Halloween!

I think I told you yesterday I'm not crazy about Halloween. Though I try hard not to be the wicked witch of the neighborhood by turning out all the lights, and hiding in my own home, I made the conscious decision to at least take part this year.

I did what I planned to do, and that was walk with my neighbor and her children. We could say, "It was the thought that counts most!", for I barely got out of my drive on to the street, walked to the front of one neighbors house, and my left knee gave way on me and down I almost went. My dear friend Richard who is always outside smoking, saw us and decided to walk with us. Instead, he ran home for his mother's wheel chair (gladly she wasn't using it at the time(!). And embarrassed as I was, that I could not go the few hundred steps home, and in the most excruciating pain, I tried to find some humor in it all.

The attention turned from trick or treat to watching Grammy being wheeled down the road by the neighbors! It wasn't funny at the time, but now that I'm recovered from my embarrassment, it is no more than riding the bas cart at walmart and nearly running over someone. Only this time I was being pushed by someone who is as big a prankster as I, so with threats of running the wheelchair with me in it, and stopping suddenly just to watch me go flying into whomever was in the way, We did laugh for I was expecting just that.

It was before trick or treating got started real good, so I came back to the house and opted to sit on the front porch with my jack-o-lantern container filled with Candy, and watched the parents come to the road and watch as their little ones came to greet me. I believe I saw everything from witches, to ghosts, princesses, lady bugs, darth-vader, a zoo keeper, (she had to tell me what her costume was!) OH yes can't forget Dorothy from Kansas with her red slippers and light blue dress.

I was careful with my stash never knowing how many will come by. I was blown away at the many kids with Pillow cases!! Kids whose parents probably didn't know they were trick or treating, for they were high school kids who drove themselves around!

I gave out before my candy did. So I may have to sack it up and take it to the little fellows at church. (Their Mothers will love me, I think!!!) Maybe if I can slip it to them, she won't be able to blame me for their extra hyperactivity!!.
Oh I should be ashamed but I'm not feeling that way yet.

I promised myself I was going to bed early tonight, so so-long Amigos.

Grammyof13

Handkerchief and Speed Dial.

I'm having difficulty with seeing time so swiftly passing. I tried to remember something about the 1st of October so I could distinguish it from the 31st, but I think I've been preoccupied or asleep during these past few weeks.

I don't really care for Halloween but endure it for the sake of the neighborhood kids. Lana's Mom and I are having supper together tomorrow evening, and I am walking the neighborhood with her and her three children - hopefully to (even for a fleeting moment) remember those days with my children. Being one of those almost crippled grammys that must ride a bascart in walmart, I don't know how far I'll be able to make it. She just may have four kids on her hands, one old enough to be her own grandmother!

I found my Jack-o-lantern candy bucket, got it all cleaned up and emptied all the candy in - but not before sampling a snickers. Oh I'm so glad I don't keep candy around. I've told myself I will not carry a trick or treat bag tomorrow!!! I didn't write it a 100 times on the blackboard, but I think I've learned to stay away from all the sweets.

I took Samson with me last night to our Church's Truck or Treat. He was dressed out in his (and I hope I spell this right) Darthvader suit! From mask to sword and the black suit, he mixed in with all the others who were everything from "quarter backs" to Lady bugs and some I didn't recognize. I'm just not with these modern 21st century kids toys and heroes. I date myself for sure by admitting it, but what else can I do, I can't fake knowing the characters! So I get by by saying, "Now don't you look sharp!" So far no one has asked me to guess who they are!

After we gave out all our treats last evening, we gathered up our "on loan" child, and started home. He asked if he could eat a piece of candy, to which I said "Sure, it is yours. Go for it!"

He didn't say anything for 15 minutes or so, and I spoke to him and there was no sound coming from the back seat where he was buckled in. He wouldn't answer me, so I turned the dome lights on - only to see his hand on his nose, and his hands and uniform, and seat belt were soaked with blood. I almost panicked, but I had my husband stop the car, and I got into the back seat with him. My husband did the first thing we always do when there is an emergency, we call my Paramedic Son. His response calmed us somewhat. I was willing to drive to the next town and have an ambulance meet us - but he assured us there was nothing to do but pinch his nose and keep his head up. I was not equipped with many Kleenex - but my husbands handkerchief came in handy to catch the drips from his nose.

We learned from his mother that he was allergic to nuts. I'm glad he was old enough to know not to eat any for who of us unsuspecting lovable people even thought of there being one with an allergy to "Snickers". He assured me he never ate any but I was blaming myself for his nose bleed.

