their job."
OK OK I admit it I am pretty mean to him.
When he sat to order I told the clerk, " Oh he has a few questions".

I then repeated the questions, we all had a good laugh He just grinned.
So I guess someday he will get even with me, but not too soon I hope.
Oh yes I did fix it I told him it was all Alright. All would be good when he got the glasses.

when we arrived home we danced to "In the still of the night".
That fixes everything.

Good thing he adores me so much or does he? Hummm,. I better behave, OH I have heard that for 45 years, Ain't gonna happen.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

To DOWN OR UP

As I sat on the floor cutting the end of the topper, I kept expecting to see feathers come out. That did not happen, Why did that not happen?
Down comforter was a damn comforter.
I had paid that much for a Down alternative. As I sat there fuming over the purchase, five years ago, I said, I am so Mad. I am so ticked. All this work for Down alternative.

I ain't doing this, I ain't, I ain't. (we all know I do not say ain't) So we know I am ticked. (no pun intended)

So as I empty the contents, ( I am still making it smaller) I had a few choice words to say.

Then I decided to re wrap a pillow I knew was "Down around". What in the heck did that mean?
Down Around. Well it means, ( I can tell you from experience) There is an inner layer of feathers. The outer layer is down, So, Down around the feathers.
Really fluffy, fly away, hard to handle Down.
I had Down everywhere. I had feathers everywhere.
Now I am wishing I had never started this project. I take it to the porch. I pick feather and Down out of the pillow ticking.
Did you know you can't pick up down?
Well I am here to say , you can't! Unless you have a firm handful then you can't feel it.
It is nothing in your hands.

Now I am wishing it were Down Alternative. I take back every thing I said about the Down Alternative.

I had to vacuum the front porch , there was no blowing it away, and just walking by sent a wave of Down into the air. It took me a good 15 minutes to get the Down up and still, I see it flying.
Bet you did not know you could do that , Get DOWN UP.

Teach me Patience OH LORD.

Busy today

Since I spent the biggest part of yesterday, lying around. I am now behind in my projects. I did Spackle the holes in my wall, left by me, left by old curtain rods.
Yea!!!! for me I did something.
When David came home he walked up to visit Ron while he was working. They took the old workbench off the back wall. It is now lying in the yard waiting for me to paint it or Something.
I thought paint, I am not so sure now.
Its a work bench for Pete's sake. It does not have to be great. (that is me talking to me).
Right now I have an even bigger chore. I have this king size Down, Mattress topper. It is cozy. But I do not use it on my King bed. I want to use it on the guest bed. I am thinking of cutting it down to that size. Do you think it can be done?
"Where there is a will there is a way." (another of my Moms words of wisdom).
The problem is going to be transferring all those feathers. Anyone have helpful advice? I will take all I can get. Advice or Help. Sheri, I wish you were here to help although I am sure the kids would love it more. Wallowing in feathers.
While growing up, we had a feather bed. I remember my Mom taking it outside and beating it with a broom. I never thought of that bed until yesterday.
She told me when I was born, they would lay me on it and could not see me. (I only weighed 4 pounds 6 ounces). It was vital I stay warm. Yes I was full term. So I am anxious to see what this one looks like inside.
I believe that mattress was taken apart and feather pillows made from it. That is also a good idea. (have to think on that one).
I don't have ticking so I will use muslin, doubled. We sure don't want feathers poking out.
So my day is pretty much planned. I have a few things to do.
One thing I am NOT doing is getting overtired.
Famous last words.
Blessings to all.
Sue

Monday, October 27, 2008

Awsome Responsibility

I have been thinking of a Pastor in Federal Way Washington. When he stands before God how will he explain turning his back on one of Gods people, one of his parishioners.

He was given a calling and responsibilities. He failed. Miserably.

What am I referring to?
October 2007, my son was facing the most horrible time in his life. He had heard the rumor mill. He knew the police were possibly coming for his son.

He began making calls, he tried to reach his pastor. He needed prayer and counseling.

The minister never returned one call. After several calls to the answering machine with Charles pleading for help. Not one call was returned.

Charles felt deserted. Has this affected him? YOU BET!

In my humble opinion, this man does not deserve to be called a minister of the gospel. Does the Bible tell him to counsel the people? It was NOT his job to choose sides. He may have an opinion, and opinions are OK but to take them that far was beyond belief.

All my son could say, was "NO ONE was there for me to talk to, My best friends are gone, my pastor is gone, I have no one." He would often call just to cry and talk. That was OK. We did a lot of crying too but we were there for him and his family.

He often would refer to this minister and say, "How can he do this,I needed him, I needed a person to talk to, I had no one".

Of course he knew he had us and his family but at this time you need a minister.

So Forgive him, Yes, Charles has, but to think the man failed, That is for God to judge.

All I Know is my son was hurt deeply, spiritually and emotionally by this one act of indifference to a parishioners need.

Pray for Charles that he finds that peace again.



We are to use the gifts God has given us and they will multiply, When much has been given much is expected.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Overworked again

I seem to make a habit of this. I am so tired tonight I can not relax. I went to bed about an hour ago, as you can see I am up.
Really up and wide awake.
Today David planned on completing winter readiness work. As we finished breakfast he told me to stay inside, and get my work done. I grinned and he said " You just can't do it can you, stay in while I am outside".
I smiled and told him "No, I love being outside and I want to help him."
So As he wraps pipe I clean the gutters. They were not bad at all, but in definite need of cleaning . One clogged just as I walked under it. I had handed David the wand to clean that section.
In clogging the water poured out the overflow on the down spout. I got drenched in dirty water. As soon as it saw I was sufficiently soaked it unclogged.
Don't tell me that was not planned. LOL
David had a good laugh.
We did accomplish a lot but as we came in I was so tired I was dragging my feet, (so was he).
I was too tired to cook at the moment so we ate a peanut butter bar, while I relaxed a while.
Finally I kept getting sicker. I knew I had to cook something and get food in my stomach.
As I got up I began my usual, being so sick at my stomach I had to run to the bathroom or lean my head on the fridge to settle my dizziness down.
David had to help a lot with dinner. He cooked the potato pancakes, and I warmed the chicken and corn.
I then sat and he served me, in my chair, in front of the TV. I refused to move, At least until I was a lot better.
Once I ate (very slowly) I felt a lot better. I even made a sheet cake so he could have fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
Fresh Strawberries in October? Yes I bought them from the field on the corner of Airport and Churn Creek.
As I stepped out of the car I smelled onions so strong. As I said, "Wow I smell onions, they smell so good." A young lady told me her mom was cleaning onions in the back room. I smiled at her and bought my berries.
As I turned to leave she stopped me, "My Mom wants to give you onions,"
Now that was so sweet. She handed me a bundle of fresh green onions.
I came home and added it to my salad. They were delicious.
The strawberry fields here are owned or ran by Orientals and they are always so nice. I often buy their cull strawberries for jam. They are perfect, just a little over ripe. I usually pay a dollar or so for a flat. Not a bad price for great berries.
So tonight I am trying to make myself RELAX. Not an easy job for me, as my children know. I am the queen of got to get it done.
As I walked in to shower I looked up, I saw a job I had to do. As you may know I replaced my door coverings, In doing so I had to remove the old decorator rods.
The rods were in a different spot than the new brackets so I have holes in my wall. I have the Spackle to fill it with and had every intention of getting that done this weekend.
I did not do it, so those holes were staring me in the face. I looked at David and told him, " I refuse to do that, I am too tired, it can wait".
He readily agreed.
Now those holes are on my mind, That and the mopping and vacuuming I did not finish. Oh well, I also did not cut our the backs for my quilts. That is three more things incomplete.
Well tomorrow is another day and a better day is ahead.
God is in Control.
I sure need him to be. I mess up when I try to take the reigns from him.
So now I will say Goodnight.
Must rest, I have a busy day planned tomorrow, I hope Darlene comes out to sew.
With her here I am more apt to sit and visit and sew.
Good night, OH I already said that. Btu again never hurts.
Love and Blessings

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Beautiful Days

What a beautiful day in the Lord. The sun is shining, the trees are red and gold. The sky is blue. What more can you ask for?

