Monday, December 28, 2009

Why Facebook Is for Old Fogies

Why Facebook Is for Old Fogies

Had to share, thought this was funny and oh so accurate, it was on one of my friend's (Toby) Facebook ...

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

~ A Bologna Sandwich and a Sweet Memory ~


I had a bologna sandwich and chex mix for dinner tonight. Gary was gone and so I didn't cook. So my bologna sandwich was relished in the pleasure of knowing that when I finished, there would be no dishes to do, no left overs to take care of, no table to clean off. All I had to do was toss my paper towel and empty Lipton Green Tea bottle into the trash and wah lah, all clean.


Last night, I came home to baked ham, field peas, homemade macaroni and cheese, homemade biscuits, and baked sweet potatoes - oh and perfectly sweetened iced tea; this morning I got up, took my shower got ready and went into the kitchen and there was a fresh pot of coffee waiting on me; fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, toasted english muffins, perfectly browned and buttered with real butter and a warm bowl of "real" oatmeal, ya know - not the kind from the brown paper envelope, poured into a bowl with water and nuked in the microwave - but the real kind from the cardboard box and cooked on a stove.


Yep, it was Tuesday night and Wednesday morning and I was basking in the love and warmth of my momma's kitchen :)


So my bologna was okay, because I still had my fresh memory of my momma's wonderful cooking in my mind. Plus than meant TWO nights of no cooking :)


I don't know what has happened to me, I used to love to cook.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

~ Photo Post ~

A few of my favorite Christmas ornaments. I don't have a "themed" tree, I just have a little bit of this and a little bit of that ...







A baby dedication, my great niece was dedicated recently. We had a gathering at my niece's house afterwards ....





Memories from Thanksgiving, kind of melancholy without my Dad, but we had a happy time together.




That's all I got.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

~ Blessing the Children ~


I went to church with my nephew and his family for dedication of their daughter, Allison. During the service, their church did the sweetest thing for the children. When it came to the time in the service when the children were being released to go to children's church, all the children went to the alter, and each child had someone from the congregation come and lay their hands on a child as prayer was said for the children, the sweetest prayer, blessing them, rededicating them and strengthening them. They do this every week.
I thought it was awesome.

~ I am inspired by this woman ~

I went to the funeral of a friend; she wasn't a close friend, but her life touched mine she impressed me over and over in her life; and after her funeral, I realized her life touched many others. I knew she had a desire to share her faith with others, but I didn't realize how much of a burden she had for people who did not know the Lord and the extremes she went to to spread the word. I say "extremes" because she did more than I ever have, or even ever thought I would to share her faith and love in Jesus Christ with others, all the way up through the end of her life. I was only beginning to get to know her when she left our church, moved in with her parents and her journey of her illness began. I knew her after that mostly through her blog and through the comments she and I left for each other occasionally. Shawna Mascalino was an amazing woman. I am sorry her life was shortened and that her last days were spent dealing with her illness, but I know she honored and glorified God through it all. What an inspiring woman she was to me.


So, in honor of Shawna, let me ask you, Do you Know Him?




Without Him I could do nothing

Without Him I'd surely fail

Without Him I would be drifting Like a ship without a sail

Without Him I would be dying

Without Him I'd be enslaved

Without Him life would be worthless

But with Jesus thank God I'm saved

Oh Jesus, oh Jesus

Do you know Him today

Please don't turn Him away

Oh Jesus, my Jesus

Without Him how lost I would be

Without Him how lost I would be

Monday, November 23, 2009

~ Simple Woman's Daybook 11.23.09 ~





FOR TODAY...
Outside my window... overcast, dreary, with a big smear the window cleaners left on my window last week ...
I am thinking ... I have a dull headache and hoping it will go away soon.
I am thankful for... for day with friends on Saturday.
I am wearing... black jeans, black shell, pale blue sweater.
I am remembering... the art show which I meant to go to this past weekend :(
I am hearing ... Sir Elton John singing Benny and the Jets
I am going... visit my niece at her first apartment tonight.
I am reading... After the Fire by Belva Plain
From the learning rooms ... I heard this weekend that peocock feathers are bad luck to bring into your home. It has to do with the beautiful, eye-shaped markings on the peacock feathers. Many cultures associate them with the evil eye, and to bring the evil eye into your home is to invite trouble and sorrow. Most of the info I read was all based on mythological origins, so according to how much stock you place on mythology, well... you decide for yourself. :)
I am hoping... this Thanksgiving will be a happy celebration even though we have just recently lost my father - his life was a true celebration and we know he is resting in Jesus' arms.
On my mind ... the upcoming holidays.
Noticing that... the leaves around my office are mostly gone from the trees.
Pondering these words...
From the kitchen... Thanksgiving foods - what will I make besides the sweet potato dumplings.
Around the house... needs a thorough cleaning which it will probably get when I put "christmas" up.
One of my favorite things ~ still this: the happiness my dogs show when I come in the door at the end of the day.




From my photo memories ...




My daughter and her sons, whom I miss very much. They live too far away!