I remember a remedy for nose bleed that we used when growing up - was place scissors on the back and hold them there. I assumed it was the cold metal that shocked whatever triggered nose bleed. But what do I know.

It would be good to hear from you if you've ever had what you thought was a remedy to stop nose bleed. Of course of all the things my readers will come up with, I wasn't prepared with anything except my husband's handkerchief and a cell phone with my sons number on speed dial!

I'm getting too old for all this excitement.

Grammyof13

The Dark Haired One!

I just had to share a funny with you today. For this blog to become a political one is not my intentions at all. There is enough strife without me stirring up any more with my opinions. But this is a story for whose ever side you happen to be on.

My daughter called today. "Mom where have I gone wrong?"

I laughed, but immediately decided she might be serious so I asked, "Well just what happened so I can help you sort it out!"

"I picked Parker up at pre school today and his teacher told me they had voted for a president today."

"Oh really? Who won?" she had to ask.

With a strait face, not showing her approval or disapproval she said, "McCain". They exchanged ideas about how prayer needs to be a part of our choice before we go to the polls on Tuesday, and she and Parker went home.

Later she decides to ask 5 year old Parker about the election. "Parker, I understand you got to vote for President at school today."

"Uh huh!" he said hardly taking his eyes off the cartoon he was engrossed in.

"Well would you mind telling me who you voted for?" and his answer was in the form of a question.

"I don't remember his name, Mommie."

"Well can you describe which one you voted for." whereupon he answers. "What is the one that has dark hair?"

My daughter said, "Obama", and he said "Yea that's the one."

"Well Daddy and I will be voting for McCain. Why did you choose Obama?"

"Cause I like him!" came his answer without forethought.

My daughter and I came to the conclusion that we might should keep him away from the voting booth next week.

I love that boy!

Grammyof13

Good Bye Donald!

Our little family has suffered the loss of one of its own. I'm saddened by the Death of a first cousin who was more like a Brother. Having six girls in our family, we were excited when Donald and his Brother Orman came to visit. From our earliest years after moving from Michigan, the tales are told of city kids getting acquainted with the sounds of the country.

A bullfrog gave out his mournful sounds in the dark hours of evening. Not knowing what it was, one of the girls asked with shaky voice, "What was that?" whereupon Donald in his all wise 9 year old voice, said "That's a creek booger!" We decided that as long as it stayed on the creek and away from our yard and play ground we would be alright.

We lay on the ground exploring the heavens above us, we discussed the galaxies, we found the big dipper, the little dipper and the milky way. The full moon gave us light much better than the electricity that would not come to our farm for many more years to come. As long as the adults stayed outside to keep cool on the hot summer night, we found something to do.

Never having seen a lightning bug, the girls questioned what in the world it was. Again Donald came up with an answer suitable to our waiting hearts. "It is a creek booger with a light on it!"

In years later, my Uncle (Daddy's brother) and family lived near a grave yard. Why we had not learned by then the boys loved to tease us and scare us half crazy as they rolled in laughter watching us scream and run. While in the grave yard, being our first time to be so brave after dark, Donald slipped up behind us with a stick or tree branch tickling our leg, and gave out a bellowing "Boo!" It took us years to be able to go near a grave yard without fear.

We've been blessed that the ten of us have maintained that relationship over the years. We listened for news as Donald and his world travels kept us questioning his whereabouts. He left home in a stormy time at the age of 17, and never looked back. He lied about his age to get into the Navy. He stayed in and made a career of what he loved. He learned the trade of boiler inspector, and after retiring from the Navy, started working with the Department of defense and found himself as the top brass in his field. Where ever and on whatever continent he traveled, he was treated as royalty or as a dignitary with limousines waiting and the most plush of accommodations.

A far cry from the little farm boy who grew up in a family of two girls and two boys and along with his brother and father tilled, planted and harvested the land. They worked for a Pharmacist we referred to as "Doc Averett". Doc treated them well for they were conscientious in caring for his farm. Yet there was a longing in Donald to see the world. The land had not got into his "blood" as it had his father and even uncle (my Dad). He wanted adventure, he wanted to belong to something bigger than the farm and the little town of Erin or Waverly.

So at the end of his life, he had not retired from his beloved job. At the end of his life there was not a continent in this vast world of ours he had not set foot on. Whatever his heart had desired to do, he did it. Took his Mom, Dad and two sisters along with their companions on a week-long vacation to Hawaii all expenses paid. His mom had never flown before and she was a trooper and a pro by the end of their trip. His Dad had never traveled far from the country home, so it was an experience that he was able to talk about for many years to come.

