Ending the Year with a Darling

The above is my granddaughter a few hours old.



This is Shaylin, at home, 4 days old.

I've been told the experience of GrandMother is like no other. So far, it's wonderful. I have the good fortune of watching two loving parents working together to nuture and care for their darling first daughter.

Blessings to you at Christmas

With the help of Charlie Brown, with whom I grew up --

May you always find,

All the warmest feelings of love and kindness both given and received,
Satisfaction of wealth in many ways ~ love and even money or whatever else it is you need,
That you will be kept free from harm, and if something unforeseen should cause you to fall or stumble, may you feel the love from around the world reach out to catch you and steady your step.

May you always find,

Blessings of Peace and Love for your Doorsteps
A Drop of your Favorite Yuletide Speciality in Your Cup
And a Warmth in Your Heart that never ever leaves,
I wish for you, this day and always ~

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Merry Christmas!

You are Only Twelve Hours Old Once.....

I have been promoted. I accept this new responsibility with great pleasure. I am so happy right now. It is just a place to be that is so overwhelmed with love and joy. I am a reigning Grand Mother.

Just some updates -

Correction on my granddaughter's size -- Shaylin is 20 inches long, not 22, as first reported.
Her eyes are blue, but she was just 12 hours old when I commented on this.
She is so, so cute, not just cute!
She is already on Facebook! In a Video!! I will have to speak with these parents to find out _just what_ this might lead to.

I will say, I don't get, totally this younger generation and the techno connection, but look at me here blogging, bragging and all ...

Today, I had to make a decision. You see, I have a cold. What to do about seeing Shaylin? I asked my sister in laws, and we asked a nurse at the desk at the hospital, and they all concurred with my thoughts -- err on the side of caution. (Grrrr, I detest it when I am right,)

So, I didn't hold my grand-baby or get to really see her.

I had driven down to The Center, with Madam B who (happily) went in and was crinkling with excitement and had no plans of leaving, even though I was respecting my decision not to go in, her mama would have to just suffer the grandma-blues, as she, OTOH, had an Auntie-jones going on, and was meshed into it like how pizza melds together in a hot oven. Looks like pieces that don't match in the beginning, and after it melts, you just love it all together like that!

I waited there in the lovely lobby for a while, then became overcome with a need to communicate my feelings, so I sent a text message to my son, "I just gotta look at her" ...

A little bit later, I could see through the cracks of these large doors that have to be buzzed open, some movement that looked like my son's shirt going back and forth. After a little bit later again, my son came out and said, 'come with me, mama.'

He lead me around this corner to an area where glass windows are. The blinds are inside. They don't use the room there to much any more because all the babies are with their mothers in the rooms for the whole time after they are born. (How cool is that!).

The blind was pulled up, and there was The New Mama, Auntie Scarlett, and Shaylin Nicole! It was just a beautiful moment. The tears did fill and over flow, and I did the happy dance.

But, we weren't alone out there in the hall! It seems, to our right, a hall opened up for a ward for elderly people, and somehow, there being a baby there in that window, drew at least 15 or so, people over there! They came over in little packs like a signal was drawing them! It was freaky - funny, but freaky. All smiles and amazed at the child in the window.

They were all uuoohhhh-ing and awwwwww-ing, and Scarlett said --when Shaylin would make these really cute little faces,-- they would all make *the sound* in sync, and so from their side, it sounded like a choir!

I told my son, "well, I guess this is like her debut?" It was cute. Twelve Hours old, and there she was, capturing a crowd.

It put me in the mind of that expression about God's meanings and what He thought babies represented to us, His good opinion that the world should go on...

And seeing these strangers there in the hall, Ooohing and Awwwing over this sweet, little baby with us, no questions asked, that's exactly what I felt. God's Good Opinion has been passed on to us.

This baby is here now, and the world must go on, so we may as well be happy about it, or be pegged for fools! Even strangers in a hallway know to be overjoyed in unison at the site of a newborn baby. Sounds like a plan to me. A really good plan.

She's here!!

All is well. We got the call.
7 pounds, 4 ounces. 20 inches.
Shaylin Nicole.

Photos soon.

We are so happy.

We heard her crying, and every time Mama or Daddy would talk to her, she would quiet. Oh, this is going to be great!

Texting!!

Texting during labor!! I love my cell phone! My son keeps doing a Mass Text -- updating us as things progress! All the phones go off, and we freak!

He sent us a jumble of the name. I think I got it ~

But the last text he wouldn't confirm, but the midwife is there, and we are at 8 CM ~

We are so excited over here! We wish we were there, but it's better that we are here, even though we wish we were there!!

I
am
going
to
be
a
GRANDMA!!!

She's on her Way....

I am so excited! Tonight, right now, my son and daughter in law are having a baby!! They are at the hospital. I should have some news by tomorrow morning. I know that it's a girl.

I don't know her name, but I can hardly wait to meet her!

If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle.

Vincent van Gogh

There's a moon out tonight...

whoa, whoa, oohooooo ~

Tonight, a "perigee" is happening ... Go outside and look ~ QUICK!

At this link, you can really see the huge moon, and read the story

A full moon has occurred closer to the Earth than it has done at any time for the past 15 years.

The Moon's elliptical orbit means its distance from the Earth is not constant.

It was a little over 350,000km away as it passed over the northern hemisphere, about 30,000km closer than usual.

That, loosely translated means, the moon looks very, very big.

My photo is not professional. But there you have it. My evidence that I did see the perigee event. Yay, team.

(I don't know how the moon got squeeshed in this photo below. It looks like a huge jelly bean.)

What others have said....

1. I do not much believe in education. Each man ought to be his own model, however frightful that may be. ~~ Albert Einstein

2. The magic of children is their ability to cloud our memories so that when we look back we recall only the golden moments, the sweet laughter and the sentimental tears, and none of the awful trials. ~~ Russell Baker

3. The greatest thing a human being ever does is to see something and tell what he see in a plain way. ~~ John Ruskin

The Power of Positive Stress

This morning my Stress didn't even say good morning,

it said, "I am so tired. Why didn't you walk yesterday? Why didn't you marinate the chicken? There is no lettuce. There are no refried beans. What's up with no fruit in the house? Your cat is eating tinsel, for pity sakes - buy some cat food! Did you lose the stamps again?! Your plants need watering, and why is that frog-poo still on the porch! Good grief, woman! Finish that coffee and get the lead out!

I said, "Run, Forest, Run!!"

Okay, so Who Knew?

In The Palm Beach Post on Monday was an article titled Online Sites Nurture Kids' social skills, by Verne Kopytoff from the San Francisco Chronicle. Its information came from am study sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation.

Some more information is here under Web Socializing.

Part of the article reads:

"Good news for worried parents: All those hours their teenagers spend socializing on the Internet are not a bad thing, according to a new study by the MacArthur Foundation. 'It may look as though kids are wasting a lot of time hanging out with new media, whether it's on MySpace or sending instant messages,' said Mizuko Ito, lead researcher on the study, 'Living and Learning With New Media.' 'But their participation is giving them the technological skills and literacy they need to succeed in the contemporary world. They’re learning how to get along with others, how to manage a public identity, how to create a home page.' The study, conducted from 2005 to last summer, describes new-media usage but does not measure its effects."


the in between part of the articles does reflect some of the concerns, but seems to say they are given more life than what they really have.

Here is the last paragraph of the article:

Although Internet socializing may not be a "bad thing," the full consequences of things like instant messaging have yet to be determined. For years college professors and business leaders have lamented that writing skills of students and employees have been deteriorating. I'm sure that learning to write things like, "OMG iono lol/well I left you a comment ... u sud feel SPECIAL," is going to improve those writing skills in the future. My advice to parents: see what skills your children are learning on the computer and encourage them to use them -- then identify what skills they are not learning and establish a program to help them gain those skills. I don't worry too much about the future and the affect that information age technologies will have on societies, but I do believe we need to understand what is happening so that training and education in the future makes the right adjustments to ensure that future generations grow up cultured and productive.

