Monday, August 20, 2007
Update
Hi, folks--as far as I know, Cora is continuing to improve. I went down on Thursday and stayed until Saturday. As I told L on Saturday morning, I LOVE to keep that baby, and I'll keep her at the drop of a hat, but I'm also glad to go home, because that means Co is better and doesn't need Granny's attention any longer! Thanks for all your prayers. We love each and every one of you--God bless!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Another Scare from Cora
This grandparenting business can be downright scary sometimes! L had emailed me a couple of times this week that Cora was under the weather, cross, and not sleeping well. Since she was cutting another tooth, we weren't too worried--seems like teething and crankiness seem to go together. Today she took her to the doctor, and a chest x-ray showed the little thing had pneumonia! No wonder she was feeling bad! L brought her home and started her on antibiotics, waiting for her to start feeling better. While Cora was napping, she called me and chatted for a while. I even talked to Cora a little after she woke up. L said she was smiling and trying to get the telephone from her mommy. I told L good bye, and called the church to leave a message to add Cora to the prayer list.
Apparently that was a good move, because in the next hour, all heck broke loose! Cora started burning up with fever, shaking all over, and even turning blue. L called her doctor's office and left a message, then had the presence of mind to realize this was more than just a "message"--this demanded immediate medical attention! She called 9-1-1, and a firetruck, two police cars, and an ambulance were at the house in less than three minutes. They started her on oxygen right away, and then took her to the children's hospital in Chattanooga by ambulance. G got there just slightly before the paramedics, and he was truly alarmed by the sight of his blue baby.
Doctors and nurses at the ER got her temperature down to 102 pretty quickly. They did another chest x-ray, which did NOT show pneumonia. They also did blood work, a urinalysis, and a spinal tap to try to find out what was going on. Thank God for answered prayers--the spinal tap didn't show any signs of meningitis or encephalitis. What DID show up was a UTI, which can cause fevers to spike like hers did.
At first the doctors said they wanted to keep her overnight, but as her temperature continued to drop and she turned back into her normal playful self, they decided to send her home with a doctor's appointment scheduled for tomorrow for a follow-up. L and G called from the house about 8:30 to say they were home, and that Cora was asleep. I tried to get L to go to sleep, too, but she said she was too worried.
I'm going down tomorrow to take care of Cora for a day or so. That's a job I don't mind a bit! I hope she'll be all better by Saturday. One thing about babies, they can get sick very, very quickly, but they can also get better just about as fast. I guess that's because there just isn't enough of them to hold very many germs for very long! How's that for a stupid theory?
Prayers for the family would be appreciated, folks. I imagine we'll have more of these scares to go through before Co grows up. Love to all, and God bless.
Apparently that was a good move, because in the next hour, all heck broke loose! Cora started burning up with fever, shaking all over, and even turning blue. L called her doctor's office and left a message, then had the presence of mind to realize this was more than just a "message"--this demanded immediate medical attention! She called 9-1-1, and a firetruck, two police cars, and an ambulance were at the house in less than three minutes. They started her on oxygen right away, and then took her to the children's hospital in Chattanooga by ambulance. G got there just slightly before the paramedics, and he was truly alarmed by the sight of his blue baby.
Doctors and nurses at the ER got her temperature down to 102 pretty quickly. They did another chest x-ray, which did NOT show pneumonia. They also did blood work, a urinalysis, and a spinal tap to try to find out what was going on. Thank God for answered prayers--the spinal tap didn't show any signs of meningitis or encephalitis. What DID show up was a UTI, which can cause fevers to spike like hers did.
At first the doctors said they wanted to keep her overnight, but as her temperature continued to drop and she turned back into her normal playful self, they decided to send her home with a doctor's appointment scheduled for tomorrow for a follow-up. L and G called from the house about 8:30 to say they were home, and that Cora was asleep. I tried to get L to go to sleep, too, but she said she was too worried.
I'm going down tomorrow to take care of Cora for a day or so. That's a job I don't mind a bit! I hope she'll be all better by Saturday. One thing about babies, they can get sick very, very quickly, but they can also get better just about as fast. I guess that's because there just isn't enough of them to hold very many germs for very long! How's that for a stupid theory?
Prayers for the family would be appreciated, folks. I imagine we'll have more of these scares to go through before Co grows up. Love to all, and God bless.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Field Trip
I love to go on field trips, school, church, whatever. Today we had a doozy. We went all the way to Warford (at least that's what I think the town was), which is on the Licking River on the West Virginia border! We were gone from 8 this morning until 6 this evening, much of which was spent riding on our small church bus.
There was a great group of eight ladies who went, plus two nice-enough men. The women were members of our church's Baptist Women organization, and we went to Martin County to visit the Haven of Rest. Our youth pastor was our driver. I believe Quint (the other man) was there to give him moral support, and to give us someone to pick on!
Haven of Rest is a ministry founded by Eileen M several years back to minister to families of prisoners at the maximum-security federal prison near Inez. Eileen has a building there where the families can stay on weekends while they visit their family member. They are in the process of building an additional building on their property, which will give them, I believe, a total of 24 rooms for the families. As it stands, they have five rooms. Considering what we saw in the immediate area, that increases the number of overnight lodging rooms to...FIVE. Not very many rooms, when you consider the prison houses over 1400 inmates! Do I need to tell you this is a hugely needed ministry? Since this is a federal facility, some of the families have come from as far away as Puerto Rico and Jamaica, let alone the East Coast, California, and Spokane, Washington!
Eileen says she is already booked for Labor Day weekend, for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. She anticipates that there will once again be folks sleeping in their cars in the parking lots. In addition to a place to sleep, there also is a nice lodge-type living room, dining room, and kitchen area where families can prepare food for their meals. There is a small chapel, which looked very familiar to folks from our church--it is furnished with some of the pews that were removed when our sanctuary was remodeled several years ago.
After a quick tour of the facility, we enjoyed a really good meal at a local restaurant, Cloud Nine, which is located directly across the road from the airport. Yes, despite the fact that there are very few touristy places around the area, there is an airport! However, I don't believe they have very many jets landing there--most the air traffic we saw was helicopters. The highlight of the meal for me was a dessert called Clouds and Sunrise, an orange butter cake topped with orange sherbet, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. I shared with Eileen--and Geneva, Emma, Kate--and seems like somebody else! Large serving!
After lunch we visited the thrift shop which helps to fund the ministry. We had donations that we had brought from home. Some of us cannot go through a thrift shop without making a purchase or five or six! I bought two brand-new silicon baking pans, a loaf pan and a 10" square pan, The Sneetches and other stories, and a talking calculator. I guess you'll just have to wait to see who ends up with my goodies.
One of the humor highlights of the trip: Imogene had made apple-nut bread for us to eat on the trip, but didn't remember to bring a knife to cut the stuff. Gloria improvised with dental floss, which worked pretty well until she hit a really big nut. She ended up with a lap full of crumbs, but all who wanted some got to eat it and said it was good.
That was a good bunch to travel with. I'd do it again, but maybe not tomorrow, since my stomach is just now starting to settle down! (Mountain roads are not a lot of fun, if you're riding on the back of the bus.)
Love to all, and God bless.
There was a great group of eight ladies who went, plus two nice-enough men. The women were members of our church's Baptist Women organization, and we went to Martin County to visit the Haven of Rest. Our youth pastor was our driver. I believe Quint (the other man) was there to give him moral support, and to give us someone to pick on!
