Gardens!

Can we talk about the weather? As usual I made a stop on the deck this morning, to watch the pesky squirrels and listen to the sounds of the morning. I could have stayed for awhile longer or until the sun covered me. The humidity is low and I am not sure what the actual temperature was, but it was soooo comfortable. Good weather for reading and drinking coffee.

We needed a break from the past few days of 95+ degree weather. It is difficult to breathe when it is that hot. We had to go out Saturday, and getting in and out of the car occasionally, was awful. I can understand those with Asthma struggling to breath in hot weather. God bless them.

Below is some pictures of my sister's flower garden. I've decided she must go out every morning and sing to her flowers. I can just see her, coffee in hand, and slowly strolling through the gigantic garden of well chosen flowers. I hope you enjoy.

There is no doubt at the hours of labor she has invested over the past few years. These pictures, needless to say, do not show her whole garden, with its Lilly ponds next to the house, the thinking benches setting periodically throughout, the yard art so expertly placed, and each flower chosen well to make a bouquet of colorful yet fragrant arrangements that only God with the help of my sister could do.

I guess I said that right. I think the gift of gardening or green thumb as its called must have been passed on to the others - and skipped over me. I'm not complaining, just truthing. My drawback is that I have very little sun, and the flowers that thrive in the shade are usually those with no bloom. Anyway, I love what I have done, but not enough to go walking in the garden in the cool of day, and "sing" to them. (Sorry sis, just had to say that).

It is natural, when we visit Tenn to see what else she has done to her garden. Also the garden of another sister who lives close by. Again, I could be envious of both their gardens, but try not to, so as when I make a visit I can enjoy the fruit of their labor with them. Setting on Martha's patio, ones eye is naturally drawn to the hillside where she has made a once rough area come alive with her choice of flowers and decor, and steps leading into the woods. I have no pictures to share, but may insist that she share some with me so I can share and do some bragging! Nothing wrong with that now is there?Martha has surrounded her home with a walkway lined with hostas and blooming plants. Then on the front side across the driveway, nestled in the dense shade of the trees, there is a gazebo, picnic table, and every semblance of a park. Wait a minute, I'm not through. Flowing along side the park is a rock creek, that begs for feet to go wading, or a child to go fishing. Beyond that is the county road that connects Long Branch, and Lewis Branch to Tennessee Ridge. That is the best I can do to show you the picture I see.

Nina, on the other hand keeps me abreast of her green kingdom, and these are the pictures she sent. I love the one with the morning sun filtering through the trees to shine on her home. Just proves my theory of the beauty of Tennessee. There is nothing like it anywhere on earth - well except for Arkansas the Natural state,

filled with untouched Mountains, Valleys, and rolling hills.

A

As I get into my week, I may come back to share again. Until then count your blessings - name them one by one, and it may surprise you what the Lord has done.Grammyof13

Comfortable In My Own Skin

Surely, many of you watched with an overwhelming feeling of "WOW" when, Britain gave us Susan Boyle, supposedly their second best talent who lost out only to a dance group. My emotions were pushing for expression in the form of water from my eyes, as I listened to this "plain Jane" single lady stand there when the sneers were televised from audience and judges.

She packed a wallop of a voice inside the simple exterior she showed to the world. In the beginning when she was introducing herself, forgetting words that would answer Simon's questions, no one could have known that one of the most mellow, angelic and beautiful voices ever to hit the London stage would come from her. It appeared, This church volunteer could not show them "Hollywood" know it alls, (my words) anything for they could spot talent just by looking at someone and she didn't have it.

Not so. The story is already told, but lately I have been thinking of Susan Boyle. I have even gone back to listen to her again and again and marvel at the combination of everyday woman and her flawless voice. A woman who - for all intents and purposes - is comfortable in her own skin. Had she not been, I surmise she may have gone to the beauty shop to have her eye brows thinned and trimmed, her hair cut and styled, and make up applied.

I wonder this - had she accepted herself as she was - flaws and all - and had no second thoughts the world would want anything more of her? She had confidence in what she had to offer, there was no need to change anything else as far as she was concerned.

