Thursday’s Thoughts ~ Another Trip Around The Sun…

August 30th is my birthday.  It marks my 58th trip around the sun, so to speak.  That’s a lot of miles, folks!  These days I look at my wrinkling skin, the bags under my eyes, and graying hair, and wonder when all of this happened to me!  When did I collect all of these souvenirs?  Who is this aging woman staring back at me in the mirror?  My brown eyes and shy smile are still the same, but everything else seems to be changing–and it ain’t for the better!

Sometimes life is funny.  It sure doesn’t seem like I’ve been living 58 years!  In my mind, I don’t feel like I should be that old, but my body says otherwise!  I can remember a time when I thought 58 was ancient!  Heck, I can remember a time when I thought 40 was old!  I’d gladly go back and turn 40 again, if I could!

Now that I find myself reaching age 58, suddenly it doesn’t seem all that old–but I know in my heart, it is!  I figure I’m most likely on the home stretch of this journey called “life”, but I’m just gonna’ go ahead and enjoy the ride until it’s done.

Below is one of my favorite birthday songs,  along with a birthday video montage…

Another Trip Around The Sun

Hear ’em singing Happy Birthday
Better think about the wish I made
This year gone by ain’t been a piece of cake
Every day’s a revolution
Pull it together and it comes undone
Just one more candle and a trip around the sun

Chorus:
I’m just hanging on while this old world keeps spinning
And it’s good to know it’s out of my control
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from all this living
Is that it wouldn’t change a thing if I let go

No, you never see it coming
Always wind up wondering where it went
Only time will tell if it was time well spent
It’s another revelation
Celebrating what I should have done
With these souvenirs of my trip around the sun

(Chorus)

Yes, I’ll make a resolution
That I’ll never make another one
Just enjoy this ride on my trip around the sun
Just enjoy this ride …
Until it’s done

Laboring Over The Hodgepodge…

Can you believe it?  It’s time for the final Hodgepodge of the month!  Time to labor over  answer the thought-provoking questions that our hostess, Joyce, has so graciously provided, then hop around and see how others have answered.  Come on, won’t you join us?

1. Americans will celebrate Labor Day this coming weekend. Do you know what we’re actually celebrating? (without consulting your friends Google or wikipedia, ahem) What’s a project you’re currently ‘laboring’ over?

I’m not certain what we’re celebrating, but since it’s called “Labor Day”, I’ll assume it has something to do with “work”.  That’s what I’ve always thought, anyway.  I’ve been laboring over the same project for well over a year–scanning and organizing old family photographs.  I also have a couple of unfinished scrapbooks waiting.

2. Labor Day also signals the unofficial end of summer for most of us…what summer food will you miss the most? If you’re in the southern hemisphere feel free to substitute winter for summer.

This answer is a toss up for me.  It’s between boiled peanuts and watermelon.

3. A well known proverb states, ‘It’s easier to seek forgiveness than ask permission.’ Your thoughts?

These days, I think more people than ever , are making the choice to do as they please, then suffering the consequences later–rather than asking for permission or seeking God’s will.  I’m guilty of doing this, at times, and there’s always a price to be paid.

4. Food critic, film critic, book critic, art critic….which hat would you most like to wear?

Once upon a time I would have loved being a film critic, but these days I’d prefer to be a book critic.  Books are so much better than movies!

5. When you were a kid, who (besides your parents) was your favorite adult?

While growing up, my favorite adult was my maternal grandmother.  She was a dear, sweet lady.

6. The astronaut, Neil Armstrong, passed away last week. He was regarded as a hero by many generations of people all around the world. Do we still have modern day heroes? What makes someone a hero?

Yes, we still have some modern day heroes.  Occasionally, we hear about them on the news– people who go out of their way to help others in some way,  without regard to their own safety.    Every time I hear about one of these stories, it restores a little bit of my faith in mankind.

7. I never get tired of--going to the beach.  Feeling those gentle ocean breezes, listening to some music, and having Ed resting in a chair beside me.  Love it!

Random:

Tomorrow is my birthday, and it looks like I’ll be spending at least part of my birthday at the gynecologist’s office, instead of at the beach.  What a way to celebrate:(   After two whole months of discomfort,  two previous trips to the doctor, and purchasing over two hundred dollars worth of medications, not covered by insurance, I’m still having problems!  Ugh!  I am so ready for some relief!

