They're Heeerrrrreee!

I'm so tickled Beck and Brad have arrived and it's like we've not been seperated by time and space. Sunday we took the train down into the Big Southfork National Recreation Area, just south of our place, and had a ball. The day was warm, the sun was bright and all is well in the world. I'd love to have the whole family down here someday, we'd tear the place up with fun and giggles. Our autumn has been beautiful so far, out trees are already heavy with color, crimsons, ochres, garnets, blood oranges, breathtaking! I'm glad the kids could see our mountains full of texture and colors. Brad wants to fish today, so he's going down the road to Mary and Gary's dock and drown a few worms. I plan of just enjoying the fleeting time with our oldest and her hubby their time here will be too short. Peace!

I am counting the hours until they arrive

The kids are coming, the kids are coming. For a whole week, what fun we'll have, and they can destress, unwind and breath. Both Brad and Becky have stressful jobs, they are a busy couple socially, spiritually, they always are running here and there....now in Kentucky, you go up yonder and sit a spell.........we'll do that too. The trees are beautiful right now, the earth is starting to take a sit too, so we'll just enjoy the peace and quite, take a little golf cart ride, a train ride and fish alittle too. I can't wait until they are here! Peace!

Sadness

In my post just before this I spoke of my grandchildren and the joy they bring, and with that I wrote of the promise of a new life to grace the face of the Earth next year. This was not meant to be, little Naomi Rae went to be with the Lord yesterday, and I never was able to see her face. But, someday I will. Peace

Miss Them

Sarah my "bead girl" .................................... Grace, easy to be with, loves to laugh............
Alex, smart, inquisitive, cool guy.................. Ian & Anniken, sweet hearts who loves to laugh..

All these children are part of me, their mannerisms, smiles, frowns, likes and dislikes, and I miss them terribly. Sarah loves to bead, make her own earrings, or crown as she is wearing in the photo, I saw her born, quite and peacful. Grace is great to snuggle with, she loves to tell stories, she'll be 9 on Friday, I was there at her birth, it seems like just a few days ago, her warmth fills a room, Alex is full of questions, ideas, and opinions. He loves creepy mouse, and laps are his favorite place to sit. Ian is a shinning soul, with wit, warmth and goofy laughter, his birth was somethig to behold, he never took his eyes of his mom, and Anniken is finding his voice, his smile is contagious, and his heart big. These little people will have a new playmate next year, a new little soul will venture into our crazy world, and bless us with smiles and laughter too. I miss them, I miss them. Peace

September is here...

I am looking forward to cooler days, and colors of our leaves to change. They are past their goal of green, and changing each day as I watch them. The lake is less busy, families are home, back to their routines, its quieter now, I'm glad. The lake has been so still. We had a mother and her baby deer pass by our front porch last night, they were a soft tan, and looked well fed. They crossed the road and disappeared into the forest. Quietly nature presents itself to us, and I pay attention to the life around us and I'm grateful. Peace.

Jewels

As I look around I see all a facets of this life, I use the metaphor "facets" because I see my life as a jewel. Light (life) bounces all around and shines back at others. We go though different phase, friends, struggles, highlights, and day to day living, but I've learned that my attitude makes all the difference. I have learned to be at peace with my life, the good and the bad. The part that sparkles the most is my family.
My husband is WONDERFUL, he's caring, honest, loving and kind. He cares deeply for me and shows it each and everyday. We have an easy relationship, we respect each other, and care about each others lives. I'm lucky.
Our family is also one of the facets in my life.
I miss my family, my grown children with a deep ache, my grandchildren, their lives, their growths, their special moments, but in my heart, I know I'm close, I'm with them. I miss my friends, I only had a few, but I miss them too. I have made new friends, and that has been a great liberation for me, as they have "taken me in" just as I am, not what I can do for them, or title I posses, but just because. These women are spectacular each in their own way. However they do not replace family. My family is the most precious thing to me. I don't own them, I don't posses them, I just love them with all my heart.
Our oldest daughter and her husband have just become "parents" to a 7 year old girl named, Sylvia Nanjala, she lives in Kenya and they support her. She is beautiful. Becky hopes to go meet her next year on a mission trip.
Our youngest daughter is expecting in March of 2009, she hopes for a girl, she has 2 boys. She is excited and scared at the same time. Life will be busy for this family for at least 18 more years.
Our son has 3 children, they are wonderful parents and wonderful grand kids, they are one of the facets in my life.
They all posses light, they reflect that back to me and my life, that jewel glows brighter. Peace