So, it sounds like - this is a real situation, the whole internet making friends thing, so then parents, now, it's up to you to find a way to deal with it that wll bring success to those in your family who are currently affected!

And then, before you know it, It's All Good!

And a positive day to you, too! So, there!

This was the message in my in box from Thought for Today -

Dear roxie

Positive thinking and optimistic outlook will never produce bad results. Negative thinking and pessimistic approach will never produce good results. Positive thinkers will never fail. Negative thinkers will never succeed.

I get it. I do get it. And I am a Positive Thinker.

What I have observed in the world of Positive Thinking is that it is quite possible to annoy people, who are not quite there yet, with your over positive assertion and drivel. (I am a studier of human behavior, as it is one of the most perplexing things ever.)

Looking at it closely, it may be that (some) Positive Thinkers don't give people a chance to process the happenings in their lives without just wanting them to move on with a wave of their hand, into the land of It's All Good.

I consider myself a kinder, gentler version of Positive Thinking (oh, aren't I just so special?). But honestly, I do allow people some moments of lapsing about in the land of negativity before I turn on my Enlightening Lamp to shine on their downtrodden thoughts.

I guess what I try to do, is keep the person steady on their feet instead of just turning on the flood lights and having them not really realize where they are. It seems, that sometimes, if you give people a minute to feel through whatever it is, they can find their way out of the dark, even if it is only to say, 'it could be worse' - which might not be deemed as positive thinking, but it's a start.

So let's see, how to sum up ...

Think Positive. Think Clearly.
Put the Gun Down.
Don't shoot the messenger.
Today will be a better day (yikes, or is that tomorrow?).
Check your caffeine quota.
Run, Forest, Run!

Respect your Stress

To deal with stress successfully, one really has to know themselves and accept that their self does know. And then, one must listen and respond, to what one tells oneself (one's self? themself?. feel like you're in a Kung Fu movie, grasshopper?...)

I kind of know myself, but not well enough yet, to totally acknowledge, and act on, my inner most thoughts; that is, I ignore the 'signals' that come from deep within, and don't seem to have learned to Respect my Stress or it's signals.

I still, foolishly, push those limits, and I have not figured out why it is I do that. Do I think I am a super hero? No. Maybe I think I am not worth it? I'm working on that.

One would think, by the time one is reaching the other side of their trip around sun, yet another time, that one would just readily acknowledge those signals out of respect for oneself.

After quiet examination, what I felt like doing was walking like Forest Grump did. Just start walking. And keep walking ...not sure when I wanted to stop - so, I figured I needed to move it, move it --

So, I did at least start walking around my block. And then increased to a mile and a bit a few days a week. And, every day I try to race my little nephew. He always wins, although it's funny, he thinks he has to compete with me, and he keeps looking back at me to see if I am gaining on him! It really makes me laugh.

So, that is one of my new goals in life. Respect my inner signals.

Respect my stress. (Truth is, I feel more like slapping it around a little.)

(I need to hone up on my Kung Fu speak.)

Back in the Yark Again

My hands feel dry, and I have dirt in my fingernails that will take a very long soaking to remove. I feel great! I've been working in my yard for two days. I love it.

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. ~ John Muir

I have no extra cash to buy plants or shrubs, so I've been working with cuttings and marigold seeds, and cleaning out my beds, which are a mess. (I think I might be rounding a corner on coming out of my depression.)

I really find a joy in watching things grow.

"Though I have looked everywhere, I can find nothing lowly in the universe." ~
~A R Ammons (from "Still")

I had saved a bunch of marigold plants that died after being pummelled by one of the tropical storms. I don't know why exactly I saved them. Sentimental, maybe? But, they were in a huge pile behind this park bench we have in our front yard. I think it was knowing there was the potential for life that I kept them. I knew they had the power to scatter and plant themselves, but I wanted them with me.

I broad casted the seeds in a few different areas. I've never done this before, so this will be interesting to me to see if they sprout and how hardy they will be. In areas I had cleared, I scattered the seeds and then covered them with some kind of 'good soil' that costs more than regular dirt at Home Depot. (I'm not exactly a Master Gardener, I just sort of wing it, figuring dirt and plants together, oh well, it's all good, you know? God does best with the rest.)

"Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art." ~
Leonardo da Vinci

While I was cleaning out one of the beds, I found a Cilantro sprig from a plant that had died, so I replanted that. I also found a little sprig of basil, so I got that in, too. I'm curious to see if they hold and grow. They both smell so good.

I have a bunch of small pots, so I'm going to put cuttings in them and some more of the marigold seeds. I figure it's better that than looking at empty pots.

I have some oregano growing, some spearmint that might come back, one tomato, and some onions. I'm doing peppers again this year, and I am determined to learn how to make salsa.

Also! I found a new caterpillar! I'll have to post a photo when #2 son comes back from the FSU/Gator game in Tallahassee, as he borrowed my camera. But I know what it is. It will be a yellow butterfuly. Actually, I have four different butterfuly species in my yard. I am such a sap. I love this nature stuff.

It rained hard after I planted those seeds, so who knows what happnened to them. In two days, I spent 7 hours in my yard. And I have a really small yard. I wonder, what in the world was I doing out there all this time!

After the beautiful weekend, we got that rain and now a cold front has moved in. I know, it's South Florida, so many people say, 'what cold?' and it's true really, but still - no snow maybe, but you could use a jacket.

~~Insert -

I must have taken a commercial break because this post and another post got mixed up together. One of those laspes where the neurons misfire, explode, and doing something totally weird and unexplainable. Never mind, me.

Christmas Shopping and Random Movement

Yes, I say Christmas shopping, not holiday shopping. It's Christmas to me.

This year, this year, I must respect the fact that we have - oh how should I phrase this - limited funds? I am so tempted, quite tempted, because it is Christmas to use that charge card, but I can't, I can't, I can't. I must exercise self control, but that won't stop me from searching around for some ideas!

My sister in law said my father in law needed some kind of slippers that were not so bare to walk around the house in (tile floors) and I found these --

Tired Foot Care Socks

They look really cool! I looked around the site, and there are a lot of other neat things, too. Clever little items for comfort.

When I turned that 'aging' corner - I began to look at all these lovely little items of comfort as my bone and joints began to speak to me. They say things like, "You silly fool! Do you really think you can run across the park with your nephew who is five without training for 6 weeks, and I'm not going to just have to rest for three days! We don't do random running any more!"

But that aside, I'm having to consider myself, in training (old people talk for "out of shape.)

More later, must leave -

Rendition

I have no business being up this late, watching a movie, but I got into this one. Rendition is a film in the category of Lions for Lambs. It gives you information, but now, what are you going to do with that information?

I view a lot of movies this way. Some people watch a film and say, 'what happened there?' And, I view the film and know, it's for me to decide what I think, and now, what am I going to do?

I can't pass any remarks regarding any real and actual truths regarding the details of this story although it is alluded to be based on the true story of a man named Khalid El-Masri (you can read the Wiki entry here, but warning, it's rough reading).

I read in one of the reviews of this movie that some people had walked out on the film because of the subject matter. I have no details of what exactly they were offended by or who the people were who were offended, so, I'm not to helpful to you there.

The story is based around a terrorist bombing and a man who is suspected of taking a phone call from a terrorist group who is reportedly involved in that bombing. The man, Anwar, is detained and tortured.

The story then reflects upon the reactions of the people involved and gives us a brief look at their situations, showing different reactions for different reasons as the story unfolds for them.

