I started what ultimately became a tradition the first time I held my brand new grandchild back in 1994. I had someone take my picture.
"I must capture this memory," I thought to myself. And then I decided that I would always have my picture taken the first time I held a new grandbaby.
What I didn't know then is the memory of that precious moment--all seven of them (so far!)--would be indelibly kept deep in my mind and heart forever.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Deja Vu
It was a “deja vu” moment.
Climbing into the car this morning for an early morning grocery shopping trip, I was hit with the thought “this is what it felt like to start our annual summer vacation to Grandma’s in Seattle.”
What was it?
The hint of fall in the morning, reminding me of every coastal morning I ever awoke to?
The dog curled up in the back seat?
The dew on the window?
The moon still visible in the dark sky?
I closed my eyes and could see mom in the front seat, her hair smelling like the fried chicken she had just prepared and placed in the ice chests, now wedged inbetween her feet and the bags of other snacks for the trip. My dad at the wheel, having just caught a few hours of sleep after a hard day’s work.
All it was missing was a parcel of siblings, brown grocery bags full of our summer clothes, a younger sister sprawled across our laps, another sister’s Humpty Dumpty stuffed down between us so Mom couldn’t see that he had been smuggled into the back seat, where space was always a premium.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
The Four Stages of Grief
It has been way too long since I last posted. I've had several friends indicate they miss reading, so will try to do better.
Life is busy, and isn't that a good thing? Else I might find myself playing "Why Me, God?" in the aftermath of Rollin's stroke.
I've been thinking and reading a lot lately on the four stages of grief (denial, anger, depression and acceptance). I'm trying to move past #3, and finally decided I had to do SOMETHING, so attended a stroke survivor group meeting held at Kaiser. After a brief time together, they split into two groups, surviviors, and caregivers (that's me!). They of course wanted to hear my story (I kinda felt like what you might say at an AA meeting, you know..."Hi, my name is Susan. (~_~)
It was amazing to see them all start to nod and smile as I related my story....been there, done that, all of them! It was encouraging to know that!
I came away with a new sense of what the stroke had really done to Rollin, and a few coping strategies. Hopefully it makes a difference in our relationship, and the general atmosphere around the house!
Life is busy, and isn't that a good thing? Else I might find myself playing "Why Me, God?" in the aftermath of Rollin's stroke.
I've been thinking and reading a lot lately on the four stages of grief (denial, anger, depression and acceptance). I'm trying to move past #3, and finally decided I had to do SOMETHING, so attended a stroke survivor group meeting held at Kaiser. After a brief time together, they split into two groups, surviviors, and caregivers (that's me!). They of course wanted to hear my story (I kinda felt like what you might say at an AA meeting, you know..."Hi, my name is Susan. (~_~)
It was amazing to see them all start to nod and smile as I related my story....been there, done that, all of them! It was encouraging to know that!
I came away with a new sense of what the stroke had really done to Rollin, and a few coping strategies. Hopefully it makes a difference in our relationship, and the general atmosphere around the house!
Friday, February 03, 2006
I Am From (LUES)
I am From
(Loleta Union Elementary School)
I am from the LUES Class of 1964, a class of thirty-six, the largest to-date graduating class. From six honor students, Kathee, Renee, Susan, Greg, Sham, and Bill. From my graduation speech "Get that All Important High School Diploma".
From an era when the school mascot was the Beaver (in green and white) and not the current Cougar (in maroon and white).
I am from my teachers. From Mrs. Eva Stahl, who made the class stay in at recess one day because I wouldn’t confess that I was the one who had thrown my uneaten egg salad sandwich under the lunch table.
From Mrs. Loretta Snyder, who I don’t remember much about, except that she was a warm and loving teacher.
From Mrs. Jean Bennett, who I only had for about 2 weeks in 3rd grade before I was "skipped" a grade level.
From Mrs. Mildred Gregg, who was very stern and would rap you across the knuckles with a ruler if you misbehaved.
From Mrs. Esther Carr, who I had for both fifth and sixth grades. (She and her husband--his name was Tom, I found out years later--took a trip to Hawaii just after it became a state. Back than he was the very skinny quiet Mr. Carr, married to a very large and loud woman, but it seemed to work for them. Their Hawaii trip was the inspiration for her every-other-year annual Hawaiian Luau. Mothers would be assigned dishes to bring--I still have Mom’s copy of sukiyaki and rice pilaf somewhere--and girls would learn the hula).
From Mr. Floyd Mauney (AKA "Four Fingers") who, after I was out of his class, suffered a heart attack on a hike with his wife, Mrs. Bonita Mauney and died. Mrs. Mauney later married "Red" Mc Marin, the bus driver and custodian.
From Mr. James Cochrane in 8th grade, who was also our principal and attended our church. He had a heart attack that year (which he survived and later went on to teach in a Lima, Peru missionary kid’s school) and was replaced by Mr. Robert Riffenburg, whose wife would later be my high school home economics teacher.
From Mr. Swerdlow for speech, a place where I went to try to pronounce my "J’s" correctly, so I could say I was Susie James, and not Susie Games. From band leaders Mr. Madelena and then Mrs. Swackhammer.
I am from the ChatterBox (especially song dedications back and forth from me and Linda--"Big Girls Don't Cry". From the "Did You Know" column, where I was featured one week ("Did you know Susan James always has a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch?" From the time they passed out the newspaper and then frantically picked them back up again. When they were redistributed, Karl Erickson's answer to "What would you do to make the US a better place?" had been blacked out. (answer "Get rid of the President"--this was on Friday, Nov 22, 1963, the day John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated).
I am from the Tidepools, the every-other-year field trip for the 7th and 8th graders to an orchard in Petrolia . From breaking into groups of four (me, Renee, Kathee, and Terri). From the skits around the Friday night campfire (ours was miming and dancing to "Going to the Chapel of Love"). From pllanning your meals (Kathee and Terri, the Catholics, "Oh that's OK, we can have bacon for breakfast Friday morning, we'll just go to confession when we get home"). From bringing your tidepool treasures back to camp (can you believe they used to let you pick that stuff up and take it out of the natural environment?). From boiling the sea urchins over the campfile until the needles fell off. From using the latrine the fathers would dig for us, from Mom laying in traction in the back of the little trailer. From Carolyn Jones (one of the older and wiser 8th graders) making sure you were packing Kotex. Of course I didn't need them yet, but Terri Thompson said "That's OK, I'll bring mine." Show off! From the big orchard where we set up our tents, girls on one side, boys on the other, and probably the chaperones in the middle!