Thank you for stopping and visiting my daybook today. If you'd like to read other daybooks or perhaps do one yourself, stop over to Peggy's at Simple Woman's Daybook today.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

~ Where are the kleenex? ~




Okay, I am definitely giving up Nicholas Sparks books! You just know you are going to cry when you pick one up. They are good books and well written and if they can make you cry, then well, they have succeeded in reeling you in and getting really into the whole story, which is what a book should do. But some authors should just provide the kleenex with the book! * sigh *

"The Rescue" was good. Just don't forget to have a tissue handy at some point in the book, you will need it.

Monday, November 09, 2009

~ Simple Woman's Daybook 11.9.09 ~

FOR TODAY...




Outside my window... slightly overcast, leaves falling, and a single bird flying away ...


I am thinking ... well, because I am at work, I am unfortunately thinking about work;


I am thankful for... my salvation; grace, forgiveness


.I am wearing... long denim skirt, sandals, black sleeveless top with black cardigan and turquoise jewlerly;


I am remembering... some happy times with my Dad - it's been a month;


I am hearing ... soft music playing from my radio.
I am going... get ready for my Red Rooster weekend;


I am reading... still - The Rescue (Nicholas Sparks)


From the learning rooms ... no matter how many times you read the Bible, there are parts in that will come across as a new revelation and give you an "ah ha" moment;


I am hoping... that today will be a great day.


On my mind ... too much to write for now.
Noticing that... my desk is a mess!


Pondering these words... Phil 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.


From the kitchen... making a mexican lasagna tonight ... that's all.


Around the house... it is slowly getting cleaner


One of my favorite things ~ spending a day alone - every now and then.


From my photo memories ...





Remembering a fun day with my daughter, several years ago up on Monte Santo Mountain, one of our favorite places to go, just me and her.


Thank you for stopping and visiting my daybook today. If you'd like to read other daybooks or perhaps do one yourself, stop over to Peggy's at Simple Woman's Daybook today.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

~ Some beach memories ~

Gary and I went to the beach back in September (Labor Day week) - was a nice get-a-way. Never posted these photos ...


It rained a little and God gave us a rainbow ...





and then the sun shined ....


It was a nice few days away.

~ A Visit to a Friend ~

Mom and I took a ride up to Tennessee to visit a friend last Saturday. She lives deep in the woods ...
This is her driveway ....



This is her pretty little rustic home ...
and this is our friend Lynda (with my Mom).


It was a good visit and a fun day.

Friday, November 06, 2009

~ Happy Birthday to Me ~

Wow! Aren't birthdays awesome! First to have my whole FB wall filled with birthday wishes from my friends; I kept logging on FB off and on all day just to read all of the good wishes again; made me smile all day. Then my husband surprised me with this:
It a Keurig Elite B40 Brewer - ooh lah lah - I have been coveting this little coffee maker for several months, but it was just too expensive and I couldn't make myself spend that much money on a coffee maker that just makes one cup of coffee. But, the coffee is great, and now I don't have to stop at McD's every morning to get my first cup of coffee. Love it! I was expecting a pair of earrings. I liked this so much better.
Then dinner at Carrabbas with my husband. Potato crusted halibut. Can we say, yumm?
My daughter, Lisa, sent me a package containing some beautiful jewelry; and dinner at Mom's with my sister and my oldest best friend, Ann - and that meant more presents - yay! Plus, another great friend sent me a package containing all kinds of art supplies for painting ... YAY again! My boss and his wife gave me a beautiful oil painting, which I will try to post a photo of - its a beach scene and I love it. And, I got some gorgeous silver and black earrings from my co-worker. I am so freaking spoiled this week, I am not worth 2 cents!
I almost hate for this week to end, its been more fun that Christmas!
So, happy birthday to me! I don't deserve all of this, but I sure have enjoyed it!

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Monday, November 02, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook 11.2.09




FOR TODAY...
Outside my window... sunshine, clear skies, beautiful shades of autumn on trees.
I am thinking ... how beautiful this day is; how productive I hope I will be today.
I am thankful for... for friends and family.
I am wearing... long grey skirt, black blouse, black scarf, black jacket, black boots ...
I am remembering... a very pleasant weekend.
I am hearing ... the quietness of morning.
I am going... get a lot of work done today.
I am reading... The Rescue (Nicholas Sparks)
From the learning rooms ... I really don't know what this means ... but something I am trying to change is to try to take life a bit more slowly, quit over scheduling myself ....



I am hoping... that today will be a great day.
On my mind ... my attitude needs to change.



Noticing that... I have been a negative, stressed and impatient person lately.
Pondering these words... Phil 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
From the kitchen... I have no menu plans this week; I made steamed crabs last night and they were pretty tasty.
Around the house... still haven't started on my dining table and chairs, may have to start with a smaller project just to test my distressing skills first.
One of my favorite things ~ the happiness my dogs show when I come in the door at the end of the day.


From my photo memories ...






Remembering a fun camping trip with my grandson, wish we had more of them.



Thank you for stopping and visiting my daybook today. If you'd like to read other daybooks or perhaps do one yourself, stop over to Peggy's at Simple Woman's Daybook today.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

~ For Today ~

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window... darkness and the sound of drizzling rain

I am thinking ... are my dogs outside in this rain

I am thankful for... for this day

I am wearing... fuzzy house shoes, pj pants and oversized gray pullover

I am remembering... some fun times with my old college mates that I have reconnected with today on Facebook

I am going... to let the dogs in ... really I am ...

