Just a quick post to remind everyone we want to see you at the hotel Saturday evening or the shower Sunday afternoon. Anna is in charge of the Saturday night plans, yes, my dear, you are! I hope the winter has blown itself out by then. We had a beautiful springlike weekend and now we are freezing our tails off again.
But Spring is coming, Ladies, I can smell it in the air. I noticed some spring bushes faintly showing some green today. I had to smile at their courage! Stephen King is lambing tonight at the farm. Why are babes born at night, in the mud instead of during the day in the shed? I love how fast the lambing happens, one after the other, our Mamas pop out those little bundles once they get started. We have around 20 so it may take the rest of this week to get them all. Then the fields will jump with lambs and mamas, baaing and nursing in the sun or the cold wind, whatever. Spring is almost here.
I am counting the days till Spring Break, OK I'm counting the hours, really. What a long time since I've walked the beach, watched the dolphins play and tried to sneak close to the sandpipers to get a snapshot. I cannot wait until I see that wondrous sky that says the coast is near. I feel the weight being lifted by the Gulf winds and my shoulders are allowed to drop down out of my earlobes. My shoulders are usually clinched close to my ears, tense and tight all year except for those short weeks I get to spend by the sea. My chest can expand, filling my lungs with fresh sea air and I breathe deep and long. I think I might have been a mermaid in a previous life, or possibly a crab!! hehehe. That is Stephen King's choice, I'm sure. I am a Cancer, after all...the sign of the crab.
I'm going to check Kirstie's registration at Target and Kid's Are Us to see just what Baby Mac may be wanting for Sunday. I cannot wait to see you all, My Girls. Wish more of us could be at the sleepover. Everyone have a safe trip to Indy. Lila, the Mermaid
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
COLD AND SNOWY EVERY WHERE
Is everyone cold enough ? Had enough snow? Dreading making up snow days in June? ME TOO. What a winter we are having this year. I realize you all are used to the snow and just keep on going through it. But we have more on the ground today than we usually get all winter. One bright spot is that all the snow makes the world look bright! Even with the gloomy gray sky. The trees and fence rows, bushes and buildings look like Martha Stewart sprayed us with her fluffy white frosting. We are bracing for a cold front to come through this afternoon dropping the temps into single digits. No chance of melting this week.
I was putting the final touches on a quilt for Courtney when I broke my machine. Poor old $98 Sears model has been with me since 1969. I sold my portable dish washer to buy it. Crazy, I know, but at the time, I wanted to sew more than I hated doing dishes. I guess I'll go to Steve's sister and borrow one of her machines. She quilts a lot and has her things set up in a small room off her restaurant in Paoli. The daughter-in-law runs the restaurant now, so she is free to sew and sew. She's planning to open a small fabric shop there, too. That will be great for those of us who don't shop much and tend to order fabric online. Like me.
I'd love a new machine with all the bells and whistles, but I'd have to give up my vacations on the coasts if I spent that much. So I'll think of a Plan B. We are trading our Gulf Shore visit to Cape San Blas Florida. It is less developed and has beautiful turquoise water. My buddies and I got a new beach front house for Spring Break and the family house is one row back from beach front with a pool. We have to have a pool for the kiddos. Provides so much entertainment for all of them. There is no house between ours and the water, the view is open and you can hear the surf from my bedroom, so I'm happy. We are booked for 2 weeks this year, hoping the boys will come down for a few days. Stephen King isn't interested, but the sons are working on him. After 2 hours in a restaurant with Caleb on Sunday, he isn't sure he can handle that much togetherness. The 3 little ones can be noisy, but they are usually pretty tired by bedtime. I love our time together each summer. Being away from home makes it all the more special, no interruptions or distractions, just time to enjoy each other. We have so many rituals now that even Gavin and Caleb talk about what we "have to do". Crabbing at dark, watching the stars at night, counting dolphins and pelicans and reading the messages on the seaplanes flying by the beach. Every morning they sneak into my room for stories of when their dads were little boys. They can't quite believe those big guys were as small as them and love to taunt their dads with, "we know about the time you...". The girls love it too, but in another way; they all enjoy the water and the beach and the food and a few shopping trips. The massages and manicures and hair beading from the local Spa are something they relish. I guess it is a fantasy we all love living in. Until G-ma retires, hehehehe.
Gee, I just realized I'm still in French Lick, it is still cold and Spring Break is 40 days from now. The power of visualization is good, but not enough to actually transport me away. Darn it, I should have been a witch not a counselor.