Both his Mom and Dad died a couple years or so ago. His Uncle Arthur out-lived him but he was unable to come to my dad's 100th birthday celebration.

His leaving is breaking up the circle of family who grew up as brothers and sisters. It is a somber time for me today as I think of him. His visitation is this afternoon in Chattanooga, Tenn but I'll be here lost in thought of how precious our time was together. Donald is 71 but there was still a little boy in him that came out occasionally with a prank and a twinkle in his eye. When we did get together, we listened to his stories and his life and never tired of his telling the same story we had heard many times before. Stories of how he had played tricks on our aging grandpa Tanner. I could just see him and his brother and friends as they sprinkled the house with rock pellets, making our grandpa think it was raining on a starlit night.

I wish I could be there to see you Donald, one more time. As it stands, maybe I'll be able to cherish my memories of you and the joy you brought to my life in those years so long ago. Memories that I wish I could actually touch and examine again. Memories that are fleeting with each passing year, but memories none the less. Memories that are mine, but memories that I share with my five sisters who also called you the brother we never had.

I'll miss you.

grammyof13

It's Mind Boggling!

I am three days from my Surgery and feeling great. I seem to tire easily, but other than that, I am fine. The Dr's did a stint and a balloon, and of course prescribed that dreaded Cholesterol Medication. With few instructions, one of which I should not be lifting for five days, I was sent on my way a little less than 24 hours after the procedure. It is amazing and mind boggling what they can do to a body with so little side effects. In and out of the Hospital in a flash - really, hardly realizing you were there and then on your way out the door. Not even wheeled in a chair anymore. A nurse walked to the car with me, said good bye and went back in. It isn't that I needed to be wheeled out, I've never had the choice before. The modern ways of doing things baffles me!

I've missed out on my blog reading lately. I Hope to get caught up on everyone in a day or so.

It is like the cartoon on Judy's page - "all my friends live in my computer!"


It is your life - Live it well!

grammyof13

A Wedding Too!

We arrived in Erin on Thursday evening. Daddy's house is always so quiet and inviting. Maybe it is the atmosphere of the country or it could be that it is the familiarity of home? Either way, the house is occupied only by my sister and me when each of us goes to visit Daddy. I dread seeing that change.

We not only celebrated my Dad's 100 years - we had a wedding also. On Saturday, the daughter of one of my sisters planned her wedding around his BD celebration so the family could be there. My sisters and her husband live in a beautiful place with a long winding road to the house. We turned from the road to cross the rock creek then started down the long road/path. Under the trees in a park like setting on the left was a gazebo arrayed with fall colors, and hay bales affixed like pews or chairs would be for seating. On each bail of hay lay a western blanket. Bales of hay marked the parking area as well.

As planned the wedding party came from the house around noon, walking solemnly in pairs, we waited. My neice had made her dress which was suitable for the occasion and an outdoor wedding. She was very colorful along with her brides maids and the groomsmen whose shirts were also hand made.

I really can't say enough about it. I am just glad we had time to witness it, while two of my sisters were getting Daddy ready for his big day in town, the other four sisters attending the wedding.

After Daddy's celebration, we went back to the family park for the reception. It was not a traditional wedding by any means, but it was great. There was food, food, and more food, a bond fire, fireworks, and lots of laughs.

There were several states represented at the celebration. Including, Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas, Kentucky, and of course Tenn. Being a once in a lifetime occasion, it was great to see the small children (9 of which were mine) witnessing the celebration of their Great Grand Father 100th BD. The children standing to Daddy's right are three of my little ones. Katrina lives in Iowa, and Clay is the one in the middle, while Parker is at Clay's elbow. Where the others are is any one's guess. I think these were hungry so was staying close to the food.

Daddy is looking forward to Father's Day and the family reunion. He needed another occasion to look forward to and set his heart to live.

Grammyof13

More Pictures

100 Years and Counting!

We've celebrated birthday for 5year olds and one hundred year olds these past few days. Little Parker was born 5 years ago on his Mom's birthday. I told my daughter that her BD's are over for somehow they will get lost in his. She didn't seem to mind.

As for Daddy, his Big Day finally arrived. True to his wish, he walked part way into the community center before having to be wheeled in the rest of the way. However, from the beginning...

The grandsons were sent to pick him up, after two of my sisters had gone earlier to get him all spiffied up for HIS day. A police car with sirens blaring and lights flashing, brought him through the little town in fashion. By the time he arrived, the family had gathered on the steps of the center with camera's in hand and begin immediately to video and take pictures to add to the memories of this special occasion. His actual BD is not until the 26th, this Sunday, but for all intents and purposes he was and is one hundred.

