Thanksgiving with Thanksgiving!

Occasionally I stop long enough to get caught up on every one's blogs. And Today is that day. Even though I feel rushed I've enjoyed my stay.

In a few hours, we will be leaving for Oklahoma where our daughter who lives in Sioux City and her children will join us. We're looking forward to a great time and making memories. I always remember so well, when my daughters were still home how we cooked and sang, and sang and cooked some more. It may have taken us a little longer to get the meal on the table, but with laughter and singing we got the job done with no one going hungry.

Each daughter was with me longer than my boys were, so we spent quite a chunk of time together. One married when she was 29 and the other at 33. They traveled with me in the ministry and participated by singing. I was Arkansas Director of Women's Ministries, for about 17 years during the 80's and 90's. Now when I think of those special, precious years the Lord allowed me to have I always think of my children (boys and girls) and their contribution to 17 happy years where a reservoir of my memories are housed. There are days when I go visit that reservoir examining the times we traveled in our van to every corner of the State and outside the state.

Then I also pick up a memory of going into central America a couple times. All in all I traveled to 13 countries and most of the US states. Wow how blessed I am and have been. To experience different cultures. To witness the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor help me have a more grateful heart.

To be able to pray with hurting women and watch them go free from a lifetime of anger and bitterness helps me know those years were not in vain; that someway I made a difference. Anchoring the knowledge that rich or poor, adult or child, men or women - we stand equal at the foot of the Cross. Our need for the Lords hand on our lives, measures the same length and depth, with no verity.

With all the things I'm grateful for as I take a few minutes to write, one things stands paramount, which is that my children are in Christian ministry. One ministers the Word, three minister in music. Then I have to add it is extended to my grandchildren who are also in christian ministry with music and children. Lest I forget, my sons and daughters in love have come along side of my children to work in their own gifts of ministry. God is Good. And I am Thankful for that Goodness that was passed to me.

I pray that you will have a Thanksgiving filled with Thanksgiving. I pray you don't spend it alone. However if you do, go get the picture box or the album and handle a memory or two and breath a prayer of Thanksgiving anyway.

Grammyof13

Garden Ridge!

Well I've managed to go to two plays this week. My granddaughter Bailey, was in Raggedy Ann and Andy, at her high school. Bailey is a Senior this year and her roles in the plays are very impressive. The play was cute, and she was supurb.

I also went to Garden Ridge on my way home. Naturally my husband stayed in the car while I did my window shopping. I realized I was in the wrong place for what I was looking for, but not to be outdone, I continued leisurely pushing my basket through the enormous store, while listening to the clatter of customers and Little Drummer boy over the sound system.

I did find something I didn't think I could live without, toward the back of the store. I use rugs in front of Kitchen Sink and Stove, so I found some to replace my old ones, hoping to give my kitchen a little dress up for the H0lidays.

I started toward the front of the store to check out my purchase only to find a long line that was 2/3 the length of the store. I got in line and waited with others around me. As the line wasn't moving, I remembered having left my poor husband in the car over an hour before. So before I panicked, I told those around me as I pushed my basket out of the way and into another isle, "They have just lost a sale. I can't wait any longer". I made sure I had not taken anything from the basket with me except for my purse I had carried in, and promptly left the store.

My husband had not missed me. He had been listening to a Razorback Football game, and had long put me out of his mind. I know I should have taken the initiative of putting the rugs/mats back on the shelf, but the urge to get outside to explain to my husband, was stronger than the urge to do the right thing.

Now if you who are reading this, is one of the workers at Garden Ridge, and you were the one who had to put my three items back on the shelf before you went home - - - Then Please forgive me. I really am a nice person who met with a dilemma and was too tired from shopping to go back into the store once I got settled into my car and my seat belt on and headed toward home.

I promise I'll try to be back when the crowd has thinned out. Maybe in the middle of the week, or even after the Holiday Shopping rush.

Until then...

Grammyof13

Passwords!

I know I stay behind in most information. And...figure that before I ask someone has an answer. I have come to the place that I need a secretary to help me keep up with my records. Not that I'm so important, but remember which password I assigned to whom, is getting to be too much for my pea brain.

Did I add numbers, or did I not? What did I use for this versus the simple I used for that? No one will take the same number, or have I convinced myself they won't. My online store had a system so complicated that I could never remember what I did from one time to the next. Then when I got in touch with them, do you know what they'd do??? Give me a new password. DUH!

I finally got brave enough to say, "This is the very reason I can't remember my password from one time to the next - you keep changing it on me." It has to be stuff like "xor^&*23^*RT". By the time I got it changed, (and I called myself writing it down) for the life of me I could not get it to work the next time. Did I capitalize that letter, or did I leave it lower case?

I have a note book binder at my desk. And each time I do a new password, I record it. There are a few I remember as the rule has not been so bad that I couldn't keep it simple. Then with others (and remember, there are many) I may have to shuffle through the book several times to find the one I'm looking for. By that time, my page has timed out and I've forgotten what I was doing in the first place.

