~ 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!

Take the Quiz here!

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.

~ 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 ...)

~ 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.

~ 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.

~ 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.

~ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

~ 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)

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.

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 ...

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.

~ 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.

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.

~ 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?

~ 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 ....

~ 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.

~ 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.

~ 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.

~ 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.

~ 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 ...

~ 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.

~ 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 ...

~ 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?

~ 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!

~ 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 ....

~ 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?

~ 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.

~ 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?

~ 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?

~ 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 ...

~ 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!

~ Spider on my Face ~

A spider walked across my face this morning while I was still in that half-awake half-asleep state. Ick! I swatted and slapped around so much that when I finally calmed down, I couldn't find the darn thing, so it will probably walk across my face again tonight. Hopefully, my mouth will be closed.

~ Week off ~

I took the week off. My vacation runs May to May, I had 4 days left and we have a use or lose it office policy, so I took my last days this week. It is the first time in ages I have taken vacation days without having "plans" , but this has been nice and it has totally flown by! We actually did have plans to go camping for 4 or 5 days, but our campground got hit by tornadoes and they had loggers in cleaning of the mess. We couldn't find another camp site available since it was a holiday weekend. We did go to the lake (Tims Ford) for a few days (3); then spent a day with a friend, totally fun - then spent a day with G - drove over to our campground to check out the tornado damage - BAD, but still campable and then we did a little thrifting - don't you just love a man who will go thrifting with you; and now tomorrow, I will go spend the morning with my parents and then off to Smith Lake to spend the weekend with several ladies who are all becoming my very good friends. We'll do a little or a lot of scrap booking, a little or a lot soaking up some sun by the pool; enjoying great meals, I hear, and just enjoying the company of being with women for a weekend. Totally looking forward to this.

Gosh my week has flown by; and I thought I would be bored this week!

~ Can't Sleep ~

Can't sleep. After a couple of hours of sleep, I am wide awake, but worn out. I'm trying to get drowsy again by watching sappy romance movies. Watched The Mirror Has Two Faces with Barbra Streisand - now Bridget Jones Diary and I see the sky lightening up outside ... movies aren't working. However, I have discovered that I think Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger's first kiss in Bridget Jones ... has got to be my favorite on-screen kiss so far (even if Hugh does play a scallywag in this particular movie). Of course, it could just be my sleep deprived mind thinking that ....

Good night, I hope... or should I say good morning.

~ Auction Goods ~

I am an auction going novice. I have only been 3 times to an auction and I think I might could actionally enjoy it more than thrifting and yard selling. G & I went to stay at a friend's lake house at Tim's Ford and Friday night we went into Winchester to an auction house. A rinky dink, some junk some good stuff auction hour. The building is a junky old warehouse type place with piles of junk piled - and I do mean "piled" - in the corners and mostly; and I do mean "junk"! Anyway, this weekend, I was most excited about my ribbon purchase - I got all of this ribbon for $2.50 - it is the big rolls of wired ribbon - YAY! and fun colors and prints too! I also got a really nice walking stick for $3 [you know for all of that hiking I do! :) ]; two baby outfits - new - $2 each; and a really nice and big beach umbrella for $14. There were lots of things I would have bid on but the auctioneer was talking so fast I couldn't understand him when he described the item and we were sitting in the back, so I couldn't see everything good. I can see how people could get hooked!

Anyway, it was fun!

~ Scary Visitor ~

Had a "disturbed" person come into our office today. He worried me. He disturbed me. He scared me. I didn't like him being in our office. Hopefully, he won't be back.

~ Movies in the Park ~

Received an email about this today thought some of you with young children or grandchildren might want to make a note of it on your calendars - free things to do with your children! I know I always like the FREE stuff when mine were young!

"Classic Movies in the Park

July 10
July 24
August 14
August 28

The Museum's Art Krewe is once again presenting one of Huntsville's favorite summer activities: Classic Movies in the Park! Throughout the summer the Art Krewe will be showing films that have captured hearts for years - projected right onto the side of the Museum! Feel free to bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets! Movies begin at sundown.
These events are free and open to the public. Movie choices have not yet been selected. Keep checking the Museum website for more details!" (copied)

http://www.hsvmuseum.org/Pages/calendar_of_events.html

~ Just Random Stuff ~

It has been one of those weeks where not much "blog worthy" has happened. I've bought flowers to plant/pot and if the rain will hold off today, that will get done. Work has been good, got a lot done, so I feel good about that. My stepson Aaron is here for the weekend and we are glad, cause we've missed him! I have committed to have a Longaberger party in my home in July, so I have a long time to get my house cleaned up for that at least!

We bought a new stove/oven last night, self cleaning, YAY!

