He’s Here!

Announcing the arrival of the newest addition to our family…

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Baby Evan arrived just before lunch, on October 30, weighing 7 lbs, 4 oz.

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We think he’s perfect in every way!

Published in: on October 31, 2013 at 11:15 pm  Comments (7)  
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A Halloween-y Hodgepodge…

It’s Wednesday, it’s the eve of Halloween, and it’s, also, time for The Hodgepodge!  Joyce has furnished some timely questions for us, this week, so let’s get started, shall we?

1. What’s something you’re dealing with that might be described as tricky?

Ed and I are in the process of trying to figure out when would be the best time for him to retire and how we will be able to live on a ‘fixed income’ in today’s economy.  The retiring part isn’t bad,  living on a ‘fixed income’ in today’s economy will be the ‘tricky’ part!

2. What’s your treat of choice?

Anything that’s chocolate!  I love Hershey bars (with almonds) or Hershey kisses.  I also love Snickers, M&M’s, and Kit Kats, to name a few…  Sadly, I can’t eat any of it, without paying a price.  My body no longer tolerates sugar without creating excessive yeast and raising my level of triglycerides.

3. Did you/will you carve a jack-o-lantern this month? Which real (living or dead) or fictional ‘Jack’ would you most like to meet in person? Why?

We don’t carve jack-o-lanterns, these days, but I have several ‘fake’ ones that I use for decorations around the house.

As for meeting someone named ‘Jack’, my mother’s name was Jackie, but most people knew her as just plain ‘Jack’.  She was quite a character–just ask anyone who knew her!  The phrase “jack attack” was coined after mama, since she had quite a temper, and threw some memorable fits.

My ‘granddog’ is also named ‘Jack’, and he’s quite a character, too.  Sometimes we think he’s trying to live up to my mama’s name 🙂

I can’t think of any other ‘Jack’ I’d care about meeting.

4. In your opinion, what’s the grossest sounding word in the English language?

Vomit.  Just hearing the word makes my stomach begin to roll…

5. When did your heart last skip a beat?

My heart last skipped a beat, in July, when I watched the tree trimmers cutting down several pine trees, located mere inches away from our house!  It may also skip a beat or two today–around 9:30. (see random thought)

6. Monster Mash by Bobby ‘Boris’ Picket, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon, or Ray Parker Jr.’s Ghostbusters…your favorite ‘scary’ tune?

These were some tough tune choices, but I I like Michael Jackson’s Thriller best.

7. It was a dark and stormy night when I laid in bed worrying about the large pine tree, outside of the bedroom window, falling on me while I slept!   (It’s the reason we had those pine trees cut down!)

Random:

I will be late visiting everyone’s blog today.  This morning, Ed and I are on the way to the hospital to welcome our newest grandson, Evan William, into the world.  He’s scheduled to arrive sometime around 9:30 🙂 and we can’t wait to meet him!  All babies are special, but this one is truly a miracle baby.

Published in: on October 30, 2013 at 6:50 am  Comments (12)  
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Me On Monday…

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As usual, the weekend went by in a blur!  It’s Monday, again, and I’m tired.  I actually thought about not blogging today, but I’m a creature of habit, so here goes…

I’ll begin by participating in “The Monday Quiz” over at Acting Balanced.  Here are Heather and Wayne’s questions, along with my answers:

1. When you went trick or treating as a kid; what did you hope people were giving out?

When I was a kid, I loved candy, ALL KINDS OF CANDY, so I didn’t really care what people were giving out–as long as it was candy 🙂  ( I have the cavities to prove it!)  

2. What radio station do you listen to while driving?

I listen to the classic oldies of the 70’s and 80’s or today’s country music.

3. How much do you think should be the maximum one would spend on a three-year old’s birthday party?

It’s been years since I planned a birthday  party for a little one, so I really have no idea how much a party would cost these days.  I suppose how much someone spends should depend on their bank account.

