hmmm no comments

I've had no comments since early December..just wondering if everybody's too busy? Or gone? Not that they're worthy of commenting..just odd to have none...anybody else experiencing that?? Where are you cousin Bob? Margaret? anyone? hahaha...

Well..it's over

Another Christmas is over. I was spoiled rotten by the generosity of others. I was fattened up by some darn good hash slinging by family...yes, I did NOT have to cook...cartwheel!! Everybody got along, lots of laughter and fun. Happy Birthday, Jesus!! I feel blessed that's for sure!!!! I had no returns from the gifts I received. My younger daughter gave me the green light to announce her pregnancy. So, there will be two grandbabies born in 2011...Candice is due in August and Hollee is due in March. We already know the March baby is a girl..Briley Clover. On my side of the family we've decided to do white elephant style gifts next year as it's financially better for us all. We'll give a nice gift to one adult...and spoil the little ones as usual!!!

Christmas sorrow

I'm feeling burdened today for the people who have lost a loved one in 2010. This could include a lost relationship. This is their first Christmas without that friend or family member. Christmas has so many traditions that contain memories very specific to a certain person. I'm asking God that when those memories come to mind, He replaces the pain with a gratitude to have had that person in their life. I know for some it will be so devastating and lonely that they can hardly breathe and I'm asking God to wrap His arms of comfort and love tightly around them.

Christmas is a time of joy and thankfulness. A time to remember our Savior, Jesus, coming into the world to save us from our sins. To have a spirit of mourning during such a celebration can be lonely business. You're in pain, others are jubilant! For some, this pain has dampened their Christmas spirit for more than this year, but they get through it with Your help, Lord. You've come to save the lost.

I'm also burdened for those who are alone. No family or friends to include them in the season's activities. For the depressed this is a very lonely time. So, Lord I ask you to visit each person in their unique situation and bring them exactly what they need. Love, comfort, companionship, maybe even a turkey..whatever they need to make it through the holidays I know you can provide. You are close to the brokenhearted according to your Word. Thank you Lord!!

salty day

Have you ever had a deep deep hurt and you think you're dealing with it ok, but something small and insignificant can be like salt in a wound and the tears start? Does it mean the "dealing with it" is really covering up the pain with non thought? Today was a salt day. But, you know what? God is still in control. He gathers our tears in a bottle the bible says and is close to the broken-hearted.
I must hang onto that because I feel so alone at the moment. God has blessed me over and over, so I have no reason to be sad over one thing, but I am. It's a loss..a loss of love by my own son. The pain is unbearable at times, but I must not let it wipe out all the good in my life, right? I feel badly that I've lost hope of it ever changing...that's not showing faith is it. So, a failure as a mother AND a failure as a Christian. NO NO NO...you see how the enemy works? Sits on our shoulders and whispers his lies in our ears. No wonder so many get into despair mode..listening to him. I rebuke you devil and in Jesus Name claim peace!!! You have to do that or he'll just keep it up until you give him the ultimate...renounce Jesus or suck fumes locked in your garage. Either one gives the devil delight!! NO, greater is HE that is in me than he that is in the world!!!!

tornado

A tornado in Aumsville, Oregon. Who would have thunk it. Did a fair amount of damage, but fortunately nobody was hurt seriously. That has to be a God thing. The owner of Nichols Plumbing downtown Aumsville knows Who to give the Glory to!!! I watched some guy interviewing her and when she said "It's part of God's plan that nobody was hurt" he became mute...didn't know what to ask next..kind of funny. In all my newspaper reading lately, Oregon is a pretty godless place. Maybe things like this tornado, so unexpected, is a wake up call to get right or get left. Something to ponder next time the wind howls that's for sure.

Happy Dance

I just found Melina Kanakaredes from CSI N.Y. on Facebook. I met her at a Wendy's bathroom in Santa Nella, California while on vacation a couple years back. She and her hubby were making a pit stop and actually lining up for junk food. I studied her from behind like any stalker would do..then asked "Has anybody told you you look like that curly haired girl in CSI New York?" She replied, " I AM that curly haired girl from CSI." Gasp!!! Then I proceeded to chat her head off...I even said something very stupid..I said "well, I usually watch Law and Order" hahaha. what a nit. She was awesome and oh how I wish I had had my camera, but who wants their picture taken standing outside a bathroom stall with an old lady, right?