Oh I could ask to see my children more often or for silver or Gold but I have all I need in Christ.

Not all I want but definitely all I need.

David is relaxing in the living area and I need to be cutting quilt backing out. However I set here doing nothing.

Today was not one of my best days. I woke about 3 or so really hungry. I never eat in the middle of the night but I should have. When I did wake up, David and I lay and talked for about an hour, then I told him my tummy was growling so I had to get up.

I made oatmeal, and toast and bacon. I was so hungry. I could not get enough to eat. I finally quit eating as I had to be full, my brain did not tell me I was. I was still shaking. I did not check my blood sugar but it had to be terribly low.

I had to lie down, I made a to do list and headed for the bed. I lay there until about noon. I kept taking aspirin for a headache and trying to feel better. I kept saying "SNAP OUT OF IT"

At noon I finally pulled my self out of bed and got busy.

I had a pretty busy week. I guess it caught up with me. That happens every time I overwork. I just have to totally stop.

I feel fine now, still pretty tired but what is new?

The to do list, David did it all. He even had time to check his football scores and relax a while himself.

If I make a list of things to do, he always does them. I don't like doing that as I sound bossy but he wants it that way. It keeps him focused.

Tomorrow he will be cleaning gutters, that is unless he has to be on a ladder too much, then I will do them. I don't like to see him on a ladder. It hurts he feet and legs.

I bought him a gutter wand to clean them with, I just hope it works for him. You never know with some of these things but the price was right, 4.97. Discontinued.

Again Love that clearance.

So now it is late.

Wishing you all the blessings your heart can hold.



Sue

Friday, October 24, 2008

Yes it is Friday

What a beautiful Fall we are having. The nights are not cool enough, but I see where Oklahoma is expecting a freeze warning so I will think of my daughter in that cold and shiver.
Burrrrr (however the house was 66 degrees this morning.) Felt good after a fitful night. I always do that when I am over tired. I toss and turn and hurt.
I did accomplish all I set out to do yesterday, with the exception of the light. None at Costco. I will leave that to David.
Free tile? Yes I got it, As I walked into the tile store, I asked if they still had the bin, A young man took me to it. On the pallet were two full boxes of porcelain tile. He even loaded them in the car for me.
So nice. We will be using all of the new tile rather than assorted tile.
I had to make two trips into town, now after examination, I see the muslin, (full bolt) is not quality enough. I will be taking it back today. I do not like low thread counts in something that should last a long long time. (quilts). Should be 200 thread count.
After I cooked dinner, (eggs and bacon) I let my dinner settle. Then to the top of the motor home I went, to seal it.
I use a liquid fiberglass. Pretty neat stuff. I painted a layer on all around all the vents and any where a screw or opening happened to be.
One more winter chore complete.
I have my plants to put in and plan on completing that in a day or so. I am sure these pansies will brighten my front walk. Did you know Pansies will peek through the snow? So sweet to see their little faces peeking up at you through cold and rain. You know even below the cold and ice there is life.
No matter how bad it gets, as long as there is life, things are going to be OK.

In 100 years what will it matter? (My favorite motto)

I bought my verticals, now to get them up. As David looked at them he shook his head. He never knows what I will find to do next. I will have to take photos, (before and after) unless they look awful. Well I know what is next a Valance for them, they have a very plain header. That will come, maybe in the next three years, after all that is how long I have looked for the right treatment for that door.
Our neighbor tilled our garden under for us, What a nice thing to do. He has a BIG tractor, with an even bigger tiller behind. I think he may have been out there for 15 minutes. Now it looks really nice. No more scraggly weeds to stare out my kitchen window at.
David put all the water hoses away, He is wrapping pipe this weekend, and clearing off the walls of the garage. Ron needs the space to work, he is sheet rocking the walls.
Right now I am so tired but I have to get up and get busy. I have another big list to do.

Oh biggest deal of all. I always said I do not want flannel sheets. well as I get older, they are pretty good on a cold night. Keeps the joints warm.
As I wandered around Kohls yesterday, I spotted flannel sheets, regular 75 dollars for 15 dollars. I bought a set. YEA Now I have two, I don't have to leave the be unmade while I wash the only ones I had. And yes they are high thread count so no pelling, or scratchiness.
Maybe your Kohls has them too. Mine are snowflakes. Hey that is why they were so cheap. Last year patterns. I don't care, they are for sleeping not show.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Busy day planned

I have almost completed two more quilt tops, I must post photos, They are so cute. (excuse me Manly, they are for boys). Having Darlene here has been good for me.
However today, I am shopping and taking free stuff.

Free stuff? The local tile stores put their discontinued tile into a bin and you can have it for crafts or whatever. Mine is a whatever. We are using it to tile the garage bathroom. Hey it is a garage it does not have to be perfect or even great. Our friend Ron has worked out a pattern using them, Now to get a few more tile.
I have to pick up a bolt of muslin for the backs of my quilts. Then off to the quilter they will go.

I have to pick up a light fixture for the outside of the garage with motion sensor on it, That is from Costco.
I have to go to the local home improvement store and buy fall plants and maybe verticals for my kitchen and bedroom. Finally I found some I like, some that is not so generic.

I must buy pine sol, as that is something I must have to feel my home is truly clean and it removes greasy build up. That means a stop at another store.
Oh well it all comes out OK once I am moving my hiney.

I have a big list, List of to dos.

David just walked in and needs me to stop at FED -EX. See lots to do but it will be good for me to get out and get moving.
The guys are here mowing the acreage. It was pretty much in need. Not too many more mowing's though,before winter slows the growth.

I am thinking of redoing my pie safe. It seems so dark, Now everyone knows I like natural wood.This pie safe was made by my Grandpa for my grandma almost 100 years ago. It is HEAVY. While growing up, my Mom had one just like it, (he made it for her for a wedding present).
My Moms was white or off white and I always recall little nosegays on the doors. Tiny painted ones, I don't know who put them on or if they were stick on or painted on.
So I am thinking off white with plum colored background. Background as in the inside back of the cabinet this plum color.
Of course I will age the off white with a little steel wool to give it a well used look.
I will have to find nosegays as I remember them.