The CIA Agent (Jake Gyllenhaal) is experiencing his first involvement with *getting information* from suspects held without benefits of any rights afforded to them.

What struck my heart most in the film was seeing how the younger generations are just lead into the ideas of the older generations because, well, those are the ways
we live, right? Whichever culture it is, dictates their beliefs as correct on the next culture, right?

I'm not saying that any one's belief systems are right or wrong. I'm saying there are young people who come up and want to go another way than those of their elders. In some cultures, that is not only discouraged, but told to the young they are wrong and there will be no changes without serving eternity in hell.

In watching the film, something resonated with me when a woman in the film, the mother of a troubled young teen, says, "They don't live in the old ways. They live in the new ways." But the father can't change. He's too deep in his life and *the ways* and rules of that life. He can't put it down for a second to even listen to what his daughter may have to say. These people love each other, but differences cannot be tolerated.

Sometimes, the new ways, are not necessarily wrong, but, sometimes, I wonder, can't people see their ways could use a make-over? But, certain people in the generations have such a problem with change. They view any difference in lifestyles they were living, as wrong. It's such an old story. Perhaps it will not turn out to badly when it doesn't involve violence, hate, shame, threat of alienation from love, or, as I mentioned before, fear of hell through all eternity, or any kind of fear.

Some people may watch this film and feel like there was no character development. I don't think there was supposed to be. It was not really about these people. It's about what happened to them, what they experienced, and then it's about You. It's about you -the collective *you*. What you think. What you want for this world. What are you willing to change to make things better in this world.

And yes, we are all responsible for what is happening in this world.

Every single last one of us.

The Ducking Stool Game

Can you read Old English? I cannot!

This game is called the Ducking Stool game. You must save the lady from ducking by transcribing the old language. Poor lady! I hope the water was not cold!

Name all the Presidents

This is fun

Name all the Presidents in 8 minutes! Go here.

I got all but Seven of them. Oh, and spelling counts!

With God on Our Side - Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan

With God on our Side

Oh my name it is nothin'
My age it means less
The country I come from
Is called the Midwest
I's taught and brought up there
The laws to abide
And the land that I live in
Has God on its side.

Oh the history books tell it
They tell it so well
The cavalries charged
The Indians fell
The cavalries charged
The Indians died
Oh the country was young
With God on its side.

The Spanish-American
War had its day
And the Civil War too
Was soon laid away
And the names of the heroes
I's made to memorize
With guns on their hands
And God on their side.

The First World War, boys
It came and it went
The reason for fighting
I never did get
But I learned to accept it
Accept it with pride
For you don't count the dead
When God's on your side.

When the Second World War
Came to an end
We forgave the Germans
And then we were friends
Though they murdered six million
In the ovens they fried
The Germans now too
Have God on their side.

I've learned to hate Russians
All through my whole life
If another war comes
It's them we must fight
To hate them and fear them
To run and to hide
And accept it all bravely
With God on my side.

But now we got weapons
Of the chemical dust
If fire them we're forced to
Then fire them we must
One push of the button
And a shot the world wide
And you never ask questions
When God's on your side.

In a many dark hour
I've been thinkin' about this
That Jesus Christ
Was betrayed by a kiss
But I can't think for you
You'll have to decide
Whether Judas Iscariot
Had God on his side.

So now as I'm leavin'
I'm weary as Hell
The confusion I'm feelin'
Ain't no tongue can tell
The words fill my head
And fall to the floor
If God's on our side
He'll stop the next war.

The Huge Extra Large Traveling Turkey* and Math

The Thanksgiving Turkey is 24 pounds. (Was, by now)

I am not (did not, by now) cooking it.

It has been (was) defrosting in my refrigerator for three days (three people handled the defrost and the cleaning of this huge bird).

My mother originally bought it and couldn't fit it in her freezer, so it came to my freezer, then my 'fridge. Today, my mother in law came over and got it and washed it out, after Mr B and I spent time soaking it and moving it. Tomorrow, it will go (or today it went) over to my sister in law's (we hired a crane company)

and she will cook it in her convection oven. The magic oven. They magically move hot air differently than regular ovens. Side to side, instead of up and down? I dunno.

We have no idea how long it will take to cook this Ginormous Turkey. I have Googled for the information, but it doesn't seem to be consistent across the world. According to Hoyle (not really him, as he refers to cards not turkeys), it might take about 6 hours, or 4. It will be in a bag, and that is supposed to adjust the time.

Now - here is where the story took some other turns regarding THELTT*:

1. My mother in law said 4 hours. But, for a regular oven is 4 hours a magic oven 4 hours? Okay, Google says '20 per cent' less time. 20 per cent of 4 hours is what? One hour and a half? Okay, so,

2. I said 3 hours, guessing convection time. Get the bird in by 1:30, so we can eat at 5:30 (which is not 3 but 4, but I didn't have faith in the unknown magic oven), but it was already 1 in the afternoon, and the bird was still at my house at that time, and needing to be transported to her house. But, my sister in law, who is, now we know, worse at math than I am, said,

3. No problem because "10 minutes per pound, 24 pounds, 250 minutes, so that's two and a half hours"...uh,

4. Not.

So, I was at her house for coffee around noon, without the Turkey that Mr. B was going to bring but didn't (for reasons to complicated to mention, but it all had to do with that awful math),

I had go over to pick up the Pork Loin, that I needed to cook, which was at her house, and she ended up following me home to get the turkey from my house to take to her house to cook, and bring the pork loin

because when I left, she had given me so many other things to cook because THELTT* was too big to allow anything else to fit in her oven, and I because I had so much stuff, I forgot to take the Pork Loin. That was at 2 something in the afternoon?

So, I got all that stuff in my oven, and my mother in law's oven, and things in crock pots, and decided to rest for 20 minutes, and then,

my phone rang at 4:45, and I heard my name whispered dramatically on the other end, the dark humorous Murphy's law abiding side of me emerged, and I started laughing..."Is it the turkey?" I just knew. There was no way, just no way, any oven was that magic.

My sister in law is on the other end sounding so despondent.

"I'm so bad at math," she said. I could tell she felt badly, but I was laughing, 'just don't worry about it. You know, we'll deal.'

Crazy as this may sound, I was almost glad that 'something' had indeed gone awry because now it was done, and we could be normal people the rest of the night! (We both ended up laughing hysterically.)

To make a long story a fable, I can't think of one for this, so you are on your own for that --
But all the food was ready, gathered around the Turkey, which was in the oven, taking up it's big space ...

Everyone was was really hungry, most of us hadn't had lunch, so we played cards and ate chips until

FINALLY --

the HUGE Extra Large Traveling Turkey was done!! It took about 4 hours? Dunno. We took it out around 7 'ish? --

It was all good. We finished eating at 8:30.

Curiosity ~ only bad for cats

The important thing is to not stop questioning.

Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality.

It is enough if one merely tries to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity. --Albert Einstein

Twilight The Movie

No, I haven't seen it. Madam B is on her way there now with her cousins and a couple of friends. They are so excited.

I know it is so incredibly hyped! The "stars" of the film are everywhere!

I was talking to one of the librarians the other day and she told me that Stephanie Meyers hit the magic combination with teenagers and vampires. She said she can't keep vampire books in the library! She going to the show tonight, too!

Oh well, I'll be hearing all about it in a couple of hours!

An American Tune

This song struck a chord with me today, as times are tough for many. My heart is full of prayers for my family and friends and others I don't know who are in need of employment.

We come in the age's most uncertain hours, and sing an American tune...

Others have gone before us in times, history tells us, that are more uncertain than these, and they have prevailed. I know, as a people in this country, we don't agree on every issue of politics. But, surely we can come together to pray for those in need of jobs. Having a job and taking care of your family without fear of living on the street, that's not such a bad American Dream.