Haven of Rest is a ministry founded by Eileen M several years back to minister to families of prisoners at the maximum-security federal prison near Inez. Eileen has a building there where the families can stay on weekends while they visit their family member. They are in the process of building an additional building on their property, which will give them, I believe, a total of 24 rooms for the families. As it stands, they have five rooms. Considering what we saw in the immediate area, that increases the number of overnight lodging rooms to...FIVE. Not very many rooms, when you consider the prison houses over 1400 inmates! Do I need to tell you this is a hugely needed ministry? Since this is a federal facility, some of the families have come from as far away as Puerto Rico and Jamaica, let alone the East Coast, California, and Spokane, Washington!
Eileen says she is already booked for Labor Day weekend, for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. She anticipates that there will once again be folks sleeping in their cars in the parking lots. In addition to a place to sleep, there also is a nice lodge-type living room, dining room, and kitchen area where families can prepare food for their meals. There is a small chapel, which looked very familiar to folks from our church--it is furnished with some of the pews that were removed when our sanctuary was remodeled several years ago.
After a quick tour of the facility, we enjoyed a really good meal at a local restaurant, Cloud Nine, which is located directly across the road from the airport. Yes, despite the fact that there are very few touristy places around the area, there is an airport! However, I don't believe they have very many jets landing there--most the air traffic we saw was helicopters. The highlight of the meal for me was a dessert called Clouds and Sunrise, an orange butter cake topped with orange sherbet, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. I shared with Eileen--and Geneva, Emma, Kate--and seems like somebody else! Large serving!
After lunch we visited the thrift shop which helps to fund the ministry. We had donations that we had brought from home. Some of us cannot go through a thrift shop without making a purchase or five or six! I bought two brand-new silicon baking pans, a loaf pan and a 10" square pan, The Sneetches and other stories, and a talking calculator. I guess you'll just have to wait to see who ends up with my goodies.
One of the humor highlights of the trip: Imogene had made apple-nut bread for us to eat on the trip, but didn't remember to bring a knife to cut the stuff. Gloria improvised with dental floss, which worked pretty well until she hit a really big nut. She ended up with a lap full of crumbs, but all who wanted some got to eat it and said it was good.
That was a good bunch to travel with. I'd do it again, but maybe not tomorrow, since my stomach is just now starting to settle down! (Mountain roads are not a lot of fun, if you're riding on the back of the bus.)
Love to all, and God bless.
Friday, August 10, 2007
How hot was it?
I had a nice chat with F today. She said it's really been hot in Louisville, over 100 the last couple of days. She and her girls fried an egg on the driveway! I've heard people say it was hot enough to do that, but F actually was able to get the yolk to set up and to turn the thing over! I asked her if they ate it after they fried it. She said no--I guess they aren't up to Feasting on Asphalt, like Alton Brown. Just thought you all would like to know it can be done. Good night, and God bless.
Friday, August 10
The weekend! I love it, and I'm not even working anymore!
Summer has come with a vengeance around here--heat index up to nearly 100, even after the "cold front" came through yesterday. Cold fronts have changed since I was a little girl, and yes, Al Gore, the globe is warming. What do I do to help prevent global warming? Well, every morning I go to my "click to donate" sites and save bits and pieces of the rain forest, as well as the occasional carbon offshoot. (I have no clue what carbon offshoots are, but I'm all for patching the leak in the ozone layer!) And ever once in a while, I reuse a paper towel. Maybe that's worth something.
It's been too hot to cook this entire week, but I finally broke down and cooked something today. Yesterday before my stint at the volunteer desk at the hospital, I ran by Kroger's and bought up some very-low-intensity-cooking-required main dishes, as in already prepared Tyson's General Tso's chicken (and no, Yen, it wasn't as good as yours, but it was okay), Nathan's hot dogs, and deli roast beef. Last night we ate chicken with a side salad. Tonight, we had roast beef, swiss cheese, and cooked onion sandwiches. I microwaved a couple of baked potatoes for a side with the sandwiches, but I was too stuffed after one sandwich to want a potato. Usually, when I do those sandwiches in the winter, I cook the onions in the skillet, add the meat, pile the mixture on a hoagie bun, lay some Swiss cheese on top, and run the whole thing under the broiler. Tonight in lieu of heating up the kitchen with the broiler, I microwaved the onions for 2 minutes and then assembled the sandwiches and cooked them in the indoor grill. It worked great, folks. Tomorrow, we'll have the leftover potatoes sliced up and "fried" in the skillet with onions. (David dearly loves cooked onions, and I've gotten used to them myself.) We may have that for breakfast, lunch, or even supper--no telling right now.
Unless David surprises me with something, we have no plans for tomorrow. That's fine by me. When it's this hot, it's just a strain to be outside, even to get to the car and to stay in it until it cools down, so I imagine I'll just sit around the living room and watch "my shows". Anybody care what my shows are? They are (in this order) CBS Saturday Morning starting at 9, America's Test Kitchen at 10:30, Sewing with Nancy at 11, Shay Pendray's needlework studio at 11:30, and Martha Pullen's heirloom needlework show at 12:30. There is some sort of show on at 12 about quilting, but I usually don't watch that one--that's when I may do my token laundry load or fix our peanut butter sandwiches.
We'll be at church from 8:45 until 12 something Sunday (or at least I will--I imagine David will go home and come back after me). Choir is singing at the "traditional" service, a really nice little song about a rock--kind of with a two-stepping rhythm (Jean M will probably start dancing). I work my first stint as a Children's Church worker this Sunday for the 11 AM service, with kindergarten and first grade. Beth H will be my partner, and that's fine by me. I have no idea what goes on in Children's Church, but I'm sure Beth knows, and she will be prepared. I look for that to be a good experience.
With the exception of my Friday night shows, Monk and Psych, and my Saturday night shows, The Last of the Summer Wine and Keeping Up Appearances, that's my weekend plans in a nutshell. I hope yours is just as satisfying for you as mine will be for me! (And I'm open for change, if anyone wants to drop in.) Love to all, good night, and God bless!
Summer has come with a vengeance around here--heat index up to nearly 100, even after the "cold front" came through yesterday. Cold fronts have changed since I was a little girl, and yes, Al Gore, the globe is warming. What do I do to help prevent global warming? Well, every morning I go to my "click to donate" sites and save bits and pieces of the rain forest, as well as the occasional carbon offshoot. (I have no clue what carbon offshoots are, but I'm all for patching the leak in the ozone layer!) And ever once in a while, I reuse a paper towel. Maybe that's worth something.
It's been too hot to cook this entire week, but I finally broke down and cooked something today. Yesterday before my stint at the volunteer desk at the hospital, I ran by Kroger's and bought up some very-low-intensity-cooking-required main dishes, as in already prepared Tyson's General Tso's chicken (and no, Yen, it wasn't as good as yours, but it was okay), Nathan's hot dogs, and deli roast beef. Last night we ate chicken with a side salad. Tonight, we had roast beef, swiss cheese, and cooked onion sandwiches. I microwaved a couple of baked potatoes for a side with the sandwiches, but I was too stuffed after one sandwich to want a potato. Usually, when I do those sandwiches in the winter, I cook the onions in the skillet, add the meat, pile the mixture on a hoagie bun, lay some Swiss cheese on top, and run the whole thing under the broiler. Tonight in lieu of heating up the kitchen with the broiler, I microwaved the onions for 2 minutes and then assembled the sandwiches and cooked them in the indoor grill. It worked great, folks. Tomorrow, we'll have the leftover potatoes sliced up and "fried" in the skillet with onions. (David dearly loves cooked onions, and I've gotten used to them myself.) We may have that for breakfast, lunch, or even supper--no telling right now.