His special friend Pete had come from the Nursing Care Facility to be with him. A precious man who told us "in the beginning your Dad wouldn't say much, but once he got to know me I can't get him to shut up!" whereupon we all had a good laugh visualizing the two old gentlemen meeting in the hall and one suggesting to the other, "Wanna race?"

The mayor of the city greeted the crowd of family and friends and presented him with a certificate of appreciation. The one moment we had known about and was waiting for, was for a representative of the school district to present him with a high school diploma! "I only got a third grade education but they gave me a diploma!" It was explained to him that if he were to take the equivalency test, all his years of experience and learning in the school of hard knocks, he would have made the grade.

There were letters of recognition from all the living Presidents. Carter, Clinton, and both Father and Son Bush. The picture isn't very good, but on the display table was a newspaper dated October 26, 1908. I tried to get a better picture but...

Each of his brothers and sisters had representatives from their family to help him celebrate. He is the last living one of his family, therefore he is the reminder of their own parents who are no longer with us.

Daddy spent his life whistling and singing. His voice has long since refused to carry a tune, but he still sings and we still listen. He prefaced his two songs with this: "Paul, (one of my brother-in-laws) made me a song book with big letters so I can read it better. I been thinking about what I could sing today, and thought about all the young folk that would be here and decided they probably never heard of these love songs. So I'll sing this for them."

Every ear in the packed house was tuned to him. My son offered to play the guitar for him, but he opted to sing it without accompaniment.

"I'm thinking tonight of my blue eyes.....I wonder where you are tonight", he sang all the verses, took a good breath and started in on the next one. Occasionally he hit his tune, but he was very clear and we understood him well. We hoped that maybe, just maybe he might have been thinking of Mama.

He was able to blow out the candles on the cake which was three - each numeral of 100was a candle. With all the little fellows looking on and wishing they could help him he blew out the candles to the sounds of "Happy Birthday to you..."

To finish off the day, we went outside for the last planned festivity. Everyone there including each boy, girl and adult was given a balloon with a tag that read, "in celebration of 100 years. If you should find this please write to..." and it gave his address at the nursing home.

We visited him on Sunday to find him so tired he could hardly hold his head up. I was really expecting him to be in bed still, but instead he was at the window hovering over the heater trying to get warm.

Each visit home makes me melancholy for days as I deal with the feelings that going "home" brings with it. You've heard me say, just staying in the old home place is special, and it still is. On Sunday I took Preston by the hand as he questioned things concerning the land that had perked his interest. He was six in April, and has decided unequivocally that he wants to be a Farmer. The thoughts of animals roaming the land fascinated him as he tried to visualize fences that are no longer there, and a barn that has been torn down for many years. He tried to visualize the chicken coop and the smoke house. He tried to visualize chickens walking freely about the farm but coming home in the evening to roost, the pig pen where the big hogs were fattened for winter slaughter.

He rode home with me and his papa, and from his seat in the back, his questioned continued concerning the cows we saw, the goats and sheep we didn't see. I've also said before, that for one of my little ones to want to know about my past and their history gives me such a feeling of satisfaction, I don't want the moment to fade.

For those who read but do not know who everyone is, I'll add I am the one in Red.

I'll go and believe me there will be other blogs about this event.

Grammyof13

Boy Did I Get A Wrong Number!

I'm trying to close up shop and get the car packed for our Trip to Tenn. It was to the point of necessary that I find a "barber" today, so I let my fingers do the walking to the Beauty School. I've had bad luck at a school before, many many years ago so decided it would be alright to at least give this one a try.

I was able to get a young lady who is graduating in November, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well she did. Exactly what I said too. She left some hair to curl around a small curling iron, so I can make it the rest of the way. She did my nails, and while I was being pampered someone came in and announced that the Buick outside had a flat!

It had evidently gone flat when I stopped, for it was driving fine. Woe is me, I failed to take my cell phone with me so I am at the mercy of anyone in the shop. No problem, I first called my husband who had gone to the Dr. for his monthly intravenous shot. I knew he would be laying back in a lounge chair patiently waiting for the drip do its job, and in the meantime, I know he is visiting with every one there. I dialed his number but it rang several times and went to voice mail.

My mind was working fast, running to all the possibilities I had. I called my son to see if any of his people here could help me. His mail box was full, so I didn't get to leave him a message even.

