Warm fuzzy Memories

The house is quiet except for the sound of the air conditioner doing its job of keeping my house cool enough to be comfortable. The last of my guest left early this morning, and Dad (aka my husband) is on the road. I'm waiting on the cable guy (no not the comedian,) to finally, at long eternity last, fix me up with high speed Internet. I know, I know, I have tried to tell you I'm in the dark ages with dial
up, but I'm so far out in the country there is none offered except through my TV Cable, and I found a way to pay the extra it will cost ach month. I wonder sometimes if in my very populated neighborhood I am the only one that has a computer.

I think it will be worth it. At least you will be able to get me when you call. As it is now, I tie up my only phone line whenever I am on the Internet.

I appreciate all the comments from those who take time to read and let me know you are out there. I enjoyed watching the little fellows play while they were here. When Clay came, (you remember Clay) he and the other two played what we would have called Cowboys and Indians. However they only had Cowboys killing the bad guys. I think they each took turns being the bad guy. I think the biggest crime they could come up with was that the bad guy had robbed a bank.

Their shoot-'em-ups were so loud, I asked them to play a quiet Bible game for a change. That was a good idea, for they were quiet momentarily as a brainstorming discussion took place between them. Finally they came back to me and asked for a suggestion. Without thinking I suggested David and Goliath. The room filled with laughter, when immediately every one's mind went to the picture of the dead giant getting his head cut off! How violent is that. I think we opted for Moses and the burning bush, and then it was time for bed.

I taught my little ones in Sioux City a song or two. That is my style. I get in a car locked up with children, and immediately my mind goes to some song from my past that I try to teach them. From "KaKaKa-Katie - Beautiful Katie" to "She'll be coming round the mountain" to "I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy down in my heart". Logan jumped right into the part I don't normally add to the song by asking "Where?" The way he said it in that 4 year old voice was hilarious.

Anyway, I still have the warm fuzzes of memories of our visits. To best describe my feelings otherwise would be to say, "I'm tired", but it won't take me long to feel better. I've told Dad that the TV will not be on very much during the day, so we can soak in the quiet, and listen to the sound of children's laughter, and shoot-'em-ups that still seem to reverberate through out the walls of my otherwise tranquil home.

Until later,

Grammyof13

1600 Miles Later

1600 miles later we are home. Very tired but home. Home looks so good after being away awhile, don't you think? Every one's bed was wonderful, we were treated with royalty, got a chance to spoil the grand kids, and yet home looked so inviting as we rounded the corner and headed to the brick house with Burgundy shutters. I experience something like that when I go back to my childhood home. I'm already looking to the day, (not with any joy for sure) when the house where I lived from 12 to 20 will not be so welcoming as it will have new tenants. Presently however, I know where the key is, I let myself in, and make myself at home. To me it is still Mama's house. Sometimes I speak of it as being Daddy's house, but none the less, it is home in every sense of the word.

There is safety about home. I won't attempt to describe it, but getting inside the house with the door closed behind me, makes the world go away, taking all the cares of life with it. Inside my home, there is Peace, when I close the door and shut out the noise of the world. Inside my home, I am Queen of the Manse, where I take charge of my life, shedding the dust of the well traveled road. I stop long enough to take a bath in the Word, to keep my garment "unspotted by the World".

Yesterday afternoon, I needed something from the Lord. I opened my Bible to I Kings and read about the time Solomon was King after his father David. While he was in Gibeon where he was made sacrifice, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: "Solomon, whatever you want in this world, I will give to you" (paraphrased) I love his answer. "Give your servant an understanding heart, that I may discern between good and bad, for who is able to judge your great people?" (I Kings 3:5,9)

That has stayed with me today as I realize there are some things for which I don't know how best to pray. Even though inside my home this evening, there is safety, peace, and tranquility, I need it to be a sanctuary also. A sanctuary where I can take the Wisdom that is mine for the asking, and know how to pray for my children, and their children. Often we need the mind and heart of God, in order to pray His will.

My OK daughter came home with us with her two little boys. I need to stop and visit with them, before their bed time.

Thanks to all of the well wishes for my daughter. I talked with her today, and she was still feeling great. So I'm praising God, that she is fine.

