Anne's Blog

Perspective

2010-05-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon is a good time to rest, read, catch up on correspondence and do whatever didn't get done during the week. But today I've been thinking... (uh oh..you say... what now?)

Yep, thinking about how so many things are so very different from one generation to the next. Shortly after Alan and I married, he left for the Army and I didn't get to join him for several months. During that time, I do not remember a single telephone conversation between the two of us. (When we were dating, he lived in Memphis - some 20 miles away, and we talked on the phone Frequently.... like daily, even when we were going out that evening.) Our communication was by mail only. My letters to him were much more frequent then his were to me since he was BUSY all the time with Army training.

When he was stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas, I had a two-room apartment in the next town. No phone in the apartment, but one at the end of the downstairs hall. I remember calling home on my 21st birthday to talk to Mother, John and Mama. Charlotte was at work. Long Distance calls in those days were reserved for Very Important news, and were very expensive. So we wrote letters. Many letters.

When our children grew up and started marrying and leaving home, the communication was essentially the same... expensive long distance phone calls - made only rarely - and many many letters back and forth. Fortunately for us only two of our five "left home"... the others settling in the same area when they married and established their own homes.

THEIR children - in today's world - think nothing of calling home daily, or more often, on their Cellular phones, since it doesn't cost hardly anything. Some times are even 'free' in most of the cell phone programs. I doubt that any of the 'away' children have written more than a five or six letters while off at college or working, or even living in another area. Computers with all the bells and whistles of email, Skype and Facebook type communication have made communication an art of its own. Imagine seeing and talking to someone a thousand miles away, thanks to the computer technology..... which had not even been perfected in those "old days" I refer to.

How VERY different it all is these days from what it was 50-60 years ago!!!

Good news Bad news -- ugh

2010-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is a copy of the "report" I sent to family members and friends yesterday when the power finally came back on after an hour or more. The thunderstorm we had was really bad, and the gauge showed over 1.5 inches of rain in about 30 minutes !

Monday - 5-24
We left home at 8:50 for a 9:50 appointment. But the WalnutGrove at G'town Parkway office was only 30 min. away. So we waited. And Waited.....
At 11:15 we were called in to see Dr Woodbury. He talked and typed at the same time, a mile a minute... (hard to follow,) then examined my scalp and face.... and gave me a print copy of what he had said/typed.

He called in some RXs to Wal-Mart for Special Shampoo and Soap .. and some OTC face stuff.... Topical, not systemic, thank goodness He said I should come back in August IF NEEDED.

He called my 'ailment' TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM.... hair loss, a natural pattern of extra shedding of the hair. There are several triggers for this kind of hair condition...including a great amount of emotional stress (childbirth is one of those, but I don't think it applies to ME !!!) and Major Surgery, thyroid disease (not applicable), and maybe inadequate protein in diet... I will eat more eggs and cheese, etc.

I had finished half of my "report" when our power went out. One hour later I'm back.
SO when the thunderstorm is completely out of our area and the puddles have soaked in more, I'll check at Wal-Mart and see what's there.

Following the appointment Alan and I both needed the restroom...badly. I went first, locking the door behind me as is my habit. Finishing what I went in for, I stepped on the scale in the corner to see what I weighed there..stepped off. and FELL backwards onto the floor, smack dab on my Tail Bone. It took a while to get me upright again. I had to scoot across the floor to unlock the door so help could come in.

One of the nurses had to go get a chair for me to climb up onto... and from there, I could stand. My tailbone is sore, aching and I must have pulled a muscle in the back of my left thigh, because it hurts to move or walk. (And I just said yesterday that at least I haven't fallen in a while !!! )

I still have not heard from Dr Mak's lab work on my blood, and Ruthanne said the Clinic is closed today - which she learned when she tried to call for an appointment. I sure hope Makapugay is not scaling down toward retirement or something.... I would hate to have to change Primary Care MDs at this point.

Tomorrow is our Landmark Woman's Club potluck luncheon at Yvonne's house... Charlotte got some potato salad to take so I won't have to cook the pasta salad after all. That suits me fine.

So now I'm going to go back to my book, and RELAX.

New week

2010-05-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

So much has happened since I last posted, that I can't even remember where to start.
In addition to all the doctor appointments, I've read three of the delightful books in the Smart Chick series by Mindy Starnes Clark. They're fun reads. I have three more of her books in my 'to read' stack, and it's a big temptation to sit down and read instead of doing anything else. I got another Jill Churchill book at the Library; she's another author I enjoy a lot.

The good news is that from my cardiologist and lung doctor I got good checkups both places... the cardiologist said 'come back in 3 months' and the lung doctor said 'six months'. So I'm doing well in those areas. BUT the hair loss continues, and continues to bug me badly. I don't know what's happening or why.

I saw my Primary Care M.D. last week and he took extra time with me talking about the numbness in my feet and ankles, explaining the difference between peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease. He thinks the former is my problem, since the pulse is good in both ankles.

However, none of my medical advisors have offered any solutions to that problem, nor have they had a solution for the hair loss. So----- I now have an appointment with a Dermatologist on Monday. This doctor was located in C'ville, which was fine with me... I like to keep things Local. BUT his office is now about 10 miles away in Germantown. Ugh. But I'll go anyway, just to get an opinion about what, if anything, can be done to stop this aggravating condition before it's too late. I sure would like to know why - seemingly all of a sudden in the past 2 months - my hair is thinning so badly. My surgery was in December '09... is this an 'after effect' this much later?

Shifting gears: Our weather has been really nice and springlike, until earlier this week. A cold front came through and kept us and my dear friend from having our "sitting on the porch" visit. We had to move indoors on Tuesday to get out of the chilling wind and 60-something temps. Brrrr. After so many beautiful days, the drop in temp was hard to take. We had a good visit, though, even if it did have to be inside the house.

Granddaughter Anna came by yesterday with the latest ultrasound pictures that shows a Girl ! Granddaughter Maureen, in Florida, had the identifying ultrasound earlier and they also expect a Girl ! Looks like our "girls first" family tradition is continuing.

But hey.. wait a minute... those new additions will add the title "GREAT" to me and Alan. Not sure I'm ready to have that ancient-sounding designation. Being a GRANDmother is wonderful, and I've enjoyed and loved every one of our Eleven grandchildren... but being a GREAT-Grandmother takes some 'getting used to'. Alan hasn't said much about being a GREAT-grandfather... but maybe it just hasn't sunk in yet. After all, we ARE old enough - even if we don't feel the years or want to admit the numbers!

Interesting encounter

2010-05-11T13:12:00.001-07:00

Wandering around Wal-Mart this morning, searching for but not finding my favorite kind of slacks and shirts, I stopped at the end of an aisle. A tall young woman with a cart full of grocery items stopped in front of me, saying she liked my top.

My 'top' is a plain white shirt with red and blue stars embroidered on the collar. I think that was merely a conversation opener. She went on to say that she would like to pray for me, and did I have any special concerns? I do, so I told her I was concerned that my hair is thinning at an abnormal rate and I think it's due to the medicines I'm taking. She asked my name, and the said, "May I pray for you right now?" I agreed, and she did - offered a beautiful prayer on my behalf, quoting the Bible that says God knows the number of hairs on your head, asking for wisdom for the doctor I'll see on Thursday, and more.

When she was finished, I asked her name - she said "Amy" and went on to complete her shopping. I had been trying on slacks before that time, and was getting too tired, so I checked out and came on home with my one shirt purchase.

This was a most strangely interesting morning for me. It's never happened before, and though I don't understand why it happened today, I do appreciate the woman's concern and her prayers.

What a Week !

2010-05-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

Looking back at my calendar, I realize what a ‘busy’ one it was, even though it did not seem so at the time. Starting with Sunday School, and then the UMW General meeting on Tuesday. After the meeting Charlotte, Ruthanne and I went to Wendy’s for lunch. When I got home, instead of resting, Alan and I went to the Opening of the Farmer’s Market and bought a box of strawberries. They were home grown and delicious.

The Friends meeting on Wednesday was a busy one with a lot of discussion about the grants that we would make for various items on the Library Director’s wish list. 31 members were there to take part in the meeting.

I enjoyed sitting on the front porch two mornings for a delightful ‘rest and read’ time. I enjoyed the warm breezes and listened to the Carolina Wrens singing in the trees by the porch. Those precious little brown birds have a Very loud song, and are easy to locate when they’re perched nearby.

For Mother's Day John and Debby sent me a huge bouquet of flowers, delivered by UPS. The florist included instructions for care and packets of plant food. The tall square vase that came with the flowers was perfect for the arrangement. Several different colored lilies, Dutch iris, tulips, daisies, and greenery made a beautiful centerpiece for our table. In the mail was a lovely Mother's Day Card with an enclosed gift card for shopping - from Ginny, Bill, Shaun and Michael.

Charlotte, Ruthanne and I went to Bartlett on Saturday for the meeting of our Colonial Dames of the 17th Century chapter. Ten members were present and it was nice to see the friends. This group meets 4 times a year, so it had been a while since we were together last. Saturday was Jay’s 28th birthday, too. They celebrated by going to a movie later in the day.

Mother's Day started with Sunday school. Each class member told something about his or her mother. That was interesting. During the afternoon, each of our 'local' children came by to visit and brought gift cards for local restaurants (or a promise to go to the new Captain D's when it opens next week.)

The Floods

2010-05-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

I'm sure everyone has been following the disastrous rainfalls and floods that took such a toll in human life and property the past two weekends. No one has ever seen anything like the amounts of water recorded in various counties, or the number of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. TV pictures and commentary are hard to comprehend. We had 6 1/4 inches of rain in our gauge for Friday night and Saturday. Some areas of the county, and state recorded much, much more.

The Fair on the Square was Rained Out for the Saturday part of the festivities. That is a 'first' in the 35 year history of this activity. More of same (rain storms) was predicted for Sunday, May 2nd, but the sun came out and shone brilliantly all day long. Many of the vendors had given up and gone home on Saturday, and no one could blame them. Those who stayed had what looked like a moderate crowd of browsers.

We drove around to see what was flooded around town... Collierville actually sits on fairly high ground, but north of town in the Wolf River bottoms, water was out of the river banks and into Peterson Lake and Johnson Park's nature walkways. It was amazing to see.

It's been really nice - dry and sunny - since Sunday. The temperature got up to 89 today... which is a little bit warmer than it should be this early in May. And all that rain, two weekends in a row, is making our grass (and everything else) grow like crazy. Just when we had the yard nicely mowed - thanks to Paul and his air compressor - we can almost see the grass getting taller.

The UMW meeting today was interesting, with a speaker from the inner city church and community. Afterwards, sister and daughter and I had lunch together and then went out to vote in the primary election. I was not surprised when my sister and I were there, that only one other voter came in. The poll workers were not busy at all. Voter Apathy is awful and has been a problem for several elections over the past several years. Wonder when people will wake up and realize that their voice Does make a difference if it's Used ! The polls have closed now, so the results will be available on TV shortly if not already.

Friends of the Library meets tomorrow, and we'll be discussing what grants to offer for the Library collections and programs. There's a never-ending need for more books in each category and genre. The Book Store and Book Sale revenues go a long way toward fulfilling those needs.

Books = pleasure

2010-04-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

I mentioned some of my choices at the Library last week. "Under the Cajun Moon" by Mindy Starns Clark turned out to be an intriguing story, full of different characters and locales but primarily set in the Cajun country area of Louisiana. Many twists and turns keep the pages turning, and sometimes confuse the reader. But it's a delightful novel by an author who's new to me.

Our Library has several copies of Clark's list of published novels, so I'll be looking in the C section of hard copies as well as paperbacks on my next trip to the Library. Clark has several 'series' books, so I'll be on the lookout for those, as well.

Linda Lael Miller's stories, all set in the West of our young country - late 1800s and early 1900s - are always fun for me. She relates the adventures and misadventures of various members of the same family in the books I brought home from the Book Store. It's interesting to see her character development and follow along as she gets the hero into and out of 'trouble'.

As the saying goes: "So many books, So little time." (So now I'm going back to the current novel to see how Gideon solves his several problems.)

EOM for April - almost

2010-04-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

We're winding down fast now, and May will be here before we turn around good. As usual, Rain is predicted for the weekend, and I'm sure the Fair on the Square participants are holding their collective breaths about the event. I'm remembering that the Fair was almost rained out last year, but they struggled through the weekend anyway. It's always a disappointment when the crowds who come to browse and buy can't come because of the bad weather.

Last weekend's weather cancelled our plans to go to Holly Springs for the Genealogical Society meeting. The sky at 8 a.m. was as dark as it had been in the middle of the night...but loaded with rain, hail, thunder and lightning. Not a pleasant Saturday morning for a long drive in the country. Other members were able to get there for the meeting, including the speaker, who said he hated to back out after making a committment. I understand he had a very interesting program, and I'm sorry we missed it.

We didn't do much of anything Saturday but go from one window or door to another to watch the clouds or torrential rain. Our front yard was a literal lake for most of the day. 3 3/4 inches of rain will do that.... flood the area.

Sunday was nice - sunny and windy, and a little cooler. Elizabeth came to spend a couple of hours with us while her parents went to a movie. It had been a long long time since we had that kind of one-on-one visit, and we both enjoyed it a lot. We sat on the front porch for a while, until the rain came back. Our neighbor was out walking his dog, and he came over to visit for a little while. Now that it's getting to be nicer weather, I hope we'll see more of them. Winter keeps people holed up in their own homes much of the time when they're not off at work.

The women's club meeting in Germantown today was nice, and the lunch served by the hostesses was delicious. I drove today - first time to go that far, and I was quite tired when I got back home.

There's nothing else on my calendar for the last week of April, but May picks up with lots of things to do.

Thoughts

2010-04-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

I won't be sharing any world-shaking "Thoughts" in this post, but I needed a title for it, and that's what popped into my head.

This is the time of year that goes by entirely too fast, and we wish we could capture the perfect weather somehow to save for later when it's too hot or too cold to suit our fancy. Wasn't it Chaucer who extolled the virtues of April? "Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote the droghte of March hath pierced to the roote." Canterbury Tales, (ca 1387) Old English is not one bit easier to read or understand now than it was when I was in high school. Do high school English students even read Chaucer any more?

A dear friend came over the other day, bringing lemonade and cranberry-orange muffins for us to enjoy as we sat on the front porch. Normally there would have been several trains to watch during the two hour visit... But that particular day the N-S railroad crews were replacing the crossings and train traffic was severely limited. We did not see a single train!

The day before that, with the crews working on the three railroad crossings to the west of us, the vehicular traffic on both sides of our street (North and South) was phenomenal. When you think "bumper to bumper"-- that's exactly the way it was that Thursday... cars and trucks seeking a way to get across the tracks going both ways. Fortunately we did not see or hear any Emergency Vehicles attempting to get to the other side of town during this day-long interruption of service.

My 'free' exercise privileges are almost used up at the local hospital wellness center. I've enjoyed being able to go whenever I could work it in to do some exercising on the arm-cycle and the NuStep machine. The center offers the same privilege for a small monthly fee, but for now I think I'll not sign up for that.

Yesterday I decided it was time to do some errands on my own, so I took off -- making stops at the Dollar Tree, the Library and Subway. I had parcels to bring in from each stop, so Alan helped me get in with my purchases, books and our Foot-Long Subway Sandwich (for lunch).
I never can finish my half of a foot-long, so I saved the rest of it for supper.

I was glad to find four books at the Library (3 from the Book Store, one to check out) that look interesting. It's been a while since I've read any of the Linda Lael Miller novels, so I'll be renewing old friendships, I'm sure. The 14-day Library book is set in New Orleans and Cajun Country so that one caught my eye immediately.

All that driving, starting and stopping, getting out and going in really was tiring, so I was glad to settle down with a good new book after lunch.

The club meets this afternoon. That is always a pleasant couple of hours spent with friends. Tomorrow I have to have my blood checked for the blood-thinner level, and since I'll be at the hospital anyway, I plan to stay and exercise for a while afterwards. Tomorrow afternoon the Board of Directors for the Cemetery will have our Annual Meeting. I hope we'll have a good turnout for that one. It's been a while since we met last time.

Then it's time again on Saturday to go to Holly Springs MS for the Genealogical Society meeting (and lunch at the cafe on the Square). Saturday's weather forecast is not good - thunderstorms and 'slight' chance for severe weather. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Saturday.

Musings

2010-04-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

The perfect spring days are passing too quickly now, and soon we will be wishing for these mild temperatures and gentle breezes again. The front porch beckons in the early afternoon, where we can relax and watch the workmen bringing the railroad up to tip-top condition. We're thankful for these dedicated people who maintain the Norfolk-Southern rail line so perfectly. Sometimes we're irritated when crossings are blocked for periods of time while the men and machines repair and replace rails, ties and asphalt. But when it's all done, it was worth the wait.

The Spring book sale was another successful venture for the Friends of the Library. Many sales of paperbacks, hard cover novels, magazines, VCRs and books on tape kept the cashiers busy on Thursday evening for the members pre-sale as well as Friday and Saturday. It was fun to help with the presale. In the cashier position, I was able to see just about everyone who came to the sale that evening. I visited again on Saturday and was amazed at how many empty spaces there were, where books had been stacked on Thursday. I found a couple of books to buy and enjoy. The donations made by community members made a successful sale possible.

We received the sad news on Friday that the husband of one of our Sunday School class members had died suddenly. He had been ill but no doctor was able to determine the cause.
And this morning, on Facebook, I learned of the death of one of our good friends... a member of the "Class of 1948"... I was completely shocked at this news since I did not know Richard had any health problems now. He was at Mayo Clinic, so arrangements are incomplete.

Our Sunday School Class is made up of about 50 friends who have been in this same class for many years. It's sad to look around and see how many have passed on just in the last two or three years. Others of us have had various health issues - surgeries, hip or knee replacements, back surgeries, and so forth. Our average age is probably in the high 70s or low 80s. One member, who still plays golf weekly, is 95 ! He is an exceptional man!

SPRING at last...

2010-04-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

Easter was beautiful and wonderful. We attended the early service at church, followed by our Sunday School class where we had coffee and all kinds of goodies - our tradition for the first Sunday of each month.

The evening meal at Paul and Pam's was delicious - the ham was outstanding, and we were pleased to see most of the family there. Those away at college or working didn't make it, but others did and there was lots of love and laughter during the evening.

I actually walked down the hill to my friend's house on Tuesday afternoon and had a nice hour's visit with her. I had called first to be sure she was free, and would be able to drive me back home. I knew I would be too tired to make the return trip, uphill all the way.

The Friends of the Library meeting on Wednesday was brief this time, since so many of the Friends were involved in setting up for the Spring Used Book Sale. We had 27 members present just the same.

Thursday I finally got back to the Wellness Center to do some exercising on the equipment. It felt good to have a morning session. John and Debby came out during the middle of the day, and John cut down some stumps for us... the remains of bushes that Alan had removed with lobbers and bow saw earlier in the week. Those big bushes had been growing in that spot for about 40 years, with no rhyme nor reason. They were just there - more than 8 feet tall now and serving no purpose. John did a good job but it was hot in the middle of the day and he was quickly overheated.

Thursday evening I went to the Library to serve as cashier for the members only pre-sale at the book sale. I enjoyed every minute of the 3 hours I worked, getting to see folks I had not seen since last Fall and meeting new people too. The other cashier and I were busy most of the time with a steady stream of customers.

Paul came by today to finish cutting those stumps in the back yard. He drained the walking mower and dried the gas tank, which had water mixed in the old gas. When he got it all done and filled with new clean gas, he got it started. He proceeded to cut the scraggly part of the front yard that was beginning to look pretty messy. He also reinflated the flat tire on the riding mower, and Alan found that it will start and run after all. So all our moaning and groaning about having two mowers that didn't work was in vain. All it takes in someone who knows how to do what's necessary and just do it.

We are very blessed with children who do so much for us... each one, in his or her own way, is always doing good things for us.

Easter

2010-04-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

This has been a beautiful week with glorious weather. The redbuds are showing a lot of pink and the dogwoods are beginning to flower. All the flowering trees and bushes are in top form, and probably will last until the next rain - which is predicted for Saturday. We have had the doors open for several hours each day, and enjoyed sitting on the porch this afternoon. Listening to the birds and the wind chimes makes a pleasant outing.

Exercise this week has been a combination of going to the Wellness Center and doing some walking at home. Both ways are good, but I'm glad I'm able to schedule those 'free' sessions. I went to the center on Monday and again today. Yesterday's attempt was frustrating since the parking lot was completely full of cars. I never saw so many in the early afternoon! I gave up driving around hoping someone would leave, and went to the Library instead. It was a different kind of exercise - primarily walking - but I enjoyed visiting with the friend at the circulation desk as well as the two friends in the Book Store.

Today I went to the Center early ...about 9 a.m., and found a good spot for the car that wasn't too far away. They'll be closed tomorrow for Good Friday.