Then, I discovered we both had myspace and I became her "friend" and jabbered her to death with comments...they were silly and fun ones tho!!! I have deleted myspace and was out of touch with her until today.

Anyway, it must be nice to know you can "make someone's day" so easily by just standing there.
Happy dance!!

shopping

Christmas shopping...it's exhausting. We dragged ourselves around the stores today. I was up to my armpits in PJ bottoms and slippers. Trying to second guess other people's taste, balance the total amount on each to be fair...I'm thinking it's time for the adults to draw names truly!! But, once all this shopping is done, I can focus on the real meaning of Christmas. Jesus. His birth, my salvation in Him and how lost I'd be right now if He weren't in my life!! How do people do life without Jesus..it's hard!!! So, I hope I keep my focus on the birthday of my King and not worry about someone liking or not liking a gift I give to them. Enjoying family on Christmas eve and hopefully on Christmas day. See if I can destroy another turkey!! haha...actually the pig is in danger during Christmas as we have ham. Ok..later gaters..have a great week!!

got menus?

I want a chef. I'd love to go thru magazines, point out a recipe to my 'chef' and they shop and cook. But, alas, that's for the wealthy. Maybe after so many years of fixing meals, I'm just bored. Anybody have EASY menus they would share? You see, most sites on the internet show menus but items fixed require ingredients that are used in a particular recipe and never seen again. I need one that utilizes all the groceries bought.

I've been on diets and some are easier than just eating what I want because it's all spelled out for you. You KNOW what you'll be eating. I know Weight Watchers is popular because it does allow you to eat whatever...but, that requires figuring out what 'whatever' is. Maybe it will be nice when my kids put me in a nursing home...at least the home will figure out what to feed me, right?

coughing

cough cough cough cough cough cough cough..and that's all I have to say about that!

This hearse was being driven up some San Francisco hills..suddenly, the back doors swung open and the casket fell out..it went bumping and jumping thru the streets...crashed through a Walgreens store, slid down the center isle, coming to a rest at the pharmacy counter. The lid s-l-o-w-l-y opened up..the man sat up and said.."hey, can you give me something to stop this coffin'?"

ok, bye.

head roll

I'm sick, so will not be posting til I feel better. Coughing my head off..so if you see a grey haired head rollin around that's about 68 yrs old..it's mine..please return it for repairs..thanks!!! Have a good week hepcats!!

Turkey kabobs, turkey stew, turkey cassrole....

Thanksgiving is over for another year. Had a few funny moments (at the time it wasn't funny).

I purchased new stainless steel cookware and when instructions say use lower heat...man...you gotta pay attention!!! I was cooking the gravy and moved it from a medium low burner to medium...St Helens erupted!!! I had gravy everywhere but in the pan!!! Wow...now I'm actually scared of my own cookware!!!

The day started at 4:30 AM when I left a perfectly warm cozy bed and wandered into the kitchen and decided to prep and put the bird into the roaster oven (it's new so wasn't aware of how swiftly it cooks). I was using the slow method...20 minutes at 450..the rest of the time at 250. By 10:00 AM my hubby was carving a turkey meant for 2:00 PM guests. You know how they say a turkey is done if you can easily wiggle it's legs? This one was actually doin a bow legged stance on its own!!! Haha. But, that was ok in the long run cuz all I had to do was warm it back up in foil. Bob so wanted a Norman Rockwell scene..nice brown turkey on a platter while he stood over it with his knife and sharpening rod. Maybe next year!!

We had a flurry of activity when guests arrived and gettin all the pans emptied into serving bowls..it was amazing how the men stayed hidden at that moment..grrrr...I think they felt entering the kitchen at that moment would be akin to goin' into a bee hive. But, we got it on the table..took a deep breath and asked God to bless it all. Without HIM it's just a big meal that leaves you moaning and groaning and gulping antacids, not to mention the weight gain!! But, sharing the day with our friends, laughing, watching "Miracle on 34th St." and just enjoying our bounty was awesome!! God has blessed me and I am very thankful!!!!