Unless David surprises me with something, we have no plans for tomorrow. That's fine by me. When it's this hot, it's just a strain to be outside, even to get to the car and to stay in it until it cools down, so I imagine I'll just sit around the living room and watch "my shows". Anybody care what my shows are? They are (in this order) CBS Saturday Morning starting at 9, America's Test Kitchen at 10:30, Sewing with Nancy at 11, Shay Pendray's needlework studio at 11:30, and Martha Pullen's heirloom needlework show at 12:30. There is some sort of show on at 12 about quilting, but I usually don't watch that one--that's when I may do my token laundry load or fix our peanut butter sandwiches.
We'll be at church from 8:45 until 12 something Sunday (or at least I will--I imagine David will go home and come back after me). Choir is singing at the "traditional" service, a really nice little song about a rock--kind of with a two-stepping rhythm (Jean M will probably start dancing). I work my first stint as a Children's Church worker this Sunday for the 11 AM service, with kindergarten and first grade. Beth H will be my partner, and that's fine by me. I have no idea what goes on in Children's Church, but I'm sure Beth knows, and she will be prepared. I look for that to be a good experience.
With the exception of my Friday night shows, Monk and Psych, and my Saturday night shows, The Last of the Summer Wine and Keeping Up Appearances, that's my weekend plans in a nutshell. I hope yours is just as satisfying for you as mine will be for me! (And I'm open for change, if anyone wants to drop in.) Love to all, good night, and God bless!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Time for another post, right?
I, for one, was getting tired of looking at that messy old meme down there. I spend a lot of time reading other folks' blogs, and none of them look like that--Shame on me!
Something I have gleaned from reading other blogs is that blog entries don't have to be lengthy to be worthwhile. Also, since I decide what goes in this one, they don't have to be earthshaking news events, either! It's kind of nice to know that a person has a right to lead a boring life and report on the bits of it they choose to share with others!
I am starting to find ways to fill my time. This week, which has been hotter than heck, by the way (temperature almost up to 100 today!), has been a quiet one down here at Lake Woebegone. My usual fitness activities have been curtailed due to the Pavilion being closed for the annual draining of the pool and scrubbing of the walls. I really miss my water aerobics class. That has been great fun, and a big thank-you to Emma for getting me to come! I even miss the Silver Sneakers' class and its chair routine which most of us have memorized by now. Hey, I'm not complaining, it keeps me active, and I do believe it has improved my balance. I can now put my underwear on without having to sit down!
So what have I been doing to keep busy? Hmmm--I brought some stuff up from the basement, weeded through it, finished up a book of Sudoku puzzles (easy ones, folks), got a haircut, picked up a prescription at the pharmacy, did something on Monday--what was it? Oh yes, I went to Irishtown and helped "feed the hungry" (prepare sack lunches for about 100 folks). That's always a good experience for me. I really like interacting with the folks over there. There's one great little lady, Evalina, who has all the sacks set up for us to fill when we get there. She's just a little bit of a thing, maybe 70 or older, but really spry. She keeps the rest of us hopping. Monday there was a little girl there about 12 or so, ready to start middle school. I don't know her name, but she has stuck in my mind (or as my little Jenny said years ago, I got him/her stuck in my heart). I so badly want to go back over there, find that little girl, and take her shopping for back-to-school clothes. Next year, I'll be more prepared for that sort of thing.
Monday afternoon I attended the funeral of a sweet woman and soul mate of a great fellow in our church. They were sweethearts for 64 years and managed to spend her last days together. He is going to miss her so much--he has very little zip left now. Fortunately, he has the knowledge that she has gone to a better place, so at least he can be happy for her.
That expression, "gone to a better place": You know, a lot of folks of my generation and younger think that's just a line of hooey. A lot of folks think when you stop breathing, that's it. It's all over. That's all she wrote, folks. I don't think that, though, and I'll tell you why. All my life I have been led to believe that there is a Heaven, and it's real, and that folks who have come to a saving knowledge of and trust in Jesus Christ will be going there when they die. I have that saving knowledge and faith, so I know that is what will happen to me. I have seen actual proof of the existence of Heaven.
I saw my proof the night my mom died. Mom had a stroke the morning after Thanksgiving, back in 2003. It was a massive stroke, causing pretty much total paralysis and the loss of the ability to talk. There was nothing medical science could do for her, other than keep her comfortable. As her family, we chose not to have heroic measures taken, and we settled down by her side to be with her until she died. Hospice was a godsend, as they often are in these cases. The Hospice personnel were able to tell us so many things and help us and Mom be at peace. We pretty much knew when death was imminent, and my brother, husband and I were all with her at the time she died.
Mom's breathing became slower and slower, much like she was climbing up a mountain. Her eyes were open and appeared to be alert, although she wasn't looking at us. We just sat and watched as she "climbed" up the hill. All at once, she took a breath, looking up, and smiled--a huge smile that stretched all the way across her paralyzed face. Then she closed her eyes tightly, still smiling, and never breathed again. I'm pretty sure I know what she saw. She had fought the fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. I know I'm going to see the same thing she did, one of these days, and what I see will be even better than what she saw, because she'll be there in that host of witnesses, waiting for me.
Enough of that. Love to all, good night, and God bless.
Something I have gleaned from reading other blogs is that blog entries don't have to be lengthy to be worthwhile. Also, since I decide what goes in this one, they don't have to be earthshaking news events, either! It's kind of nice to know that a person has a right to lead a boring life and report on the bits of it they choose to share with others!
I am starting to find ways to fill my time. This week, which has been hotter than heck, by the way (temperature almost up to 100 today!), has been a quiet one down here at Lake Woebegone. My usual fitness activities have been curtailed due to the Pavilion being closed for the annual draining of the pool and scrubbing of the walls. I really miss my water aerobics class. That has been great fun, and a big thank-you to Emma for getting me to come! I even miss the Silver Sneakers' class and its chair routine which most of us have memorized by now. Hey, I'm not complaining, it keeps me active, and I do believe it has improved my balance. I can now put my underwear on without having to sit down!
So what have I been doing to keep busy? Hmmm--I brought some stuff up from the basement, weeded through it, finished up a book of Sudoku puzzles (easy ones, folks), got a haircut, picked up a prescription at the pharmacy, did something on Monday--what was it? Oh yes, I went to Irishtown and helped "feed the hungry" (prepare sack lunches for about 100 folks). That's always a good experience for me. I really like interacting with the folks over there. There's one great little lady, Evalina, who has all the sacks set up for us to fill when we get there. She's just a little bit of a thing, maybe 70 or older, but really spry. She keeps the rest of us hopping. Monday there was a little girl there about 12 or so, ready to start middle school. I don't know her name, but she has stuck in my mind (or as my little Jenny said years ago, I got him/her stuck in my heart). I so badly want to go back over there, find that little girl, and take her shopping for back-to-school clothes. Next year, I'll be more prepared for that sort of thing.
