Spring Already??

It feels like it, at least about mid day. The temp rises to approximately 71 and hovers there. A nice spring feel is in the air.
Yesterday I finally sprayed my orchard. I should have already done it, at least once in November but I failed. Not sure why, I guess I thought David would remember it needed done, but how could he? The orchard is my project.
I also started up my tractor and was going to check it out. I finally got it running smooth (sort of) then it died. I moved it again, it died, Finally I left it and raised the hood. When David got home I showed him the gas filter, it had dirt caked on it. Not a good sign. That meant moisture. He thought it was normal. I said, "NO Way". That is bad. I began fiddling around and felt a little gas dripping, Then as I moved the hose it poured out. The hose had been tied to the frame and with each bump it rubbed. The hose finally wore through.
David said"Call sears, they can come fix it".
We do not have a contract any longer so we have to pay all of it.
I pulled my book out, 9(under his protest). He kept saying ,"NO NO you call Sears."
As of now I have looked up all the [arts needed and will save at least 100 dollars by doing it myself.
That is one thing I have not ever done and we all know I love to learn.
Next project is put new gas lines on the tractor. Then on to rebuilding the mower deck.
I can do it, I know I can. All you have to do is have the parts and put them on as you take the old ones off. Bye the way it will take two lines, with a new filter in the center of the line.
I am going to summarize it also. New plugs, new filter and general maintenance.
I already do my own oil changes. I rather enjoy that part of my day. I had to train myself but it was not a big deal. Wonder why sears charge so much for it? Dumb Question!!!!
I may as well pull out the information on Davids mower and DR and summarize them.
I know he wont do it, He never has, Why start now???
OK I admit I am a go getter, I was trained to do things, Especially if I wanted them done now and right. He on the other hand was an accountant for 32 years and hired all our work done. That was fine then, in our days of milk and honey, but those days are over. Now it is Bread and water. Just joking. I enjoy my contribution to our home and finances.
I plan on continuing as I am. At least as long as I am able to crawl around under the equipment. Or at least bend to do the maintenance.

Wednesday????

Already? Hard to believe the week, and month has flown by.
David returned to work today, against my better judgment, but he said he felt better.

He drove me to Dave and Gwena' this morning at 530.

Yep!!! you read right, 530. We all know I am not a morning person but I did this for a friend , besides it is good for me to get up early (once in a while). Besides Gwena and I solved all problems, if only they (anyone) would listen to us.
Gwena was taking her BIL to the train station in Sacramento so I rode down with her. It was a nice trip, I just walked in the door about 1145.
We had a good visit and I met Dave's brother from Kentucky. Seems like a "Good Old Southern Boy." (looks like Dave, a lot).
I am home now and debating on my next move, is it to the living area or the bedroom, I am kind of tired, Not bad, just a little slow thinking right now.
Dave looked pretty good when I saw him this morning. He is always in our prayers.

Last evening I finished piecing all the blocks I cut for my black and white quilt. It is going to be so striking. I am now visualising the connection blocks. Think I am going for checked or Saw tooth, Not sure yet. Any Suggestions???
I then cut out more blocks as I did not have enough I pieced 28 blocks, 8by8. Not big enough for me, I want a full size quilt.
Lou,I will have two coming to you soon for quilting.
By the way my sister in Arkansas has a quilter that quilts at half the price of the one out here, and that is after postage. Wow what a savings and the quality and quantity of stitches is amazing. No scrimping does she do. From now on I am mailing all mine out of state. I love to make quilts but the price was killing me to have them machine quilted. I had to be careful how many I had ready to go at any one time. Right now I have three, almost three, ready to go. One is ready, two are almost ready to go.

So you all have a great day and Ladies in the south, Do Not go outside unless absolutely necessary. You will freeze your tush off.

Languages, Sleep, and Rambling

David and I had a restless night.
He and I both talked in our sleep. To begin with, As we sat in the living room he began to talk, I tried to get him in a "sleep conversation" but he did not cooperate. He did say, "She is Poor".????
He had no idea what he was dreaming. I was watching a show on Television and began to laugh at him, He grinned and said "I don't know what I am saying".
According to him I spoke a foreign language, I do not speak foreign language so I have no idea what I said.
I asked him did I say a word or two, he said "NO you spoke in complete sentences." Wonder what I was dreaming????
He said it did not sound like gibberish it sounded almost like Spanish.
He said he woke and listened and said to himself, "she does not know another language, what is she saying?"
I wont tell!!!!