Until later,

Grammyof13

We are here1

We are here. Tired for sure, it was a long trip. We broke up the trip by going through Oklahoma. We spent the night there then left around 9:30 to start North. I had enough reading to keep me pretty busy so with an occasional nap, I made it very well accept for swollen legs which is the norm for me these days.

Today is Monday, I've been interrupted each time I set down to catch up, but that is the name of the game. My daughter made it through her procedure and is doing very well. Papa and I took Katrina and Logan to Burger King to have lunch and play time while she was resting. We then went to the grocery store before coming home.

Logan and I have learned some new songs. One while we were waiting for Papa to finish up we sat down at the piano and started singing. He is the cutest little red head and a complexion to match, very fair, with dancing blue eyes. He has fallen in love with his grand papa and I love watching them together. My husband being gone during our children's growing up years, missed out on little things like bath time. Logan wants him with him when he takes a shower, and while they are behind clothes doors, I have to eaves drop on their conversation. (not behind a broken shade this time!!!) Logan is full of conversation and mischief.

Katrina on the other hand is a busy six and 1/2 year old lady who has a mind of her own. She is Queen of her world, and our rules don't always apply where she and her agenda is concerned. She is too smart for the rest of us I've decided, and it is difficult to keep her busy with mind challenging things.

Not that it matters, but I'd like to add both Logan and Katrina are adopted, and what the Lord did to get them to our family is a story I would love to share one day. I'm sure there will be a perfect time in the future.

We haven't got to chase fire flies, but that is part of our plans as well as going to a picnic and swimming.

Until later

Gramyof13

Sioux City

I am feeling much better. I'm sure you were wondering about the other side of me that I rarely show. I'd rather that area stay in the back ground for sure. I do apologize if I offended anyone. My neighbor and I are fine. We still speak and we are as neighborly as we've always been!

Anyway, we are on a run to be ready to leave for Sioux City, IA on Friday. We took time to go to the Fitness Center yesterday and enjoy the water. I did take time to exercise before I got in the water. Then I was able to participate in an exercise class for the "silver sneakers" which was very enjoyable. Today we spent several house in the repair shop getting the car ready to travel.

My grandchildren whom we will be visiting are anticipating our visit. Katrina (age 6) calls now and then to ask the same question, "What are we going to do when you get here?"

I've reassured her that we would go on a picnic at the park for one thing, and "now it is your turn to think of something you'd like to do that is special!"

Logan is her little brother age 4, and he will gladly go along with whatever Sissy wants to do. He will be in Pre School this fall and he is so excited about getting a back pack! It won't be difficult to find something for him to fill it up!

My daughter is to have surgery on Monday. Hopefully while she is resting after she gets home, I can take the kids out for our excursion! I do want to make memories with them. I may see them every six months or so, however we were together on Memorial Week-end in Oklahoma.

I'll be back in full swing in a few days, until then keep walking!

Grammyof13

Burr Under My Saddle #2

There isn't a lot that gets me riled like a condescending look, or especially a condescending statement. I try, for the sake of my blood pressure, (if for no other reason) to stay on an even keel, take things in stride, consider the source and move on. I usually succeed too.

I am most often silent when it comes to my Christian convictions. However, I am at an age to think for myself, and the convictions I have toward many things did not come from sources, which could be considered unreliable. The convictions of my heart are settled, now and forever, after looking at those ideas from every angle – front, back, sides and in-between, before making a choice as to where stand, where to plant my feet, and where to put my energy. For in making eternity decisions, I must know that I know, that that on which I expend energy and effort is not wasted or in vain. It is important that subjects that will affect my destiny or the destiny of my children be made with caution, prayer, and with my eyes open.

I could not say that 30 years ago. Not that I was wishy-washy but my interest in the world my children were growing into, and the world in which I would ultimately spend my golden years was something for a future time, I regret to say. It was only in the 1970’s I became involved in the political process and realized it was my privilege as a free American to have a say in who is elected, or who is not. Before then I think I made the mistake of figuring (like many other Christians), “what is to be will be” and “my one little vote” doesn’t amount to much, therefore “I’ll stand on the side lines and see what happens.”

It was when I realized our founding fathers were men of integrity and conviction, men who believed in God as the Supreme Being that took their convictions, their integrity and founded a nation. They believed in God as the Supreme Being so much they decided to tell the world that it is “IN God We Trust” by placing it on every bill of currency or silver coin.