I thought of my neighbor. My neighbor is the one who differs from me politically, loves to aggravate, he also keeps my yard neat and clean not to mention what a great neighbor he and his mother are.

I dialed what I thought was his number, (remember I'm having to do it from memory).
The conversation went something like this:

"Hello"
Hello, Richard? Is this Richard?
"Yea" in a voice not like him at all. "Yea this is me"
"This is Doris, and I'm in trouble."
"What happened?"
"I am setting at the Beauty School with a flat tire. Verlon is in mine, and I have his old Buick and the tire is flat!"
"Where are you?"
"I'm at the Beauty school on Markham beside the Bank. Can you come help me?"
"Sure I'll be right there."

I calculated it would take him about 15 minutes to get there and I kept my eye on the front door expecting to see him any minute.

I get dismissed from the nail lady, and everyone starts cleaning up the place to go home at 4p. Still no Richard. I borrowed a phone and called my husband's cell phone, and this time it went strait to voice mail. I tried again shortly, same thing. So I decided to see if Richard had gone yet.

"Hello Ruth" Ruth is his mother with whom he lives. "Has Richard gone yet?"
"Well Darling I don't think so, what do you need?"
"I called him earlier and asked him to come bail me out of flat tire trouble".
"I just got in but he is standing here."
"Doris, what can I do for you?" Richard wants to know.
"Didn't I call you earlier? I talked with you earlier didn't I?"
"Doris I've been taking a nap, and if the phone rang I answered it in my sleep, but I surely don't remember talking to you today." He promised me he would be there johnny on the spot.

I left it at that, and decided to call my husband. This time he answered and demanded "Where are you? I've been trying to reach you."

"Your car has a flat tire!" I urged him to get with Richard before they both dashed to my aid. About 15 minutes later they both drive up (in one car however) and soon we were on our way to having the hub cap off and the tire aired up and taken to a service station.

I don't know who I called. I don't know if his name was Richard. I wonder if he thought my call was a prank call, and he decided to play along. He never showed up anyway. Shows you just can't depend on everybody!

Farmers Almanac

I've looked back on my posts for the past few days, and they almost sound like I have a beef with someone. I can't imagine who! My children think I'm the bossy sort, so maybe that is my personality coming through. Being a boss is not all its cracked up to be. The responsibilities usually fall on "the boss" when those around don't follow through. Being boss doesn't help one who is trying to win friends and influence people either, so the more I think of being considered bossy, I think I'm going to change! Starting next week of course!

My trap is still set from Saturday. It had peanut butter on it, but Mickey is no longer taking the bait. In fact there has not been a sighting since the little boys went home. I took them at their word that they saw him, but it has been several months since he has showed up for me. I guess I need to throw it, and set it again with maybe a little cheese this time. It has become a game really, trying to outsmart his next move.

I love this weather we're having. The air is so still and peaceful. I'm hoping for a mild winter but I fear it will be a bad one. I wonder what the Farmer's Almanac says concerning this winter. Does anyone out there have one to refer to? I'd like to know.

This is just the dressing room. The Dance is in Heaven!

Grammyof13

How Big was He?

I want to ask "What's this world comin' to?", but I know the answer before I get it asked. It could be a jeopardy answer in fact. "The doll on Walmart shelves that says 'Islam is the light" was made by....? or some such answer.

My daughter told me about it. I had heard nothing until she mentioned going to Walmart to check it out for herself. She had heard others talking about it, so she decided to listen for herself.

It seems Fischer Price has made a doll that says Mommy and coos. But along with what they made it so say, it also says "Islam is the light".

Last night on the nightly news, they played the doll's warbles of Mommy and something else before it said, "Islam is the light" They had brought it to the streets to have others listen, and without fail 99% of them heard it. It is more of a subliminal message than anything.

I tell you a truth, I am lost when it comes to shopping for toys for kids these days. Even down to shopping for a baby shower - things look strange to me. I know I was not frozen to death and thawed out 20 years later. I don't have much of a reason to shop in the baby-kid-toy isle, so time, progress, and electronics went too fast for me.

I like giving dolls to little girls, and that would probably be the one I'd have purchase, just because it was cute and cuddly. My daughter called walmart to protest, but got a peon that had no authority to do anything. So Ark. Mothers have joined Oklahoma Moms, and any Mother anywhere who are protesting for the doll to be pulled from the shelf.