I understand in my heart that things could always be worse, and I am greatful to God that I live in America where I ask, as the Psalmist, for neither proverty or riches, but just my daily bread.

Some truth this morning

Truth

The power of Truth is such that you need never be concerned about proving it. You need only be concerned with being it and living it. Truth is always revealed, at the right moment, at the right place.

...from a Thought for Today Website

Truth is truth
To the end of reckoning.

~~William Shakespeare (Measure for Measure)

I think what we have about Truth, is the inability to change it. Truth stands however long it has to, it will always be what it is, and not what you want it to be, until the end of time.

Look! Up in the sky...

This evening we watched the Space Shuttle Launch from our front yard.

I still find it amazing that we are sending a shuttle into the heavens to hook up with a space station out in the universe somewhere, and, I'm really not sure why we do this.

So, like anybody who wants to know something _right now_, I googled it. And this was one answer:

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by loss of bone tissue mass, which affects a large portion of the American public. Astronauts in space for a long duration also experience an accelerated form of this disease. Space station research focuses on finding methods of preventing bone demineralization on space flights as well as finding treatments for those affected by osteoporosis.

Huh? There is an acceleration of research on osteoporosis because the Astronauts get it? Okay. Well. I am sure it is beyond my understanding, as are many things that human beans propose to do and say.

Here's another one here that explains a few more benefits. I'm still not convinced we need this.

I read some of the comments regarding the launch and many, many people are excited about it. I have mixed feelings about it. I think all things are relative to what is going on at the time, and at this time, I think it might be more relevant to look around and straighten out and tend to some things right here on the planet. But, hey, that's just me.

George Eliot Quote

.....If we had a keen vision of all ordinary life, it would be like hearing the grass grow or the squirrel's heart beat, and we should die of the roar which lies on the other side of silence. As it is the quickest of us walk about well-wadded with stupidity. ~~ George Eliot

George Eliot, is indeed quite interesting. You can read some about her here in this Wikipedia entry.

A list of her novels is here.


The Soul and How I am seeing it.
~~George Eliot

It seems strange that man has been so slow to
accept the soul as the very essence of man.
The body is as a remote controlled car which
the soul directs with cameras and other sensors
mounted on it, allowing the controller to perceive
from the cars perspective. The problem becomes
that the controller has forgotten that he has
another body and that body needs to be cared for.
The car has some programmed functions but is totally
dependent on the soul.

When the car crashes or the batteries die, the soul
just keeps working the controls with no results.
He needs a tap on the shoulder to remind him of
his other body. When the car rests (charges) he goes
about in what he thinks are dreams, then returns
forgetting all. The soul has much greater abilities
than the car and that eternal life.

No Cookie for You

When I heard Katie Couric tonight say that Bake Sales were against the law now in California due to the rising percentage of obesity in children, I laughed out loud. I am sorry. This is ludicrous. And that is not a rock singer.

The incident she was reporting about was this one. I think one of the kids made a great point:

“I know obesity is a big problem, and it’s good the school cares,” said Sam Cardoza, a senior who briefly became a successful entrepreneur last year when chocolate chip cookies were banned from the cafeteria. “At the same time, you shouldn’t stop a kid from buying a cookie.”

The problem, of course, is never as simple as it's presented though, is it? Kids are fatter, so let's not let them have cookies? I don't think so myself. I know plenty of kids, including mine, who ate cookies all their lives and don't have a weight problem.

It's not the cookies. It's not the sweets at the Bake Sales. Well, what is it then!!? Maybe it could be too many trips through the fast food lane? Or, Maybe it's as simple as science! Energy in...does not match energy out.

I know people try to break it down into groups of facts like:
You must eat
'the right foods'
'low fat foods'
'natural foods'
'no junk foods'
'healthy foods',
'etc.'
'more raw foods'
and yes, all those things play a part. But still - a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. If you eat 3500 calories more than you burn, you will gain a pound. You have to move people!

And, I will tell you true, you better start getting in the habit of moving before you get too old! That metabolism of ours -s-l-o-w-s- down, as we age!

But still, I like this idea from the article:

In Berkeley, birthplace of California cuisine, food served at school is free of bovine growth hormones, irradiation, hydrogenated oils and known genetic modification.

And the idea that the schools or the states or the federal government or whoever had it, about taking physical activity out of the school day? That was dumb. Just plain dumb.

So basically, if you give a mouse a cookie, he's got to move it, move it, he's got to move it, move it ...

Veterans Day

I love the Google Icon today. I'm sure this is only for today that it will be there.

But to the Veterans, I salute you.

Just a thought

Self Manage

There is a huge hole in the heart of all our educations. It is where the skills and abilities of self-management should be. No one teaches us how to manage our thoughts, feelings, attitudes and behaviour, so we find it hard to manage the four Rs – relationships, roles, responsibilities and resources. So let’s get started. Consciously choose the quality of your thoughts today – accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative and clean up the waste. Everything, which means everything in your life, begins with your thoughts

~~From Thought for Today Website

I wonder how many parents talk with their children about what they think, the ideas they come up with and where they got them. I wonder how many parents have the time these days to discuss with children how they feel about things, how they perceive things.

I don't remember this type of discussion during my childhood at all. But I do enjoy this type of discussion with my children.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

In the middle of reading the Constitution, I decided to look up recipes.

I love food blogs and found this one called Make Food Not War,

which featured a recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins! What a great idea for Fall! I love chocolate chips in anything.

So, guess what I'm making for the Thanksgiving Family Feast! Yum! I'll probably try substituting brown sugar for white and maybe try applesause instead of oil, as I do that in Banana Bread and it works out fine.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 - 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease and flour the pan or use paper liners.

Mix sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin, and water together in a bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spice, salt, and chocolate chips. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir just until blended. Do not overmix.

Pour into muffin tins and bake 20-25 minutes.

African Proverb

Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up.
It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning a lion wakes up.
It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death.
It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle,
When the sun comes up, you better start running.

That. Is. Thought Provoking.

I found this proverb in a book by Thomas L. Friedman called, The World Is Flat. Very interesting read.

The Preamble

WE the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

I can recite the Preamble from memory.

But I am really not sure how much of The United States Constitution I really know!

So I am reading it here.

I have no idea how long this is going to take me.

What kind of a Muffin are You?

You Are a Blueberry Muffin

You are a nurturing, domestic, homey person. Of all the types, you are the most likely to make your own muffins at home. You don't like to rock the boat, and you're most content when you're making everyone else happy. You are very loyal. You'll defend your family and friends, even if you secretly disapprove of what they're doing. You tend to be a bit shy and withdrawn. You don't make friends quickly or easily. But once you do make a good friend, the chances are high that you'll be friends for life.

What Kind of Muffin Are You?

Well, I like nuts in my muffins. Blueberry is good, but chocolate chips are great! I'm not sure how I scored Blueberry, but oh well, that's today's Muffin Test!

"What are you doing?"

#1 son came in and asked us that this morning.
We said, "Cleaning out the back of the refrigerator."
"What's back there?" he asked.
"Another country" I answered.

One would have to live on a dirt road to understand the automatic accumulation of dust and dirt that can migrate into a home. In spaces and places one would not venture thought to find a settling of God's earth in one's home.

But, anyway, that task is done! And Yay!

I'm back to Flylady's first chore - the shiny sink. I give Flylady the highest of recommendations. If anyone is having a problem scheduling the house keeping because you are too tired or too busy or too stressed to even know where to start (all of those apply to me), Flylady can get you going.

If I follow her daily load of wash suggestion - in and out - life stays a lot easier. I find I used to spend my Saturdays totally doing loads of laundry. I would find an old Lifetime movie on the telly, something sappy, and do the laundry all day. But, with the load a day method during the week, I rarely have to do laundry on the weekends, unless I decide to do that chore. That is one thing I found really freeing.