I am reading... The Partner (Grisham novel)

From the learning rooms ... cherish each moment.

I am hoping... to get alot of work done tomorrow at my office ...

On my mind ... Helping Mom get her life resettled

Noticing that... my house needs a thorough cleaning - ugh!

Pondering these words... hmmm hmmmm nope nothing there ...

From the kitchen... yummy homemade meatball sandwiches for dinner and the clean up still waiting for me ...

Around the house... thinking about refinishing my dining room table and chairs, distressed ivory maybe ...

One of my favorite things ~ the beautiful colors of fall.

From my photo memories ...
Dad just loved watching the birds on his front porch ...
(idea copied from The Simple Woman's Daybook ... posted every monday ... i was a day late - maybe next week ...)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

~ The trees ... they are a changing ~

The trees outside my window at work are starting to look so pretty. The fall colors are starting to tints the edges of the leaves. Beautiful. I feel the need for a ride through the country to enjoy the colors. A ride, other than my ride home, which is pretty much a ride through the country - I need some new scenes!

I am thankful for this day, this season, this moment.

Monday, October 19, 2009

~ IT'S MAMMIE MONTH ~

DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR MAMMIES GRAMMED. PERSONALLY, I'VE HAD MINE DONE TWICE SO FAR THIS MONTH. ... ALL'S OKAY, THEY JUST WANTED A SECOND LOOK SO I ENTERED THE TORTURE CHAMBER ONCE AGAIN TODAY. THE FIRST TIME, WAS DONE AT A PRESSURE OF "3" - THEY HAD TO INCREASE IT TO A "10" ON THE SECOND GO ROUND! CAN WE SAY OUCH!? It is scary to be called back though.



Sunday, October 18, 2009

~ Its been a week ~

Okay, its been a week.
Went to church with my Mom today, didn't think it would be as hard as it was.
My Dad wasn't there. I couldn't hear him singing. I didn't get to feel his hand graze my shoulder as he draped his arm across Mom's shoulder during service while I sat beside her. I didn't get to see him reach over and hold her hand as the pastor began to pray. I didn't get share Sunday dinner with him. I cried all through church, couldn't help it. I miss my Dad so much.
Its not that I'm not glad to know Dad is in a better place. I just miss him. That's all.

Friday, October 16, 2009

~ I thank you for this day ~


Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.
I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things that you ordain, and the wisdom to pray for those things you would change. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over, and help me to grow as you walk with me during the trials of this life.
And It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.
I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately.
But I thank you that I believe. I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Rest Sweet Father



My sweet, wonderful, awesome, strong, loving, loved, adored, God fearing, God loving, inspiring, my rock, my role model, my blessing, the one who showed me Jesus everyday of his life, FATHER, passed away today.

It just don't seem right writing that. We were just so sure that he would make it through this and be home soon, playing with his dogs, cat, riding his tractor, getting ready for hunting season, thinking about his garden next summer, playing, living, breathing, sleeping, talking, walking and even arguing (some) with us for several more years.

I know he's with Jesus and that is my comfort. But I am human, I am flawed, I am jealous. I want my Dad here, alive and healthy.

He was loved, he loved, he was my father, he is my father. I will miss him.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Dad 10-7-09

The ultrasound showed no vascular problems to his extremities. Thank goodness.

The fluid in his chest is responding well to the breathing treatments.

They are continuing to wean him from ventilator.

They are still working on getting the fluid off of him.

The dialysis has been working well, but they may discontinue it for a little bit to see how he does. As the toxins have left his body, he is beginning to feel more pain unfortunately, or is it fortunately, it is a double sided sword.

Eventually, they will move him from CICU to a rehab unit, not sure when that will be yet.

Thank you for your prayers for my father on his long road to recovery.

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

DAD 10-6-09

Thank you all for your continued prayers for my dad and my family. We all appreciate it very much.

Just wanted to give an update for all who are keeping track of Dad's progress. They are trying to wean Dad off of his ventilator. They turned it down to C-Pap level yesterday for several hours and he did well with that, they will continue working on this weaning until Dad is on oxygen only. His problem with the fluid in his chest is better, breathing treatments are continuing to help.

He will remain on dialysis for now because his kidneys continue to need this help, they may put a port in, but would still be a temporary thing. Today they are going to ultrasound his extremities to rule out any vascular problems there because he has been unable to move his hands, legs, and arms (although he did lift his right arm a little for me one time). They feel fairly certain his inability to move his extremities is due to the extra fluid he is carrying there (he has between 40-50 lbs of fluid on him now - that is a lot to try to lift when you are as weak as he is!).

Dad is still having pain and they are really good about trying to ease his pain. His nurses have all been great, we have even gotten attached to a few of them and they with us.

When I started this blog a year or so ago, it was just for silliness and fun, I never thought I would be using it in such a resourceful way, but there are alot of friends and family we (the family) want to call individually and let know about Dad because we know they want to know and have asked to be updated, and sometimes it is difficult to make these calls, so I am glad this "blog thing" has come into a better use than just the silliness and fun it has been for in the past.