Random Monday…

I’m sitting here at seven-thirty in the morning, underneath cloudy skies, waiting to see what this day will bring.  I’m watching the path of tropical storm, “Isaac”, along with everyone else.  This time, last year, we were watching hurricane “Irene”, and it interfered with our beach plans…  I hope we don’t receive a lot of rain from tropical storm “Isaac” because we are still trying to dry out from the last two weeks of rain…After three sunny days, rain is, once again, in our forecast for the next three days!

Ed and I spent part of a three-day weekend in Florida, visiting my brother and his wife.  Fortunately, they live on the opposite side of Florida from where “Isaac” is traveling!  We had a nice trip, and a very good visit.  I’m so glad we changed our  beach plans!  I think Ed and I broke a record on the trip home, when we stopped in every town between their home and ours–with the exception of two…We never drive straight through on the 180 mile trip, but we normally don’t make quite that many stops!  I had an excuse, I was using my “5 dollar off”  Dollar General Store coupons along the way!

All of my animals survived just fine during our absence.  I think “my girls”, the chickens, were the happiest to see us return home.  Although I left them plenty of food in my absence, they missed the numerous treats that I give them throughout the day!  I tell you, those girls are spoiled rotten, but they’re giving us plenty of eggs.  I’ll have to post a “chicken update” soon.

It just wouldn’t be Monday without joining Heather over at Acting Balanced for her “Meet Me On Monday” meme, so here it is!

1. When was the last time you tried something new?

Back in the spring when Ed and I decided to take on the tasks of raising chickens and growing a garden!

2. What’s a belief that you hold with which many people disagree?

The belief that our country is facing an imminent crisis in the “not too distant” future.

3. What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?

I enjoy all kinds of music, with the exception of rap.  I usually listen to country music, but sometimes I switch over and listen to my favorite pop “oldies” station.  You just can’t beat the music of the “70’s”!

4. What piece of advice would you give to a beginning blogger?

Write from the heart, and enjoy yourself!

My question for you…

5.  Are you  prepared for an emergency?

Thursday’s Thoughts ~ Divine Intervention…

Do you believe in Divine intervention?  Have you ever had certain “feelings” that you can’t explain?

A couple of months ago, I planned a trip to Amelia Island for this coming weekend.  I went ahead and booked a room for the weekend of the upcoming “Great American Tailgate Cook-off”.  It also happens to be the weekend before my birthday.

About three weeks ago, I began having second thoughts concerning this trip.  In particular, I was worried about leaving my animals unattended for two days and nights–especially the chickens.  What was I thinking?  At the moment, I’m also in a state of mind where crowds of people and loud rock bands playing on the beach suddenly don’t sound so appealing to me anymore.  I tried to ignore my feelings…

As time passed, I mentioned to Ed that my feelings had changed, and I was considering canceling our reservations.  He seemed a bit upset, then finally said “Well, you need to figure out what you want for your birthday then, because I have no ideas.”  I didn’t want to put extra stress on Ed about my birthday, so I told myself we’d go ahead and go.

I spoke with our son about feeding my animals.  He agreed to help out, but wouldn’t agree to enter the chicken pen!  🙂  I assured him that he could pick up the eggs without entering their pen…This particular son apparently didn’t inherit my love of animals–or chickens!

On three different occasions, I’ve brought up the subject of canceling those reservations again.  Each time, Ed would either say “You might as well suck it up and go” or “Whatever you want to do is fine”.  Neither answer helped make my decision any easier…

Then, on Tuesday, while working on “The Hodgepodge”,  I saw Joyce’s question concerning childhood memories of the house I grew up in.  I was writing my answer, when a thought entered my mind…What about changing our plans and going to see my brother instead?  Remembering that house stirred a longing within me.  It’s been over six months since we’ve seen my brother and his wife–and three years since Ed and I have been to their house!   We’re all getting older, and who knows how many more visits we’ll have left–but still I resisted, even after my sister-in-law happened to call on Tuesday…I didn’t want to impose on anyone.