I, also, like the timer routine. Set the timer for 15 minutes for a task, when it rings you walk away and go on to something else. Eventually, you are cycling around your entire house on a regular basis, and the tasks become easier and quicker.

It just becomes easier to see an actual end, although there really is never an end, it becomes an order one can measure in their mind. Actually, I think that is a kind of a Francis Bacon thing --

Do not overwork the mind any more than the body; do everything with moderation.

Election Day - 2008

Regardless of how the vote turns out - and I am not feeling that Senator Obama has secured the vote, even though it may appear so, according to some pundits - anything can happen (legal or illegal, sad to say)

but regardless, this day will go down in history. First Black Man in the White House, or First Woman is the White House. Historical.

I sure hope everyone who had the right to vote, did vote! We need unprecedented numbers in this election.

Stretching the Truthiness

Why is it that people who run for political office in this here, the United States of America, feel that they must exaggerate, embellish, or just plain lie to the people of this country? Check out Fact Check: The Myths that won't go away.

Doesn't it just help keep us dumber to think that this is the way we have to be addressed? How boring it is to sort through the spin of words that spew freely out of the mouths of otherwise, seemingly, intelligent people. It gives me a headache.

They should all be ashamed of themselves. I am tired of tit-for-tat. I am tired of being treated like I can't hear the truth and deal with it. Just give me a chance.

A Story about Canvassing

The title of the article is My Wife Made Me Canvass for Obama; Here's What I Learned
I read this on the Yahoo News page. It made me smile.

I like life when people get more out of things than they expected.

When was the last time you smiled?

Smiling! Smiling, according to research, tranmits information as it ignites the pleasure circuits of others. I feel shy when I smile at strangers. So, I give them a kind of no-teeth smile most times. I want to smile big, but at the last minute I feel shy.

I do smile at babies freely. Babies are smile ignitors. And, I think it's known, without to much study, that babies can make you act silly, too. And little kids that come up to you just talking away, they are smile ignitors, too.

Actually, there was a study published in the journal Pediatrics that found the smile of an infant sets off "an explosioin of brain chemicals in the mother." Fantastic experience!! Happy brain chemical explosion!!

It feels so good, that the reaction of the mother, than causes her to continue to do things that will make the baby continue to smile, and according to research, this sets off a feeding freezy of smiles that cause all these happy reactions in the brain - back and forth, back and forth - and this frenzy, feeds these "every-tightening emotional bonds!" What a cool way to makes bonds!

Say a prayer...

Angelina Jolie goes to Afghanistan. Take a look.

Thank the good Lord for what you have, and say a prayer for those in distress.

Are you voting?

Each state is different. Find out what you need to do for your state. If you haven't registered by now, you can probably kiss your right to complain good-bye. But check anyway.

Here are the requirements for Florida:

1. Be a citizen of the United States
2. Be a legal resident of both the Florida and of the county in which you seek to be registered
3. Be 18 years old (you may pre-register if you are 17)
4. Not now be adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other State

Registration deadline: 29 days before the election

We voted early. I hope that works out in the long run for the country. I hope the election goes smoothly. I hope there are no kinks in the armor of the voting machines, and ballots and the people who are responsible for them. I hope people don't decide not to vote because "their side" appears to be winning. I hope this is the biggest voter turn-out ever, and that it turns out to be fair.

Kenny had a Birthday!

Dear Kenny,

Happy Birthday to one of the way coolest kids I know, and that is taking into consideration the entire planet! I am proud to be your Great Aunt and friend. I truly love you, (and your mama and your daddy and your big brother!) I am proud of you. I am proud that you show your love for your family, and that you make a great effort at your school work.

I still remember going to the hospital the day you were born. You have grown into such a great kid. Remember to keep trying hard to be the best you can be. You were born into a family of people who love and care about you. Don't ever hesitate to call any of us should you need anything.

You will do great things. You are one of the best!

Love you greatly,
The Great Aunt Sasha

Note: Re: photo --
Kenny and his brother Kody had a great baseball season! We enjoyed some of the best baseball we have ever seen while attending one of their games. They have continued to show improvement. You can't ask for any more than that! Our family looks forward to good things from both these young men!

It's all good

Last week I was going to blog about how Flylady.net was my new best friend, as my house keeping situation was just peachy keen and aesthetically pleasing. Then, somewhere along the line, all the stuff that I had put away flew out of its assigned place and wanted to show itself and collect some dust.

It is frustrating. For me, at least.

But, I have learned enough with Flylady, whom I still highly recommend, that you can jump back on that train at any time, and it doesn't take much to get yourself back in place, well, some place...

I think I left off at the part where I was supposed to take down my shower curtain and wash it. Somehow, that job overwhelmed me.

I was torn between a dollar and a dime. I couldn't decide which was more cost efficient i.e. buying a new shower curtain or using soap, water, energy (both mine and the world's -- and if we got all existentialist we might say they were the same thing),

so I belabored the task, as if it might be the end of the world, traveling in and out of the store, unable to make the decision to buy the shower curtain (or not),

Such procrastination, as this, is foreboding and pit falling. Which is just a fancy way of saying, I really didn't wanna mess with the shower curtain, so basically I shot myself in the foot, meaning, I stopped doing most things in the house, ran out of every cleaning necessity I had, while avoiding the store emphatically because of that blasted cheap vinyl shower curtain, and so I began an exercise program.

I decided that my state of mind was caused by depression which in turn must be caused by something I was or was not doing, and since I was not doing exercise that must be the root of all evil, as alas there must always be something to blame, after all this is America and nothing is our fault, you know, and everything has a root.

So, I've been exercising for two days. There is not a place on me that does not ache, twinge or creek.

As for that shower curtain - well, it's not dead yet. NASA was knocking on my door asking for samples of a new life form that was signaling from my house on their radar screens, as my shower curtain was, well...let's just say, *gross* can have several meanings, shapes and forms.

NASA is making me sign papers that exempt them from prosecution, after I agreed to let them tent my house, and spray us down with some powdery stuff that smells like kool-aid; they say it's routine, so at least I know I'm not the only one with problems of this sort.

I realize now that I'm also having problems in the area of decision making and should, most likely, seek counseling on this. After I make that appointment, I'll be getting in touch with the orthopedic surgeon and taking physical therapy and it looks like that shower curtain could end up costing a whooping Three Grand.

For want of a nail, the kingdom was lost ....
that's the way it goes sometimes.


For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

Nothing , maybe, something, maybe

One's first step in wisdom is to question everything - and one's last is to come to terms with everything. ~ George Lichtenberg

Is coming to terms another word for acceptance?

I posted that the other day, and then today, I found this quote by Robert Frost --

"Always fall in with what you're asked to accept. Take what is given, and make it over your way. My aim in life has always been to hold my own with whatever's going. Not against: with."

I thought that was so interesting. In doing that, making it over your own way, you are no longer the salmon swimming up stream. You are the flower growing along side the weeds on the side of the railroad track. People will notice. They will drive by quickly, but a little glance at you might help them through their day.

My thoughts are much consumed by the election coming up in our country. I want to like and respect all the candidates, but I can't.

I do feel we, as in the 'we' meaning our country, are in such a mess. Maybe I feel that way because we are among the unemployed. Maybe it is because of the money needed to pay for the insurances required to live in the country. Insurance companies have such a grip on us. Maybe it's because gas is crunching our food budget. I do like peanut butter and jelly, so perhaps, I will be one of the survivors.

Madam B has a job now. And because of the gas she uses to get to work, she was talking about quitting. But, jobs are hard to find these days. I remember a time when I didn't like a job, I'd quit, and go out immediately and get another one. Not so anymore. So, we are wrestling with wanting her to have the experience. Chalking the cost of gas, insurance, etc. up to education, experience and something on your resume. Do I know if this is best? Not any more.