See good thing the quilts are done, Now I can concentrate on other things. David and the guys are bringing the safe up from the old garage. I can work on it in the house garage.
Warmer there and cleaner in this garage. I have not had it in this house since we moved in.
(One more thing that was on my to do list.)

So with that I should get moving, slap my jeans on and a tee shirt,tennis shoes and off I go.
Chat later.
Have a blessed day.
I love each of you so much. (Truly I do, I love my fellow man, Ladies too).

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Nothing to Post

Nothing but a song. My son told me he should go in and write excerpts from Stephen King. Since I quote songs.
Well songs are what I love, I hear the words and the words speak to my heart.
For example I am now listing to Empty Me.
Empty me of the selfishness inside.
Every vain ambition and the poison of my Pride
Any foolish thing my heart holds to,
Empty me so I can be
Filled with you
Filled with you.
How many of us are so filled with ourselves, God has no room to reside.
Time is short and we may not clean our rooms soon enough. Soon enough to experience true peace in him.
I pray I have my rooms ready. I try, but I often fail to really be open to his will.
It is Wednesday, As evening approached yesterday, I asked my husband if he was sure it was Tuesday, I totally lost Monday. Then I remembered "OH yeah we spent time in RB with R and G." Duh I just forgot, I thought maybe it was an extra day for us.
Unfortunately there are no extra days, not even daylight savings can add a day or an hour to our lives. It is simply a change for a fleeting moment.
We will sleep on, never realizing the extra hour we have for a day, then it becomes the norm.
Too bad we cant take that hour and do something really good with it.
Take that hour and use it for Gods glory.
That gives me something to think on for a few days, Maybe I can call that my hour of prayer for our country. God knows our country needs help.
We are falling away from the grounds our country was built on.
Always putting God at the forefront of all decisions made for our growth, spiritually, mentally, morally and financially.
Earlier this year a bill was passed to allow same sex marriages. Did you know the next day California was hit with thousands of lightening strikes. Thousands or tens of thousands. We had so many fires.
Now do I think that was the work of God, as in punishing us? Not necessarily but what if it was. What if he was so angry he had to retaliate.
Am I against this law? Yes because the Bible clearly says marriage is between a man and a woman. If God had meant it another way he would have created Adam and Steve.
Do I condemn my fellow man for living this lifestyle. No that is for God to do, not me.
But is this part of the slow fade? Black and White turning to gray. We accept more and more as OK. We let our eyes see and our ears hear things we should not, We are desensitizing.
No longer do we get offended at profanity. Men will curse as easily in front of a lady as they please. In my younger years, Men looked around to be sure no lady was present before they said One curse word. If they did let one slip an apology soon followed.
My Daddy made it quite clear, the boys did not talk trash in front of their mother.
OK looks like I had a post so now I can get off my soap box.
Now I better get dressed and make my bed. Darlene will be here soon. Another great day of talking, solving problems, and making quilts. Going to be a Great Day in the Lord.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

World Answers

Today my friend of 41 years came over, we spent the day sewing and solving the problems of the world. As our guys came home we told them all about the day.
Her husband, Ron, spent the day in my old garage plumbing, wiring, and sheet rocking the bathroom.
Darlene and I worked on quilts and blocks. I almost completed a quilt top. Mine are in big twelve inch squares. Hers are hand work and blanket stitched around. It is so cute. It gave me an idea for another quilt. Hey I always look for ideas. That is how I decorate and cook and sew, I imitate. The sincerest form of flattery.
My husband spent the day on the job with the guys, he has not told me yet, but I can bet he has a story to tell of today. He always does.
When he came home we ate, then he drove back to town to meet Ron and purchase the rest of our items for the finish job on the garage. It is going to be really nice, once it is complete.
Great news, I found out my sister and husband (my husbands brother) may come out to visit. I am all excited, like a kid waiting for Christmas.
Yes, we married brothers, My sister is 5 years older than me and my husband is 8 years older than me. She married the younger brother, I married the older one.
They will be married 50 years this December, we were married 45 years in June.
So much alike but so different. My husband is heavy, hers is skinny.
She dresses conservative, I dress comfortably. She keeps her hair well kept, I am a casual as I can be. Right now It looks like I stuck my finger in a light socket, I have it moussed and tousled. I have NEVER seen her hair out of place.
But we are sisters, and respect each others nature. Mine is wild, hers is tame.
my nephew called me Country,-Western, must be the southern accent).
I envy her ability to keep her cool, while I go in with both barrels loaded. She looks like she is still together after a day, not me, I look like a team of horses ran over me. Or was it an RV? (inside joke, My heart surgeon was Dr, Realyvasquez, everyone calls him Dr. R.V.)

I am praying for a safe trip for them and soon. I am loving company for a change.
So it is now time to sleep, You would not think you would be so tired after a day of sewing but I am wiped out. My eyes are tired.
I believe solving the problems of the world wore me out.
Or maybe I got to release a lot of my year long pent up frustrations.
Anyway time to rest.
David is finally showered and relaxing, I think I will join him.
Good night sweet Ones.

Tuesday




The trees are the view from my front porch and from where I am sitting right now. It is beautiful.
The flowers are just around the corner. They have the sweetest little faces. That is the flower bed I finished a couple of months ago. I cleared out the weeds, David hauled in Rock after I covered the ground in ground cover. (makes sense).
Today the wind is blowing quite strong. I dont like that, as my leaves blow off too early, I want to see the changes taking place. Oh well, I enjoy while I can. Nothing last forever and in a few months I will have photos of the trees in full bloom. The full cycle will go around again.
Enjoy the show.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Roller Coaster Day



We did see Retha on Sunday. As we walked in she was sleeping in her chair. She roused herself awake and yawned for a couple of hours. She said, "Man I was really deep asleep".
The previous night her heart and breast cancer were in a battle to see which could cause the most pain, (her words).
My last post said, she was not having a lot of pain, I have to change that.She now is having a lot of pain. She said the breast hurts so bad, she has knots in her back and around her kidney area. She knows where growths are in her body.
I say, she is probably right, as women are more in tune with their body's than anyone thinks. I know any little difference in my skin, any knots, any swollen knuckles, any change in eyesight, any thing, any pain in my heart, it is usually small, but believe me it is there. I can pinpoint it and so can she.
We had a wonderful visit, with laughter, teasing, and serious talk.
Retha does not think she will be here for her appointment in November. I am driving to Paradise to take her in. I asked, No I told her I was coming. She agreed.
She told us "had she known what Paradise was like she would never have prayed so hard to go there." (joke, she detest the town of Paradise she lives in).
I took her fried chicken and a Banana Pudding. I hope she enjoys it.
As we left I had my music on, Gaither CD,.
As they sang, "Too much to gain to lose," I lost it, and I was driving. Tears were flowing. Snot was pouring. (graphic photo there). I told David I can't stand the thought of losing her. It just breaks my heart. She is my sister. For all intents and purposes other than blood. She has always been so, so, It is hard to explain. She has been a good person, Made a few mistakes but who among us has not. Her heart was always in the right place. Always loving her family. ALWAYS.
She adores her two brothers that remain.