I'm not sure if Fischer Price meant for the line to be there, or if there is a conspiracy going on in their company without them knowing.
I am not ready for a world that is after our children and youth.
I'm not ready for a world that makes me examine motives of leaders, or manufacturers for that matter.
I'm not ready for a society that embraces an enemy that has invaded us. We would not tolerate a snake who came to live with us, or among us. It may let you pet him for awhile, but eventually he'll do what a snake does, poison you with his venomous bite.

Which brings me to a story I had not intended to share. Last year, or in the spring really, I heard a noise in my closet where my desk is. I listened for awhile before I came to the conclusion that it was a mouse.

I've always been under the assumption that if there is one, there must be more. Well that isn't true. I set a trap but it never went off. Hoping it had made its way back outside, I put the trap away after several weeks. We have never been plagued with bugs or mice since moving here 12 years ago. I accept they are a fact of life, and handle it.

We've had several sightings and my grand children did also this week-end. Remember he has been quiet since spring only peeping his head out occasionally enough to be seen momentarily.

"Grammy, I saw a rat!" Preston yells excitedly.
"Grammy! it was a mouse, a Big mouse", Parker chimes in.
"Well how big was it?" I wanted to know.
They both measured with their hands and it varied from 12 inches long, to the actual size that I figure he is. I thought of a fisherman's fish stories about the big one that got away.

Then I decided to ask them, "What do you think we should do to catch him?"

"Mammy uses a broom", Parker said confidently. I had visions of my daughter flying through the house with a broom slapping at a mouse. Then I heard them plotting and planning on a strategy to catch the mouse. I opted for setting a trap in the food pantry over using a broom or getting a box and slipping up on it so we could take it outside. That seemed to satisfy them.

"Mommy said a mouse is scared of us, is that true Grammy?"
"I'd like to think he is. Your mommy is probably right!" I'm not going to tell them anything different than their mom, or I'd be the one in trouble.

I notice my pet mouse has evaded the trap again this morning. What's crazy, I see so few droppings which keeps me guessing where his hiding place is and where he gets his food. I know he can't reproduce by himself, so if I can ever outsmart him, I'll be through with mice or mouse! Thought about naming him Mickey, but there is nothing cute about the little four legged creature that thinks he is smarter than me.
I learned enough from Sherlock Holmes to investigate until I find the culprit.

Grammyof13

Bicycles!

Happy Fall Ya'll! I've enjoyed setting on the front porch watching the little boys play with Samson my neighbor. The humidity is such that one could sleep out doors if it weren't for the bugs. Lana and her Mother with Alexie came to set with me and I could have worried that my grass would never be the same. I thought of the song from the 70's (I think) about children playing in a yard and was trampling down until there was no more grass. But the song adds "It'll come back, it'll come back". So the way I figure it, when the kids are grown and no longer around, I won't remember there were bicycle track marks all over the yard, or flower beds stepped in! I may even wish for those lost days so I could do just what I did Saturday evening. Watch them have the time of their life.

I never learned to ride a bike - probably because we didn't have one. I think I would have been the kind to make it a dirt bike, but since there was none I never learned to balance enough to ride one. The little boys were two 6 year olds, and one 5 year old. Parker is the five year old, and only a few weeks back he had learned to ride without his training wheels. Samson had not learned to ride without his, and Preston the other six year old was a pro.

Samson's mother decided in the middle of their play to take the training wheels off his bike, and that pretty well ended the play time. I think she was hoping to encourage him to learn to balance without them, but he didn't see it that way.

I have a big heart for children. Crocodile tears make me an ole softie. Especially when there is pain involved. I want to take the pain away, cover them for protection, or beat up on somebody! Parker stumped his toe Friday after we arrived home. Started his short visit off with a slice of skin hanging from the toe. I guess we never stop mothering! I went into nurse mode, caregiver mode and strong grammy mode. Soon the tragedy was over and he went about his business of riding the bike. Just can't keep a good man down.

Dad and I aren't as young as we used to be. Imagine that! No it wasn't this weekend that revealed that to us, however what this week-end did do, was verify what we already knew - we are!

May you live well enough not to look back in regret.

Grammyof13

More Stuff!

I really don't need to get started laughing this late in the evening. You know how you get a high when you laugh and laugh, and it takes awhile for this old gal to settle back down, and get my heart to moving slower to I can get in a state of rest!

I just keep getting these e-mails that break me up. Then I go on your blog page and read the cute and funny things there and I'm done for the day. For instance:


ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY : Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.