I guess exercising IS helping, since I have not been as tired this afternoon as I thought I would be. I was awake last night for about an hour and a half in the night, just laying there trying to get back to sleep, but with my head so full of 'things to worry about' that sleep didn't come.... until much later. It's futile to lay awake in the middle of the night worrying about things over which I have no control and can't do a thing about anyway, but I often do just that. There's almost always one more 'problem' to think (worry) about... and often more than one.

I think I have finally figured out the crochet stitch that I want to use on the little blanket project I'm doing. I had worked for several weeks on one piece, but I was not satisfied with the way it was coming together. SO I cut the yarn and started over with this 'new' stitch that I think is going to be what I was looking for in the first place. The other piece has been unravelled and is now ready to use again.

The family gathering for Easter supper will be at Paul and Pam's house, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone together. They hosted the family's Christmas dinner, since I was just out of the hospital, and volunteered again for Easter. I would love to have everyone come here, but I'm still not quite ready to take on an endeavor of that size.

Where did March go?

2010-03-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

I did not realize it has been over two weeks since I posted anything on this blog site. Oh my goodness. I haven't been all that busy, but I do remember thinking that there was nothing of any interest to write about. So I didn't write.

Now it's almost April. I have completed my six weeks sessions of Physical Therapy... had the last session last Friday. Since that program allows independent followup visits, I decided that it would be smart to continue exercising 'on my own' during this 'free month'. So that's what I did today. I actually made myself get up and go to the Collierville Baptist Hospital Wellness Center and do some Nu-step and Arm-cycle exercises. I got to see two of the four therapists who have helped me through the past couple of months, and they were glad to see me 'follow up'. It would be much easier to sit down and do nothing, but I hope I won't get into that rut.

With Easter coming at the end of this week, our weather is beginning to cooperate nicely. Everywhere I look there are tinges of green showing on the tree branches, bushes and shrubs. The flowering trees have been magnificiently beautiful for about a week already. Bradford Pear trees are always so pretty. It's a shame that they're not a sturdier tree, since so many suffer devastating damage in wind and rainstorms. But we can enjoy them while they bloom and hope for no storms for a while.

Our buttercups (aka jonquils and daffodils) are blooming nicely now. I've had a fresh bouquet of the 'taste of spring' on our dining room table for about a week now. Alan would collect some new ones when he walked outside, and twice now I've been able to get out into the back yard (using my cane, still) to pick several handfuls.

The little wild flowers that always come before the grass starts growing are dotting the front yard as they have for 40+ years. When the children and grandchildren were small, we'd put off mowing the yard until after Easter, so there would be plenty of places to hide the Easter Eggs. I miss the dyeing sessions with the children several days before Easter. We'd have a row of teacups with different colors waiting for the eggs, and the kids would create all kinds of designs as they used crayons or stick-ons that came in the dye package. Oh, those are such nice Memories.

Changing the subject completely, the cell phone that Ginny sent me arrived today. It's an 'extra' one on their Plan, and since we had non-renewed our cellular service back in December, this is a welcome gift. Now to learn how to use it ! :-)

Calling out is not a problem. Answering an incoming call isn't either. It's the retrieval of messages left if I don't have the phone turned on.... that will be something to figure out. The instruction booklets that came with the phone are easy to read and interpret, it's just a matter of using the phone and getting accustomed to having it available again. (I used it to call Alan to supper this evening, which saved me from having to walk from the kitchen to the front of the house to alert him.! Ha! It worked!) When Ginny told me she would be sending the phone, she said, "It's a phone. That's all. It doesn't do anything but act like a telephone." That is Exactly what we prefer. It's impressive to see what Other People can do with their iPhones, iPods, and with all those icons that show up on their screens... but I have no desire to get that involved with anything that detailed and complicated !

Recognition

2010-03-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

It's nice to be known around town - logically because I've been here 'forever' and have taken an active part in community affairs - clubs, organizations, library, PTA, and so on.

My website has the background music "Where everybody knows your name". A Methodist pastor used that phrase in one of his radio 'moments' a while back, describing what a church should strive to be. It's a good feeling to know that people do know who you are - wherever you go. It's nice that our community is kinda like that, too.

I was totally surprised a few weeks ago when I went to the pharmacy at Wal-Mart to get a prescription refilled. The assistant called me by name Before she saw the prescription form! I didn't know her - but she knew who I was. Now every time I go to the pharmacy this young lady will call out a greeting to me by name ! I know I've had many occasions to visit the pharmacy over the years, picking up meds for my sister and now for myself, but I really didn't know I was that recognizable!

A similar incident startled me when I checked in to Admission at Collierville Baptist Hospital for my Ultrasound test this past week. The admitting assistant gave me the routine papers to initial and sign, saying "you know this routine and probably don't need these papers anyway." That told me that she has 'met' me before at the same admission desk.

I am thankful that we have this fine hospital in our town so that we don't have to travel far for excellent care, but I do wish they didn't know me quite so well.

When I was hospitalized in February 2009 for Afib, one of the Pink Ladies came to the door asking, "Are you the famous Anne Babin?" Gulp...well, uh, yes I guess I am. I didn't know her, but we had a mutual friend. She came in and made a nice cheerful little visit.

Routines

2010-03-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

With the exception of a couple of days when meetings added to the schedule, the month of March has become pretty routine. I've gone to Physical Therapy three times a week with increasingly intense exercises, lots of walking and practicing going up and down the stairs at the hospital.

I saw my primary care physician last week about my 'numb feet' and he gave me a prescription that was supposed to relieve some of the pressure of the numbness. Instead it gave me a sleepless night with not good pulse rate and a terrific headache the whole following day. So much for that.

I had the scheduled Arterial Doppler Ultrasound on both legs and feet on Monday this week.
Because my primary care doctor is the one who ordered the test, results won't be available to him (or to me) until he is back in the office next week. He is out of the office all this week, probably for Spring Break.

The Ultrasound took about one hour. I had no idea what to expect, and it was quite interesting to listen to the sounds of blood coursing through the arteries in my legs. I asked the technician who did the test if she could offer an opinion, but of course they are not allowed to say anything. The radiologist has to read the test findings and then report to the doctor. Protocol. So we wait. In the meantime, the numbness is still very prevalent, but the swelling has diminished somewhat - except at night.

Because I was in PT from 11 to 12 on Monday, and the Ultrasound was for 1 p.m., Alan and I had lunch at the cafeteria there in the hospital. Even with his cane and my walker, we managed (with help from a nurse in the line) to get food selected and taken to a table. We enjoyed one of the best hamburgers we've had in a long time. They were huge, but we managed to consume all of them. Then it was time to register for the Ultrasound, so the timing worked out really well.

I actually drove myself on an errand on Tuesday - in the rain; and then drove to PT today - both ways. It's kinda strange to be at the wheel again after not driving for so long. Today, March 10th, marks 3 months since my lung surgery. Seems like it should be a much longer time, since my strength has been so slow in returning.... or at least it seems very slow to me.

The buttercups (aka jonquils, daffodils) are blooming in the front yard now, and I'm wishing I could go pick a bouquet. I'm a little bit wary of bending over to pick the blossoms, using the walker or the cane... just not sure about stability. I still have 'wobbly' times when walking. Maybe Alan will bring some more flowers in for me later. He picked a few yesterday to give me a 'taste of spring', he said. It's Time for Spring.... everyone is so tired of cold.

EOM thoughts

2010-02-28T14:11:00.000-08:00

Thoughts for the end of the month (EOM): in the first place, February is a short month, but outside of that fact, the days seemed to drag sometimes and fly by other times. I guess it's not unusual when the calendar has so few listings of "things to do" ... besides Physical Therapy, that is.

Physical Therapy - a.k.a. as Pain and Torture - has been a challenge. The first two sessions nearly did me in. I was seriously overworked in that second session, and it took several days for me to get over the exhaustion caused by doing too many repetitions of each exercise. I kept doing what the nice instructor said, because I didn't want to give up so early in the game. But I found out pretty fast that I can only do so much in a session and then I have to stop.

Going three times a week to the PT sessions has been better since the instructor has lightened up on the intensity and I don't get so desparately tired each time.

There have been three really nice meetings during the month, that I have attended and enjoyed immensely. Ruthanne drove us to the Colonial Dames meeting in Bartlett; Alan chauffeured for the Contemporary Club tea over in Fayette County, and Ruthanne was the driver for the trip to Holly Springs for the Genealogical Society meeting there. Each group is different and very special with a lot to offer. It was good to get out and see those various friends and participate in the activities.

Now it's time to turn the calendar page to March and start a new month. I hope the temperatures will begin to warm up; everyone is so tired of cold weather. Thank goodness our area did not get any more snow (yet) this winter. The heaviest snow I can remember occured in the middle of March in 1968. We had 17 inches. Maybe our 6-inch snowfall earlier this month was all we're due to have this year. I hope.

February - half gone

2010-02-16T08:38:00.001-08:00

Where did this month go to so fast? It was just the other day that we turned the calendar page to a new month!

We've had so much 'weather' it's hard to remember exactly when things happened. The first snow dumped 6 inches in our yard and helped pull down a lot more little twigs and branches that the ice in January must have loosened. This was a perfect snow-man kind of snow, and lots of yards sported snow families within hours. I didn't even try to go out to build one for us, though. I did that one year not too long ago. Built a snowman all by myself, in the front yard. He was not very big, and all covered with old grass clippings and leaves, but he was "my" snowman!

All these bitterly cold days have caused a lot of cabin fever around here. It's too cold to get out and go, and staying home gets tedious after a while. The Vancouver Olympics have offered a variety of programs to watch on TV, and the ice skating is always my favorite. We've commented several times that WE got the snow and cold weather that Vancouver really needed. It was warmer there than here!

Physical Therapy started last week with one session - mostly evaluation to find my strengths and weaknesses. I'll be going to Collierville Baptist Hospital three times a week for four weeks, starting this afternoon. I hope it will help me regain some strength, stamina and energy. My weight keeps dropping... and I am not trying to lose pounds! If it continues to slide, I guess a doctor visit will be in order.

The forecast for tomorrow is a little bit warmer than today. I sure hope so, since we have a very nice meeting to attend in the afternoon, and a nice day would make it even more special.

Catching up again....

2010-02-06T07:26:00.000-08:00

I just realized I have not posted anything for several days, so here I am again - trying to catch up.
I sent the following message to the family after I got home from the appointment with my heart doctor:

We left here at 12 noon and got to the office building without any delays. (the snow/ice had melted off the main roadways by that time)

With only a ONE hour wait today, my checkup went well. Blood Pressure 120/70, weight 134 (fully clothed), and EKG was "okay".

Dr. Allen will let me change my heart RX from the one that makes my feet/ankles swell so badly, back to the med that was better... I have some of that one on hand, and will get the new RX filled when we go to Wal-Mart next.

He said I should have my blood checked at the C'ville office - in three weeks. That's for the coumadin level... and maybe in 6 months I could get off that one entirely.

He wants to see me again in 3 months, so that will be at the C'ville office too - he's out here on Thursdays, and since I don't do the Book Store on Thursdays now, I can keep appointments at this office instead of at the Baptist East complex.

WE got home by 3 p.m., and encountered no ice or bad road conditions going or coming back. The 40+ temp today has helped tremendously. BUT there is still a lot of ice piled up along the way, and unmelted areas "waiting for more"? I hope not.
------
So, that's the 'report' from Feb. 1. It's been a busy week with the FRIENDS meeting on Wednesday and grocery shopping on Thursday. I was delighted to get back to the Friends meeting, and received a royal welcome there. Like the kindergarten student who said he liked to miss school because they clapped for him when he came back. :-) They clapped for me, too.

Grocery shopping was, as usual, a big job. The checker commented that we must have been "out of everything", which is pretty close to right. So our cart was full when we finished checking out. The rain was beginning to fall a little harder when we got back to the car, so I did not even try to help load the bags into the trunk. Poor Alan - had to do it all.

Now it's Saturday and I'm waiting for Ruthanne to come pick me up to go to the Colonial Dames meeting and lunch. Charlotte will be going too. This group meets quarterly, so it's been a while since we've seen these friends. We did not go to the November meeting since I was still reeling from the shock of the X-ray and CT scan results on Nov 2nd. That seems like a long time ago.

I commented yesterday to a phone friend that I was so impatient to regain my strength, when we both realized it has not yet been two whole months since the major surgery. I need to practice patience..... not easy.

Another new day

2010-01-27T19:28:00.000-08:00

Going to the lung doctor today was an all-day affair - almost. We left at 9:15 and didn't get home til after 1:20 p.m. Only a few minutes of that time was spent at Wendy's getting lunch 'to go'.

I asked the nice nurse why it seemed like ALL doctors make appointments for a certain time, but it is one hour or more after that time before the patient is even called into the exam room. Then there's another lengthy wait to see the doctor himself (or herself). Of course each doctor has his own priorities, and I like having one sit down and spend time talking with me about my particular concerns, but really - does it take THAT long to see each patient and then to record what happened during that visit?

I have another appointment next week, this one is with my heart doctor. I know from experience that I won't see him within the hour of the appointment time. We'll most likely have a two-hour wait in the waiting room, plus another period of time in the exam room after his nurse gets her info.

There's not much I can do about it, except not keep appointments -- and that won't work at this stage of my recuperation. Just have to be sure to have reading material with me, and maybe a bit of chocolate to tide me over. Hubby manages the waiting time better than I do, for which I am thankful. I would hate to have to do these appointments by myself.

My checkup today was good - in spite of all the waiting - and my next appointment will be in April. The lung doctor wants to keep a close check on me to stay on top of things. I'm glad.

Speaking of reading material, I'm reading Stuart Woods' new "Kisser", another Stone Barrington novel. I have enjoyed everything Woods has written and this one is no exception. I also have the latest Robert B. Parker novel waiting for me after I finish "Kisser".

It's good to get back to reading! For several weeks I have not had any interest in any of the books I brought home from the Book Store to have while I recovered. I don't know if it was because my eyes were as weak as the rest of my body, but for some reason I just couldn't get into books for that time. It was easier to turn on the TV - and watch the Food Channel. I enjoyed the reruns of some of the good old sitcoms, too, on WGN while I was doing daytime TV.

Revising the calendar

2010-01-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

Before my surgery (I'm calling it B.S.), my calendar would have something listed almost every day. Some place to go, or something to do, or at least something to look forward to.

Now, since I got home from my 2-week hospital stay, the calendar 'events' have been limited to visits from those wonderful home health care people - Shelly, Samantha and Julie (OT, RN and PT). I look forward to seeing them and was sorry when Shelly's 'tour of duty' was completed on my case. All three ladies are pleasant, fun to be with and always smiling...very important!

I am beginning to resume a few of my B.S. activities, however. Going to Sunday School has been a real spirit-lifter and vital to my overall health.

While I'm still missing some meetings, I did get to go to the Contemporary Club this past Wednesday. Alan chauffeured me and Charlotte to the Library, where the Club meets in the big meeting room. It was good to see all the ladies again, and they made me feel like Royalty with their ''welcome back" greetings.

Recoving my strength is a slow process, but everyone says I'm doing well, looking good, and coming along nicely. I guess I will have to agree, even if I don't. What I see in the mirror must differ greatly from what others see. So be it.

My name is ANNE

2010-01-15T08:48:00.001-08:00

My name is Anne. NOT Ann, not Annie, or any other variation of those letters.

I wonder why I am so often called Annie when a person (specially someone new) sees A N N E written, and pronounces it with the extra vowell ... there is no I in ANNE.

During my recent adventure in the world of medicine, every time someone came in to my hospital room to administer therapy, medicines, or anything else, I was asked my 'name and date of birth'..... which I obediently gave every time, "Anne Babin, 10-16-30".

I sure did not say ANNIE.... But the next fellow who came in with my chart looked at the written word, and then at me, and said ANNIE? I finally had to tell them NO! I AM NOT ANNIE.!

It's always been difficult enough to get people in general to allow me to keep the E at the end my my given name... ANNE. It's amazing how many people only know how to spell ANN without the E. The sound is the same, so I guess that's expediency... just drop the E and go with ANN.

When I was younger, I served as recording secretary for a state-wide women's organization. The leaders of this group were all good friends, and I enjoyed my term as secretary. BUT at the beginning I had to convince everyone that I am ANNE not Ann or Annie. I cut out 100 copies of the letter E from newsprint, magazines, etc., and pasted them onto one big sheet of paper.

I sent this to our president of the organization, explaining that she would never have to leave off the E from my name again, since I had provided enough for the 2-year term.

She got a good laugh out of my shenanigan, but I did notice that it worked. I never had to beg for an E again.

So the moral to this story is probably non-existent, except to say that a person's name should be respected, no matter what it is or how difficult it is to spell or pronounce.

New day, new year, new everything

2010-01-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and family.....
I am finally back on my blogspot after the long absence for the hospital jaunt and all that entailed.

It is SO good to be at home again, and though every person I encountered at Baptist East was a caring, gentle and efficient nurse, doctor, attendant, physical therapist or food service person ... they can't hold a candle to my ever-lovin' husband. I can't brag on him enough for his dedication to my welfare at home and also while 'incarcerated' in the hospital. He's learning his way around our kitchen very nicely, too, I might add.

Today was my first time back to Sunday School. I was excited about going, and even tho the Home Health nurse had to come attempt to draw blood first, we got there in plenty of time for the goodies, well-wishes, and the fine lesson our son Philip brought to the class. I would have made a speech (of sorts) to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, CaringBridge messages, etc., the words choked me so I just managed to say Thank You.

I felt sorry for John, the Home Health nurse who came to draw blood. My poor veins have been so poked, prodded, pinched, and otherwise 'used' that they simply do not cooperate willingly now. Nurse John finally ended up with a small sample and I hope that was sufficient for a reading by the lab (or whoever gets it next).

Again, thanks to everyone who has been praying and contacting us via CaringBridge. It is a wonderful feeling to be so loved.

Countdown

2009-12-09T04:05:00.001-08:00

Finally, after more than a month since the spot was discovered in my lung, surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. These days have been the 'times that try men's souls' and women's too. Waiting is not my favorite pastime, and we've had more than our share of waiting these last six weeks. The old Army adage was 'hurry up and wait', and that certainly has applied here.

I am so glad that my friend June reminded me of the CaringBridge.org website for family and friends to keep up with the medical progress of the writer. It's astounding how many 'hits' my site has had, and the number of messages is rewarding, humbling and oh so comforting. Hubby will be posting updates on the site while I'm away from my computer.

I'm sure to miss 'my computer', since my morning routine - for years now - has included checking emails, other blogs, Facebook entries, weather and my bank statement status. When I was hospitalized 22 years ago (gall bladder surgery the old-fashioned way) we had just barely begun to learn computering, so I did not feel so lost without the option of logging on several times a day.

So, today hubby will take me to Baptist East to do the pre-op registration paperwork. My doctor's wonderful nurse faxed me the 10-page questionnaire to complete at home, and take with me today. That should save some time! Tomorrow, at the 'decent' hour of 7:30, I'll go back to the hospital for admission.

This adventure into medical science has cost me the privilege of attending several Christmas parties, and I'll miss several more Events while I'm out-of-pocket. I'm sorry that I won't get to participate in these affairs. I will be back ASAP to blog, email and do all the other amazing things that computers offer.

Friends Again Book Store

2009-12-06T03:54:00.000-08:00

I can't think of a nicer way to spend some time on a Saturday afternoon than a visit to our Friends Again used book store at our Library. It's such fun to see friendly faces - the volunteers who give their time every day from Tuesday through Saturday. The books are always in such good order, easy to find what you're looking for and up-to-date with the selections.

All of this is a Volunteer project by the Friends of the Collierville Burch Library. All the books, magazines, DVDs and books on tape have been donated by community members. The prices are reasonable.. $2.50 for a gently read hardback book - some of which look like they're brand new!- and 50 cents for a regular paperback book. The childrens' book section is excellent, too. The youngest readers love to come in and choose something special to take home with them.

Seasonal books are displayed on a special rack in the store, and this month there's a huge collection of Christmas books of all genres.

It's fun to go "where everybody knows your name" and our visit yesterday was no exception. Old friends and new gather at the book store - some to browse and buy, some to visit and spend a few minutes chatting.

After Thanksgiving ---

2009-12-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

The days since the big dinner have been different, to say the least. Our Maryland crew was here the rest of the weekend, leaving Monday evening to fly back home. We were able to get a lot of visiting in, and they enjoyed a special visit with her younger brother and his family at their house, too. We were pleased that they went with us to our Sunday School class on Sunday, too.

Since then, we've almost become readjusted to the too-quiet house again.

Several visits with doctors, with waiting times between, have added to the rollercoaster effects of not knowing when my surgery will finally be scheduled. It's been more than awesome to see how many friends and family members have signed the guestbook on the Caringbridge.org website I set up. That's a very good way to keep people updated on my progress, or lack of it, with my medical situation.

