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.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
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.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
NGOTB
Probably by the time any of you reads this blog, we will have two new little girls in our "family". J's daughter gave birth on Wednesday to a sweet, sweet, tiny girl, who came exactly one month early and weighed somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 pounds. When I last talked to J, all was well with both "Peanut" and her mom. And Her Eminence's daughter-in-law is anticipating the birth this weekend of her dumpling. Let's hope all goes well for them.
Someone asked me recently if grandmothers had postpartum depression. I told her that I know I had crying jags after Co was born, probably from the release of anticipation, worry, and tension. It was one time that I really missed my mom. Becoming a grandmother is very different from becoming a mother, because your precious baby is the one who is giving birth to this precious grandchild. In addition to the concern about the gc's health, a grandma tends to have worries about how her child is handling this experience. There should be support groups for Grandmas!
Enough. Love you, and God bless.
Someone asked me recently if grandmothers had postpartum depression. I told her that I know I had crying jags after Co was born, probably from the release of anticipation, worry, and tension. It was one time that I really missed my mom. Becoming a grandmother is very different from becoming a mother, because your precious baby is the one who is giving birth to this precious grandchild. In addition to the concern about the gc's health, a grandma tends to have worries about how her child is handling this experience. There should be support groups for Grandmas!
Enough. Love you, and God bless.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Six Weird Things About Me
Ann tagged me. Now it's my turn to tell six weird things about me.
1. I collect coconut monkeys. I love those things! I have also given them as wedding shower gifts. It is interesting to see the folks ooh and ahh over something that I know is really a gag gift. I have a few favorites, one with a red guitar, one with leather ears, and one that actually belongs to Ann. It came from the Philippines, and she saw the man carve it.
2. I love whoopie cushions. I also love remote control whoopie cushions. I always have. One of my favorite vacation memories is going to Gatlinburg with Becky, Lydia, Ann, and my mom, and sitting on a bench downtown blowing up and letting rip with a whoopie cushion. Another good memory from that same trip was taking the wc into a bathroom at a rest stop, going into a stall, and letting it rip. I enjoy watching people's reactions.
3. I gave my pastor "Snowman Poop" for Christmas one year. You've probably seen the stuff, miniature marshmallows in a sandwich bag with a note, "You've been naughty, so here's the scoop. All you get for Christmas is Snowman Poop." He took it to his family's Christmas gathering.
4. I have a dial-up internet connection. What's weird about that is I have a modem for the Bellsouth DSL, but am unable to figure out how to get it set up. I've had the modem since November.
5. I have a photograph of four ladies making a quilt framed on my bookcase in the living room. I don't know the ladies. They are dressed up with hats and all, and one, whose name is Anna May, is wearing her hat with a pair of slacks, a collared sweatshirt, and jogging shoes. She reminds me of my mother, who I believe would have done the same thing. The photograph came out of the Life section of our local newspaper. Just Tuesday, I saw another photograph that I would like to frame. It is of a boy, about ten years old, maybe taken in the 1920's. He looks like Buckwheat, all dressed up for church or something.
6. Black gospel music makes me cry. I think it goes back to my infancy, when my parents and grandparents used to sit in their yard on Sunday nights and listen to the music from the Black church near my grandparents' home.
And here's an extra one, just because you've been nice enough to read through the other six. Jewish music and the Yiddish language also make me cry. I have no idea why. I used to say it was because I was Jewish in a past life. Since Baptists don't believe in reincarnation, most folks just laugh at that. However, I do wonder sometimes.
Love to all, and God bless. And by the way, Everett, Lydia, Jules, tag--you're it!
1. I collect coconut monkeys. I love those things! I have also given them as wedding shower gifts. It is interesting to see the folks ooh and ahh over something that I know is really a gag gift. I have a few favorites, one with a red guitar, one with leather ears, and one that actually belongs to Ann. It came from the Philippines, and she saw the man carve it.
2. I love whoopie cushions. I also love remote control whoopie cushions. I always have. One of my favorite vacation memories is going to Gatlinburg with Becky, Lydia, Ann, and my mom, and sitting on a bench downtown blowing up and letting rip with a whoopie cushion. Another good memory from that same trip was taking the wc into a bathroom at a rest stop, going into a stall, and letting it rip. I enjoy watching people's reactions.