Now for today, He is pretty sick, We all know David, when he gets sick, HE IS SICK!! He has a temp and a horrible, shrill cough. His cough hurts his hips, it is so deep and harsh.

Is anyone following the Caylee Anthony story? I am, or we are, I am appalled at all the things happening. On Friday when we heard the report that the grandpa, (George Anthony) left to commit suicide, we both cried. Tears fell unashamedly.
We are Grandparents and know he must be in bad shape. We know how much we Love ours and know he must be suffering a great deal. His comment, "I want to go be with Caylee and see her in Gods arms". That is EXACTLY how a grandparent would feel.
Mr Anthony is also losing his daughter. That has to hurt so much. However in his heart he must feel she took the baby from them.
We all feel that way, I am sure. When I watched the first interviews I was sick at all the lies that young lady told. Lies that were so brazen and could be followed up on. No help finding her baby. An entire month and that baby was gone and she did not care, or appeared not to care.
So that is our thoughts on that. I am sure we all have opinions.

I bought David Delsum and so far it is not working. Last time he had this kind of cough Delsum worked Great.
I also bought food for dinner but smelling it makes me sick, (so what is new) So I had a salad. He has not ate yet. Oh, Oh, Oh, besides a salad I had banana pudding. YUMMY.
Right now I am debating on taking a Banana pudding to Dave and Gwena, I make two small ones because we do not need that much in sweets and I had my serving, now my sweet tooth is satisfied for another week.
Debate? I have to fix my hair to leave this house, it is kind of flat and messy, clean but not styled at all. Not one smidgen of make up on, NOT ONE. Not a pretty sight !!!
That would have to be taken care of before I leave here.

I just took Davids temp again, it is 101.4. Not horrible but not great, Great is 98.6. It has been only two hours since aspirin so that is out until 6 PM.
Not to keep him hydrated. MEN are so stubborn I want him to drink, drink, drink. He is not cooperating, Unless I walk in and say, DRINK!

I have to Thank God for my own health, I have my problems but being healthy is one thing I pride my self on. OH I feel bad at times, (who doesn't) My heart hurts at times, I get tired easily at times. On a plus, my sugar levels are perfect. PERFECT When I get up it is about 75-82. IN the evenings it is about 111 or so, Not high at all. So my prescription is Junevia. That has worked wonders for me and I am not hungry all time. Hey I wonder if that is why I am nauseous a lot. Hummm something to think about.

OK enough rambling, I will close and check on my MAN.
But that is life, All in All I say, I am healthy.
I should knock on wood or something. I should not brag or I could get sick.
So I take it all back.

Rain Blessed Rain

Today it is raining in California, I hope it keeps up and I hope it picks up a little. Right now it is more of a drizzle. I want a downpour and days of it.
We need it.
The mornings this week have been pretty cold, On Tuesday it was 27 when I finally pulled myself out of my warm bed. I quickly grabbed a sweater and lounge pants to stay warm until the house heated.
So my plans for rainy days.
I plan on going fabric shopping tomorrow to start on a new quilt. I am making a bow tie quilt with a twist. I am making it Black and White and calling it White Tie Affair in honor of the inauguration.
Not sure weather to make it all white ties or some black ties, I will discuss that with the quilt shop. I am so looking forward to making it, I will post photos as soon as it is pieced.
I am also working on my embroidered quilt, I want to get it to a quilter soon, Well as soon as i can get it pieced together, The panels are mostly embroidered but it needs piecing fabrics for sashing and finishing.
I also have one in Red work of the nursery rhymes, it is completed with the exception of putting it together with sashing strips.
So many beautiful projects, Now I just have to do them.
Rain makes me more content to sew.
So that is my days planned and past.

Tuesday

I woke this morning anticipating the inauguration. I had big plans to set with a cup of coffee and watch every second of it. I did too, With the exception of running to the bathroom to throw up. I think the stress of yesterday caught me. I threw up about five times before I finally settled down.
I just wrapped in a blanket and continued watching. At noon I finally went to my bed and slept until 130. I woke thinking I really need to eat. I wake up thinking of food. So I ate a piece of bread. Great filler although not so great for blood sugar.