I am from playing last string basketball, and only playing a couple of minutes each game (because back then it wasn’t about winning or losing, but how you played the game), but Mom was always there to do (more than) her share of carpooling.
I am from teachers breathing a sigh of relief when one of us entered their classroom, because they now had Mom, who volunteered for anything and everything. From car pooling to class room parties, when she would make sugar cookies in heart shapes, and lovingly frost each one with white frosting and inscribe each person's name on one in bright pink frosting. From a mother who brought extra cookies and would personalize them at the last minute, for preschoolers who attended their siblings parties. From her sugar eggs at Easter, from countless Valentine's Days and Halloween and Christmas parties.
I am from mini milk cartons, from Tuesday Bank Days, from Scholastic book orders and SRA reading cards. From band concerts and graduation at the Fireman's Pavillion. From Safety Commissioners and crosswalk duties. From flagpole raisings, and stop signs on long poles. From one long whistle blast for stop, two short blasts for go.
I am from a place where your friends stopped by your house in the morning, to "walk" you to school. From Ray who had a knack for always finding the hair brush, usually stuffed down couch cushions. From the seemingly insurmountable hill you had to climb to get to the schoolyard. From crosswalks and safety patrol officers, from whistles (one long whistle to go, two short blasts to stop) and stop signs.
I am from a place of infinite memories. From a safe haven of learning and growing, a place that would spawn (due to Mom's frequent lunchtime absences due to carpooling duties) Dad’s display of displeasure, written in red sharpie marker on the hallwall sheetrock of the little house where we all grew up – "This haphazard method of me getting no lunch has got to cease."
(Loleta Union Elementary School)
I am from the LUES Class of 1964, a class of thirty-six, the largest to-date graduating class. From six honor students, Kathee, Renee, Susan, Greg, Sham, and Bill. From my graduation speech "Get that All Important High School Diploma".
From an era when the school mascot was the Beaver (in green and white) and not the current Cougar (in maroon and white).
I am from my teachers. From Mrs. Eva Stahl, who made the class stay in at recess one day because I wouldn’t confess that I was the one who had thrown my uneaten egg salad sandwich under the lunch table.
From Mrs. Loretta Snyder, who I don’t remember much about, except that she was a warm and loving teacher.
From Mrs. Jean Bennett, who I only had for about 2 weeks in 3rd grade before I was "skipped" a grade level.
From Mrs. Mildred Gregg, who was very stern and would rap you across the knuckles with a ruler if you misbehaved.
From Mrs. Esther Carr, who I had for both fifth and sixth grades. (She and her husband--his name was Tom, I found out years later--took a trip to Hawaii just after it became a state. Back than he was the very skinny quiet Mr. Carr, married to a very large and loud woman, but it seemed to work for them. Their Hawaii trip was the inspiration for her every-other-year annual Hawaiian Luau. Mothers would be assigned dishes to bring--I still have Mom’s copy of sukiyaki and rice pilaf somewhere--and girls would learn the hula).
From Mr. Floyd Mauney (AKA "Four Fingers") who, after I was out of his class, suffered a heart attack on a hike with his wife, Mrs. Bonita Mauney and died. Mrs. Mauney later married "Red" Mc Marin, the bus driver and custodian.
From Mr. James Cochrane in 8th grade, who was also our principal and attended our church. He had a heart attack that year (which he survived and later went on to teach in a Lima, Peru missionary kid’s school) and was replaced by Mr. Robert Riffenburg, whose wife would later be my high school home economics teacher.
From Mr. Swerdlow for speech, a place where I went to try to pronounce my "J’s" correctly, so I could say I was Susie James, and not Susie Games. From band leaders Mr. Madelena and then Mrs. Swackhammer.
I am from the ChatterBox (especially song dedications back and forth from me and Linda--"Big Girls Don't Cry". From the "Did You Know" column, where I was featured one week ("Did you know Susan James always has a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch?" From the time they passed out the newspaper and then frantically picked them back up again. When they were redistributed, Karl Erickson's answer to "What would you do to make the US a better place?" had been blacked out. (answer "Get rid of the President"--this was on Friday, Nov 22, 1963, the day John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated).
I am from the Tidepools, the every-other-year field trip for the 7th and 8th graders to an orchard in Petrolia . From breaking into groups of four (me, Renee, Kathee, and Terri). From the skits around the Friday night campfire (ours was miming and dancing to "Going to the Chapel of Love"). From pllanning your meals (Kathee and Terri, the Catholics, "Oh that's OK, we can have bacon for breakfast Friday morning, we'll just go to confession when we get home"). From bringing your tidepool treasures back to camp (can you believe they used to let you pick that stuff up and take it out of the natural environment?). From boiling the sea urchins over the campfile until the needles fell off. From using the latrine the fathers would dig for us, from Mom laying in traction in the back of the little trailer. From Carolyn Jones (one of the older and wiser 8th graders) making sure you were packing Kotex. Of course I didn't need them yet, but Terri Thompson said "That's OK, I'll bring mine." Show off! From the big orchard where we set up our tents, girls on one side, boys on the other, and probably the chaperones in the middle!
I am from playing last string basketball, and only playing a couple of minutes each game (because back then it wasn’t about winning or losing, but how you played the game), but Mom was always there to do (more than) her share of carpooling.
I am from teachers breathing a sigh of relief when one of us entered their classroom, because they now had Mom, who volunteered for anything and everything. From car pooling to class room parties, when she would make sugar cookies in heart shapes, and lovingly frost each one with white frosting and inscribe each person's name on one in bright pink frosting. From a mother who brought extra cookies and would personalize them at the last minute, for preschoolers who attended their siblings parties. From her sugar eggs at Easter, from countless Valentine's Days and Halloween and Christmas parties.
I am from mini milk cartons, from Tuesday Bank Days, from Scholastic book orders and SRA reading cards. From band concerts and graduation at the Fireman's Pavillion. From Safety Commissioners and crosswalk duties. From flagpole raisings, and stop signs on long poles. From one long whistle blast for stop, two short blasts for go.
I am from a place where your friends stopped by your house in the morning, to "walk" you to school. From Ray who had a knack for always finding the hair brush, usually stuffed down couch cushions. From the seemingly insurmountable hill you had to climb to get to the schoolyard. From crosswalks and safety patrol officers, from whistles (one long whistle to go, two short blasts to stop) and stop signs.
I am from a place of infinite memories. From a safe haven of learning and growing, a place that would spawn (due to Mom's frequent lunchtime absences due to carpooling duties) Dad’s display of displeasure, written in red sharpie marker on the hallwall sheetrock of the little house where we all grew up – "This haphazard method of me getting no lunch has got to cease."