There was a time I might have known for sure, but not now. Not right now. I'm not sure right now of what I know for sure. Maybe tomorrow I might. Than again, not. Seems that the surer you are of things, the closer you are of your expiration date on the planet. But, that could be wrong, too.

Are you sure?

One's first step in wisdom is to question everything - and one's last is to come to terms with everything. ~ George Lichtenberg

Is coming to terms another word for acceptance?

An absolute can only be given in an intuition, while all the rest has to do with analysis. ~~ Henri Bergson

So no matter what you decide, it came from your gut anyway?

If you're not confused, you're not paying attention. ~ Tom Peters

I am so paying attention.

Deregulation - A complex Theory

"the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, deregulation is the act or process of removing rules or regulations."

I'm sure there is a good reason for doing that. I just can't think of one. I guess it is suppose to encourage competition. But you know, I can't think of any competition that doesn't have rules, can you?

So, it's leaving me lost in understanding why we wouldn't have some degree of regulation when the nation's economy is based on things that need regulating? Just askin' ... especially when people are involved.

I will not pretend to be a Politico-In-the-Know-of-Those-Things kind of a person because I have more questions than I have answers. And, I am open to hearing someone's explanation of such things.

I know that if I had practiced deregulation in my house, it would not have worked. Rules worked. Standards worked. But that's just us.

People who write articles on deregulation say it is too complex to explain.

"The general consensus is that deregulation can have widespread benefits, albeit complex ones that are sometimes slow in coming and not equitably distributed, which may help explain the implementation strategies adopted to date. (James Heskett)"

Alrighty then! Thanks for that.

It seems that deregulation would involve man always doing the right thing. Is that humanly possible?

Seems a good plan would be to save my money under my mattress because in the long run, it all seems to even out that way. As first you have made a lot of money in the market because of interest - then when you need it, it's gone, because someone lent your money to someone who didn't have enough money to pay it back because, why was that again?...I can't think of a reason to do that...Lucy, you got alotta es plainin' to do...

So, really, it looks like you break even while someone else uses your money, if indeed you do break even, at all. Yes, complex for me.

Oh, and just in case anyone is thinking of breaking into my house to steal the money under my mattress, I already used it at the grocery store.

I'm trying to think of something one could deregulate and it turn out well. What could be done, that could be done well without rules of some kind? Even the universe we live in has rules. It sets its own, and we either follow them, or we mess things up.


I think cats might live by deregulation. They follow no rules. They do respond to a squirt bottle. Maybe we needed squirt bottles on Wall Street?

A Blog Entry - For Reference

Having Mr. B home and unemployed is such a transition in thinking. If we are to worry not, and fret not, at our situations in life, if we are to think in terms of all things working out for the best ~ I'm thinking, we must practice this in our day to day living, to get it done, to make it real in one's life. But, having no guaranteed income, per se, is devilishly challenging in common every day life -- At least, I find it so!

But, here we are.

I have decided all will be fine. As we uusually are fine, and as we usually come out even all the time - I'm beginning to adjust to the feeling. It did take a couple of weeks.

I have many good things to look forward to. I have a great relationship with my family, extended and immediate. I have many good friends. And, I live in a place where I can walk to a store and the bank for anything necessary. I can even walk to the library and the post office. It's a small town I live in with a population of about 11,000, give or take. Let's just say, there's always a place to park.

So, I am holding to the opinion that all will be well. It's enriching in life to have challenges. It's great training to overcome obstacles presented to you. It's a true life learning lesson to decide on harnessing an unknown problem and working it out for your survival (in this case paying the bills and eating!). We are on that path right now. I think I'll be able to keep my sanity and my wits about me. Those silly little wits! They do run to and fro!

Last appointment (hopefully)

Tomorrow is my last doctor appointment, I do believe, on this long saga of appointments regarding all this pain I started having around July. I am very close to pain free, but I feel extremely weaker because I haven't been doing anything!

It's been an expensive trip. I will be on the billing records of the Orthopedic Center in my town for years to come - at least they do take payments. I'm sure it will take about 4 years to pay them off.

My foot - I don't know. I did finally get my inserts, but don't know how they are going to work because you have to wear them for an hour a day at first and then work up, gradually, to longer, so your spine has time to adjust to being right after being wrong all these years. That sounds like a tough assignment to me, but I'll give it a go.

The other stuff - shoulder pain and what the doctor said was carpal tunnel -- I had to see the neurologist who gave me a test that was the most barbaric and painful test I have ever experienced!

They did a test called a Electromyography:

For an EMG, a needle electrode is inserted through the skin into the muscle. The electrical activity detected by this electrode is displayed on an oscilloscope, and may be heard through a speaker.

After placement of the electrodes, you may be asked to contract the muscle (for example, by bending your arm). The presence, size, and shape of the wave form -- the action potential -- produced on the oscilloscope provide information about the ability of the muscle to respond when the nerves are stimulated.

It.
WAs.
HoRRIble.
It was pushing push pins in your body and then sending electricity into you while you had to clinch your muscles on demand.

I would call that test bordering on barbaric. You would think with all the brilliant minds in the world,* that we would have come to a better way to test for this result. That was extremely painful.

The carpal tunnel test was bad enough. It was like someone just stabbing your funny bone over and over again. You could stand it, but it was no piece of cake. The results of that were that I do have some carpal tunnel going on, but not enough to operate, just enough to cause me to drop things and keep going back to the doctor to have it checked. Apparently, it's not something one should take lightly.

Let me insert a warning here: The new generation of computer kids should learn how to do exercises to avoid that carpal tunnel problem of the future!

The neurologist said, after all that (and he agreed with me that it was barbaric) that I do not have a pinched nerve. I do have bone spurs in my neck. I have no idea what the results of that will be. The Orthopedic Surgeon will tell me about that tomorrow.

I did try doing some digging today, fixing a small walkway, and it didn't go as well as I would have hoped. I've lost more strength than I wish. Oh well. Something to do. Regain my strength and get back out there. And work on ways to avoid to cycle of pain.

*Jackson Browne

You probably wouldn't worry about what people think of you if you could know how seldom they do. ~~ Olin Miller

Easy Peasy Spinach Quiche Souffle

Okay, big hit here ...
This was so easy!

Spinach Quiche

1 pkg. Stouffers Spinach Souffle - thawed
2 eggs - slightly beaten
3 Tbs. milk (I used 2 1/2 TBS creamer)
1 tsp. white onion - finely chopped
1 clove garlic chopped
1 1/2 cups grated cheese (I used cheddar and colby)
1 9" unbaked deep dish pie shell

I sauteed the onion and garlic for a bit in some olive oil and then just added that to everything else in a bowl and mixed it, poured it into the shell and baked it at

400 degrees for 45 minutes

It's one of those recipes that you can add anything, too. You can add some sausage or ham, or black olives. And changing the cheese choices will change the flavor. For a little spice, there's always my favorite - crushed red pepper! Just be careful going up that notch!

Is twenty six years a long time?

Suppose it depends on what you are doing.
Like being alive - no, not a long time.
Growing a beard? A very long time.
Being a tree? A good long time.
Being married?
I don't know!

Seems like it's about a long time, but not really.

We went out to dinner and shared a meal (it's costly these days to do anything! Even go to Barnes and Noble.) We sat at the bar because we weren't dressed up, but this is a nice little place right down our street. We were going to order take out, but the atmosphere was relaxed and because it was a Thursday night, not crowded, and we didn't feel out of place so much.

And I didn't realize that people at the bar, talk to each other like they are old friends whether they know each other or not. It's was kind of refreshing in a way. It was not a 'bar' type atmosphere, just a nice little restaurant.