So did I watch the program, Yes I did, all but the few minutes I was running. I kept the bathroom door open so I could hear it and know what was happening.

I loved the speech, I loved the thought of those children in the white house, I love the thought of someone that relates on our level, with intelligence running our country.
Today is a New Day for America and we should all embrace it with as much optimism as we can. Think not on the negatives, but on what Positive can I do? Where can I serve? If you have, share it as there are many who have so little.

I would love a copy of the speech if anyone knows where we can find it on line. I want it in my paperwork of history. CNN has one. Shouldn't I? LOL
Did you see all those people? Oh my goodness, I bet there were over a million.
What a special day in history, Thank you Sheri for having the kids watch this , as part of their lessons. This is a lesson they will , NEVER forget.
Maybe not next month but when they are older they can say, I watched the first African American sworn in as Commander in Chief of our United States.

Waiting

As we all know I do not like to wait, I do not like to have my hair done if the hairdresser is slow. I have no patience. OK I am a type A personality. Got to do it now and if possible will you do it yesterday?
So today I had a doctor appointment. My apt was at 3 PM. I arrived at 3 on the dot, I waited maybe ten minutes in the waiting room, I was then escorted to the exam room. I waited. ( May I add I was the only one in the waiting room and only one in the exam rooms). I waited.
I waited, I was getting tense. I opened the door, I finally saw another lady being escorted to a room. I told the nurse the room was too hot and I had to have air. She understood. Finally I said, " Is the doctor even here?" She assured me he was, he was just making notes on his last patient. I was fuming. I was so tense, I wanted to walk out and say forget it.
Finally after an hour he came in, Again he was with no patient. I could have been scheduled for later and saved my time and anxiety.
At 430 I arrived home and walked to my room, took a tranquilizer and stripped down to my P.J.s I needed to relax.
As I sat, I realized I had not ate for over 7 hours. I ate a little soup and bread. I was too tense to eat.
Why oh why do I do this?
My tranquilizer began to calm me a little but the chest tightening was not going away. I finally took a Nitro and the discomfort left.
So what gives a doctor a right to do this to a person? I just do not understand why this is not considered Rude and Overpriced care. I bet he charges me for more time and I am going to protest.
He also is not my primary care physician and he wants to run test to check interaction between my medications, (meds he did not prescribe). Not his business.
I have to pay for any test he runs, If Sheila runs them I do not have to pay.
I refuse to let him run test. That is None of His Business, He is my specialist on the injury, Nothing more. He has treated me conservatively for 14 years and I do not want all these test ran.
He said he would keep the cost down, Like HECK He will, any thing is more than I will pay.
So I left with no test and took my information for my own physician to take care of.
Why do Doctors do that, Anything to make more money.
URRRRR I am better and thank God I could finally settle down and stop the chest pain.
It just upset me so much.
Poor David has to set there and listen to me vent and wishing I would settle down before I have a heart attack.
So that is my gripe for today, Now it is off my chest and maybe I can rest a little, tonight.
Love to all my friends and family.