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
I Am From (Paper Route)
I am from stacks of newspaper, bags of rubber bands, black newsprint on my hand. From canvas bags that fit over your head, the paper bag holder on wheels with a round "puller" handle that Dad made for Carol, bicycles and tote gotes. From the Falgout's delivering the morning edition of the Times and the James' delivering the afternoon edition of the Standard.
I am from Mrs Biondini, where Carol had to hand deliver the newspaper to her porch because she didn't want the newspaper to make a black mark on her door., the same lady who ironed her son's blue jeans till there was a crease down the front of the leg. From Mrs. Wagner's (who lived down Franklin as far as you could go and then turned left, the road curved down and around and they were tucked in the curve) popcorns balls on Halloween "one per person please" and chocolate covered cherries at Christmas. From Mom taking over John’s route because he was sick in bed with asthma and running over Ida Martin's mailbox, and Dad going out in the rain to replace it. From Blackie and all the other dogs on the route, from those who were tethered, and from those who weren't.
I am from upper route, middle route, lower route, from a sister who couldn't ride a bicycle, from a time where only boys could have a route, from a time where it was safe to go door-to-door to make your monthly collections.
I am from Mrs Biondini, where Carol had to hand deliver the newspaper to her porch because she didn't want the newspaper to make a black mark on her door., the same lady who ironed her son's blue jeans till there was a crease down the front of the leg. From Mrs. Wagner's (who lived down Franklin as far as you could go and then turned left, the road curved down and around and they were tucked in the curve) popcorns balls on Halloween "one per person please" and chocolate covered cherries at Christmas. From Mom taking over John’s route because he was sick in bed with asthma and running over Ida Martin's mailbox, and Dad going out in the rain to replace it. From Blackie and all the other dogs on the route, from those who were tethered, and from those who weren't.
I am from upper route, middle route, lower route, from a sister who couldn't ride a bicycle, from a time where only boys could have a route, from a time where it was safe to go door-to-door to make your monthly collections.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
I am From (Summers in Seattle)
I am from one bag of clothes stuffed in a paper bag with room for only one Sunday dress. From "For heaven's sake, let your sister stretch out." From ice chests filled with fried chicken and green grapes, from boloney and cracker sandwiches, from a picnic on a rock somewhere on the Klamath River.
I am from Saturday night popcorn and Black Cherry Kool-Aid,. From a truck farm with blueberry bushes and strawberry plants. From peanut butter sandwiches and honey. From picking wild huckleberries in the woods and raspberries at Aunt Clara's.
I am from a week at Aunt Cora's and Aunt Rosie's, and Uncle Eddie's Packard. From Rick and Barbie, from Aunt Cora's "female surgery" and seeing "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World." on a 180 degree screen. From Ronny and Agnes and Concentration and Go Fish on the front lawn. From plastic swimming pools and picnics at Juanita Beach. From accidentially brushing my teeth with Uncle Jim's Brylcream. From Elaine and Saturday nights at the Laundromat; from coke dispensed from a machine into tiny paper cups, from tiny boxes of Tide. From Pike's Market and the Ballard Locks; from the Seafair Parade and hydroplane races. From Woodland Park Zoo and plastic elephant keys. From lima beans and candy bar bribes. From Salvation Army and 25 cent turquoise ballet flats. From "It's a big chicken" and family reunions. From a place where a mailman would deliver Dad's letter to Mom, a letter addressed to "Granny Goose."
I am from Willie and Tillie, the mallard ducks, and Pepper, the spotted horse who never foaled, but always looked like the would. From banty chickens hatched in a box on my lap. From "That's not Susie!", "Eat your green beans," and "Don't sit on the couch with your buckle shoes." From "My hamburger is rare', Susan said sadly. 'I'll burn it up,' Grandma then said madly."
I am from a Grandmother who knew the value of a dollar, and a Grandfather who knew how to spend one.
I am from the boarding house and 16613 North Road.
I am from summers in Seattle.
I am from Saturday night popcorn and Black Cherry Kool-Aid,. From a truck farm with blueberry bushes and strawberry plants. From peanut butter sandwiches and honey. From picking wild huckleberries in the woods and raspberries at Aunt Clara's.
I am from a week at Aunt Cora's and Aunt Rosie's, and Uncle Eddie's Packard. From Rick and Barbie, from Aunt Cora's "female surgery" and seeing "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World." on a 180 degree screen. From Ronny and Agnes and Concentration and Go Fish on the front lawn. From plastic swimming pools and picnics at Juanita Beach. From accidentially brushing my teeth with Uncle Jim's Brylcream. From Elaine and Saturday nights at the Laundromat; from coke dispensed from a machine into tiny paper cups, from tiny boxes of Tide. From Pike's Market and the Ballard Locks; from the Seafair Parade and hydroplane races. From Woodland Park Zoo and plastic elephant keys. From lima beans and candy bar bribes. From Salvation Army and 25 cent turquoise ballet flats. From "It's a big chicken" and family reunions. From a place where a mailman would deliver Dad's letter to Mom, a letter addressed to "Granny Goose."
I am from Willie and Tillie, the mallard ducks, and Pepper, the spotted horse who never foaled, but always looked like the would. From banty chickens hatched in a box on my lap. From "That's not Susie!", "Eat your green beans," and "Don't sit on the couch with your buckle shoes." From "My hamburger is rare', Susan said sadly. 'I'll burn it up,' Grandma then said madly."
I am from a Grandmother who knew the value of a dollar, and a Grandfather who knew how to spend one.
I am from the boarding house and 16613 North Road.
I am from summers in Seattle.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
100 Things To Do Before I Die
Wow, I thought it would be easy to come up with 100 things! So this is a "work in progress".