Now, I wish Forest Gump's friend, Bubba, was here so he could give me turkey suggestions like turkey kabobs, turkey stew, turkey sandwiches, turkey ala king, turkey mash........

My Yard Has Dandruff

My yard has dandruff..cold dandruff. Now, I can't make a snowman out of snow dust..so basically this is a visual deal. Look at it..period. Oh, and it looks icy as well..so there's the danger part. Hubby made it to work cuz I got no phone call to the contrary. He's from California, but still navigates through bad weather like a little pro here in Oregon. I'm scared of it. I'd be nervous walkin to the mailbox at this point. But, when you're 68, there's that "you'll break a hip" thing I have to consider, right? So, I'm stayin put. I have a cold, so I'm not getting dressed today. That's my story and I'm stickin to it. Achoooo! See? Told ya. I still have to cook that bird in the middle here!! haha

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEK

Thanksgiving week. Lots of farewell parties for Tom..gobble gobble. Boxes of Stove Top are flyin off the shelves and houses are being cleaned in anticipation of lots of company. Legs dangling under the Thanksgiving table and bowls of old favorites dot the table landscape. Green bean casserole, mashed taters and gravy, sweet potatoes with giant marshmellows melting, fruit salads and wiggly jello salads. Along the kitchen counters are pumpkins pies and tubs of cool whip. It's all good.
Some families will share what they are thankful for, others might bicker. There'll be piercings, tattoos, grey buns on backs of old heads, boyfriends, husbands, "partners", it's all there with as much variety as the menu. We really all want everyday to be Thanksgiving day I think. We want family, we want unlimited food, we want a spirit of thankfulness and we want the day off. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times. This year we almost ended up just my husband and me as our family members all are going elsewhere, but some friends of ours are alone, too, so we'll blend our food and have a great time!!! If you are alone and have a bird to bake, invite someone else cuz you might make their day!!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!!

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to

Today's my 68th birthday. Unbelievable!! You go to bed a hip, energetic mere slip of a girl of 67, and bam!!! You wake up old. Where'd these wrinkles come from?? Were they there yesterday?
But the main thing is...I WOKE UP!! Thank you Lord for 68 years on this earth!! I look forward to 68 more...oh wait..that'd make me live to age 136. I'd have to move to the Incas or something to be that old!!!

I was taken out to dinner last night by my oldest daughter, Kathy. We had a great time together! Free Breakfast at Denny's is comin up this morning with a friend, and nice dinner tonight with hubby is on the horizon!!! Life is good!! So, basically, I'm a happy, fat, elderly person who refuses to grow up!!! Cartwheel!! Did you see that?? Want to see it again? Cartwheel. Ok done!!
Have a great day friends, I know I'm going to!!! It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to...hahaha

no animals were harmed!

I bought myself a birthday present. I'm sure no animals were harmed in the making of this handbag!!! It's not a snake...it's not an armidillo...it's fake something...it better be..I might have to cut off the strap it's soooo snakelike!!! ugh. I like it however and I'm 68 almost so I can do what I wanna!!!!! I've posted two pictures, cuz that first one doesn't have the right "color"..hahaha....Ok..later gaters (no no it's not made of gater either!!!!)

A Moment of laughter

It's very windy out there. I told my granddaughter we need to put a big rock in her lunch bag so when I drop her off at school she won't blow away..she rewarded my silliness with a laugh. We need to be upbeat and silly with our grandkids!! In this moment of joy with Mia, there were no thoughts of bills to pay, car trouble, no sickness...just two people 60 plus years apart in age sharing a laugh. It's a powerful thing, laughter. I love bein a grandma!! I thank the Lord for my silly side, too. Building memories in a child's life they'll never forget!! It's all good.

TIP: To make housework fun for kids, write simple chores on pieces of paper and put them into a big jar. Let the children draw a chore out. Simple things like: dust living room furniture. Empty dishwasher. Make your bed. Clean the sink in bathroom. etc...That worked for me .. well .. the one or two times we lived in a place long enough to clean it. HAHA. Moving often will cut the housework down a bit.