Something Big

I have always had a dream of being part of something big. Really, Really big. So the time has come.
When I was about 8 or 9 I lived in the segregated south. I lived in a very small town with even smaller minds.
However I was blessed to live in a home that believed "All Men are Created Equal".
My Dad would weep at the inhumane treatment he often saw. He often reiterated to us, (the children) that we would NOT be mean or rude to someone because of the color of their skin.
We, did not attend school with blacks as our small town moved the colored families out of town to avoid integration. This happened during the uprising at Central High school in Little Rock.
My Dad came home and was visibly distraught as the local townspeople were going to hang our superintendent if he allowed anyone colored to cross the school threshold.
The schools were told they had to integrate, Instead of busing students out of town.
A lot of children came to Sheridan schools from different towns to avoid going to integrated schools.
It was a sad time in history. I was just a child, I could do nothing but watch and listen. Listen I did, very intently.
I was just a child that saw the colored and white water fountains, I saw the colored restrooms and white restrooms, I saw the counters that had no bar stools, No bar stools to keep blacks from setting down at the counter. I crossed a picket line in Pine Bluff Arkansas to shop with my parents. The picket was to protest the serving of blacks at the food counter.
My Dad marched us across that line with lots of angry men yelling at him for taking his family into such a place.
My Mom was heard to say, "I thought Lloyd, (my Dad) was going to get us all killed, those men were mad." My Dad had no fear of men. He feared the wrath of God more. He knew right from wrong and this was wrong.
In August 1963 I was married when MLK gave his famous speech. I was not aware of the events surrounding our southern towns. All I heard was the local chatter.
I have often wished I had marched on Selma and Montgomery with the rest of the Civil Rights movement.
I often wish I could do more to show my deep feelings about the injustice in this world.
So today I watched in horror as the media showed the beatings and deaths associated with human rights. All they wanted to do was vote.
I recall in Sheridan, My MOM had to pay a poll tax to vote. The poll tax was initiated to keep the poor blacks from voting. My Mom was a poor white woman who also could not afford to pay the fees to vote.
So as you may guess, the votes were mostly placed by the local businessmen and they ran the town. Again Small town with a small mind.
Today I watched in tears as the media replayed the entire speech I had missed 45 years ago. The speech in its entirety is something we should all strive for, A unity this country has never seen.
Am I an Obama supporter? YES I AM, I support whoever is in office, I pray for guidance for their decisions. I pray God gets control of our country once again.
Sept 11, 2001, was a day of awakening for America. We all stood together and prayed and the legislature stood on the steps and sang. What a moving experience that was.
But where are we today? Does anyone recall the unity we felt that day, week or month or months to follow. It slowly drifted into our past.

So have I been a part of something big? Yes I have!! Tomorrow I will see something I assumed would never happen in my lifetime.
Today I am in awe of our nation and our perseverance.
Today I am proud to be an American, Where a dream can come true. Where a man is being judged by the content of his character rather than the color of his skin.

Something big!! Yes and I will be a part of it.
In my lifetime I have seen segregation, integration, Ungodly actions committed against fellow Americans, and remorse for those actions.
What is an American,
One who was blessed to be born in this country.
A person willing to lay down his life for his county,
A person willing to shake hands and walk beside the poor, the downcast, the red, yellow, black and white.
One who genuinely cares for all people surrounding him in this big, small world.
A person that knows anything is possible with perseverance.
That is an American.
So Tomorrow January 20, 2009 and since November I have been part, and will be a part of something Big.
Something I never thought I would see in my lifetime.
Your Children can tell their children they saw this, Be sure to have them watch this historical moment.
This is as historical as George Washington being sworn in. A time to never be relived again.
As you watch, be sure to pray for this family and our future, The future of your children and grandchildren.

Ten Miles

As we woke today I began thinking of something my Mom told me, years ago.
When she married at 18, she had never been further away from her birth place than ten miles. How would we survive if life were still the same? I am sure quite well, as they did.
She was born in Sparkman and lived there until 1937 when she met my Dad and moved to Louisiana. She told me it was pretty frightening to be away from home, and the train ride was even more exciting and frightening. She saw parts of the country she could only dream of.
Mama left Sparkman, away from a domineering Father and a Loving Grandmother. The only life she ever knew. A life of hardship, hard work and living from day to day with income from her Dads fishing and little other work.

Her Grandma taught her everything she knew of housekeeping and cooking and canning and quilting. My Grandma, Her Mom, was not adapt at such things. I believe from all accounts she was pretty spoiled. Grandmas Dad was a judge in Beardon and she was pretty well taken care of so she had no time to learn the important things in life. My Mom taught her to quilt. Can you imagine that?
My Mom went home to help out her Mom and Dad often, She would go in and make quilts for them for the winter. She would help put away garden foods so they had food for the winter. My Uncle Hugh told me the one thing he could say about my Mom, "Lou could go into a kitchen with nothing in it to eat and make a great meal". That was making do with what she had.
I am spoiled but could I make do with what I have on hand? I like to think so. I also had a good teacher.
One to show me the way to make life easier on my loved ones.
One to instill in me, the values to last a lifetime.