Thank you again for all who are continuing to remember my Dad and my family in your prayers. God is truly an awesome God.

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Dad 10-4-09

I am home from the weekend with my Dad and Mom at Vanderbilt Hospital. I went Friday at 3:00 PM and Mary came this afternoon and took my place.



Dad is improving in so many ways, but everyday is a new day and a new problem to worry about. He is conscious and is responding still but no more than with his eyes and his feet. He did move his right arm, but not his hands. He moves his lips and we can't read them. This is so frustrating for all of us. If he could move his hands, he could at least write out what he wants to say. He is still on a ventilator through his tracheotomy - this is not permanent, but it will be there for a while, a least another week, maybe more. His kidneys were working and put putting out a good amount with good color, BUT they were not clearing his toxins, which can cause you to be unresponsive, so they have put him on dialysis. Slow and gentle - also not permanent, not yet. This is to clear out the toxins and bad stuff that he was not doing on his own. Once the dialysis started, his blood platelets dropped, meaning his blood thinned, way to thin, and his wounds started oozing blood, so they are having to figure out how to deal with this without giving him platelets, because that could cause him to clot, which could block the stent they just put in because of the heart attack after his surgery. Does any of this exhaust you yet? It is exhausting and Dad is so tired.



Now, just got a call from Mary. Dad has fluid in his lungs and they have started breathing treatment. I don't know how they do that when he is on a ventilator and a trach. They have told us pneumonia would be fatal to Dad.



I am not sure what all Dad understands about what is going on around him. We all take our turns talking to him and we just want so bad for him to be able to talk back.


This is my Dad, just wanted you all to have a visual of who you were praying for. This my Mom, she has been great, and I know its because of the prayers. Keep em coming, the battle's not over.



Friday, October 02, 2009

~ Just a little venting ~

Is anyone else upset about Roman Polanski?

To be perfectly honest, I didn’t know who this man was until this extradition matter came up and his crimes were made so public again after a 30 year lapse. This crime was horrible … see below -

“On March 10, 1977, then 44, he had taken Samantha Gailey, a 13-year-old child model, to the home of Jack Nicholson in Mulholland, California, where he said he was going to take photographs of her for the French edition of Vogue. After taking the photos, he gave Gailey champagne and a sedative and performed oral sex, intercourse and sodomy on her while she said: "No, I don't want to do this." The original charges against Polanski were "rape by use of drugs, sodomy, and a lewd and lascivious act with a child under the age of 14". As part of a plea bargain Polanski got it reduced to "sexual intercourse with a minor". (copied)

Over 138 people in the film industry have signed a petition against the arrest; citing the crime was so long ago, he has been through so much, etc. (FYI, he survived communist Poland, his mother died in a concentration camp, his wife Sharon Tate was murdered by the Charles Manson cult). Wow, that is a lot to live through and I hate that he did, but I’m sorry, since when does going through a lot pardon you from doing a crime as horrendous as above outlined? Whoopi Goldberg on The View kept saying, he wasn’t charged with “rape” just [did you get the “just”] sexual intercourse with a minor, uh wrong Whoopi, that is just was he and his lawyers plea bargained this heinous crime down to. Whoopi let me down, as did Debra Winger, Natalie Portman, and so many others. What a sad world we live in today. I usually live inside my safe little bubble and don’t let the big outside world make me so upset, but this story just pierced my bubble a little bit.

I was 13 once, I can’t imagine the horror of this crime; I have a daughter who was 13 once, I cringe even writing it.

One thought that keeps coming to me, is, how many other times did he do this and get away with it? Can you be a child molestor only once? Someone that powerful and well funded? It makes me sad for the other unknown victims.

Sorry, I am venting. This is upsetting and I guess I needed something to think about to get my mind off of my Dad for just a little while.

Saw this in one of the articles: “Fugitive. Child. Rapist. Just keep saying it until it sinks in. I'll wait.” (copied)

Thursday, October 01, 2009

Daddy is wiggling his toes!

Dad is responding. He is blinking his eyes in response to questions and he has wiggled his toes when asked. I just got the call and I have sat here for five minutes laughing and crying. Hallelujah and again Hallelujah!

Dad Update

Dad's been taking breaths on his own in addition to the ventilator; and his organs have shown signed of improvement. He is supposed to get a tracheotomy today, so his airway tubing will be in his throat not his mouth as it is now. This was agitating him. He swallowed yesterday which is a good sign. He has his feeding tube in. He is still at high risk for infection. They are still very concerned about him neurologically - need him to be more responsive.

Still can't talk to us. They had about 15 IV bags of medicines at the beginning and they are down to 4 at last count.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

" I am cool "

A younger relative of mine told me this week that we (my husband G and myself) are cool; "like young people in old people bodies". I know this was relayed as a compliment and I accepted it as one, but I had to laugh at the same time. I don't tend to think of myself as old yet; but to 22 year olds, I guess we are old, and G does have a lot of gray hair (lol) I love you honey! I think it was said because we are trying not to let the techo world completely pass us by and we tend to carry our gadgets around with us if we are going to be someplace for a while like the hospital. Gary had his laptop and his Ipod ITouch, I had my Microsoft Zune. We knew we were going to be at the hospital for a while. Some people bring books, we brought gadgets ... actually I had a book too.