Freaky dream Nov 16

Wow..woke up with the aftermath of a freaky dream which made NO sense at all!! But, someone skilled in dream interpretation could probably tell me all about it. There were walls that (thank God) moved (I'm claustrophobic), a scene that had Anne Hathaway in it (I know guys would have loved that) there was like a water table with pink tinged water rushing through..I thought blood in the dream..then someone was coming to "collect" me..yikes!!! I mean I didn't even have a snack after dinner...so what's up with my brain? I often take a sleeping pill and sleep without dreaming or at least forgetting what I dreamed. For sure not having the emotional aftermath like this one. I had decided to start going to bed with my husband at 9:00 pm instead of staying up watching TV. Well, forget that noise if my dreams are gonna be weird!!! He can go to bed alone..heh. It's probably related to having eaten half a cow for dinner...huge steaks. Hmmm wonder what a fish stix dream would be like? Have a great day hepcats!!

This was a line from a book I am reading..I thought it was sooooo funny wanted to share!!! If you have Facebook and are my friend, never mind cuz it'll be a re-run!!!
******

"Can I borrow your boat?"

"Sure, why? You goin' fishin' ?"

"Yep"

"Got worms?"

"Yeah, but I'm goin' anyway!!"

**********

I think that's a thigh slapper, don't you!!!!

Marriage is work.

well..isn't it nice when you've had an argument with your spouse to see things slowly return to normal? No big speeches. Nope, not even apologies. Just get up, dress for church, eat your waffle all in silence..but then..the small talk begins. It's slow...but oh, it's a blessing. I hate disagreements, truly I do. I feel isolated and unloved...no doubt my spouse is working through some of those same emotions. But, we talked at lunch, each are doing their own thing at home now..he's watching sports on TV and I'm at the computer, the chill in the air is lifting like the early morning fog as the voice tones return to normal. To talk about it...to apologize..to bring up the argument at all could begin a new one..so this works best for us...sometimes. Not always. Marriage is where we see how selfish we are. I've got lots of work left to do in that area..we both do. But, marriage IS work. The pay might be minimum wage, but the benefits and bonuses are worth it!!

We've traveled through other relationships at our age and are still unpacking "baggage" from those 'trips' taken before we met. Someday they'll be all unpacked...then of course, we'll be in Heaven when that happens!! Ha! I'm determined to choose an unselfish act today in my marriage...wish me luck...or better yet, pray for me!!!

criticism hurts

Please don't criticize the one you love. There's got to be a better way. In marriage men may wonder why the wife is backing up...keeping distance...what they fail to see is critical words hurt and make the person want to avoid the pain. What happened to "bite your tongue"? What is behind a critical spirit I wonder? Is it a habit learned in childhood? Is it conceit because we don't do it their way? Is it just advice given in a harsh tone? I don't know. I'm just insecure enough to feel it's a failure on my part and that when it happens often I am a total failure in that person's mind. I just wonder if it's really necessary? Does the person spitting out the harsh words feel better after? If you explain, sometimes even THAT is meant with criticism..then what? All I know to do is go crawl under the covers..hide...ponder what to do, how to make things right again? Baffling, to say the least. Maybe next time, I'll let them see the bottom side of a cast iron skillet and criticize how they look with a broken nose!!

"Unstoppable"

We saw the new release in theaters of "Unstoppable". I was side 'tracked' (heh) by the potty mouths, but otherwise felt it was a good action movie. I have a backache to prove it..I was literally on the edge of my seat...I mean a runaway train does that to me. We went with another couple and each time I looked over at my friend she had her hands up to her cheeks, too. Haha..not sure what that means...fingers ready to file across the eyes maybe?


We tried to sneak into a 2nd movie "Morning Glory", but my back was so messed up from the tension of the other movie I had to leave a third of the way into it cuz I hurt so bad... (probably being punished for not paying to see that 2nd movie). That movie was also peppered with swearing. Do all people talk like that in real life? I've been sheltered the last 30 years hangin out with Christian people who DON'T. I remember old movies that had as much action and tension, but the actors were able to convey that with voice tones and facial expressions...and of course their colt 45.