Those same men fought for the young fledgling nation. They had a divine revelation, if you will, of a Free County where its people could worship God and live in Peace with his neighbor.

Because of their dedication, my children, with their children, and I live in a land of plenty, and peace. We work for what we need and want. We invest in this great country. We teach our children to be men and women of integrity and conviction. We teach them honest work ethics, as well as moral values. We teach them the fundamental truths of Scripture, like the Ten Commandments, and the ones Jesus added, “Love your neighbor as your self.”

It is also very important to my children and I to “feed the poor, provide for the widows who are widows indeed, and orphans who are orphans indeed.” Never once has our family had to depend on the government for anything. The Republican Party or any Government power is NOT our provider.

I am trying to choose my words, so as not to sound sanctimonious. It is not my intention to do to anyone, what I said in the beginning I detest, sounding condescending or patronizing.

Are you wondering what brought this on? It was a conversation I could not get away from. I tried, for I knew where it would lead. I think had I been privy to the possibility of such an exchange, I may have stayed in the house.

There are very few things for which I try to persuade others, and whether you are a Democrat or Republican is not one of them. It is my mission and utmost desire to know whether you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Personal Savior. It is also my duty to feed you if you are hungry, or guide you to the right source to get your needs met.

The Government was never meant to replace the responsibility of the Church in meeting the needs of its people. Nevertheless, that is enough said about that.

To have someone stand outside my home, on my property and tell me in so many words “Christian can’t think for themselves”, is enough to place a burr under my saddle.

“It was Jerry Falwell and preachers like him that told Christians how to vote, and it was then that Ronald Reagan got elected. I don't think preachers should get behind the pulpit and tell people how to vote".

"There may be churches who "tell" their people how to vote, I don't know," I injected, "but one can't make a blanket statement like that. Jerry Falwell decided to educate Christians in their duty to keep America Free by getting involved in the political process. If you listen close to TV or Radio ministries today, they are careful not to tell people how to vote,but their sole purpose is to give the biblical view of the agendas of the Candidates."

For sure the candidate must believe in God as THE Supreme Being, the creator of Heaven and Earth. For sure the candidate must have a reverence for life and an allegiance to America. Certainly the candidate should be a military man, one who understands the complexity of our armed forces and the great need to protect our borders.

One thing which cannot remain unsaid is this: We are admonished to Pray. "If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14 - OT KJV

If we indeed see the flaws, the discrepancies, the prejudices of our society, then it is our duty to pray that He will heal our land. It is our obligation as Christians to model Christ.

Only when we get to Heaven will we actually be free of our obligation to "this land". Until then, we must vote with conviction. Not with our pocket book or purse, but with moral conviction, knowing our provider is not the new President whoever he may be, but Jehovah Jirah, is our provider.

I hope I didn’t get too far off my subject as I scratch to get the burr out from under my saddle! The ONES, who have persuaded me in my decisions, is the Ancient books whose projections of the future, and the Prophets Words concerning our future,have been tried and tested; the Holy Bible. The Supreme Being, who formed the world, saw the end and knew it from the beginning. It was HE who has a divine plan for all things therein, and I figure ONLY HE can give me insight on what that plan is, who fits into that plan, and what my part is in it.

My Blood Pressure is better now.

Grammyof13

"I WISH!"

What you read today may not interest you in the least. Just a warning in case you want to do your exit clicking now. This is how life goes sometimes, just stuff. Nothing exciting just filled with stuff. So that is what I'm writing about today.

I had an appointment with the eye surgeon yesterday. Oh yes, getting ready for Caterac removal and lens correction August 7. I'm looking forward to it really, being able to see the TV and my computer much better. Even reading without those squiggly things going across the page will be wonderful! Anyway, I was not ready for the preliminary portion before I got to see Dr. Baker.

There are several Doctors of the eye in the same office. I signed in on the correct page. The secretary said, "Ms Thompson I will need your Insurance Cards."

“I was just here the last of May and up dated my records then,” I replied.

“I know but we have to do this on each visit”, she said in her business tone.

I dug into my purse (which is not my favorite purse,) passed all the stuff that had got on top of my billfold, and retrieved the documents. That was painless enough. I get them back in the billfold, then back into my purse and settled down to wait. I had just picked up a hardback book that looked interesting, (I’m sure someone had left it there.)