1. Take an Alaskan cruise
2. See the leaves change color in New England
3. Swim with a dolphin.
4. Go to an authentic New England Clambake
5. Skinny Dip
6. Eat in New Orleans French Quarter
7. Learn to Waltz
8. Make love in the Redwood forests of California
9. Picnic in Tuscany.
10. Sleep in a house on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean, with giant windows to enjoy the view
11. See a Broadway show in NYC
12. Send a message in a bottle.
13. Camp in Yosemite
14. Sit on a jury.
15. Write an article/short story, etc and have it published
16. See "Old Faithful" spout
17. Shower in a waterfall.
18. Volunteer and teach someone illiterate to read
19. Spend New Year's in an exotic location.
20. Get passionate about a cause and spend time helping it, instead of just thinking about it.
21. Sing karaoke and not worry that I can't carry a tune!
22. Drive across America from coast to coast.
23. Write my will.
24. Sleep under the stars on the beach
25. Spend a whole day in bed ----- reading!
26. Drive the Autobahn and not be scared
27. Spend Christmas in Hawaii
28. Take a cooking class
29. Raft through the Grand Canyon.
30. Donate money and put my name on something like a brick in a neighborhood park
31. Visit the Statue of Liberty
32. See Stonehenge
33. Be debt free
34. Go to the top of the Space Needle
35. Go to the top of the Empire State Building
36. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage
37. Hike at least part of the Appalachian Trail
38. See a tornado.
39. See tigers in the wild.
40. Fly first class
41. Backpack in Europe
42. Set foot in all 50 states
43. Tour the White House
44. Get a tattoo
45. Tour the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor
46. Take a ride in a sailboat
47. Ride a gondola in Venice (second best, in Las Vegas)
48. View the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris
49. See the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
50. Take a ride on a steamboat
51. Attend a mystery dinner party
1. Take an Alaskan cruise
2. See the leaves change color in New England
3. Swim with a dolphin.
4. Go to an authentic New England Clambake
5. Skinny Dip
6. Eat in New Orleans French Quarter
7. Learn to Waltz
8. Make love in the Redwood forests of California
9. Picnic in Tuscany.
10. Sleep in a house on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean, with giant windows to enjoy the view
11. See a Broadway show in NYC
12. Send a message in a bottle.
13. Camp in Yosemite
14. Sit on a jury.
15. Write an article/short story, etc and have it published
16. See "Old Faithful" spout
17. Shower in a waterfall.
18. Volunteer and teach someone illiterate to read
19. Spend New Year's in an exotic location.
20. Get passionate about a cause and spend time helping it, instead of just thinking about it.
21. Sing karaoke and not worry that I can't carry a tune!
22. Drive across America from coast to coast.
23. Write my will.
24. Sleep under the stars on the beach
25. Spend a whole day in bed ----- reading!
26. Drive the Autobahn and not be scared
27. Spend Christmas in Hawaii
28. Take a cooking class
29. Raft through the Grand Canyon.
30. Donate money and put my name on something like a brick in a neighborhood park
31. Visit the Statue of Liberty
32. See Stonehenge
33. Be debt free
34. Go to the top of the Space Needle
35. Go to the top of the Empire State Building
36. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage
37. Hike at least part of the Appalachian Trail
38. See a tornado.
39. See tigers in the wild.
40. Fly first class
41. Backpack in Europe
42. Set foot in all 50 states
43. Tour the White House
44. Get a tattoo
45. Tour the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor
46. Take a ride in a sailboat
47. Ride a gondola in Venice (second best, in Las Vegas)
48. View the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris
49. See the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
50. Take a ride on a steamboat
51. Attend a mystery dinner party
Friday, January 13, 2006
Here's another "I am From" (Christmas)
I am from aluminum christmas trees and colorwheels, from paper garlands and angels on top.
I am from artificial Christmas trees, from plastic wreaths and pine scent in a can.
I am from the silk Pointsetta plant and plastic mistletoe hanging in the doorway.
I am from new pajamas on Christmas Eve, opening one present on Christmas Eve, and milk and cookies left out for Santa. From writing thank you notes before you could use your gifts. From champagne bubble bath and bath oil beads. From Dad's gifts, always big red handkerchiefs and white painter hats and socks we'd later make monkeys out of. From waking up early on Christmas morning and opening your stocking, and then going back to bed. From the time Mom let me help fill the stockings for the younger kids, but she still filled mine so I would be surprised.
From "You'd better go to sleep, or Santa won't come" and "you HAVE to believe in Santa or he won't bring you presents."
I am from Christmas Cantatas, Greg Thompsen singing "O Holy Night" and "Away in a Manager." From Jr. Choir robes with freshly pressed red bows. From a Baby who came to save us and give us life eternal.
From Christmas caroling, from hayrides and hot chocolate. From Christmas programs (when they were still called CHRISTMAS programs) at the fireman's hall, from chorus after chorus of Jingle Bells sung while waiting for Santa to arrive on a big red firetruck, from bags of hard candy, an apple and an orange.
I'm from the Nutty Nuggets Mom made every year and her homemade Butter Crunch Toffee and Confetti Bread. From sugar cookies and Mom's vast collection of cookie cutters, from bowls of colored frosting and sprinkles. From Agnes' chocolate dipped creams. From Mary's leftover Ice Cream Snowballs with candles. From popcorn balls, peppermint ice cream and too many cookies. From the time the turkey wasn't ready when we were, of sitting down to a holiday feast of "the sides" and turkey later that night.
From the time Dad "rewrapped" Uncle Eddie's present to Judy, covering the mpeccably wrapped gift with brown paper bags, and baling rope. From bicycles with streamers, from roller skates with black and pink pompoms. From new Bibles, charm bracelets, and new underwear.
I am from boxes of Christmas decorations, carefully packed away in boxes in the attic, from homemade ornaments lovingly saved year after year, from green and red paper cut into strips and Elmer's Glue to hold them together.
I am from aluminum christmas trees and colorwheels, from paper garlands and angels on top.
I am from artificial Christmas trees, from plastic wreaths and pine scent in a can.
I am from the silk Pointsetta plant and plastic mistletoe hanging in the doorway.
I am from new pajamas on Christmas Eve, opening one present on Christmas Eve, and milk and cookies left out for Santa. From writing thank you notes before you could use your gifts. From champagne bubble bath and bath oil beads. From Dad's gifts, always big red handkerchiefs and white painter hats and socks we'd later make monkeys out of. From waking up early on Christmas morning and opening your stocking, and then going back to bed. From the time Mom let me help fill the stockings for the younger kids, but she still filled mine so I would be surprised.
From "You'd better go to sleep, or Santa won't come" and "you HAVE to believe in Santa or he won't bring you presents."
I am from Christmas Cantatas, Greg Thompsen singing "O Holy Night" and "Away in a Manager." From Jr. Choir robes with freshly pressed red bows. From a Baby who came to save us and give us life eternal.
From Christmas caroling, from hayrides and hot chocolate. From Christmas programs (when they were still called CHRISTMAS programs) at the fireman's hall, from chorus after chorus of Jingle Bells sung while waiting for Santa to arrive on a big red firetruck, from bags of hard candy, an apple and an orange.