My newspaper had some "weird news" stories again today. You've heard me complain about our newspaper or lack of one, but I'm the one that keeps reading the page, so as long as they have readership I'm sure they'll keep it up. Take this story for instance:

A 17 year old boy in Reno, NV accidentally set his family's house on fire trying to kill spiders.

or this one:

A woman in Santa Fe, NM accidentally caused severe fire damage to her home while trying to torch a rattlesnake.

Oh You can stand one more!

A 26 year old man in Mobile, Ala , accidentally caused fire damage to the tune of $80,000to his home and shed, trying to kill a swarm of bees.

These aren't funny - I take that back, they are too. That is the reason I share them. Each story gives me a mental picture. Like the kid trying to kill spiders! There are people who are mortified of spiders and each has his own way of dealing with the scary little creatures. One lady I know says she always calls a man to kill them for her. I heard a superstition there, but she never admitted it was.

As far as the hornets were concerned, I hadn't thought of trying to torch them. What I did do once was and here is that story: I had a cover on my grill which sat on the deck, to help with the moisture etc. In the spring when I took the cover away, I had wasp (several in fact) start flying around. I looked from a distance and realized they kept going back to one of the ledges of the grill that I had left up. A light bulb comes on in my pea brain, and I decided to throw a pan of boiling hot water on the nest. I did. They started flying angrily around trying to get revenge for being disturbed. I had left the back door ajar so I could make a mad dash back into the house. I made my escape alright only to have a fly come in with me. Later the fly flew around my head with that noise only a fly can make, and I went bonkers thinking the wasp had come to take me out with their venom.

I realized it did work after all, so after several more attempts, I got rid of the nest. I don't think I harmed the adult wasp, only the unborn ones.

Here is another from my email.

ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, 'Where am I, Cathy?'
AT TORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney. Can I get a new attorney?
_____________________________________________

Anyhoo!! You have to love me anyway for I keep trying to entertain you. I'll keep trying don't give up on me.

We are planning a half way trip to OK to meet my daughter. She is bringing her two little ones for the week-end while she and her husband celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Blessings, and remember to Live all your life!

grammyof13

I Need Something Positive Today!

I need to hear something positive today. I'd settle for someone with a belief in a strong America and its people to speak up! I need someone to stand with me on my faith that Americans are a strong, resilient and willing people and given the opportunity, we can come to the forefront again.

But before I let my fingers loose on the keyboard to type whatever passes through my brain, I'd like to call your attention to a new blogger friend. http://www.arkiedan.blogspot.com. Dan is a friend from my writers group, and he credits me for giving him the blogging itch. You will love his writing. He always comes up with something interesting, and the way he looks at life both amuses me and makes me think. I promise you will like arkiedan.

As for my surgery - well it didn't happen. Minor problem, but will reschedule probably after we get back from Daddy's BD party.

My husband keeps the TV on most of the day and even though I am a recluse in my own home most of the time (at my computer or at least in my office), I am not so deaf that I cannot hear the beating drum of gloom and doom that comes through the tube. The message is about to get through to me that there is no hope for us in this world. Notice I said, "About to get to me". I have determined to measure what I hear with common sense and history. Lord knows it would be good not to have to do so much deciphering and filtering, but there is no middle of the road reporters who can state what is happening in the world without commentaries intermingled.

Who has time to go to Snopes EVERY TIME or "ask jeeves".
What do they know anyway, and where do they get their information?
How do I know even their information is correct?
Are they watching TV and then basing their answer on the news?

I don't have stock so that doesn't bother me personally, causing me a fear of losing something.

And at that, to say I'm afraid of tomorrow and what tomorrow will hold, I cannot. I have a peace about all my tomorrows, and want someone else to talk PEACE with me.

I, along with countless millions of others, have anxiously watched the debates; from the first Presidential one, tonight, and last week the Vice Pres. debate. Did I make up my mind from watching them? In a word - NO. Were any of their questions relevant to me, a senior, a voter, who lives a peaceable life, pays my bills on time, and one who tries to keep abreast of current events? Not really!
Whether one or the other, neither seemed to have the fortitude to answer the questions without going around Miami (they were in Nashville I know) to get there and then I am still confused on what their answer was.

To say as Forrest Gump would say, “That’s all I’m going to say about that”. I’ll eat a piece of chocolate and change the subject somewhat.

Now Sara Palin on the other hand will brighten my day by her smile and outlook on the same America that I love. She is brave, has no reason to impress anyone. She had a job before this one came along, and I assume she can go back to that job if this opportunity fails. So she has not been fed from Fannie or Freddie; Lehman Brothers has not had her on their payroll; AIG is just a three letter initial to her without conjuring up pictures of Americans losing everything because AIG went belly up.