And we are cool. Thank you Isaac and Stephanie.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

MY DAD

The CT on dad's brain was normal. Praises and exaltation to our Lord Jesus!

I drove to Vanderbilt yesterday afternoon after spending a teary morning in my office worrying about Dad. My boss came in around 1:00 PM, heard what was going on and said come on Velda, we are leaving, me to lunch and you to the hospital to be with your Mom and Dad. He has been very good about my time off and I appreciate it very much. I was about 45 minutes into my trip and I got covered with absolute peace. I knew I was going to hear positive news and I was not disappointed. They are still worried about his lack of responses, but it may just take time. There is a new worry every day with Dad.

I was able to take Mom to her home last night and stayed the night with her. Mary stayed at hospital and Tim is bringing Mom back to hospital this afternoon. She needed a break. Hoping Mary will go home tonight and allow and trust Tim to take over as "watch dog and protector" of both Mom and Dad. She needs a break too. We are all taking our times and have a tentative schedule to take turns ...

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

DAD

They are going to do a CT scan on Dad today on his brain. They are checking for brain activity.
They have had to put him on another sedative because he is moving his head back and forth a lot and they are afraid this will dislodge his air tube. They just want him to be calmer than what he has been.
They put in a second feeding tube, but it had to come out and they are now going to feed him through an IV, but will try the feeding tube again later.

Mary and Mom have been talking to Dad and they both feel that they have gotten responses from Dad, but his team of doctors want to see more response than what they have.

This is what they are most concerned about now - his brain activity.

I don’t know how to pray any harder than I have.

Monday, September 28, 2009

~ Update on Dad ~

They put a feeding tube in last night, but had to remove it because it was crimped; they will redo it later today; they are still trying to wean off more medicine; he is off sedation and are trying to get him to come around to consciousness; and respond to them (i.e., squeeze fingers, etc.) He is at high risk for infection; and they are worried about possible brain damage due to low oxygen for a while during surgery and heart attack. We are trusting in God as always on all of this as we have from the beginning. He (God) has been wowing Dad's medical team in these last few days because there was a point, when they bluntly told us, they had done all they could do and it was in God's hands now. But as I have said previously, that's where he's always been. Praise God. He is still in CICU and may be for several more days, still critical, but improving. His medical team has been amazing, informative and has made me appreciate them and Vanderbilt even more.

My sister and Mom are at the hospital alone now. I am at work. I plan to go back one day this week and then back to stay Friday through Sunday, unless something takes me back sooner. My brother is going to stay with Mom on Thurs and Friday, as Mary needs to work. We are all doing well, exhausted but good. Mom has been amazing, she has broke down a few times, but that is expected. She has been sleeping in Dad's room (they have a chair that lets out into a full flat bed which she says is fairly comfy) she says she has been sleeping well, but Mary is going to try to get her out for at least one night soon. We are trying to get a room at hospitality house, hopefully that will happen today or tomorrow.

Thank you all for your prayers. If you are continuing to pray, the doctor are most worred about his risk of infection and the possibility of brain damage.

Hope you are yours are all doing well too. I love you guys.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Just from Me

Sitting in the CICU waiting room. Can't sleep. People laid up all around me trying or succeeding in sleep. Musical snoring in competition with each other ... body odor too, wait is that me?
Dad still not doing well. They have paralyzed him, hoping to give his body a rest and give his heart a chance to heal some. They are not acting very hopeful at this time, but it's in God's hands, always has been.
Got on FB and was nice to see my friends and get caught up on the tidbits posted there. Ahh life goes on outside of this hospital. We get so consumed with our own little worlds sometimes .... ya know?

Was in the dining room earlier, saw a rat scamper up to the doorway, make a couple of quick passes and then disappear along the wall of the patio outside.

I've worn the same jeans for 3 days now. I may never wear them again.
Raining and dreary here.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

~ FILLED ~

Traveling to Vanderbilt on Tuesday night after work I had the most awesome experience driving up I65. We were both traveling in silence consumed with our own thoughts, worries, etc. when I was suddenly filled with an awesome emotion, can't even explain it, it was quite overwhelming, I got chills all over, when suddenly I knew, that both me and my family were being prayed for by several people, maybe not together, but at that particular moment in time prayers were being offered and answered, I was being showered in prayers, I just knew it. If I had had the luxery of time, I would have pulled over and just wallowed in the feeling; I would have probably been glowing when I walked into Dad's room if I had done so.

Bear with me .... but it brought to my mind this song ...

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
I can feel His mighty power and His Love
I can hear the brush of angels wings, I see glory in each face,
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place

I think I still have a little angel dust on my shoes ...

Wowed even now

Psalms 139; 17-18
How precious are thy thoughts unto me O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand...

Wow, just Wow.

I've been sitting in Dad's CICU room reading scripture out loud to my mom and even in our moments of worry and anxiousness, He has opened my eyes to something new in my favorite Psalms. I've read it, just not focused on those verses before ... HIS thoughts of us; of me; of my dad ... are more in number than the sand.

Just read it again and be wowed with me, or is it just me?