Changes

The older I get, the more I think about the changes in my life. They fall into categories: 1. Changes I've made. 2. Reluctantly made changes. And 3rd. Forced change.
Each day is a change. Our date changes, our routine sometimes changes, (thank goodness), and well I guess that is what keeps things fresh. It is said that people in general hate change. But, I like it, it keeps me guessing, aware, alive, moving forward. Wouldn't it be awful if each day were the same as yesterday?
It would be like being in prison. I was thinking about that the other day. I actually know someone who will spend the rest of their natural life in prison. No freedom, no choices, no changes. Oh, maybe to the menu of the day's food, but no changes. Day after day, the same. Year after year the same. Nothing to look forward to, except maybe a visitor now and then, but after a few years I think that would dwindle...oh change would be wonderful for this individual, low boredom threshold, but that was given away with the freedom. Imagine, no vacations, no events, no room for change, no freedom to make changes, no changes at all. Same clothes, same walls, same view..........oh I know I'd go crazy, not to mention being with the same people you were forced to be with day in and day out.
So...really is change that awful? I think not. I know I have the ability to change. I love to see what the day will bring me, what present it holds for me, what adventure I can make with my choices and changes, whether it be in attitude or mood, or decision of what to do that day. Changes have been an integral part of my life, change has made me "who I am" today. I feel like I've not been a spectator of my life but a full-blown participant. Oh yes, there are some who are spectators, the live the small, flat-butted life, watching their lives go by and not having any desire to have a say in it, no, no changes for them. No names, no judgement, just an observation, but true none the less.
Changes I've made...I've moved, gotten a divorce, remarried, started my own business, learned to drive a motorcycle and a golf cart, took up golf, laid down golf. Became outspoken on domestic violence, stepped out of my shell, and into the world.
Changes reluctantly made...not too many here, just a few because of growth issues... lost touch with those once part of my inner-circle.
Changes forced to make...buried parents, grandparents, cut off communication with people who are judgemental and self absorbed and tiny in spirit and kindness.
Each choice has shaped me, whether I liked it or not into me, just me, and I do like me, I know my Heavenly Father likes (loves) me, so that's about as good as it gets. Change is good. As far as my life...I want to go out with my hair on fire. With zest, vigor and skid marks. Heck I only get to do this once, so I'd better take care of this present and change today for the better. Peace!

Reaquaintance

This has been quite a morning, after i finished my work and emails I happened to go on a website that allows you to peek into the lives of people you once went to school with. For me, high schools, well, that's been a long time ago. Faces, really not recognizable if met on the street, however faintly familiar are attached to some of the names. Thank goodness maiden names were there for the women, and some I still didn't remember. I left a few hello's not knowing if these will in fact ever be read by their profile owners, but my friendly nature compels me to do so. To my delight I was contacted by a friend from the late 60's, that I'd left a hello to. I must say I had a terrible crush on in my junior year in high school, and he even attended a picnic with my family out near Iowa City on hot summer's day. Fleeting is a word that would describe our relationship as he was older and off to college. Our paths have not met since that summer, yet I smiled as I read his words. He is on a journey to find enlightenment, and I am on a journey to life each day as a gift. We are not so different, yet our paths are, I believe are the same, yet very different..... I guess, simple is the word that delights me, I live very simply, yet I believe I stretch each day to it's fullest, and give all the glory to my Lord. I know that I'm not the wisest person on the planet however I choose to go for the truth, or the truth as I know it. It makes my days longer, my eyes clearer and my sleep sweeter. I am neither judge nor juror. I am excited about life, the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, it's part of the rhythm of life. At times I whine, but then since I have no cheese, I quit....ha ha. I've had moments of deep sadness that have made me a better, stronger person, more caring, less judgement I believe. I enjoy an even keel, a calm sea, and a gentle breeze. I hope my friend finds what he is searching for, he'll find it in quiet, peaceful times, and gentle smiles for those that love him. Peace