Waiting is very tiring. Not knowing is worse. Each time we go to a doctor, there seems to be 'one more test' that must be run before a date can be set for the actual procedure. The surgeon's promise of "after Thanksgiving but before Christmas" is beginning to seem rather farfetched.

For someone who never needs to go to doctors except to get blood pressure medicine prescriptions renewed quarterly, or for an occasional sinus infection, this steady stream of appointments and tests is quite wearing. Except for a brief stint in February this year, I have not been a hospital patient since 1987. That's a long time!

I'm sure everything will eventually be resolved, and I know that 'doctor time' and 'hospital time' are NOT the same as 'laymen's time'... so I should quit fretting and just let things happen. Maybe I'll figure out how to do that someday.

The Day After....

2009-11-27T05:48:00.001-08:00

What a wonderful family we have ! I am continually amazed at our large group of children and grandchildren. Each one is SO special in his or her own way. Each one is loving and caring, and goes the extra mile to make our family gatherings a happy time. Sometimes, and yesterday was no exception, some of the grandchildren are unable to be here - but we understand that distances complicate plans. They're all with us in spirit, if not actual presence.

Thanksgiving Dinner was no exception ! Each group brought loads of delicious food to share, and took care of all the logistics of the meal. Lots of conversation, laughter, and sharing of stories during the dinnertime made it even more enjoyable. Then the kitchen was miraculously cleaned, sorted and put away by these same wonderful children. We are SO blessed !

As our clan increased in wisdom and stature, we gave up trying to have a formal seated dinner a long time ago, so we spill over into three or four rooms at our house, with the large dining room table serving as the center. Some of us gather there, while tables are set up in the den and guest room. We all gather for the Blessing of the meal, and then find a spot... whatever works. It's hard to keep up with all the conversations going simultaneously, but it's a JOY to try.

Anniversary # 59

2009-11-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

Yep, today - November 21, 2009 - is the 59th anniversary of our wedding, Alan's and mine, at the Collierville Methodist Church... so long ago that it was before the Methodist and United Brethren churches merged. ! Amazing how fast those years have seemed to fly by.

A friend asked for my 'secret'. I have no secret and no easy answer to a question about marriage longevity like that. As Alan said, even though there have been a few bumps in the road, we've had quite a ride !!!

Today was our DAR Chapter meeting, so I took my HODAR Alan along - one way to 'celebrate'...right? (Husband Of a DAR) I think he enjoyed our speaker as much as the ladies did. An active member of the Sons of the American Revolution and practicing attorney who loves history and genealogy, Mr. Morgan was an excellent speaker on 'Our Founding Fathers'. We had a good attendance for the meeting, and were delighted to welcome several visitors as well as the members.

In other news, the appointments I have mentioned in previous posts have resulted in yet another visit this coming Monday with yet another doctor... this time a cardiovascular surgeon, to find out when a lung resection will be scheduled. The kind of spot (yes, it is malignant) revealed by the needle biopsy is one that responds well to surgery, so I am thankful for all the modern technology that is available to determine what is there in my lung, and to do something about it.

That said, I have created a web page on 'caringbridges.org' that will attempt to keep all our family, extended family and a multitude of friends informed on a fairly regular basis about my progress in healing and bouncing back.

Thanksgiving week is not the optimum time for something as drastic as surgery, but we'll find out on Monday and go from there.

IF everyone comes, we expect all 28 of our family to be at our house for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. Our children bring almost everything for the meal, so I don't have to do ALL the cooking ! What a lovely blessing this is.!

Veterans Day and more

2009-11-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

The Veterans Day, November 11 at 11 a.m., ceremony at the Doughboy Statue in Overton Park was very nice. Sponsored by the Memphis-Shelby County Regents Council DAR and the Veterans groups, the pagentry was breathtaking. The weather cooperated perfectly and those who attended were impressed with the whole thing. Just wish more citizens would see fit to honor the thousands who sacrificed so much for our freedoms.

Thursday's appointment with the Ambulatory Surgery Center at Baptist Hospital East, in Memphis, was Early... by the time we left our house and returned that late afternoon - almost 10 hours had elapsed. The Needle Biopsy on my lung was not painful, but exhausting. Having to lay on my stomach for the whole procedure time, arms stretched above my head, inhaling and exhaling on command... oh my. I was stiff and tired when it was completed. Then to have a mandatory bed rest for Four more hours (unexpected) was just about the last straw. Results will not be known until the middle of next week. More waiting. Every person we encountered at the Hospital was more than helpful, friendly and knowledgeable...and greatly appreciated.

These past two days of "take it easy and do not drive" has been a burden, but I found out pretty quickly, after my shower today, why that 'order' was issued. Weakness -- from all the strain, tension and stress -- has been slow to overcome.

This 'procedure' has totally upset my normal Busy routine, too, and I'm not real happy about missing the Book Store shift as well as a lovely luncheon meeting today. I'll just have to deal with it, though, since I couldn't do everything.

Next week will be busy too, and I hope to be able to pace myself accordingly. Sure hate to miss being outdoors during all these gorgeous fall days. So many leaves that could be raked, or blown..and sunshine to enjoy. Maybe next week!

Beautiful week ?

2009-11-09T03:23:00.000-08:00

What a totally Strange way to spend the nicest 'weather week' we've had in a long time.!
Last week was busy, as always, with a variety of things to do and to accomplish, so I did not need to get waylaid by a trip to the ER to see why my heart kept pounding so hard on Monday. A crew of excellent nurses and doctor soon resolved the heart part of the problem, but found another one that would require further treatment.

Saw my lung doctor on Tuesday, as a 'work in', which meant I got to see her, but after a long wait. Another appointment this coming week was the determination for that visit.

In the meantime, the Friends meeting was busy and full, with the election of a new slate of officers. We wish them all well, and smoothe sailing during the transition and their two-year term of office. The organization and its big project - Friends Again Book Store - are in Good hands, just like they have been with previous leaders.

A second opinion for my sister's cataracts was much more comforting then the 'first opinion', so no immediate action is required. That's a relief. She and I had a lovely lunch at a local Italian restaurant, and enjoyed the ambiance as well as the delicious soups and salads. Oh my... I read somewhere that if you eat an Italian meal you're not hungry again for four or five days. That's almost Correct!

Starting a little on Thursday evening, after a demanding Alumni meeting, and flowering full on Friday evening, I was in the throes of chills and fever. My doctor called in an antibiotic for me, which was a blessing, and I spent the rest of the weekend feeling perfectly terrible.
Glad to report that 'things' are almost back to normal by Monday morning.

It has been so long since I 've been Sick, that I couldn't remember what kind of antibiotic I respond well to, with the doctor asked ! Amazing !

I need to keep on improving - fast - since this is going to be another 'busy' week. Are there any other kinds?

Sunny Sunday

2009-11-01T06:25:00.000-08:00

The newspaper today has a long article about the month of October - the Wettest on record with more than 10 inches of rainfall. The writer expounded on the loss of soybean crops, which molded in the fields, and the overall effects of the rainfall in September AND October.

Frankly I am Tired of talking about (and experiencing) the weather, except to say that it is a joy and a relief to read the current forecast: Sunshine for the next several days. ! Imagine that ! I just hope those people have their acts together now, and that they will be accurate in their prognostications.

Working at the Book Store on Thursday was such fun, with my good friend sitting in with me in Lou's absence. Lou continues to monitor and serve her husband's needs at the hospital, where she keeps a positive attitude that he WILL get better.

My friend, and the others who came and lingered, made the three-hour shift go fast -- much faster than when I am soloing in that position. Thanks, girls! You are the best.

Friday's plans were changed or cancelled right and left as more than two inches of rain kept coming and coming. It was just too miserable to venture outside our warm and cozy home. Much reading substituted for the planned but changed errands. Since Monday will be sunny, those things will be caught up and completed, if nothing else happens, that is.

Reading another Joanna Fluke novel yesterday, I came upon a delicious sounding recipe for Quiche. Think lightbulb over my head (if I were drawing a cartoon). Off to the kitchen I went!
All I needed for a yummy quiche for our supper was in the frig or pantry, so I put it all together and we had a "Tasty" supper! My variation on an idea turned out quite well. When asked for the recipe (online) I had to admit to being 'one of those cooks' who create and invent as I go along. The finished product recipe bore a vague resemblance to the recipe in the novel which gave me the idea in the first place. The leftover portion will be zapped for our lunch (or supper) today.

Catchin' up....

2009-10-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

Since I last posted, we've had more rain.... and More Rain. But today was a gloriously brilliant sunny day with crystal skies that reminded me of those vivid blues in Colorado skies ! Really Awesome.

Last week was so full and busy it's hard to even recall everything that was going on. One outstanding program was the club meeting speaker- the head person for Memphis Heritage, a preservation group of citizens who work hard at preserving the history and heritage of the city, it's historic buildings and neighborhoods. They have succeeded many times, but never let down the vigilance against encroaching commercialism. There's always one more 'battle' to mount. Why so many people simply do not realize the importance of history and heritage is a mystery. What's that quotation - those who do not learn from their history are bound to repeat it? Or words to that effect.

That meeting was an exciting one in itself, with two new young members introduced and the detailed plans for the upcoming Christmas Home Tour developed and explained to the membership. Every member will have a part in this venture, whether it's serving as a hostess at one of the four homes in the Historic District of our town, or providing refreshments, and items for the Gift Shoppe. Each member will be selling tickets, and I'm pleased with how fast those tickets are being requested ! I look forward to seeing the publicity that will run in the local newspaper soon.

Word about my college friend and her condition following that stroke has not been good. An update from her sister let me know the current and the prognosis. We can only hope that Lula will soon be able to communicate to some degree, in spite of the paralysis that is evident.

The husband of another friend is hospitalized, in the intensive care unit, with pneumonia. His overall health is not the best to begin with, and this infection hit hard. My friend is getting help from their sons, and excellent medical care.

A pleasant trip to Holly Springs was on the calendar for Saturday last week. That meeting was poorly attended, but we enjoyed seeing the members who were there, followed by lunch at our favorite restaurant on the Square. Holly Springs is planning a Christmas Home Tour too, but theirs is much more elaborate than ours. They include several programs during the two-day event and finish with a Dinner Theater on the last evening. Their group has been doing home tours for many years, so it's not surprising that they are so well organized.

In spite of a steady downpour on Tuesday, my sister and I managed to get to the clubhouse where we were hostesses with another friend for the women's club. The casserole that I made for our luncheon turned out very well, and everyone was complimentary. Along with salad and delicous rolls, plus homemade angel food cake and ice cream for dessert, we had a tasty meal.
We got soaked getting back home again - loading the car with the things I took in addition to the casserole. It was several hours before my raincoat and shoes were dry again.

A friend asked me to help with a computer problem, and I had a very rare free block of time this morning so I went to her house to see what I could do. Between us we managed to solve that particular problem successfully ! It's always gratifying when things work right. I stayed to visit another hour or so, and found that we have so many things in common that we could have talked all day long !

But that was not to be, since my sister's appointment for her eye exam was right after lunch. I took her in to the doctor's office where the examination showed that the cataracts had progressed to the point of needing to be removed. What a blow! She'll have to decide when and if to go ahead with that surgery... coordinating her calendar with mine.... not an easy task.

Now it's Book Store time again, tomorrow, and I look forward to another Rainy Thursday. The weather does not seem to deter patrons from visiting the Library and the Book Store, though, and that's Good ! Maybe a rainy day makes folks want to come get a good book or two, so they can curl up and read while ignoring the downpours!

Problems, Solutions and more....

2009-10-22T04:03:00.000-07:00

On a very positive note this morning, the sun came out and was oh so welcome for a couple of days. Amazing what a difference a day makes, huh? "The Fall" on Sunday resulted in an extremely painful twisted right knee - for the rest of the evening. BUT after remembering a prescription on hand for a powerful pain-killer, everything got better. Amazing what a good night's sleep will do for the soul and the body!

So it's back to the treadmill of daily activities, duties and responsibilities. Granted, I'm going a bit slower on said 'treadmill', and being extra cautious about where my feet go, so that the rest of me will stay upright -- but my calendar is still pretty full and I'm checking off my to-d0 list pretty well. (Too bad there are several items missing from that list, like balancing the previously mentioned checkbook, and making some overdue phone calls. But all in good time - she says.)

Word from our mutual friend yesterday that a college friend has suffered a debilitating stroke and is in ICU at a local hospital put a real damper on my spirits. We are the same age, but Lula has had many more health problems than I in the same number of years. I wish there was something someone could do to make it all go away for her. As our mutual friend said, 'there are things much worse than death'... and that kind of stroke is the main one. Lula's doctors give her family very little hope, and that's so hard to accept.

We have attended the visitations for three friends recently, to visit with those family members and express our sorrow in person. It's hard to lost friends, especially when their deaths were largely unexpected.

Yesterday our woman's club had a speaker from the local Heritage Preservation society in the city, and she showed slides of some memory-provoking scenes of that city. Chatting after the meeting, we found so many mutual friends and possible relatives that we vowed to talk more when time allowed.

The meeting was a full and busy one, and lasted half-again longer than our usual monthly session. No problem. With our club's big fund-raiser coming in about 6 weeks, there is So much to do in the preparation, publicity and planning that it almost boggles the mind. Tickets and brochures are ready and available. Just ask any club member, or check with several businesses on the Square. The proceeds from the Christmas Home Tour will help provide our club's funding for donations to several local organizations, all worthy of our support.

I'm taking a rare 'day off' from my favorite responsibility today - the Book Store - in order to go with Hubby to the Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo at the Community Center. We make this an annual event, and enjoy browsing the 150+ booths displaying the local business ventures. We always find lots of folks to chat with, so the 'browsing' takes a full morning. Many thanks to friends for filling in for me at the Book Store. I do plan to stop by and check on things after we leave the Expo. Hubby said he was not surprised at that idea, since "you can't stay away from the Book Store, can you?" Right !

Now that the day is beginning dawn, I must get on with today's 'business'. Why I keep waking up too early is beyond me. I need to sleep longer, but many days it just doesn't happen. Two very good books by favorite authors, Linda Lael Miller and Linda Howard, have claimed my reading/rest time each afternoon. Those can't-put-down novels have been So good that I don't even think about napping, but keep on reading and reading.

The Week that WAS

2009-10-18T09:58:00.001-07:00

I thought last Monday was enough to last all week, but I was premature in my thinking (hoping).
The rest of the week was fraught with 'problems' including the totally unexpected death of our daughter-in-law's Mother in Iuka MS. This was a shock to all of Louise's family and friends.
We grieve with them.

The water line break created a nightmare from the Billing department in our Town. More than double our normal 'amount due'. I took the required letter and plumber's bill to Town Hall, but got no encouragement about any kind of adjustment.

Computer problems Tuesday-Wednesday and part of Thursday kept hubby in a state of frustration. By this weekend, they seem to be resolved - up to a point.

Charlotte and I went to the visitation at the Funeral Home on Thursday evening for our UMW friend's mother. Another unexpected passing.

Friday, son Paul drove us in our van to the Iuka MS Funeral Home for Louise's visitation. She was a lovely lady and will be sorely missed. We saw some clear skies in Mississippi - amazing! We appreciated the chauffeuring, since that 91-mile-each-way drive would have hard on us.

At last the monsoon season seems to be just about over, and a cold front or two have gone through, dropping the temps and making it seem like Fall was totally overlooked this year.
Crazy weather.

My 79th birthday (Friday) kinda got lost in the shuffle this week, except for Friends at the Book Store Thursday who brightened my day considerably with their pop-in visit, cards and nice gifts! These friends are dear to me, and I was surprised and very pleased.

We were saddened again by the passing of yet another friend from Church. Her visitation will be Monday evening.

We're looking forward to the Metro Choir Festival today at our church, with 8 or 10 visiting choirs performing. The finale, when ALL the choirs sing together, is always outstandingly beautiful.

Rainy Days and Mondays

2009-10-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

"Rainy Days and Mondays always get me down." I so agree with that old song from the '70s! Not all the time, but when rainy days ARE Mondays, it's a little too much to cope with.

Yesterday I got up early to check emails, blogspots, FaceBook, and read the newspaper -routine morning. Then hubby and I went to the Library to submit a project, which was well-received.

Next, a short visit to Wal-Mart - looking for some items - Then home to walk around the yard and check with the men who are clearing out brush and old privet hedges next door (stump grinder and chain saw have been buzzing for DAYS over there)... showing him where the property lines are and what to cut and what to keep hands off !

A quick phone call added a Cemetery Exec. Board meeting to my Wednesday calendar - my only Free day this week.

My favorite printer came to pick up the Newsletter for printing, and talk about prices for a brochure and tickets.

Soon after our lunch, one of the Public Works people arrived to show us the water line problem, which their equipment had detected. He and his partner started digging in the yard, 2 feet down to find a broken water pipe. Fortunately we were able to get a plumber, who came right on, dug mud and pumped out muddy water, went to McGinnis Hardware for supplies, worked like a Trojan to make the repair...

That took a while, and I was ready to sit down to rest by that time. BUT I looked out the front door and the ATT Truck in driveway responding to our call from last week - loss of service on my line - two phones. He checked outside wiring - 100% fine. Inside, my favorite phone that announces the incoming call number = shorting out occasionally. Replaced that phone with a cheapy that hubby had on hand.

Answered the phone (back in service, thank goodness), call about the Home Tour brochure and tickets printing details... still no decision about who will do printing.

My printer brought the finished Newsletters and got paid. (I still have to create the mailing labels, buy stamps, affix labels and stamps and Mail the newsletters out)

Answered the phone... President of our state Jamestowne Society calling to confirm details about our Nov. 14th meeting, so I can create, print and mail the meeting invitations to about 50 people before the end of October.

Tried again to sit down to read a few pages - looked at Clock. YIKES it's 5:00 p.m.

It was time to gather refreshments and stuff to take to UMW night circle meeting at 6:30.

Supper Monday tonight had to be fast and easy....so I could change my muddy clothes (I got spashed by standing too close to the waterline hole), pick up my sister, drive to the church - unload bags of refreshment stuff and help Ruth get it all set up before members show up at 7:00 or before.

And Monday was to have been my Quiet day this week.

Thinking out loud

2009-10-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

Driving east up the street this early morning, I was awed by the sun trying to shine through layers of gray clouds. The scene was beautiful. I don't often get out that early, so it's a 'different world' when I happen to see the sun rising...clouds or not. Maybe those clouds will move on out and give us a relief from the rain that kept Sunday in such a gray gloom. One would think we'd had quite enough precip in this area - thank you very much - but our druthers don't make much impact on Nature....sad to say.

Speaking of Nature.... the current craze to Go Green is affecting just about everyone one way or another. A group of ladies at church have latched on to the idea, and are 'going green' by eliminating the use of paper and plastic for serving refreshments at meetings. Instead, stoneware plates are taking the place of paper. Nice, but heavy to carry around. BUT how do you figure the 'savings' when those plates have to be washed (water, electricity for the dishwasher, labor) and stored for the next usage? Mugs for coffee in lieu of paper cups... same 'argument'. BUT I notice that we still have plastic forks and spoons and paper napkins. Go figure.

Yesterday's meeting speakers brought two potted plants for a drawing, and the recipients both have October birthdays - me and another lady ! What a lovely surprise for an 'early birthday present'. The yellow mums are such a cheerful addition to our dining room table! We'll enjoy them for a long time.

All the Friends of the Library are looking forward to hearing the numbers from the Fall Book Sale at our meeting today. Donations have been down for several weeks, resulting in fewer books to offer at the sale, so it will be interesting to learn how we did on the 'bottom line'. ALL proceeds from the sale benefit the Library in one way or another.

This is Homecoming week at the High School. The Alumni Tent will be set up for Reunion Groups at the football game Friday night. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the weather, but as of now, the forecast is for more rain and possible thunderstorms. Not the best idea for an outdoor gathering of any kind. Homecoming is always fun - no matter how long you've been 'out of school' --would you believe 60+ years ? !!!. It's always fun to see old friends and renew friendships at Homecoming.

Tuesday's National Neighborhood Night Out was cancelled in our town due to the weather -Rain. Same thing happened last year. But the year before, when the NNO was held in August, the designated day for the event turned out to be a scorcher... I don't think I've ever been as hot as when I was helping host the event at my sister's house - on the patio. Even thought we brought out box fans to stir the air, it was still quite uncomfortable. We had a good turnout, though, even so.

Keep smiling! People will wonder what you're up to !

October 1

2009-10-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

Whoa, what happened here? It's the first day of October and the air has a touch of Fall in it ! Where did summer go? Or spring, for that matter. A Facebook friend reminded everyone that "the Holidays are almost here." Oh my goodness, she could have gone a long time without saying that !

You know what they say: Life is like a roll of toilet tissue. The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.

September, with the 19 days of rain for the first 24, actually turned off better than expected. The last several days were gorgeous - and everyone breathed sighs of relief to be out from under those gray water-laden clouds. Hubby had his 81st birthday with a nice dinner at O'Charley's with our daughter and my sister.