4. When do you know that you trust someone?

As a rule, I trust people until they give me a reason not to.  Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t.

My question:   Are you prepared for an ’emergency situation’?   

Ed and I watched last night’s show, on NAT GEO, entitled “American Blackout”.  The two-hour show depicted what would happen in America, in the case of a blackout.  The show was quite thought-provoking!  Watching that show made me thankful I don’t live in a ‘high rise’ apartment in the city!  In fact, it made me even more thankful I don’t live in the city, period!  

Weekend wrap up:

It was a fun, but busy weekend in our ‘neck of the woods’.  Our oldest grandchild celebrated her 7th birthday with a fun birthday party.  The day started out cold (47 degrees), but by party time, it had warmed up nicely (high 60’s).  It was a ‘carnival’ party, so we spent the entire day outside, which was nice.  There were games, bouncy houses, hot dogs, popcorn, candied apples, cotton candy, and more…

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Look at all those treats!

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Madison and her guests, waiting to play the games


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Madison, opening her gifts

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Playing on one of the bouncy houses

After partying all day, on Saturday, Ed and I went ‘to the city’ to visit our youngest son and his wife, on Sunday.  I called and told them we were coming to spend ‘their last quiet weekend’ with them 🙂  The nursery is finished and waiting for baby Evan, who is scheduled to arrive this Wednesday.

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Chances are, after this week, Evan’s nursery won’t ever be this peaceful or organized again, but that’s a good thing.  Thank heaven for little boys!!!

On that happy note, I’ll end this post!  Have a great Monday, everyone!

Published in: on October 28, 2013 at 10:59 am  Comments (5)  
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Friday Fragments…

Half-Past Kissin' Time

Second time around…

Yesterday was the day for Ed’s second cataract surgery.  He had the surgery about 11:00 in the morning, and we were back home before noon.  I forgot to time the procedure, but I only had time to read 20 pages in a book with large print, before Ed was back!  Things went pretty much the same as the first time around, with the exception of the nurse having to make two attempts at starting Ed’s IV!  Bummer.  Ed says he didn’t feel as good after the second surgery, as he did with the first surgery.  In fact, he came home, went to bed, and slept until 4 o’clock, when I woke him up!  He seems okay today though.

Baby, it’s cold outside…

Colder weather has finally arrived!  I switched on the heat Wednesday night, but had to turn the air conditioning back on after lunch on Thursday.  Since we no longer have shade trees, our house gets warm during the day.  This morning it’s in the high 40’s.  Tonight is supposed to be our coldest night yet.  We’re expecting a low of around 42 degrees.

We’re having a baby…

Jennifer called this week to let us know that her c-section is scheduled for next Wednesday, October 30.  According to this week’s sonogram, baby Evan weighs about 6 lbs, 11 oz.  Sort of makes me wonder how much he would weigh if his mom was able to carry him for 40 weeks or more!  Jennifer will be at 38 weeks on the day of her c-section.  Did I mention I’m excited about the arrival of this little fella’?

Gearing up for a party…

Our granddaughter turned seven on Wednesday, but she’s having her birthday party on Saturday.  Her mama has planned a ‘carnival themed’ party for her.  It should be lots of fun–with carnival games, hot dogs, popcorn, and a bouncy house!  With all of that going on, the kids probably won’t even notice the cooler weather.

I’m outta’ here…

Ed’s off today, recuperating from his surgery.  He has a follow-up doctor’s appointment today, as well.  It’s also my day for errands and banking, so we’ll have lots of things to do today.  We’ll also be kicking off the weekend, with a family pizza get-together tonight!

Have a great weekend, everyone!  I’ll be back on Monday.  Oh, and special thanks to Mrs. 4444 for hosting Friday Fragments!  If you’d like to participate, too, simply click on her button at the top of this post.