Which brings me to my point. A question for me alone to answer. "Am I confident in my own skin?" At times I think not. Other times maybe, and still other times a flat no.

What makes the difference? My self esteem has often drug bottom, and the need for assurance and praise has been great. In fact there have been times, I needed someone else to make me feel worthwhile.

However, people fail us. And if they fail us often enough, there has to be a reservoir to draw from.

It happened to me many years ago, when I (with the help of the Lord of course) decided that I was not made of inferior material. I was not junk to be tossed around by well meaning people or thoughtless people for sure.

There was years of garbage that had been dumped in on my my esteem, and the garbage I had to dig through to actually see myself took a few weeks of digging. I hadn't known how bad I actually was, until the light at the end of the tunnel of garbage shown through even a little. I like what I saw of the real me, which gave me the courage to keep going.

It is a bigger story for sure, but none that needs to be re-told at this point. Here is why.

Last week I went to Senior discount day for a hair-do (hi light) and manicure. One of my daughters had gifted me with birthday money, so I opted to go to the Beauty school instead of my regular stylist. All my friends go there and have had wonderful success.

I somehow open my mouth, and insert foot without realizing the consequences before hand. My haircut was great, my nails were pretty. So what went wrong? My hair is the truest yellow I've ever seen. Can't even call it golden rod, it is yellow. My regular stylist has made it the same color also with the statement, "Well we don't want gray do we, that is why we color it?" I couldn't argue with her, and all in all it is very pretty when it settles down.

My senior student at the school did the same thing, only she brought too much through the cap to be "bleached" "colored" or whatever. So now I really do have yellow hair.

I could have thrown a fit, but that wouldn't have changed things.
I could have demanded my money back - I'd still have yellow hair.
I could have told her what a horrible stylist she was - but that would not have made friends or influenced people. In fact she was a good stylist - she just heard me say my regular stylist always made me yellow - and I figure she didn't hear the rest of what I said from that point on.

"I don't like it yellow - but her point was that I was trying to cover the gray, so why make gray even grayer?" I had said.

She didn't hear that part at all. So she is thinking, "I gotta do it like her regular stylist or it won't be right."

I'm thinking, "Oh surely she will hi light it in red or something."

To make a long story short, I figure the difference between a good hair-do and a bad one is about two weeks! So I am living with it without an ounce of worry about what people will say. I've decided they will not say it to my face unless it is one of my grandchildren.

Which they did, without pretence of not noticing. I had to laugh, for they were the only ones brave enough to say anything - I mean ANYTHING about my hair and its unique color.

While playing "I-Spy with my little eye" one came up with "something multi colored".
As I couldn't think of anything like that I asked for a dominant color. To which he replied "Brown". So I started guessing things with brown, and finally gave up. With a giggle then a laugh he said, "Grammy's hair!"

I laughed as hard as he did, for finally after almost a week someone was brave enough to say something and it didn't hurt my feelings, it only brought laughter. Maybe it was the way he said it, I don't know.

However today I thought of Susan Boyle. Not to compare myself to this gracious lady, but the thought was this "Maybe I am getting comfortable in my skin after all."

There are a lot of things about me I'd like to change, but it doesn't stop me from going out in public, enduring the stares for whatever reason. In the meantime, I'll continue to style my hair each day and watch as the golden rod yellow hues slowly fade. I'll also listen to Susan sing "I dream a dream" often as well.

In fact, she and I may have a kindred spirit.

Grammyof13

2009 Reunion

Traveling well is in the past for me. Doesn't mean I won't try again, and grunt with my back a couple days afterward. I think this week is my week to get in touch with the spine clinic, and see if there is anything they can do for my problematic back.

We were a year shy of completing our time frame for our buried time capsule. However the Patriarch of our family kept asking when the time was to dig it up - the decision was made to do it this year instead of waiting until next year. One year-give or take didn't really matter.


This was our first time for such a venture, so everyone had their own ideas as to the exact spot it was buried. The container we chose to bury our "stuff" in, may not have been the wisest choice - but hey - no one in the crowd had ever taken part in such a venture - so we accepted this as the best way.