Monday afternoon I attended the funeral of a sweet woman and soul mate of a great fellow in our church. They were sweethearts for 64 years and managed to spend her last days together. He is going to miss her so much--he has very little zip left now. Fortunately, he has the knowledge that she has gone to a better place, so at least he can be happy for her.
That expression, "gone to a better place": You know, a lot of folks of my generation and younger think that's just a line of hooey. A lot of folks think when you stop breathing, that's it. It's all over. That's all she wrote, folks. I don't think that, though, and I'll tell you why. All my life I have been led to believe that there is a Heaven, and it's real, and that folks who have come to a saving knowledge of and trust in Jesus Christ will be going there when they die. I have that saving knowledge and faith, so I know that is what will happen to me. I have seen actual proof of the existence of Heaven.
I saw my proof the night my mom died. Mom had a stroke the morning after Thanksgiving, back in 2003. It was a massive stroke, causing pretty much total paralysis and the loss of the ability to talk. There was nothing medical science could do for her, other than keep her comfortable. As her family, we chose not to have heroic measures taken, and we settled down by her side to be with her until she died. Hospice was a godsend, as they often are in these cases. The Hospice personnel were able to tell us so many things and help us and Mom be at peace. We pretty much knew when death was imminent, and my brother, husband and I were all with her at the time she died.
Mom's breathing became slower and slower, much like she was climbing up a mountain. Her eyes were open and appeared to be alert, although she wasn't looking at us. We just sat and watched as she "climbed" up the hill. All at once, she took a breath, looking up, and smiled--a huge smile that stretched all the way across her paralyzed face. Then she closed her eyes tightly, still smiling, and never breathed again. I'm pretty sure I know what she saw. She had fought the fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. I know I'm going to see the same thing she did, one of these days, and what I see will be even better than what she saw, because she'll be there in that host of witnesses, waiting for me.
Enough of that. Love to all, good night, and God bless.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Silly, Messy Old Meme
I got this meme from my friend Sharon and figured I'd just share the answers with everyone at the same time--sorry about those little arrows! It's too hard (well, I'm too lazy) to clean it up. Update: I'm so proud of myself! I got rid of those arrows!
1. Prefer hot or cold? If it's a shower, hot; if it's the afterlife, definitely NOT HOT!
2. # of jobs you have had? 2, Mommy and Teacher
3. If you could do anything for work, what would you do? What I did, with unlimited time, money, and support
4. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Where my people are
5. Wonder what the heck happened to number 5?
6. Would you like to have a tattoo? NO
7. Dream vacation? On a nice sunny beach, picking up seashells
8. Morning person or night person? Morning Person
9. Favorite fruit? Strawberries or fresh peaches
10. Country music or rock music? Sixties rock
11. Pool or ocean? Pool for swimming (preferably heated), ocean for walking
12. Name of 1st pet? Old Pooch, although I had a pet banty hen when I was about two, probably named Hen ( I read something the other day about a little boy who was attempting to make a nest on the living room couch--his mom stopped him just as he was about to sit on the eggs he had placed there. I heard that I broke a bunch of eggs on the couch, but I never heard how--I wonder if I was trying to hatch them!)
13. City person or country person? Small-town, Southern girl
14. Type of vehicle you drive? Paid-for
15. Natural Hair color? What you see when you look at me
16. How far do you live from where you grew up? Less than 75 miles
17, Favorite pizza topping? Cheese, maybe with pepperoni or sausage and extra onions
18. Favorite ice cream? Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia
19, Sugar or artificial sweetener? Splenda
20. Sunrise or sunset? I like the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening. What I really would love to see is the Son, coming back on His clouds.
21. Favorite movie? Imitation of Life, or The Song of the South
22. 1st name of your best grade school friend? Mary Lynn
23. Are you still in touch with #22? yes
24. Conservative or Liberal? Believe it or not, folks--a liberal! (At least that's what I consider myself most of the time)
25. Books or magazines? You could tell that if you saw my "nest" at the house--magazines and catalogs!
I think the way most of these meme's work, I'm supposed to "tag" someone and they are to answer the questions. Right? Well, if you read this, consider yourself tagged! Then answer the questions or not--it's up to you.
1. Prefer hot or cold? If it's a shower, hot; if it's the afterlife, definitely NOT HOT!
2. # of jobs you have had? 2, Mommy and Teacher
3. If you could do anything for work, what would you do? What I did, with unlimited time, money, and support
4. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Where my people are
5. Wonder what the heck happened to number 5?
6. Would you like to have a tattoo? NO
7. Dream vacation? On a nice sunny beach, picking up seashells
8. Morning person or night person? Morning Person
9. Favorite fruit? Strawberries or fresh peaches
10. Country music or rock music? Sixties rock
11. Pool or ocean? Pool for swimming (preferably heated), ocean for walking
12. Name of 1st pet? Old Pooch, although I had a pet banty hen when I was about two, probably named Hen ( I read something the other day about a little boy who was attempting to make a nest on the living room couch--his mom stopped him just as he was about to sit on the eggs he had placed there. I heard that I broke a bunch of eggs on the couch, but I never heard how--I wonder if I was trying to hatch them!)
13. City person or country person? Small-town, Southern girl
14. Type of vehicle you drive? Paid-for
15. Natural Hair color? What you see when you look at me
16. How far do you live from where you grew up? Less than 75 miles
17, Favorite pizza topping? Cheese, maybe with pepperoni or sausage and extra onions
18. Favorite ice cream? Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia
19, Sugar or artificial sweetener? Splenda
20. Sunrise or sunset? I like the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening. What I really would love to see is the Son, coming back on His clouds.
21. Favorite movie? Imitation of Life, or The Song of the South
22. 1st name of your best grade school friend? Mary Lynn
23. Are you still in touch with #22? yes
24. Conservative or Liberal? Believe it or not, folks--a liberal! (At least that's what I consider myself most of the time)
25. Books or magazines? You could tell that if you saw my "nest" at the house--magazines and catalogs!
I think the way most of these meme's work, I'm supposed to "tag" someone and they are to answer the questions. Right? Well, if you read this, consider yourself tagged! Then answer the questions or not--it's up to you.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Grandfather clocks and company
"My grandfather clock was too tall for the shelf, so it set ninety years on the floor..." Now why is that song going through my head?
David dearly loves grandfather clocks. One of his favorite stores in Gatlinburg is the Clock Peddler, down on the main drag. We have to go in there at least once every time we go to that town. We wander around and look at all the clocks, picking out the ones we like best, deciding most of them are too tall for our house, many of the dials are too ornate, some of them have too much glass or mirrors...but we never buy. Someday, maybe, but not now. Even though the poor shop owner or salesperson tries to entice us with better deals than on the tags, or delivery to our town, no deal.
Just this afternoon we had company again, a cousin and his family from Louisville. The two little girls found the musical clock in the bucket of toys in the living room and wound it up. Of the toys in the bucket, the clock is by far my favorite one for them to have out--the others are way too noisy. But then it's my own fault for having them in there, so how can I complain. The cousins were only there for a couple of hours. We had lunch at the Plum Tree, as is our Sunday after-church custom. When cousins revealed it would be another couple hours before their hotel room was ready in Lex, we invited them to the house. I'll say I had to think twice--not because I didn't want them there, but I had to think--is the house straight enough for company? Then I remembered, it is. That's a nice feeling! And it was a nice visit. I enjoyed chatting with the adults, admiring the girls' artwork, and then reading to the girls while older sister rode the little bicycle around the computer room floor. A good visit for sure.