Published in: on October 25, 2013 at 7:53 am  Comments (6)  

Hodgepodgin’…

It’s time for a little mid-week ‘Hodgepodgin’ with Joyce and friends!  By now, we all know the drill–answer the questions, then hop around and visit each other to compare answers. Thanks to Joyce for furnishing the questions and for hosting The Hodgepodge.  Thank you (in advance) for your visits and comments!

1. When it comes to good manners, what two top your list of most important?

(1) Say “please” and “thank you”

(2) Wait your turn.

These days, it’s getting harder and harder to find people who are willing to do either of these things.  It seems like gratitude has fallen by the wayside.  Everyone expects everything to be given to them, and nobody seems to appreciate anything.

Believe it or not, an elderly woman actually broke in front of me in the check out line, not long ago!  I was appalled!  I certainly expected better behavior from a ‘senior citizen’!

2. Let’s open a proverbial can of worms…Common Core. Are you familiar with the term (talking education reform in the USA)? If so, care to share your thoughts? In your opinion, what is one of the biggest issues schools (in your home country) face today?

Yes, I’m very familiar with Common Core, and it’s one of the reasons I’m thankful our granddaughter is being ‘home schooled’!  As far as I’m concerned, Common Core is rotten to the core, and needs to GO!  (Has anyone seen the new method used to teach math??? Crazy!)  More big government agenda…  Parents wake up!!

The biggest issue our schools are facing is our children’s (lack of) education.  Our children have been (and still are) being ‘dumbed down’ thanks to our government.  Having spent nearly 15 years working in public school and seeing what’s taught there, or should I say, what’s NOT being taught there, versus seeing what’s being taught through ‘home school’ programs is all the proof I need.  The difference is like night and day!  For instance, in public school, cursive writing is gone, math drills are gone, and spelling is sporadic–and that’s just the beginning.

3. Name a celebrity whose fashion sense you admire and share why.

It’s sad, but I can’t think of one celebrity that I admire for fashion sense.  When I think of most celebrities, and how they dress, I generally think “trashy”.

4. How are you affected by the changing seasons?

Spring always makes me feel renewed and refreshed.  I have lots of energy and always feel good in spring!  Winter, on the other hand, makes me feel tired and depressed.

5. Scariest book you’ve ever read?

I haven’t read a ‘traditional’ scary book in many years.  However, I love to read autobiographies.  A while back, I read a book entitled Escape by Carolyn Jessup, which made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.  She lived (and finally escaped from) a life with the FLDS church.  I also read A Stolen Life, the true story of Jaycee Dugard which was the horrific story of all of her years in captivity with her abductor and his wife.  Scary stuff, and true!

6. What time of day are you most hungry? What’s your go-to snack?

I get hungry for a snack around four o’clock in the afternoon.  These days, my go-to snack is a banana or an apple.  Sometimes I’ll also have a few cashews.  A far cry from my former snack of cookies or a candy bar!

7. Do you lean more towards being too needy or too independent? Which do you find harder to deal with in others?

I tend to lean more toward being too needy.  I grew up in a time when women depended on their husbands more.  Most women didn’t work back then, and my grandmother and mother never even knew how to drive a car!  I’m much more independent than the women who came before me, but I’m still needy at times.

I’m not sure which trait I find harder to deal with, but I’ll say ‘too independent’ simply because it goes against how I was raised.  I’ve never been much into ‘women’s lib’.

Random:

Seven years ago, today, we were blessed with our first grandchild, Madison Elizabeth.  She’s brought so much joy to our family since her birth, and continues to do so each day.

While I miss those sweet, precious ‘baby days’, I’m so proud of the young lady that Madison is becoming!  She works hard on her school work, and is learning so many new things!   She makes me smile…

 

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Happy Birthday, Madison! I hope your birthday is a great one!

Published in: on October 23, 2013 at 7:19 am  Comments (8)  
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Just Me On Monday…

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Hello Monday!  Your arrival means it’s time to join Heather and Wayne for another edition of ‘Monday Quiz’.  Time’s wasting, so let’s get right down to business, shall we?