Now it's my turn. Would you believe it's #79? (I have a hard time with that myself!) In the past, we have combined our parties by having one family gathering sometime between his birthday and mine - which are about 3 weeks apart. It's not gonna happen this year. Everyone is too overbooked and overwhelmed with activities and responsibilities. Maybe we'll just 'recognize' the events when the family DOES gather here for our Traditional Thanksgiving dinner. (That is, assuming everybody can make it.)

When I was growing up, Mother always said that she could have my birthday party outdoors on the 16th of October, but the next day it would rain and turn cold. That theory has held true more years than not. But this year's crazy convoluted weather pattern may make the 'approach of Fall' totally unpredictable. Already the cool nights have spurred the annual hunt for electric blankets and turning on a little heat. That's crazy too, since the days are still almost warm enough to need air conditioning . Son-in-law Bill's birthday comes before mine this month. He's 20 years younger than my hubby, which makes it easy to remember which milestone he's celebrating.

Next up in November is a grandson's 19th, and #2 Son's milestone birthday. That is unreal, since it was just the other day that this son was graduating from High School. Tempus Fugits around here faster than the law allows. November is also our wedding anniversary month!

Back to today, in addition to balancing my checkbook (a duty that I shirk with a vengeance ) today is the Friends members-only PreSale at the Fall Book Sale. I'll be enjoying the position of cashier again this evening. I'm going early to snap some pictures of the Volunteers who give so much of their time and dedication to make our Friends Book Sales succeed every time.

Wonderings

2009-09-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

In addition to wondering when the sun will be shining enough to dry out the hayfield that we formerly called our front yard, so that the mower might be engaged to run over and over the 'meadow' out there, I have a few other thoughts batting around in my head today.

Doctors. I appreciate the profession and their PRACTICE of the art of medicine in all forms. BUT, gimme a break, please. I filled out four pages of forms, two fronts and two backs, answering to the best of my ability everything that was asked about me and my family, who I would allow to receive information (drat that new law) and everything else -- except what I ate for breakfast.

So why, when I finally was ushered into the inner sanctum of this 'new-to-me' professional's labyrinth, did he ask me the same basic information and write it on the top page of my "chart".???

Question: Do medical professionals ever read the admission questionaires?

---------
Pharmaceutical Companies: Okay, I survived (endured) the long wait for the office visit, and accepted that he was not going to perform the simple procedure that I'd hoped for...( it would have been much simpler and resolved my problem) ... and accepted the prescription for an ointment.

At the discount pharmacy, I presented the piece of paper, explaining once more that I do not have and never have had any insurance coverage for prescriptions, only to be told that the tiny little bottle of eye drops would cost $76.00. GULP.

Thank you just the same, I think I'll pass.

Checking by phone I learned that other pharmacies in the area would fill that same Rx for $84, $63, or $79. Hysterical laughter, by this time, ended those calls.

Question: WHY do pharmaceutical companies charge such outrageous prices for a simple antibiotic eyedrop? and WHY has the American Public allowed them to get away with such robbery?

Yeah, I know the current administration is going to Fix all that with their new Health Care plan, (yeah, right) but ......big BUT.....until the price-fixing is fixed, it's not gonna work.

Since I can't solve or answer any of these questions, I think I'll leave the computer and read some more of the Sandra Brown that I picked up at the Book Store.

Update - Thursday p.m.

2009-09-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

A fair to middlin' day in sales at the book store today was offset by the interesting patrons who came, browsed, and chatted - with or without making a selection.

Yesterday's mail brought a Summons to Federal Jury Duty I have never served on a jury - Federal or otherwise, though I was selected to a pool once when I was 69 1/2 years old. Several days of driving to downtown Memphis, sitting and waiting all day, resulted in being dismissed after the first 12 called were accepted to serve on that particular case.

The Federal Jury form still carried the "over 70" exemption, so I'll follow the instructions and call early next week to learn my status. I can't hold my breath that long, so I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed.

An appointment with a local opthamologist for early Friday morning, will - I hope - give me some relief from the chalazion on my right eyelid. Hot compresses have helped some but the swelling has bothered me for several days while I wait to see the doctor.

The TV weather man showed a September Calendar page this evening, with 19 of these first 24 days marked with a red X. That's for Rain Days ! Yes, 19 of the first 24 ! And over 8 inches of rainfall during that time. Other areas have been much worse off, with extreme flooding, homes and vehicles totally destroyed, and some loss of life. This has been an unusual September, especially compared to the similar period a year ago. That was the Drought time, when we did not cut grass for two months, since it wasn't growing - just barely hanging on without rain. People are joking about building arks, but the farmers are watching to see if the cotton and soybean crops will survive at all. It's already a serious situation for them.

Milestone day

2009-09-22T02:12:00.000-07:00

Today is Hubby's 81st birthday. That sounds almost impossible to me. It was 'just the other day' that I met him at college (61 years ago!). Now here it is almost 59 years since we married that November 21st, 1950. We thought we were "So old" ! At 22 and 20... oh my goodness... I guess we knew it all already - or thought we did. It's amazing how much we've learned since then!

We'll be going 'out to dinner' this evening for a quiet celebration this year. Last year's 80th was the Biggie for him. Our children and grandchildren collaborated to make an outstanding Event of that day, with almost all of the whole family present for the birthday supper and birthday cake.

Each one of our children came up with an unusual gift - in multiples of 80 ! THAT was amazing in itself - 80 pieces of his favorite candy, 80 one-dollar bills rolled into a special package to pull out in one long stream, a gift certificate to the Book Store for $80 in books, gift certificate for the local hardware store, and on and on.

Yesterday was unreal in that the SUN actually came out and there was no rain in our immediate vicinity the whole day....contrary to the previous ten days, when anywhere from 1/2 to 3 inches fell during each day or night. Records show that the first three weeks of September 2009 saw over 7 inches of rainfall here. The normal measurement is 2.25 inches for the whole month.

Everyone is Tired of rain. Mushrooms and toadstools are springing up all around yards and flower beds. Grass is growing, but is usually too wet to mow. Rain gear and shoes barely have time to dry before being soaked again in the next outing. And this is directly opposite to last year's August and September - the drought time. We had no rain for almost 2 months in 2008.
Friends and relatives in different parts of the country are reporting similar unusual weather patterns. TV reported SNOW in Denver yesterday ! (I'm glad our rain was not the white stuff, or we'd have had blizzard conditions already.) Today's forecast keeps rain in the picture, but I keep hoping that the members of the women's club will be able to get to the meeting and get home again without getting soaked.

Yesterday's meeting of the Book Store Volunteers was well attended. The manager's two-year term is drawing to a close, and the new team will be taking 'command'. Housekeeping items were discussed, mainly reviewing our standard operating procedures. Transition will be smoothe and seamless, thanks to everyone's cooperation. The big Fall Book Sale is coming up fast now, for the first weekend of October. The sales take a lot of prep work, but the teams have organized their work so everything runs smoothly, and the actual sale days net around $6000.00 - all of which benefits the Library in some form.

Water Water Everywhere....

2009-09-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

This week's rain, pouring at times, and gray sky days are wearing on body and spirit. Resisting taking rain gear to meetings was a mistake each time, resulting in three different soakings (wet shirt, shoes and dripping hair) even though the sky was almost clear when those events began.
But not being made of sugar, I didn't melt... just fussed about it.

Thursday I was determined to outfox the weather, and was totally prepared for another deluge --which did NOT happen! Go figure!

Early forecasts were for a rain-free weekend, but -typically- those changed, and now I just hope we can get to the Constitution Day Luncheon without too much trouble. The friend's evening wedding and reception will go on as scheduled, but -again- a sunny day would have been Much preferred.

This has been a good curl-up-with-a-book week, though, and I have enjoyed two more of Linda Lael Miller's novels that I'd missed earlier. Her early western days stories are always good, and I am enjoying rereading the McKettrick's Christmas one. A train, stalled in the middle of nowhere by an avalanche, has passengers of several personalities. Miller does a good job with her tale-telling. Hester Browne's Little Lady Agency series are fun, and quite different from my usual selections.

We wait for more updates on daughter's knee replacement surgery and another friend's surgery that was postponed til today. The knee replacement went according to plan, and as long as the anesthetic was still effective, Ginny was 'feeling fine'. Then the post-op pain hit. Oh dear.
I'm sure Diane must have felt frustration over the delay in getting on with her 'procedure'. All psyched up and then nothing.

Things that bother me---

2009-09-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

I notice more and more often that TV people don't use proper words:
Amount and Number are frequently misused and every time I hear a talking head say the wrong word I want to call that station and complain....

Usage note: (The online Dictionary agrees!)
"The traditional distinction between amount and number is that amount is used with mass or uncountable nouns (the amount of paperwork; the amount of energy) and number with countable nouns (a number of songs; a number of days)."

"Although objected to, the use of amount instead of number with countable nouns occurs in both speech and writing, especially when the noun can be considered as a unit or group (the amount of people present; the amount of weapons) or when it refers to money (the amount of dollars paid; the amount of pennies in the till)."

GROW is another current word usage that bugs me: "We need to grow the economy." (How do you plan to do that? By planting more 'economies' in the garden?)
Remember "Mary, Mary quite contrary, How does your garden grow?" Membership may grow (verb) but to 'grow a membership' ... Why not just 'Increase the Number of Members'?

I won't even touch on pronounciation... that's another subject entirely. I almost feel sorry for a new staff member on the evening news who hasn't been clued to how to pronounce a place name correctly.

I guess my education, being of the "old school" (literally) makes me too aware when the current usage is out of sync.

Other thoughts: The 'old style' advertisements were so effective that many of us recall slogans without any trouble at all: "You'll wonder where the yellow went, when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent!", and "Pop, Pop, Fiz, Fiz... oh what a relief it is!" (Alka-Seltzer). I'm sure you can think of dozens more of this type.

So why do companies spend millions of dollars on elaborate productions to sell an item or a product, when one catchy slogan might be even more effective. Can you remember any of the products that filled the half-time at a televised football game? Really remember and quote them? Yes, I'm sure you know that Budweiser had an ad playing, but what was it's 'slogan'?

BUSY, busy

2009-09-05T17:32:00.000-07:00

Winding down August and diving into September in a rush of activities... what a week! It's hard to believe that it is September already.. month 9 out of 12, oh my.
I'm thinking of the song "September"...'the days dwindle down to a precious few, September, November...' Ah yes, how fast they go. Already some leaves are beginning to color and a few are falling from the 'early shedders' (my name for Box Elders and a few others - for lack of a better label). The days are getting shorter. As much as I hate to see the sun set a minute or two earlier every day, it happens.

A really nice meeting of the United Methodist Women on Tuesday introduced a new area of our church's new building addition for many of us who had not been in that part before. A lot of planning and design went into the project, which is phase one of a three-part overall plan expected to span many years of development.

Another meeting on Wednesday, preceeded by the Executive committee's brief meeting to review the agenda for the FRIENDS meeting. The FRIENDS meetings are always well-attended and the membership continues to grow. Our Fall Book Sale is scheduled for the first weekend in October, so it will be here before we know it. The sales are always a lot of work, and a lot of fun. They produce a big part of the money we donate back to the Library to be used for things the Budget won't cover.

Thursday was almost too much. I enjoyed my shift at the book store, followed immediately by the Author Robert Dalby and his review of "A Piggly Wiggly Wedding". This is the third in this series, and promises to be as delightful as its predecessors. An important errand came next, followed by a drive in to the city for a Visitation at the Funeral Home to express our condolences on the death of a friend. We stopped for a sandwich on the way home, so it turned out to be a 10-hour day for me. Too much.

I had to admit relief when a doctor's appointment for my sister was cancelled on Friday. Whew ! Another busy day was not going to be fun for me, but then internimable sitting in the waiting rooms at that doctor's office are never much 'fun'.

I am thankful, actually, to have so many 'things to do' for I fear I would not enjoy 'nothing going on' very long. The calendar looks almost as full for next week.. but it IS September now, and all the clubs and organizations get going again after the summer hiatus.

Ups and Downs - all week

2009-08-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

More computer problems earlier this week kept us both on edge and totally frustrated. My email service would allow incoming messages, but not allow anything to be sent out. Hubby very graciously shared his computer, which was working well for some strange reason.

After a day and a half of using his computer and email to get to mine, we called for help. The Expert technician came from our local Computer Store to get us both up and running again.

Folling instructions, we had gone to to the Cable service office to swap out our OLD modem, thinking that might have been the cause of all our frequent problems.
The woman behind the counter said, "Take it home, plug it in and you're good to
go." NOT! She was TOTALLY wrong.

Hubby plugged the new modem into the router and then to the CPUs.. his and mine. Neither worked. Another call to the service company got him straightened out, but only if I were disconnected. No combination worked for me.

The technician spent an hour with our machines,and even he said it was not easy or simple.

The rest of this past week was a lot better, with a FUN day for me at the Book Store on Thursday. The whole three-hour shift was busy, with lots of people coming in to browse and buy their 'finds'.

An interesting meeting and luncheon on Saturday with our Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, and then a delightful cocktail buffet supper honoring an engaged couple filled that busy day.

In between all of the week's 'ups and downs', I have been snatching blocks of time whenever possible to follow the action in Heather Graham's "The Island". A book store 'find', this novel is as complicated as I could imagine. It's one that cannot be put down without the characters and their twists and turns staying with you. I want to skip ahead to see how Graham resolves the mysteries (and there are several working at the same time), but -at the same time- don't want this book to end.

Thanks to the wonders of technology, we have enjoyed a multitude of pictures from our granddaughter's wedding and reception. The photographer did a marvelous job of capturing the joy and happiness of the occasions with her excellent 'eye' and equipments!

IF the TV forecasters are right, we can look forward to a touch of Fall in the coming days, with lower humidity and cool temps. September is right around the corner and the cool air is welcome!

NEW experiences

2009-08-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

August in West Tennessee is normally HOT, Humid and Uncomfortable. Residents here have enjoyed a total departure from the norm this weekend, with temps under 85 and Low humidity, with cool Canadian breezes delighting the whole population!

In addition to being able to have our house wide open - doors on three sides - to catch and savor the cool breezes, we were treated to a most unusual experience yesterday.

Our grandson-in-law is fulfilling a long-time dream by enrolling in a new local Culinary School. Working part-time and going to classes four evenings a week is a demanding schedule, but he seems to be revelling in the work and the opportunity.

Yesterday he and two of his fellow classmates brought all the ingredients and equipment to our house, and prepared an excellent 'late lunch' for us: Chicken and vegetable soup with basil, Classic bread pudding and an extra treat - real banana pudding. They had a good time chopping, dicing, slicing and prepping all the fresh veggies to add to the chicken broth and white wine. The bread pudding with croissants and 18 eggs and other ingredients couldn't help but be delicious and it was! Our kitchen was a beehive of activity during this time, with our daughter and granddaughter watching the proceedings along with us.

When the chefs-in-training declared lunch to be ready, seven of us gathered at the table for a mid-afternoon feast. Plain and simple fare with lively conversation the whole time was a complete change from our normally quiet noontime sandwich and iced tea lunch! Thanks guys, if you happen to read this, for a really nice experience!

When suppertime rolled around, No one wanted anything to eat! Lunch, then, was declared scrumptious success.

Thought on "Bedlam South"

2009-08-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

This new book by Mark Grisham and David Donaldson has overwhelmed me in a way that no other novel has for a long time. 'Willing suspension of disbelief' does not help in this case, since the reader realizes how much of the action is based on what really happened during those war years.

The flyleaf says: "Set in the heart of the Confederacy, Bedlam South is the story of ordinary people who fought and suffered, and loved and lost during the Civil War...." The authors combined Grisham's love for the Civil War and Donaldson's fascination with psychology and mental health to weave a compelling story.

Recommended by a friend, I was fortunate to find a signed copy in our Book Store, and brought it home immediately to start reading. The 324-page novel, fiction based on historical fact, grabbed me from the first and would not let go. In truth, I had to lay it aside from time to time because the intensity was too much. Coming back, I was readily enveloped again in the human struggles and the battle scenes of the worst time in our country's history.

This is not light reading. In fact, I will look for something in the vein of Evanovich for my next adventure in the printed word. But, that said, I am glad that I read "Bedlam South" and will add the volume to my 'keep' bookshelf. I wish the characters had not invaded my dreams last night, however. 'Bedlam South' is that powerful !

New Beginnings

2009-08-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

Granddaughter Emily and Scott are now Mr. and Mrs. Scott H. Campbell, with the good wishes and blessings of hundreds of guests at the wedding and reception. A more beautiful wedding would be hard to imagine. Christy's artistry with the flowers in a historically beautiful church and the reception area enhanced the joy and happiness of the beautiful young bride and groom, along with their several attendants.

The rehearsal dinner on Saturday evening was a lot of fun, with a room full of family and friends honoring the bridal couple with toasts and more good wishes. A delicious selection from the restaurant's menu added to the total pleasure of the event.

The whole week was a whirlwind of activity for us, with our daughter and her family here from Maryland for 10 days. We had several meals at area restaurants - sampling the fares of Thai, Chinese, Fried Chicken and a Steakhouse, in addition to a little home-cooking (on the side). Our barbeque supper for the Family August Birthday celebration dinner the previous Sunday was good, and well-received, too.

Now the grandsons are or will be headed off to their respective colleges, to begin those new adventures. One heads west and the other goes east... and we wish them both the very best that life has to offer as they spread their wings.

The Maryland family flew back yesterday, and our house got unreasonably quiet - immediately. Life goes on, though, with appointments and responsibilities on the calendar just like always.

I have truly enjoyed reliving the wedding activities through technology and albums posted by family members and friends on Facebook. Such FUN!

As an aside, both the lawnmowers are repaired now, and are back at home waiting for the next session wish tall grass.

One more day

2009-08-07T04:42:00.000-07:00

One more day until The Big day - for Emily and Scott to begin their life together.
This week has been filled with activity, for the bridal pair and for our family here at home. Almost every minute has been full with our Maryland branch's comings and goings, meals at home and out at restaurants with various combinations of family...

Now the count-down until the Rehearsal Dinner tonight and The Wedding and Reception tomorrow. I can't begin to count the hours of preparation that the bride's family and the groom's family have put into these Events! I'm sure all the prep work will result in beautifully executed dinners, ceremonies and celebrations! Just coordinating the many people involved requires great attention to details...and minutiae.

We're looking forward to cooperative, though hot, weather - which is a big help.

On the home front, the down-to-earth mundane: the riding mower repair has been delayed, one day at the time, all week, by the young service man who 'promised' .... and we're still waiting. Son-in-law Bill tackled the whole yard with the small mower the other evening when it was relatively cool - only to have that mower 'die' before he finished the project. So now we wait for the 'promised' repair and return of Both mowers! Aghhhh.

Celebration week

2009-08-04T17:34:00.001-07:00

With the arrival of our Maryland family at midnight Saturday, the week-long time of Celebration began. This fun and happy time will culminate with the wedding and reception for our youngest granddaughter and the love-of-her-life. Of our seven granddaughters, she is the fourth to exchange vows with her dream man. Our four grandsons, all in their teen years, have a few more years, I hope, before choosing a life partner.

Sunday dawned bright and clear with a nice breeze, so while our travelers slept in, Charlotte and I went to Sunday school and heard one of the finest lessons yet by our retired-minister classmate. One of the themes - from Moses and the Israelites - was that while you can please some people some of the time, you can't please everybody all the time; sometimes you cannot please anybody - any time. So deal with it.

The Family gathered here Sunday evening for a fun time for celebrating five family members' August birthdays. The total accumulated years add to over 240, so we didn't attempt to put candles on the cake. The barbeque was excellent and the company was unsurpassed. Lots of conversations back and forth with lots of laughter all the time. Such wonderful fun with a wonderful family.

Monday night the girls enjoyed going to a bridal shower honoring Emily, while the guys swam at Paul's pool and then went to the Chinese restaurant for those delecacies - mainly sushi, that they enjoy so much. The shower was fun, and our hostesses were delightful.

There was a lull for me today, while our 'visitors' went to a movie. They enjoyed the film, but coming back out onto the parking lot in the extreme heat, to the closed up van, was a shock to all the senses. Such heat is hard to take after being so nice and cool for the previous several hours.

That storm last Thursday ushered in an entirely different kind of weather for us - Heat. July had been the coolest on record for our area, June was the wettest, and now August is proving to be a 'regular' one with heat and humidity as usual. It would have been much nicer for the 'cool' weather to stay with us a while longer.

The Wedding is coming closer and closer. We're looking forward to the Rehearsal Dinner excitement and fun on Friday evening, and then it will be The Day!

RAIN, Tornados--the works

2009-07-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

TGIF, as they say. This week is one that is better left behind. From the beginning until tomorrow...how varied can one week be?

The ultimate Experience (note the capital E) came yesterday with myriad warnings from all the TV stations: severe thunderstorms, tornado watches, warnings, and then the local sirens and the town's Emergency Warning announcements on TV... whoa, Enough already.