3. I gave my pastor "Snowman Poop" for Christmas one year. You've probably seen the stuff, miniature marshmallows in a sandwich bag with a note, "You've been naughty, so here's the scoop. All you get for Christmas is Snowman Poop." He took it to his family's Christmas gathering.
4. I have a dial-up internet connection. What's weird about that is I have a modem for the Bellsouth DSL, but am unable to figure out how to get it set up. I've had the modem since November.
5. I have a photograph of four ladies making a quilt framed on my bookcase in the living room. I don't know the ladies. They are dressed up with hats and all, and one, whose name is Anna May, is wearing her hat with a pair of slacks, a collared sweatshirt, and jogging shoes. She reminds me of my mother, who I believe would have done the same thing. The photograph came out of the Life section of our local newspaper. Just Tuesday, I saw another photograph that I would like to frame. It is of a boy, about ten years old, maybe taken in the 1920's. He looks like Buckwheat, all dressed up for church or something.
6. Black gospel music makes me cry. I think it goes back to my infancy, when my parents and grandparents used to sit in their yard on Sunday nights and listen to the music from the Black church near my grandparents' home.
And here's an extra one, just because you've been nice enough to read through the other six. Jewish music and the Yiddish language also make me cry. I have no idea why. I used to say it was because I was Jewish in a past life. Since Baptists don't believe in reincarnation, most folks just laugh at that. However, I do wonder sometimes.
Love to all, and God bless. And by the way, Everett, Lydia, Jules, tag--you're it!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Hmmmmmm
I was trying to think to see if there was anything new I wanted to blog about, but the thinking got too hard. I guess that's why I haven't blogged lately.
What's happened around here? I hear there are new babies on the way at my old place of employment. My friends Julie and Joyce are both expecting granddaughters this month. And then of course Tara is expecting this month--first girl in Jim's and her family! But then Tara isn't around here,I guess. I wish she were--we'd have to have a pink shower for her. Charlene let it drop last week that Brad and Mary are having another baby this spring--Ann, I know you will be interested in that.
I have now finished (well, no fringe on this one yet) three prayer shawls. One has gone to Mrs. Mac, one to Andrea, and I think this last one is going to Betty W. This was a completely different pattern than the other two, but it was a quick knit. I need to get that fringe on there. I believe I'm going to start making baby shrugs next. I watched them make one on Knitty Gritty the other day and thought, I can do that. So I went to the site for the instructions. The only instructions they had were for adult size. Of course Knitty is really big about making your own patterns, so I guess I'll just fool around until something like a shrug comes out. If that doesn't work, then maybe all these baby girls can grow as fast as Cora, who I hear rolled over this week.
David has a dentist's appointment tomorrow to fix a broken-beyond-repair tooth. They are going to remove what's left of the thing and put in an implant. This is his first implant--I hope it takes well. The stuff he has been through with the dentist this year is almost enough to make a person put off dental health care. Never even mind what he has done in the way of physical health--I don't want any part of that, either.
We had a good visit with Christopher James, also known as CJ, last week. He is a total delight. Even when he poked a hole in the bottom of his cup and flooded the Plum Tree, he was a sweet, charming little boy. He also introduced us to the fine game of building with china. Of course, we can't hold him completely to blame for that. It isn't his fault the extra dishes were there. He really liked David's "eyes" tricks and would giggle and squeal whenever David started cutting shines. I am so glad we had a chance to meet him during his baby-ness.
Enough of the odds and ends of daily life. Those of you who are getting out and doing things, start posting to your blog so you can entertain me! Love to all, and God bless.
What's happened around here? I hear there are new babies on the way at my old place of employment. My friends Julie and Joyce are both expecting granddaughters this month. And then of course Tara is expecting this month--first girl in Jim's and her family! But then Tara isn't around here,I guess. I wish she were--we'd have to have a pink shower for her. Charlene let it drop last week that Brad and Mary are having another baby this spring--Ann, I know you will be interested in that.