I tossed and turned, and hardly slept at all on Tuesday night.  By Wednesday morning, I was  sure of what I needed to do.  I picked up the phone and dialed my brother’s number.  My sister-in-law answered, and within minutes, I knew I’d made the right decision!  Relief flooded my soul, and I quickly canceled those beach reservations without a thought.  For whatever the reason, I’m supposed to visit with my brother this weekend, I know it in my heart.

I wasn’t sure what Ed would say, but when he got home,  he said he was glad that we were going for a visit!  He said they’d been on his mind lately, too.  Isn’t that something?!

We’ll only be staying one night, which means I won’t be leaving my herd of animals unattended for very long either, and that makes me happy–but wait,  there’s more…

Last night, Ed asked me how I would like it if he took next Thursday off from work, for my birthday.  He said he thought I might like to spend my birthday at the beach.  What a guy I married!  Of course, I said “Yes”.  The beach on a Thursday–no crowds, no loud rock bands, just us relaxing beside the ocean…  God works in mysterious ways, doesn’t he?

Doing A Little Hodgepodgin’…

It’s time for a little mid-week “Hodgepodgin'”.  Thanks, once again, to our hostess, Joyce, for doing another fantastic job with the questions.  I am always excited to see what questions she has for us each week…

1. Aloha! On August 21, 1959 Hawaii officially became a US state. Have you ever been? Upon arrival would you prefer an orchid or a hibiscus to tuck behind your ear?

Nope, I’ve never been to Hawaii, but  I’d sure love to go.  Hibiscus is one of my favorite flowers, so I’d prefer one of those to tuck behind my ear–if I ever get to Hawaii!  I’d like a pink one, please!

2. Since we’re talking tropical…what’s your favorite food or beverage made with pineapple?

I love punch made with pineapple juice, orange juice, and lemon juice, sugar, and water–the old-fashioned kind that used to be served at showers and weddings.

3. Do you believe in soul mates? Explain.

Yes I do believe in soul mates.  I think there are certain people in this world, who were made for each other, and are meant to be together.  ( they fit together like a hand and a glove.)  Many people marry, and their spouses may(or may not) become their soul mates, but I know, without a doubt,  there are also people in this world who are soul mates from the day they meet.

4. Share a memory about the house you grew up in.

I wasn’t fortunate to grow up in only one house, because my parents lost their home to foreclosure when I was  only eight years old.  We only lived there for five years.  We left that town (and state) after that, and lived in a series of rental houses until after I graduated from high school, and got married.

I still have a few select memories of the house that my parents owned though.  First of all, the house had a beautiful picture window in the living room.  This was popular, back in those days, and I’ve always loved big windows. The house also had walls made from actual knotted pine in the living room.  Sometimes at night I’d get scared because I used to think that the knots in the pine were large roaches!  It’s funny what you remember…

Believe it or not, after all of these years, I  can still remember the address of that house–2642 East Montgomery Street–and I still have a photograph…

Interesting footnote here:  My older brother still lives in the same city/state where our old home is located.  A few years back, Ed and I rode by and looked at the old house that once belonged to my parents.  It looks somewhat different, but was still recognizable–even after fifty years!  It was the first time I’d seen the house in many, many years.

5. Are you comfortable with silence?

Absolutely.  After raising three children,  working in an elementary school for fifteen years, and keeping twin baby girls for a couple of years, I’ve grown to love the sound of silence!

6. You spot a giant spider on your bedroom wall…what’s your next move? (all spiders are giant, right?)

Fortunately, I’m not particularly scared of spiders,  with the exception of black widows, so I’d probably catch it in a glass, and throw it outside.  If I couldn’t catch it,  then I’d probably get out my can of insect spray, then spray it.

7. My idea of fun does NOT include…sweating or pesky insects.

Random:

I wish  I could bottle some of our excessive amounts rain and clouds and ship them to the drought-stricken parts of the country.  We received three inches of rain on Sunday afternoon alone!  At one point, our yard looked like a lake.  I can’t  even begin to explain about southern humidity or the massive amounts of new mosquitoes around here…  Our garden is a muddy, boggy mess–but the weeds are still thriving!  It’s cloudy and dreary again this morning…

A Match Made In Heaven, But “She” Has A Mind Of Her Own…

The “She” to which I’m referring is Ed’s car.  “She” has no name, but is the little silver Dodge Neon that’s been hauling my husband to work for several years.  Ed bought her used from a co-worker,  for a very good price.  “She” had been well maintained, had low mileage, and looked brand new!