I'm from the Nutty Nuggets Mom made every year and her homemade Butter Crunch Toffee and Confetti Bread. From sugar cookies and Mom's vast collection of cookie cutters, from bowls of colored frosting and sprinkles. From Agnes' chocolate dipped creams. From Mary's leftover Ice Cream Snowballs with candles. From popcorn balls, peppermint ice cream and too many cookies. From the time the turkey wasn't ready when we were, of sitting down to a holiday feast of "the sides" and turkey later that night.
From the time Dad "rewrapped" Uncle Eddie's present to Judy, covering the mpeccably wrapped gift with brown paper bags, and baling rope. From bicycles with streamers, from roller skates with black and pink pompoms. From new Bibles, charm bracelets, and new underwear.
I am from boxes of Christmas decorations, carefully packed away in boxes in the attic, from homemade ornaments lovingly saved year after year, from green and red paper cut into strips and Elmer's Glue to hold them together.
I am From.....
I am from powdered milk poured back into empty milk containers, from Tide and Joy and root beer floats on New Year’s Eve.
I am from the little house on the corner that Dad built and lived in with his mother, and the bigger house across the street--the house with ceramic tile in the hallway and in the bathrooms, and in the built-in vanity my mother never used.
I am from the Pacific Ocean and the Redwood forests of California. From magnolia trees and freshly mown grass, from dusty miller, nasturtiums and geraniums, from hydrangeas and red and white rose bushes, rows of corn and hills of potatoes. From tomatoes and peas in pods, from a well-stocked pantry of pumpkin, Dinty Moore stew and string beans my Mom put up in jars.
I am from Saturday night popcorn and Kool Aid, singing in the car, hamburgers five-for-a-dollar, Skate Night, creamery whistles and two pairs of shoes.
I am from the "Sweet" side of the family, from those who hugged and those who didn’t. From Grandma Susan and Grandma Pearl, but not Elizabeth Ann. From an aunt who loved me unconditionally, and a funny uncle who loved me inappropriately.
I am from iceberg lettuce wedges, tomato soup salad dressing, and turkey dinner holidays. From mounds of homemade French fries, bags of artichokes, and fresh Dungeness crab when it was in season. From gallon jars of Joe’s leftover crab cipppino, and Mary’s Swiss Dance sponge cake.
I am from honesty and the golden rule, from paying for your hot dog at Louie's, from respecting your elders and watching out for your little sisters.
I am from He Lives, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, In the Garden, and The Old Rugged Cross. From Reverends Lanning, Lokkesmoe, and Cole. From Daily Vacation Bible School and plaster of paris plaques, from Good News Club and memory verses and Sunday night youth meetings.
I am from Swauger’s Station, from "a pleasant place at the end of the water," from a "peaceful verdant valley where the land of plenty lies." From mill towns and logging towns and dairy farmers, from participants in the Oklahoma Land Rush, from strawberry farmers and carpenters and owners of boarding houses and motels. From LUES class of 1964 and FUHS class of 1968.
I am from pictures stored in drawers, from family reunions and stories told and retold, from the legend of Jesse James.
I am from the little house on the corner that Dad built and lived in with his mother, and the bigger house across the street--the house with ceramic tile in the hallway and in the bathrooms, and in the built-in vanity my mother never used.
I am from the Pacific Ocean and the Redwood forests of California. From magnolia trees and freshly mown grass, from dusty miller, nasturtiums and geraniums, from hydrangeas and red and white rose bushes, rows of corn and hills of potatoes. From tomatoes and peas in pods, from a well-stocked pantry of pumpkin, Dinty Moore stew and string beans my Mom put up in jars.
I am from Saturday night popcorn and Kool Aid, singing in the car, hamburgers five-for-a-dollar, Skate Night, creamery whistles and two pairs of shoes.
I am from the "Sweet" side of the family, from those who hugged and those who didn’t. From Grandma Susan and Grandma Pearl, but not Elizabeth Ann. From an aunt who loved me unconditionally, and a funny uncle who loved me inappropriately.
I am from iceberg lettuce wedges, tomato soup salad dressing, and turkey dinner holidays. From mounds of homemade French fries, bags of artichokes, and fresh Dungeness crab when it was in season. From gallon jars of Joe’s leftover crab cipppino, and Mary’s Swiss Dance sponge cake.
I am from honesty and the golden rule, from paying for your hot dog at Louie's, from respecting your elders and watching out for your little sisters.
I am from He Lives, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, In the Garden, and The Old Rugged Cross. From Reverends Lanning, Lokkesmoe, and Cole. From Daily Vacation Bible School and plaster of paris plaques, from Good News Club and memory verses and Sunday night youth meetings.
I am from Swauger’s Station, from "a pleasant place at the end of the water," from a "peaceful verdant valley where the land of plenty lies." From mill towns and logging towns and dairy farmers, from participants in the Oklahoma Land Rush, from strawberry farmers and carpenters and owners of boarding houses and motels. From LUES class of 1964 and FUHS class of 1968.
I am from pictures stored in drawers, from family reunions and stories told and retold, from the legend of Jesse James.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Know Yourself
I posted this on another blog I keep (stroke survivor network) in answer to someone's prompt to answer these "Know Yourself" questions. I found it to be an interesting experience--you should try it yourself!
'Know Yourself' quiz.
1. What do you want? I've never "wanted" a lot. I'm hard to buy gifts for. I don't window shop, I don't make list of things I'd buy if I won the lottery. I want the intangibles, I want to be loved, to be happy, to see my children and grandchildren do the same.
2. What do you need? I need peace, tranquility, things that haven't been in great abundance since Rolly's stroke.
3. What is your greatest fear? I fear being alone in my old age. I was just 17 when Rolly and I married back in 1968. We've been together 37 years now, through the good times and the bad. I can't imagine life without him, as hard as the last 8 months have been on us and our relationship.
4. What is your dearest wish?That the "big bad stroke" had passed us by!
5. What do you need to be happy? Little things. Someone to sit on the couch with me at night, ask me how my day was, enjoy a TV show and a glass of wine with. A new book. A new trail to hike. An adventure waiting to happen.
6. What is your ambition? To make the most of what life has given me. I don't want a fancy career or a million dollars. I want to be happy in my own way, surrounded by my family and good friends.
7. What is your greatest talent? Hard one. Tangible things--cooking, grandparenting. Intangible things--seeing the beauty in little things, enjoying nature.
8. What is your most formidable obstacle? Empathizing with Rolly and all he has gone through. I try, but I can't really put myself in his shoes and feel his frustration and despair.
9. Who is your worst enemy? I'm sure there are people who are not terrible fond of me, but I hope no one "hates" me. Life is indeed too short for such nonsense!
