Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Many Blessings

Angela, what wonderful news about the kids' health. Truly a blessing for your family. I pray that it continues through Abbie's next tests. Our Mackenzie had another negative ANKA reading, no sign of the disease, and finally after more than 2 years can taste. The sinus procedure was a success, I guess. She is taking part in a 5 year research project of adolescent kidney failure. We are so proud of her willingness to help other kids by subjecting herself to yet more sticks and blood draws and IVs of drugs. Maybe Abbie will want to take part in something like this; she strikes me as the inquisitive type, too.

I've been working today, trying to ease my way into the school year painlessly. I think I'm actually looking forward to it in a strange way. I'm stenciling some bronze words on the walls for inspiration (for me, not the students). We have some new teachers and I'm planning some new procedures for the middle school to freshen things alittle. Hoping to build a positive environment. I've been collecting newspaper pix of them all summer from the local paper for the bulletin board and restocking the candy baskets in the office.

Steve and I went to Ky, Tn and Virginia last week. Quite a voyage; rather like Ma and Pa Kettle Leave the Farm. We got lost as soon as we crossed the Ohio River into Kentucky, traveled in a BIG circle on county roads through only 2 counties until noon. Saw lots of tobacco and cornfields. I'd laugh at him awhile, he'd quit talking to me for awhile then I'd drive and he would laugh...on and on we went for 3 days. I read "Finding Eden", a Christian novel, this summer which was set in Abingdon Va and was curious about the town. We went there and walked around, shopped in great antique stores and bought a chair I certainly "did not need" unquote. Fun time, drove straight home all night because "we've seen all we wanted to see, right" unquote. Get the picture, girls?

Anna, how goes the non-romance? Are you in the new place yet? It is good to have a more homey home, I know. Need a chair? Our parlor has 4 rockers now. Maybe I should purge one. Do you like hickory? wicker? white or pale green? I have a chair compulsion. Maybe. Anyway, give this unboyfriend a chance if you think he's worth it, if not, you know how to bow out gracefully. Do not settle, you are too special to settle for the wrong guy, or job or whatever.

I have 10 gallons of apples in the laundry room calling my name. What he thinks I'm going to do with all of them I do not know. I've tried to make it clear I've done the canning, preserving and freezing scene before and am over it. Retirement is great, just freaking great. Oh, well, he could be gambling at the casino or chasing wild women, nah, too old and too tight. Bless his heart.

Welcome back to the real world, ladies. ENJOY. Love you all.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Good afternoon everyone, I hope it is as pretty in the north today as here in OC. The weekend humidity is gone for awhile and the sky is beautiful. I'm knee deep in green beans, broccoli and cucumbers; have 2 loaves of zucchini bread in the oven and the radio is tuned to NPR. A liberal county-girl's idea of a perfect day. I think after several months of practice the no complaints thing is working for me. I do actually feel more positive and happier. Negativity really defeats me, I've come to realize. Must be age, I'm tired of running into all those brick walls; detouring around them is much more rewarding.

Thursday is circled in pink on my calendar, cannot wait to see everyone. In that short time we were sentenced to the Badlands together, you all became an important part of my life, and I miss our time together. You all seem like the 7 daughters I misplaced somehow. I am terribly glad you found me and allowed me to enter the Gaggle. A cook out sounds terrific; I'll visit our Organic Market for the veggies for the salsa, my garden isn't ripening tomatoes and peppers yet. And yes, Orange County finally has an organic market, a cooperative of good people with new (to OC) ideas about going green and healthy. We are generally 10 years behind the modern world down here. Anyway it is exciting to have such a blessing within driving distance. The daughter of my first boss supplies alot of the produce and that warms my heart. She was always such a sweet girl, but not "of" OC and I am thrilled she has found her spot here at home. Knocking at those brick walls sometimes pays off. : )

Steve is contemplating coming along with me and traveling on to Door County Wisconsin for a long weekend. But he got 2 new beagle pups yesterday and expects to get our other lambs and goats tomorrow, so he may back out. Wouldn't want to leave the livestock in a new place with only our kids to check on them. Either way is good with me, I'm Buddha, remember. I know Steve would remind most of you of your father, he is such a good guy, you'll like him. Just expect tactless honesty, Bless him.

See you all in a few days.