New glasses

We had planned on Church tomorrow with Ron and Darlene but right now we are unsure. Not feeling so great. However we will pray about it tonight, (if we get to sleep much).
We had a busy day, it seemed to be such a long day. We stopped to see our Friends, Dave and Gwena, (They are in our prayers daily,) Dave is not doing really great, he has cancer but we are believing in a good fight. Illness takes a toll on everyone in a family and we want to be there to help out where needed.
Today we had to pick up medicine and glasses for David. Let me tell you of that little episode. A nice story,
David purchased his glasses a few months ago. He kept them in his pocket and they were the frame less kind. He kept losing the lens out, One day he lost the lens, LOST it, He called me from work to say he was late because he had driven all over looking for the lens. I was sure he must have dropped them on the street and they were now a pile of crushed glass.
I called Sears and told them what happened. The clerk immediately ordered him a new set of lens, (I thought). I told her , Wait I have not told you which lens. She said it was fine.
OK she places the order. A day or two later, David comes in with his glasses, The lens were in a chair at work.
In the meantime his new lens are on the way. We receive a call telling us the lens are in. He does not feel that is honest to take them, (since he found his lens, I agreed). David called Sears and told the clerk he found his lens and does not feel it appropriate taking new ones since it is now OK.
The clerk said, "Come on in and pick them up", a total New pair of glasses.
He asked what charge, she said "Just come on in, no charge".

Wow that was fantastic. He now has two pair of glasses and they are both his prescription.
So from now on our glasses are coming from Sears.
That was so nice of them,
I say Give Sears credit for good Customer service.
Don't you think?
Honesty is the Best Policy.

Soup

Yesterday I made soup. I am not a big soup maker as it never seems to turn out right. I am not sure what I do or what I expect but it is usually not bad but not good.
So a new recipe popped up on my mail. Michael Chiarello, TV Chef.
It was for Home-Style Minestrone.
I love a good Minestrone soup but I want it full bodied. No watery soup for me.
So I thought I can do that, by making a few adjustments according to my ingredients.
So here goes,

Home Style Minestrone

1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil, (I use olive oil, Light)

2 cups finely chopped onions

6 cloves garlic

1 cup diced celery

1 cup diced carrots

1 tablespoon Chopped fresh rosemary or thyme leaves

1 can Cannellini beans, drained. ( I used Kidney beans)

1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes, undrained. (I used Italian tomato halves in can)

4 cups diced green and yellow zucchini

1 cup uncooked small tube pasta, ( I used tiny shells)

2 cartons (32 oz each) chicken broth

salt and pepper to taste if desired.

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.

In large (6 quart) stock pot heat oil over medium heat, Add garlic, cook until garlic begins to brown, stir in onions celery and carrots. Cook 8-10 minutes stirring occasionally until veggies are soft.

2. Stir in Rosemary, ( I used Fresh thyme leaves) Beans, tomatoes, zucchini, pasta and broth,

Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes until pasta is tender.

Season with salt and pepper and serve with cheese if desired.

Now this makes a pot full of soup so be prepared to eat it for several days or better yet, have company over and make it a soup party.
I made fresh Challah bread to serve with mine. (recipe somewhere on my blog). It was wonderful. As you know I often get on a NO meat kick. This had no meat but it did have low sodium, organic, chicken broth.
It was delicious. I actually went back for seconds, Not something I usually do.

What did I do with mine? I took a bowl to a friends house with a loaf of bread. I just can not cook for two people so I share a lot. I love sharing and the soup does not go to waste.
In addition we have soup and bread for tonight so dinner is ready.

Our Hero

On Monday David saved a life. He has had several CPR training classes and wondered if it would ever help him.
It did.
David and another job coach were riding around and they wanted to eat something. The guys had no money so your dad bought them breakfast at McD. I believe they had and egg McMuffin.
One of the clients has a disease, where he shakes all time.
He has a difficult time eating or drinking or shaving and possibly many other things.
Leroy has often came into work needing a shave and the coaches will shave him.They often set and feed him his lunch.
On this day, he was in the van and as he began eating, He had to grab a bite as the food got near his mouth as he had no control. Possibly he took too big of a bite.
Suddenly one of the guys says "Leroy is Choking."
David turns to see him choking and begins to pull him out of the van. As he does so, Leroy is sick, He is still choking so David does the Heimlich on him. Food does come up as does vomit.
They have called 911, An ambulance is on the way.
David kept pushing on Leroy as he was going limp, and he sort of folded up. He was set up so he would not choke further and the paramedics arrived.
When they saw his normal condition they thought that was the reason for the call. David assured them that was normal for him.
Leroy was taken to ER and admitted. Originally they said, a piece of the food was lodged in his lung.
David felt awful when he got home. He felt responsible as he bought the food.
Today he was told, Had he not done the Heimlich maneuver, the food would have gone to his lung but it was lodged in his throat. A small piece, not big enough to choke him, but big enough it needed removal.
David felt so much better this evening, knowing his maneuver had saved his life (possibly) and definitely kept food out of Leroy's lung.