So the roller coaster. We arrived at Kens and a gang of children (4, baby could not run yet) met us yelling, Ma maw Papaw, and hugs hugs hugs, and jumping on me and papaw. We stayed for dinner, Ken made a mean fajita. (Spanish for something). He and his dad cooked dinner.
We had lots of laughter. My son is losing weight and looks great, I told him it was showing then began to laugh hysterically as I said, "You are like your Dad, lose in your face first, he always said, "Yes I get this little bitty face and head and a fat body". We then quote the commercial where the man comes in with a shrunk head, saying He had to go home, "Little bitty head here."
I had to fix that one as I said, "Not that you have a fat body, just a little head."
I think he got me back though when he looked at the photo of me and Retha and said, "Oh my two grandmas". I woke up last night and figured out what he meant, (I am a little slow sometime). He meant I look like my Mom and she looks like Hers. DUH!!!!

The children were their usual selves. Kiara wanting lots of hugs and always using her girl charms, Caylum ALWAYS SMILES, Jarod blue eyed and smiling . Evan seriously working the computer (his laptop) and showing me his smart board demo. Leila, so beautiful and such a happy baby. Her personality is developing so much. She has this cute turned up smile. Really both sides of her lips are in this up smile. I have to post a photo if I have one clear enough. She loves to squeal.
Of course we got several hugs and kisses and the inevitable dance scene.
At one point they came in from playing and I became my Mom.
"Have you been out rooting with the pigs. Your nose is dirty."
I took a photo of Cay with this dirt but the dirt did not show as much as I wanted. He was laughing but then tried to see what I was laughing at. So I snapped his photo. Therfore the serious look which is seldom. (I think he was trying to see his nose. Love those green eyes though).
Oh yes and Papaw got to sleep a little. So what is new? I said "he sets there and fights it"
Ken responded "he does not fight too hard as sleep always wins".

So my favorite quote. (wish I could find this poem again)

Remember me with smiles and laughter

as I remember you all.

If you must remember me with tears,

Please dont remember me at all.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Nostalgic

I am sitting her tonight a little nostalgic.
I made a Banana Pudding today, actually I made four one quart ones. We do not need to eat a lot and I am taking one to Retha and freezing one and I bet one is gone, as I hear spoons and bowls rattling. (David is in the kitchen).
So how does that make me nostalgic? When I was quite young, Maybe 19, I was watching my Brothers son for a day. He played in the yard and played with Charles. (Charles was about a year old)
The child was John Wayne. (no silly not that one).
I knew he loved them so I made a banana pudding. He came running in from play and said, "Aunt Sue you made "Cookie puddin".
I will never forget that day and the little dirty face. I still think of it as Cookie Puddin.
In addition, My younger brother, Roy, Loved or loves "Hee Haw" he would often laugh and quote Junior Samples, When a farm cutie asked Junior to whisper something soft and sweet in her ear, He said, "Nannar puddin". LOL
Roy Loved that form of humor and I have to admit that was funny. "Pickin and Grinnin".
Roy Clark and Buck Owens.

Now I remember my Dad too, he loved my Mamas Banana pudding, he liked it frozen. I am not sure of that taste. Too icy for me, but Daddy loved it.

I have so many memories of pudding, I always made it for family or church gatherings. It is easy and you make it from simple items you have in the pantry. I made it for Work functions, My co-workers loved it too, Especially on a hot summer day, take it ice cold out of the fridge and yummy. Cools the palette.
My daughter made it for her new in laws gathering. After one sample they requested it for every function.
All homemade, Nothing artificial.

So now on to our plans for tomorrow.

We plan on going to Paradise to see Retha. I say plan because last time we planned this I was not up to traveling.

Keep her in your prayers, she is in no great pain but seeing that cancer on her breast is so heartbreaking for us.
David is pretty emotional where she is concerned. She is last surviving sister. There are only three children left, (out of ten). His brother, Coy, in Arkansas, Retha and David. They were like the three musketeers. Always together, Always watching out for her. She told me her two brothers protected her and used to sneak her out of the house on dates. ( I am not sure that was protecting.)

Next we are traveling to YC, we have pumpkins for the kids and Halloween candy.

Monday we go to R B to have lunch with Robert and Gina, They will be up from Granite Bay for a business matter. We look forward to seeing them. They are our kids too, (although I am not much older, However David is).

So a lot going on here, I love to stay busy.

How do I do it? How do I find things to do? Well my sister and I were discussing this on Friday. We were raised by a very strong, strong willed, stubborn woman. We were told "Don't just sit there Idle there is always something to do." Or get this one, "If you leave a room, do not leave empty handed, take something with you and put it away." There were eight children so we ALWAYS had things to put away.
So when I sit I have something in my hands to work with, for example I am working on quilt blocks, (embroidery). I discussed them previously.
So we just see things to do. If we cant see something we invent it.
For example tonight as I made the pudding I also vacuumed all my living room furniture. It was dusty. ( I guess) I ran between the two jobs as David fretted over a Football game.
Yesterday I washed the motor home. It needs sealed and the instructions say, "Clean area to be sealed".
So I get the brush and rag and soap and climb on top of the thing (mobile home) and began scrubbing. It looks great. It is not sealed yet, as it was dark before I finished so I will do it on Tuesday or someday when David is here to watch me, not fall.
In case you wonder. David can not get up there. And if he could , if he got down on his knees there is no way he could get up as there is nothing to pull yourself up on. (nothing but sky)
He feels bad with me doing this work but I really do not mind.
Actually I feel bad for him when he gets down. I offer to help but he brushes me off and says " I can do it, give me a minute"., and he usually does, Eventually.
He reminds me of That old commercial. "Help I've fallen and cant get up". That is him.

A few years ago, he crawled under our mobile, and was stuck, he had to maneuver to get out. It was pretty dramatic for me, I asked him should I tie a rope on his foot and drag him out. LOL
NOT!! he did finally scoot out.
Again he has steel plates in his arm and that arm has weakened over the years and he has no strength in it. I am just thankful I still have him to irritate and tease.
Love him so much.
OK got to go, it is getting late.
Night all.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Funny to Serious

ITS IN THE VALLEYS I GROW



Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops
But its in the valleys I grow.

I do not understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross,
He went through the valley of Death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That its in the Valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And Help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But its in the valleys I grow!!!

I am not sure of the original author but a friend shared and Now I must share with you.
Sue

IF MY BODY WERE A CAR

If my body were a car, this is the time I would thinking of about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps, and dents and scratches in my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that is not the worst of it.

My Headlights are out of focus and its especially hard to see things up close.

My Traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather.

My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins.