‘How we lost Bin Laden!” I could read enough to let me know what it was all about anyway. Frankly, it was not a bit of history, but filled with quotes from a former president (who shall remain nameless) and his cabinet.

The receptionist interrupted my reading. “Ms. Thompson, I need you to fill out this 5 page questionnaire.”

“You are kidding of course,” I said smiling.

“No I’m afraid not, we have to do this on each visit” she replied in the same business tone she had before.

She was not seeing my aggravation as anything humorous.

I sat down in a different seat and began circling the yes or no questions. Most were easy enough. I was going along pretty good when I stopped and questioned what I would answer. “Do you have macular degeneration?”

“I don’t know” I mused.

One question was does anyone in your family have macular degeneration and I circled yes thinking of my 99 ½ year old dad.

The nurse called me to the back before I had a chance to finish. “Can I drop this in file 13 on my way?” I asked trying to be funny.

She was young enough to appreciate my humor, so she said to me in a tone as she would a child, “No you can’t. You have to complete it.” Then she informed me with “Medicare won’t pay unless this is completed.”

After doing her thing to prepare me for the Doctor to come in, I had a few minutes to finish the 5-page questionnaire. “Have you had a significant weight loss, lately”. Instead of circling NO, I opted to write at the end of the question, “I WISH!”

To other questions, I put a big Question mark (?).

Anyway, I don’t know if anyone even bothers to look at the 5 pages (Notice I’ve mentioned the length of the questionnaire several times) report. I was honest that I did not have cancer; I do have a rash on my skin, etc. etc.

I said before, I was going to make a copy of that report so I would duplicate it the next time, but I failed to ask for one. I figured if there were a next time, I would have changed purses by then and would not have it. So now, I have to remember what I questioned, what I made a comment on and what I circled Yes or No.

They did an EKG, which read “borderline”. What does borderline mean? Borderline what? What was bordering?? Sounds to me like my heart is on the edge! But edge of what?

She showed it to the Surgeon and he was not alarmed, so the surgery is still on. However she gave me a copy of the EKG read out to take to the heart Doctor next month.

Well what do I do in the meantime, with a borderline EKG reading?

I’m not going to lose any sleep over it, I decided. I feel OK so until I find the line that borders something, and what is teeter tottering on the line, and it is clearly defined, I’ll just have an excuse to take it easy!

Where there is a will, there is a way!

Grammyof13

Hurry up and Wait!

This has been a hurry-up and wait kind of day that ended well after all. Several years ago I gave in to get DirecTV or Satellite. We have cable, which is expensive enough, but I was told we could get a certain package for $29. + Tax, which sounded like a bargain to me.

Installation day came and went with no installation being done. The young man said, "Mam there is nowhere around here I can get a direct signal to install a dish." When I asked why, this was my answer. "You have too many trees and I have nowhere to place a dish so it will face the southwest without obstructions."

It is true I live on a tree-studded lot, in multi tree neighborhood. If I have a fear to speak of, it is that during a wind storm one of the century+ old trees will come crashing down on the side of the house where I'm sleeping.

I never got a bill, so I am assuming the word got back to the proper authority. However, after a few months, someone must have forgotten. My phone started ringing, offering me this fantastic deal on DirecTV. Often, it was a recording that I hung up on while they were giving me their spiel.

However, since I have resisted for three years or more, I decided to let them talk. They said, “technology is sooooo much better now! It shouldn't' matter that you have trees, I'm sure we can work something out, as technology has improved so.”

"OK then," I answered not convinced yet. Therefore, the date was set. July 8, from 12-4 they will be out to install all the equipment. I must be ready to give them 5 hours to finish the installation.

At 3:15pm today a bewildered young man came to my door. I met him grinning from ear to ear and explained the look on his face. "You are right. I have been looking around and came to the conclusion there is no place to get a direct signal."

"I heard that same statement about three years ago", I went on to explain I had expected his answer to be a no go!

We parted friends as we had visited for a while on the front porch. By the time he left, it was almost 4pm.

* * * * * * *** * * * * * * *

My husband went with me to the library for a reading this evening. My friend Les from the Conway writers group was to read from his published book of short stories.

It was a great turnout with everyone from the group there to support him along with many friends, family, and those who came because of their interest in story telling and author reading.