Cousins were the third set of company in the last week. Last weekend, we had our favorite waiter and his family over for a Saturday evening dinner and sit-around. That was so enjoyable! Waiter's little three-year-old son is the reason for the toys being in the living room in the first place. We had such a good time watching 3 play with the toys. He loved the clock. He wound it up and took it over to David. David started singing along with the toy, which entranced 3. He stood there and stared at David while he sang, never taking his eyes off him. For 3, that was quite an accomplishment--last year, the family was told he was autistic, and eye contact was something they probably wouldn't get. They do get it, though, along with hugs, smiles, and laughs. 3 is making progress.
The second set of company was to have come on Tuesday evening, but family matters beyond their control intervened. They were bringing a five-year-old with them, so we left the toys in the living room for him. (He's also the reason for the bicycle in the computer room.) At first I was miffed when they didn't show, but then another family emergency arose, different family, and we used the food we would have fed to Family #2 to share with our Louisville family. That was a blessing, for sure!
The actual second set of company was Aniel, who showed up on Friday night after calling on Thursday. We were delighted to see them and hardly can count Aniel as company, since they're family. I offered them waffles for breakfast on Saturday only to find the box in the freezer that I thought was full had been raided by a hungry husband, and there were only 2 waffles in the box! It was okay, though. Aniel fixed the waffles, and one ate them while the other fixed a fake quesawhatever out of corn tortillas and feta cheese. Aniel was satisfied, and that's all that mattered there.
We all went to a wedding on Saturday afternoon--Louisville family's grandson. Neat wedding! It was an outdoor wedding, which was great fun. It was way hot, but the bride had the foresight to distribute those colorful folding fans that I love as gifts. We all sat there and fanned, waiting for the wedding. (D and I also got into the bubbles, until A scolded us for blowing them before the ceremony.) Seeing the bride and her father come up in a carriage was really special, too. After the very, very short wedding (only about 10 minutes), while we were waiting for the couple to show up at the reception, many folks took short carriage rides around the parking lot. The little cousins really enjoyed that. The reception was really hopping. My cousin S, who has been married a shorter amount of time than Aniel, convinced her mom, my daughter, and me to get out on the dance floor with her and shake the junk in our trunks--and D sat there with his cell phone, making a video of the whole thing. I told him he would probably be sending it to his folks, who just got back to their home country this week, and he said, "Yeah." Whoops--at least I don't think I made a total fool of myself. A good time was had by all, and only a minimal amount of alcohol was consumed!
Well, that's my week--and a great one it's been. I hope yours has been similar! Love to all, and God bless!
PS Did I forget to mention that I saw Red Skelton on television either Wednesday or Thursday night in a KET special on Pioneers of Broadcasting? Definitely worth watching--I loved that man.
David dearly loves grandfather clocks. One of his favorite stores in Gatlinburg is the Clock Peddler, down on the main drag. We have to go in there at least once every time we go to that town. We wander around and look at all the clocks, picking out the ones we like best, deciding most of them are too tall for our house, many of the dials are too ornate, some of them have too much glass or mirrors...but we never buy. Someday, maybe, but not now. Even though the poor shop owner or salesperson tries to entice us with better deals than on the tags, or delivery to our town, no deal.
Just this afternoon we had company again, a cousin and his family from Louisville. The two little girls found the musical clock in the bucket of toys in the living room and wound it up. Of the toys in the bucket, the clock is by far my favorite one for them to have out--the others are way too noisy. But then it's my own fault for having them in there, so how can I complain. The cousins were only there for a couple of hours. We had lunch at the Plum Tree, as is our Sunday after-church custom. When cousins revealed it would be another couple hours before their hotel room was ready in Lex, we invited them to the house. I'll say I had to think twice--not because I didn't want them there, but I had to think--is the house straight enough for company? Then I remembered, it is. That's a nice feeling! And it was a nice visit. I enjoyed chatting with the adults, admiring the girls' artwork, and then reading to the girls while older sister rode the little bicycle around the computer room floor. A good visit for sure.
Cousins were the third set of company in the last week. Last weekend, we had our favorite waiter and his family over for a Saturday evening dinner and sit-around. That was so enjoyable! Waiter's little three-year-old son is the reason for the toys being in the living room in the first place. We had such a good time watching 3 play with the toys. He loved the clock. He wound it up and took it over to David. David started singing along with the toy, which entranced 3. He stood there and stared at David while he sang, never taking his eyes off him. For 3, that was quite an accomplishment--last year, the family was told he was autistic, and eye contact was something they probably wouldn't get. They do get it, though, along with hugs, smiles, and laughs. 3 is making progress.
The second set of company was to have come on Tuesday evening, but family matters beyond their control intervened. They were bringing a five-year-old with them, so we left the toys in the living room for him. (He's also the reason for the bicycle in the computer room.) At first I was miffed when they didn't show, but then another family emergency arose, different family, and we used the food we would have fed to Family #2 to share with our Louisville family. That was a blessing, for sure!
The actual second set of company was Aniel, who showed up on Friday night after calling on Thursday. We were delighted to see them and hardly can count Aniel as company, since they're family. I offered them waffles for breakfast on Saturday only to find the box in the freezer that I thought was full had been raided by a hungry husband, and there were only 2 waffles in the box! It was okay, though. Aniel fixed the waffles, and one ate them while the other fixed a fake quesawhatever out of corn tortillas and feta cheese. Aniel was satisfied, and that's all that mattered there.
We all went to a wedding on Saturday afternoon--Louisville family's grandson. Neat wedding! It was an outdoor wedding, which was great fun. It was way hot, but the bride had the foresight to distribute those colorful folding fans that I love as gifts. We all sat there and fanned, waiting for the wedding. (D and I also got into the bubbles, until A scolded us for blowing them before the ceremony.) Seeing the bride and her father come up in a carriage was really special, too. After the very, very short wedding (only about 10 minutes), while we were waiting for the couple to show up at the reception, many folks took short carriage rides around the parking lot. The little cousins really enjoyed that. The reception was really hopping. My cousin S, who has been married a shorter amount of time than Aniel, convinced her mom, my daughter, and me to get out on the dance floor with her and shake the junk in our trunks--and D sat there with his cell phone, making a video of the whole thing. I told him he would probably be sending it to his folks, who just got back to their home country this week, and he said, "Yeah." Whoops--at least I don't think I made a total fool of myself. A good time was had by all, and only a minimal amount of alcohol was consumed!
Well, that's my week--and a great one it's been. I hope yours has been similar! Love to all, and God bless!
PS Did I forget to mention that I saw Red Skelton on television either Wednesday or Thursday night in a KET special on Pioneers of Broadcasting? Definitely worth watching--I loved that man.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Open House
Sometimes, as I sit at my computer, I wonder if anyone reads these blogs. I know that I can go for over a month before people start nagging me to blog again, so they don't waste much time reading mine!
The house is still in pretty good shape. All the rooms are painted, the carpet is laid, the furniture is pretty well positioned, stuff is pretty much put away (well enough that it can be straightened in less than 15 minutes). At least that's the way it is on the main floor. We won't even discuss the basement, because that's where the lion's share of the junk/clutter ended up. At least, for the most part, it's boxed up down there. We still have a few windows that need window treatment other than blinds, we still have art that needs to be hung, we still have knick-knacks that need to be placed.