Coffee

Nov. 12th

Coffee. I love coffee. It's not that it tastes good really. I even "enjoy" bad coffee. Coffee made while camping..boiled in a rusty old perculator..luke warm coffee...but, I draw the line at weak coffee. That's just nasty water. But, coffee that causes curly hairs to grow on my chest I love!!
The words "Let's go get a cup of coffee...or Do you want to come over for coffee?" Those kind of statements/questions create a whole scene in my mind and heart. I don't think it's the beverage of choice as much as it's the togetherness. It is "I want to spend time with you" Just looking at a TV show where they hold a coffee mug gets to me. I want to be there..I want to hold a mug, too!! I watch steam wisping up from the mug..watch them blow in it to cool it off...it all creates a warmth inside me of friendship and love. It's the first thing I do each morning..stumble out to my single serve coffee maker, pop in a pod, listen to the strange sounds it makes as it's providing me a wake up cup of Joe. I carry it over to the computer, read messages and slirp the dark strong "Friend". I can feel the fog lifting and my eyes opening fully.
I'm sure there are those who get all this with tea. But, cannot imagine it happening with milk.
So, here's to you fellow coffee drinkers!!

Soldier Boy by Flo Edmondson

A soldier walked one day
Onto a field of mines,
Because he glanced away,
He missed the footprint lines.

An explosion could be heard
Just as that line was crossed
And into smokey air
The soldier boy was tossed.

He lay there in the sand,
Ears roaring from the sound.
He felt his wounded thigh
And tried to look around.

A chopper from above
Swooped down to take this boy
Into an unknown future..
Such loss would steal his joy.

Death did not claim his life
But drugs and alcohol
Would be the chosen way
To handle life at all.

The years rolled swiftly by
As you know they often can.
The wounded soldier boy
Became a wounded man.

Not only limb was gone,
But happiness as well.
The dope and booze would soon
Spiral him down toward Hell.

But, God reached out His hand
To this man who could not cope
And said, "I love you, son"
Accept my help and hope.

So, now he's not alone
With memories of pain
For Jesus suffered, too
When on the cross was slain.

This man gave up his leg
So others could be free.
God gave up His son
To buy us liberty.

Now this soldier man
Belongs to God's army,
Someday he'll go to Heaven
And on two legs he'll be.

Thank you Veterans for your service to our country!!! Happy Veteran's Day!!!

kindness

Nov 10, 2010

Just took my granddaughter, Mia, to school. We talked about being kind. She's six. She snapped at me because I couldn't hear what she said and asked her to repeat it. I explained how unkind it was when someone has a problem they can't help to growl at them. Even with hearing aids I miss what people say. So much impatience in our world. Husbands do it, too. They talk from another room and growl when you didn't catch what was said...mine will repeat what he said in a real loud voice...I know it's out of anger and impatience. Kindness. I have hearing aids, but they pick up sounds I don't care about...road noise, turn signal dings, coughing/sneezing, but still words sound mushy or soft. I might start winging it. I did that once, but answered a question not asked...embarressing. All I ask is for kindness when I need something repeated, or if I'm trying someone's patience. Being harsh is will never bring anyone joy. I cannot ever picture Jesus snapping at His followers for having to repeat something. He's always kind even if we fail Him over and over. I want to be like Him.

Blog has a New Look

Hey..check out my new look on my blog!!! It was a challenge to change it, but fun to see results!!
It rains a lot where I live, so this seems appropriate!!!! Fun Fun Fun!! Ok, bye.

Nov 8, Birthday list for hubby

It's 11:17am..not dressed..lovin a day where I don't have to venture out. I must take a walk, tho.

I've been working on a b'day list for hubby so he has some "guidance". Don't ya hate it when they want a list..then grumble about what's on the list? "why don't you ever want something easy?" he said. I put some cookware things on it..guess he wanted me to put thongs, teddies, push up bra, and maybe chocolates on the list...ha! I'm not one of these dames with unlimited budget who can just go down and buy a pot or pan. So, I use these special occasions to request them. If I could find a certain item in the cookware then I'll let him know. I spent several years pullin my undies outta there...so wearing a thong would drive me nuts!!!