They counted three tornados touching down in various parts of the county and the adjoining town of Olive Branch. The dire warnings were right on target, with frog-strangling downpours of rain, with water collecting on low-lying streets and yards, bridges and creeks. OUR gauge in the back yard measured almost FIVE inches of rain in about 2 1/2 hours of the Storms. No wind to speak of, thank goodness, in our neighborhood, and the electric power managed to stay on in spite of one hiccup (which was reflected in our having to reset all the electronic gadgets). Cable was out for a couple of hours, but the computers finally came back on, much to our relief.

Pictures in the newspapers and on TV today showed so many houses ripped apart, businesses that lost roofs and facades, cars and 18-wheelers turned over or smashed into each other, trees downed, roads flooded....it was a Mighty Storm that went through the area.

The occasional clouds this morning soon gave way to brilliant sunshine, which was a more than welcome sight. The temperatures this morning were nice and cool while the humidity is amazingly low, considering all the moisture still lingering in puddles and ditches.

Our Maryland family arrives tomorrow midnight, by plane this time, and thus will begin a week of festivities connected to The Wedding - one week from tomorrow! We'll start with celebrating all our family's August birthdays: Charlotte, Michael, Susan, Scott, John, and Emily (tho hers is really in early September) - which added together total about 236 years... obviously we will not attempt to put that many candles on the cake! And we'll wish Paul and Pam a happy 27th wedding anniversary while we're singing!

Thursday's Book Store volunteer time was busy and productive, and fun - as alwsys. We were able to make our weekly forage to the Farmers Market, too, before they had to close down due to the storm. The frig is full of good things like corn on the cob, peaches, tomatoes, and new potatoes - which will be enjoyed by all! I forgot a couple of items on Wednesday, when I did my long list at the grocery store, so a quick trip in today will solve that problem, I hope !

Rainy Sunday and Dames of Magna Charta

2009-07-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

Loud thunder woke me too early this morning, when I should have slept until noon, at least - based on how tired I was from yesterday's activities. But knowing that the electric power was likely to go off with the storm, I got up to get that first cup of coffee while I still could.

Yesterday was a delightful day, all told. I drove, taking my sister, daughter and granddaughter with me, to the country club in Memphis where the West Tennessee Chapter Dames of the Magna Charta and Somerset Barons were meeting for business, program and lunch. This is my second time to serve a 2-year term as Regent of the organization. After letting my passengers out at the door, I went on around to the handicap parking, and bless Katy, found a space!

Membership in this hereditary organization is based on lineal descent of the applicant to one or more of the Barons who, at Runnymede in 1215, forced King John of England to sign that magnificent document, the Magna Charta, upon which our constitutional government is based. Membership is by invitation, and submission of his/her forms showing their descent. Upon approval by the national board, the member is then welcomed to the Society.

We had a large number of members and guests in attendance for the event yesterday, and it appeared that everyone enjoyed the meeting -- with an 8-year-old pianist performing for us, a delicious meal, and a speaker who spoke on "Magna Charta Libertatum". His talk was well-received, timely and informative. Lorelei, the pianist, is the daughter and granddaughter of Chapter members, and has attended meetings with her family for many years. She exhibited great poise and budding ability at the piano. She studies with a teacher at Vanderbilt in Nashville.

The speaker is active in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), and is a state officer/advisor for the Children of the American Revolution (CAR), in addition to teaching architecture (his field) at college level.

I was tired when we retraced our steps to arrive back home mid-afternoon.

Unfortunately, this meeting prevented me and my sister from attending the funeral services for our friend, Clyde Dixon. It's not possible to be in two places at the same time, and the meeting had been on the calendar for several months. As presiding officer, my choice was limited. Clyde's death was sudden and totally unforeseen. He was a vibrant member of our Sunday school class, church and the community and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him or knew of him.

The loud and active thunderstorm has moved out of our area now, and the power did NOT go off, for a change!

Frustrations deluxe

2009-07-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

Today's grey cloudy day has been one of frustrations... minor, to be sure, but still....
I can't see my 'followers' on my blog list. No icons appear. Everything I tried so far to reinstate the icons has failed. That's 'frustration' number one right now. I don't know why the icons have disappeared, or why the 'help' section doesn't address MY question.

Number two just came by email from the website of the store that my sister and I searched for in vain on Monday.

The company correspondent says she understands my frustration in locating a store...and offers the address of the one we tried to find first. MY fault for not noting the ADDRESS before we started out driving that day.. for the one listed in a specific shopping center in the neighboring town is not - to my way of thinking - IN that shopping center. Nope, it's on a street that vaguely borders the shopping center...about two blocks away.

As stated, the unsuccessful search for that particular store was my fault, but also for the store's website for labeling that store by the name that is actually NOT on the street shown as their physical address. I still maintain that the website is misleading...and told that company so when I used their 'contact us' feature.

Frustration #3: One of the riding mower tires that #1 son worked so hard to replace a few weeks ago so the mower would work, had lost air again when we went out to do the mowing last week. (Expletive removed) #1 son has since had Carpal Tunnel surgery and is not able yet to come back and try again. SO we're going to bite the bullet and call a lawn mower repair service - tomorrow.

In the meantime, guess what the almost-3 inches of rain has done to the front yard? Uh huh... the front part looks just as scraggly as it did before we mowed last week! I have to be thankful that we do have a nice Green lawn this summer - as opposed to last year's struggling-to-survive grass everywhere around. The drought last year was not pleasant at all.

I won't even mention that the novel I'm reading has not yet grabbed my whole attention. Usually that author writes one that I simply can't put down. Not this time... I can't really get into it - but I will finish reading just to see how the author uncomplicates the plots and subplots before the last page.

Sunday trivia and other inconsequential stuff

2009-07-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

Before I begin my rant today, I hope you will check out Larry's blogspot. He's a new 'follower' on my blogspot, so I clicked on his picture and found his pictures of Collierville. A totally delightful collection of enchanting photographs - scenes in and around our beautiful used-to-be-Small Town. I think you'll enjoy browsing as much as I have. Just be sure to allow enough time to keep scrolling. This Larry has a lot to offer, and I'm glad he signed on as a follower.

Shift gears: How long does it take an ingrained habit to be forcefully re-thought and re-tooled, as it were?? After turning on the kitchen hot and cold faucets a certain way for a little over 40 years, one beneficial visit from a friendly plumber changed my habits completely - upside down, if you will.

The hot water is the same as always, turning on by turning the knob counter-clockwise. BUT the cold water faucet is now opposite to what it was. I think it turns on clockwise, but I have to try it with each cold water need. Ah.. water...I must have turned the knob the new right way. Now to remember to reverse that direction when I want to shut the cold water valve. OOPS... got another gusher. Must have turned it in the old style. Try again. NOW it's off. Whew....
This has been going on for a week already. You'd think I could have learned the difference by now - right? Nope.

In the bathroom that I call 'mine', the faucet handles are unchanged. But now I'm noticing which way is 'on' and how to get them turned 'off' again. Strange.. it was always automatic before. Now I think about it. What a waste of brainpower, when I could be solving the problems of the universe in the same length of time that I spend thinking about turning water on and off again.

Speaking of the bathroom that's designated 'mine'. As old-age creeps in on little cat feet (like that fog of poetry fame), rising from a sitting position is becoming increasingly difficult. No, I don't have a single twinge of hip or knee pain.. it's just harder to get up. So, I browsed the web, and found A solution. Now I have guard- or guide-rails of tubular metal (aluminum or steel? I don't know) installed on the commode in 'my' bathroom. I neglected to write down the name of this contraption when I found it online, and the order-tracking page does not give it a name, either, so I just call it an 'armchair'-like rail. Go figure.

I am so glad that Canada shared some Cold Air with our geographical area just at the right time to create a perfect weekend hereabouts. Thanks to you - Jet Stream, prevailing winds, or whatever - we are basking in the delightful cool and sunny weekend. Pessimistic TV forecasters warn that this won't last - but maybe they're wrong. Sometimes they have been known to err, you know ! But for our granddaughter's return from her year-long stay in France, I was glad that she didn't have to deplane in a typical July Memphis sauna. Give her enough time to get used to the culture shock before hitting her with humidity too ! Welcome home, Dear granddaughter. We loved your Blogs and pictures of your adventures in France, but we are all exceedingly glad that you're back on this side of The Pond.

Now to return to your regular sponsor.. uh, I mean, return to my recliner and my latest Book Store acqusition - another Evanovich paperback - to read and enjoy while elevating my swollen ankles...just another of those 'old age' goodies that - if you're lucky - you'll hang on long enough to enjoy with me.

Rainy Thursday

2009-07-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

What is it with Thursday that rain comes so frequently on that part of the week? An early storm shook the very rafters with thunder, lightning and a downpour that raised the level in our rain gauge. I think the clouds are moving out now; at least I hope so. I hate to do my volunteer shift at the Book Store with wet shoes. Umbrellas just don't quite cover everything in a downpour.

An interesting public meeting at Town Hall on Tuesday night held our attention for the full hour. Officials with the Metro Planning group showed maps of the Norfolk-Southern railroad 'Poplar Corridor' from East Memphis to Rossville. Discussed were the crossings with the most traffic and therefore the most congestion and accidents.
We were a little disappointed that no real solution or conclusion was offered --in our opinion-- because the bottom line lies with the Railroad, always and forever. What 'they' are willing to do, or not do, seems to depend on the cost to them. This is not 'new' news. The railroads have always been 'in charge' of their lines and the rights-of-way on both sides of the rails. I think hubby and I read into the press releases topics that were not actually there. But at least we were able to express opinions about certain crossings and the problems with one in particular.

Good news came in this morning from the new Farmers Market blogspot. Extended hours will be a boon to shoppers, as well as additional vendors. More fresh veggies are coming in daily - and I'm looking forward to another visit after my volunteer shift, to check out the fresh butterbeans!

BOOKS and more books

2009-07-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

Thunder and rain this morning provided a perfect excuse for me to relax and pick up another one of my tall stack of books-to-read.

I had finally finished wading through "A Lie for a Lie" by Emilie Richards. Somehow this one, however clever and entertaining it might be, never quite grabbed my attention like some other authors do. I found myself dozing frequently during the preacher's wife's attempts to prove the innocence of her new 'friend'. Just couldn't maintain interest, or something. Not many stories put me to sleep so regularly ...but maybe I was just tired to begin with.

But on the other end of the attention-grabber list, "Thanksgiving" by Janet Evanovich kept me glued and laughing til tears obstructed my view of the pages. This 1988 pre-Stephanie Plum romance reprint is definitely one to enjoy when you want a fast and hilarious read. Evanovich writes a clever story that's fun to read.

Hubby complained that my laughter was disturbing his own reading, even though the jackhammer work next door didn't seem to bother either of us! Breaking up a concrete slab - which had been the floor of a shed-carport combination - was loud enough to get attention from the whole neighborhood! The men worked on even after the rain started !

Now the rain has ceased, the jackhammer crew did not return after lunch break, and all is too quiet. I 'need' to make a grocery run, but keep putting it off and off...until soon we'll be looking at Old Mother Hubbard's cupboards, for sure !
Somehow grocery shopping and meal planning just doesn't excite me very much, after a lifetime of doing. Outside of 'eating out' all the time, I don't know any way to avoid it, though.

Exciting times

2009-07-09T03:22:00.000-07:00

How exciting to read the Collierville Herald online early this morning, and find the engagement announcement for granddaughter Emily and fiance Scott! When the print copy comes later on today, the excitement will escalate, I'm sure.

This momentous occasion will be celebrated with the ceremony in our 109-year-old Methodist Church 'on the Square', where hubby and I exchanged our own vows 58.5 years ago. This is the site, too, of four of our five children's weddings. I keep thinking of one of my favorite tune from "Fiddler on the Roof"... "TRADITION". Another favorite is the poignant "Sunrise, Sunset"...'is this the little girl I carried; is this the little boy at play? I don't remember growing older -- when did they?' This one brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.

Both of the couple's families attend much larger churches in the metropolitan area, so I was even more pleased and excited when Emily and Scott chose the 'old home church' for their nuptials.

This past week has been full and busy - so what else is new, huh? Finalizing the work on the yearbook for one of the hereditary organizations I belong to, and still working on the quarterly newsletter for the genealogical society of the neighboring county has consumed much of my 'free' time. I managed to read four books, though, in spite of other committments. (Talk about multi-tasking!)

I enjoyed every page of "Return to Sullivan's Island" and will be re-reading "Sullivan's Island" when I find it at the Book Store. Everything Dorothea Benton Frank writes about the low country of South Carolina is a good read, and something I enjoy.

A successful shopping trip with my sister was the icing on the cake the other day. Finding just the right outfit for an upcoming occasion was a feather in both our caps! Fashions these days are not exactly geared to the older women, and if one is not 20-something and pencil slim, the pickin's are usually limited. We ventured in to a 'new-to-us' dress store, and found the styles, ambience and the attractive young clerk all very pleasant.

An interview yesterday with the Town History project coordinator was FUN. My long-time friend and I, who grew up across the street from each other, met with the coordinator, the director who asked the leading questions and the young man from the high school who manned the camera. We are so glad that this project is underway, and that we were included in the list of interviewees chosen to share stories of 'Old Collierville'. The hour went entirely too fast. My friend and I fed off each other as we related stories from our childhood and teen years in the really small town this once was. She would tell about an event which reminded me of another related one of my own. I commented after the interview concluded, that 'we could have talked all day'.

Today will be another fun one, voluntering at the Book Store and then visiting the Farmers Market again for more mouth-watering fresh veggies. I'm looking forward to more of those lucious home-grown tomatoes and sweet corn and whatever else is available.

Books and Veggies

2009-07-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

Thursday this week was a busy and productive day all day long ! Lots of interesting visitors to the Book Store and many sales made my 'quota' for the early shift an easy reality. We don't actually have a set quota to accomplish, but it's always rewarding when a large number of sales produce a check-out total that's 'comfortable'.

Donations for the Library and the Book Store continue to come in, and for this we are grateful. Our neighbors and friends bring in books, magazines, tapes and CDs that are no longer wanted, and as is said, 'one man's trash is another man's treasure'. It's always fun to see a patron find a longed-for book on the Book Store shelf.

The youngest patrons who come in after their visit to the programs in the Library are the most fun to watch. They are very serious in choosing their selections of the day, and with parental guidance, usually end up with a hardback or paperback that's just right for them.

The Summer Reading program is an active one, especially for the YA group. When a 'young adult' completes the requirements, they receive a coupon for a Free YA book from the Book Store. Those selections sometimes take a long time...but the smiles on their faces, when they complete the mission, are worth the wait.

When I finished my shift, hubby and I visited the brand-new "Farmers Market" off the Square. Many tables of fresh home-grown vegetables and fruits to choose from made the heat more tolerable. We came home with bags full of sweet corn, tomatoes, new potatoes and yellow squash. We chatted a while with the dedicated gardener who initiated, persevered and succeeded in establishing this new 'Farmers Market'.

The Market will return every Thursday from noon til 6 - or until a vendor sells out and departs. One vendor had already done that by the time we got there mid-afternoon.

Supper last night took some prep effort, but was Oh so Worth the trouble! Those fresh home-grown tomatoes tasted like Real tomatoes, and the sweet corn on the cob was indescribably delicious.

Too early for this:

2009-06-30T05:39:00.001-07:00

Remember this one? How do you get down off an elephant?

While you're pondering the answer, consider this:

Two old friends were sitting in rocking chairs on the porch of the retirement home.
First friend says, "You know, we've been friends for a long time, but I cannot remember your name!"
Second friend thinks a long time, and finally responds, "How soon do you need to know?"

Ah yes, the Golden Years are sometimes fraught with glitches...memories abound, and sometimes surface at the most unlikely and inappropriate times. Aches and pains seem to multiply in direct relationship and proportion to the length of waiting time at the doctors' offices.

But on the other hand, think of all those who are denied the privilege of 'getting old'. Sorta brings you up short, doesn't it?

Okay, give up? Elephants don't have down... down comes from geese!

So much for today's philosophical musings....

Have a nice day while the temperature is less than 90+ !

Adventure in Retail

2009-06-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

Oh my what an adventure just buying a new dryer turned out to be ! Our old Name-Brand died(their repairmen are so bored from lack of work they just sleep, they're so Un-busy... you know the brand). That one was Only 9 years old... so it should have lasted a whole lot longer.

SO we ventured out in the heat, to see what the local branch of a Nationally advertized store had to offer. Found a wide variety, several different makes, all geared to serve well and 'do the job'. Chose one, got ready to finish the sale. UH oh... the System is down. THAT info took about 20-25 minutes to learn. The very nice saleslady tried hard to satisfy our request.... Finally we were asked to 'come back when the computer's working', so we came home. Only to get a call within the hour to return.. the System is up now.

Okay, so we go back, select, order, and learn that the particular model is Not in the Warehouse. We'll take the floor model, and it's okay to not be in a box. THEN we find that the Vent material is a separate item.. extra, of course. UGH. Then we go through the credit card process, set up a delivery date and think we're done. NOT.

Next day the call comes, delivery between 12 and 3. Yes, we'll be at home.
At 12:30 two energetic, brawny types arrive to deliver. Uh, Ma'am, we're not allowed to use the existing cord. You'll have to go back to the store and get one. And we're not allowed to wait for you to do that...but YOU can attach the cord, the guy says, it's no big deal. HA !

The brawnies hauled off the old dead dryer, as contracted (for an extra fee, of course). I drive back to the store and get the cord... but didn't take the sales slip with me, so a phone call home finally talked hubby through the listings on the ticket until the right return code was found... so they could credit those 'new' vent pipes - which we didn't need after all. The new cord cost a lot more than we'd been told... but you can't run an electric dryer without electricity... so another purchase process. The Nice young man at the store realized that this old couple would Never be able to figure out the intricacies of attaching the new cord to the back of the machine (which was left in the middle of the floor for that purpose) so he offered to and did come to our house and did the attaching, leveling the unit and shoving the thing into it's rightful position (which this old couple would not have been able to do either).

NOW everything's copasetic (I'll bet you haven't heard That term in a while !) and I've dried one load - twice, to get it completely dry. It'll take some practice to learn the settings that suit my needs, but at least I don't have to hang the laundry out to dry on the fence row now ! WHEW !

Another week....

2009-06-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

The aftermath of last week's storms is still being felt in some areas of the City, where folks are suffering in the extreme heat and deprivation. We were fortunate to have no real 'damage' to the property, and were without power for 'only' 14 hours.

The extreme heat is real and dangerous. Even sitting on our normally cool front porch in the afternoon is not much fun in mid-90 temps.

The other shoe finally dropped yesterday for daughter-in-law and many of her co-workers at their company. After 16 years of working there, this job elimination is devastating for her - and for all of us. Referred to in a previous posting, the word had gone out in February that downsizing would be taking place. This has been a long and stressful time for Debby and John, as well as for both of their families - waiting and wondering.

The newspapers report that the unemployment rate for our state has reached 'double digits'..i.e. 10%. Surely some relief will be forthcoming from somewhere - whether it be Washington (unlikely) or the state capital (doubtful) or the private sector. And the talk just goes on and on.... "Full of Sound and Fury signifying nothing..."
What can I say? We hardly know what to hope for any more.

A casual conversation with an 'old' friend at the grocery store yesterday compared the probable cost of what was in our baskets then to what we would have paid even a few years ago. Prices on Everything have escalated rapidly, so a thinking shopper must stay alert and make hard choices on just about every need.

Thunderstorms and things

2009-06-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

Thunderstorms and things that lightning and wind damage…..Musings and memories

All these thunderstorms, tornados, straight-line winds and rain that we’ve experienced the last few days have been frightening, to say the very least. While our area was not hit as hard as neighboring communities, we did lose electric power on Friday, June 12, 2009 at about 5 p.m. Repeated calls to the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division (MLGW) were inadequate in information, being one of those hated ‘menus’ where you keep punching in numbers until you finally get “information”… “A crew has been assigned” and “your area has a circuit failure”. Big help. HA.

Power was restored to our neighborhood by 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, but the storms and resulting damages effected the cancellation of a big DAR Flag Day Luncheon since the Colonial Country Club had no power – and no way to prepare the meal for 150 reservation-holders.
Multiple phone calls and emails were made and sent to those members of our DAR Chapter who had power restored and could receive the messages. I hope all the 150 ladies did not go to the country club anyway, thinking the show would go on.

Seeing on TV all the storm damages to mid-town Memphis, Cordova and particularly Olive Branch and Byhalia in Mississippi, made us realize how very fortunate we were to have lost power and nothing else. Updates from MLGW show that there are still almost 70,000 homes without power on Sunday, but of the total 130,000 who lost power, the utility company is working ‘round the clock to get everyone back up and running again. Even so, it’s extremely frustrating to realize how totally dependent we are on electricity. We sat on the front porch – after the rain subsided – and read until it was too dark to see. Then candles and flashlights had to serve their purposes. No TV, computer, microwave – anything electricity-dependent – was not available.