So the digging began. First three strong men dug into the soft hillside dirt with a passion. However they quickly gave in to the machine after a little while. Remember it was 100 degree weather and any physical activity added to the already too hot humidity. (This wasn't such a good idea, we all thought silently, to do this now instead of fall,) but the dig and exchange of ideas continued.


Stopping to rest occasionally and regroup, my Brother-in-law Raymond went at it again. It wasn't long until the shouts of glee from the crowd of witnesses, went out that the capsule had been uncovered.


Little fellows who had no earthly idea what these weired adults were so excited about, began asking questions. It was lesson time for their parents and aunts who were close by when their mirage of questions started. And one word answers weren't good enough. They wanted to know why. I'm not sure we were able to satisfy their curiosity - hopefully one day they will understand the significance of it all.

The elements had not been kind to our container. But many things were salvaged. I wish we had a time of talking about what we had put in and why, but each one took their contribution they made many years ago, and walked away to look, read and remember. The fun time we had when we watched it sealed and eventually go into the prepared spot, was exchanged for what I would call a somber mood.


In the mean time Daddy was not satisfied until his treasured pocket knife was found. He wanted to see how it had faired all these years. The same pocket knife that had whittled wood into several Gun stocks for his grandsons.


He was patient up to a point, when he asked again, "I had a knife in there, did they ever find it?" Setting beside him, I tried to keep the crowd out of his view, as well as give him a minute by minute report on what was happening. His eye sight is very poor.

Eventually the packet which had kept the knife was found and presented to him. After one of the granddaughters cleaned it, he held it in his hands and began reminiscing about the gun stocks and how many he had made with his beloved knife.


He kept looking at his watch after that, and decided he needed to get back "home". He was unable to eat much lunch, and wanted to get back in time for supper. Maybe the food there isn't so bad after all! (my words, not his)

We had several of the grand-kids missing as well as one of my sisters and her husband. He naturally looked for everyone, and even though he may not be able to call each one by name, he can scan the crowd and see it isn't as large as it has been at other reunions.


As he was being wheeled away he raised his right hand toward the sky and said, "I may not get to be here next year, but I want everyone of you get right with God, and meet me in Heaven"! or something to that effect. He was not real vocal otherwise, only carrying on a conversation with anyone who stopped long enough to sit a spell and listen to his stories.


Still with his quick wit and a great mind, when asked "Arthur do you remember where we buried the capsule?", he answered as though he was needing someone to ask. "It sure ain't where you're digging!" It brought a great laugh to us all and he grinned his famous mischievous grin as well.


Such was the week-end which rolls around each year round father's day. A time as with most families, those who can travel the distance comes, and those who can't - well they can't. And even though each one was missed, I agree with Daddy. I may not - you may not - any one of us may not be there next year. But hopefully to follow Daddy's wishes, there will be a time (we have prepared for) when the "family circle" will not be broken, or no one will look around that circle and find another missing.


Grammyof13

250 Posts, Do you want more?

This is my 250th post, now that I think about it. Can't decide if I have a lot to say, or I just ramble when I let my fingers go where they want on the keyboard.

I can't remember how I got started blogging. I remember at the time it was a phenomenon in my circles that I, Grammy, of all people, was a blogger. I think by now the shock has worn off, and I'm accepted as a technological savvy grammy to a point anyway. I won't tell anyone, my VCR still flashes 12:00 o'clock, and I have never been able to get it to record anything. I just skipped over all the small stuff and went strait to journal-ing and telling everything I know.

By now you know how many children I have, how many grand/great grand children, where I live, what I do for a living, and for fun, and that I have a few problems, what makes me happy, and that I call my husband "Dad", that squirrels are my arch enemy, that I love birds, tending to my garden, etc. etc. etc. Oh yes, I love singing and may break out in song at any given moment. I guess I need a you-tube account so you could judge my expertise in singing. No, just kiddin'.

I love the readers comments who stop by and take time to say hello. I also reciprocate by reading their blogs as well. Boy do I learn.


Each day I look to see who has updated and who hasn't. From Kathleen's beautiful handi-work and gardening and tales of the farm critters, down to the gentleness to all creatures great and small, snakes included.