Nov 5th..condoms, not chocolates

OH man...I opened the newspaper and read that a couple in Silverton, Oregon handed out condoms to teenage trick or treaters...I'm shocked..I truly am!! What happened to our country...our world? Now it's "very nerdy" to be a virgin..to wait until marriage to make love..it's just another activity on a date like sippin on a cola or going to a movie. God's beautiful gift has been cheapened. He wanted that to be the most special thing for a man and woman in love, committed and promising to honor and cherish one another in marriage. Now it's so polluted that it's ugly. Guess that's the down side of living to be nearly 68..you remember when...and long for those beautiful days of innocence. People's honeymoons..well weddings, too, are just a party. Wedding nights are no longer special for couples to discover, enjoy and experience anew this gift from God. Many are already living as man and wife. It's very very sad to me.

Nov 4..boring housework

Don't ya hate it when the house isn't quite messy enough to prompt action? I do a little dab of housekeeping here and there..then I'm tired of it. I guess if truth were known..I'm a bit lazy!!
I think when you reach nearly 68, you should automatically get a housekeeper to do it for you cuz by then you're really really tired of it. Boring. Aha..you know what else would help...new furniture..yeah...that'd work for me...give me a new spring in my step..or even a new vac...But it IS a beautiful day and I did go for a walk so that counts for something I think. Hope you all are having a great Thursday.

Ode to turkeys

If I was a turkey
So nervous I'd be.
The hatchets are comin
oh woe is me!

those crazy humans
Eat turkey like mad
When Thanksgiving comes
Us turkeys are had!!

They bake us in ovens,
Fry us in vats,
Whatever the method
they first want us fat!

Tom's havin' a party
a farewell one, not fun!
cuz once Thanksgiving is here
His life is all done.

So my advice to turkeys
on farms or out loose
Encourage your owners
They all should eat goose!!!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!!!!

we're back from San Francisco

Bob had a great time at the World Series game in San Francisco! I waited in our hotel and watched the game on TV. The Giants won 9-0!! He had a blast!! Our train ride to and from S.F. was fun..there were outlets at our seats so we could watch movies on the laptop. People traveling are fun to watch, too.

When we got to the Amtrak bus stop outside Bloomingdales, there was a HUGE bicycle parade up Market street..over a thousand bikes! Quite a sight..none of our pictures turned out, however. Disappointing. Just to amuse ourselves between check out time and the bus we boarded a city bus and just stayed on it...over an hour ride and saw lots of sights..all for 75 cents each. We also went to the movie "Inception".

Today's the day. At 3:37 we'll board Amtrak for San Francisco. Bob gets his World Series dream and I get to hang out in this beautiful hotel and have room service...whooopy!!!!

I'm startin the day out tired haha. Had granddaughter overnight and got her up early to get ready for school..she's a grumpy lil kid in the morning!! I, on the other hand, am too chipper!!!! See youse guys later!!!

Hoarders

Been watching the show "Hoarders" and oh my. That's an illness I wouldn't want!! It reminds me of anorexics..they look in the mirror, but see what isn't there...fat. These Hoarders do not see the filth, and eyeball popping clutter from floor to ceiling. Our minds are able to filter out the truth. I pray that never happens with my belief in Jesus. I always want to see Him clearly and rightly.
I want Him to see me that way also. If I hoard anything I want it to be more of Him!!

Tomorrow we leave for San Francisco and the World Series game. Train ride will be brutal as I cannot sleep unless lying down, but I'll catch up in the hotel the one night..then another brutal ride home..heh. It's worth it to see my husband happy and excited about a World Series game, a dream come true for him..It's better THIS dream comes true than the one where he goes to work naked right? haha...

THE GIANTS WON..WORLD SERIES TIME!

We are going to San Francisco!!! Giants won tonight's game, so are going to World Series. Hubby gets to go to a game!!...I'll wait at the hotel...it's spendy!!!! But, he can cross this off his bucket list!!!

can't look

Makes me too nervous to watch tonight's ball game..I want the Giants to win so badly so we can go to World Series in San Francisco...so not gonna watch...Bob can report runs as they occur..hehe.
I'm tense just thinking about it!!

which is your favorite?

Dumped Myspace. It was too time consuming, but now I miss it. What sites are you guys on and what is your favorite? Mine is Facebook!! So far blogging hasn't netted a lot of response, but on Facebook I'm rewarded for all my comments and status updates...cartwheel!!

Normal..yay!