We are entertaining! Can you believe this? This Sunday afternoon, I have sent out about 40 invitations to come to OUR house to meet Ann's in-laws! For most of you, this is no big deal. For ME, this is monumental. I have not invited anyone to a function at my house since the 1980's! Some of you who read this blog have been allowed to be guests at our dinner table because I loved you (and still do) and realized that you accepted me despite the condition of my house. For that willingness to ignore my "mess", I will be eternally grateful. As for the entertaining--This is something that is so foreign to me that I freak out in the store over what sort of drinks to buy, what kinds of chips, all the minor things that others seem to take for granted but are new to me.
But you know what? I'm enjoying the preparation, except for the stress--and it is abating somewhat. I am even issuing "drop-in" invitations--come see us sometime! It's like a whole new world has opened up to me, and I like it!
Like I said, come see me sometime! Good night, love you, and God bless.
The house is still in pretty good shape. All the rooms are painted, the carpet is laid, the furniture is pretty well positioned, stuff is pretty much put away (well enough that it can be straightened in less than 15 minutes). At least that's the way it is on the main floor. We won't even discuss the basement, because that's where the lion's share of the junk/clutter ended up. At least, for the most part, it's boxed up down there. We still have a few windows that need window treatment other than blinds, we still have art that needs to be hung, we still have knick-knacks that need to be placed.
We are entertaining! Can you believe this? This Sunday afternoon, I have sent out about 40 invitations to come to OUR house to meet Ann's in-laws! For most of you, this is no big deal. For ME, this is monumental. I have not invited anyone to a function at my house since the 1980's! Some of you who read this blog have been allowed to be guests at our dinner table because I loved you (and still do) and realized that you accepted me despite the condition of my house. For that willingness to ignore my "mess", I will be eternally grateful. As for the entertaining--This is something that is so foreign to me that I freak out in the store over what sort of drinks to buy, what kinds of chips, all the minor things that others seem to take for granted but are new to me.
But you know what? I'm enjoying the preparation, except for the stress--and it is abating somewhat. I am even issuing "drop-in" invitations--come see us sometime! It's like a whole new world has opened up to me, and I like it!
Like I said, come see me sometime! Good night, love you, and God bless.
Monday, May 14, 2007
What is a Meme? How do you gak one?
ABCs of Tooz
Available or single: Why does it say that? Did Everett mess up? I am neither available nor single.
Best friend: David
Cake or pie?: Neither--I love bar cookies better than either, especially the lemon ones at the Plum Tree.
Drink of choice: Diet Big K cola
Essential items: When I leave the house, it's wallet, keys. Since Sunday morning when my wallet was MIA, I have felt so so so so incomplete. Thank God, David took me up to church and I located it under my chair in the choir loft.
Favorite color: Like I have one! I used to always say brown and I still like it a lot.
Gummy bears or worms: Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, and I don't care for gummy chocolate anything.
Hometown: Simpsonville, KY--anyone ever hear of it? My daddy and I both had the same hometown.
Indulgence: Wasting time on this computer
January or February: I think maybe January--usually that's when it snows in KY, and we used to sometimes get snow days.
Kids: Everett, Lydia, Geron, Ann, Daniel, Jennifer, Jamethan, Cora...Three I birthed.
Life is incomplete without: Jesus. You said it, Everett.
Marriage date: September 18, 1970--before almost all of you were born.
Number of siblings: One brother, three sisters-in-law along with him (not all three at the same time), and three sisters-in-law that came along with David
Oranges or apples: Depends. Good apples would score over bad oranges, and vice versa. If they're apples, they need to be firm and tart. If they're oranges, they need to be juicy, and preferably seedless.
Phobias or fears: Bats. They scare the poot out of me. I will leave a room or a place if I know there are bats there.
Quote: "You're a braver/finer (whatever) man than I, Gunga Din." (And no, I probably didn't spell it right.)
Reasons to smile: Funny people and beautiful babies. Remembering my daddy on the mechanical pony at Pigeon Forge; remembering Geron blowing the noodlehorn in the produce section of the grocery at Pigeon Forge; remembering my mother "shooting" trucks with an ice scraper on the way home from Gatlinburg; remembering my daughter cutting loose with a whoopie cushion on the way home from Gatlinburg--most memories of vacations in Tennessee.
Season: Fall--I used to love to ride my pony in the fall (another reason to smile!)
Tag three: Anyone left who hasn't been tagged yet?
Unknown fact about me: I won the Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year award my senior year in high school. That is why David married me--he thought I could cook. Wrong.
Vegetarian or oppressor of animals: Equal-opportunity glutton
Worst habit: Toss-up between sloth and procrastination, which, in my case, leads to sloth.
X rays or Ultrasounds: I think I like ultrasounds better, especially the kind of ultrasound therapy I got for a while on my game leg.
Your favorite food: Popcorn with butter and garlic salt.
Zodiac: I believe I was born under the sign of yesterday.
Available or single: Why does it say that? Did Everett mess up? I am neither available nor single.
Best friend: David
Cake or pie?: Neither--I love bar cookies better than either, especially the lemon ones at the Plum Tree.
Drink of choice: Diet Big K cola
Essential items: When I leave the house, it's wallet, keys. Since Sunday morning when my wallet was MIA, I have felt so so so so incomplete. Thank God, David took me up to church and I located it under my chair in the choir loft.
Favorite color: Like I have one! I used to always say brown and I still like it a lot.
Gummy bears or worms: Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, and I don't care for gummy chocolate anything.
Hometown: Simpsonville, KY--anyone ever hear of it? My daddy and I both had the same hometown.
Indulgence: Wasting time on this computer
January or February: I think maybe January--usually that's when it snows in KY, and we used to sometimes get snow days.
Kids: Everett, Lydia, Geron, Ann, Daniel, Jennifer, Jamethan, Cora...Three I birthed.
Life is incomplete without: Jesus. You said it, Everett.
Marriage date: September 18, 1970--before almost all of you were born.
Number of siblings: One brother, three sisters-in-law along with him (not all three at the same time), and three sisters-in-law that came along with David
Oranges or apples: Depends. Good apples would score over bad oranges, and vice versa. If they're apples, they need to be firm and tart. If they're oranges, they need to be juicy, and preferably seedless.
Phobias or fears: Bats. They scare the poot out of me. I will leave a room or a place if I know there are bats there.
Quote: "You're a braver/finer (whatever) man than I, Gunga Din." (And no, I probably didn't spell it right.)
Reasons to smile: Funny people and beautiful babies. Remembering my daddy on the mechanical pony at Pigeon Forge; remembering Geron blowing the noodlehorn in the produce section of the grocery at Pigeon Forge; remembering my mother "shooting" trucks with an ice scraper on the way home from Gatlinburg; remembering my daughter cutting loose with a whoopie cushion on the way home from Gatlinburg--most memories of vacations in Tennessee.
Season: Fall--I used to love to ride my pony in the fall (another reason to smile!)
Tag three: Anyone left who hasn't been tagged yet?
Unknown fact about me: I won the Betty Crocker Homemaker of the Year award my senior year in high school. That is why David married me--he thought I could cook. Wrong.
Vegetarian or oppressor of animals: Equal-opportunity glutton
Worst habit: Toss-up between sloth and procrastination, which, in my case, leads to sloth.