It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it,
Almost every time I sneeze or cough or laugh,

My Radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Humility to Humanity

I am not sure what I am feeling tonight but it sure isn't humility. I am sort of down. I am not even sure why. I feel angry and irritated and bitter and overwhelmed.
Why? everything is going good. I am healthy (as possible under the circumstances) I am tired but can't rest.
So I guess this is just something I have to talk my self out of.
I have huge list of to dos in my head and do not see any way to complete them. I have to remove all the old caulking from the motor home and re caulk it. That entails crawling on the roof with pallet knife and sealer in hand and scraper. What a mess it will be.
I need to wrap all the pipes before winter hits. I need to trim the rose garden and the grape vines. I HAVE to spray the orchard with dormant spray. Notice I said HAVE to.
The tractor needs a new part on one of the blades and I think I can fix it to save at least a hundred dollars in labor cost. I have to change the oil in the tractor and winterize it. (Yes I do the oil changes regularly).
The pool will need winterized. The garden will need plowed under, a huge burn pile needs burned when rains start. Black walnuts clutter our drive and they are a mess.
I still need to put more garden cover in one or more of my flower beds so David can haul more rock over for me. One bed I have to pull out the cover I deliberately killed. It has died adequately to dig up and replace with flowering plants.
I am going to unpack my extras I packed up last year, for example my silver service, my candle sticks, my holiday dishes, and I am going to bring in my new platinum dishes so I can at least enjoy them this holiday season.
I am working on two quilts, I have a big mess in my living area.
I don't feel like cooking lately and to make matters worse I had to throw away my flour. I found one little bug in it and I got sick. (weak stomach that I have).
I want to bake something but forget what I need when I go to the store. Prices are so high it is depressing.
I paid my cardiologist today and that upset me a lot. Having to pay that much when I could have as easily done without the therapy. (OK I admit, it did help but when I saw the bill I really did get sick.) and I had 35 visits for the therapy.
We have so many people we need to visit. Get this, we need to get to Paradise to see Retha, Davids sister. While there we always go to YC to see our son and family. (it is only 40 miles further. )
We need to get to Seattle to see our son and his family, (been too long since we made that trip and driving hurts my legs) Yeah Yeah complaining.
Don't even get me started on Birthdays, We have four more this year and that is grandchildren only, not even considering a son and daughter birthday.
See my head is spinning with things to do and checks to write and places to go.
So I have to find my happy place. It will be there, All I need to do is pray a while about it and rest will come.
It always does.

I NEED a BREAK from hum drum days.
I need to just break away for a while and find me again.
Not sure where I will be when I do but I can bet I will be in a better state of mind.
I do not mind doing all the above I just see the list as endless. Not sure why.
I think I am just tired. You think so?
David is peacefully snoring away, I woke him to tell him I was upset. He offered to help but soon I had to wake him to have him turn the snore to the wall. LOL
More irritation. And he cant help it so I need to quit being a grouch.
OK almost midnight, I should try to rest. I took tranquilizers and I may as well ate a piece of candy for all the good it has done. I feel like I am either lying too hard on the bed or I am suspended off it. every muscle in my body is on alert.
So I need prayer tonight. Just if you are up, say, "Lord help Dad to make it through Mamas tension". If you read this in the morning I will already be up and doing much better. It is just a think we all face. it is called humanity. We are only human and without gods divine intervention we would all be basket cases more often.

True Humility

This week's promise: God blesses humble people
Content to stay at the back of the line
"God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
Matthew 5:3 NLT"
The poor in spirit "There is probably no living man through whom God has worked more mightily than Billy Graham.
Dr. Graham has reached more people with the gospel of Jesus than perhaps any person in history. Yet those who know him best don't usually talk about his accomplishments or the number of people he's led to Christ.
They talk of his unbelievable humility.
Several years ago Dr. Graham was interviewed on PrimeTime Live.
He was sitting somberly in a chair when the last question came his way:
"What do you want people to say about you when you're gone?"
His response took many by surprise.
"I don't want people to say anything about me. I want them to talk about my Savior. The only thing I want to hear is Jesus saying, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.'"
Then he bowed his head and said softly,
"But I'm not sure I'm going to hear that."
It was a rare but honest look into the true nature of Billy Graham's heart.
In spite of all he's done for the work of the Kingdom, he still sees himself unworthy of God's commendation.
The highest honor in heaven is reserved for those who least expect it.
The first in line to receive his blessing will likely be the ones who were content to stay at the back of the line on earth.
If you want to know the true strength and power of Billy Graham's life, look at his heart, not his crusade attendances.
God doesn't save us because of who we are or what we've done, but because of our faith in accepting his gift of salvation.from Embracing Eternity by Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins and Frank M. Martin (Tyndale) p 51

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Dinner with Friends

This evening we go to Clay and Marie's for dinner. That will be a treat. We were invited a couple of weeks ago but had to decline, due to me being ill.
Today they want us over. I look forward to getting out to see friends.
I am such a home body, It is a wonder I ever leave this house. When the weekend comes, neither of us want to leave. We say, "Lets just set or get work done here and relax."
We need to get to YC, we have two huge pumpkins on our porch that five little children would love to have. They each weigh in excess of 35 lbs. They can sit a while there, as it is cool outside now. Not cold by any means but cool enough to drop the pool temp to the low 60's. Burrrrrr
I am a little sad lately, I usually see my daughter on but she started a night job, or evening job, at a library. She is a "hot" librarian, (and I am quoting my Son in law.)
Well actually he is right, she is so pretty with big blue eyes and an adorable smile. You can see her at www.Theshadesofpink.blogspot.com . I have always thought she was beautiful. So when a person tells us we look alike I just never saw me in that light.
On Saturday, a cousin of hers, (on Mikes side of the family), was visiting here from Tennessee. As she walked into the kitchen I told her how nice it was to meet her and she then informed me.
"I was told if I tell you, you look like Sheri, you will say, "Oh no she is beautiful, I never see me that way".
She then said, "So yes she does look like you and you are beautiful." Ahhhhh
Made me feel good. So either Sheri I look 37 or you look 62. LOL
So back to the subject at hand. She is working about 4 hours an evening at a Huge library and loving every minute of it. This is right up her alley. She is a home school Mom and a Darn good one at that.
Home schooling, That word used to send shivers down my spine. It is a scary commitment. And it must be a commitment. It has to take every waking hour to teach and learn. We all, as Mamas do that anyway. Why cant we teach them about Reading writeing and Arithmetic? We can! She can! Not me, I am not sure I would have the patience. They know so much more than I ever did at their ages. The world is so changed.
And it has changed in good ways, (in some instances). We all need to spend more time with our children, Spend time teaching them what they need to know to survive in this world. Teaching them about the Bible and History should include creation. That is the beginning of history. They get this start early in life and now they are being taught, (as early as second grade) alternate life styles as being acceptable. We as parents have to stop this, We have to really listen to our children, their little minds absorb everything. Don't let them absorb the wrong information and find it acceptable. That begins the slow fade into acceptance of every evil in the world. We are getting sesensitized.
I heard a song by Casting Crowns, that is so fitting with today's needs. A song so old, yet so new. As a child I sang the song. Oh be careful little eyes what you see, etc.
Casting Crowns added new lyrics and made it their own, and I love it.
The Altar and the Door
Slow Fade
Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
[ Casting Crowns Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
Thoughts invade,choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
So true, People never crumble in a day, it is slow, it is accepting changes and slowly desensitizing our minds to accept it as a normal behavior. There has to be a limit on what we accept.
I think of my own, changes in my lifetime, While growing up I never wore shorts, or makeup. Not that I felt it was wrong but I lived under my Moms guidance. I never saw that part of it, God was looking on my inside and I do Love him So.
I was careful of what I saw, I was careful of where my feet took me, I was careful of my friend choices, I was careful of my dress, I was careful to sit like a lady and behave as such. Those things stuck.
Today we accept too many things as acceptable, Where did girls suddenly become people that sat with one let up beside them in a chair? little girls watching Mommies will sit the same way.
Where did daddies decide it was OK to read inappropriate books or watch inappropriate shows on television? Little eyes and ears heard those words and saw the violence so it became acceptable.
It just happened. We let it happen, we are in control of our homes and the little lives God gave us to train up in his word and ways.
Do not fail. Open your own ears and eyes to their needs. They have a lot to tell you. listen to them They have a lot to say.
OK I am through now, so you all my feel you have been at Moms again and she was bossy.
So what else is new?
You must remember when I write it is my heart speaking out and I am looking at myself, I see errors in my life and this gives me strength to overcome.
Postive enforcement for me too, Hopefully for each of you.
Love you all so much.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Ruby Tuesday



As I shopped today I looked for Reds, Lots of reds. Not a lot out there yet. Unless you want photos of cars or buildings. Na not me either.