Kate in Scotland giving me a super charge each day making me laugh. She also gives me a glimpse of a beautiful land I can only dream of seeing. Her blogs help me experience her land through her written words.



Then there is Judy who educates me most times with good tid-bits of information or about TW antics. Now she has the readers, and would be glad to add you to the growing number who stop by.

How about Margie who shares about her busy or lazy days, which ever be the case. It is good to know I'm not the only one who takes advantage of slow days to recuperate from the busy ones.

Then there is Elizabeth, whose laid back way of writing, brings me into her world from the first line. Rusty Pins and faded Lace left a great note on knitting nose warmers, but I don't knit so I had to pass her up on that one.

I just picked up 5 String Guitar's blog. A writer he is! Wonderful way with words, which facinates me since I call myself a writer. His journey among the non hearing is a wonderful read.

I cannot leave out Lisa and her brood of six. Beautiful children. Her blogs will leave me with a smile, a tear, or a mother's' heart filled with sympathy to a young woman who seems to take everything in stride as she raises her family, with a husband who has cancer. I admire her.

Judypa-tootie shares black and white photos that could easily be from my days in Middle Tennessee. Good memories I might add.

I also follow my granddaughter RXof life-Michelle who takes time occasionally to share the goings on in her little family of two healthy, beautiful, full of life boys.

Or my daughter-in-law who has a full time job of raising two equally active, healthy and beautiful boys. She also home-schools and I can understand a little about her busy life that stems from my son being a traveling husband/father. You'll survive Michelle and Steph. Just hang in there - one day you'll wonder how you did it, yet wish you could do it again.

My friend Dan blogs when the bug strikes. I love his way with words - I would liken him to the great philosopher Will Rogers. Maybe he is doing some thinking in between entries!

My daughter is also one who blogs only on occasion. She is the mother of Katrina and Logan who visited me last week. She is a working Mom (part-time) anyway.

Clara I didn't forget you. Your corner of the world is still viewed and enjoyed. Keep up the good work.

I'm adding more and more lately, as I scan the internet for things that fits my fancy.

See what I mean. It doesn't take much to make me happy. For one thing, reading about others ups and downs, their ins and outs, their ups and overs - lets me know everyone finds some joy even in their pain, and strength to move forward, and faith in a God who wants to be involved in the affairs of man.

I've got work to do - I can't set here all day. You have a blessed day until later.

Grammyof13

Life Boat!

I had a birthday a couple days ago. It isn't the collection of birthdays I've had, but the number itself that gives me pause. Erma Bombeck made a list of what she would do over - if she had the chance. Good for her. I haven't done that as yet - though it is an idea I need to entertain. Others might gain some insight into my life if I were to choose to do so.

For the most part my life has been a good one this far, and I have no reason to believe it will not continue on the same. I'm reminded of a week-end trip we took the children when they were small, to one of Tennessee's state parks. I just soon stayed in the 2 bedroom cabin and read a book or sewed, but I did venture out. Dad and I rented a paddle boat, and into the water we went. We learned right away there is a right and wrong way to paddle if we wanted to get away from the bank. We managed to get across the lake and back, but to me it was so stressful I haven't had a hankering to do it again. My mind was forever on the fact I couldn't swim. Had never learned to swim.


Later in the day, a storm with tornadic force winds came up. My children were in the park - trying to fish as I recall. I couldn't find them, though I screamed over the storm to get their attention. They were hanging to a tree close by until the storm passed.

Storms and earthquakes happen still, however - should I equate life to the boat ride, I'd have to say. there are still a list of things I want to accomplish before I lay down the paddle. I may have learned to swim life's ups and downs a little, and steady myself during the torrential rains, and there are still places that scare me and make me want to paddle back to shore where it is safe. I'm sure there is a list to be made, and I'll surprise you one day with my list - when I stop to collect my thoughts on each one and put them in order by importance.

The Bible in the NT book of James, tells us life is but a vapor. It appears for a little while, then it is gone. At five years old or 15, we cannot visualize living to 69 or 70. We are carefree and ageless living each day as it comes without regard to 50+ years down the road.