This happy couple has traveled thousands of miles together.  There was a time when Ed drove at least one hundred and twenty miles to work and back each day.  Two days a week, his mileage ran even higher than that, due to his second job.

“She” has given Ed thousands of miles of faithful service, and never given him one minute’s worth of trouble, except for one thing–“she” has a mind of her own when it comes to her electric door locks.  Sometimes, for no apparent reason, “She” will lock her doors on her own!  “She’s” left Ed locked out  on several occasions, but it usually happens at home.  I do remember once I had to go and rescue him from our local  gas station, when “She” decided to lock  him out, after he’d gotten out, and left his key hanging in her ignition.

“She’s” been pretty good lately, until one day recently…Ed was on his way home, and it was raining.  He turned off the main highway, and onto the little dirt lane that leads back to our house.  After leaving the highway, he stopped to check the mail, because our mailbox is located at the intersection of the main highway and our dirt lane, about a quarter of a mile away from where we live.  Did I mention that it was raining and lightening that day?  (Of course it was raining–it’s been raining every day for two weeks!)

Since it was raining, Ed grabbed the trash bag out of his car, that he’d just used it for a raincoat at work, and put the bag over his head.  He also pushed the car door closed to prevent the car interior from getting soaked–and that’s when he heard that familiar sound of click!  It was then that Ed knew without a doubt– “She” had done it to him again!  Locked him out in the pouring rain–and lightening!

Poor Ed!  There was nothing left to do, but walk that quarter of a mile through the rain and the lightening to get home!  Thank goodness for that trash bag!  You can bet that old Ed wasted no time getting home since lightening was involved!  Like I always say, “they don’t call him “Fast Eddie” for nothing!”  He walked into the house looking a bit drenched and dismayed–still holding the day’s mail!

I quickly drove Ed back down to the mailbox to retrieve his car.  There “She” sat–with her motor still running, her headlights shinning brightly, and her right blinker still flashing.  I think if “She’d” left me to walk in the rain (and lightening!) I’d have been tempted to stick a match to her, or at the very least, give her a swift kick, but Ed just unlocked her door with the spare key, and slipped behind her wheel, and quietly brought her home.

Ed’s a man of great patience, but I sure hope “She” doesn’t decide to try that trick again–at least for quite a while.  One more walk in rain and lightening just might push him over the edge…

Hello Monday…

I can only think of one word to accurately describe my weekend–uneventful.  Nothing’s worse than feeling “less than your best” on a weekend, but unfortunately sometimes it happens–and it did, to me.

The weekend wasn’t a total loss though.  Ed got some weeding done, and he mowed the grass–again.  Then we watched it rain–a lot!  We also took a nap–or two–and we watched a  few recorded shows on the DVR.

Anyway, the weekend is gone, and it’s time to join Heather over at Acting Balanced for a little Monday fun…

1.  If you found a $100 bill on the floor at the mall, what would you do?
I’d most likely turn it in at the courtesy booth.  A while back, a similar incident happened to my daughter and me in a store parking lot. As we were getting in the car, she found a substantial amount of money,  and turned it in to their customer service desk.

2.  What is one thing a friend could do that you would considering ending your friendship upon finding out?

Any type of act that shows me that he/she isn’t a genuine or sincere friend.

 

3.  When was the last time you had to say your ‘sorry?’

A couple of months ago.

 

4.  In your words, define ‘perfect.’

The definition (from dictionary.com) that I like best is “entirely without flaws, defects, or shortcomings”.  I couldn’t have said it better myself!

My question for you today is:

 

5.  How do you handle sibling rivalry within your family?

A Simple Woman’s Daybook Post…

FOR TODAY – August 16, 2012

Outside my window…it is cloudy again, and the ground is still very wet from last night’s rain.  The chicken coop is a mess thanks to “the girls” scratching around in the mud!