I have now finished (well, no fringe on this one yet) three prayer shawls. One has gone to Mrs. Mac, one to Andrea, and I think this last one is going to Betty W. This was a completely different pattern than the other two, but it was a quick knit. I need to get that fringe on there. I believe I'm going to start making baby shrugs next. I watched them make one on Knitty Gritty the other day and thought, I can do that. So I went to the site for the instructions. The only instructions they had were for adult size. Of course Knitty is really big about making your own patterns, so I guess I'll just fool around until something like a shrug comes out. If that doesn't work, then maybe all these baby girls can grow as fast as Cora, who I hear rolled over this week.
David has a dentist's appointment tomorrow to fix a broken-beyond-repair tooth. They are going to remove what's left of the thing and put in an implant. This is his first implant--I hope it takes well. The stuff he has been through with the dentist this year is almost enough to make a person put off dental health care. Never even mind what he has done in the way of physical health--I don't want any part of that, either.
We had a good visit with Christopher James, also known as CJ, last week. He is a total delight. Even when he poked a hole in the bottom of his cup and flooded the Plum Tree, he was a sweet, charming little boy. He also introduced us to the fine game of building with china. Of course, we can't hold him completely to blame for that. It isn't his fault the extra dishes were there. He really liked David's "eyes" tricks and would giggle and squeal whenever David started cutting shines. I am so glad we had a chance to meet him during his baby-ness.
Enough of the odds and ends of daily life. Those of you who are getting out and doing things, start posting to your blog so you can entertain me! Love to all, and God bless.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Sadness
Two great folks died this past week. One was around for over 90 years and did a lot of really good stuff. The other one, maybe 30 years or so, and not too much will be credited to his name. Anyway, I am going to miss both of them.
I met the first lady when I was a student at GC in the 60's and very early 70's. I had her for an "independent study" class in nutrition. In other words, she set apart an hour, two or three days a week, just to help me meet the requirements for certification in elementary ed. We would meet in her office, and she would go over assignments, etc. She really knew her stuff. Next, I encountered her as a friend's advisor. The friend was a home ec major and had to prepare a meal for guests as a part of a class. The friend, two other couples, this teacher, my husband and I, all enjoyed a meal together at the home ec house. After that, I knew that if I had any questions about food, I could ask her, and I did. I found out that she was a great seamstress, too, and she helped me out by putting buttons into a dress I was making for my daughter.
But where I knew this woman best was at church. For years, she was our church hostess and the chef for our family night dinners. Those dinners were truly fantastic. She served a full meal, salad, entree, at least two vegetables, hot homemade bread, and homemade desserts for $3.00 a head (and that was even in the last five years!). She cooked almost every bit of it herself. Not only was the food fantastic, she took extra time to decorate all the tables with fresh flowers. She also had theme meals for the holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, President's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter. The two biggies, Thanksgiving and Christmas, she would have hot appetizers, cheese balls, raw veggies, punch for folks to enjoy while they were waiting for the meal to be served--you wouldn't believe it if you didn't see it.
She took great care of her regulars, too. For instance, she knew that the pastor didn't like raisins, so whenever she served her dressing with raisins, she kept out some just for him. Also, since my mom was allergic to fish, she would be sure that there were little ham biscuits for her while the rest of us ate salmon croquettes. And she would be sure that there were special sugarfree desserts for the regulars who were diabetic.
In addition to this gift of hospitality, and it was a gift for sure, she had one of the greatest spirits I ever came across. There was always a twinkle in her eye--maybe no smile on her face, but the twinkle was there. You could tell she enjoyed life and wanted to make the most of it, but on her terms.
Near the end of her life, she moved into an assisted living home here in town. We had friends who would regularly pick her up there to take her to church. One morning the couple arrived at the home to find that she had moved out the day before--she didn't tell anyone that she was moving. They later found that she had moved back to her home. I guess she got tired of institutional food!
I sent her a Christmas card, telling her how much we missed her on Wednesday nights at supper. She wrote back to tell me, "I keep hoping I can come back and cook one more supper." That really meant a lot to me, to know that she still had hope. God has her now, and I'm sure there are fresh flowers on the tables at the banquet feast.