As you know, Fall is upon us and I can barely wait until the trees on Victor turn their glorious reds. Today I was not so blessed. It will come, when it is time.
Suddenly I saw these two trees against a perfect blue sky. Too bad it was not in the country but you take what you can get when you get it.

Hope you enjoy the tree show but you must hear about this latest Ruby Red I saw.

I decided to check out the motor home for needed caulking. It is old, 1978 American Clipper. It is in great shape. New carpets, etc. (could use some work on the compressor but we camp in the cold anyway.)

So as I checked the escape hatch, above the bed. I noticed the surrounding plastic was crumbling. As I further inspected the plastic broke off in my hands.
Well good thing I checked.

Today I made my way to California RV and bought a new cover. (the rains will be here in about a week, We Hope.

Seems It Never Rains In Southern (Northern) California ...

It never rains in California

But girl, don't they warn ya It pours man it pours. ...

girl let me warn you, When it pours,Lord it pours"


As I began putting the new one on I realized I had to do some maneuvering. David can not work well in tight spaces so it is up to me. I really like doing odd jobs. Good thing, don't you think?

As I am standing on the bed, with my upper body out of the hatch, I realized I had a problem. I could not get the roller into the slot to raise and lower the hatch without removing the handle. Darn, I thought.

As I looked at the escape hatch latch, (say that fast). I realized it was Red, Now if only I had my camera.
There was no way I was crawling out, walking back to the house, climb back up and take a photo. You just have to take my word for it.

Oh yes, the hatch is now fixed and I stood on the bed, dancing,singing, "I did it I did it, I fixed the hatch, latch, cover." ( I might add, installed a new hatch cover in the process.) :)

I wish I knew how to refer to the original post. A lady that started this Ruby Tuesday posting. I love doing this but need to give her credit.
Help Help !!!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Blessed Sunday/ Blessed Relief

Today has been especially quiet. David and I cleaned the house, as in mopped floors, vacuumed, dusted, polished and cleaned mirrors or all glass surfaces. Now I am free next week to sew.

I admittedly have not done much lately so the house was in dire need of cleaning.

As you all know I have had bronchitis. I am so much better now, not totally pulled together but still able to issue orders and supervise house cleaning. (just kidding)

I made a great dinner today too. I cooked fresh green beans, chicken and baked potatoes.

The chicken, now that was a treat for the palette. First you use boneless, skinless, chicken breast, rinse off, then pat dry, coat with a little flour, salt and pepper to taste.

Brown in two tablespoons olive oil. (my preference). When chicken is browned, pour a can of fat free chicken broth over chicken, 1 tbsp of fresh rosemary and two cloves crushed garlic. Cover and cook until done. When chicken is done, remove chicken, reduce stock a little, and add, Get this, two cups of seedless grape halves. Reheat and serve over warm chicken breast.
Yummy.

Enjoy!!!

I also made apple dumplings, covered in Rum sauce. A lot of sugar for me but for David went back for seconds. I have not seen him eat like that in ages. He has slowed down on his eating habits lately but I guess this hit the spot. Or maybe he was just hungry for home made food that was not quick or thrown together.

Blessed Relief

As most of you know I have requested prayer for my Son and his family. The past year has been a long trial, but I never lost faith that God would take care of it, in his time, in his way. He may be four days late but he is still on time.

Josh was facing a prison sentence for a crime committed as a young teen. A young teen that made a big mistake and as an adult was facing an even bigger price to pay.

Prison for a nineteen year old is a death sentence. A Nineteen year old that had no idea of the outside world, other than what he saw or heard. Never experienced.

We prayed and we trusted. My son had so many days of doubt, so many days of "God is in control." Only to be dropped into his doubt the next day. He has been on an emotional roller coaster for a year this month. Admittedly we have, as a family all spent many times weeping our hearts out. I would wake to hear my husband in the shower sobbing. He was so hurt. He was in such pain. I would wake, put my arms around him and we would sob together.
I could not get warm, I was so cold I often sat in a warm tub of water. It was my chest taht was so cold. It felt like my heart was cold. Not spiritually but cold weather wise.


On Friday, Our prayers were answered. Josh was given a new lease on life. He has to serve one year in jail then into a rehab program. Thank God, is all we can say or even think. We all know prison can be a detriment to the rehabilitation to most people.

My grandson made a mistake, We admit it. We make no excuses for him. We felt he needed punishment but felt prison was not an answer to this problem.

We spent so many hours talking to our son. We often felt defeated. Like our words were just hanging in the air, not heard by anyone but God. We shook our heads in disbelief as we had trained our son, to be more positive. We wept for his soul. We were worried his family unit was suffering too much.

But God has dealt with our grandson for several years. He knew he broke one of the commandments and He broke family rules. He knew his Mom and Dad could lose all they had to help him. He had no idea how much Love was there for him. (He knew we all loved him He just did not know the sacrifices to be made.)
He was at a loss as to what to do. He had asked God to help him. I had asked God to bring him back to the person I knew before. For years we have watched the changes in his behavior, Changes caused by depression and the act he committed.

I had discussed my own sons sadness with friends, and requested prayer for him and his salvation. This was in 2004, I wondered if God heard my pleas. I had put a petition before God to make my son see the error of his ways.
However I did not mean this way. I had just put it before God,I did not tell him how I wanted it done. Certainly not this way. Not with my Grandsons life on the line. But God had his own way to wake up family. He succeeded.
This year long tragedy has brought us all closer to the throne. It has made each of us stop and realize nothing is forever. Our lives can change with the clink of handcuffs. A clink we never thought we would hear in our family. God knows the truth about our lives and he knows just what it will take to bring us into the fold.
My family believes that is why I have been sick for the last few months. Admittedly I have lost 25 lbs this year, but I am not complaining. I am glad, as long as it is not a health issue.
I adore my children and my grandchildren, This was my first born grandchild, the love of my heart when I held him in my arms. The sunshine in my days.
I could not rationalize the man he grew into with the baby I held. It did not fit.
Today it is a better fit. Friday I believe he lost the weight of the world off his shoulders. Thank you all for whispering a prayer, although you did not know the issues we faced, you were faithful to pray.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Quilt Finds