She is a realist. She is a working Mom. She is a wife, a daughter of a very proud father, an upstanding citizen who has integrity and in my observation, she has no “woe is me” problems, or “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, I think I’ll eat a worm” attitude, or even a self-esteem problem. Maybe that is the reason she can smile.

You know though, that some people have a smile born into their features. Even if she were shedding tears, it would look like she was smiling. Even when she is serious, her face says she is joyful. I like that. I like the fact that she loves life – loves who she is – loves her family – her country and for sure her state. And to boast about her accomplishments as a statesman (statesperson? Stateswoman?)
is fine with me.

I think I’ll let her know that all the drums of gloom and doom are quieted when she speaks. For when Sara speaks, everyone listens! There are plenty who have tried to punch a hole in her bucket of Joy, but so far she has not allowed it to happen. Hopefully she can smile all the way to the White House, with her integrity and sanity in tact, find her place among the Washington Elite and go to work to help change the direction we are now going. I think she has a good chance to keep America Beautifully Free.

On that note - I feel better now that I've changed my thoughts from the drums to music.

Grammyof13

Birthdays!

I received a call from one of my son in laws with the following story:

"You will be glad to know that you are the only one over 13 who has been invited to Parker's birthday party!"

It seemed he had found a tablet and had his Dad help him make a list of who he wanted to invite to his BD party. He is in pre-school and has made several friends there to add to his neighborhood and church friends. His party will be the 25th of Oct as his BD is on the 20th along with his mother who was born on that day also. I'm sure he will have a party, but it dawned on me that he was probably assuming that he would without asking. He was very aware of who he would invite, and it seems I was the only one over 13. (13years old being kids from the family).

I felt honored but wondered why Papa wasn't invited. I haven't bothered to ask. He had told me before he wanted an Arkansas Razorback shirt - so I have no problem choosing a gift for him.

On another note, We will be having my Dad's 100th birthday party on the 18th of Oct. So far it appears all his children, grandchildren, great grands and great great grands will be there. My sister has done well to plan the day with all the decorations, program, down to having him escorted through town to the community center. He has been working with the therapist as he wants to walk into the hall and not be wheeled in. I think he'll do just that. He has had a determination to live, and has been blessed with a good mind as well as a long life. I feel that now we need to give him something else to look forward to - a goal of sorts or he may entertain giving up. His biggest problem now is that his legs won't hold him up for long, and other than the health problems that goes along with aging, he may out live his children!

grammyof13

Now Deal with it!

I'm back. I really didn't die as some may have thought. The procedure was easy, and gave me an excuse to sleep the day away in my Lazy-Boy. It is not over, and I'll have to go through another procedure this Tuesday at 3 to correct what they found. They'll balloon or stint - not sure.

Are you like this? In getting my "house" in order for the two days of being away from home, I find myself frantically getting the bills set up to pay, groceries in the house, dust removed from the furniture, and floors vacuumed and cleaned. My husband is well able to get groceries in the house, floors taken care of, and dusting furniture, but one place he is determined not to get into is the bill paying. I guess that is a little thing in compared to all he does when I'm not well, or busy with my online store. He is a better nurse for me than I am for him.

Really, I know I didn't miss my calling when it comes to waiting on sick people. I couldn't do it for very long, my bucket of patience goes dry too soon and as a rule I want to say, "You've been down long enough, now get up and suck it up".

Wouldn't you know that could have come back to haunt several years ago when for three long years I was so sick (near to death) he could have long lost his patience but never said a word any time I needed him. Needless to say, I've sure had some time to work on my nursing skills. I just have to pray for help in the mean time, while I keep smiling.

It is called submission, I've decided. We can't always control our situation. However, the serenity prayer works in many areas. "Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can, and (Oh yes) the wisdom to know the difference." How true, how true! So I have to give myself a reminder in the form of a demand, "Suck it up! It is what it is. Now deal with it!" when it comes to me returning the nursing duties when someone needs me.

My husband had to clean up the kids vomit when they were young. My stomach would not allow certain smells or it would give up last week's bounty! I got tougher after I did some mission work in Central America. I'm not so bad now. Too bad there are no kids with messy diapers and upset stomachs for me to test my toughness on!!!

Now how did I get on this subject, and most importantly how do I get off? I'm conjuring up pictures I don't want to see today.

I started writing before I got caught up on every one else, but believe me before I get into my Saturday of doing what is "kin" to nothing, I'll take time to read and see how the world has been treating each of you.

Be safe and have a great weekend.

grammyof13