The other fellow is not quite as well known. He was a student I had about ten or twelve years ago in my special ed class. He was autistic, in a day when autism wasn't getting the press that it gets now. He didn't speak much, he had really severe mood swings, and at times he was very difficult to work with. However, what I remember most about him was his sweet, sweet, smile. It was very hard to stay mad at him for long. I remember one day I was walking him down the hall to his speech class, and he reached up and touched my cheek. "What's that, Mrs.M?" he asked. "Feel like a boogie?" It was. I guess he thought he was sharing. Another memory: he would play and play a computer game in the room. When he got ten answers correct, there was some sort of onscreen reward. All day, my daughter thought he was saying, "Damn right, Mrs. M!" The actual statement, ten right.
Two other memories to share. His favorite book was In the Napping House. He just loved that book, about a granny who was taking a nap and joined by all sorts of critters (including a grandson) until the bed finally collapsed. He would just laugh and laugh when I read it to him. I suspect it reminded him of his own granny who took care of him sometimes, but I'll never know for sure. And then there were the trips to McDonald's. All the time I taught, I found that trips to McDonald's were great motivators for my kids, no matter what age or for what purpose. Occasionally this fellow would earn a trip for something or the other. He and I would have great fun over a hamburger, french fries and ice cream. He absolutely loved the big yellow centrifuge where pennies would spin around and around before they finally dropped into the bottom of the container. Give him a quarter's worth of pennies, and he was in heaven, where, I hope, he is now. I hope there is a great big centrifuge up there and all the pennies he could every want!
Treasure the folks in your life who make you smile. Watch for twinkling eyes, and don't get up tight over a boogie on your cheek! Love you, and God bless.
I met the first lady when I was a student at GC in the 60's and very early 70's. I had her for an "independent study" class in nutrition. In other words, she set apart an hour, two or three days a week, just to help me meet the requirements for certification in elementary ed. We would meet in her office, and she would go over assignments, etc. She really knew her stuff. Next, I encountered her as a friend's advisor. The friend was a home ec major and had to prepare a meal for guests as a part of a class. The friend, two other couples, this teacher, my husband and I, all enjoyed a meal together at the home ec house. After that, I knew that if I had any questions about food, I could ask her, and I did. I found out that she was a great seamstress, too, and she helped me out by putting buttons into a dress I was making for my daughter.
But where I knew this woman best was at church. For years, she was our church hostess and the chef for our family night dinners. Those dinners were truly fantastic. She served a full meal, salad, entree, at least two vegetables, hot homemade bread, and homemade desserts for $3.00 a head (and that was even in the last five years!). She cooked almost every bit of it herself. Not only was the food fantastic, she took extra time to decorate all the tables with fresh flowers. She also had theme meals for the holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, President's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter. The two biggies, Thanksgiving and Christmas, she would have hot appetizers, cheese balls, raw veggies, punch for folks to enjoy while they were waiting for the meal to be served--you wouldn't believe it if you didn't see it.
She took great care of her regulars, too. For instance, she knew that the pastor didn't like raisins, so whenever she served her dressing with raisins, she kept out some just for him. Also, since my mom was allergic to fish, she would be sure that there were little ham biscuits for her while the rest of us ate salmon croquettes. And she would be sure that there were special sugarfree desserts for the regulars who were diabetic.
In addition to this gift of hospitality, and it was a gift for sure, she had one of the greatest spirits I ever came across. There was always a twinkle in her eye--maybe no smile on her face, but the twinkle was there. You could tell she enjoyed life and wanted to make the most of it, but on her terms.
Near the end of her life, she moved into an assisted living home here in town. We had friends who would regularly pick her up there to take her to church. One morning the couple arrived at the home to find that she had moved out the day before--she didn't tell anyone that she was moving. They later found that she had moved back to her home. I guess she got tired of institutional food!
I sent her a Christmas card, telling her how much we missed her on Wednesday nights at supper. She wrote back to tell me, "I keep hoping I can come back and cook one more supper." That really meant a lot to me, to know that she still had hope. God has her now, and I'm sure there are fresh flowers on the tables at the banquet feast.