X rays or Ultrasounds: I think I like ultrasounds better, especially the kind of ultrasound therapy I got for a while on my game leg.
Your favorite food: Popcorn with butter and garlic salt.
Zodiac: I believe I was born under the sign of yesterday.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Update
All the carpet is gone! The carpet and pad from the living room and our bedroom is waiting by the curb for garbage pick-up. Most of the furniture is in the pod (3 chairs, the lamp table, and the TV in the living room, our bed--and of course the kitchen stuff). My clothes for the next few weeks are hanging in a closet or in a large tub. David's are in a suitcase. Despite all the hard work, there are still some boxes of stuff that will need to be carried from room to room or taken to the basement. Antonio is coming back tomorrow to paint--I can't believe how much we are getting done! Love to all, and God bless.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Work in Progress is Progressing
I am sitting in a nearly bare room. The huge desk which once held all the computer components is outdoors in a pod, as are many other pieces of furniture. The room that ordinarily houses our house guests is empty. The living room has two chairs, a lamp table, and the TV on a small cabinet. The piano is now in the kitchen. Don't even ask where anything else is--I don't know. Some of it is here, some is there, some is at Good Will, and some went home with either Gary or Tony, our two helpers. All this to say, if you can't reach me online, Skype me, or get me on the phone, just wait a couple of weeks and I'll be back. Love to all and God bless.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Hooray!
Hallelujah! I am finally, with the help of Everett, able to comment again and able to create new posts!
What's new at our house, or what has been happening in the last couple of weeks?
As far as I'm concerned, not much has changed. I'm still having trouble reading, but that may be improving. Thank God for technology--I'm able to do just fine online, so feel free to email me. The blood sugar is going down, another praise. I had an appointment with Beth H this week and learned all sorts of helpful stuff. I will have an appointment next week for more counseling with a person at the doctor's office. I don't think there is any possibility that she will be sharing anything I don't already know, but I'm going.
Family news: We had a WONDERFUL visit last weekend with all three kids, spouses, and our granddaughter. The occasion was the wedding of Laurel, our niece. The wedding was beautiful, full of great-looking people (12 bridesmaids, 3 flower girls, 3 ring bearers, 6 groomsmen, assorted other folks) and music, music, music (a high-school alumni band, 12 specials--count them, 12!) and the chance to visit with family and friends. David got to play his "Give the bride away in my overalls" gag again--that makes three brides and three times to wear the overalls. Daniel and I got to entertain Cora, which is great fun. (I should say here, Cora got to entertain us.) Cora got to practice pulling up on Grandpa's beard--good fun there. Everett, Ann, and Daniel went back to Georgetown with us, and we all got to go to church together on Sunday. Ann and Daniel left early Sunday afternoon (after all, they're working stiffs!), but we kept Everett until Monday morning. We can't get enough of the kids anymore.
David is taking some time off next week. We have plans to put down new carpet--not before it's needed. We aren't going to do the carpeting, but we are going to move stuff out of the way for the workers, and that will be a monumental task. We're hoping to find some help in that area here in town, but anyone with a strong back and time on their hands--let us know. We'll welcome you.
Love to all, and God bless.
What's new at our house, or what has been happening in the last couple of weeks?
As far as I'm concerned, not much has changed. I'm still having trouble reading, but that may be improving. Thank God for technology--I'm able to do just fine online, so feel free to email me. The blood sugar is going down, another praise. I had an appointment with Beth H this week and learned all sorts of helpful stuff. I will have an appointment next week for more counseling with a person at the doctor's office. I don't think there is any possibility that she will be sharing anything I don't already know, but I'm going.
Family news: We had a WONDERFUL visit last weekend with all three kids, spouses, and our granddaughter. The occasion was the wedding of Laurel, our niece. The wedding was beautiful, full of great-looking people (12 bridesmaids, 3 flower girls, 3 ring bearers, 6 groomsmen, assorted other folks) and music, music, music (a high-school alumni band, 12 specials--count them, 12!) and the chance to visit with family and friends. David got to play his "Give the bride away in my overalls" gag again--that makes three brides and three times to wear the overalls. Daniel and I got to entertain Cora, which is great fun. (I should say here, Cora got to entertain us.) Cora got to practice pulling up on Grandpa's beard--good fun there. Everett, Ann, and Daniel went back to Georgetown with us, and we all got to go to church together on Sunday. Ann and Daniel left early Sunday afternoon (after all, they're working stiffs!), but we kept Everett until Monday morning. We can't get enough of the kids anymore.
David is taking some time off next week. We have plans to put down new carpet--not before it's needed. We aren't going to do the carpeting, but we are going to move stuff out of the way for the workers, and that will be a monumental task. We're hoping to find some help in that area here in town, but anyone with a strong back and time on their hands--let us know. We'll welcome you.
Love to all, and God bless.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Two things everyone needs to know
1. Don't let the diabetic with the bonky eyes decorate the Easter cookies. For one thing, she gets frosting all over her fingers, and the first impulse is, of course, lick the fingers. For another--nobody wants to see those Easter bunnies. They'll give you nightmares.
2. Nobody cares who Robb Morris is, but in case a person was curious, he was the founder of the Eastern Star, which is--gee, what is it? I'm really not sure. All I know is that there was this frame house in my hometown that said "birthplace of Robb Morris, founder of the Eastern Star". My cousin and I went through it a couple of times--not really sure why, just something to do, I guess. Anyway, it was free. The better museum in town, in my opinion, was Ed Hitt's Fock and Rossil Museum--no, wait a minute--Rock and Fossil Museum. (It always went by the other name, even at my house.) I think you had to pay admission to see that museum.
Good night, and God bless.
2. Nobody cares who Robb Morris is, but in case a person was curious, he was the founder of the Eastern Star, which is--gee, what is it? I'm really not sure. All I know is that there was this frame house in my hometown that said "birthplace of Robb Morris, founder of the Eastern Star". My cousin and I went through it a couple of times--not really sure why, just something to do, I guess. Anyway, it was free. The better museum in town, in my opinion, was Ed Hitt's Fock and Rossil Museum--no, wait a minute--Rock and Fossil Museum. (It always went by the other name, even at my house.) I think you had to pay admission to see that museum.
Good night, and God bless.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Jenn asks, I attempt to answer
1. You're given the opportunity to travel back in time and choose any other major any college you want other than teaching. Would you do it, and if so, what would you choose?
I feel like Mrs. America. I think I would perhaps major in pre-med. I used to think I would like to be a doctor, especially a missionary doctor. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't start off my college career as a music major, something I decided in the spur of the moment and regretted for two years. What did I get out of that major? David. I guess it was worth those two years of theory and piano practicing for that.
2. What's your favorite thing you've ever sung in choir?
I really enjoyed whatever that musical was we did a couple of years ago in the John L.Hill chapel. Anyone out there who remembers the name, please tell me. I liked the music, the staging, getting to act like a fool on stage--I really enjoyed theater when I was in high school.
3. If David ever offered to take you anywhere you wanted to go on vacation, regardless of where it is or how much it cost, where would you ask him to take you?
Ireland would be my first choice. He and I have talked about going there for several years, but we still haven't gone.