I am teaching an adult Sunday school class tomorrow for the first time and am a little apprehensive about that. Last time I taught a SS class to my "peers" I was 14 years old, as were all the people in my class and they totally ignored me and talked all through the class to each other ... made me appreciate how frustrating being a teacher must be and I knew after that I never wanted to do it again. (It was actually a type of torture/punishment that I had to do it then, because the week before I was the one doing most of the talking and the teacher was sooooo mad and aggravated with all of us - mostly me - that she had me teach the class the next week so I could experience the same pain ... It worked though - I was a much better student in her class after that and I knew I NEVER wanted to teach again.). So, it will be interesting to see if tomorrow's class will leave such a lasting memory in my head.

I have a laid back day planned. Aaron is having a friend over the stay most of the day, so he will have fun. I am going to get my hair cut and am getting a massage - oh yes I am and I am looking soooo forward it. I may leave early and stop at a couple of thrift stores even, or I may get lucky and come across a yard sale, my smile is getting bigger the more I type ! And we have already planned to just grill hot dogs for dinner tonight, so no big meal to plan or cook! Oh yes, this day will hopefully be as fun and laid back as I hope it will be.

Y'all take care now ...

~ Happy Mothers Day ~

Gary surprised me with a Mothers Day hammock.

Happy Mothers Day!

~ He's my brother and I love him ~

I have a brother. I love him dearly. We were the best of friends at different times in our lives; we shared secrets, childhood games, I had crushes on his friends and he had them on mine, we had fun times, not so fun times, he would visit me while I was in college in Florida, we were roommates in B'ham - shared an apartment in our early 20s, thought we could conquer the world, or at least leave our mark on it for someone else to see one day.

Unfortunately, the decisions we made in our early lives took different life paths from each other. He began his battle with drug addiction and alcohol early and continued the battle off and on most of his life. [Not that I was an angel in my own youth, I had my time of "testing" , actually I don't think the testing ever ends ... , you know the saying ... there but for the Grace of God go I ... you just never know how that next "bad" decision will affect the rest of your life ... ] The choices he made in his life while drugs consumed his life have landed in a prison cell where he is likely to remain for the remainder of his life. The positive side of this, is that he has found his way home to the Lord in his new home and has found peace with his life's fate, even while still trying to free himself from the confines of his prison walls through the legal system, he knows he is right with the Lord and for this we are all grateful. He has found ways to honor the Lord in the prison ministries which are available to him.

Every couple of months or so, I make the 2 1/2 hour journey to the prison in St. Clair County and visit him. Every time I go, it's like they have added a new restriction, or something to the visitors to the prison. First, no white clothes, no white tennis shoes, then, later, add no open toe shoes and no sleeveless shirts, no jackets, then later, add, no jewelry except wedding band and watch, now only wedding band, we used to drive to the parking lot and go sign in and wait to be called so we can go through the search process; now, they stop all the cars before entering the parking lot, and they have dogs come and search your vehicles.

Guess whose car held up the line today??? The dogs found my car INTERESTING hmmm, could it be the smell of my own dogs, or the plant in the seat throwing them off, or the partially eaten biscuit wadded up in paper napkin and thrown back into the McD bag, from two days ago? No, my purse has to be emptied, my glove box had to be emptied the dogs are all over my car and in it too, and all I really want to, other than punch my brother for putting me in this totally embarrassing and humiliating situation, is to go dig a hole and quietly climb in ... finally they give up on finding any illegal drugs or weapons and let me pass, next is the "personal" search, last time I had to drop my pants to my knees - apparently they had complaints (it has taken me 4 1/2 month to brave another trip after that!) this time I only have to take my shoes/socks off, show them the bottom of my bare feet, undo my pants show them the top of my underwear, show them the bottom of my bra, pull it away from my skin and shake it, then I get patted down, of course all of this is done by female guards, in case any of you were wondering ...

Finally, I am allowed into the visiting area to await the arrival of my brother, who has to undergo a much more invasive search than I do just to have a visitor. Do any of you think you would be so totally ticked off at all you have had to go through just to see this person, that it would be hard to even be nice to him at first ... you would think so, but as soon as he walks through the door, I forget it all (temporarily at least), I just want to wrap him in my arms with a big bear hug and and enjoy every minute I have with him.

He beats himself up enough about what he's done with his life and besides, he's my brother and I love him.

~ Bad Start to the Day ~

You know you are in for a bad day when it starts as being that person driving down the road with the belt to their rain coat flapping outside of your car door, getting drenched and soaked with road muck ... yeah that was me ....







I had already had to go out into the down pour of rain this morning just to get my dogs to take care of business. They would not get off of the back door stoop, so off I went to run around in the back yard, so they would follow and let nature run it's course ....



Went to dentist, midway through my cleaning my boss calls says my coworker had no showed and we had depositions going on ... so I had to rush to hygenist and race to the office, apparently just after my coworker did show up ...



And then I spent the rest of the day feeling like I was having hot flashes ... prematurely I might add ... at least I think so.

This day will get better, I just know it will ...

~ The good thing about rain ~

The good thing about rain is:

I threw the dogs in just for fun.