10. With what part of your life are you satisfied? Raising our children to be responsible, interesting adults. They are truly the light of my life.
11. What is your misery in life?I like this saying. "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." I choose not to wallow in the misery.
12. What part of your life would you change? I'd have had my Dad stick around longer. He was 74 when he died, but since he was 16 years older than my Mom, and died when I was 35. I wish he'd been around to see me mature, to see my children grow up into adults, and to know his great grandchildren.
13. What part of your life would you change in the next year? Reduce the clutter in our lives. Physically, we've downsized greatly this year, and that has helped. I need to get some rid of "mental clutter."
14. What is your mission? Truly to leave this world a better place because I was here.
'Know Yourself' quiz.
1. What do you want? I've never "wanted" a lot. I'm hard to buy gifts for. I don't window shop, I don't make list of things I'd buy if I won the lottery. I want the intangibles, I want to be loved, to be happy, to see my children and grandchildren do the same.
2. What do you need? I need peace, tranquility, things that haven't been in great abundance since Rolly's stroke.
3. What is your greatest fear? I fear being alone in my old age. I was just 17 when Rolly and I married back in 1968. We've been together 37 years now, through the good times and the bad. I can't imagine life without him, as hard as the last 8 months have been on us and our relationship.
4. What is your dearest wish?That the "big bad stroke" had passed us by!
5. What do you need to be happy? Little things. Someone to sit on the couch with me at night, ask me how my day was, enjoy a TV show and a glass of wine with. A new book. A new trail to hike. An adventure waiting to happen.
6. What is your ambition? To make the most of what life has given me. I don't want a fancy career or a million dollars. I want to be happy in my own way, surrounded by my family and good friends.
7. What is your greatest talent? Hard one. Tangible things--cooking, grandparenting. Intangible things--seeing the beauty in little things, enjoying nature.
8. What is your most formidable obstacle? Empathizing with Rolly and all he has gone through. I try, but I can't really put myself in his shoes and feel his frustration and despair.
9. Who is your worst enemy? I'm sure there are people who are not terrible fond of me, but I hope no one "hates" me. Life is indeed too short for such nonsense!
10. With what part of your life are you satisfied? Raising our children to be responsible, interesting adults. They are truly the light of my life.
11. What is your misery in life?I like this saying. "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." I choose not to wallow in the misery.
12. What part of your life would you change? I'd have had my Dad stick around longer. He was 74 when he died, but since he was 16 years older than my Mom, and died when I was 35. I wish he'd been around to see me mature, to see my children grow up into adults, and to know his great grandchildren.
13. What part of your life would you change in the next year? Reduce the clutter in our lives. Physically, we've downsized greatly this year, and that has helped. I need to get some rid of "mental clutter."
14. What is your mission? Truly to leave this world a better place because I was here.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Merry Christmas.....NOT Happy Holidays!
Let me express my own personal opinion. If I greet you this holiday season it will be with a warm and hearfelt "Merry Christmas", not "Happy Holidays.", though that seems to be the "politically correct" greeting these days.
If it weren't for Jesus, the "reason for the season", we wouldn't be celebrating Christmas, so what's wrong with calling it what it is?
This country was founded on religious freedom.
Let me express it in my own way.
If you celebrate a different holiday, or none at all, I'm really OK with that.
Just don't take away MY right to celebrate my chosen holiday!
Whew, I'm better now! (~_~)
If it weren't for Jesus, the "reason for the season", we wouldn't be celebrating Christmas, so what's wrong with calling it what it is?
This country was founded on religious freedom.
Let me express it in my own way.
If you celebrate a different holiday, or none at all, I'm really OK with that.
Just don't take away MY right to celebrate my chosen holiday!
Whew, I'm better now! (~_~)
Monday, November 21, 2005
My day from H#&^
I'm afraid to ask what else can go wrong, because I'm sure it will!
Older son and family were down this weekend. He noticed his Dad has a mole on his face that looks irregular, and he hadn't really noticed it before. So I've got a call in to the VA for an emergency appointment for that. I leave for 2 weeks on the 1st so need to get it looked at ASAP!
Then I got to work and had forgotten my glasses. Got through the morning OK, a few dumb mistakes cause I couldn't see, so decided to run home at lunch and get them. That took up nearly all my lunch hour, so drove through Taco Bell--Of course once I got in the drive through line, I reached for my purse and had left it at work! Scrounged up enough change out of the ashtray (only thing we use it for! (~_~) for a taco and nachos and a glass of water.
Realized I had a heck of a headache (no doubt from forgetting my glasses) so resolved to take a couple of ibuprofen when I got back to work. That made me remember I'd forgotten to take my BP and allergy pills this morning!
Got back to work and decided to through the bag of trash out of my car. Walked over to the dumpster, gave a heave, and realized I had just let go of the taco bell bag, not the trash bag!
This day can not end quickly enough!
Older son and family were down this weekend. He noticed his Dad has a mole on his face that looks irregular, and he hadn't really noticed it before. So I've got a call in to the VA for an emergency appointment for that. I leave for 2 weeks on the 1st so need to get it looked at ASAP!
Then I got to work and had forgotten my glasses. Got through the morning OK, a few dumb mistakes cause I couldn't see, so decided to run home at lunch and get them. That took up nearly all my lunch hour, so drove through Taco Bell--Of course once I got in the drive through line, I reached for my purse and had left it at work! Scrounged up enough change out of the ashtray (only thing we use it for! (~_~) for a taco and nachos and a glass of water.
Realized I had a heck of a headache (no doubt from forgetting my glasses) so resolved to take a couple of ibuprofen when I got back to work. That made me remember I'd forgotten to take my BP and allergy pills this morning!
Got back to work and decided to through the bag of trash out of my car. Walked over to the dumpster, gave a heave, and realized I had just let go of the taco bell bag, not the trash bag!
This day can not end quickly enough!
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Ladies-with-Hat-i-tude
Yesterday I joined a local chapter of the Red Hat Society, "The Ladies With Hat-i-tude."
I'm really not much of a joiner, but after DH's stroke, and moving 160 miles from where we had lived the last 13 1/2 years, I needed something for just "me." So with that driving me, there I was yesterday at noon, resplendent in my purple shirt and red hat that doesn't go!
It's a swell bunch of ladies, and I felt at home. Of course there was laughter, food and wine, so it was my kind of good time!
I probably never would have done this without the impetus of DH's stroke. Sometimes life pushes us to journey places we never dreamed of going.