Had my colonoscopy and that other scope thingee where they go from top down and take a look at esophagus and tummy. Some immflamation there from the chronic heart burn, which is now under control with meds! I'd like to say it was "a piece of cake" but the doctor ignored my 'requests' for more "put me out stuff'" Grrrr...in ten years when I have the next one, I'll chose the doctor my husband had...as he remembers nothing and I remember it all.

But, he stated my colon was 'entirely' normal!!! Cartwheel! Minimal esophagitis (immflamation) of the esophagis..so there ya go!!! I'm ok!!! Very very very glad that is over I can tell ya!!!

Have a great weekend coming up. If the Giants win one more...we're going to California to the World Series..well, one game anyway...haha.

this and that

been watching the San Francisco Giants play baseball. If they make it to the World Series Bob and I are going to california. I'll veg out at the hotel while he goes to a game. So, train tickets are on hold, Hotel is booked, now we wait...impatiently, I might add..heh.

My prep begins for a colonoscopy and throat scope on Wednesday. Pah-leeeeeze don't share any horror stories with me if you've had one of these two procedures done, ok? I'm the nervous type!
Tonight after dinner is MOM (milk of Mag) ... on your MARK...GO!! Then Tuesday the litres of water drinkin start..liquid diet..then some fizzy stuff...LOOK OUT BELOW!...then 4 oh so tiny and innocent looking red pills..BLAST OFF! Sleep ain't happening that night I betcha! Then one more invasion of suppository, one more trip to the moon, then "lights out" at the hospital. Now, don't you wish you were me?

One by One - dedicated to the miners rescued.

On August fifth, two thousand and ten,

A mine shaft in Chile gave way.

Trapping 33 miners below

In a rocky and dark deep grave.

They bored a hole down to their depth

But for 17 days not a sound

Then much to everyone’s surprise

A note came up from the ground.

“We’re alive and well. Please save us” it read.

Drillers and Miners formed a crew

They sent a video camera down

To bring those trapped below to view.

A modified telephone was installed

For communication with family and friends

The trapped sang the National Anthem to all.

Tears of hope seemed to pour without end.

The men chose a boss to keep order.

Rationing food, and assigning them shifts.

Dispelling their enemy, discouragement.

This normalcy their spirits did lift.

For sixty-nine days these thirty three men

Lived in hell, while above work began.

They created a capsule that could pull them out

Doing it man by man.

First they lowered an expert in rescue

Then paramedics to see who was hurt.

The men below greeted them all with joy.

Angels descending through dirt.

On October 12^th the rescue began

The capsule a cage to freedom

One by one they brought men out

With the watchful eye of God to lead them.

The world was united as they watched their TVs.

This rescue of miners, what a sight!

Each man embraced by family and friends

Who thought they’d never see daylight.

God saved those miners, one by one

They were walking and talking..alive!

Without the grace of God

None would have ever survived.

miners are rescued!

Watchin those miners in Chile comin out of their six blocks down shafts. Unbelievable they have been down there 70 days....I'm so claustrophobic I don't do caves of any kind!!! What an amazing device for their rescue..awesome!!! God is so good and every man down there is praising Him!! There might be one miner that is ashamed as his mistress was waiting for his rescue instead of his wife. How tacky is that woman???? My garsh! Shameful!!

This is such a happy ending for these miners and I'm loving each one that comes up out of the hole as they reunite with loved ones!!!!

Lost list

Well..right in the middle of a big shopping trip to Walmert, I lost my grocery list. I retraced my steps and couldn't find it. Scary..found some pretty odd stuff in my sacks when I got home...large container of chunky monkey ice cream...creme puffs..jug of expensive olive oil and a new jacket. Haha...that's my story and I'm stickin to it!!!! Wheeeee!!! If only I were married to a gullible guy!

Brad

Good morning! It's Friday and almost a week since my grandson, Brad, had his mishap!! The background on Brad...Leukemia at 5 and deemed cured 8 years later. At 21 an ATV accident that caused a global fracture of his skull, 3 strokes, coma and left him deaf in one ear, memory problems, balance problems, and vision problems. He had flap surgery, where they remove a section of skull to make room for brain swelling. He's endured botox shots in his eye. But, he survived with his humor and personality intact. That was five years ago.