Someone said, "If I'd known I would live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!" I could unequivocally say Amen .

There is one thing I want to be able to say for my life as a whole. I lived to please my Lord, and be a blessing to others. I've never wanted to be an island to myself with disregard to my neighbor. Who is my neighbor anyway? Those around me for sure, but not only those on my street. I've met my neighbors in Honduras, in El Salvador, The Islands, Europe and Canada. Hopefully I left a piece of myself with each of them to remember; My story, my heart, some food for thought.

As for my family - for sure that piece of my life was among the happiest. Where I watched 2 little boys, and 2 little girls grow. Sometimes they fell down, I picked them up, brushed them off and we moved forward. We laughed together, we sang together, we traveled together and then we even cried and prayed together. We saw first hand - several times in fact - the Lord answer a prayer within an hour of our asking in faith believing. It was those times they would never question how God is involved in the affairs of our lives. And it was a testimony to increase their faith for the future. Where each one has taken that precious memory of an answered prayer and passed it on to their families - adding to it their own experiences of God's interventions.

They have given me grandchildren to augment my life. To crown my life with a halo of joy. Those grandchildren have also given me 4 great grand ones as well and the beauty of family keeps growing as my years continue.

Melancholy? Maybe, but not sad are these thoughts I share. This birthday has made me realize there is a whole lot more living I want to do. Some of it can wait a few more days, but some carry an urgency that increases as each day closes.

Please come again, if this post is a downer to you. I'll try to do better next time.

Grammyof13

Just Rambling!

There are some days, I just need to be out and about. With nothing in particular to do, and no where to go, and with no purpose for being away from home, I just get the hair brained idea to ramble.

I can't walk very far, or stand on my feet long without breaking down in a cry and finding the nearest bench to regain my gait. I don't stop to think of the what if's before I start the ignition. Instead I just grab my purse, car keys and cell phone and head out the door. Where ever my mind desires to go, I follow. That could be dangerous, however I'm a tame individual so I feel safe in following my whims.

Have you ever seen so many consignment shops in all your life? There must be a bug somewhere that has bit me - for I went first to one of them. Didn't find anything, but again I wasn't looking for anything in particular. They had a dollar rack, but I wasn't interested. My first glance at the rack - didn't make me want to take anything home.

I then went to Good Will - I almost bought something there but talked myself out of it. I said, "Self - you don't need that!"

I back tracked to Fred's where I always find a bargain. But - was not in the mood of buying - only looking.

My trip ended at Kroger where donned with my coupons, I went inside to purchase a few items. I'll have to admit, we bought the greater portion of groceries at Wal-mart yesterday - so I didn't have much left to get. I waited to get my produce at Kroger. Walmart had bananas .64 a pound, Kroger had them for 44 cents a pound. There were many differences in price, but it was too late to take them back. Ah well, I didn't price everything at Kroger that I bought at Wal-mart.

I am a very conscientious shopper where price is concerned. So I wasn't very far off base with what I waited to purchase at Krogers. In fact I did quiet well for myself.

I'm not specially fond of having to grocery shop anymore. It used to be my escape when the children were smaller. To leave them home with their Dad, and go to the Grocery store where no one required anything of me was actually something I looked forward to. It is no fun anymore - I pass up the fruit-loops - Popsicle isle to get stuff like cabbage, cauliflower, Raisin Bran.

Isn't life funny. My sister sent me a picture today that was hilariously funny.

The picture is so typical of how time has changed, and well - people also. TV's have gotten smaller, where we are getting bigger. There is a moral to these pictures. I'll not explain - leave that up to you.

Well - another week is almost over and another day is closing its eyes. I'm going to close mine as well, so I'll be able to face tomorrow. A Day the Lord has already made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it.


Grammyof13

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

It isn't something we do as a rule, but Saturday Dad and I went riding around and hit a Flea/Antique market. After going to the produce market where I found fresh tomatoes, squash and cantaloupe, I saw the store just ahead, and intentionally (I think) my husband passed it up. I wasn't sure I needed to step on the brake for him, thought that might be dangerous so I tried a little harder to say "Let's turn around and go back."