Saturday, September 12, 2009

~ Wicked ~


I went to see Wicked last night in Nashville with two friends and it was great! Its the story of the witches of Oz, Glinda (or Galinda as she was first known) and the wicked witch of the East and the wicked witch of the West (Elphaba). Mostly it about about Glinda and Elphaba. You see them as children and on up .. Dorothy's presence is made known ... but she doesn 't actually make an appearance. It was a very good play. We went to Carrabbas to eat before the play and I can definitely recommend the talapia yummm! I have never really cared for anything I had there before, but last night's fish was awesome!
We had parked about 4 blocks away and as we left theater, the skies opened up and dumped buckets of water directly over our heads. I have never been so drenched while fully clothed! We stopped at Walmart and I bought some PJ pants to wear home. At least I was ready for bed when I got home at 2 AM ....

Friday, September 11, 2009

~ A weekend get-a-way ~

Guess where ....



Gary and I did a quick get-a-way over Labor Day weekend to the beach. We got there Friday evening and stayed through Wednesday. It was very relaxing and a nice break. We actually had planned a whole week vacation there, but I didn't want to be gone that long with Dad's condition still uncertain. He has been doing so well. His energy level is up and we've been so hopeful that the Huntsville doctor's prognosis about Dad would be proven wrong when he went to Vanderbilt.
He went this week and while his heart has regained it's strength, the doctors actually said he has a very strong heart - I am claiming that as God's healing! - his aortic valve is still leaking very badly, not just around it but in it. But unlike what he heard in Huntsville, Vanderbilt surgeon (Dr. Burns) says he feels because Dad's heart is so strong that he can undergo another open heart surgery, so it is scheduled for October 2. Still risks involved, but without the surgery, Dad's health will begin to decline and he may not live long. Prayers are very much appreciated and welcomed.
We came home from the beach and our very old cat had died in her sleep. I hate that she died by herself, but it was her time. Rest in Peace Sheeba. You were a good cat.

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

~ Ughhhh ~

Okay, first I tried on at least 5 different outfits before I left for work, while creeping around in semi-darkness because my husband is home sick - and still didn't feel good about my final choice; next, wearing new shoes that are now killing my feet; next, wearing a somewhat sheer blouse, with a cami underneath to hide the sheerness, only to find out after you get to work, that the cami doesn't do near good enough and now I will have to carry a file folder around in front of me for the remainder of my day for modesty purposes ...


My desk is piled so high with work that I can't see the woodwork on it anymore.


Ugghhhh ... It's just not a good day.







Monday, August 24, 2009

~ Finally Tried It ~

Okay Mrs. Goofy, I finally tried the art project ....

I made this .....




into this ....


I showed the bottom water color to my 14 year old stepson without showing him the black/white photo and asked him what he thought. He thought it was very cool, so then I asked him what he thought it was, he thought it was some pieces of fruit, and oriental writing .... then I showed him the black/white, and he goes oooohhhh now I see it.

Hmmm.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

~ A good day ~

I've been missing a lot of church here lately because I have been wanting to spend as much time as possible with my Dad who has had some very disturbing news concerning his recent surgery. The aortic valve that was just most recently replaced is leaking - bad. The doctors and the home health nurse have not been very promising about his prognosis.

But today, I had to go. I have missed my chuch. I have missed my sunday school. I only made it to SS, but it was awsome and inspiring. I didn't have much to add to the class, I just listened, but it was enough. I was fed. Thank you ladies for all sharing so much. Sometimes, it make me feel lacking in my own walk to hear others sharing so much, but's that's okay, I needed the encouraging words I heard today.

I did spend the day with my parents and Dad was amazing. He had energy, he was not like the same man I spent the evening with just past Wednesday. It was so good to see him feeling good.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

~ Dogs are expensive ~

Are they really worth it?????? Well, yes I guess they are!



Maggie's vet trip last week - $129.00

Payton's vet trip - $179.00
Two down, one to go. We have to space them out between paydays ... couldn't afford them all at one time!
Plus we have to squeeze the cat in somewhere ...


Monday, July 20, 2009

~ An afternoon spent with women ... ~

I had the absolute delight to spend Sunday afternoon sitting at my mother’s kitchen table, sipping iced tea and visiting with five women (six, if you include myself); ages ranging from 48 (me) to 80 (my mom). I can’t remember when I have so enjoyed just sitting and talking and laughing with women in such a long time. (Well there was Red Rooster weekend.) We sat there for hours and carried our conversations from our children and grandchildren, to talking about the church, to talking about our relatives, our ailments, our surgeries, our husbands, funny stories, sad stories, all old times and new. We were all laughing so much Dad’s home health nurse even came in and joined in on the fun for a while.

Of course, Dad was at the height of an almost perfect Sunday afternoon himself; he had a living room full of men; all there just to spend time with him and swap stories, some true and some untrue I’m sure …

As I sat there enjoying myself; I knew I had to leave, I still had too many things I had to accomplish before the day was over; but hating to leave this group of awesome women and ending this “moment”; because it truly was a “moment” in time for me, something special and out of the ordinary for me to be able to sit there with these women, these wonderful awesome beautiful amazing strong courageous funny witty intelligent fabulous spiritual and loving women; I wanted to suspend time and make it go on just a while longer, I hadn’t absorbed enough of them.