Last week was so difficult, girls. We had a pregnancy, 2 cutters, an ED kid with a knife, mean girls on a vicious tear, teachers about to revolt and this old woman trying to cope with it all. I failed, my spirit was weak and defeated. I let it all get to me. On the outside, I managed, but inside I was a mess. When will we get strong enough to do this work without all the garbage left inside? I hope for one more year to attempt to learn how, after that I may retire. If funding cuts come I may not have that. I'll have to find a new career, one that is all about joy and celebrations. Maybe???
See you all in a couple of weeks. Talk to me, Ladies. Love, Hedy
I was putting the final touches on a quilt for Courtney when I broke my machine. Poor old $98 Sears model has been with me since 1969. I sold my portable dish washer to buy it. Crazy, I know, but at the time, I wanted to sew more than I hated doing dishes. I guess I'll go to Steve's sister and borrow one of her machines. She quilts a lot and has her things set up in a small room off her restaurant in Paoli. The daughter-in-law runs the restaurant now, so she is free to sew and sew. She's planning to open a small fabric shop there, too. That will be great for those of us who don't shop much and tend to order fabric online. Like me.
I'd love a new machine with all the bells and whistles, but I'd have to give up my vacations on the coasts if I spent that much. So I'll think of a Plan B. We are trading our Gulf Shore visit to Cape San Blas Florida. It is less developed and has beautiful turquoise water. My buddies and I got a new beach front house for Spring Break and the family house is one row back from beach front with a pool. We have to have a pool for the kiddos. Provides so much entertainment for all of them. There is no house between ours and the water, the view is open and you can hear the surf from my bedroom, so I'm happy. We are booked for 2 weeks this year, hoping the boys will come down for a few days. Stephen King isn't interested, but the sons are working on him. After 2 hours in a restaurant with Caleb on Sunday, he isn't sure he can handle that much togetherness. The 3 little ones can be noisy, but they are usually pretty tired by bedtime. I love our time together each summer. Being away from home makes it all the more special, no interruptions or distractions, just time to enjoy each other. We have so many rituals now that even Gavin and Caleb talk about what we "have to do". Crabbing at dark, watching the stars at night, counting dolphins and pelicans and reading the messages on the seaplanes flying by the beach. Every morning they sneak into my room for stories of when their dads were little boys. They can't quite believe those big guys were as small as them and love to taunt their dads with, "we know about the time you...". The girls love it too, but in another way; they all enjoy the water and the beach and the food and a few shopping trips. The massages and manicures and hair beading from the local Spa are something they relish. I guess it is a fantasy we all love living in. Until G-ma retires, hehehehe.
Gee, I just realized I'm still in French Lick, it is still cold and Spring Break is 40 days from now. The power of visualization is good, but not enough to actually transport me away. Darn it, I should have been a witch not a counselor.
Last week was so difficult, girls. We had a pregnancy, 2 cutters, an ED kid with a knife, mean girls on a vicious tear, teachers about to revolt and this old woman trying to cope with it all. I failed, my spirit was weak and defeated. I let it all get to me. On the outside, I managed, but inside I was a mess. When will we get strong enough to do this work without all the garbage left inside? I hope for one more year to attempt to learn how, after that I may retire. If funding cuts come I may not have that. I'll have to find a new career, one that is all about joy and celebrations. Maybe???
See you all in a couple of weeks. Talk to me, Ladies. Love, Hedy
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Poor February: That Short Ugly Month
Has this not been the longest month ever? Dark, foggy, rainy, snowy, cold? And now here comes February, whose only saving grace is it will only last 28 days. Four weeks, Bam, it is gone. Surely we can stand that after this January. Last night's giant winter storm missed us by 25 miles. From our slight dusting to 4, 5, 6, even 9 inches down the road. Blessing from above if you ask me.
The Positive Start to each day is still ongoing, just sputters a little some mornings. And I have been told to "stuff it" by a few less than positive folks at work on particularly dark mornings. hehehe. I do find myself feeling better and facing the day stronger by using those first moments to Thank God and Think positive every morning. Attitude is Everything, Ladies. It may take using duct tape to hold up my lips, but I start out smiling!
Of course, yesterday was an exception. Oh, I started out fine; it was Friday, had my jeans on, no meetings for after work, It was good to go. And then reality stepped in; we are all so affected by others who slack off their jobs and leave us holding the garbage. And yesterday must have been a group slack! Everything I attempted took twice along to do because someone dropped their ball, if they had ever had Balls! I'm afraid I showed my dark side to several people who didn't deserve it. I am sorry and ask them to forgive me. And as soon as I can pull my magic wand outta my --- I will finish the job. There, I feel better now. :-)
We are having a Coaches Against Cancer soup supper tonight before Homecoming and I'm the dessert chair. Our families are doing great right now in the battle against the Big, Bad C and it will be a pleasure to see them benefit from this effort. Hopefully both families can take a vacation with the proceeds. All have endured a stressful winter, but stood strong and faced it all without breaking. Bless them, Lord.