In fact, the floor opened up for anyone from the group who wanted to read a composition of their own. We have some very good writers, with great imaginations, and styles from poetry to short stories to novels, and to follow them takes nerve!

Of all the blogging I have done since November, I could have read a blog, but instead I chose to read from my memoirs. Many heard the first portion of The Whippoorwill Song, for the first time.

To repeat myself, our day did end well. I like the feeling of satisfaction when I close out my day and summarize my thoughts in the sundown hours.

Life is good – Live it well.

Life after 65

I started blogging last year, and the fever is killing me. Well that is until I feed the fever, or is that starve a fever, I do not remember which one Mama said it was.. Doesn’t matter really. I just know I could live at my computer but I am reminded that life goes on. I am sure there was a world before blogging, but somehow it is quickly fading from my memory. Those of us after 65 have to grab the moment I have decided. That is why so many RV’s are on the road, or travel agents making money planning world trips, and Alaskan Cruises.

This age of technology came just in time for me, as I needed a new project. I realize not everyone over 65 is fortunate to have good health, nor the drive and stamina to take on anything more than the norm. For some, it is an effort to get up each day and face life with all its medications and complications the aging process often brings with it. Not everyone is active at his or her local Senior Citizens Center, or his or her local chapter of AARP. Not everyone is active in a Church body where precious fellowship with people of like Faith come together weekly.

Myself, I feel caught in between eras. Never do I want to let those precious memories pass from my mind of those difficult years in Tenn. growing up in the 1940’s and 50’s. Difficult in that we were farmers, and even though our basic needs were met, there were other needs that were not. Good memories; precious memories that I still visit almost daily. One thing about the aging process, it affords us time to relive the good things, throw away the bad things and make sure the bad is not passed to the next generation.

There are so many things buzzing around in my head I want to tell you about, that often my words stumble out through my fingers. Everyone has an opinion. Some of us are not as vocal as some others are. That is I for sure. I am a storyteller, and write what I know something about and stay away from those things I know little of, because as sure as I did, someone would call me on it!.

Another thing about the over 65 group, is we have the hard knocks school of wisdom working for us. You cannot call us dummies for sure. My husband loves using the excuse of “I’m having a senior moment!” That works for him sometimes however I’ve had to come up with another line that works for me “sometime” anyway,

“Honestly I got dressed this morning, fixed my hair, but forgot to put my brain in gear!”

On the other hand, I could add, “put my teeth in mouth, my hearing aid in my ear and my glasses on, but fail to put my brain in gear.” So far, it has brought smiles.

I love laughing, sometimes at the expense of others. I must have a belly laugh now and then. Often my belly laugh is at my own stupidity or goof ups. I have my serious moments as well where solitude is my salvation.

So what do I title this blog? I’m not sure except that I’m enjoying life after 65.

Grammyof13

Compatible!

Well, I did get my husband out to go shopping with me today. It is not something we normally would do on a Sunday, but we had tried on Friday, Saturday and due to circumstances beyond our control, our intentions rolled into today.

He insisted that the stores would be closed on the 4th. I argued they would not! You know people like WalMart or Sears will stay open for the shopper's dollar. "They won't close on July 4", I was so sure I was right.

The small TV in our bedroom gave up after about 14 years, and we have been a one TV household for several months. He was having withdrawals BAD! When I am ready to lie down, I can close my eyes and be asleep in 5 minutes. He on the other hand has to wind down and that means watching the Tube for an hour or so before falling asleep.

We move slowly anyway, so we were in no hurry to get out on Friday. We made up our mind what we were looking for and how much we would pay - the top dollar anyway. I finally announced that I was ready to go around 2P on Friday. He and I aren't very compatible when we shop, so we don't push the point often. This was just one of those things I've learned the hard way - we need a plan - a strategy or we'll get there and disagree on everything.

We drove into Sears parking lot. "They're closed", he announced. I didn't say anything, I was so sure he was wrong!

OK so the sign on the door said, "Close at 2PM on the 4th". Well that shopping trip was shot in the foot. We didn't want to drive to LR so we opted to go on Saturday.

Do I need to repeat, we have our own pace and it isn't by any means speedy. About the same time as on Friday we walked into the Sears store again, to learn they had no TV’s the size we needed. So we came to the conclusion we would be in LR for church on Sunday, and would just do our shopping there.