I need to start on my quilting. Yesterday was a perfect day to begin sorting and visualizing the quilt and pattern.
As I waked to my sewing stash, I found several pieces of fabric marked Fab 1. Fab 2. Up to Fab 6. You get the picture.
I bought this several months ago and had forgotten. Hey saved me a lot of money yesterday. So I wont count the initial cost..
So I gather all my projects up and head to Quilts in the Attic, a beautiful place to spend a few hours touching and appreciating fabrics. This store is located in Old Downtown Cottonwood. A town where the sidewalks are still at least three feet above the highway. A town full of cowboys and cowboy shops, Saddlery, Farm supplies Etc.
I could go to a much fancier store in Redding but I love this one. This feels like home.
Sheryl, the owner, (has MS) has handmade quilts all over the old brick walls, It has two tiny windows at the back and the entire store is about the size of my living area. It is so homey and smells like the seasons. (cinnamon, spices and fabric).
I take what I have and the ladies help me pick out more of the same, I am going to make these two quilts exactly alike, Not second guessing, Just Cut It.
This is an easy quilt to do as I can strip quilt it and Yes, I do piece it on my sewing machine. I can probably make this quilt in two days, but that is not taking many breaks. The hardest part is cutting out. That is hard on my back, I usually end up lying down between cuts to relieve the pressure on my spine. It is the bending that hurts.
So enough complaining. I now have my quilt fabric ready to work on, the days are cooling off so I have an excuse to stay inside and not concern my self over outside projects.

As I came home from shopping, I suddenly got really sick. Really sick. I called my husband and told him I could Not pick him up as I was terribly sick.
I went in to lie down and suddenly My head was spinning and I got sick at my stomach.
Without too much detail, the bathroom needed mopped as I did not run fast enough.
David came home and checked on me, then told me to just rest. I did until 530. That was about 3 hours of sleeping. He kept checking on me to see if I was OK but I was just sick. When I got up I Knew I should eat so he made tomato soup for me and a roast beef sandwich for himself.
Man I let him down a lot lately I am not cooking much, I just don't have the stamina.

Now for today, I just went in and had my hair highlighted and cut. It was looking awfully drab. The perm had reddened the ends and it was frizzy. I was not sure of the coloring as I still have lots of dark hair but Hey I needed a lift so today I am blond again. My natural color can be seen in the photos taken at my Sons a couple of weeks ago.

So that is my day or days, Not a lot going on and Now I need to rest again. I am pooped, worn out, exhausted, wiped out, done in. You name it I feel it.
Was I complaining again? Forgive me I am daft too.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Just Piddling

I can find more things to piddle in. For example I walked into the garage for something. I don't even remember what. Then I decided to look for a mirror I had hand painted a few years ago. (it seems to have disappeared).
I began going through my china painting stuff, (china, Paints, Brushes) I realized I had a whole card of Dresden brushes I had never taken off the card.
My paints are dried up, I dropped one piece of china, (broke in 1000 pieces) at least it was not my bone china. Although it is just stuff and can be replaced.
I then began looking for rose tie backs I bought at Penney's, I found 3, Like that does me any good, I still have one missing. I need to prepare a box of Mommy's stuff for my Daughter. Things I know she would use.
I found my old, 45 years old, first potato masher. That came in the house with me.
Last time I brought something old in David ran it in the garbage disposal. (accident).
Those are pictured on a post a ways back. A few months. My first measuring spoons.
I finally came in to rest a while, when I smelled something burning, Smelled like burned potatoes. I had not cooked anything so what is that? I panic. I began to run to the back of the house when I pass the oven and realize it is still on.
I had began baking butternut squash and forgot all about them.
They are nice and mushy now, Will make great soup this cold winter.
I chastised myself for panicking. That was ridiculous and I knew it had to be food I smelled.
So I am off now to take it out of the oven, (should be cool now) and package it in freezer bags. Whew one more thing done.
As you can see I feel so much better, guess the antibiotics are working.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Ruby Tuesday


This is my Ruby Post. This Vase has a story behind it , as does most of my "just stuff".


We were living in our first home bought in California, I decorated the living area with Red accents. (I guess I always have but did not think of it until I started this post.)
I had Red Ball chain hanging lamps. When they were on they created a beautiful glow. One day a friend drove up. He said, "Oh is this the RED LIGHT HOUSE?" It became a big joke to him that Sue ran a Red Light house.

Another friend was my pastors wife. Viola Yarbrough.
She had a visiting minister from Tulsa Oklahoma. His name was Bob McGuire. (Oh Man was he cute).
He often came to our house for dinner. One day he brought this vase over. It was a left over from a divorce. He said it would fit perfect in my home.

It did and it has for over 40 years. That vase has become a central point of lots of still life's.
It brings back memories of me when I was 21, and still having babies and life was much simpler.


Monday, October 06, 2008

Fresh Apple Cake

This recipe I picked up from Mrs. William Green, We called her Big Mama.
She was my SIL, MIL. Make sense? sister in laws, Mother in Law.
The year was 1967, we lived in a neat house on Kenyon drive. Our owners came down from the mountains one weekend with lots of apples. I could in no way use that many, So my sister and I wrapped them in tissues, and stored them in a shed behind the house.
During this time, we were telling Big Mama about these apples and she gave us this recipe. I am sure Lou still has hers, but for those of you who don't, Please enjoy.

Fresh Apple Cake
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour,
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 teaspoon good cinnamon
3 cups shredded apples
1 cup chopped nuts (optional).
Mix all together, Dough will be very stiff.
I bake mine in a Bundt Pan, a Bundt Pan my Mom gave me that many years ago.
Bake in preheated oven of 350 for 45-55 minutes.

Hint: To grate my apples I use a cheese grater. As I want them as fine as possible. Leaving some in chunks is also acceptable but does not seem to work as well.
My Cinnamon is Saigon Cinnamon.

Spices are one and only one of my extravagances. I love to bake and cook so I want real great flavor in my foods. Hence Good spices, Spices can get old fast, I had no idea they did that until I saw it on a cooking show. So to check it out I took my old can of sage to my DIL one Christmas, She had a new one, we tested. Mine was weak and not pungent. So now I dispose of periodically. My Daughter realized while here this summer. I had no selection of spices in my cupboard. She immediately went out and bought Italian Seasoning and garlic powder.
She should have taken it home with her as I have not used more of it yet. Maybe I should store them in the freezer. Good idea. Store dry products in the freezer to prolong their life.

Where Did The Good Times Go

Why is it raining so?
Where is the love I used to know?
Where did the good times go? (I believe the word is "where did the sunshine go?)"
And Mom just thought of another OLD song.

My thoughts were running around Grocery shopping. I have to shop or at the very least make a list.
When I was a kid, my Mom made a list. I, or someone went to Duffie Jackson's corner store and put it on her bill. When Mama's Social Security came in she paid the bill. Always Monthly.
There is no way you can do that now. All the stores are Chain and Credit, unless you put it on a card, credit is out of the question.
Not that I would want that but with that kind of shopping came real help, even to taking your list and picking it out for you.
I vividly recall being sent for groceries, I was maybe 15 or less. Hopefully less.
Mama had written her order, 2-2 pounds bags of Pinto beans. A head of Cabbage.
When I came home I had a bag full of beans, if I am not mistaken I was short a few pounds. Mama looked at my purchases, then began to laugh. I had tried to buy 22 pounds of beans. I told her he did not have that many on the shelf. I am not sure how many I came home with but it was a LOT.
Laughter began again. She said I wanted two, two pound packages. I was mortified.
With this order I was also to pick up a head of cabbage. (Heck I still have problems figuring that one out,) I brought home a head of lettuce.
Mama said, "I bet Duffie thinks we are the bean eating-est people he ever saw." For ages I got teased about that and Mama would laugh.
I wish I could have her laugh at me now. She would have a hay day at some of my mistakes.