It is like going to the mail box to mail a letter, only to return and think I've received one instead. I learned several years ago, that it was the little old woman that has moved in with me. I know it is she who keeps hiding my passwords, my stuff. She looks at me from my bathroom mirror each morning. I don't know how she gets in, but there she is - graying hair, wrinkles and plump cheeks. I'm not an unkind person, so I haven't told her to leave. I may look like that one day, so I don't want to be too harsh and have it all come back to haunt me.

I'm doing well today, thank you. Got new glasses. The kind that one must wear instead of leaving them in the bathroom and wondering where they are. I've used reading glasses for the past 3-4 months, and they have served me well. But to see the TV a little better, I gave in to get something that will serve all my needs.

Yea, I'm doing OK. Just gotta get together with that lil ole woman and come up with a strategy to remember all my passwords. I'm sure she will be glad to help.

Grammyof13

Harvey - I had almost forgot about him!

This day is about to end, and I must hurry. Occasionally a friend and I take a girls night out. We could take our husband, but frankly it wouldn't be a girls night out if they were along.

You know, its girlfriend stuff. Men just don't understand girl friend stuff, and occasionally we like it that way.

This night out was at the "Old Gin" where a Dinner Theatre took place. I say took place, for I'm at a loss of words to describe what we were doing, and where we were when we did it!!!

Nancy, a friend from my writers group, was starring in "Harvey", the 9ft invisible rabbit. As far as I was concerned she stole the show as well as her "brother" Mr. Dowd. I have not seen the movie version in many years, which makes me want to find it and bring it home so I can laugh some more.

The meal was catered by "Oak Street Bistro", and for the most part it was good. I didn't leave anything on my plate if that tells you anything. It just makes for a good evening when it is shared. Melba and I have the same taste and I might add, it doesn't take much to make us laugh. Let's do it again soon Melba.

My friend Kathleen of "Eggs in my Pocket" asked me to come by her place for a gift. She has become a dear friend. There is something about her blogs, that give me a picture of a farm girl, going about her duties with a whistle and a smile.

(If one can whistle and smile at the same time!) Well you know what I mean, first one than the other.

I am to give this to seven other I understand, so here goes. I enjoy several blogs that don't post very often, but I wish they would. Rxoflife - is the blog of my granddaughter - her husband started the blog and she is keeping it up. Always tidbits of information about her and her little family.

It is a family thing, but I'll let you visit her http://rxoflife.blogspot.com. Then there is another family that I keep up with because of the baseball boys who live at their house. You've heard me speak of Chandler and Clay. Chandler is my Face book buddy, and Clay - well he's my Clay Boy. They live a full life and they share it with me. http://baseballboys.blogspot.com/.

Then I'll pass this on to one more tonight, and do more later (remember I'm trying to end my day before the day ends). Arkie Dan took up blogging for "therapy" or so he and I call blogging. Whether he has been therapized or not, I'm not sure. I always look forward to his view of the world and whats in it. In fact I wonder sometimes just which corner he is viewing the world from, for he seems to see things and observes things I never think of. He is a hoot - and a friend.

http://arkiedan.blogspot.com.

Thanks again Kathleen and blessings.

Grammyof13

Friends Everywhere!

Well I declare and sakes alive. I'm just getting friends from out of everywhere on my face book. And I'm ending my day with a live chat with the one who got me started with this whole new phenomenon, Chandler.

I've decided I really don't have time for this, but who would a thought, at my golden years, I'd be setting at a computer and chatting with someone I couldn't see yet I'm not on the phone. Abraham Lincoln would turn over in his grave, or George Washington, or whomever you name, if they could see the age of technology. I told someone today, I think I was born 20 years too early. My reason was that I have all these ideas that sound great to me, yet I have no energy to see them through.

I really wasn't expecting to run into anyone when I checked the latest addition of my facebook, but while I was there, a screen popped up with a Hello from Chandler. I thought I'd pretend to be a 15year old cutie, but it didn't work. He saw it was me and me saying "Hello Cutie" didn't do a thing for him.

I was glad to hear of my blogging friends who have a face book. One day, I'll take time to find them, so I can branch outside my immediate family and show them I do have other friends!!!

Kathleen asked me what a face book was? I haven't answered her for I'm sure I don't know how to explain it yet. Maybe Judy or Margie or Clara can do better in revealing the wonders of FaceBook! I need to get brave enough to put my face on the Web. NAAAH!

I sure don't have time for all the hits I'd get after posting my picture. I'll just take it like it is. Thanks anyway!

Grammyof13

Bell Ringers!

Here it is bed time again, and I am on the computer. Doesn't mean that all my projects are done, it's just I'm procrastinating again. I washed sheets, and no one else will get them back on the bed, so I don't know who I've been waiting on. My husband is at work, but should be in soon. I don't think I'd better wait for him to come home to help me - I'll just do it myself!

I made my dreaded once a quarter trip to Walmart tonight. Doesn't matter what time of day I go, the crowd looks the same and shelves are stacked high. Even the Salvation Army Bell Ringer was outside. Mind you he was setting down and lazily ringing the bell, but he was at his post. I got to thinking however, that if I were a bell ringer - I'd have to sit down also. Doesn't make one look very enthusiastic somehow. I visualize a bell ringer who is standing, even walking around the kettle, and greeting everyone that comes by, all the while ringing the bell with gusto.