I've been working on ditching TV and computer at night in favor of reading and quilting. I know I've wasted many hours sitting in front of these lifeless machines and decided to stop and be quietly productive. Takes a real effort to do this, Girls, somewhat like dieting. But how much more satisfying to have something to show for your time. And the quiet is so restoring. My favorite Bible verse has been "Be still and know" and this practice has brought it to life. After a long day of listening, I relish the quiet. I realize our circumstances are different, but I bet you would be refreshed too with a little quiet in the evening or early morning. My sister, Deb, has her time in the morning with her daily walks. She does these alone for the sole reason of listening to nature, her heart and God. I admire the strength and energy she has to do this everyday whatever the weather. I am a wimp, with weather, exercise and exertion.
Stephen King is napping through his Saturday afternoon PBS programs, "The Woodwright and This Old House". He flips to IU basketball whenever his snores shake him awake. He gets too upset when the boys are blowing a game to watch continuously. This has been a Saturday afternoon habit of his for years. We all tease that he has never actually seen these programs, he just hears them through his sleep. The long winter is getting to him, too. Boredom was so bad this week he watched a marathon of old western movies. And even decided they were really bad. Apparently Vincent Price from 1939 wasn't a believable cowboy. He may have to get a winter job. He is anxious to get out in the yard and garden. We will start lambing soon, so he'll be busy then. I think we have nearly 20 ewes waiting to deliver this spring. Nothing like bouncy little baby lambs to improve your spirit. We had great luck last year with our babies, hope to do even better this.
Jill is coming to the Casino today, we may meet tomorrow. I hope so. It is always fun to catch up with our funny one. I met her dad last time; such a corker. It is evident where Jill gets her sense of humor. Wish you all could join us.
I have to get to school now. Get the desserts out and the drinks ready, serving starts at 5:00. Wish us luck. See you next month, Ladies, at Indy. I'll let everyone know the hotel when I book one. Kirstie, take it easy you have precious cargo in there. Love you all. Hedy
The Positive Start to each day is still ongoing, just sputters a little some mornings. And I have been told to "stuff it" by a few less than positive folks at work on particularly dark mornings. hehehe. I do find myself feeling better and facing the day stronger by using those first moments to Thank God and Think positive every morning. Attitude is Everything, Ladies. It may take using duct tape to hold up my lips, but I start out smiling!
Of course, yesterday was an exception. Oh, I started out fine; it was Friday, had my jeans on, no meetings for after work, It was good to go. And then reality stepped in; we are all so affected by others who slack off their jobs and leave us holding the garbage. And yesterday must have been a group slack! Everything I attempted took twice along to do because someone dropped their ball, if they had ever had Balls! I'm afraid I showed my dark side to several people who didn't deserve it. I am sorry and ask them to forgive me. And as soon as I can pull my magic wand outta my --- I will finish the job. There, I feel better now. :-)
We are having a Coaches Against Cancer soup supper tonight before Homecoming and I'm the dessert chair. Our families are doing great right now in the battle against the Big, Bad C and it will be a pleasure to see them benefit from this effort. Hopefully both families can take a vacation with the proceeds. All have endured a stressful winter, but stood strong and faced it all without breaking. Bless them, Lord.
I've been working on ditching TV and computer at night in favor of reading and quilting. I know I've wasted many hours sitting in front of these lifeless machines and decided to stop and be quietly productive. Takes a real effort to do this, Girls, somewhat like dieting. But how much more satisfying to have something to show for your time. And the quiet is so restoring. My favorite Bible verse has been "Be still and know" and this practice has brought it to life. After a long day of listening, I relish the quiet. I realize our circumstances are different, but I bet you would be refreshed too with a little quiet in the evening or early morning. My sister, Deb, has her time in the morning with her daily walks. She does these alone for the sole reason of listening to nature, her heart and God. I admire the strength and energy she has to do this everyday whatever the weather. I am a wimp, with weather, exercise and exertion.
Stephen King is napping through his Saturday afternoon PBS programs, "The Woodwright and This Old House". He flips to IU basketball whenever his snores shake him awake. He gets too upset when the boys are blowing a game to watch continuously. This has been a Saturday afternoon habit of his for years. We all tease that he has never actually seen these programs, he just hears them through his sleep. The long winter is getting to him, too. Boredom was so bad this week he watched a marathon of old western movies. And even decided they were really bad. Apparently Vincent Price from 1939 wasn't a believable cowboy. He may have to get a winter job. He is anxious to get out in the yard and garden. We will start lambing soon, so he'll be busy then. I think we have nearly 20 ewes waiting to deliver this spring. Nothing like bouncy little baby lambs to improve your spirit. We had great luck last year with our babies, hope to do even better this.