1. This Wednesday is National Canned Food Day – do you eat canned food? What is your favorite?

Yes, we eat canned food, occasionally, but we usually eat foods that we ‘can’ ourselves.  My favorite ‘store-bought’ canned food is pork and beans, which I turn into ‘baked beans’.

2. Are you dressing up for Halloween next week? Are you doing anything special for this holiday?

No, I won’t be dressing up for Halloween, this year.  I only dress up if we’re having a party, and, this year, we’re not having one because there’s just too much going on with everyone ( a baby due, cataract surgery, a birthday party, ‘trunk-or-treat’, etc.)  I’ll have to be content to pass out treats to our three grandchildren when they stop by.  Of course, I always enjoy seeing them in their costumes.

3. Have you ever taught someone to drive? What advice do you have to give to Wayne who is teaching Robyn to drive?

I helped teach our daughter, who is the oldest child, how to drive.  Sometimes, was difficult for me because she wanted to drive faster than I wanted her to go.   I nearly stomped a hole through the floorboard (on the passenger side), trying to hit the brakes!

My advice for Wayne?  Patience, Wayne.  Have lots of patience.

4. What bad habit do you need to break?

My worst bad habit has always been nail-biting, but I’ve finally stopped doing that one!

Weekend Wrap Up:

We began our weekend with a family gathering at our daughter’s house, on Friday night.  Our daughter-in-law, Christina, made some taco soup, and it was delicious.  Friday nights are the best, and we enjoy gathering to celebrate the end of the week, and the beginning of the weekend!  As always, we missed having Brad and Jennifer with us, but Jennifer called, which made it better.   Brad called us on Saturday evening, too.   Jennifer says she’s hanging in there with her pregnancy, but her feet have begun to swell.

Saturday was busy around our house.  Ed enjoyed mowed lots of grass with his new mower!  Hopefully, that will be the last mowing of the season.   Ed also had a great time burning some limbs and stumps out in our pecan orchard.  I, on the other hand, was stuck inside, cleaning out my MIL’s kitchen cabinets!  I am making progress, in her house, but it’s slow, and sometimes a bit sad.  I’ve been doing a lot of ‘walking down memory lane’…

Saturday evening was spent sitting around the fire pit, enjoying live music from a concert being held a couple of miles down the road from our house!  The band played every kind of music under the sun, and they played for six hours!  As we sat around the fire, we played a bit of  ‘Name That Tune’.

Ed finished out the weekend by doing a little vehicle switching and swapping.  He sold his car to our daughter, so he can buy the pick up truck from his parents’ estate. The truck belonged to his dad, who  passed away eleven years ago.  The truck is old, but really doesn’t have a lot of miles on it.  Ed’s been in charge of keeping the oil changed and keeping the truck running all of these years, so it sort of feels like it’s already his.  I don’t think I’ve mentioned before that Ed, who was his mom’s former caretaker,  is now the executor of his mom’s estate, did I?  What a chore!  Poor Ed.

Speaking of chores, I have plenty of those waiting to be done, so I’m outta’ here.  Have a great Monday, everybody!

Published in: on October 21, 2013 at 7:48 am  Comments (6)  
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Fading Away…

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Front row (lt to rt) my SIL, Ed’s dad, Ed’s mom, my maternal grandmother, my brother.  

Back row (lt to rt) Ed, my dad, my mom (I took the picture)

Lately, I’ve probably spent more time than I should have, sorting and scanning old photographs, but I can’t help myself. Since Vivian’s (my MIL) death I’ve become a bit obsessed with ‘old person’s syndrome’–when the remembering the past suddenly seems more appealing than facing your future.

While I was looking at some of our old photographs, I found the one at the top of this post. It was taken W-A-Y back in the seventies, when Ed and I were still virtually newlyweds. It was near Christmas time, and our family had come to celebrate with us.  Fun times remembered!