So three cheers and a big Thank You God for putting David in the right place at the right time.

Happy Birthday

Nancy, I can not remember the date, but David and I discussed it yesterday, I said the 11th, he said around the 20th.
So what ever it is I hope it is wonderful.
Eating out, Na not for me either. I love, love a good home cooked meal and friends over. I may do the same thing this year. I did it last and it was so much fun and gratifying. I served dinner to my friends on my birthday and it was enriching for me to give where I had been given so much.

I vividly recall when you were such a wee one with long blond hair and always in a cute little summer jumper suit. (summer of course). You were my second niece and I would have put you in my pocket if you would fit but Mama made me stop carrying you around so much. (oh you were not in my pocket but you were on my hip).
Oh let me add, you Hated your photo taken. Hated it and refused to smile for the camera. No way were you going to do something you did not want to do.
Your Uncle David would spoil yo when he came home for a visit, He would buy you things and he adored you. Mama was always saying he was going to spoil you and you would grow up to be selfish, Well Mama was wrong, you are the least selfish person I know. (present company acknowledged).
I can still see you the day of our wedding, so cute and Little Sis Pam at your side, you holding her hand. James was in a car seat. Only a few weeks old.
So Nancy you are special and always will be.
Have a great day, Kiddo.
Love Aunt Sue and Uncle David

Roses Roses

As stated previously, we had to trim the rose garden. It was so overgrown and covered with leaves. Plus we need to move a few rose bushes. (I planted them too close together.)

As a rule the way I planted would be OK, but I have several David Austin Roses. They grow compact and almost to the point of runners, (if you do not cut them back). Cutting back is not necessary for beautiful blooms but you can cut them back all summer long, into compact beautiful bushes.


I did not get that done last year, so I had tremendous overgrowth, to the point you could not walk between the bushes at times.


So Yesterday we began the project. Around early after noon our age was showing, we were exhausted. We had completed the two runners on the rose trellis, I had completed the lavender rose hedge, David had pruned about 7 in the main garden.


We had to stop. As you can see by the photo (sorry my computer is so slow I could not get it posted , You have to imagine) I DID stop sooner, I just lay on those warm rocks and sunned like a little lizard. Felt so good.
Today after sleeping until 9 we were up and at it again.

We completed one garden and began moving to the next side. We may have trimmed 8 on the south side. We still have a little to do, and lots of digging and moving plants to complete our back yard. However we are now debating on what to cover the ground with, More Bark or Rocks or Grass. Any suggestions?????

The redwood Bark we had on it has mulched into wonderful mulch. It is so black and rich. I pulled the landscape fabric up, as it was getting too much Bermuda in it from the rich mulch.

Now I have to put new fabric down and begin the process all over again. I have drips to each rose so I don't have to worry about water. I just have to worry about overgrowth in this great soil. I will leave most of the mulch for the roses but some I will move to another area.

My Lilac bush has put out lots of babies so I will be transplanting those, More bushes cant hurt my yard.

My Spearmint has multiplied to 50 to 100 times its size. I bought a 4 inch pot and it now fills half a 30' by 1' herb bed. That also needs trimmed badly. (so much to do so little time).

It is nice to walk out and chew on a piece of spearmint. And Yes, I do that and if you know David he usually will NOT. However I do get him to taste it, I promise him no bugs get on herbs.

My main project for the next few weeks is repairing my tractor, the grass is growing and will need trimmed pretty soon, That is unless we get some much needed rain. And lots of it too.