A new day a new "thing"

Hi, Nancy nurse here, It's funny how life throws ya a curve once and again. I don't like to talk about medical maladies however this one is a growing concern in the medical field. Vitamin D deficiencies. I was just diagnosed, it has a long litany of side effects. Suppressed immune system, bone loss, 70% greater chance of death...the list goes on and on. That might explain why I was so very sick in the spring and could not get better! So, I am speaking out, asking you to ask your doctor at your next appointment, or if you have a blood draw coming up to have a Vitamin D level checked. Normal range is between 32 - 100, I was at 24.7, and had symptoms I was unaware of having. However my doctor spotted them. I will not list them as I don't want people doing the self-diagnose thing. Don't go out and buy mega doses of this vitamin, you should not self-diagnose, you need to be seen by a professional. I have been placed on 50,000IU for 8 weeks, dosing one pill a week, then I will get a recheck.

Physicians are saying with people being indoors, lactose intolerant and other factors this deficiency is showing up more and more. My neighbor who is 70, her tongue was cracking down the middle, Vitamin D deficient. Who knew?!?

So, be your own health advocate, ask for a check and stay healthy!

B-T-W

I'm making a public announcement!

'I fixed the dishwasher myself."

Now, let's see how long it lasts............Peace

Days are growing shorter

School supplies are in the stores, fall colors are on the racks. But, hey summer is still here! The temps reminds us, the deep blue sky yells it, the downpours prove it. I'm not ready to let go of summer just yet. Although fall is my favorite time of year, this summer has been different. It's been sweeter, more friendly...I actually have liked this summer in spite of the 90+ temps. I've taken the time to stay out in the heat, tend my flowers, and two tomato plants, yummy. I watch the lizards skitter across the hot cement of our drive and enjoy our little goldfinches take a cool drink from the water bowls I put on our porch for them each day. Dragonflies dance on the wind, and visit me with a simple kiss once in a while. Hummingbirds protect "their" feeders, chirp their victories at each other, then soar away to the treetops to survey their kingdom. They are mighty warriors, those wee little birds! Simple, watchful kind of summer.

I have taken a few hours each day to steal away over to Millies to enjoy her company and her gracious invitation to enjoy her pool. Millie is 78 in biological years, but she's really 39. She's spunky, wise, gentle and kind. She has 4 grown boys, and 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She tells wonderful stories of Kentucky, her life, and "woods and lake" wisdom. She's never met a stranger, and I feel like a part of her family. She is wonderful. I enjoy a little splash in the pool, but the company is much more of a quench of the soul. An unconditional friendship has occured and I'm blessed to have it. Life is good. Summer is sweet. Peace

Each day a new suprise!

I have to admit my title is tongue in cheek. This has been an unusually expensive summer. First I get sick, Dr. and hospital bills, then the fridge goes out, and I put a new stove in too. New roof, it was very leaky, then a new computer, the old one burnt up, I was in a wreck on July 3rd, new car. Now the dishwasher goes out, not on vacation or a date but to the mortuary. This house is not that old, only 5 years old, "what's up" I scream. I'm not made of money. OK, take a breath.........is it a test of my additude? Or faith? Or sanity? I do not know. Things they say happen in 3's, am I good for a generation or century now? I'm not sure, but it's just stuff, and stuff goes away, problems solve themselves and all in all, life is good. Deeeeeep Breath. Peace! (oh, I put a photo of our granddaughter Sarah in as an example of how I feel!) Oh, ok, Peace!