Ed and I were living in that ‘crooked-looking’ mobile home in the background.  I never realized our home sat at this angle, before, but pictures don’t lie, do they?  Sitting crooked or not, Ed and I loved our little home, and spent many happy years in it!  (That large, lovely window was located in my kitchen!)

In thinking back, I remember our home only had enough living room seating for four people, and I don’t remember where everyone sat that day.  I do remember we all had a good time, though, as evidenced by the looks on everyone’s faces in the photograph!

If I remember correctly, this was the first, and only, time my grandmother ever visited us, at least while Ed and I lived in the city.  Grandma had a difficult time getting around due to a bad hip and leg (injured in a fall, then later in a wreck), but she was one special lady!  I credit her to making me the woman I am today.

The thing that struck me the most about this photograph is the fact that only three, out of eight, people in it are still alive today!  Over the years, one by one, the subjects of the photograph have slowly faded away…  The people who were the youngest in the photograph, are now the matriarchs and patriarchs of our families!  Time marches on, doesn’t it?

I guess the moral of this story is–love each other deeply, enjoy life always, and treasure each moment together!  Whether we realize it or not, life is gradually slipping away from all of us,.. And, like it or not,  one of these days, before we know it, another person will have faded from those family photographs.

I guess this means I’d better stop with the ‘old person syndrome’ and start enjoying life today, huh?

Published in: on October 18, 2013 at 8:10 am  Comments (6)  
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“Jo Jo” The Cat…

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“Jo Jo” and “the girls”

It’s time to write an update to my previous post entitled “Trouble and the Man With the Can”.  It’s a continuing, and ever-changing saga, so I’ve waited a while to update.

When I last wrote, “Trouble”, the cat, was living at my son’s house, along with one of the feral gray kittens.  The mother of the kittens had disappeared.  The second feral gray kitten had found its way to our house.  This scenario lasted for three or four days, then all of the cats went back to my mother-in-law’s house for a while!

Since that time, Trouble and one gray kitten continue to migrate between my mother-in-law’s empty house and my son’s house. We’re never sure where we’ll find them when it’s feeding time!  Trouble is always happy to see us, no matter whose house she’s at.  That feral kitten remains nearly as wild as ever.  We can’t get close enough for a thorough look, but Ed and I suspect this kitten is a female.  The other day, the feral kitten actually ran toward Ed’s car, which told us she was happy to see him, and recognizes him as “the man with the can”!

The second feral gray kitten ended up coming back to our house to live permanently.  I guess you could say he’s the smarter of the three cats!  When I finally was able to get close enough, I discovered the kitten is a male, so I began calling him “Smokey Joe”, because of his gray color.  Somehow, the name never stuck, and I eventually shortened his name to “Jo Jo”.  It wasn’t long before “Jo Jo” figured out his name.

Every day I spent time talking to “Jo Jo”.  He remained skittish, but, in time, began to come a little closer.  At first, “Jo Jo” made sure he stayed well out of my reach.  Any attempts at touching him would send him shooting off in the opposite direction!  It was very frustrating, but I’ve been down this road before (with my cat, Bobs), and knew I’d have to be patient.  (If you have some time, you can read the three parts of Bobs’ story HERE, HERE, and HERE.  It’s quite a story!)

Soon, I noticed “Jo Jo” paying close attention as I would rub the other outside cats.  Every time I’d talk to “Jo Jo”, at least three other cats would appear, begging to be rubbed!  I’d stroke the other cats, and gently talk to them (and “Jo Jo”) in a calming voice.

One day, I decided to try to touch “Jo Jo” while he was eating his food.  He nearly jumped out of his skin the first time I tried it, but every day or two, I’d try again, very slowly, and very gently.  I don’t know which one of us was happier when the day came, and I was able to give”Jo Jo” his first ‘official’ back rub!

These days, “Jo Jo” has become quite the pest!  He’s always under my feet whenever I’m outside.  He enjoys his daily back rubs, and will even roll over and let me rub his chest and tummy, too!  I haven’t been able to pick him up, yet, but I’m working on it!