Naturally they had everything but what we were looking for. Our verbal contract went by the wayside since our agreement on Friday. There was a 13” as we had had before, but he insisted the other one was much bigger!

“I don’t think so,” I replied. It was only a small TV that was once our daughter’s. When she was moving to Oklahoma after she got married, we swapped TV’s so I am very sure of the size.

Didn’t matter, he wasn’t convinced. He kept his eye on a 20” one. All I could think of was the size of the chest of drawers on which it would set..

Then he’d say, “It’s left up to you, but I think this would work better, but it is whatever you say!”

For some reason I had forgot about all the other times we had shopped for appliances. Well it was only last year we made our rounds to several places that sold refrigerators and had we not needed one so bad, I may have decided to just forget it! OH yes, then there was a washer dryer only a few months before that! Same story. So soon we forget! I must be losing it.

That is why I had made sure we had come to an agreement on what to buy, and how much we would pay. I am for getting out of debt, so I was not happy to be charging anything at this point.

The small one was out of stock. (Naturally!) “I’ll order it and you can pick it up Wednesday”, the sales clerk said as he realized we were on the verge of leaving before we made a purchase.

After more dialogue, I gave in. The young man started his spiel on extended warranty, which falls on my deaf ears. I asked how many people bring theirs back within 90 days of a regular warranty. He was an honest kid I’ve decided, for he said with much thought, “maaaybe two in all the years I’ve worked here!” Enough said. No warranty for us.

I guess I said all that to say this. We have been married too long to change now. Oh yes, after our TV purchase, we stopped by Goody’s clothing store which is going out of business.. Guess who stayed in the car!

Hope your 4th was memorable!

grammyof13

July 4, 2008

How does one describe freedom, who has always been free? How can one appreciate liberty who has never been imprisoned or held captive? How can one know the emotion of making a choice for themselves, instead of having their lives dictated?

Today is July 4, 2008. As I set here in my office, the sound of celebration is everywhere. From the “Capitol 4th” celebration on PBS, to neighborhoods near and far; families are out with their children making the noise of merriment.

It brought my husband and me to the deck for a while, reminiscing past 4th’s, when we celebrated with a hand full of sparklers and firecrackers. We remember where and with whom we spent a few of those July days.

However, neither of us remembers celebrations such as we have known since 9-11. That day, for us was an awakening, a new awareness even; of just how blessed we are to be citizens of the US of America. We remember where we were and what we were doing on that fateful morning in 2001, when fear, gloom and darkness covered our country from the Eastern shore to the Western shore, and every mile in-between.

For a few hours, which ran into weeks and ultimately months, we became aware of how quickly our freedoms are in jeopardy. We became aware of how our allies in Israel and the “Holy Land” have fought the same enemy for years. An enemy whose presence is felt, but is not often seen. An enemy that lurks in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to prove something to their compatriots that by their very acts of violence, and regard for no man’s life they have somehow found approval in the eyes of Allah.

I did not understand their psyche. How was I to understand their sick way of thinking and such extremism?

We have been educated since then. Our education has come from reading, researching, and listening to those who have a Biblical understanding of the “whole matter”. For it is my understanding that the 9-11 unpleasant incident was a call to wake-up. I hope the alarm was not only for Christians, but also for America as a whole. For sure, Christians cannot ignore the call to recognize what we have, or where we came from, or how someone made sacrifices for us long before we were born to get us to where we are today.

My husband and I have lived long enough to see a change in the atmosphere; the change in attitude; the general overall changes from our black and white, laid-back days of the 50’s to the insecure, unsettling days of the 21st century. It is not a time I wish for my grandchildren or great grandchildren to grow up in, but it is all we have to offer at this point.

However, there is HOPE. The first book of Corinthians chapter 15, verse 19 says, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” Christ is our hope. Believing first of course, that God is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end, then I have renewed HOPE!

I believe also, that the US of America will play a major role in the universal plan that God has for the ages. I am a firm believer that events, governments, powers, kings or princes will play a part in bringing about the end time, as we know it. I advocate that Jesus will return to earth as He said. I have HOPE!