So pray for RAIN, California is dry and that means more fires this season. We remember how devastating that was last year.

Update

As you may have read I complained a lot with my back hurting. Not bad just a constant ache when I moved and then the discomfort moved to my abdomen.
I finally saw my doctor, I figured it out. I have Diverticulitis, I have had for over 20 years. I have had no flare ups in that many years. I think that is what is wrong, so I went in just to be sure I do not get as bad as before, (bad enough to remove a section of my colon). 20 plus years and it is back, (Again I think). OK Charles was 18 last time and now he is 44.
Sheila agreed that may be the problem so she gave me prescriptions for antibiotics, (if I run a temp, which I am not) and a colon clean out (over the counter).
Today I am clean but my abdomen still aches. So bad I can not lean against a counter. I guess that eliminates washing dishes for a while. LOL
I am unsure what to eat as I have been on a liquid diet for two days and don't want to inflame my insides more than it already is.
OH well guess I go one minute at a time.
I have done a lot of sleeping the last few days, in fact I just got up. I turned my radio on to wake me over an hour ago but fell back asleep during my peaceful songs. I guess I needed it.
The sun is shining and I want so badly to be outside in my rose garden. I never trimmed it back last year and it is almost ready to put out new leaves. I have to get moving on that. I hope for nice weather tomorrow as David and I plan that little job (28 plus bushes) for the weekend. That and burning our winter burn pile.

Movies.
We watched "Blood Diamond". Lots of bad language but a definite look at life in Africa as those people live it. Death and violence is an every day occurrence. I recommend it for the adults in the house, No children.
"Reservation Road." Joaquin Phoenix, Beautifully done, I felt his emotions. It had a lot of emotions, sadness, loss, laughter, life and forgiveness's. Children can watch it but it is emotional. You as parents must decide. I forget what little ones can see and not see. I think in terms of older teens.
So we have 100 % good movies so far, 4 out of 4 is pretty good.
Now I must see what is coming next. We will watch at night as we relax. Makes me sit and relax. David will enjoy them as he snoozes in slow scenes.

Bake day

Yesterday I made a german Chocolate cake from scratch. It was amazingly good.
I usually buy the mixes but I saw the German Baking Chocolate adn thought, Why NOT? It hit the spot perfect and my Blood Sugar did not suffer. I figured it would go sky high but today it was 81 when I checked it so I am good to go.
(Now if only my Back knew it was good to go.)
I will attempt to post a photo with this recipe.

1 (6 oz) package Bakers German's Sweet Chocolate
1/2 cup water
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup butter (softened at room temp)
2 cups sugar
4 eggs (seperated)
1 tsp vanilly
1 cup buttermilk
Coconut Pecan Filling and Frosting.

Preheat oven to 350, cover bottom of three 9 inch cake pans with parchment and grease sides of pan.
Microwave chocolate with water for a minute or so, stirring after 30 seconds. Stir until choco is completley melted.
Mix, flour baking soda and salt, set aside. Beat butter, sugar in large bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy, Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in Chocolate and the vanilla. Add flour misture alternately with the buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
Beat egg whites in small bowl until still peaks form, Gently fold into batter, pour evenly into three prepared pans.
Bake 30 minutes, or until center is done, (mine was 28 minutes) Cool in pans 15 mnutes turn onto rack to completely cool. Discard wax paper.

Now they are ready to frost, When completely cool!!!!

p>S> If you don't have buttermilk, just add 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk, Let stand ten minutes.

Frosting .
4 egg yolks,
1 can evaporated milk, (12 oz)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
202/3 cup coconut
1 1/2 up chopped pecans.
Beat egg yolks milk and vanilla in large saucepan with wire whisk until blended)
Add sugar and butter, cook abut 12 minutes, on Medium heat until golden and slightly thickened. Remove from heat, add nuts and coconut, Cool completely,
Stack cake layers alternately with the frosting mix. This makes a lot so skimping between layers is not necessary. This makes about 4 1/2 cups of topping.
As you can see I did not frost the sides as I could not get it to stick but it was fabulous anyway. Too much frosting for me so I gave some of mine to David. (and I wonder why he has a weight problem).

I hope you try and enjoy this recipe, I can't say I ever had a frosting made with egg yolks but it turned out the best.