I am thinking…that I feel much more productive when I wake up and find the sun shinning.  Cloudy, over-cast days make me lazy.

I am thankful…for so many things–a kind and loving husband, our growing family(which now includes three grandchildren), a home that’s almost paid for,  plenty of food to eat,  a job for Ed that allows us to pay our bills,  my health issues remaining manageable–I could go on and on.

In the kitchen…I cooked “soul food” for supper last night.  We had smoked sausages, black-eyed peas/rice, mustard greens, and cornbread.  It was a nice change.

I am wearing…my blue/white gingham checked nightgown.  (I’m being lazy this morning.)

I am creating…nothing at the moment–unless you count the garden outside!

I am going…to stay home and relax today.  I’d planned a trip to town, but have changed my mind.  It’s nice to be in a position to have that option. (another blessing)

I am wondering…if my daughter and I will ever be close again.  Sometimes things happen and suddenly everything changes…

I am reading…A Pirate Looks At Fifty (an autobiography by Jimmy Buffett)  

I am hoping...that Ed and I don’t experience any life-threatening health issues for quite a while longer.  I shudder every time I hear of another person finding out that they have cancer.  

I am looking forward to…an over-night  beach trip that Ed and I have planned for next weekend.  I want to go, but I really dread leaving all of my animals in the care of someone else.  

I am learning…how it feels to be “the older mother”.  It’s funny, when we’re younger and raising our families, we have a particular view of our parents.  Once we grow older, and look back, sometimes we discover how unrealistic our view of our parents really was.  “Experience is always the best teacher”.

Around the house…things are a bit of a mess.  I haven’t had time or energy to do any “heavy-duty” cleaning.  I was shocked at the amount of dust that I found under my bed this week!

I am pondering…what the future will bring–with the economy, the presidential election, healthcare changes, and Ed nearing retirement age– but I try not to ponder too long.  Sometimes ignorance is bliss…

A favorite quote for today…“It’s not where you go in life, but who you have beside you that counts” (unknown)

One of my favorite things…taking a hot bubble bath by candlelight,  at the end of a long day.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  today is Ed’s payday, and tomorrow is Friday.  I don’t know what our weekend plans are yet.

A peek into my day…I’m planning to do some laundry, vacuum the carpets, and perhaps tackle the dust that I found under my bed.  I might even watch a movie.

My photo:  

Boiled Peanuts –  Here’s the last of Ed’s peanut crop.  He grew enough peanuts to make three boilings–and they were very good!

***Thanks to Peggy Hostetler for hosting The Simple Woman’s Daybook

An August Wednesday Hodgepodge…

Hey, it’s August, and the weather is miserable outside.  Why not crank up the air conditioning, sit a spell, and join us for a little Wednesday Hodgepodge?  Here are today’s questions, graciously submitted by our faithful hostess, Joyce:

1. I included this quote (attributed to William H. Danforth) in my blog post yesterday… “The best cure for a sluggish mind is to disturb it’s routine.” When was the last time you ‘disturbed your routine’ and how’d you do it?

The last time I “disturbed my routine” was about eight years ago when I decided to take some on-line college courses!  Keep in mind, I was fifty years old, and it was my first time taking ANY college courses.  When I decide to disturb my routine, you could say that I do it in a BIG way 🙂

2. What’s your favorite fried food indulgence?

Fried chicken!  (Hopefully “my girls” won’t hear my answer…)

3. Did you have an allowance as a kid? What did you do with it? Do you give your own kids an allowance?

I don’t remember ever having “a regular allowance”, as a child, but my parents always gave me money whenever I needed some.  When I became old enough, I got a job.

We didn’t give our children a regular allowance either, but instead gave them occasional spending money.  Both of our boys got jobs during high school, but our daughter didn’t take her first job until after high school graduation–mainly because she helped us by driving her younger brothers wherever they needed to go.

4. What’s something you wish you knew more about?

Computers!  They are fascinating machines.  Both of our sons can do things with a computer that boggles my mind.

5. Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore? If so, what?

Yes!   A lot of things come to mind, but I know without a doubt that  I’m definitely too old to wear mini skirts or bikinis anymore!  I also feel confident that I can safely add running and jumping to that list!