Sadly, our time was over, but it was a truly wonderful afternoon; one that I am still hugging to myself today.

I hope you all have these experiences too. I, obviously, don't have enough of them.



Wednesday, July 15, 2009

~ Goodbye Blonde ~



Decided it was time for a change.

~ A quote ~

"It does not matter how small the sins are, provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing."

You know how on Facebook, the posting about go to page 56, 5th sentence and post it ...

The above was posted on a friend of mine's Facebook, it is from the Screwtape Letters, which I have attempted to read and put it aside several times ... until I finally just gave up, but this is such a strong quote.

Worth repeating here I thought.

Personally, I have repeated it over and over in my head already ...

Monday, July 13, 2009

~ Time for a color job ~

My 4 year old great niece told me she wanted hair like mine, so it can be brown and blond at the same time ... yep, it's Clairol time ... (roots are at least 3 inches long ...)

Don't you just love the honesty of little children?

Thursday, July 09, 2009

~ Blessings ~

Wow, isn't God wonderful! Since most of you who read this either got an email from me or is on Facebook and saw my post, so I won't reiterate what I have already said on those. I will only say that Dad is still doing well, in ICU, breathing tube out, sitting up and talking. PTL!

Of course, what is a tense and stressful situation without a little humor ... so here it is ...

I stayed the night with Mom at the hospital last night, we stayed in the ICU waiting room, which is actually pretty nice, it has recliners, big screen TVs, computers with Internet access (for email only though), a break room, nice bathroom, and showers (they provided towels, shampoo, bath jel, blow dryers), plus they give you blankets and pillows to stay they night (you actually can't bring your own, they have to be theirs because they are fire retardant), so that is all nice. For overnight you are assigned a recliner, in case they have to come get you for any reason, they will know exactly which recliner to go to.

My recliner wouldn't stay reclined, but oh well, at least it wasn't a straight back uncomfortable chair. The unfortunate and embarrassing part of this story is that at some point I after I fell asleep, I woke myself up "breaking wind" (and unfortunate for me it was rather loud - that is probably what woke me up... ) in a room full of people ... and yes, I heard snickers ... I had to fake sleep forever before I could even move! Talk about embarrassment ... Argghhh!



Oh well, we were a room full of exhausted people with loved ones in ICU, I hope it gave them something to smile about and take their minds off of their troubles even if only for a few minutes.

Thank you for for the love and prayers. Thank you God for the answered prayers!

Sunday, July 05, 2009

~ Family Photos ~

My son and his family came over a week or so ago for a cookout; my mom was here too:



We bought a little kiddie pool for my grandkids, Molly and Ian, to play in; they loved; and so did Maggie (the boxer) she ate it the next day ....

Saturday, June 27, 2009

~ Random Thoughts that I post and will probably wonder why I did later, I am tired ... ~

Okay, so here I sit at midnight, waiting on a cake to cool from baking so I can cover it and go to bed and this commercial comes on offering from Time Life - Romancing the 70s, 10 cd set and the songs just kept running through my head, and filling me full of memories, I mean, Commodores: Three Times a Lady * Captain & Tennille: Love Will Keep Us Together * Elton John: Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word * Tom Jones: She's a Lady * Olivia Newton-John: I Honestly Love You. Roberta Flack: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face * Jim Croce: I Got a Name * John Denver: Rocky Mountain Hight * Art Garfunkel: All I Know * Elton John: Daniel. Who of you out there don't have some awesome memories that these songs will bring back to you. I loved the 70s music. I used to sing I honestly Love You and find some silly teenage reason to cry as i sang it ... was I weird? I had to look it up. Ya know the commercial says you can preview it all for $9.95, but the costs is $149.50, just couldn't do it; evil Velda said " just spend the $9.95 download them all, and send them back"; but good Velda won out, because good Velda is also sensible Velda and I am sure something would go wrong and I would wind up with a $149.50 charge on my credit card that I would probably have to battle for months for them to remove, plus, it's just wrong ... right?

On another subject, I am really sad about Michael Jackson; I liked his music, but was never really a big fan, but he was just so HUGE, king of pop and all. He seemed to have had such a struggling life; it must truly be hard to be "normal" when you are that huge. I am sorry for his family; and his kids. They have been very protected from the limelight and the media and I can't help but wonder how much longer that protectiver barrier will hold for them.

And poor Farrah Fawcett, her struggle is over. I hope she found her peace.

And also Ed McMahon I used to dream about him handing me over an American Family Publishers Sweepstakes Million Dollar sweepstake check ...

The only good thing I can think of to end this post with is, at least - hopefully - we won't have to hear about Jon and Kate ... for a while, I truly did not know who they were until their marriage fell apart. Hope that don't sound harsh, but really, aren't y'all tired of hearing about them too?

Thursday, June 25, 2009

~ Other Stuff ~

The is the beach house. My friend is very lucky to have this wonderful place for her own retreat time.





This is my friend, Pam. Old college mates. Photos are from one of our other annual get-togethers.



Wednesday, June 24, 2009

~ A Beach Trip with a Good Friend, Ain't Life Grand! ~

This was my favorite time of day, I am sitting on the deck, with my first cup of coffee, it's early, I have the beach all to myself, well except for the guy out there fishing, but he is in such a haze, he may as well not be there ... the beach chairs are all empty waiting for the day to begin and be filled with the various beach goers, love this time of day, it is so peaceful.