Jill is coming to the Casino today, we may meet tomorrow. I hope so. It is always fun to catch up with our funny one. I met her dad last time; such a corker. It is evident where Jill gets her sense of humor. Wish you all could join us.
I have to get to school now. Get the desserts out and the drinks ready, serving starts at 5:00. Wish us luck. See you next month, Ladies, at Indy. I'll let everyone know the hotel when I book one. Kirstie, take it easy you have precious cargo in there. Love you all. Hedy
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Hello
Hello Ladies, hope you all are snug and warm in the great north. It is so foggy here that we won't recognize the sun when it does reappear. Oh well, winter in the midwest, I suppose. Why fight it?
We all are back in our 2nd semester routine at school, one day following the other, plodding toward Spring Break. So sad, our lives have come to this. I try to enjoy each day and make it count for something special, but along about February, I seem to falter. I cannot think I'm alone in this fault. :-(
We all should realize how blessed we are to live here and have the bounty we do. The Haitian disaster , along with the adoption of our new nephews from the Congo, has opened our eyes to our wonderful country. Giving money just doesn't seem enough when there is so much need in the world. It is difficult to understand how we can be so blessed when others are suffering so intensely. Not a balanced world we live in, Ladies. Not at all. My sister has started a daily routine of asking each of us to go out and be a blessing to someone each day on Face Book. All her friends have responded with such positive comments, it is heartwarming. We all need that encouraging reminder to do just that. Thanks, Debbie.
I'm sure you all are busy with school and family now that basketball season is upon Indiana. Our boys have only won 3 games this year, but last night we only lost by 2 points against our county rival. Our boys are great kids, we have no great athletes right now, but they all play with heart. I'm doing desserts for our annual "Coaches Against Cancer" bean supper at our homecoming next Saturday night. You are all invited to come on down! As you know we have two students with cancer and will donate the proceeds to those families. Last year we raised $3000 from it. Then we only had one boy with cancer. One is cancer free at this point, the other had a major setback with H1N1, chicken pox and pneumonia this winter.
Stephen King has a new coon dog, Hoss, a blue tick who is identical to all the others we have owned in our 43 year marriage. I cannot name all of them , but they all looked alike. He and a friend have been hunting almost every night a are just like two boys with their new toy. Walking through a dark, cold woods after a bawling dog is something I've never been able to wrap my head around. Must be a man thing!
Orange County is undertaking a health project called Ways of Wellness. It has attracted hundreds of people. We have exercise, dance and yoga classes, cooking workshops and many other events going on all over the county. My girls are doing yoga, but I'm just stretching and walking to begin with, easing my way into real stuff. I plan to do water aerobics, but have had an ear infection for weeks. The shared enthusiasm is wonderful. Heaven knows most of us need to get healthier. Me especially!
Winter Gagglefest can't come soon enough for me. I haven't been anywhere since our fall get together. I'm so ready for a road trip. And want to see you all, of course!! Give me some response on Kirstie's shower date and I'll book a room or two. Talk to me. Love, Hedy
We all are back in our 2nd semester routine at school, one day following the other, plodding toward Spring Break. So sad, our lives have come to this. I try to enjoy each day and make it count for something special, but along about February, I seem to falter. I cannot think I'm alone in this fault. :-(
We all should realize how blessed we are to live here and have the bounty we do. The Haitian disaster , along with the adoption of our new nephews from the Congo, has opened our eyes to our wonderful country. Giving money just doesn't seem enough when there is so much need in the world. It is difficult to understand how we can be so blessed when others are suffering so intensely. Not a balanced world we live in, Ladies. Not at all. My sister has started a daily routine of asking each of us to go out and be a blessing to someone each day on Face Book. All her friends have responded with such positive comments, it is heartwarming. We all need that encouraging reminder to do just that. Thanks, Debbie.
I'm sure you all are busy with school and family now that basketball season is upon Indiana. Our boys have only won 3 games this year, but last night we only lost by 2 points against our county rival. Our boys are great kids, we have no great athletes right now, but they all play with heart. I'm doing desserts for our annual "Coaches Against Cancer" bean supper at our homecoming next Saturday night. You are all invited to come on down! As you know we have two students with cancer and will donate the proceeds to those families. Last year we raised $3000 from it. Then we only had one boy with cancer. One is cancer free at this point, the other had a major setback with H1N1, chicken pox and pneumonia this winter.
Stephen King has a new coon dog, Hoss, a blue tick who is identical to all the others we have owned in our 43 year marriage. I cannot name all of them , but they all looked alike. He and a friend have been hunting almost every night a are just like two boys with their new toy. Walking through a dark, cold woods after a bawling dog is something I've never been able to wrap my head around. Must be a man thing!