Now on Sunday, June 14th, another storm system is moving through the area with a lot of lightning and thunder and some rain. Thankfully there seems to be no ‘Wind’ connected to this storm front.

All these storms remind me of bygone days and other storms that we experienced since we’ve lived in this house.

One incident in particular stands out: I was in the one bathroom that we had then, and sitting in front of the east window, when a huge bolt of lightning struck the elm tree near the house at that spot. The strength of that bolt literally shook the house. After that storm subsided and the rain ceased, we went out to survey the damage… and found that the elm tree had sustained a killing strike. When the lightning went down the trunk and hit the ground, mud splashed across the yard onto the side of the house! THAT was some kind of big strike, believe me. We all felt very fortunate that the elm tree took the hit instead of the house next to it! The elm had to be taken down, and the stump that was left eventually rotted out – but it took years!

Another storm produced lightning sufficient to strike the ancient pecan tree on the west side of the back yard. A scar was visible from the top of the 100-year-old tree all the way to the ground, and mud was kicked up into a wheelbarrow that rested on the trunk. I made pictures of that scar, since I figured nobody would believe what I was describing. The old tree still lives and produces pecans! I find that to be amazing in itself.

Farther back in time, one April about 1974, a storm blew the massive oak tree down in the middle of the night. I had gone to the kitchen at about 4 a.m. to get a drink of water, when I heard a ‘whoosh’ sound outside. It was too dark to see anything, so I went back to bed. Next morning when we looked out the kitchen window on the north side, all we could see was leaves!
That oak tree was uprooted and lay across our yard from the west property line to the east line…about 100 feet. The root section was at least 9 feet across – maybe even more. Our three sons were delighted to have such a wonderful ‘jungle gym’ to climb and play on, and were disappointed when the crew came to cut up that gigantic old tree and haul away the debris.

The tree had smashed the front end of the shed we used for storage, which had been Grandfather’s garage for his Terraplane automobile. Instead of demolishing the rest of the little building, I suggested that the workmen pull the outside walls together and build a new ‘front’ for what was left. The resulting shed/garage has served us well ever since, storing all kinds of yard tools, lawn mowers, boxes and paint cans.

Another big loss was the old oak tree in our east-side neighbor’s yard at the street. That tree was blown down during another storm and lay down across the street and onto the railroad tracks that parallel the street. The Town crews came quickly to clear the tracks and the street, but the neighbor’s yard was full of debris for a long time after the storm.

Waiting....

2009-06-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Another week has gone, and it's getting to be real summer now, with the typical 'scattered afternoon thundershowers' almost every day and high humidity readings. A clap of thunder and a lightning bolt woke me from a sound sleep in the early morning hour, but paying it no heed, I was able to get another full hour in before rising for the day.

Yard work progresses, with more hedge cutting and hauling the debris to the street. Our town's trash collectors must think Every citizen is out with pruning shears this month, since so many curbs have huge piles set out for pickup...ours included.

The Mayor's Action Center on the Town website is going to be very helpful. My 'complaint' yesterday produced the auto-response as well as emails from the department head to which the complaint was directed. Way to go, guys! Now lets see if you can get the County to spray more often for mosquitoes in our area ! Mosquito control was handled far more efficiently when the Town was in full charge... no more, since the County took over, and has responsibility for the whole of the County. Totally poor planning !

We're waiting, on the edge of our collective seats, to hear whether or not the company that our daughter-in-law works for will recognize the value of her contribution to their overall success and keep her employed as they 'slash and burn' their employee list.

Today is Book Store Day, and I was hoping to get to the Library before the next rain shower started. I hear the raindrops now, hitting on the magnolia tree leaves...oh well. Guess I'll need that third hand for an umbrella, since I'll also be carrying my tote bag full of books to donate and the ubiquitous purse and insulated mug of iced tea.

Success!

2009-06-04T04:28:00.001-07:00

Son John came yesterday to see if he could do whatever was needed to make our riding mower workable again. In spite of a hot, sunny morning he was able to inflate the three flat tires and start the engine on the first attempt ! That sentence doesn't nearly describe the effort that went in to accomplishing what took about two hours of physical labor! Hubby and I are so pleased to have the mower operable again - having figured that there were be more than tire problems to overcome. Not so. The engine chugged a couple of times and then caught - and away he went...finishing the front yard mowing in a half-hour that would have taken Much much longer with the push-mower!

When Hubby and son went to buy a new blade for the push-mower, Cocker spaniel Lucy and I sat on the front porch enjoying the breezes that kicked up while clouds built and thunder rumbled in the southern sky. Lucy is a daddy's-dog, and anxiously awaited his return, even tho she's a beautifully behaved young lady. She perked up considerably when the 'right car' came into our driveway.

John got that blade changed just as a few drops of rain started falling - and I was afraid he'd be driving back to his home in a storm. Watching the radar on the weatherbug site, I guess he missed a lot of the rain that was traveling the opposite direction. We certainly did not get enough in our neighborhood to do much more than wet the sidewalks.

Thanks to John's efforts and know-how yesterday, we can look forward to 'yardwork' now, instead of dreading it.

SUMMER !

2009-06-02T09:09:00.001-07:00

Whoever wrote the song about the 'lazy, hazy days of summer' must not have had a yard to tend. Summer in our part of the world means Growth, and growth means Mow, clip, trim, prune - the whole schmear. So for the past several days, since the monsoons ceased - that is, hubby and I have spent considerable time in the yard.
Our efforts are almost beginning to show, too, at least in the huge pile of brush that's sitting at the curb awaiting pickup by the Town trucks.

Our half-acre was not nearly so overwhelming when the riding mower was working. But with flat tires, and maybe even more 'trouble', it isn't useable....so back to the gas 'push mower' style of lawn care. By the time the farthest back section of the yard has been mowed, the front is ready again... so goes the summer.

While we were taking five yesterday, in the shade of the magnolia tree, I watched a pair of young men on Two riding mowers,and with gas-powered weed-eaters and blowers, completely service the huge yard next door and drive away - in less than an hour's time. Ah Youth... and equipment that works.

But in spite of the 90+ temps we've had these past several days, we have managed to cut hedge, mow grass and weeds, and rid the edges of sections of the front yard of vines - honeysuckle, vinca and ivy. It IS beginning to look better!

The down side to all this physical labor is the short-lived sessions that require the rest of the day in recuperation - rest, naps and reading inside where it's cool. Even the front porch swing is too warm nowadays in the mid-afternoon.

Adventures

2009-05-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

Life does go on, as I suggested in my last post, and for me it's been an adventure in reading, watching rain fall, and attending to routine matters.

Thanks to my friend who found me a collection of Karen Robards paperbacks at the Book Store, I've 'traveled' from London to New Orleans, to Nevada in the 1800s, Middle Tennessee and surrounds and have several more 'journeys' ahead. I am really enjoying these rainy days since they afford a lot of reading time when we can't get out in the yard for long overdue mowing and pruning.

"Summer is acomin' in..." with some hesitation, it seems, this year. The 'scattered afternoon thunderstorms' have kept the temps below 90 most of the time, even though the humidity has exceeded that mark almost daily. We have not yet relented to turn on the air-conditioning, so everything inside and out is pretty soggy. The breezes are much too nice to close off, so our doors stay open until bedtime every day. One nice thing about all this rain is that the dust gets washed off our vehicles almost daily. Yes, we do get an accumulation of dust - in between showers.

Our clubs and organizations are winding down for the season to recess until September when they start up again. Two really nice luncheons have ended the year for two groups - one an elegantly catered affair, the other a potluck where each member tries to out-do the other with a delectable offering. It's a real challenge for me to be interested in fixing a 'nice' supper for hubby, when I've already had a terrific meal at noon.

My calendar looks strangely blank for the rest of May and for June. I'm sure things will come up and keep me busy, but it's rather nice to be under-whelmed with activities.

Frustrations

2009-05-19T07:50:00.001-07:00

In a novel or movie, no matter how complicated the plot becomes, the author or director always manages to untangle the webs and smooth out the bumps and lumps for a reasonably happy ending. LIFE, however, is not always that way.

I have stewed and fretted until I was even dreaming about the dilemma we faced, and nothing helped. No simple solution, no 'happy ending' either.

The long wished-for Clones haven't been devised yet, so when the situation developed requiring our presence in two different places at the same identical time - one close by, the other about a 40-minute drive away - there was no way to choose. Both graduations were equally important to us and to our family groups. Oh Woe.

I have grieved over missing both of the grandsons' graduation ceremonies and maybe someday I'll "get over it". But it's still too raw a hurt now. Missing not only the actual being there for them (and for me), but the related celebrations that followed.

So, as they say, Life goes on.... But I still keep wishing there had been some simple solution to the problem.

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T06:28:00.001-07:00

Yesterday dawned wet and dreary, but it turned out to be a lovely day after all.

As we approached the parking area of our church yesterday morning, we found congregation members standing outside, milling around looking perplexed. We were directed to 'keep moving' and we did, finding a parking slot out of the way but where we could watch and see what was happening. Seems smoke had been detected in the kitchen, and the fire department was on the way. We are all grateful for our excellent crews on the CFD, who came, saw and conquered whatever the problem was, in short order.

In our Sunday School class, each member stated the name of his or her mother - all deceased now. Our #2 daughter visited the class (so Her mother is still very much alive!) #3 son stopped in to say 'hello' and that his family would be bringing lunch to our house after church. What Fun!

Nine of us enjoyed the 'new' baked KFC and the rest of the goodies that go with the chicken. It was quite good, but not at all like the usual KFC with all the heavy crusts and calories.

Later in the afternoon our #1 son and his wife, and Lucy - their beautiful dog, came bringing goodies and a pretty pot plant.. Goodies included three kinds of cooked sushi, which we had not tried before. We enjoyed the fun and fellowship as well as the 'snacks'.

#1 Daughter called long distance to add her family's good wishes while we were 'snacking'.

Later, our #2 son poppled in for a very brief visit, bringing two 'meals-to-go' for later enjoyment.

Hubby and I were both tired from all the day's excitement, so we had a late light upper and called it a day.

All of these pleasant visits and family time made the rainy cool day a really nice one after all.

Rollercoaster- again

2009-05-08T06:02:00.001-07:00

Not only the weather has been Up and Down (aka Wet and Dry), but emotions have run the gamut this past week, with the proposed non-resident library card fee. Discussions and arguments, statistics and traditions have mixed with rational thinking with no real conclusion drawn yet. Hopefully, Reason in the form of Compromise will prevail in the end. We'll see.

I happened upon a book in the Book Store that caught my eye, and captured my imagination for several reading days. Marc Levy, a French author, has a 'first novel' out that became a best-seller in France, with rights sold in twenty-eight countries. "If Only It Were True" is a charming story that begs to be read. The 'hero' Arthur is the only one who can see and hear the 'stranger' who shows up in his apartment. Her body is comatose in the local hospital, but her soul can appear and disappear at will. The dilemma is intriguing and the narrative keeps the pages turning until the last one. Even if one doesn't subscribe to this kind of fiction, it is a truly fascinating story.

Another good 'find' at the Book Store is a paperback by a new-to-me author. I wish I could find more by the same writer - but the Library has none listed in the catalog. I will have to wait and watch for more in the form of donations to the Book Store.

May is a full and busy month for our large family, with three graduations and five birthdays and one wedding anniversary to celebrate. Today (May 8th) is both - a graduation and a birthday. The next two graduations fall on the same day, same time, different schools, different locations for two grandsons. The other birthdays are spread across the calendar. In addition to all this, are the end-of-the-year Club activities, with meetings and luncheons.

And the grass keeps growing, but it's too wet to cut. We'll probably wish for some of this over-abundance of rain later in the summer when we don't get any.

May First

2009-05-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

The first weekend of May holds many promises, meanings and opportunities depending on what your schedule allows. So many activities available for participation - the Music Fest on the river, parties and festivals, Fair on the Square... on and on. And always the promise (threat) of rain. It wouldn't be May without a mire of mud for those folks who go to the park along the River.

The rain held off, thank goodness, for the ladies of the club on Tuesday. They were able to come, enjoy and depart without a drop of 'interference' from the sky. I was so relieved! Our special guest speaker was a rep from Memphis in May, who opened a whole new world for us in describing the country and customs of the "honored Country" for this year's festival. Chile (pronounced Chil a) is not a familiar country for most of us, and we all learned a lot from our delightful speaker.

The school year is winding down fast with graduation ceremonies scheduled all over the month of May all over the area. The seniors, high school and college, are counting the days until "it" happens... that magical event that marks the transition from one world into another, be it college or 'the real world'. I remember my own high school graduation with mixed emotions still (and yes, I can remember that far back... !). Sadness over leaving the well-known and very comfortable small-town world where everyone knew everyone else and cared about them, and excitement over going forward into the 'unknown'. I think I was not the only graduate who shed a few tears that week.

Looking back, I wonder if it were to be 'done over' would anything change? Probably not. The fun and excitement of 'being a senior' was enough to carry us all through the month of May that year. The Senior Play, the Senior Prom, graduation parties given by various parents for various groups, and then the actual Baccalaureate Service and the Commencement ceremony. Awards were announced at graduation in those days, and we all held our breath waiting to see who received what honor, scholarship, award or whatever. Then the diploma scrolls were handed out... and the recessional accomplished to the cheers of the seniors and the audience alike.

All five of our children graduated from the same school that I did, and each year the classes got bigger and bigger - growing as the town population expanded. By the time our granddaughter reached that pinnacle, the Commencement Exercises were held at the convention center in Memphis. The classes had outgrown any facility in our town. I think some of our old 'magic' got lost in the shuffle, too.

This week

2009-04-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

Seems like everybody is being afflicted in one way or another this spring... now the gov't is warning about the Swine Flu... what next? Pollen has been bad this month. Probably no worse than last year at the same time, but it seems like my dark green car has been 'yellow' longer. (I should get out and wash it, or at least hose it down, but I never seem to remember until I'm headed out to go somewhere, and then there's no time....).

Last week was a perfect spring week - weatherwise. Balmy days and mild nights, with breezes that could more rightly be described as Winds... keeping our windchimes singing all day and night. It has been a 'open door week' all week, but alas, this is changing now, even as I speak. The high of 85 yesterday and Saturday won't be reached again until the coming weekend. Rain is predicted, starting tonight and lasting for several days (depending, of course, of which TV weather forecast you listen to).

Rain is the Last thing I want or need for Tuesday, when about 12 or 13 women will converge on our house for the woman's club meeting and luncheon. About half of our group use walkers or canes to aid mobility, and they will all have trouble enough climbing the steps to get in... no matter which door they use. Rain won't help the problem (though it might settle some of the pollen dust, for a change).

We went to Holly Springs on Saturday for the Marshall Co. Gen. Soc. meeting. We enjoyed the drive down and back, and lunch at the restaurant on the Square was good, as always. Everyone says the Newsletter just 'keeps getting better and better', and I'm gratified that it's so well received.

This coming Saturday, May 2nd, is a Bridal Shower for our granddaughter, given by the ladies of the church in Jackson she has attended and loved while she's been living there.

I have complained, for years, that there are not enough Saturdays in April and May to accomodate all the activities that take place... in which I'm involved. I am not alone in wishing this, though. Others have expressed the same idea.

Now I will have a Full day today, getting ready for the Club meeting tomorrow. I will keep my fingers crossed that the friends will be able to come in between showers - if we should be so lucky!

Another Thursday

2009-04-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

I wonder how Thursdays manage to crop up so fast every week. Monday segues into Thursday in a seeming 'blink of an eye', and it's time to go to the Book Store for another day of helping folks find the books they've been seeking. FUN !

Rather than discuss a long list of frustrations that have occurred for me since I last posted, I'll just say I hope everything works out and all those involved will try to understand the problems.

After I finished enjoying "Rhett Butler's People" (yes, I did enjoy the book - for the most part), I decided that I needed to reread "Scarlett", Alexandra Ripley's 'sequel to Gone With the Wind'. Fortunately a copy surfaced at the Book Store, and was set aside for me, so I didn't have to wait or hunt.

I did not remember how large this volume is! 800+ pages make for a weighty read.
Question: did the two authors confer before tackling the extended lives of Scarlett and Rhett? I would be interested in delving into the background of each writer, to see what their thinking really was when they tackled these huge projects. My questions arise as I read the two stories back-to-back, and find discrepancies abounding. Did Margaret Mitchell ever mention a brother in the Butler family? I don't recall ever hearing of Rhett having siblings... much less a sister and a brother. The brother has two different names, too, in the two stories ... he's 'Ross' in 'Scarlett' and something else entirely in 'Rhett Butler's People'. His personality differs, too...

I suppose it doesn't really matter in the long run, but it does make me wonder. Now I may have to reread GWTW to refresh those memories, separating the movie version from the Mitchell book.

I am still questioning the 'happy ending' of the book about Rhett. When I get to the end of 'Scarlett', in a few more days, it will be interesting to compare the two. No, I won't allow myself to read ahead to find out.

Easter Week

2009-04-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

Last week was full of a variety of things - appointments, meetings, preparation for our family gathering/Easter supper at our house, and so forth.

The appointment with my 'new' doctor was less than inspiring after a 2-hour wait, which he explained when I finally saw him. His partner was not there that day and 'emergencies happen'. But the apology did not make the wait any shorter. AND I don't look forward to changing all my meds because he 'didn't like my BP numbers'.

I actually made two buttermilk pies from a recipe one day, to be shared at our Easter supper. I enjoyed the process even if it was a bit tiring. But the pies were not as tedious to put together as the chocolate chip cookies later in the week. The cookies are for the club meeting today, and I cautioned hubby not to eat a single one...but wait for leftovers, if any.

Easter service at our 'old' Church on the Square was well attended, and we were joined by our daughter and one granddaughter - always a delight. I was surprised and pleased by a mid-afternoon phone call from Paris, France. Jessica and I had a nice Easter Visit by phone. She'll be returning home in mid-July! Our supper that evening was a lot of fun, with 15 members (out of 28) of our family present. Lots of laughter and lively conversations around the table that was loaded with good food. The buttermilk pies didn't get the attention I'd hoped for since others brought three kinds of cakes and goodies for dessert, too.

In the meantime, I have enjoyed reading "Rhett Butler's People" by Donald McCaig. The cover says that this is "The authorized novel based on Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind". Depending on your personal point of view and background, this can be a 'good' read or a boring one. It gets mixed reactions. Starting before the "War Between the States" (aka the Civil War or The War of Northern Agression") the author chronicles the events that formed Rhett Butler into the man we first met in GWTW.
I enjoyed the book, except for the parts that were exceeding tedious reading. I kept relating to "Scarlett" and the original "Gone With the Wind" and the movie version.
Ironically, I turned on the TV looking for a program that hubby had mentioned and found that the Cecil B. DeMille classic was playing in its entirely on one channel. I had to force myself away from the TV, or be hooked for the rest of the evening.
Now i'll be watching for a copy of "Scarlett" to surface at the Book Store so I can reread it and remember why I did not like it very much.

The Friends of the Burch Library's big Spring Book Sale starts tomorrow at the Library, and I'll be serving as cashier for the members-only presale from 5 to 7 p.m. This is always a fun time for me to meet new friends and visit with old ones while helping with the sale.

Mutual friends

2009-04-06T08:26:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting a new old friend last weekend at a DAR-connected meeting. She is new to me, but I've heard of her for several years in relation to DAR project activities.
Learning her name, I introduced myself and immediately we connected! She formerly taught at the school three of my grandchildren attended, and she knows them all. She also knows their mother, and admires Pam greatly.
It's always fun to meet someone who knows the same folks I do, and especially when they're my relatives. That gives us 'mutual friends' automatically.

The meeting took place in a new-to-me Library in another part of the county. I was amazed at the size and scope of that building, and once inside I was overwhelmed with the busyness of the whole place. Granted the parking lot was pretty full, but I really didn't expect to see that much indoor activity on a beutiful spring Saturday afternoon.

The traffic on Germantown Parkway was horrendous on Saturday afternoon, so I chose a different route for my return trip. Traveling that way was a revelation, too. I didn't realize how much building and growth has taken place in that part of the county. No wonder that Library was built with such enormous dimensions. It serves a huge segment of the population. The meeting and my return trip took longer than I expected, and hubby was 'just beginning to worry' when I walked in the front door.

The flowers that bloom in the spring, tra la...

2009-04-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

Gilbert and Sullivan had the right idea when they wrote that song... '...bring promise of merry sunshine'. (The Mikado)

Our weather forecast for today is less than optimistic, Gilbert and Sullivan notwithstanding. We'll wait and see. Hubby's friend just called from Minnesota saying the TV shows tornadoes possible for our area today, and the friend was worried about it. I hope his fears are unfounded! I don't see anything like that on the weather map I consulted. Yet.