We had a lot of dogging lovin' going on.
This is Sophie, my friend, Pam's, Wheaten, she was soo pretty.








And this is Jasmine, her Airedale.









We had a doggie photoshoot! I tried this shot with my dogs at home, but they would not lay still. I was glad she brought her dogs, it made me miss mine less.
We even found time to paint a little, she painted a cantaloupe, but it wasn't finished, she is going to email me a photo of it, but this was mine, which I left for her beach house, she wanted to stay and Pam wanted her too, so stay she did.



It was a fun trip. Getting together with an old friend. We went to college together, we have been friends for 30 years and we try to get together at least once a year. No photos of me and her, just didn't happen, we were too busy yapping and catching up; well, I did get a couple of her, but she would probably disown me if I posted them here, we were pretty scruffy most of the time we were down there! :)
It was good to be home, I missed my dogs ... oh and of course G too! ahem, love you honey ....

~ My Garden ~

Don't you just love it when the flowers are blooming?







Monday, June 15, 2009

~ I am a Martha ~

I think I am a Martha or at least I used to be. Our SS class this past Sunday was about Mary and Martha. And the lesson has stayed in my mind. I realize I used to be a "Martha", earlier in my life, in a previous marriage while my children were young, I really really was a "Martha". Someone in class said she must have been ADHD, it was said in a joke, but really, maybe so ... I was constantly trying to be "perfect" and in doing so was being so imperfect. My life was so structured with my check lists, my daily chores, my laundry days, my dusting days, my get up at this time, go to bed at this time, dinner at this time, house had to be clean before I could rest good in my bed, my couch pillows had to be fluffed just so and in the right places, even my Christmas packages had to fall under my control. They had to be perfect. I stressed myself out alot and my family too. I can see that now, but I couldn't then.

I read up on some from other studies on Martha v. Mary, below are some excerpts, which I felt were noteworthy and made sense to me, these are all copied and I didn't keep track of the authors, so I hope copying to a blog doesn't constitute breaking any copyright laws, these are about Martha - because I felt empathy for her and I identified with her too much:

1) She tried to make up what she lacked by activity.

2) The saddest thing about Martha is that her attitude caused her to miss out on so much:she missed the opportunity to sit at a Bible study led by Jesus; she mis understood the comfort He offered her at her brother’s grave; left up to her own devices, she would even have missed the miracle of her brother’s resurrection; and finally she missed the opportunity to lavish love and attention on Jesus’ just days before He died.

3) Martha’s problem was not that she lived an active life, as opposed to Mary’s contemplative one. She was, after all, doing what any good Jew of her time would do – providing hospitality and serving a guest. Her problem was that she gave in to resentment over Mary’s choice. The problem for those of us who are active – providing service in our place of work and in our homes – is more than just avoiding resentment. We must also find a spirituality that helps us find and serve God in the midst of noise and confusion. (this is what I needed back then and even now.)

So, what I get from this and from the story in the Bible, is that while Martha wasn't a bad person, she missed out on a lot by trying to DO all and too many of the right things or at least what she considered the right things, by making sure all of her to-do list were done, and done right - she didn't take time to smell the roses, so to speak...

You know, we are supposed to learn by our mistakes; now, my home is not perfect (not that it was before, but I tried my best (exhausted myself) to make it), now my couch pillows are not fluffed on a daily basis, I am soo imperfect; but I am more REAL now than I ever was before, as the saying goes ... "I am not what I ought to be,I am not what I wish to be,But, by the grace of God,I am not what I used to be"

The Martha in me though, wants to ask, if she had quit and joined Mary to sit at Jesus feet instead of making sure the household chores were done and dinner prepared, who would have done it? Yeah, I know in the big picture the chores and dinner were not (and are not) as important as sitting at Jesus' feet, but still, that is just where my mind goes ....

See ... I am still a bit of a Martha, I need a little bit more of Mary still in my life I guess. I am a work in progress, aren't we all?

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

~ Me Relaxing ~

This is me, after work today, while my husband was cooking dinner and washing clothes .... It was my day to be the "the MAN". Liked it.

~ A photo-shoot with an Angel ~

A friend ~Princess Bubbles ~ let me play with my camera ...








Sunday, June 07, 2009

~ Dog Bath Day ~



Wish I had a photo of my boxer, Maggie, after her bath. I wrapped a towel around her and told her to go have Dad dry her off and she went running into the living straight to him. I swear sometimes I think they really can understand english.

Camping was great. The weather was sooo perfect. We slept with our windows open, and actually got chilly and went to the pool during the day; and just hung out and was generally lazy! I didn't over pack for the first time in a long time .... food or clothes, so unpacking when we got home was a breeze! YAY!

I had cleaned house before I left and it was almost as clean when I came home. (Stepson came by to feed dogs and stayed a while, cooked a little, wallowed around in the living, took a shower and probably stayed the night ...) but all in all it was still pretty clean; so that was good. Worth it knowing my babies were being fed and taken care of! And definitely cheaper than putting them in a kennel! Gets expensive when you have 3!