Orange County is undertaking a health project called Ways of Wellness. It has attracted hundreds of people. We have exercise, dance and yoga classes, cooking workshops and many other events going on all over the county. My girls are doing yoga, but I'm just stretching and walking to begin with, easing my way into real stuff. I plan to do water aerobics, but have had an ear infection for weeks. The shared enthusiasm is wonderful. Heaven knows most of us need to get healthier. Me especially!
Winter Gagglefest can't come soon enough for me. I haven't been anywhere since our fall get together. I'm so ready for a road trip. And want to see you all, of course!! Give me some response on Kirstie's shower date and I'll book a room or two. Talk to me. Love, Hedy
Monday, January 11, 2010
COLD NEW YEAR
Hello all. Another Sunday evening. Waiting for my chicks to get here for supper. I made brown beans and ham, cheezy potato soup, cornbread and angel food cupcakes, chocolate and raspberry filled. I hope someone is hungry. I haven't fed them since Christmas break, so I'm starved to see them all at home.
We have had a 2 day snow break this week, it was nice and unexpected. I really don't know if me and my teachers could have survived a whole week. That 2 week Christmas break was a spoiler. I love the snow, but this cold weather is a killer. I hurt all over and am only warm in bed. I've intended to finish quilting projects and start a new one, but have only managed to read [ :-)], patterns and instructions for projects...that's almost the same as starting, isn't it? What a peaceful time this has been though. at least for those of us who haven't had to get outside and work. Our Stephen has been working in Terre Haute setting forms for a new project. Cold as Hell, we all know. Poor guy. But atleast he is working. So many aren't as lucky right now. My heart goes out to them. We had our own low years when we first married and started our family. Stephen King was critically injured when Stephen was a baby and we lived on Worksman's Comp at $36 a week for months. Imagine trying that now.
I'm looking forward to getting back and working hard this semester to raise our grades and tests scores. I'm starting a new Bullying guidance lesson to deal with bystanders. Most of our kids are the bystanders, of course, observing without taking a stand. I hope to turn this around. Make heroes of them! I also have a new Girl's program I'd like to flesh out for the middle school. Just wish I could recruit some younger adults to run it for us. I'm tired and old. I hate to tie up one more late day. I best check on my soups right now, back tonight.
OK, it is now Monday night.
Boy, the students were loud today, must have be glad to get back to their friends. Everyone was in a great mood though. Even my downstairs boys who cause me grief were impressed with the automatic paper towel dispenser in the restroom they routinely destroy. I wonder how long it will last and what were they thinking to install it there. We have had sausage and biscuits in the urinals, locked stalls, plugged toilets and boys sitting on the urinals in there. Wonder what they will do with free flowing paper toweling? Give a boy a motorized toy and he can rule the world. I do believe 12 year olds are a different species. From real people, I mean.
Good to hear from Elaine. I'm wondering about a winter gagglefest. Who is planning it? Lets wait till the great freeze out of 2010 passes, OK? I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again. I wasn't too happy with the place I chose last year, what else is available and better? I looked at B & Bs, but they all looked musty. I enjoy the modern ones with spas attached. Do you have one of those in Laffy? Can we afford it?
I'm resolved to starting each new day in a positive mood this year. So far, so good. We can at least choose that much for ourselves. girls. The world may enter and smack us around, but that first few minutes belongs to us. Use them as a blessing. Love you all. Talk to me. Hedy
We have had a 2 day snow break this week, it was nice and unexpected. I really don't know if me and my teachers could have survived a whole week. That 2 week Christmas break was a spoiler. I love the snow, but this cold weather is a killer. I hurt all over and am only warm in bed. I've intended to finish quilting projects and start a new one, but have only managed to read [ :-)], patterns and instructions for projects...that's almost the same as starting, isn't it? What a peaceful time this has been though. at least for those of us who haven't had to get outside and work. Our Stephen has been working in Terre Haute setting forms for a new project. Cold as Hell, we all know. Poor guy. But atleast he is working. So many aren't as lucky right now. My heart goes out to them. We had our own low years when we first married and started our family. Stephen King was critically injured when Stephen was a baby and we lived on Worksman's Comp at $36 a week for months. Imagine trying that now.
I'm looking forward to getting back and working hard this semester to raise our grades and tests scores. I'm starting a new Bullying guidance lesson to deal with bystanders. Most of our kids are the bystanders, of course, observing without taking a stand. I hope to turn this around. Make heroes of them! I also have a new Girl's program I'd like to flesh out for the middle school. Just wish I could recruit some younger adults to run it for us. I'm tired and old. I hate to tie up one more late day. I best check on my soups right now, back tonight.