I take NOTHING for granted!

Well, it's been a while since my last entry........much has happened, none worth reporting except.........where my month of May went...

I went to Iowa April 30th for a 2 week visit and ended up not returning until May 25th. My youngest daughter Lara was going to turn 30 on May 2nd, and I wanted to surprise her by sneaking up to Iowa for a Birthday visit. Her husband and sister Becky planned a surprise party, and I love surprises, so off I drove, 10 hours to surprise my baby. Yes, I did surprise her, she almost fainted, and so did my son Rich, he was not in on it that I was coming to Iowa. His jaw dropped too. (Why do we hold our mouths funny when we dance?!?)

We partied and I stayed out until 4 a.m. dancing and showing my age. But it was all in great fun, we laughed, took crazy photos, and laughed some more. The photo on the left is of my 3 grown children and I singing at a Karaoke bar. Smoke-free bars are great, you don't go home smelling like a butt can. Loved that, I wish Kentucky was smoke-free!!!!!

Well, I had plans to spend many wonderful hours with my children, grand-children, brother and his family, friends, and even work at the goldsmiths for a day. I did get to see everyone, but by the 6th of May, I was flat on my back, thought I'd swallowed a catus. Went to the doctor, no treatment, just plenty of rest, liquids yada, yada, yada. By Saturday I was much worse, many treatments, pills and inhalers.

Mother's Day was horrible, Lara brought her sons over, but I was so sick, I didn't even enjoy the visit. Did all those pills help? No go, I got worse, to shorten this blog, let me say that by the 17th I was in BAD shape, my oldest took the reigns and told me that was enough and too me to the ER. (I must say I didn't protest too much by that time, i was getting scared.) I was coughing so much I was wore out and not able to get much breath. They gave me 2 little magic pills that stopped the coughing, gave me a breathing treatment, filled my poor dehydrated body with fluids and started the testing to find out what was going on in this poor excuse of a body. I must say, they were on the ball, kept us informed and when things would come back with a great big zero, they kept looking. Acute Bronchitis, plus an infection in the throat and severe dehydration was the final call. I've not gotten the bill yet, but I don't care, they found the answers. I guess I got into a new "germ pool" and with my lifestyle is what it is, I had no resistance to the infection. I must get out more. SO..........more rest and pills and by the 25, our 11th Anniversary, I found my way home. I cried as I entered my driveway, I missed the place, my husband, my flowers, lake, dog and cats so much that it will be a long, long time before I venture that far again. I think the kids can make this a vacation stop from now on. I have learned to take nothing for granted especially my health. Happy, I'm always happy. Oh, and I have lost about 25 pounds, that's a good thing, but a bad way to loose the weight.......Peace...

Whhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Ok, It is March in Kentucky, not Minnesota! I am ready, so ready for nice weather. Those of you "up north" are not allowed to swear at me, as I do know you've had one of the snowiest winters in over 20 years, but I can't help it, I need some cheese with this whine! Call the whaaambulance for me, I want warm, sunny, bright days.
I want to sip sweet tea outside and wear my flip flops. I want to cook on the grill without a jacket on and work in the yard. Look for mushrooms, photograph spring flowers and feel the warm breath of God on my face. Peace...........

Welcome February

Life is good. I have learned to cherish each day, good or bad, I can't help it, I'm so very happy inside. Yes, I've had trials, yes, it's hard being away from family, but, I cannot help it, I'm happy, just happy.

At this point in my life, "all" is the word that fills me. All the beauty, all the water, all the trees, all the sweet, sweet air. All the little things that each day presents us with, that we can either choose to ignore or embrace. How can one improve on all? I love my life. That is it, I love my life. It's nice to come to this time and place in my life and know I can enjoy myself, work, play, good, bad, each and everyday, because I am alive. Yes, my hips are too big, yes, I don't move as fast as I used to, yes, my girlish figure now resembles the number 8, but, that's ok, I'm happy, just happy. Peace!