“Jo Jo” and “Bobs” have become good friends, and I frequently see them hanging out together in the yard.  I often tell “Bobs” that “Jo Jo” is the kitten she was never able to have.  (Well, she technically had some kittens, just wasn’t able to raise them.)  Bobs does seem to watch over Jo Jo, at times.  Believe it or not, both cats seem to enjoy hanging out with each other around the chicken coop!  Jo Jo is fascinated with “the girls”.

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“Trouble” sitting on the hood of my MIL’s car

“Trouble” seems to spend most of her days at my MIL’s house, and is always thrilled when somebody stops by to spend a little time with her.  For now, my MIL’s house continues to sit, empty.  I can’t help but wonder what the future will bring–for the house, and for “Trouble”, the cat.  I’ll keep you posted on this continuing saga.

Published in: on October 17, 2013 at 9:09 am  Comments (1)  
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The Wednesday Hodgepodge…

I’m running a day behind, this week, due to Monday’s holiday, but it’s Wednesday, whether it seems like it or not!  Wednesday means it’s time for The Hodgepodge, so why don’t we get right to it, shall we?  Here are Joyce’s great questions, along with my answers:

1. What was your biggest worry five years ago?  Is it still a worry?

Five years ago, our ‘retirement fund’ was probably our biggest worry.  Like everyone else, in 2008, we lost some of our retirement account, and we have been trying to recover ever since.

Unfortunately, we are still worried about our ‘retirement fund’! Thanks to a week economy, the government dipping into social security funds, and the increasing national debt,  we don’t feel secure at all about retirement anymore.

2. Yesterday (October 15th) was National Grouch Day…what makes you grouchy? What cheers you up when you’re feeling grouchy?

These days, watching the news makes me grouchy!  I hate the direction our country is headed in. We’re a train wreck waiting to happen!  However, when I find myself getting too grouchy or depressed, I take a break from watching the news, or better yet, when possible, I take a trip to St. Simon’s Island, and sit under my favorite oak tree.  Sitting under that oak tree makes me forget all of my troubles, at least for a while.

3.  In one word, how does it feel to be photographed?

Awkward (and it shows in my pictures!)

4. Besides your parents, who would you say had the greatest influence on you in choosing your life path?  Explain.

My maternal grandmother had the greatest influence on me, as a child.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, and that’s all I ever really wanted to be.  Once Ed and I became husband and wife, his parents had the greatest influence on me.  My in-laws set a wonderful example of marriage for us to follow.

5. The crisp days of autumn are here …what’s something you like to eat, but only if it’s crisp?

Fried squash.  There’s nothing worse than soggy fried squash!

6. What’s the most useless object you own?

Probably my collection of dolls.  I love my dolls, but they’re not really good for anything except to bring me joy and collect dust!  Below is my ‘Chatty Cathy’ doll collection.  Most of these dolls are over fifty years old.  A few of them still talk, but most do not.

Chatty Cathy collection

Chatty Cathy collection

7.  Share a favorite fall memory.

Ed and I have hosted three Halloween parties during our forty-one years of marriage.  Those Halloween parties are among my all-time favorite fall memories!  First of all, I love decorating for Halloween.  Of course, it’s fun to see what kind of costumes everyone will come dressed in, too!  We always have lots of food to eat, then we play some interesting games, afterward.  Fun family times  make the best memories!

My Family...Halloween 2011

Halloween – 2011

Random:  “B” is for baby shower and beach time!

Last Saturday, our entire family attended a baby shower for Jennifer.   The shower was held  where Brad and Jennifer live,  so getting there involved a little traveling.  It was sort of strange to have all of our family gathered in a place other than ‘Gooseneck’!  I threw caution to the wind and enjoyed the (sweet) refreshments at Jennifer’s shower, then watched as she opened many pretty baby gifts for Evan.  Ed and I gave Evan a baby swing, which I had a very difficult time wrapping!