OK, it is now Monday night.
Boy, the students were loud today, must have be glad to get back to their friends. Everyone was in a great mood though. Even my downstairs boys who cause me grief were impressed with the automatic paper towel dispenser in the restroom they routinely destroy. I wonder how long it will last and what were they thinking to install it there. We have had sausage and biscuits in the urinals, locked stalls, plugged toilets and boys sitting on the urinals in there. Wonder what they will do with free flowing paper toweling? Give a boy a motorized toy and he can rule the world. I do believe 12 year olds are a different species. From real people, I mean.
Good to hear from Elaine. I'm wondering about a winter gagglefest. Who is planning it? Lets wait till the great freeze out of 2010 passes, OK? I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again. I wasn't too happy with the place I chose last year, what else is available and better? I looked at B & Bs, but they all looked musty. I enjoy the modern ones with spas attached. Do you have one of those in Laffy? Can we afford it?
I'm resolved to starting each new day in a positive mood this year. So far, so good. We can at least choose that much for ourselves. girls. The world may enter and smack us around, but that first few minutes belongs to us. Use them as a blessing. Love you all. Talk to me. Hedy
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
2010 COMING UP QUICK
Good Morning Girls,
I know everyone is having a good break and enjoying her family, right? Our time off has been fun, family and food; no surprise there! I've enjoyed lots of down time too, resting and reading. Trying not to interfere with Stephen King's routine, he's such an old lady about his schedule, Girls!
Mackenzie and I saw "Avatar" last night; I have to recommend it to you, very good. It is like nothing I've seen before; fantasy, technology, love story, fun, tragic, all the things that make a great movie. I'm not a movie buff at all, but this one was worth seeing. Now today I'm taking the Littles to see "Chipmunks, The Squeekual", maybe not quite the same quality, but just as entertaining. Maddie and Caleb are a hoot at the movies. Madd gets totally immersed into the screen. I love watching them watch.
Right now I'm waiting for a phone call from Jill, she is at the hotel with her dad and we are meeting for coffee. Can't wait to see her. She improves my spirits every time. I cannot imagine driving down here as often as they do, but then again, I live here and don't gamble! I told Jill to just write me a check and not bother with throwing her money away at the casino, but no such luck. Maybe she will be lucky this visit, hope so. I haven't been back in the casino since you all were here in July. Not much of a supporter, sorry.
Orange County is undertaking a new health program with life style changes, weight loss programs, fitness workshops and smoking cessation classes offered in each town several times a week. My niece, Stori, is an organizer and I think I'll get involved somehow. The exercise much begin soon or else!!! My muscles continue to deteriorate and joints hurt almost constantly. I think a walking and swimming program are my choices. The eating component is pretty much controlled already. Now I need to move. Our school pool adjoins my office, so I have no excuse not to swim a few laps after school. My doc says as long as it is a gradual introduction, I'll be fine. So... Orange County W.O.W. here we go.
My Mom is having a pretty good winter, short-term memory is bad, but she is functioning so much better with the new meds. We make sure she has a good lunch or dinner, she forgets to eat otherwise. My sister, Debbie, is a wonder with Mom. Patient and there everyday. We are so blessed she can and does do this for us and Mom. Christmas was a challenge, Mom kept wanting to give everyone money whenever she was with them. She wasn't up to shopping so we got gift cards for her to passout. But she kept forgetting she had done it after the first time. You have to keep laughing or else you cry. Bless her heart, Mom still wants to do for us all.
Christmas without Courtney was different, a big hole in our party. She and Ken spent the day with his son and his family then traveled to his mother's for the weekend. The pictures show blue skies, green grass, flowers and a pet kangaroo! Not your typical Hoosier Christmas. We are learning to be independent parents (ha) and know she is enjoying the life she wants and we are happy for her.
Jill just called, cashed in $200 and wants to celebrate. Going to meet her for a Coke! I'll be back. Ok, that was fun, Jill looks terrific and I laughed my head off at her tall tales! Your dad is a sweetie, Jill. So nice getting together for a quick catch-up. I wish the rest of you were addicted to gambling and came to see me sometime. Just kidding, Tucker stopped when she saw me coming. :-)
Stephen King and I had a nice afternoon together; drove down to Jasper, had the oil changed in his truck, went to Rural King for hinges for the lambing pen, ate cheap Chinese. I tell you, Ladies, life cannot get much more romantic than this. Bet you all can't wait to grow old like us. Nothing says love like sitting in the Penzoil waiting room together.
Is it cold up North? It has been a beautiful day here after several gray gloomies, but the 2 week forecast is for highs in the 20s!!! My office will be frigid. I was gifted 2 new shawls for Christmas, I'll need both of the everyday. One for my head, the cold air blows down right on it as I sit at my computer. Wish I'd gotten gloves, too. Oh, I got 4 new candles, I suppose I can light them all at once for a bonfire.