Bored Bored

After a busy holiday I am pretty lax in completing my chores. Just yesterday I cleaned the guest room. That became my dropping ground for packages, quilts, pillows, and anything else I needed to get to (someday).
So now it is clean and show ready. We have watched movies, however I fell asleep last night in front of the television. I was wiped out, but the movie looked so good. Now I will never know.
For Christmas Ken and Kris got us a net-flix certificate. We love it. We have watched the "Bucket List", We both cried and laughed. Laughed and cried.
I also rented a movie from 1946. "The best days of our Lives". It too was really good. For someone our age. I saw the old sale signs, cars of that day ETC. This movie dealt with three guys that returned from WW2. It was pretty enlightening. You know guys go off to war but how do they adjust after seeing so much death and losing limbs. In this movie, one Sailor was a War Vet who lost both hands in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was given an honorary Oscar for his role in this movie. I would have watched it just to see how he adapted to the use of hooks. NO this was not Hollywood play acting, He really did lose his hands, they were burned off.
So that was our movies this last week. I have been notified two more have been shipped. I am sure I will watch them before David.
Yesterday I took my tree down, and packed away most of the trim. I have one more place to clear off, that is in the dropped ceiling in the kitchen. Then I am through for another year. As I was packing away I considered selling quite a few of my things. I just don't want to keep on doing this job. I will keep the necessities. (I must get my yard sale up and running soon.) I can use that money for vacation. I broke several ornaments, if that keeps up I wont need to sell or have to sell. Not sure why I could not hold onto anything.
Today is a day I must write a letter of appeal to Medicare. They said they paid bills that should have been WC. Not so, one is my heart surgery follow up. One is the day of my back surgery. Lower back, July 3, 2001. They are easy to prove I just do not want to spend my day writing letters and making phone calls. Total is about 1600 dollars. I can find all of those receipts, Now I know why I have medical records from 1994. I always thought I would shred them but now they are coming in handy. I spent last evening going through a file box, pulling out all my receipts. I wonder if they will reimburse me for the money I put out.
No Way!!! I will not even consider asking as I want this over. I think 14 and 1/2 years is long enough.
Now I best get busy with my letter and copies. Darn it. Maybe I will nap first I am pretty tired, my back has hurt the last three days, Like it is sore in my abdomen. Oh well the life of the aged. Good times to be had by all.
I can not complain, no matter what happens it can always be worse.

To Really Meet

Since I was a child, I have adored him, I have trusted him completely. I have cried out to him,
When a loved one was lost. I begged him to go back and undo what had been done.
When A child was born I looked on a face that had just passed from Heaven into our arms and lives. At that time I wondered at his majesty.
Who is this person or deity? He is Christ Jesus.
Do you ever ponder that one constant in our lives, our lives as Christians.
I am aware there are some who do not believe as we do,

so please allow me to express my feelings.

Today I woke to this song, by Jeremy Camp.

There will be a place

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always


There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face

As We lay in bed, I began to smile, as a wonderful Peace came over me. To imagine a place like that is unbelievable. A place with no pain, no tears, no fears. A place where we never have to say Goodbye. A place where all we do is worship and walk in his light.

It is only that one constant that can keep us going. We are taught of his presence from childhood, However we go on blind Faith, TRUST.

TRUST is the word my Daughter chose for the year, a word to think on, a word to proclaim Jesus power in our lives.

I have never met this Jesus Personally, I have given him my heart and life but never truly met and shook his hands.

I put my total trust in him. I know I would not trust a person on earth blindly. A person I had never met. Maybe that is pretty strong, I do trust lots of people but I do not put total trust in people of earth.

I can only trust what I have been taught to believe. Blind Trust. Or is it blind? We know there is something real, something intangible.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, evidence of things unseen. That is trust, We trust therefore we have faith.

My Son informed me he may put lines from a Stephen King book on his blog. (since I put song lyrics) I am sure I would enjoy it, I would read each word and look for the meaning he was trying to impart.

My lyrics often follow my thoughts for the day.

I can not imagine how it will be when I am looking at Jesus Face to face. I Can only try to Imagine. I am sure there will be unbelievable peace.

So read each line and read the message between the lines.

That is my thoughts for today, and tomorrow and forever.