The other fellow is not quite as well known. He was a student I had about ten or twelve years ago in my special ed class. He was autistic, in a day when autism wasn't getting the press that it gets now. He didn't speak much, he had really severe mood swings, and at times he was very difficult to work with. However, what I remember most about him was his sweet, sweet, smile. It was very hard to stay mad at him for long. I remember one day I was walking him down the hall to his speech class, and he reached up and touched my cheek. "What's that, Mrs.M?" he asked. "Feel like a boogie?" It was. I guess he thought he was sharing. Another memory: he would play and play a computer game in the room. When he got ten answers correct, there was some sort of onscreen reward. All day, my daughter thought he was saying, "Damn right, Mrs. M!" The actual statement, ten right.
Two other memories to share. His favorite book was In the Napping House. He just loved that book, about a granny who was taking a nap and joined by all sorts of critters (including a grandson) until the bed finally collapsed. He would just laugh and laugh when I read it to him. I suspect it reminded him of his own granny who took care of him sometimes, but I'll never know for sure. And then there were the trips to McDonald's. All the time I taught, I found that trips to McDonald's were great motivators for my kids, no matter what age or for what purpose. Occasionally this fellow would earn a trip for something or the other. He and I would have great fun over a hamburger, french fries and ice cream. He absolutely loved the big yellow centrifuge where pennies would spin around and around before they finally dropped into the bottom of the container. Give him a quarter's worth of pennies, and he was in heaven, where, I hope, he is now. I hope there is a great big centrifuge up there and all the pennies he could every want!
Treasure the folks in your life who make you smile. Watch for twinkling eyes, and don't get up tight over a boogie on your cheek! Love you, and God bless.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Tooooooo Long
I've been lax in keeping up my blog, even if it is just for the sake of Jenn. Sorry about that.
Things are going okay here in G-town. I am really enjoying having time off at Christmas. This hasn't been the case for 22 1/2 years, so I'm having a little difficulty knowing how to handle it. Like so many who read this blog, I work better under pressure of a deadline, and often wait until the deadline is in sight to begin my work. It seems so strange to actually have days at a time with nothing that has to be done.
This week has been a little busier than most. For instance, Tuesday morning was WMU at Maribeth's, followed by a retired teacher's luncheon. The choir from one of the local elementary schools performed at the lunch. When the kids were leaving, something was said by one of the retired teachers about how we were such a grateful audience. The choir director responded with a line about retired teachers, "Old teachers don't retire, they just lose their class!--Especially Meadors!" And I did not in the least bit feel insulted.
Thursday I went to Friendship, which is my usual Thursday practice. I told David it was a lot like teaching, even though the students were, in this case, less than a year old. I liked the challenge of figuring out what their problems were and trying to stop cries before they happened. There's nothing much better than sitting and rocking a baby for an hour or so at a time, talking with them, talking to them, and as my own kids would say, "talking for them." Case in point, this darling little fellow named Sota who had the awfulest case of stick-up hair! I took him out into the reception area of the nursery and said, "hello, ladies! What do you think of my new hairdo this morning?" And another little guy named Allistair, "How do you all do (talking to the two little girl babies"--could I maybe play with you today?" We do have fun in there. Then when I was leaving, I went over to the toddler side of the nursery suite, and this great little fellow named Shusuke came running at me with a big smile on his face and his arms up in the air for me to pick him up!
I do love those babies. They make life seem worth living. If any of you are feeling a little low, I can recommend rocking a baby to calm or to sleep as one of the best (allbeit temporary) morale boosters known to man!
Everyone take care when you're shopping, and don't get too lost in the bustle to call a salesperson by name and ask about his/her day. The sourer they are, the more persistent you should be--if anybody needs attention, they do. And don't be afraid to say Merry Christmas. It's worth saying.
Love to all, God bless, and Merry Christmas!
Things are going okay here in G-town. I am really enjoying having time off at Christmas. This hasn't been the case for 22 1/2 years, so I'm having a little difficulty knowing how to handle it. Like so many who read this blog, I work better under pressure of a deadline, and often wait until the deadline is in sight to begin my work. It seems so strange to actually have days at a time with nothing that has to be done.