"Blame it all on my roots,
I showed up in Boots, and ruined your black tie affair"
OK broke into another song, by Garth Brooks.
But I still blame it all on my roots, I began as a blond I am going to end as a blond. (maybe)

As you can see I am almost back to being me. Less a little energy and motivation.
I told David last night, "Honey tomorrow, leave early enough to go by Safeway and get some donuts and coffee, we are out of everything."
He smiled and said "OK" (that was right up his alley, a big danish and a half pint of heavy cream.)
Think I am kidding? No I am not, he loves that rich stuff. As rich as it can get. And his cholesterol levels are great as are his sugar levels. Me, I sit here with high sugar, and cholesterol enough to send me to the hospital for open heart surgery. AND I DON'T EAT LIKE THAT!!!

So today I am making a grocery order, so I will get all I am out of, (memory problem here) Maybe I will go. I told David it is according to how I feel, we may just have soup again.

So this is Monday, A day to renew this week to start fresh and enjoy the beauty that is fall.
The nights are cold, the days are around 70, and a chill is creeping in the air. My Flowering Pear trees (12, plus two that broke off in a storm) are beginning to show their beautiful colors. Here and there we see a red or gold leaf, tucked inside all the green. My big Maple tree turns a purple red and it is in the process of giving me a show, pretty soon. When it all is in full fall stage I will have photos to post.
The garden is gone, Gone, Gone, No more worrying about keeping it picked and watered. I see the rewards of my labor in my freezer and pantry.
Right now I want apples to put away for pies and maybe I can make a few fresh apple cakes ahead and freeze them. That could involve a trip to Round Mountain, They have apple trees and supposedly are known for them. In all my trips there I don't see it. But maybe I look in the wrong places.
This cake recipe I got the recipe from a Texas lady who right now would be over 90, but she is gone. However her recipe lives on in my recipe box and her memory in my heart.

I could post the recipe, OK I will in another post, If I do it now I have to get up and walk to the kitchen for my recipe. Believe me it is the most moist, cake you ever ate and it does not crumble.
You hungry for Apple Cake yet?
Will close this multi functional post now with lots of prayers for each of you, and enormous love in my heart.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

I did it

I had to call the doctor, I was not improving with a week of rest. Total rest, doing so little, barely walking outside.

Dr. Sheila saw me today. I have Bacterial Bronchitis. My oxygen level is low and I never, never have a bad oxygen level, even with my bad heart.

MY BP is very low, she said that was worrisome as when most people get sick the BP goes up and mine went down. 98/64.

I have lost two more pounds since my last visit in her office. (this is a good thing, I want to lose 5 more, that is it)

I am now on antibiotics and a good codeine cough medicine. Hope it keeps me down a while. (Lets me sleep more than 30 minutes at a time, before a coughing spell wakes me.)

No Ken, your babies did not give it to me. It was the school rooms. Dr. Sheila agrees that is the worse place for an elderly person. (Now everyone can laugh as we know I am NOT elderly).

Maybe next week I can get back to my regular self. I do not like this lying around all time.

Tonight I did something we have never done. I knew I would not feel up to cooking and I wanted pasta. David hates pasta or at the very least does not like it, (Maybe hate was too strong a word.)

So I ordered soup, bread sticks and one dish from Olive Garden. We shared. It was so good. I was hungry for soup. As anyone that reads my blog knows we are not eat out people. We do not trust anyone else for cooking and cleanliness. But Olive G sounded so good, and I could pick it up after seeing my Doctor.

Tomorrow I plan on waking up feeling like a new person. I am!! Just you wait and see.

Is it Thursday already?

Man how the week has flown, I am still dragging through the days. My cold has worsened so I guess the next call is to a DR. More medicine to take. I have used up all the Children's Benedril and take a lot of acetaminophen and had lots of rest. I drink my OJ and eat as normal as possible but when hunger is not there, it is hard to eat.
I can not move very fast lately. Seems my feet want to drag.
OK OK enough complaining.
I remember I am so blessed and life can always become more difficult but I hold on to the unchanging hand.
I want to get my hair cut, a good cut, not me chopping it. I want to get it highlighted. (yeah like that is going to happen). My eyebrows need a good plucking. (always do)
But my body says, (OH sit here a while longer, then find your bed. It is OK.)
And that is probably what I will do.
We are supposed to go to friends tonight for dinner, I think another withdrawal is coming.
Not sure they need me there to spread these germs.
In addition I don't need to add more stress to my body. I know when to say, "No sorry we can't make it." But then I have to cook and I am not in love with that idea either.
Am I still complaining? Sure sounds like it.
OK think on something good. Ummmm Ummmm
OK got to close and rest a while.
Chat when I am in higher spirits and more rested and not dripping sweat.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Prayer request

I drag around here trying to make myself get busy. I still do not feel great. I cough a lot, An awful lot especially when I lie down. It is so tiring.
I am OK though. I guess stress can bring a lot on your body or your body just weakens from all of it.
My oldest son is in a battle right now, and I am more concerned for his soul than for his finances.
I talk until I am out of words.
He is on the verge of losing a home he worked hard for, So many bills and no end in sight. I tell him God has something better, How many of us have to start over? Lots of us and it is always for the better that we do this.

On Sunday, Every statement he made I had a Bible illustration to use against his anger.
I seldom have those at hand and if you asked me now I would not even know what I said, I just know the Bible is there for our use, good times and bad.
How do you reach them? Anyone have any ideas. He has been in counseling, He has been reassured of Love for him, he is just so critical of himself.
Charles is disappointed in his oldest son and thinks the sins of his son are his fault. It is good to accept responsibility but God wants us to let go sometime. He died for our sins, all we have to do is accept it. Accept that gift as easy as reaching out and taking it, like taking a book from a table. (hope fully that book is a Bible.)
Please, Please keep him in your prayers as the days to come will determine a lot of his outlook. It should not but it will.
I have walked on the edge of this for a year. I have to quit walking carefully, I have to let my feelings out.
I am so tired of all these days that seem to never end.
All I want my son to do is speak what really bothers him and get it out. One time he told me what he felt was too horrible to put into words.
I am his Mom I know his feelings, I know what he needs to say, to admit. How do I know? Total perception of my son. The day he was born I knew him. As he grew up I knew him, He hated for me to look at him and read his face. He knew I was reading it like an open book.
I LOVE my Son so much, as God loved his son. I get angry at him and at this situation. I get so wired up about it I want to go make it all right.
I can't and I know that is what Charles is going through to a greater degree.
I want him to get angry at his Oldest son for putting him in this position. Heck for putting all of us in a precarious position.
I am requesting prayer for him, just whisper a prayer that he May feel Gods Love through all this.