I keep enjoying all the beautiful flowers that are blooming now - the vinca, wisteria,azaleas,lingering red bud tree blossoms, whitening dogwood blooms, and all those other flowering trees that I mentioned the other day.

We lost a huge hedge of wisteria to the renovation/reconstruction next door last year. I miss those beautiful cascading showers of lavender! We do still have a few vines on the other side of the yard, in the fence row, and they're beginning to show color - but nothing could compare with what was on the west side of our property.
The neighbors' azaleas and tulips almost make up for the loss of wisteria. Those azaleas in both neighbors' yards are magnificent. We also lost a late-blooming azalea plant to our new driveway installation. I'll replace that bush sometime. It's encouraging to see the old hydrangea bush at our back steps putting out new green. The mate to that bush succumbed to the deep freeze of winter-before-last. I kept hoping it could come back from the roots, but it did not. These bushes were ones that my grandmother planted and nurtured during her lifetime in this same old house.

A brighter rainy day

2009-03-31T08:50:00.001-07:00

That's an oxymoron, I guess -'brighter rainy day'.
The redbud trees are still beautiful, even tho the pink blossoms are falling steadily, making rosy carpets on the ground under their limbs. Dogwoods are blooming nicely now that it's almost Eastertime. The spashes of white in the woods are so inspiring! All the flowering trees, cherry, etc, are adding color everywhere you look. It seemed like the Bradford Pear blossoms didn't last very long this spring, before the green leaves were popping out! I always wish they'd bloom for a longer time.

We kept the appointment with the tax reappraisal people last week, and had a good interview with a very nice clerk. She was as shocked at our reappraisal numbers as we were. Now the information we gave has been entered into the system (ah technology) and we're on hold until after April 20th, when we'll hear from the Assessor's office again.

The Buick repair has turned out to be not as overwhelming as first thought. It might even be affordable. Good news! I've enjoyed using hubby's van during my car's down-time, but it's much handier to have two vehicles available.

Now if the hospital bill and the doctors' bills would turn out as well...wishful thinking. Not a chance!

I am enjoying the blog posts that granddaughter Jessie has made recently. Her adventures in France are always interesting, and I go to the Atlas frequently to see where she's been or planning to go. Such fun! The Acadian history blogspot is fascinating. Every day there is something new to learn about those people who lived in Acadia during the 1700s, and to wonder how any of them survived the trials and hardships they were forced to endure. Like our own early settler ancestors - pioneers who traveled by wagon train, flat boats on the rivers, and walked from their coastal homes to literally break new ground in the 'west'... that is from the Carolinas to Tennessee and Mississippi. Could we do that today? I wonder.

Mixed Bag

2009-03-24T04:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, on my calendar, was to have been a Quiet day. NOT !

A welcome visitor to our front porch serenaded me with its lively tune all morning, as I worked on follow-up stuff for DAR. How do you describe a bird song with mere words? An internet site suggested "chirr-up, chirr-up..." but whatever description is given, nothing compares with the actual song. The little bird perched on top of the largest wind chime and sang its heart out for the longest kind of time ...until I disturbed him by going to the open front door to get a better look. The song was so cheerful and happy that I didn't even mind, too much, the 'calling card' he left on the porch floor.

From then on it was pretty much downhill the rest of the day. The 'verdict' on the Buick problem was not unexpected, but still to hear that your favorite vehicle is 'terminal' without major surgery is very disconcerting. The beautiful used car was my 75th birthday present from our children, and I have enjoyed every mile of its life since then. Now the dilemma is deciding if it's worth putting a whole new transmission in a car with its accrued miles, or not. And if not, how much to put into it to make it sellable? The Pollyanna in me is glad that the van is running nicely now, and we'll just adapt to being a one-car family for a while.

Then the County's four-year real estate property reappraisal notice arrived in the mail. Ludicrous, ridiculous, fantastic and just plain unreasonable. Whoever made the decision to increase the 'fair market value' of a 100-year-old house by over $100,000 must have been delusional. Just because there are 3 or 4 new houses built in the neighborhood last year (and still unsold), that should not affect our old house/property so adversely. Other homeowners nearby are reporting huge increases in their property values, too...but none as drastic as ours. We have an appointment later this week to take our paperwork and pictures to the Assessors office to seek relief of some degree.

The rest of the beautiful spring Monday was lack-luster in comparison. How much stress can one day offer anyway? It was late afternoon before I oould get to my recliner to finish an excellent Fern Michaels book. That took my mind off everything else for about 60 pages!

Thinking about things...

2009-03-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

(Tevye)
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?

(Golde)
I don't remember growing older
When did they?

(Tevye)
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?

(Golde)
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?

These words, in the song 'Sunrise, Sunset' from "Fiddler on the Roof" have been a favorite of mine for a long time. Having raised five children and been privileged to share in the lives of our eleven grandchildren, the words become more meaningful as time goes by.. and it goes by So fast these days. I truly don't remember growing older... so when did they?

Reading my dear friend Liz's thoughts about her approaching birthday the other day, got me to thinking more about 'aging' in general. I am blessed to have friends in every age group. I cherish my older friends and enjoy the youthful enthusiam of my 'younger' friends. It's contagious, you know. Hubby found a quotation recently: "Don't be concerned about growing old. Think how many don't have the privilege." Think about it.

Shifting gears -- we had a good DAR meeting yesterday, and accomplished a lot. Instead of inviting a guest speaker, each member present was asked to take 'no more than 5 minutes' to talk about herself - telling the others something we might not have known before. This idea came about when one of our longtime members died, and we realized how little we really did know about Sara. Rationale: we see each other at meetings, and then go our individual ways until next meeting. Most of us don't see each other in between times. So now we have shared some thoughts with each other in our Chapter, and learned much more than we knew before.

We're doing something similar in our Sunday School Class at church. When a member has a birthday during the coming week, he or she is given a few minutes to tell us more about him/herself. A dear friend celebrated her 86th birthday recently, and we were amazed at things she told about herself that we didn't know before. She said, I am "just Alice" to most people

The rain that accompanied us on the trip to the DAR meeting place soon abated and the sun was shining nicely by the time we finished the second meeting of the day -with the Huguenot Society. It was a full and busy day, but quite rewarding.

St. Pat's day and More

2009-03-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

Since I really can't claim any Irish in my ancestry, I don't try to 'celebrate' today, but enjoy watching or hearing about the various activities of others.

There's always "something" to take care of when vehicles are concerned. This time it's the Van that's in the shop for repairs. When it is finished, we'll leave the car to find out what's causing the problems with it. YIKES, I dread the verdict on that one.

Since my last post I've started two books by familiar authors, only to decide to leave them both. They just didn't appeal to me. Instead, I picked up another Carolyn Hart "Death on Demand", which is a lot more fun to read.

I've been invited to read and follow (if desired) two new blogspots. Both are very interesting, so I did sign on as a 'follower'. One is a fascinating History of Acadia and Le Grande Derangement (the expulsion of Acadians from their homeland by the British rulers in power) of 1755. I never cared much for history of any era when I was in high school. I took the required courses and got good grades, but that was it. In college, I did not care at all for the required "Europe to 1600"... really ancient history to me. I think I passed that course too, but really don't recall. NOW, however, with my avid interest in Genealogy, history follows along beautifully and is fascinating.

The other blogspot comes from my first cousin's daughter's group that's connected wtih RISD (Rhode Island School of Design). Lili is leading a group of students on a research trip to India to study the environment. This one is interesting - even fascinating - though far above my head. The blog describes their study and preparatory work prior to starting the trip and the research. I am Impressed.

Mitch Albom

2009-03-11T09:27:00.001-07:00

When I saw that "Tuesdays with Morrie" was published in 1997, I thought I was probably 10+ years behind the times. But that book is Timeless. No matter that I didn't read it until now. I was quickly drawn into the mood of Morrie and Mitch and their thought-provoking conversations.

I must admit, though, that I found Albom's other books first: "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" and "For One More Day". Given to my hubby by a friend, these two quickly captured my interest and imagination and held me captive to the last pages.

IF you haven't discovered Mitch Albom's books before now, I hope you will seek them out. They are stand-alone books, and the order in which they're read is of no consequence. Each is a jewel of special significance.

"Ghost at Work"

2009-03-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Carolyn Hart’s 2008 mystery novel “Ghosts at Work” introduces Bailey Ruth Raeburn, a member of Heaven’s Department of Good Intentions. Hart’s expertise in mystery writing makes each of her books an enjoyable adventure, and “Ghosts at Work” is another one.

Bailey Ruth is an emissary who returns to her small hometown in Oklahoma to help the pastor’s wife who is in “dire straits”. Wiggins, the stationmaster alternately helps and hinders Bailey Ruth’s work on earth as she works to solve a mysterious murder on the porch of the rectory.

This was an entertaining “willing suspension of disbelief” for me as I followed Bailey Ruth’s attempts to aid the police with whatever means seem plausible. She has a hard time remembering that emissaries from the Department of Good Intentions are cautioned about making “appearances”, and are warned never to use the term “ghost” in reference to themselves.

Now I really can’t wait for the next in the Bailey Ruth series from the pen of Carolyn Hart. This promises to be as good a series as Hart’s “Death on Demand” and “Henri O” has proved to be.

SPRING ?

2009-03-04T06:55:00.000-08:00

I didn't really 'wander lonely as a cloud' this morning but I saw "A host, of golden daffodils,... Fluttering and dancing in the breeze." No, I had a definite destination - the flower beds that flank our front walk - for the purpose of gathering another handful of those beautiful flowers.

With apologies to Poet Wordsworth for lifting a few lines, I think of that poem whenever I look out at the daffodils (aka jonquils/buttercups) in our yard.

They survived the many inches of snow this past weekend and seemed to thrive under the covering. Indeed, I had to shake some snow from some of the petals I picked this morning to grace our dining room table. Those brave blossoms tell me that spring in coming, if not already here. The forsythia in the corner of our front yard is gloriously golden, as well. There are a few grape hyacinths peeking up through the detritus of winter, and I am amazed at their survival.

These cheerful harbingers serve to lift spirits, when spirits really need the boost.

Temperatures are climbing nicely today, as promised, from an early below freezing mark to mid-40s now, with higher numbers expected by afternoon. I'm looking forward to the FRIENDS meeting today, and later a 'dinner out' with a dear friend.

In the meantime, I'll enjoy the buttercups in the dining room and in the front yard as long as they last.

Saturday Snow

2009-02-28T13:39:00.000-08:00

After a fairly quiet week, we're getting the predicted SNOW this afternoon! We had a lot of rain earlier, preceeding the dramatic temperature drop, which caused the change in the composition of the falling moisture.

Getting back to the Book Store was fun, even though I didn't even attempt to work the whole shift time. Seeing so many Friends while there was uplifting, after missing them for two weeks! And the same day, I attended the meeting of the Board of Directors for the Magnolia Cemetery Lotholders Association. That was a good time to see several other friends I hadn't seen in a while.

Hubby insisted that we attend the local theater production of "To Kill a Mockingbird" that same evening, so I had the 'fullest day' yet -- all in one.
The play was very good, and received a fairly good review in the newspaper the next day. Now we'll both reread Harper Lee's book to refresh our memories of the whole classic story.

I have picked buttercups (aka jonquils/daffodils) several times this week, keeping a colorful and cheerful bouquet of the regular size blossoms as well as my favorite minatures on the dining room table. Now the ones still in the yard may be covered up with snow in just a little while - at the rate it's coming down. Not to worry, though, since the flowers are quite resilient and hardy. I've seen them covered in several Inches of snow in other years, only to perk right back up when the snow melts.

An interesting piece of mail yesterday brought two pictures of Marshall County MS groups, a church and a school, both dating from the early 1900s. They'll be included in the next issue of the quarterly newsletter for the Marshall County Genealogical Society.

A phone call yesterday opened a whole new area of interest, when the caller described her frustrating search for her father's family genealogy. I offered every avenue I could think of for research, but she's already tried all of those places without any luck.

Another researcher came to the MCGS meeting this morning, describing his beginning search for his father's family. He wants to find the lineages before their family reunion this summer.

The internet offers many sources for research these days, and it can get to be a time-consuming passion (addiction) in short order. This visitor was advised to "start with what you know" and then use Family Bibles, the Census records and sources of that nature to dig deeper into the family history. Documentation is vital for 'proving' that your discoveries are factual and authentic and not just someone's assumptions or conjecture.

Friday - too early

2009-02-20T03:06:00.000-08:00

Since my last post it's been a very quiet week - for me. Doing very little, going almost nowhere and beginning to 'crawl the wall'. Maybe a good rest was needed, but enough is enough.

I had not been hospitalized for over 20 years, and then it was for a serious gall bladder surgery - the old-fashioned way. I stayed 8 days that time. Prior to that exerience, my hospital visits were to give birth - five times.

The local hospital is excellent, a great place to go if you need to be in a hospital. BUT it is not a place for R & R. Tests of all kinds, including a chemical stress test in the Nuclear medicine section, were exhausting. Seems like every time I almost relaxed, a nurse was there to add another pole or bag of something to drip from the existing pole, or take blood, or check my vitals. Even in the middle of the night, they made their appointed rounds.

I remember thinking that one very attractive middle-of-the-night nurse had beautiful dark braids hanging down her shirt front. I admired her hair style -- until I realized that she was actually wearing a ponytail, and the 'braids'were her stethoscope hanging around her neck.

But that is all behind me now, and the one prescription I brought home seems to be doing its job of keeping the 'fluttering' in check. At least that's the way the ER doctor described what my heart was doing. Instead of a steady pumping action, it was 'fluttering'.

So this week, instead of going somewhere every day, I have limited my activities to one mid-week meeting and one more tomorrow - a luncheon. The forecast is not as nice as I would have wanted for tomorrow, with cold rain and a slight possibility of some snow (NOT MUCH the TV weatherman said). I just hope everyone will be able to come to the luncheon as planned, without interference from the sky.

I finished two good books this week, and wished each one would have been longer. Anne Rivers Siddons always captures my imagination and keep me enthralled from her first pages. The other novel was a new-to-me author and an interesting story.
I need to get back to the Used Book Store soon, to replenish my supply of reading materials. I really missed my volunteer hours at the Book Store this week, but Friends covered for me. I fully intend to be back in gear next week!

Surprised? Yes.

2009-02-14T17:51:00.000-08:00

This week was going along just like all my weeks recently, with something on the calendar for Every day. Charlotte and I scheduled her physical therapy for Wednesday instead of Friday, since the St. Andrew's Episcopal church's Valentine Luncheon would be on Friday, and I had already bought tickets.

Wednesday evening I logged on to my computer, and oh Brother ... Problems ! It was so slow loading that I was almost jumping up and down, impatiently wishing it would hurry up. Finally, after rebooting a couple of times, I got back on my Outlook Explorer page, and it locked up. Nothing would move.

We unplugged everything, and took it to the Computer store. They built both of our computers, so all our problems go back to them for service. They promised to have a look at it in 2-3 days.
That was the best they could offer, with a desk full of repair jobs waiting.

Ok, we came on home, and I used Alan's computer for a sort time, before bedtime, Just to try to keep up with emails. I'm saying all this, laying a possible foundation for what came later, since I was SO frustrated with the computer problems.

AT midnight, I woke from a sound sleep with my heart pounding and pounding. I checked my blood pressure and it was within normal range. Okay.. I debated for a long time... do I wake Alan or not? Do I want to go the ER route, or not? Finally, I decided to read a while, but elected to stay in our bedroom - in case I needed Alan. The light woke him anyway. We both debated a while longer, but decided to go on to the Collierville Baptist Hospital Emergency Room. Good Decision. As a 'heart patient', I was ushered into the inner sanctum almost immediately, and everything moved quickly from then on. The nurses were great, the ER Doctor ordered a chest x-ray and immediately diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation... fluttering of the top sections of the heart. The doctor asked if I had a cardiologist, and upon hearing my "No", he said "You do now. Dr. Ray Allen will be your doctor, and we are admitting you as soon as the paperwork is complete."

I was admitted to a 2nd floor room on the cardiac wing at about 6 a.m. Thursday morning. From then until my discharge on Saturday morning, it was Test Test Test, IV IV IV IV, and more.
I was given a CT Scan, an Echocardiogram, a Nuclear Stress Test and an Ultrasound on my legs in case there were clots causing my slight ankle swelling. Vitals were checked regularly, around the clock, and blood drawn for testing each time a new medicine was given.

Since I had only One hour sleep on Wednesday night, I was ready to call Thursday a day by 9 p.m. I slept (except for the nurses coming in for regular checkups) until 6 a.m Friday. Felt a lot better, too. The Nuclear Stress Test on Friday nearly did me in, though. Five patients being tested on two machines meant a lot of waiting, and I was hungry too (NPO from midnight).
The very nice technician wheeled me to the Nuclear medicine unit at 7:30, and I didn't get back to my room until about 11 a.m. Lunch finally caught up with me, and I enjoyed every bite.

It seems like I was hospitalized for a lot longer time than 2+ days. I enjoyed family members' visits and the medical personel kept me busy with all those tests. The cardiologist's partner came by the room at 9:30 Friday night and said I could go home on Saturday morning. A couple of phone calls alerted my hubby and son... and they were there right on time to bring me home! We picked up my repaired computer on the way home, and I have been busy catchin' up with 192 emails (collected in that short time !) and FaceBook entries.

We are fortunate to have such an excellent Hospital so close by. The staff and personnel are all very well trained and nice, too. I still think it was my computer-frustration that set off the atrial fibrillation, but I could be way off base. It might have been coincidental.

I'm Very thankful for a large and loving family and many friends who care for me.

Another week - almost gone

2009-02-06T06:19:00.000-08:00

Another week is almost complete, with 'something to do' every day. My calendar just stays that way almost all the time. Those rare days - when the block for the day has nothing written on it - are precious to me whether I use them productively or just squander the time.

I am glad to be finished with all the reports that had to be mailed on or before deadline. While that is a 'dreaded' job, it's also a rewarding one as we review the year's work and, hopefully, progress. One more item remains to be finished: the Regent's Annual Letter. This will be a narrative summary of the same work reported on the other forms, but is limited to 250 words. That requires extra diligence to eliminate superfluous words, tighten up the paragraphs and get the message across.

Our town's new Mayor was the guest speaker at our Friends meeting the other day. He gave an interesting talk, and fielded some thought-provoking questions. I have every confidence that he will be an excellent leader, and will actually listen to his constituents. Too bad we don't feel the same rapport with 'leaders' in other areas of 'government'.

It's always fun to serve my volunteer time at the Book Store. The people who come in are generally willing to stay and visit a while as they browse the great selection of used books we offer. Occasionally we'll see an old friend who we haven't seen in a long time, and that's always a nice treat. Sometimes there will be somebody who knows somebody we know - so we connect that way. My shift was particularly busy this week, with quite a few young mothers bringing their small children in to check on the 'children's section'. Then a flurry of adults stopped by before and after another meeting at the Library. Folks are still coming in to see the White House Gardens exhibit. The films shown in connection with the exhibit have been excellent. Part 2 of "The Presidents' Wives" was as interesting as the first part. I'm looking forward to the final film, which is scheduled for next week.

We were saddened by the sudden, unexpected death of another long-time DAR friend. She had just had her 81st birthday with her family, and was 'feeling fine' at the dinner. She will be sorely missed in all circles.

Wrapping up another Cold Week

2009-01-30T05:32:00.000-08:00

We ought to quit being surprised when we have snow and other areas have dreadful ice storms. After all, it IS January - almost February already. But this week has been another one of those rollercoaster ones, with a variety of weather conditions - mainly Cold. A pretty snow closed the area schools on Wednesday, and gave the kids a great day for outdoor fun. One time, when we had a 'nice' snowfall, I made a snowman all by myself. This time I just settled for throwing several handsful of the white stuff at hubby while we cleaned snow off my car, so we could go grocery shopping.

I've been watching the conditions at airports in other areas, wondering if our friend was able to travel without delays or other problems. A gratefully received email mid-week assured me that she reached her destination safely and anticipated no return-trip problems.

This has been a good week for procrastinating - putting off doing things I should have completed before now. But with the excuse of 'staying warm', I snuggled up under a fleece throw and read.
I even brought home another couple of books from my shift at the book store, to add to the stack of waiting-to-be-read paperbacks. Hubby read me an article he found on the internet about the percentages of the population who read, or did not read, books and magazines. I was astounded at those figures. Being an avid reader, I can't imagine so many people professing to have read NO Books since they got out of school. Whether it's reading fiction for escapism, or non-fiction to increase one's knowledge, the world of books is so wonderful and so full of so many things!

I hope our granddaughter had a wonderful birthday in Paris. We'll be eager to hear about what she did to celebrate yesterday as she turned 23! Another friend's daughter will celebrate her birthday today in Scotland, where she now lives. The world has shrunk so much in our lifetimes, it's simply amazing. I just sent an email to our relatives in Hawaii. They'll find it on their computers in a matter of minutes - whether they respond or not. Regular letters in the mail would take several days to go that far !