The lady who tended the bar gave us a free (huge, giant) chocolate chip cookie because it was our anniversary. I thought that was nice. We brought that home to Madam Blueberry, and this made her very happy.

So what's it like to be married for 26 years?

I'll have to think about that answer.

Easy Peasy Meal - Meatlballs

I get raves every time I fix this - and it's so easy, I can't take any credit.
I'll share it here as I think, it's one of those recipes that once you make it, you can go wild and add what you want.

Frozen Meatballs (1/2 a package)
One package of Au Jus gravy
One can cream of potato soup
one medium onion chopped fine
three cloves of garlic chopped
3 cups of water

One crock pot (if you don't have a crock pot, you have to stay home while it cooks on the stove)

Mix the liquid ingredients in the crock pot.
Add onions and garlic, stir well.
Add meatballs.

Turn crock pot on low and forget about it for five hours. If you need to get it jump started, you can put it on high for less time. Maybe on high for the first hour and then turn it down. Whatever. I think it will turn out just fine.

Sometimes I add a tsp of crushed red pepper for a nice bit of pizazz. You can add carrots and celery, or whatever veggies are left in the 'fridge (cut them small so they will cook through in the amount of time you are leaving the crock pot on.) I think even corn would work. It's just one of those recipes ...

You can serve this with anything. Rice, potatoes, noodles, garlic bread and a veggie (or not if you have enough in the pot), or just put them in a sub with some melted cheese.

I often make the whole package of meatballs and then just double the rest of the stuff. I put the extra in the freezer for the next week.


The Frozen Meatballs are precooked, so if you make your own, just put a bunch in the freezer and add them to the crock pot with the other ingredients.

Nothin' to it,
But to do it ...

Friday after Fay

This was one of those days. One of those days in which you had a million plans and you didn't do any of those things.

I got up late. I made coffee.

Then, there's a major blank. Somewhere between getting up and almost noon, a friend I was going to visit called and told me she wouldn't be home. Drat! I thought, I just lost my last incentive for getting out of the house today!

I had thought I would go to the hospital to take my mother in law some decent food, as she says there is none in there, but I found out that my father in law was going to be released today - so needing an incentive still to get out the door -

I decided to mow the lawn. Not my lawn. My mother in law's lawn. Have I ever mentioned that I am not gifted in this area? Mowers and Me. That was not a book written with me in mind.

This mower we have is a push kind with some kind of automatic 'bar' thing, that if you hold it in, the mower goes by itself. Sorta. It doesn't necessarily go the right way. It just goes somewhere. Like into the flower beds and over flowers, and maybe my mother in law will be so tired she won't notice those huge divots in her yard.

Luckily for all concerned, the mower ran out of gas. I have concluded that I am in terrible shape physically.

When my mother in law found out I ran out of gas, she told me there was more in the shed. I told her it was raining.

In the real picture, I did get some things done. I did not spend the day doing nothing. But, in the abstract of the picture, I didn't accomplish the things I was hoping to accomplish --

and I think, what it is, is that I'm going to have to be in the mood to do those things.

However, that is not a good thing -

"...don't wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work. - Pearl Buck

Those things are not ingrained habit things. Those things are outside of the discipline of my character things. Those things are a struggle for me, still.

But, one day! It may not be this day! But one day - and soon! I shall move past this place and into that place of ... what was I talking about again? Oh yeah, doing things I don't want to do ...

So when I do that ...

I'll probably blog about it here.

You're never to young for a ....

Pacemaker? Well, apparently not. See that fellow in the blue shirt and the khaki pants up there dancing? ...the one coming around in the swing with a smile...

Yeah, that guy,

That's my father in law. He's 91. He's been having trouble with his heart not pumping right for a little while now, so in an effort to stop going to the ER at 1 in the AM, like we did again this Sunday, the doctors put a pace maker in his Irish heart this morning.

Hope to see him dancing again soon!

The Twilight Series

Well, I've pretty much decided that I won't bother with reading the rest of this series. I read the first book, Twilight by Stephenie Meyers, and it was okay (I was on vacation, relaxing by a pool in the most beautiful weather; had I not been on vacation, I'm not sure I would have stuck with it.)

I kept waiting for the story to evolve. I could see good things in there to address - like the differences that people feel about 'groups' and how we label people to protect ourselves - And each time I put it down, I thought, well surely, this next chapter ...

but, it stayed a teenage love story with the heroine Bella keeping secrets from her father, all the while her boyfriend, the Vampire Edward, wanted her to share with her father the fact that he was in her life (I realize, now, how mature he was as he was likely hundreds of years old!).

And then, Bella almost gets killed, how many times, I can't remember?; and there, always to save her with his super V-powers (like flying and mind reading and all general coolness), is her Vampire Hero.

He's a good Vampire, as he doesn't feed on people, but still, this seems like a precedent that is going to become an annoying hardship in the relationship - Kinda of like a Lois Lane-Superman situation falling into style. Poor Edward! His only job will be rescuing the clumsy, beautiful Bella!

Anyway, the reason I'm not going on with the series is (mostly) because the people I know that have read the other two books don't seem all that blown away. And, I think I can predict the ending. So, I'm thinking, why bother.

I have read reviews on line for the next two books and there are people raving; I suppose because I wasn't burned deeply with passion for the first book, I'll most likely pass for now.

But, to each their own.

For the people who love the books, they have found that something wonderful to experience in finding a book series that keeps you engrossed - And That,
now, that,
is (maybe) better than dark chocolate!~

Tropical Storm Fay is passing by

When you name weather, it must get really angry. Outside, Tropical Storm Fay sounds just like a hurricane. There are sheets of water over the windows, and I can't see my road. There are warnings everywhere for everything, but yet,

Mr. B's place of employment said they had to report to work today. (Good Grief) And when the men got there, risking life through this torrential dangerous weather, they said, 'Go on home, we have no work today.'

Mr. B had givin his notice last Friday, and why he bothered to drive down there today (45 minutes at 6 AM into a worse part of the storm), I do not know. Something to do with being an honorable man, but sometimes these lines get all blurry for me.

Those are man's lines. And man, is a lot of times, an idiot. Well, actually, when man gets involved with money, or a corporation... the idiocy has a much better chance of showing itself.

We will most likely lose power. I've got the coffee on.

It's a new day

Enjoy it.
Whatever happened yesterday that was bad, forget about it.
Think good thoughts,
Do good things
for yourself and others,
Smile and wave,
Eat chocolate,
Do a little dance,
Drink water,
Read a poem,
Start a new book,
Memorize something,
Smell a flower,
Don't watch television,
Draw a picture,
Learn something new,
The past is done,
The time is now,
Only now,
Live like you believe that.

If this is Thursday....

I don't know why, but I feel likes it's Monday. Although, I wish it were Friday, but I'm not sure why about either of those thoughts.

I really have much going on, and much that I need to do, and some that I want to do.

The Doctor appointments are really cutting into my time! I decided to make the most of the physical therapy, and I consider that my work out time (I mean, they do have me on the exercise bike for 10 minutes,you know?) But the driving to and fro - bummer at today's gas prices and then the time crunch - well, I listen to audio tapes, but still,

what is neglected is my house and spending time with my daughter! Who doesn't really mind because summer is almost over and her boyfriend (of 2 years) is over a lot and soon that will change. Actually, next week school will start here.

My house - Oh, I can't even go there. I've had two cups of coffee, and I still haven't cranked up to Flylady.net speed this AM. But she is the real deal should anyone have the desire to get it all together. I trust her completely to keep me on track.

My cards and letter pile to write is high.
My bills - yikes!
My yard! - double yikes! But it's been raining and doctor says I can't do what I wish to right now! Wah.