Not to belittle them in any way, I admire them. They are servants for sure. To take the time to become a bell ringer so that you and I can be reminded that every dollar counts to the Salvation Army folk.

Yea, 40+ dollars later, I left Walmart. I didn't venture past the groceries either. That is where the trap is set. One goes in with a list of must haves, and leaves the store two hours later with "But it was on sale...." on the excuse list. I did very good and kept my attention on what I went for.

Tomorrow is another day, and my prayer is "Lord Please help me not to need something from Walmart!" Amen

Grammyof13

Face Book?

Well it finally happened. I have a Face Book. The irony of it is this: my face is nowhere to be found on the site. That could be intentional, accept one would know I was outside my domain by just looking at my profile. I started to lie about the year I was born, but figured I may be the only -"pre world war II" senior that has a face book, and I may set a record as being the oldest one in a Youthful World!!

I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with it. My grandsons Chandler and Clay came to visit me this week-end. We ate out and went to a movie on Friday and around midnight (remember I've told you before, they seem to get wide awake after 10pm) we were at the computer getting me fixed up with a face book. He showed me how to invite people to be my friend, and that is the clincher I think. Who would want to be considered the friend of a graying, wrinkled, female who in truth doesn't realize she is graying and wrinkled or old!?

So far I may have 8 people signed in as my friend. Mostly family at this point. After I get past family, the numbers will diminish even more!!!

I wonder if the point of it all is - how many friends one has out there. Do I win a prize for having the most friends? Am I considered a Dud if I have only a few? Once I get the point figured out, I may spend more time on my face book page, or I may just hang it up and figure I'm lost in that part of cyberspace.

At this time, it is still new and has a certain intrigue about it, so I'll see what happens next. I'll keep you posted.

Grammyof13

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Animations provided by MySpaceGraphicsandAnimations.com

Thanksgiving Animations provided by MySpaceGraphicsandAnimations.com

Ramblings of a Thankful Heart.

I just had to drink my coffee on the deck this morning. I may go back out sometime today just to drink in the beauty of Autumn, God has brought to my door.

I went with a group once to view the fall foliage in North Western Arkansas, and it was beautiful. However I may not travel far this year since I have a great view of the fall colors in my neighborhood. If I remember correctly, our trip then was more for just being together than hiking into and through the woods. I think I was the youngest of the group at the time, and we ranged from late 40's to late 60's then. I decided to call us the 49'ers and the name stuck. That was about 20 years ago and occasionally we still do things together, but more on a softer nature like going to a dinner playhouse who does comedy plays along with dinner. We've laughed together, cried together and tried to keep in touch. However even in our retirement years, life goes on and often our different paths in life goes in several directions.

The next picture shows one of my gorgeous ferns that has become a tradition on Mother's Day. My husband never has to guess what to get me. I'll take a fern or a pot of flowers to hang on my deck for morning enjoyment. My husband enjoys the watering department. We are glad to have kept them looking so good this year. I normally hang them on the front porch, but I think they thrive better on the deck. Since the squirrels are determined that I won't feed the birds, I'll have to opt for plants I guess.

Speaking of squirrels, would you believe they have disappeared once I gave up bird feeding? I still say, they had to be the one mistake God made! Sorry about that Lois. They are cute, but cute wasn't what I was looking for!! I wanted the color of the cardinals, sparrows and red birds that came to visit.

We're having supper with one of my granddaughters this afternoon. She is having her 27th birthday and the family will celebrate here in Conway. Her sister had her 30th BD last month. And did you notice I said, "granddaughters". How old does that make me feel, having granddaughters who are now mothers? Probably not as old as my son (their father) feels when he realizes that he now has grown children. As for Sharon whose BD is today, I'm trying to convince her that she needs to plan on being my caregiver one day! She is so amusing. Each time I talk with her, she makes me laugh. I wonder if either of the girls, Sharon or Michelle know how they make this ole grammy's heart swell with pride when they take time from their mommie duties to chat with me. My life could be boring if it were not for those girls.

I have nieces who are like granddaughters. Well at least one, who I brought to my house every chance I got. Back in the early 70's, my sister would let her spend the night with us, and after I got my children off to school, Anna and I would go out for Breakfast. I loved being with her. She was more like my first granddaughter as that was the feeling I had when I was with her. I love you DeAnna.

Well I've rambled enough this morning. Thanks for stopping by.

Grammyof13

Me Time!

Thanks for your concerns over my lack of getting to Trick or Treat! I really do take things in stride, and have learned to make lemon-ade on occasion.

I've had a quiet day doing what I love to do best - work at the computer on several things that has taken back seat lately. Did a load of wash as well, but with no telephones ringing until late this afternoon, it has been peaceful. My personality allows me to take some time for myself and feel great about it. I guess that's because I like ME!

Have a great week-end.

grammyof13