It's not necessarily a bad thing.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but to slide in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming WOW . . . What a ride!"~Anonymous
I'm really not much of a joiner, but after DH's stroke, and moving 160 miles from where we had lived the last 13 1/2 years, I needed something for just "me." So with that driving me, there I was yesterday at noon, resplendent in my purple shirt and red hat that doesn't go!
It's a swell bunch of ladies, and I felt at home. Of course there was laughter, food and wine, so it was my kind of good time!
I probably never would have done this without the impetus of DH's stroke. Sometimes life pushes us to journey places we never dreamed of going.
It's not necessarily a bad thing.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but to slide in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming WOW . . . What a ride!"~Anonymous
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Update: 5 1/2 Months Post Stroke
Our last "normal" day was March 31, 2005, but we didn't know that then.
We had gone to dinner at a new Mexican Restaurant, watched a little TV, and went to bed. He tells me (I slept through this part) that he woke up about 11pm because he smelled something burning. He looked outside and didn't see anything, and went back to bed.About 2AM he woke me up, saying something was wrong. He was dizzy, couldn't walk without stumbling, and had what he described at the worst headache in his life. So we sat up in the living room for a couple of hours, seeing if he would get better (He'd had one episode where his BP spiked, and I took him to the ER. At least that's what they said it was. Symptoms were similar, but not as severe. I'm not sure he didn't have a stroke then, a couple of years ago).
We went back to bed for an hour or two, and when we woke up he was no better, so I took him to the VA clinic when they opened at 7:30AM. They immediately assessed him and sent him to the local imaging clinic for an MRI. The technician there was not very supportive, and Rollin couldn't handle the tube. I asked to sedate him and he said no. So I took him home, stopping to tell the DR what had happened. He said he would have ordered sedation if the tech had called. I tried, what more could I do? So they said take him home and if he gets worse over the weekend, take him to the ER.
Monday afternoon he had an open MRI. He was still scared, but they let me sit on a chair and hold his hand through the procedure. It was after the VA clinic had closed by now, and so we went directly home. About 5:30PM the DR calls me and says he'd had a stroke. I remember my response "Oh, really?".
He told us to be back at the clinic first thing in the morning. He had some trouble walking the first couple of days, and so they gave him a cane. He only used it once and never needed it again. No paralysis, no loss of speech or body functions. And as I told my girl friends, he didn't drool! (~_~) Sometimes if you don't find the humor in the situation, it becomes way too overwhelming and depressing.He tried to drive that first weekend, before we knew it was a stroke. After he ended up on the wrong side of the road, going the wrong way, he pulled over and I drove (if you knew me, you'd find that amazing--I avoid driving whenever possible). But stroke changes you, not just the person who had it, but the caregiver, too. You should see me drive now. I had no choice for the first three months, if I wanted to go somewhere, I'd have to drive!
Other than short term memory loss (he's a cook by trade, and the first time he tried to cook potatoes for dinner I went into the kitchen and found them turned off. I asked him and he said they were done. Of course I put a fork in them and they were hard as rocks. He'd turned the burner on, turned around, and turned it back off, thinking they were done) he's suffered from fatigue (takes a couple of naps a day) some depression and a lot of short-temperdness.
But we try every morning to hug, to kiss good bye (I work, he doesn't) and to repeat our mantra "Today's a new day."
It does get easier, but every day's a struggle.
We had gone to dinner at a new Mexican Restaurant, watched a little TV, and went to bed. He tells me (I slept through this part) that he woke up about 11pm because he smelled something burning. He looked outside and didn't see anything, and went back to bed.About 2AM he woke me up, saying something was wrong. He was dizzy, couldn't walk without stumbling, and had what he described at the worst headache in his life. So we sat up in the living room for a couple of hours, seeing if he would get better (He'd had one episode where his BP spiked, and I took him to the ER. At least that's what they said it was. Symptoms were similar, but not as severe. I'm not sure he didn't have a stroke then, a couple of years ago).
We went back to bed for an hour or two, and when we woke up he was no better, so I took him to the VA clinic when they opened at 7:30AM. They immediately assessed him and sent him to the local imaging clinic for an MRI. The technician there was not very supportive, and Rollin couldn't handle the tube. I asked to sedate him and he said no. So I took him home, stopping to tell the DR what had happened. He said he would have ordered sedation if the tech had called. I tried, what more could I do? So they said take him home and if he gets worse over the weekend, take him to the ER.
Monday afternoon he had an open MRI. He was still scared, but they let me sit on a chair and hold his hand through the procedure. It was after the VA clinic had closed by now, and so we went directly home. About 5:30PM the DR calls me and says he'd had a stroke. I remember my response "Oh, really?".
He told us to be back at the clinic first thing in the morning. He had some trouble walking the first couple of days, and so they gave him a cane. He only used it once and never needed it again. No paralysis, no loss of speech or body functions. And as I told my girl friends, he didn't drool! (~_~) Sometimes if you don't find the humor in the situation, it becomes way too overwhelming and depressing.He tried to drive that first weekend, before we knew it was a stroke. After he ended up on the wrong side of the road, going the wrong way, he pulled over and I drove (if you knew me, you'd find that amazing--I avoid driving whenever possible). But stroke changes you, not just the person who had it, but the caregiver, too. You should see me drive now. I had no choice for the first three months, if I wanted to go somewhere, I'd have to drive!
Other than short term memory loss (he's a cook by trade, and the first time he tried to cook potatoes for dinner I went into the kitchen and found them turned off. I asked him and he said they were done. Of course I put a fork in them and they were hard as rocks. He'd turned the burner on, turned around, and turned it back off, thinking they were done) he's suffered from fatigue (takes a couple of naps a day) some depression and a lot of short-temperdness.
But we try every morning to hug, to kiss good bye (I work, he doesn't) and to repeat our mantra "Today's a new day."
It does get easier, but every day's a struggle.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Splat
What an exciting day so far, and it's not even noon!
I took my walk this morning and was having a great time. I have a 40 minute route through the neighborhood, a canal/lake walkway, and a small park. The birds were singing, there was a slight breeze, the sun was shining, it was great to be alive!
And then it happened.
Flat on my face on the pavement. Scratched the lenses on my sunglasses, bloodied my knees, hands, and chin. So,after unceremoniously picking myself up from the pavement, I dusted myself off, put my hand to my chin and realized there was a fair amount of blood on it. Walked slowly to the nearest water fountain, rinsed off my hands, chins and knees, and proceeded to find the nearest park bench.Caught my breath, and walked back home, where I was promptly chewed out for not using my cell phone to call for help
Excuse me, I fell, I wasn't mugged! A couple of Ibuprofen later, an ice pack and a brief rest, and I appear none the worse for the wear.