It was getting late on a Saturday afternoon, however this is a new place and was grateful for the business. They were still open at 4pm. I love rummaging. Can't give a reason I don't do it more often. I really wasn't looking for anything in particular, however I found a VCR set of 2 videos of Titanic. We'd rather have VCR than DVD as we have a difficult time getting the DVD to work. It is new and a wonderful accessory to all our other entertainment equipment, But it takes longer to get all the right buttons pushed. Anyway...

I love books, so naturally I am pulled to any section with books. I can't rush book buying, or browsing. It isn't fair to the books I might miss, should I get in a hurry and miss the out of print book of the century.

Several years ago, when Bill and Hillary were in our Governor's mansion, I was invited to a meeting there a couple times. Hillary always made an appearance to welcome us but usually disappeared back to her quarters shortly thereafter.

The first meeting there was to celebrate the Mother of the Year. Mrs Jewell Wilkinson was being honored after her daughters had submitted her story. Being a friend of the family, I was invited to go. It was a special day for Mrs Wilkinson, but also for all her friends who were invited to attend.

Then the next time was at a book signing. Georg Anderson, I learned later is from Conway and is one of the more famous interior designers, in that many of his clients are well known in the movie and political world. The name of the book at that time, back in the late 70's early 80's was "Interior Decorating: A Reflection of the Creator's Design"

While we were browsing Saturday, I came across another of his books which was as interesting as the one before. Home - our Silent Witness. The author takes us through his magnificent home step by step with a humble heart and speaks of the intent behind the design. I bought it as a gift to pass on.



Then - my husband actually got interested in something. Blew me away too, but we decided his find was a great one, and with 20% more off the price we purchased it. We've never had a chiming clock before and this one hit our fancy.


Finding a perfect place for it has brought a quandary. This is the second choice, but I'm sure soon, we'll find a permanent spot.


So that was how we spent our Saturday, and hopefully we will do it again soon. Hwy 65is the road to Branson, so it has lots of traffic. Naturally it makes for a good place for Flea Markets, and Antique shops. The one we visited is not the only one - mercy me - there are dozens more. It will take us several Saturdays to get to all of them.


I also had to stop at a plant market and purchase a hydrangea. I had set out two, but both died. So here goes I'll try again. I love watching things grow - the nice proprieter gave me several seedlings from a "friendship catcus". Have you ever heard of such a thing? It is considered a house plant, and gives off little decorative bells from the mother leaf, and when each little piece is planted it grows another one. She gave me several little droplets and I planted them last evening.



Katrina and Logan are back home today. I haven't talked with them since they got home safe and sound.


Grammyof13

Then The End Came...

After a picnic at a park in Van Buren, we loaded the kids and their belongings safely in Aunt's car and went our separate ways. But not until after a birthday ice cream pie and a rousing "Happy Birthday to you" as sung by the four kids. Nothing like a picnic BD party. The kids were ecstatic to see each other until I hardly got a good-by hug from Katrina and Logan.

It reminded me of my ninth birthday, when in 1949 a picnic of a similar kind was held in my honor at the spring. It was wash day and I thought everyone had forgotten it was my birthday. It was my golden birthday.

Anyway, even in mothers busy day of washing the dirt and grime from our clothes, with hot water from the big iron kettle, a scrub board and wash tub, she found time to make a skillet of corn bread on Grandma's stove. When lunch time came she gathered the necessary items and we followed her to the spring where under the shade of the bluff of trees, she gave each of us milk and cornbread for lunch. Yumm! I love it even now!

The picture is still vivid after all these years. Mother taking a break from what must have been a long boring chore, to sit with her girls on the ground in the cool shade of a summer June day having lunch. And Mama made it a memorable occasion and I felt special. It was the closest thing to a birthday party I had until years later, yet I never felt deprived.

Although my birthday is still a few days away, I know it is on the horizon, so the impromptu thoughtfulness of my daughter was so precious to me today. And the four little ones, all off key, and singing with a strong - I mean it - voice singing the appropriate song. What a memory!