Last Saturday night, the 2nd of October, he was horsing around with his buddies and fell backwards onto the concrete and banged his head, knocking himself out. Ambulance came and took him to the hospital. He was awake but couldn't remember what happened. They said they thought they saw a new skull fracture, but then changed their minds and said it was from the other ATV accident. He was sent home. His back hurt.

That night blood started coming out of his ear and so he went back to the Neurosurgeon and they said not only did he have a new skull fracture, but a fracture in his back as well. He'd fallen with a broken toe as it was, and he messed that up too.

Bottom line...Brad has brain damage and was admonished by the doctors that it's up to him to protect his brain. He has to choose his activities wisely and not put himself into a compromised position of being hurt by falls, etc.

My heart's desire is that he view this as a wake up call to a mighty God Who has chosen to keep sparing Brad's life for a purpose. I pray he puts God first in his life as he has a powerful testimony to the mercy of God!!

God's mercies are new every morning. All we have to do is call on His name, the name Jesus, and we receive that mercy, forgiveness and protection!! I pray you know Him, too!!

Cruises ROCK!!

Hi hepcats! Did ya miss me? We're back from our road trip and cruise vacation. It took a lot to prepare for this, right Bob?

We took two days driving to get to the "Mariner of the Seas" Royal Caribbean cruise ship. That thing is HUGE..900 feet long or so, 3000 aboard..a floating city!! The huddled masses on deck around the three swimming pools.








The cruise is mostly promoting the purchase of diamonds and wine, but us nerds still enjoyed it!!! The food!!!! I'm in it for the food let's face it!! We dined in luxery every night. Two formal nights out of the seven. Room service...oh yeah, now we're talkin!

We went to Cabo where I had some food that may have caused the Mexican quick step that night..vomiting and giddy-ups. The rest of the cruise I wasn't quite myself, but managed to keep eating..haha. It was a quick weight loss so I finished the cruise without gaining any weight..boast boast.

We had a fabulous port stop at Mazatlan, however. We took a Trolly tour of the city and they stopped at very interesting places. At this big church they were holding mass, but we were allowed in anyway. I was skipping off to a department store restroom (Banos) when Bob saw a parade outside the church. My bladder causes me so much grief...hehe.

We saw venders selling all kinds of stuff...hats..jewelry...dives. We ate at a very nice ocean side outdoor cafe. I enjoyed a nap and cuttin up with the Trolly driver. That was my favorite stop.

Puerto Vallara was another story. Oh my garsh. We foolishly believed the guy pushin us to take a van tour. Promises of this stop, and that. We piled into the van with 8 others and I immediatly got claustrophobic and drop kicked Bob into my seat and threw a very nice lady over against the window so I could have her spot near the door. It was soooo stinkin hot!!! The promised air condition was missin some freon or whatever it's called cuz it wasn't workin!!!! This guy took us to the ugliest parts of Puerto Vallara. We saw the beautiful part whizzin by the dirty windows with no pause to take any pictures.

First stop...a hole in the wall jewelry store for free Marquitas. Yeah right...we don't drink, but even I could tell they were watered down. Bob and I drank our thimble full of pepsi. Next stop was along the very bumpy road where we could be enticed to buy junk from the roadside "mall" .
Coconut anyone?
So many Iquanas...so little time. After that stop, it was off to the jungles. We drove for miles and miles being jerked side to side and back and forth in the van as the driver weaved around potholes big enough to disappear in. We did eat a snack lunch at a very nice outdoor cafe. Needless to say, we were sweaty and exhausted after that "tour" and headed for the pool to recover.

I love cruising. The shows were fabulous. I saw a spectacular ice show..amazing what they can do on so small a rink.

After the cruise, we headed south to San Diego to visit my aunt and worked our way north in California visiting family. We stopped to visit Alcatraz while in San Francisco..fasinating. I hope I never go to prison!!!

We had an uneventful return drive home and now it's over. We have 400 pictures, a hat, a tee shirt and my continuing stomach problem to cherish as memories of one of the best vacations we've taken. I'd do it again in a heartbeat..well..except eating at that cafe in Cabo. But, we learn don't we!! Adios.