Having hope, gives me reason to celebrate. Celebrate the freedom that July 4 signifies for every citizen of the USA, as well as rejoice in the Hope that the enemy who lurks in the darkness will eventually be exposed and expunged.

Let us celebrate!

Grammyof13

Hands!

Since blogging is in my veins now, I have to run pretty fast to keep up with a good subject for which to write. I asked my husband for a suggestion, and he gave me an answer that didn't meet with my approval. Something about "tell 'em we found him", and I answered, "I haven't told anyone he was lost!"

Now for that conversation you should have been a fly on the wall these past few days. It may have been a good story, but not now - maybe later when I know more of the details of how and where they found him.

Don't hang up on me - I promise I'm not pulling your leg. and I'm not looking through the broken slat this time. I may surprise you with the "rest" of that story one day!

I have always had a fascination with hands. From childhood, I remember comparing the features of my hands to the hands of my girl friends. It was no big deal to them if my hand was short, and finger nails stubby. To me however, I was envious of their long slender hands and fingers with unspotted fingernails at the end. That is what I remember at least. Maybe those whose hands resembled mine have been removed from my memory.

Did you ever notice Bill Clinton's hands? He has the most unique hands, I'd know them anywhere. I did not think very much about his hands when he was Governor of AR and the speaker at one of my daughter's graduation ceremonies. He had to bring Chelsea with him, and the little girl she was she had to go to the bathroom. Her now famous father had to take her. He was very cordial and Chelsea was shy. It was years later when he became president and his hands were always on display as he signed a bill, or made a speech using his hands to illustrate how serious it was.

You know, like the time when he said, "I did not have ____ with that woman!" His hands were at the camera, with one finger pointing to anyone who was watching and a look of guilt coming through those eyes, which were almost covered by his eyebrows.

It is not my intention to get political; I have just always been fascinated with the features of his hands. Sorry, I cannot explain why.

I examine the hands of babies. I love holding the hands of my little fellows as we walk. I love kissing their little hands. OK, so that is a normal thing for grandmothers. That being true, I do not have the urge to kiss just any one’s hands mind you.

I notice if someone’s hands are groomed. Not to judge for sure. My nails will not grow. They are paper thin, and as a rule when I try all the suggested nail hardeners, my nails look as though I have been in a fight with something that took the enamel off my fingers.

Remember when the fake nails was s popular a few years ago? Well I'm sure they still are, it is just that I have not gone to one since my last fiasco. My first trip was a gift from my dear sister in Nashville, whom I was visiting. OH my, I finally had long nails! I couldn't keep my eyes off my coral long beautiful nails, that accented my hands and gave them the look I'd always wanted. I told no one how my hands hurt down to the end of each finger!

When I got back to work on Monday, I didn't want to admit, I was having trouble using the computer. I had so many compliments on my hands and nails, that I tried to hide the constant pain I was in from not being able to type, down to not being able to scratch, and worse I had trouble pulling up my panties or hose! Now that is a problem with a capitol P.

After a few days what was left of my real nail started to grow. I forgot that my sister said, "You must keep them filled in when the paint begins to chip". I didn't know she meant going back to the nail salon! Shortly thereafter, one of the fake nails fell off. I decided to keep that finger bent into my hand so no one would notice. I could admire 9 fingers for awhile longer.

By the next day, another one fell off, then another. What to do? I was able to compute a little better, but my trip to the nail salon was beginning to look like an expensive shoddy job.

I was secretly glad when they all fell off, but then I was left with gooky glue making my nails look wrinkled!

I gave in several years later to go again, so my hands and nails would be pretty for one of my daughter's wedding. By then I had forgotten the pain of the "drill/sander" that prepared the nails for the fake ones. When I cried out a few times from the pain of the drill/sander going into the nerve of my nails, the oriental girl admitted that "you nails too tin. you don't need fake nail!" I couldn't leave then. I had too much money and time invested. Oh yes, I tried to keep my mind on my part of the wedding without looking at my hands. I did have to take a few Tylenol though.

I notice if people's hands are polished, or manicured. If they are not I drop it. I told you I am envious, wishing my hands were pretty with long slender fingers and fingernails that would grow strong and long. My hands favor my mothers. When I look at my hands, I see her.

The closest thing she ever had for a manicure was when she was dependant on home health care. The precious girls who attended her came one day and treated her to her first "manicure" and red nail polish. Had times been different she may have found a beauty parlor that would oblige her every few weeks. It would have been nice to see her pamper herself.