What else can I complain about this morning? Ha. Ha. Not a durned thing.

Because the bottom line is -

It's all good.

A Good Thing to do:

Positive thoughts, train them into your brain. Squash those negative thoughts, stop them in their tracks and reroute them or rephrase them - what do you need them for anyway? Can you answer that question? Let me know if you can find a reason because I cannot.

In the words of Henry Ford - If you say you can't, then you can't.

There. Can't be much simpler than that, now can it?

The True Neverending Story

Remember the book, or the movie, The Neverending Story? For me, that would be Motherhood. I am the motherboard and gladly connected to the hearts of my children. I will love them no matter what, no matter when, no matter where, I will love them.

The connection I have may be one that some people might not understand. I don't really understand it either! I just know it's big, it's HUGE, it's bigger than I ever, EVER imagined a feeling could be. How can you know this will happen to you?

It's like it took wings. And then, it took off, and it's still flying. The neverlanding plane from heart to heaven to God's eternal home in the sky.

I am thinking about this so much lately because of their ages, the time has come to let them go. Let them fly away on their own, live their lives as they will, choose their mates, and extend their families. Which to me, is only more love added.

No matter how it all presents itself, I shall be blessed

Happy Birthday, Nanette

Today is my sister's birthday.

I'm not even sure how old she is any more! I just know she is a very special person to me, a really terrific friend, and someone with whom I can share the deep things of my life.

I am so proud of her and her accomplishments. I am extrememly happy when she comes to visit, or I can visit her. We always have a good time, drink some wine, share some jokes and gain weight. (drat! why is that!)

As my younger sister, she has had to put up with me always, always, _always_ nosing into her business. She tells me something and I say, "well, here's what you should do...." Poor Nana, never has a chance. Big sister is, like, in the roll of being "in charged" of her. But, I did find out from her, recently, that she is very used to my doing that and doesn't resent it all that much. That is a load off my mind!

So, Happy Birthday my darling, beautiful sister. May this day and every day be filled with joy and love. May the sun shine sweetly at you in the morning and may the stars bid you a restful night's sleep. Know in your heart, that all is well.
And may the Lord continue to bless you and keep you close.

This is William....

...he eats fire.

(Editor's note: William is a street performer in Key West. He put on a really great show. And I thank the Gypsy for helping me clarify)

Thirty two years ago today,,,

...my heart was opened wide, and it seems like it was placed outside of my body, and given into the hands of a tiny, little being. I became a mother for the very first time.

I am sitting here trying to think of how to describe the part of the world that became alive to me. I can't find the words to capture or frame how it felt to hold in my arms that small precious infant being.

I am glad that God has allowed me to remember all the details of those days, those first moments, those first everythings. I am forever thankful, forever blessed, and forever will I feel special to have the experience of being a mother. There is no other experience to replace it, none like it, none as fulfilling that I have known.

I love my children. They have my heart, and they always will.

Happy Birthday to my first born son. Happy, Happy Birthday.

A house in my childhood

My parents were married in this house. The house was built by my great grandfather. We are not sure when. It's fun to try and figure out the dates and all. My family was one of the early Key West families. My grandfather was born in 1908, so somewhere before that, this little white house was built.

It was weird when I saw it this weekend. Somehow, along the lines of time, the house got tiny!! I remember this house as HUGE -- running through it barefoot with my cousins in tow. Those were the days when Key West was, well, something it's not today. It was just a small beach town and we walked everywhere in our bathing suits and in barefeet that never complained. Not worrying about one thing in the whole wide world.

Pirates off the coast of Key West

Even further south

... from where I live in Florida, are the Keys. So that's where I'll be for a few days.

Kenny and Kody, alert, your letters are in the mailbox.

Grandma Rita and Madam B will keep an eye on all my beautiful plants.

Stocked up the fridge for Mr. B, just to make it a bit easier for him.

So all should be well ~

Listen to my good friend Albert Einstein:

There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.


Miss Roxie says, "Choose Wisely."

First day of August 2008

Let's see ~
Ten things about August ...
okay, well maybe not ten...

1. I will be writing to Kenny and Kody this week. Kenny is patiently waiting for me to send him his reward letter for his hard work on his book reading. And Kody did come through and sent me a letter, also! I better send out two to make up for lost time!

2. Two birthdays in August. My sister and #1 son.

3. I am going to the Keys for a week. Hooray.

4. After I get back from the Keys, I have to continue more therapy for my foot, and get the results of the MRI and see a neurologist, (and regarding that, my guess is that I injured myself gardening. I should write a book about "How Not to Garden" or "Ways to avoid the Doctor While Gardening" - and I may have carpal tunnel, but like, who doesn't?)

5. My foot therapy - what a riot. I have three more weeks of therapy~ and after three days, my hip is hurting and I was so frazzled yesterday after so many extra things and doctor appointments thrown in my life's mix, that I locked my keys in my car!

But, in the end, it's like a little mini workout time at the gym. Not a bad deal at all.

6. Is there six? I miss my gardening. Is this how injured sports players feel? Hahaha. I wonder.

Cats Who Study....

...are smarter than cats who don't.

(Warning: some cats may appear to be sleeping on books. Same thing. Also, cats are well known for reading upside down. In their sleep.)

Hey Dude, Where's my Monday?

I was supposed to hook up with Flylady and clean 15 minutes of clutter in my living room today. I don't know what happened. I did do the daily load of laundry and some stretching. I know I did some other stuff. Drat! I should have blogged this morning, then I could remember what I did!

I got up early. I know that.
And then,
I don't know what happened.

I know I had a doctor's appointment today. It was the orthopedic surgeon. I went for a follow up for some pain in my neck and arm and hand. Anyway, now I have to get an MRI - geesh.

It's like just when you are at the age of feeling content with your mind and spirit, your body goes haywire! I know this is from the gardening. The digging with the shovel. I know it is. I'm not a construction worker. My frame is not made for it. Drat. Oh well - that's the way it goes. (And doctor bills, ahhhh, no mercy)

And tomorrow, I start physical therapy for my foot. This should be interesting. If this works to take the pain away, I will be surprised, surprised, surprised.

Also, I pick up my orthodetics. Those inserts that go in ugly shoes. And they are telling me I have to pay for them. Duh. I already paid for them. This should also be interesting.
And. I have to pay _up front_ for the MRI! Good grief. I mean, my insurance company is not the greatest with the friendly benefits. Basically, Blue Cross Blue Shield gets you in the door. I'm charming and have a good payments reputation. I may be able to talk them into something else.

Six quirky things

...about me.

Tim's Mom tagged me to write six quirky things about me.

Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged me.
2) Mention the rules.
3) Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.
4) Tag 6 other blogger's by linking to them.
5) Go to each person's blog and leave a comment that lets them know they've been tagged.

So 6 uninteresting quirky facts about myself are . . .

1. I make my husband weird lunches with stuff that's left in the 'fridge. Yesterday, it was two slices of turkey, a left over cooked hamburger with cheese melted on it, lettuce, sliced onion, sliced red pepper, banana pepper juice (as there were no more peppers left in the jar), with hot mustard on rye.

2. I don't like other people's germs. I have to make myself not think about other people's germs. I could easily be phobic.

3. I really don't like telling people long stories unless they are funny or really interesting. And then I don't like being interrupted. I am polite about this, but I really get annoyed when people interject their great stuff into my great story. But in the end, they never know.

4. I like coffee fresh. When people offer me coffee, I find a polite way to ask 'how old is this coffee?'

5. I am a (retired) hairdresser. I don't mind cutting people's hair. But I am a quirky mess about touching hair that's not freshly washed. Maybe that's the germ thing, though.

6. I wish someone would massage my feet.

I don't have anyone to tag.

That is a photo of Pickles. I call it 'Fat Cat in a Chair'