2010, I can hardly imagine such a date. I thought the 1900s would last forever and the 2000s were science fiction. Little did I know how quickly time passes as one grows older. I've said before my live is a series of 6AMs, happening one after the other. Days whiz by, the hours flying, months race at superspeed, how can I be over 60 years old? Where has the time gone? Those grown people cannot be my children already, aren't they only babies? What did I do with all those years? Enjoy the days, my Girls, everyone of them. Hold onto those precious times with your kiddos, write their sweet words on your hearts. How I would love a few hours with my young boys again to fish or play h-o-r-s-e or build another tree house. And just a few hours with my daughter, sitting in the porch swing talking as we break beans or have a girlie day shopping at antique stores, sipping coffee and desserts. But that has passed, as your times will; passed much too fast. Almost without notice.
But we have lots of time left for new memories with kids and grandkids. More road trips and get-to-gethers, more 6 AMs and Sundays. I'll just have to learn to treasure each moment more from now on.
May you all be blessed with peace and love in 2010, my friends. Love you all. Hedy
I know everyone is having a good break and enjoying her family, right? Our time off has been fun, family and food; no surprise there! I've enjoyed lots of down time too, resting and reading. Trying not to interfere with Stephen King's routine, he's such an old lady about his schedule, Girls!
Mackenzie and I saw "Avatar" last night; I have to recommend it to you, very good. It is like nothing I've seen before; fantasy, technology, love story, fun, tragic, all the things that make a great movie. I'm not a movie buff at all, but this one was worth seeing. Now today I'm taking the Littles to see "Chipmunks, The Squeekual", maybe not quite the same quality, but just as entertaining. Maddie and Caleb are a hoot at the movies. Madd gets totally immersed into the screen. I love watching them watch.
Right now I'm waiting for a phone call from Jill, she is at the hotel with her dad and we are meeting for coffee. Can't wait to see her. She improves my spirits every time. I cannot imagine driving down here as often as they do, but then again, I live here and don't gamble! I told Jill to just write me a check and not bother with throwing her money away at the casino, but no such luck. Maybe she will be lucky this visit, hope so. I haven't been back in the casino since you all were here in July. Not much of a supporter, sorry.
Orange County is undertaking a new health program with life style changes, weight loss programs, fitness workshops and smoking cessation classes offered in each town several times a week. My niece, Stori, is an organizer and I think I'll get involved somehow. The exercise much begin soon or else!!! My muscles continue to deteriorate and joints hurt almost constantly. I think a walking and swimming program are my choices. The eating component is pretty much controlled already. Now I need to move. Our school pool adjoins my office, so I have no excuse not to swim a few laps after school. My doc says as long as it is a gradual introduction, I'll be fine. So... Orange County W.O.W. here we go.
My Mom is having a pretty good winter, short-term memory is bad, but she is functioning so much better with the new meds. We make sure she has a good lunch or dinner, she forgets to eat otherwise. My sister, Debbie, is a wonder with Mom. Patient and there everyday. We are so blessed she can and does do this for us and Mom. Christmas was a challenge, Mom kept wanting to give everyone money whenever she was with them. She wasn't up to shopping so we got gift cards for her to passout. But she kept forgetting she had done it after the first time. You have to keep laughing or else you cry. Bless her heart, Mom still wants to do for us all.
Christmas without Courtney was different, a big hole in our party. She and Ken spent the day with his son and his family then traveled to his mother's for the weekend. The pictures show blue skies, green grass, flowers and a pet kangaroo! Not your typical Hoosier Christmas. We are learning to be independent parents (ha) and know she is enjoying the life she wants and we are happy for her.
Jill just called, cashed in $200 and wants to celebrate. Going to meet her for a Coke! I'll be back. Ok, that was fun, Jill looks terrific and I laughed my head off at her tall tales! Your dad is a sweetie, Jill. So nice getting together for a quick catch-up. I wish the rest of you were addicted to gambling and came to see me sometime. Just kidding, Tucker stopped when she saw me coming. :-)
Stephen King and I had a nice afternoon together; drove down to Jasper, had the oil changed in his truck, went to Rural King for hinges for the lambing pen, ate cheap Chinese. I tell you, Ladies, life cannot get much more romantic than this. Bet you all can't wait to grow old like us. Nothing says love like sitting in the Penzoil waiting room together.
Is it cold up North? It has been a beautiful day here after several gray gloomies, but the 2 week forecast is for highs in the 20s!!! My office will be frigid. I was gifted 2 new shawls for Christmas, I'll need both of the everyday. One for my head, the cold air blows down right on it as I sit at my computer. Wish I'd gotten gloves, too. Oh, I got 4 new candles, I suppose I can light them all at once for a bonfire.