I am tired. I've had a much needed nap since we arrived home this afternoon. I figure what housework there is to be done will still be here tomorrow. I don't ever remember having the luck of someone wanting to do it for me!!! But tomorrow is another day, and to quote Linda, "Life goes on..."

Katrina and Logan, it was good to have you visit with Grammy and Papa. We'll do this again next year.

Grammyof13

Winding Down....

To say this has been a joyful visit comes short for what I feel for having had the two little folks with me this past week. I think I kept them busy enough to have made some memory's and from being too homesick.

We made strawberry jam last night (after we arrived home from church, no less). So now Katrina will be able to tell her mother how!!! She is of the bossy type, so I'm sure she thinks she knows everything about jelly making. I'll let her mother decide. Logan loaded the dishwasher and watched closely as the "ladies" did the cooking.

I had to call my daughter and share with her about last night. Suddenly it seemed, Katrina was homesick and began crying (well there were no tears that I could see) to see her Mother. "I miss Mama", she wailed. To which I responded "I'm so sorry you miss your mother. You've been away from her a long time, and this is your first time away from her. It is no wonder you miss her". I hugged her and let her cry awhile(!) I suggested that she come sleep with Logan and me.

While I prepared myself for bed in the adjoining bathroom, I heard Logan began to wail as well. He hadn't thought of crying until he heard his sister. So almost in harmony - they wailed (I use that word for it was not a heart felt cry - there were no tears - they were just seeing who could be the loudest.) Katrina only missed her mother, Logan on the other hand got started and couldn't stop. "I miss my mama too, and my Daddy, and Papa (who had made a run out of state and had been gone since the night before) my dogs, my friends, my school, (he named several of his friends) and on and on he named everyone he knew.

I was enjoying the show so I took my time getting back to the bedroom, where I lay down with them and talked soothingly to them for only a few minutes. I held Katrina's hand, Logan held her hand, and together they went to sleep. I was able to actually sleep with them until around 2:30 when I got kicked off the bed. I finished the night in the spare bedroom. They are terrible bed fellows. I did make it one full night with each of them, but not without getting a knee or foot 0r an elbow out of my side, back or leg or yes my face!

I write details because I keep each blog I write. It will serve as a good laugh to them one day when they are recalling their trip to Grammy's. We'll remember Katrina finding a toad frog and the future Veterinarian had to keep it. Never mind it will spend the duration of its days in a cage with an ample supply of water and crickets (which we bought for 10c a piece. She is taking care of it and thinks it is the greatest find ever!!!

Logan will remember being outfitted in a complete Army uniform - a light saber - boots and several guns along with some new clothes. He met several neighborhood dogs and regardless of how I protested that I do not want them to feel so welcome here - I'm afraid I have at least two dogs who think this is a cool place to live.

They've tried to make me feel bad for not feeding them - when I did my best to convince them - they really do have a family that cares for them and sees they are fed.

We've watered the plants, they played with a water gun, we've been swimming, and to the park. Today they are with their cousin Sharon for an outing. Sharon works with children in a day care setting, so she is wonderful for them. I'm sure Katrina will have her nails done while they are out, and for Logan - he just loves being with Sharon regardless of what they do.

Tomorrow I will take them to meet Aunt Janean where they will spend a few days with her before going home. Really this will be a long visit and a long time away from home. I hope their Mom and Dad has enjoyed the quiet and not done any wailing because they missed them!!

I'm sure their mother and I will trade sounds in a few days. Where her house has been empty of children's noises of laughter, rooms of clutter, and sounds of splashing water at bath time - it will be reversed. Papa and I will sit in a quiet house listening to the sounds of silence that could be deafening. We'll be able to walk without fear of stumbling over a toy, the washer will have no little clothes - and there will be less plates at the table.

I'm glad Motherhood is given to young women. For I have found myself getting tired even though I have fought it with a passion. I don't think grandmothers are expected to fulfill the mother's roll. She has her own place, but for sure I want them to remember me with a smile of how much fun I was when they were with me.

Oh yes they have learned one song. "Yaint nothin but a hound dog, cryin all the time..." and they can sound just as southern as we do. Now I'll be so glad to hear their nothern father's take on the song and the way they sing it.

Grammyof13