This week has been a little busier than most. For instance, Tuesday morning was WMU at Maribeth's, followed by a retired teacher's luncheon. The choir from one of the local elementary schools performed at the lunch. When the kids were leaving, something was said by one of the retired teachers about how we were such a grateful audience. The choir director responded with a line about retired teachers, "Old teachers don't retire, they just lose their class!--Especially Meadors!" And I did not in the least bit feel insulted.
Thursday I went to Friendship, which is my usual Thursday practice. I told David it was a lot like teaching, even though the students were, in this case, less than a year old. I liked the challenge of figuring out what their problems were and trying to stop cries before they happened. There's nothing much better than sitting and rocking a baby for an hour or so at a time, talking with them, talking to them, and as my own kids would say, "talking for them." Case in point, this darling little fellow named Sota who had the awfulest case of stick-up hair! I took him out into the reception area of the nursery and said, "hello, ladies! What do you think of my new hairdo this morning?" And another little guy named Allistair, "How do you all do (talking to the two little girl babies"--could I maybe play with you today?" We do have fun in there. Then when I was leaving, I went over to the toddler side of the nursery suite, and this great little fellow named Shusuke came running at me with a big smile on his face and his arms up in the air for me to pick him up!
I do love those babies. They make life seem worth living. If any of you are feeling a little low, I can recommend rocking a baby to calm or to sleep as one of the best (allbeit temporary) morale boosters known to man!
Everyone take care when you're shopping, and don't get too lost in the bustle to call a salesperson by name and ask about his/her day. The sourer they are, the more persistent you should be--if anybody needs attention, they do. And don't be afraid to say Merry Christmas. It's worth saying.
Love to all, God bless, and Merry Christmas!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Bronchiolitis
Here's the latest. My darling grandbaby disappointed me by not being able to come to Georgetown for Thanksgiving. As David said later, thank God her parents had enough sense to take her home from Corbin on Thanksgiving Day. At the doctor's office on Friday morning, they learned that Cora was just as sick as they thought she was, and were sent to Children's Hospital in Chattanooga, where she spent the night.
At first the medical folks thought she might have RSV, which is a serious respiratory virus that infects premies and newborns. Thank God again it wasn't that, but rather turned out to be bronchiolitis. At the hospital, in addition to finding out what she didn't have, they gave her breathing treatments which helped to break up her cough quite a bit and got her oxygen level back where it needed to be. Her mom and dad said she was a pretty good trooper about the whole thing, and that even when she was at her maddest, the nurses still talked about how sweet and beautiful she is.
Here at the house, she is mostly sleeping, nursing some, taking bottles of formula not very eagerly, and slurping down the apple-juice/water bottles. She coughs a good bit, until it's like she is coughing rather than breathing. BUT, and big deal here, she IS getting better. She can wail like a banshee when they suction out her nose or take her temperature or give her a breathing treatment. We spend a lot of time holding her--she breathes better upright--and "beating" on her back when she's coughing. I don't think we've bruised her yet. She has a beautiful Christmas tree in the living room, and being a child who is fascinated by light, I can usually quiet her down a bit by sitting with her in there.
I think I need to go be Nurse Granny. Everyone take care, and pray for our little Cora. Love you, and God bless.
At first the medical folks thought she might have RSV, which is a serious respiratory virus that infects premies and newborns. Thank God again it wasn't that, but rather turned out to be bronchiolitis. At the hospital, in addition to finding out what she didn't have, they gave her breathing treatments which helped to break up her cough quite a bit and got her oxygen level back where it needed to be. Her mom and dad said she was a pretty good trooper about the whole thing, and that even when she was at her maddest, the nurses still talked about how sweet and beautiful she is.
Here at the house, she is mostly sleeping, nursing some, taking bottles of formula not very eagerly, and slurping down the apple-juice/water bottles. She coughs a good bit, until it's like she is coughing rather than breathing. BUT, and big deal here, she IS getting better. She can wail like a banshee when they suction out her nose or take her temperature or give her a breathing treatment. We spend a lot of time holding her--she breathes better upright--and "beating" on her back when she's coughing. I don't think we've bruised her yet. She has a beautiful Christmas tree in the living room, and being a child who is fascinated by light, I can usually quiet her down a bit by sitting with her in there.
I think I need to go be Nurse Granny. Everyone take care, and pray for our little Cora. Love you, and God bless.
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