Look at the buds on my hydrangea bush! I am excited to see those bloom.

~ What do you do on a rainy day ~

Okay, since yesterday, I lazed around the house, cleaned, and just took it easy, today I needed to do something. So, after church, G and I cooked a large Sunday lunch of Meat Loaf (he made, he makes this better than I do), Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and cornbread (his son and girlfriend came for lunch), I tried watching TV, but I was stir crazy. So, I got out my paints, and a canvas I had already sketched and started a painting. I did manage to get all of the background color on, now I have to go back add details. I feel good about my effort though for one day. Steph if you are reading this, this is yours, so you can see I have finally started it! I know you think I forgot!




I also made the chocolate cupcakes which are supposed to be lowfat and low cal, but don't really taste it. They are made with a Choc. Devil's food cake mix and a can of pumpkin - thank you Ms. Goofy - and they are pretty good.


they are so thick when you put them in the cupcake pan, they bake up all lumpy and kind of look like they have icing on them. I had one while it was still hot with carb free vanilla ice cream and a little choc. syrup. Yum!!!!

On another subject, I really need this rain to stop soon. Things are getting touchy around here. Tempers flare and depression is sitting on the edge of my periphery just waiting to attack - and thats just the dogs ... just kidding ... maybe just going back to work tomorrow will help. This morning's sermon talked about how we can ruin relationship by reacting and over-reacting - boy can I relate to that right now .... maybe sometimes its just better not to talk. I wonder if Noah and his family had any of these problems ...

~ Is it still raining ~

I think so ...

MY POOR YARD

My sidewalk is acting as a natural channel for a river ... my yard is the pond I guess.

Is anyone else having these problems ...

~ Rain rain rain .... ~

Enough said ...

~ Quote for the Day ~

Work as if it was your first day

forgive as soon as possible

love without boundaries

laugh without control,

and never stop smiling

even if you don't know the reason.

*unknown

~ Memories from a Beach Wedding ~

~ Lazy Sunday Afternoons ~

Aren't Sundays wonderful? I had a largely lazy Sunday. G took off to Cullman to go dirtbike riding with friends; I went to church; came back home and ate left over Mexican Lasagna (yum Pampered Chef recipe); put in an old movie (Pollyanna again ...) and promptly fell asleep before she had her first meal with her maiden aunt ... l woke up after she fell from the tree, so really lovely nap! Played in the dirt a little outside and then grilled steak and made baked sweet potatoes for dinner - yum again. G's home and didn't have any mishaps while out on the trails (yay!).

So, really a very lovely lazy Sunday afternoon.

~ Three Trees ~

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."
Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one," and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing ! boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said, "Peace" and the storm stopped . At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best. (Author Unknown)

~ Struggles ~

Has anyone ever offended, embarrassed and humiliated you so bad that you go out to a private place and cry for a good 20 minutes before you can even be seen in public again without totally losing it. And then, after you get past the crying part, ANGER TAKES OVER, and you plot your revenge, or what you should have done/said or will do/say, etc. Only to have God block your path to that evil side of your pesonality. And, even knowing that it is GOD blocking that evilness, you struggle to find ways to get around HIM basically!

Yeah, that is me, it happened VERY recently. And to be truthful, I am still having a hard time with forgiveness, even knowing once I truly forgive this person in my heart, the struggle with my evil side will not be so hard, my pain of this hurt will lessen because God will be sharing it with me and will take it from me. I am only hurting myself, not the offender. Now just writing this TRUTH is helping. I just have to take the next step with it. I will. Soon. Today. Now.

Why is it sometimes so hard to do though?

~ Memories of Easter ~

~ Hello Sadie ~

Sadie, our oldest dog, chilling on G's chest, her favorite place to be.

~ Have your ever ~

Just for Fun
Have fun with this.copy and paste this list into your own blog and bold the items that you have done.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (It's called a Mental Health Day)

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language (just not fluently ...)

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted (only is a chalk drawing is considered ...)

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person (but only from the outside sadly - line was too long!)

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business (hmmm does selling Mary Kay count???)

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Gotten flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (Mrs. Beasley)

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby No, only lost one ...

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

~ Not Much ~

Not much has been going on worth repeating on here. Hope everyone has a great weekend. We will be spending Sunday with my family - Mom, Dad, Sister and other extended family. They have a cantata at their morning services in church and then we will have the traditional Easter feast, i.e., ham, potato salad, deviled eggs, slaw, coconut cake, etc., and of course hide a few eggs ...

Happy Easter weekend my friends.

*****

~ Good Friday ~

~ A cool blog ~

Check it out: http://www.ascribingartists.blogspot.com/

The Ascribing Artists Blog is a creative ministry bringing together visual artists who wish to "Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due His name." Ascribing Artists recognize that anything they do pales in comparison to the Glory of the Lord. Artist are welcome to share their artwork, techniques, stories, praises, encouragements and advice. (copied)

Pretty Cool!