4. Where's your favorite place you've ever been on vacation? Gatlinburg
Least favorite? The strip mine in Gatliff, Kentucky
5. What's your favorite childhood memory?
I believe some of my best memories of my chidhood were exploring the little town where I grew up. My cousin and I liked to walk up town, to climb to the top of the courthouse, to visit the Robb Morris birthplace (like that's someplace famous), just to putt around. I also enjoyed going on "explores", in which I found a rock quarry (about a block from my house) and a craw dad pool, back in the alleyway that was an extension of our street. I loved those places because I was the only one who knew about them (at least the craw dad pool--I had a friend who went with me to the rock quarry).
Okay, Jenn. Any and all comments are welcome. Good night, and God bless.
I feel like Mrs. America. I think I would perhaps major in pre-med. I used to think I would like to be a doctor, especially a missionary doctor. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't start off my college career as a music major, something I decided in the spur of the moment and regretted for two years. What did I get out of that major? David. I guess it was worth those two years of theory and piano practicing for that.
2. What's your favorite thing you've ever sung in choir?
I really enjoyed whatever that musical was we did a couple of years ago in the John L.Hill chapel. Anyone out there who remembers the name, please tell me. I liked the music, the staging, getting to act like a fool on stage--I really enjoyed theater when I was in high school.
3. If David ever offered to take you anywhere you wanted to go on vacation, regardless of where it is or how much it cost, where would you ask him to take you?
Ireland would be my first choice. He and I have talked about going there for several years, but we still haven't gone.
4. Where's your favorite place you've ever been on vacation? Gatlinburg
Least favorite? The strip mine in Gatliff, Kentucky
5. What's your favorite childhood memory?
I believe some of my best memories of my chidhood were exploring the little town where I grew up. My cousin and I liked to walk up town, to climb to the top of the courthouse, to visit the Robb Morris birthplace (like that's someplace famous), just to putt around. I also enjoyed going on "explores", in which I found a rock quarry (about a block from my house) and a craw dad pool, back in the alleyway that was an extension of our street. I loved those places because I was the only one who knew about them (at least the craw dad pool--I had a friend who went with me to the rock quarry).
Okay, Jenn. Any and all comments are welcome. Good night, and God bless.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Reading
Just in the last couple of days, my eyes have been giving me fits. I have to use a magnifying glass to read the newspaper, especially the funnies, and trying to read the lyrics in choir is almost impossible. I asked Beth Holden tonight if that was a common problem with Type 2 diabetes, and she just nodded the whole time I was asking her the question. Apparently, that's how a lot of folks find out they even have the condition. She said there was no reason to get new glasses now, that my eyes would be better when my blood sugar was more under control. That was a relief. Of course it doesn't solve current problems, such as reading the lyrics for the cantata we are performing on Friday night! I'm going to enlarge my music so that it is more readable--or at least I hope it will be. Right now, it's not business as usual around here--it's make do as best I can. Take care, everyone, love to all, and God bless.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
I'm better now
For those of you who read yesterday's post and are concerned, my mood is a lot better today. The rest of me, however, the root-canaled tooth for instance, is not up to par. I hope I can get things evened out pretty soon. I don't like this not knowing what's going on with my body. Take care, love to all, and God bless.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Depression
For quite a few years I've had a problem with depression. Just within the last couple of years, though, I thought I had it licked--I'm on a drug called Zoloft, which up until last week seemed to be all I need. Now with the forced change in diet, I am back in the depths, seems like. I hate to plan meals, I hate to cook, I hate to clean up--all things which up until this week were enjoyable. I guess I'll get over it, but it's going to take a while. Take care, and if you're having a good day, keep on having it! Love to all, and God bless.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Peeps
Giving up carbs at Easter is hard. One of the things I am going to miss most is Peeps. I walked by them several times at the store today and never even picked them up. Peeps, Mellocreams (I think that's what Brach's calls them), Whoppers, candy corn--I can do it, though. If you are a lover of Peeps and a scientist, you might want to consult this site: http://www.peepresearch.org/. Of course, due to my inadequacies as a blogger, you are responsible for copying and pasting this on your own. Love to all, and God bless.
Monday, March 26, 2007
What's new?
I guess it's about time I update this blog. I'm trying to remember what all happened since February whenever it was.
For one thing, I got to spend most of a week with Cora down in Chattanooga. She was sick again, which is bad, but she is all better now, which is good. She and I had a great time. I do love that baby. A highlight of that trip was making it through the roundabout on the second try! I am getting better as I get older.
Then came March. What happened in March? For one thing, I turned 60. David gave me a beautiful opal necklace, which I lost--but we found it again, in a garbage bag. Now I just have to take it to town to get a longer chain. Joann (Plum Tree) thinks just a couple of inches longer would be really good. So do I.
I had nice visits with my girls. Ann and Daniel came up last weekend (March 16-18) to celebrate my birthday, which was fun. They talked us into going to see Amazing Grace at the movies--great movie, by the way. We also had some fun shopping at the Fayette Mall, which I haven't visited in at least six months (not even Christmas!). This past week Lydia, Geron, and Cora came for a visit. Geron installed my new computer, along with a web cam and Skype set up. You techie folks will know what Skype is--I've used it once, to talk to Geron last Saturday.
Last week I finally got around to making the yearly doctor's appointment. My bad--I guess I missed it last year--so this was a biannual visit. Things went pretty well during the visit, but blood work came back all screwy. I had a follow-up visit today and got the news that now I am even sweeter than I was before--I've developed type 2 diabetes. So I am in the process of learning how to monitor blood sugar, what to eat and what to avoid (my doctor says if it even looks like it might have white sugar in it, avoid it), and experimenting with medicines to see which ones will get this sky-high blood sugar under control David says he is going to help me out. We'll see what develops. I really like my doctor, even though he is a veritable whipper-snapper. I think he and I (with God's help) can get through this.
Love to all, and God bless.
For one thing, I got to spend most of a week with Cora down in Chattanooga. She was sick again, which is bad, but she is all better now, which is good. She and I had a great time. I do love that baby. A highlight of that trip was making it through the roundabout on the second try! I am getting better as I get older.
Then came March. What happened in March? For one thing, I turned 60. David gave me a beautiful opal necklace, which I lost--but we found it again, in a garbage bag. Now I just have to take it to town to get a longer chain. Joann (Plum Tree) thinks just a couple of inches longer would be really good. So do I.
I had nice visits with my girls. Ann and Daniel came up last weekend (March 16-18) to celebrate my birthday, which was fun. They talked us into going to see Amazing Grace at the movies--great movie, by the way. We also had some fun shopping at the Fayette Mall, which I haven't visited in at least six months (not even Christmas!). This past week Lydia, Geron, and Cora came for a visit. Geron installed my new computer, along with a web cam and Skype set up. You techie folks will know what Skype is--I've used it once, to talk to Geron last Saturday.
Last week I finally got around to making the yearly doctor's appointment. My bad--I guess I missed it last year--so this was a biannual visit. Things went pretty well during the visit, but blood work came back all screwy. I had a follow-up visit today and got the news that now I am even sweeter than I was before--I've developed type 2 diabetes. So I am in the process of learning how to monitor blood sugar, what to eat and what to avoid (my doctor says if it even looks like it might have white sugar in it, avoid it), and experimenting with medicines to see which ones will get this sky-high blood sugar under control David says he is going to help me out. We'll see what develops. I really like my doctor, even though he is a veritable whipper-snapper. I think he and I (with God's help) can get through this.
Love to all, and God bless.
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