Cold, and colder, weather

2009-01-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

When the thermometer shows numbers under 30, as it did here all weekend, it creates a need for warmth. Creative cooking comes next - so we can find something that will warm us and 'stick to the ribs' at the same time. Instead of our usual lunch fare, hubby suggested a bowl of hot cereal. Good idea!

I chose Cream of Wheat this time, and started the process of cooking (no instant stuff for us !).

Stirring the bubbling mixture took me back to my childhood and memories of Mother's cream of wheat. That was soooo good, and full of little lumps. We always added sugar and butter (before oleo was invented), which was an extra bonus of taste.

Now the question is, How in the world did Mother manage to make lumpy cream of wheat? I have tried to re-create this delicacy, without any success. Those little lumps tasted so good, and made a spoonful of cereal even more interesting.

Maybe it's due to 'modern' processing, but no matter how I add the grains of cereal to the boiling water, it comes out smoothe as silk. No lumps ! I've tried dumping the raw stuff into the hot water - but that doesn't work either when I stir constantly - as directed on the package. Perhaps it was the old wood stove that Mother had to cook on in this old house. Maybe our electric stove gives off better, more even heat? I just don't know.

I dare say that no recipe in the world (or even on Google) would answer my question, since most cooks prefer the smooth over the lumpy variety of Cream of Wheat.

In the meantime, we sure enjoyed the warmth and stick-to-it-ness of the hot cereal on the cold day yesterday.

Musings

2009-01-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

What a tumultous week this has been! The Inauguration coverage was fascinating and seemingly endless. I don't know how the new First Couple managed to stay alert and smiling during those long hours, and then hit the road running early the next morning. Ah... Youth!

An interesting video was shown at the women's club meeting this week, too -- an interview filmed last summer when the subject was at home for his father's funeral, from his position in Afghanistan. This young man works with a Christian outreach group in the Muslim country - in itself a hazardous occupation. He wore his Afghani outfit, and explained each part of it. He said he could not hide his origin, since in addition to his skin color, he has a little gray in his dark hair whereas Afghanis do not turn gray. Interesting! His descriptions of the conditions in that war-torn country added a lot to the film clips of native markets, roads and people.

The volunteer time at the Book Store was Busy! Several groups were meeting in the Library in conjunction with The White House Gardens exhibit and lecture series, and many of the attendees visited the book store to get a copy of the WHG Book.

Changing the subject and mood, today I visited a friend who is a patient at our local hospital. This 83-year-old gentleman has multiple health problems and is undergoing a series of tests to find a solution to his complete lack of swallowing ability. As a Type I diabetic, blood sugar balance with food and insulin is a high priority, which complicates everything even more.

In the past I have hesitated to visit patients in a hospital, theorizing that they would not be there if they weren't sick enough to need hospitalization, therefore they would not be able to receive visitors. I had learned, from another friend who was terminal, that she would like to have some 'peace and quiet' and wished that her large family would quit 'hovering'. ( From the family's POV, they wanted to be close to their loved one every mnute - which was quite understandable.)

When I had an 8-day stay myself (about 20 years ago), and I longed for someone to talk to. Family members came when they could, but many lonely hours before I was declared 'recovered' from my fairly serious surgery would have been eased by a few friendly faces ---So I still don't know what is best.

Snow? Ho ho!

2009-01-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, we watched the flurries of snow come down and cover the ground this morning. It was so pretty - while it lasted. After the new President's Inaugural Address was finished, I looked outside again and the snow was almost all gone ! The ground is brown -- again. We did have a few more flakes swirling around a while ago, but it doesn't look like we'll get anything worth talking about today.

I went to my old digital camera to capture the elusive beauty of the snow on the nandina berries... but the battery needed recharging. By the time that was accomplished it was too late and the snow was gone. I didn't pick up my newer Kodak digital because the Inauguration was in full swing by then. Oh well. I have other 'snow pictures' in my collection. And winter is far from over yet.

Our "Old" friend Willie Mae and her other family members were included in a newspaper article this morning which assures me that 102-year-old Willie Mae did indeed get to Washington, and was located by our Representative who ushered her group into the warmth indoors. It was cold in D.C. today, so I was glad to know this.

A funny thing happened at the Book Store the other day. I was reminding my partner on how to ring up a sale on the cash register. After she plugged in the number of books and the category, I said, "Now, Enter...." and the friends in the store all laughed. I guess that tells how much time I spend at the Computer, doesn't it? The sale, by the way, was accomplished when my partner completed the process by pressing the Total key.

DAR reports work took most of the morning, so I've at least made dent in the process. I'm excited to report FOUR new members this year plus another one who transferred to our chapter. There's Much more to be done on the report forms, but I also have to attend to a few other matters in the meantime - like laundry. :-(

Rollercoasters - weather and emotions

2009-01-16T03:38:00.000-08:00

Our 'rollercoaster' weather is wearing us all down with pleasant sweater-days mid-week and sub-freezing temps following too soon. Our painters left the other day saying they'd return to finish up the work on the exterior paint job when the temperature got back up to 40 and above. They simply cannot work or use paint brushes when it's so cold. The crew is doing a fine job (when they can work) of painting, repairing 'bad wood' and caulking where needed. We are very pleased with the results. This job was started back in December with intentions of being complete in three weeks. Then the rains came. Delays. A few really nice days allowed a lot of progress on the scraping off the old old paint and starting the repairs and painting. But the Alberta Clipper arrived and stopped everything. Compared with other areas of the US where snow won't stop falling, we're not so bad off. But it sure is COLD at 8 degrees this morning!
A news clip said Alaska was warmer than Tennessee yesterday.

The rollercoaster extends to emotional 'highs' with the Grand Opening Reception of the Library's WHITE HOUSE GARDENS exhibit last night. The event was beautiful and those who braved the elements to attend were quite impressed with the panels displaying the evolution of the White House Gardens from George Washington's time to the present. The accompanying book was a 'hit' too, with many of the guests buying their copy. The catered reception was lovely with delicous tidbits for the guests to enjoy. The flower arrangements in the Library and the Halle Room are simply gorgeous. Everyone worked hard to make the evening the success that it was.

The emotional 'low' came with the news of another job loss. As a parent, it really knocked me for a loop - as hard for me to accept as it was for the son, I 'm sure. He has a wonderful outlook and strong faith, and assured us that they would be all right. Still I'm reeling with the impact.

The incoming president will be hard-pressed to 'fix' all the ills of this country. We have to believe that he will do his best to do the right things for everyone. Time will tell. But in the meantime, I guess I'm not alone in wishing our leaders had been more able to guide "the economy" in such a way that this recession did not have to be.

Since I can't fix anything or even suggest any remedies, I will just have to keep on doing what I can and pray. As John Wesley said so long ago, "Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can."

GOOD News for a change!

2009-01-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

Our son and daughter-in-law shared their Good News last night about their newest adopted family member, 2-year old Cocker Spaniel - Opal !

Isn't she Lovely? They say she's a sweet dog, and is already making herself at home with them.

I am SO glad...and happy for them.

The hurrier I go....

2009-01-10T04:33:00.000-08:00

With the flurry of activities surrounding my several projects this week, I find myself wondering what's next? As the saying goes: the hurrier I go, the behinder I get.

So I said to myself, "Self, you gotta get organized and finish at least one of these things that are dangling." And self said back, "Yeah, but I'd rather do the funner things......" So that conversation got nowhere that would do much good, and only accomplished another delay -- of sorts.

So here it is Saturday already, and the dents I've made in the projects I'm responsible for are hardly noticeable. But on the other hand (and there's always another hand around here, it seems) I have had fun doing a totally unrelated project, taken on because there was a need not being filled by those who were charged with handling it. Ya know what I mean?

When I first opened my eyes earlier this morning, I remembered that I do not know where a very important packet of papers has gotten to, and that 'search and discover' will have to take precedence today over any other 'funner' job I might rather do. When I have to move things around to make room for house guests - like at Thanksgiving and Christmas - I put stuff in boxes and then more stuff on top... so this 'important packet' is most likely buried in one of those places. Guess I'll have to get out my old shovel and start digging. Trouble with that, tho, is that when I do start digging, I find other things - unrelated to the object of the search - that also need attention... and so it goes!

In the meantime, a nice long email from a longtime friend was waiting in my Inbox this morning. Whew, I'm so glad to hear from her from the other end of the State. We had not been in touch for months, and I really was just about to pick up the phone and call to see what had happened to her. Last I heard, her mother was getting on up in years, and I wondered .... But that was not the case at all. My friend was just so busy having fun with a new project that her club undertook, that she hadn't had time to communicate.

On rereading this post, I'm glad that 'grammar check' is not activated on this site, or I'd be in bad trouble.

Have a nice rainy morning, and hope the sun will come back out later today!

Sad news

2009-01-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

Our son called last night to tell us about the death of their dog. Maxey was a family member for 18 years, and the loss of that precious cocker spaniel is just about the most heart-breaking thing anyone can experience.

The loss of any loved one is devastating. When it's the lovable animal who gave her whole unquestioned devotion and unconditonal love, it tears the heart to ribbons.

Maxey had been on 'borrowed time' for two years, our son said, with many health problems, which our son and daughter-in-law ministered to with incomparable dedication.

There are no words to made them feel any better, but as I said on the phone, "it's all right to grieve; it's all right to cry, to be angry and to wonder why." Grieving is hard, but - as with the loss of a parent or other loved one - it's necessary.

Two other family members have had similar losses in the past few months with Bonnie and Mocha. Each time, their lovable dogs were an integral part of the family for a long time. Each time, the immediate loss was a shock and their grief was tangible.

As a parent, it's almost impossible to know how to console an adult child who suffers a loss like this. I can only pray that their memories will serve as solace over time.

New Year starting....

2009-01-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

What a busy beginning of the New Year ! If the rest of the year is as busy, I'm not sure I'll be able to maintain the momentum. But as Scarlet said, "I'll think about that tomorrow." In the meantime, I just read a devotional on planning and using time wisely: 'Plan your work and work your plan.' Great idea, with reservations. As the devotional writer muses, sometimes circumstances interfere and best laid plans have to take a detour. Or as Robert Burns penned:
"The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men, Gang aft agley..."

With the opening of the Smithsonian's "White House Gardens" exhibit at our Library coming this weekend, energy and enthusiasm is at a real high in anticipation of this exceptional event. I have to admit that I never really gave much thought to the 'gardens' at the White House. I have visited that historic building, and been privileged to be in a VIP tour group that my oldest daughter arranged several years ago. But the Gardens, per se, didn't get much of my attention. Seeing (on TV) the 'copter land on the White House grounds when the sitting president would be coming or going was exciting, and events that were televised from the Rose Garden were always nice enough. But now a whole new vista has opened for me - as I hope it will for many others as they visit the exhibit at our Library. The hardback book that accompanies the exhibit is beautifully written and describes that historic area from the time of first President George Washington to the present. The pictures and descriptions of the White House Gardens' evolution is fascinating reading.

The newsletter that I edit for the Marshall County (MS) Genealogical Society is just about all put together now for the January 2009 issue. This will be a 24-page issue thanks to the submissions of several members. The next step in the preparation is what I call "fine tuning"; getting all the pages lined up, filling white space where there's more than is necessary and spell-checking everything. It's a fun job that I have enjoyed over the seven years I've served as editor.

Then there's the DAR reports that must be made each year, summarizing the work the Chapter has done. That's a time-consumer, always. Details have to be included in the many areas of interest, with accurate accounts of programs and projects. We have gained two new members, with another application pending approval in Washington now. We lost one long-time member, though, who passed away in December. I am pleased that our Chapter now has a website, which was created and approved late in 2008.

The Annual George Washington Luncheon that our DAR Chapter hosts in February is always a nice occasion. We honor our high school DAR Good Citizen at this event, presenting him or her with a pin and certificate. The recipient had to write a timed essay in the presence of the school counselor on a subject unknown until time to actually write. I have been impressed every year with the high school senior's presentation of their response to the topic of good citizenship and preserving our heritage.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-01T07:19:00.001-08:00

I guess I'm about the last one to wish everyone a Happy New Year, since we're well into the new day and new year now.

To answer the question I posed in my last posting, I vicariously celebrated New Year's Eve with a trip to the Eiffel Tower in Paris and a lovely ride to Bavaria to a town at the base of the Alps! How totally awesome - for those who really did it, and for my 'armchair traveling' from back home.

Christmas dinner here was so much fun, even if half our crew was not able to be here with us. The rest of us didn't miss a trick in having a bountifully delicious meal and lots of fun exchanging gifts afterwards. The gifts-that-keep-on-giving are always nice to receive, and we managed to reap quite a few this year ! Gift cards are welcome and will be used, believe me! The toaster works beautifully - so much better than the old one, which has been discarded.

The Slide Scanner is providing hours of 'entertainment' for me so far... all those years of slides that were heretofore just stored are now coming to life as real pictures that can be shared, printed and saved! Thanks to Jonathan who got the program set up for me and taught me how to use it! The Oklahoma years in slides are bringing back So many memories!

The painters have been working valiantly on the exterior of the house now that the rains have subsided somewhat. The crew has scraped the old old paint off every single board, and are in the priming and painting process now - in spite of cold weather. I did not expect them to come to work today, since New Years Day is a "holiday", after all. I do not miss the sounds created by the scraping and hammering on the outside, that reverberate so loud inside !

Now , thanks to the Internet, I'm watching the plane's progress coming from Charles DeGaulle to Newark as our family travelers return from a storybook vacation trip. The friends won't return from their own fabulous trip until later this weekend. There'll be a jillion questions for both groups to answer and share when they get back and get settled in again at home.

So once again, Happy New Year to everyone. I join others in hoping for peace, love and health in this new year.

Vicarious travel

2008-12-29T15:19:00.000-08:00

AH... I have had the most wonderful time reading about and enjoying our travelers' experiences in Europe this past week.

The word vi·car·i·ous means (3): experienced or realized through imaginative or sympathetic participation in the experience of another... and that describes me to a T.

I have toured Paris, taken a boat ride on the Seine, traveled the Autobahn, ridden a fantastic train across several countries, tasted the delights of French bread and chocolat chaud, visited the Louvre where I gawked at the Mona Liza, and other amazing museums - Marie Antoinette's bed looks awfully hard; and generally had the experiences of a lifetime -- all without leaving home or computer! Thanks to our amazing technology and our traveling family and friends - this has been an exciting couple of weeks, and "our" trips are not over yet!

I wonder what amazing things we'll find to help celebrate the New Year? Vicariously, of course.

Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

The week went by entirely too fast ! Our traveling friends and family left on schedule and arrived without too much trouble - on the other side of the world from here (well, almost). They're across the pond, anyway.

It has been a lot of fun to hear from them - family AND friends - thanks to the marvelous technology we enjoy today. Just think, it hasn't been too many years when a flight across the Atlantic Ocean was not even imagined, much less accomplished.

The rest of the family will gather here tomorrow for the traditional dinner, fun and fellowship.
Now that the sun has come out --after a week of rainy, dreary, COLD and otherwise less-than-pleasant days -- I'm more in the spirit of Looking Forward to Christmas.

In Europe now it's past bedtime, so their Christmas Day will arrive much sooner than ours... some 7 hours sooner, in fact. Since I missed telling you all "good night", I'll just say "Merry Christmas, and God bless us, Everyone!"

One week and counting

2008-12-17T04:37:00.000-08:00

One more week til Christmas Eve ! This whole year has zoomed by in a whirlwind of activities and accomplishments ! A friend told me yesterday that her "Christmas Letter" was receiving accolades this year because it was not about all the things her family members did and places they went during the year. Rather, she told about researching their family genealogy and history, giving substance to the family stories and lore that was passed down through the generations. What an interesting idea! I'll have to remember that when Christmas 2009 looms near.

It's always nice to hear from my cousins who live too far away to visit often, and I'm always interested in their various comings and goings, so I hope they won't change their annual letter formats at all.

This week has been less than fun, since a sinus infection has dominated most of each waking moment. I don't like to cancel engagements or commitments, but sometimes it's necessary for everyone's well-being. Nobody wants to be around another who is coughing and sniffing constantly.

Excitement is building for friends and family who are leaving in a few days for the Trip of a Lifetime. Both groups will head for Europe - Germany, Austria and France. I wish I could hide away in one of their suitcases! Since that will not happen, I'll keep watch for emails about their adventures - thanks to the technology that makes it possible!

When I was first married, we were living on an Army base far from home, and even a long distance phone call was a rarity instead of a routine occurence. Who would have dreamed 60 years ago that friends and family could log on to their computers and, using SKYPE, see and talk to each other with just the click of a few letters on the keyboards!

Speaking of SKYPE, a cousin sent a news release from that company announcing the promotions of several head people. I was pleased to see that a 2nd cousin who has lived in California for about 20 years, was named to a top position in that interesting company. Way to go, Christopher!

Thoughts -

2008-12-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

"A life without purpose is a languid, drifting thing; Every day we ought to review our purpose, saying to ourselves: This day let me make a sound beginning, for what we have hitherto done is naught!" -- Thomas A. Kempis

This quote from another website made me stop and think- what am I supposed to be doing today that I 'm not doing? I could make a list....

Days like this are hard to deal with. There are many things I should be doing, most of which I don't want to do, so I'm not. Too soon the option of procrastination will run out and force me to action... like it or not.

The volunteer hours at the book store yesterday were fun, with lots of interesting shoppers, browsers and good friends to talk with. Then last night hubby and I made a 180-degree change to our routine by attending the Christmas Band and Choral Concert at a grandson's school. This is his last year there, since Graduation in May will open a whole new chapter for him --and his parents. Their last chick leaving the nest and all that.

The concert was delightful. There was enough mix of new and traditional Christmas music to satisfy even the meanest critic, and I found my toes tapping repeatedly to keep up with the brass and percussion sections. Like the old fire horse, I'm always rarin' to go when a Band performs!

We didn't have a chance to speak to our grandson following the performance, but I hope he knew we were in the audience. He's just the most handsome of all the young men in the band - of course. Of course, I say that about all of our grandchildren - they're the most beautiful, handsome, talented, intelligent and likeable kids ever born !

Two Weeks and counting---

2008-12-10T05:21:00.000-08:00

December 10th already! That's hard to believe, but there it is....Two weeks from today will be Christmas Eve.

Ah-- the memories those words bring forth - the childhood days when the whole family gathered at our grandmother's house to hang stockings and the cousins pretended to go to sleep while the grownups did their 'getting ready for Santa' things. The house was too small to hide many secrets, with the grandmother, three daughters and their husbands, and 8 total children - oh my what fun!

Back to the future - Now we have an even larger family to gather for Christmas at our house. A few years ago we had a Christmas Eve supper as well as a Christmas Day supper, to accomodate the groups who had other families to visit. Now it's evolved to just one big Christmas Day dinner with everyone together!

Preparations are still in progress here, but I still need to gather the items that will go with the travelers to France! They'll have quite a different adventure this year, and are getting more excited as departure date approaches. We'll miss them greatly -back here on the 'home front', but are happy that they will be all together over there across the pond.

Yesterday was one of those days when the rain just would not go away. I kept checking the rain gauge in our back yard, and it kept getting fuller and fuller. The 'official' total for our area was almost FOUR inches in a 24-hour period. That's quite enough, thank you very much. Even so, I'm thankful it was "just" rain, and not the equivalent amount of snow! Yep, a quick check of the rain gauge shows 'almost 4 inches' !

Now to get busy with the day's things-to-do !

A 'big' family

2008-12-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

An interesting article in today's newspaper about 'large' families brought back a lot of memories. According to the writer, only 2% of today's families have 5 or more children. I wonder what that percentage was in the '50s and '60s when our five children were arriving. Several of our friends also had five children in the same time frame. Maybe sometime I can dig out the facts, but now I'm remembering ---

Five children in nine years meant a lot of fun, a lot of stress (but I was too busy to know that I was stressed), a lot of bottles and diapers, and a lot of groceries and cooking. I remember thinking, when our 5th child was born: "What if all five of our kids have five kids of their own? We'd be overrun with grandchildren !"

Somehow all five of our kids managed to grow up healthy and did very well in school, all going on to college or post-secondary education, and each one received academic scholarships, too ! And they have provided us with eleven wonderful and beautiful grandchildren.!

Our children were fortunate to have a large and loving extended family, two sets of grandparents, three great-grandmothers and a great-grandfather, oodles of cousins, aunts and uncles. Living in a fairly small town was the greatest blessing; where everybody knew everybody else, and cared about each other.

I served as Room mother for several grades, chaired many committees and served at PTA president. When the kids got older, I was in the Band Booster Club for years, since four of the kids played instruments in the high school band. Serving as Booster Club president meant many trips on the bus with the band when they participated in contests and parades in other towns, manning the concession booth at the football games, and all the things that parents are expected to do in support of their children's activities.

So what's the big deal about having five children? I will be interested to see if there are any responses to the article in today's newspaper.