On Sunday, Ed and I hit the road again, for another long-awaited trip to St. Simon’s Island!  My brother and his wife (who celebrated 50 years of marriage, on Saturday) met us for a day under our favorite oak tree! (They came from one direction, while we came from another!)  We ate bar-b-que sandwiches under the tree, and talked about everything under the sun.  My sister-in-law and I even managed to do a little browsing in the local shops, as well as at the local arts/crafts festival that was going on!  Fun times, great memories.  Unfortunately, that will probably be the last beach trip for 2013, but I still have a new grand baby to look forward to!

Published in: on October 16, 2013 at 7:44 am  Comments (8)  
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Tales From A Simple Woman’s Daybook…

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FOR TODAY – October 15, 2013

Outside my window…

the sun is finally beginning to shine!  It was cloudy and cool earlier this morning.  Several of my cats are lounging around outside of the house, enjoying the last remaining coolness of the morning.

I am thinking…

it’s been too many days since I last blogged or visited any blogs!  I’ve been busy with other things, but I still feel guilty for neglecting my blog and my blog friends.  I’ll be making my rounds soon.

I am thankful…

for far too many things to list here!  2013 has been a trying year for our family, but I’m thankful that we have survived and continue to persevere.

In the kitchen…

are lots and lots of pears!  They’re waiting for me to peel, cook, and freeze them for later use.  I’ll be doing that later in the day.  I’m trying to decide whether to have spaghetti or taco soup for supper.  Perhaps I’ll make a pear cobbler for Ed, too.

I am wearing…

a long, bright yellow, lounging dress.  I’d hoped to be free from having to wear house dresses by now, but, alas, it hasn’t happened.  Candida albicans (yeast) is a tough nut to crack!  It comes and goes, at will.  Sigh.

I am creating…

some fall silk arrangements to take to the cemetery.  I’ve also been working on some photo books, using Ed’s mom’s old photographs.

I am going…

to catch up with some of my housework today.  It’s been three days since I’ve done anything, and everything has piled up!

I am wondering…

how long it will take before we finish cleaning out Ed’s mom’s house.  It’s a tough, tedious job, and, so far, it’s been just Ed and me doing the cleaning and packing.

I am reading…

a book entitled “The Year We Disappeared”.  It’s the true story of a cop and his family, who are forced into hiding, as a result of an attempt on his life.  The cop is severely wounded, and loses the bottom half of his face in the assassination attempt.  I can’t wait to see how this story ends!

I am hoping…

our grandson, Evan, will continue to ‘stay put’ in his mommy’s womb, for about two more weeks, then be born happy and healthy.  So far, so good.

I am looking forward to…

the birth of baby Evan, who will most likely be our last grandchild.  Evan is the grandchild we never really thought we’d have, due to his mom’s prior health issues.

I am learning

to have more patience than I used to have.

Around the house…

clothes need washing, and folding, and all of the floors need vacuuming!  However, outside of the house looks wonderful because Ed spent yesterday doing yard work.

I am pondering…

whether, or not, to buy a new, smaller, artificial Christmas tree, this year.

A favorite quote for today…

“No matter what you say, it is your actions that speak for you.”

One of my favorite things…

is this time of the year.  I love pumpkins, festivals, colorful leaves, and little children dressed in costumes!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

after catching up with my own housework, I plan to continue cleaning out Ed’s mom’s house, as time and energy permits.

A peek into my day…

By 9:30, this morning, I’d already gotten dressed, fed all of our animals, washed a load of laundry, made the bed, gone to the doctor’s office to have blood work done, and to the grocery store to buy groceries!  I’ll be putting groceries away, catching up on some housework, cooking pears, and, perhaps, doing a little more blogging this afternoon.

From my photo files…

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Our oldest son, and the grandchildren watching a Youtube video.  I don’t know what they were watching, but, judging from their faces, it must have been interesting!

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

Published in: on October 15, 2013 at 12:03 pm  Comments (4)  
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