Anyway, I painted my nails yesterday. I do so occasionally to no avail. Sure enough, the polish was off by tonight. Dishwater, cooking, oh yes we went swimming at the fitness center today; could have something to do with the chlorine in the water. However, what about all those other times when nail polish would not stay on.

I have a way of looking at my hands adoringly when my nails have been groomed. A little streak of vanity there, would you agree?

Well the story my husband mentioned may have been a better one, but this is what you have. I may go polish my nails again. At least they are pretty for about 24 hours.

I'll leave you with this song I learned in the 50's.

You need hands to hold someone you care for
You needs hands to show that you're sincere
When you feel nobody wants to know you
You need hands to brush away each tear
When you hold a brand new baby,
You need tender hands to guide it on its way
You need hands to thank the Lord for living,
and for giving us this day!

Grammyof13

Translation Lost!

Thanks to my curios readers out there, I have had a blast reading the comments. I wish someone would tell me how to install a stat counter, so I would know just how many visit my blog daily. I am not very computer savvy. I do remember how to turn it on, and how to get to my Internet service, to my e-mail and blog!.

Our neighborhood has been a buzz today; well not everyone, but at least those who unwillingly got involved in our neighborhood excitement last night. Thankfully, my husband woke up from his rest to get a snack, and I was able to fill him in on the goings on!

My husband had made a hurried trip to Wichita, KS and had not taken a rest break – so when he walked in the house yesterday, he went to bed immediately. Just wanted to explain why he was sleeping so early in the evening.

I am truly sorry he missed it; because telling it second hand makes the story lose something in the interpretation. I think it would with you also, should I start from the beginning and try to fill in the blanks.

My neighbors say, “Thanks Doris for sending them to me!” and we all laugh. A mixture of emotions from each of us, as we realize how very sad the couple is; the story about them is not at all funny (as in ha ha) but the circumstances surrounding the police cars, and the police officers who had to untangle the stories from so many people.

My heart goes out to the couple who live with her sister. Her sister has taken on the responsibility of their care and is receiving a tidy sum for doing so.

Her sister has a man friend and I understand wedding bells will be ringing soon. He lives there most of the time, and the “couple” has to abide by the sisters rules. Well and good, I guess – as the wife has a bipolar disorder and mentally about 15 years old or so. I understand she is very destructive when she is mad which is most all the time lately; her husband on the other hand is a gentle and kind soul and would not hurt anything or anyone.

So it boils down to this: the mentally challenged wife, decided to get rid of the sister’s boy friend with a drink spiked with drugs. (Some of her high-powered drugs, no less) The boyfriend rushed himself to the Hospital when he began feeling the affects of the drugs. The sister, being scared and angry, started cleaning house of anyone and anything that got in her way.

The couple decided to “get out of Dodge”, so they packed up a few belongings and started walking. They live several houses away, but their first stop was at our house and when I did not ask any questions but told them the neighbor across the street was home, they went there. He was obliging and was ready to take them “somewhere”, until he heard the rest of the story.

Anyway, it was true the drink was spiked, (I guess spiked is a good word for the occasion). The wife admitted what she did but could give no reason as to why. In the mean time, she tried playing up to my “bachelor” neighbor “Let’s go fishing,” she pleaded as she tried to put her arms around his neck!

“Please, don’t you know where we can find a hook and some bait?” she begged. I have not heard if she was admitted to a psychiatric ward. The police say, as the sister is the guardian, only she has the power to admit her. The sister reported that she had no trouble with her sister’s husband.

As I said, the broken slat gave me a wonderful panoramic view of one of the best reality shows I have seen in awhile. However, the audio from my bedroom was not the best, and there were no captions. I had to go next door to get the rest of the story. My laughter came when my bachelor neighbor was telling us of his visions. “I could see myself getting down the street, and every cop car in the county converge on us. I would have been as guilty as she, for trying to help them!”

I could see from my “peep hole” that he nearly backed over the edging in the yard trying to get away from her advances.

See, I knew it would lose something in translation! I’ve decided, you just needed to be there! If there is a next time, I’ll either keep my curiosity to myself, or do a better job in my reporting the story! Deal?

You all make my day!

Gramyof13