2010, I can hardly imagine such a date. I thought the 1900s would last forever and the 2000s were science fiction. Little did I know how quickly time passes as one grows older. I've said before my live is a series of 6AMs, happening one after the other. Days whiz by, the hours flying, months race at superspeed, how can I be over 60 years old? Where has the time gone? Those grown people cannot be my children already, aren't they only babies? What did I do with all those years? Enjoy the days, my Girls, everyone of them. Hold onto those precious times with your kiddos, write their sweet words on your hearts. How I would love a few hours with my young boys again to fish or play h-o-r-s-e or build another tree house. And just a few hours with my daughter, sitting in the porch swing talking as we break beans or have a girlie day shopping at antique stores, sipping coffee and desserts. But that has passed, as your times will; passed much too fast. Almost without notice.
But we have lots of time left for new memories with kids and grandkids. More road trips and get-to-gethers, more 6 AMs and Sundays. I'll just have to learn to treasure each moment more from now on.
May you all be blessed with peace and love in 2010, my friends. Love you all. Hedy
Monday, December 21, 2009
CHRISTMAS WEEK 2009
Hello Ladies,
Does your Holy Week feel Holy? Or rushed, hassled, stressful? Why do we let ourselves do this every year? I have been following a wonderful blog called down-to-earth for over a year and do believe it may be the answer everyone seeks. This lady, Rhonda, and her husband are a retired couple who are nearly self-sufficient. They live such a peaceful, purposeful life with chickens and dogs and honeybees. I realize this life is much easier for a retired couple than for you with young families, but hope you look for her at www.down-to-earth.blogspot.com when you have a minute. She is starting a "living simply" month in January which should be informative and fun to read. They live outside of Brisbane Australia on a little patch of land behind the gates. Courtney lives in Brisbane and although they will never meet, I feel closer to Courtney when I read this blog. Stephen King and I move closer to this peaceful living as I contemplate retirement. He loves his garden, I'd love to quilt daily.
Our gifts are bought and stacked in the back room waiting to be wrapped in shiny, red foil and placed under the tree. Which will probably be completed 10 minutes before the grandkids tear them open. I'd rather fool around on here than stand, bent over the dining table, wrapping gifts. Sorry. Once again, Grandma has overdone the spending, buying much too much for kiddos who do not need anything. This is the last time, I promise, again. But I love doing it, finding those cute sweatshirts for my boys, the rough n tough little hoodies and jeans. The toys they just have to have, Transformers the size of end tables. And for my big girls, the clothes and boots and bags and coats, where do I stop? And my Madeleine? The quilted coat in Blossom with the heather gray leggings and zebra tunic. And the brother and sister life size dolls, Katie and Kyle. With real hair and kissing sounds? How could I not? I know...my name is Grandma and its been 3 days since I've shopped. I won't even talk about the daughters-in-law. Every year, it is the same.
I spent today at Mom's with my sister making candy and cookies or trying to. Mostly we laughed and talked and hugged because we never get to spend a whole day together and Mom was having a good day. Aging is so bittersweet; wisdom and peace come with age, but so do pain and confusion. It breaks my heart to watch the light go out of Mom's eyes as she slips from us. Not all the time, not even daily now, but it is there, waiting. That place where we cannot follow her, where she is alone and scared. The new meds are working for now and that is all we can ask. NOW. Tomorrow will come and we will deal with it then. For today, it was good. She was Mom.
My niece, Stori and her husband Jamey are hosting our Christmas Eve gathering again this year. Yes, they are the couple who have the new babies. They are amazing and loving and want the family at their house. So we will cook and carry and gather round their beautiful new kitchen and celebrate the birthday of our Lord. And celebrate these new members of our family, Chad and Ian. And celebrate another year of being family.
I hope each of you have that family gathering each year to celebrate being together. Keep that connection as long as you can, it is so important that the young ones know where they come from, who they are, what they are a part of. I am the oldest of my grandparents' grandchildren on both sides and we have lost that connection for the most part. The cousins still keep in touch but our children and grandchildren don't know their distant cousins or great aunts and uncles. It makes me feel sad and guilty for not working harder at planning reunions and birthdays and Christmas together. I suppose that is the way it is in all families...the drifting a part when the number of people becomes too big to manage. I have a difficult time working our Christmas dinner in with only two sets of in-laws to juggle. No wonder I can't coordinate over 200.
I love all the picture cards this year, Ladies. Next year, we will have a Baby Mac to add to it. I wish you all Blessings for the New Year and Happy, Peaceful Hearts for Christmas. Talk to me. Love, Hedy
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