Whew, life is an adventure!
I took my walk this morning and was having a great time. I have a 40 minute route through the neighborhood, a canal/lake walkway, and a small park. The birds were singing, there was a slight breeze, the sun was shining, it was great to be alive!
And then it happened.
Flat on my face on the pavement. Scratched the lenses on my sunglasses, bloodied my knees, hands, and chin. So,after unceremoniously picking myself up from the pavement, I dusted myself off, put my hand to my chin and realized there was a fair amount of blood on it. Walked slowly to the nearest water fountain, rinsed off my hands, chins and knees, and proceeded to find the nearest park bench.Caught my breath, and walked back home, where I was promptly chewed out for not using my cell phone to call for help
Excuse me, I fell, I wasn't mugged! A couple of Ibuprofen later, an ice pack and a brief rest, and I appear none the worse for the wear.
Whew, life is an adventure!
Friday, April 08, 2005
Stroke
We had a huge scare last Friday morning. My husband, who just turned 58, had a stroke.
I waited 5 1/2 hours before seeking medical treatment. I thought it was "just" another instance of episodic high blood pressure, and it could wait until the VA clinic opened.
Now I know that he had 4 of the 5 warning signs of a stoke. We are lucky that it appears to have been a "minor" stroke. The doctor told me if it ever happened again, he needed to be taken to a hospital within the hour, to prevent permanent and extended damage.
Knowledge is power. Be prepared! The following information comes from the National Stroke Association website (www.strokeassociation.org)
Stroke is a medical emergency.
Know these warning signs of stroke and teach them to others.
Every second counts:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience symptoms!
Time lost is brain lost!
I waited 5 1/2 hours before seeking medical treatment. I thought it was "just" another instance of episodic high blood pressure, and it could wait until the VA clinic opened.
Now I know that he had 4 of the 5 warning signs of a stoke. We are lucky that it appears to have been a "minor" stroke. The doctor told me if it ever happened again, he needed to be taken to a hospital within the hour, to prevent permanent and extended damage.
Knowledge is power. Be prepared! The following information comes from the National Stroke Association website (www.strokeassociation.org)
Stroke is a medical emergency.
Know these warning signs of stroke and teach them to others.
Every second counts:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience symptoms!
Time lost is brain lost!
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
My Italian Charm Bracelets
Each charm has been picked out especially for me, either by me someone near and dear to me. I like to think of it as a "snapshot" portrait of who I am. I have collected and received so many charms, I just started my second bracelet!
S
Friend
American Flag
Pepsi Symbol
Computer
Gram
Mom
U.S. Navy
Key to My Heart
Camera (Charm has since fallen off)
Texas Map
Mom
Mt. Shasta
35
Gold Beach, OR
Friends 4 Life
Fortuna Huskies
Redding Sundial Bridge
Dolphin
I (Heart) Wine
California Dreamin’
G-Five Logo
Hawaiian Hibiscus
Double Hearts
Flower
Circle of Friends
Dragonfly
I (Heart) My Daschund
Golden Gate Bridge
Lake Havasu
Route 66
California Bear Flag
Mom (Heart) Daughter
I (Heart) Scrapbooking
I (Heart) Sushi
Heart
I (Heart) Wine
Red Star
S
Friend
American Flag
Pepsi Symbol
Computer
Gram
Mom
U.S. Navy
Key to My Heart
Camera (Charm has since fallen off)
Texas Map
Mom
Mt. Shasta
35
Gold Beach, OR
Friends 4 Life
Fortuna Huskies
Redding Sundial Bridge
Dolphin
I (Heart) Wine
California Dreamin’
G-Five Logo
Hawaiian Hibiscus
Double Hearts
Flower
Circle of Friends
Dragonfly
I (Heart) My Daschund
Golden Gate Bridge
Lake Havasu
Route 66
California Bear Flag
Mom (Heart) Daughter
I (Heart) Scrapbooking
I (Heart) Sushi
Heart
I (Heart) Wine
Red Star
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Auld Lang Syne
What’s your least favorite day of the year, I wonder. “My, that’s an odd question” you think. But wait, just play along with me. So you think “My favorite day, well, that’s easy – it’s Christmas, or it’s Thanksgiving, or it’s the Fourth of July,” or any other day with special significance to you. But least favorite? Who has a least favorite day, unless it’s April 15th.
Might I suggest that my least favorite day of the year is New Year’s Eve. When the song starts (you know the one, the song you sing after you kiss some stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve) I invariably start to tear up.
But wait, I can hear you already. “No, she’s wrong. It’s not a sad song, it’s about looking fondly back at the old year and looking forward with anticipation to the new year.” Maybe, but deep inside me something says it’s mostly about looking back with regret, and not really looking forward at all. And life is too short to regret time already spent. So let’s skip all that reminiscing and rehashing and usher in the new year, 2005, that hopefully, is kinder and gentler to us all.
“Life should not be a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up,
totally worn out,
and loudly proclaiming
“WOW, what a ride!”-----anonymous
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
10 Places I Want to Go Before I Die
1. Yosemite
2. Tuscany
3. Historic sites in Boston
4. Tuscany
5. Yellowstone National Park
6. Tuscany
7.Washington D.C.
8. Tuscany
9. New Orleans
10. Did I mention Tuscany?
2. Tuscany
3. Historic sites in Boston
4. Tuscany
5. Yellowstone National Park
6. Tuscany
7.Washington D.C.
8. Tuscany
9. New Orleans
10. Did I mention Tuscany?
Monday, December 27, 2004
Ho3
I have a Christmas pin that was my son's in high school.
It has the word HO in big letters with the exponent 3 up to the right side (i.e. "Ho Ho Ho")
So my granddaughter Ally comes over and sits in my lap on Christmas, at their friend's house, where we were having dinner. She wraps her arm around my neck, and says "So, How's it going, Ho Three?"
The women were all congregated in the kitchen, and we all laughed out loud. Of course we couldn't explain to Ally, and she looked at us all peculiar, trying to figure out why it was so funny!
I wonder where Ho One and Ho Two were?
It has the word HO in big letters with the exponent 3 up to the right side (i.e. "Ho Ho Ho")
So my granddaughter Ally comes over and sits in my lap on Christmas, at their friend's house, where we were having dinner. She wraps her arm around my neck, and says "So, How's it going, Ho Three?"
The women were all congregated in the kitchen, and we all laughed out loud. Of course we couldn't explain to Ally, and she looked at us all peculiar, trying to figure out why it was so funny!
I wonder where Ho One and Ho Two were?
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