6. What’s a song you think has a great first line?

How about “Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay“?

Sittin’ in the morning sun, I’ll be sittin’ when the evening comes

Watching the ships roll in, then I watch ’em roll away again…

That’s my kind of song!

7. Who are you writing to/for when you create a blog post? In other words…as you write, who is the audience in your head?

When I originally began my blog, I was just sort of talking to myself–you know, kind of reflecting over my life.  I wanted to leave a journal, of sorts, for my family to have, after I’m gone.  After blogging and reflecting for a long time, I find myself thinking more and more about  you–the readers– whenever I write.

Random:

Got eggs?  We do!

On Sunday, “the girls” laid a total of four eggs!  Every time I went out to the chicken coop, I found another egg.  It felt a little bit like Easter!   I went from finding two eggs per day, to suddenly finding four!  We’ve used over a dozen of our farm fresh eggs, and still have a dozen more in the refrigerator.  Ed made omelets for supper last night, and they were delicious!

That Dang Garden Keeps Calling My Name…

That dang garden…It keeps screaming at me, saying , “Weed me, weed me!”  Not really, but it sure feels that way this week!  I’ve found myself awake at 5 am two days in a row–thinking about weeds!  Am I losing my mind or what?

Now picture this in your mind…me wearing my mother’s old pocketed apron over my shorts, to hold my MP3 player.  I head for the garden, carrying a hula hoe in one hand, and my Grasshopper gardening stool in the other.  Jimmy Buffett is singing his heart out on the MP3, singing about Margaritaville, sailing, and life in the islands while I weld my new handy hula hoe against those weeds invading my precious plants…After about 30 minutes, I’m wishing I was in Margaritaville…surely it must be 5 o’clock somewhere!

Do you happen to know what a hula hoe is?  It looks like a stirrup on a stick, and some people call them a stirrup  hoe instead of a hula hoe. We just bought a new one, and it’s the neatest thing–much easier to use than a regular hoe.  I’m deadly with a regular hoe!  I chop down about as many plants as I do weeds.  I can cover a lot of ground with my new hula hoe–and not do quite as much damage!

Ed bought himself a “new toy” last week.  He got a new weed eater (and not a day before he needed one!) and it came with  some attachments.  One of the attachments is a limb trimmer, while the other is a small cultivator.  The cultivator has already come in handy–to clear out all of the weeds in between the garden rows!  It’s much quicker than hoeing!

Yesterday afternoon Ed and I were doing a little weeding together.  We were sitting on our matching Grasshoppers, doing some “close weeding” using hand tools.  I couldn’t help but notice how meticulous Ed was with his weeding.  He’s much more of a perfectionist than I am, especially when it comes to weeding.  He probably frowns upon some of my weeding…

Many of the seeds that we planted several days ago didn’t sprout, while others sprouted, then rotted.  The excessive rain has wreaked havoc with our fall garden–except for the volunteer plants that came up from unharvested seeds!  Those plants are growing like weeds and doing fine…  We’ve  decided to leave the volunteers alone–and just consider them a bonus.  We’re not using that part of the garden anyway…  It will be interesting to see what they produce, if anything.  This morning, while I was weeding, I couldn’t help but notice an abundance of volunteer zinnias and marigolds–leftovers from my row of flowers in the spring garden!

This afternoon Ed and I are planning to plant some carrots, radishes, and a few turnips.  According to the almanac, it’s a good day to plant root crops.  I hope the ground isn’t still too wet.  If it doesn’t rain anymore for a while, we’ll be fine–I think!  I’m going to take a chance and replant the green beans today, too.  I hope they will have time to produce beans!  It will be interesting to see what happens.

Some things never change around here, and one particular cat still insists on accompanying me to the garden–every time I go out there!  His name is “Mr. Big”, but I’ve nicknamed him “the garden cat”.  He’s always wants to rub against me or walk directly in front of my feet.  Many times, back in the spring, I was so afraid he was going to cause me to trip and fall.  I don’t understand Mr. Big’s obsession with me and the garden, because he never comes around me when I’m in the yard. However, you can bet your last dollar if I walk toward the garden, he’ll be right there under my feet!  I suppose I should feel special.  How many people have their own personal garden cat…