Good news...Bad news...Impressing...Depressing

I was thrilled to see that the stock market closed a bit on the plus side today but more importantly, I noted that the price of oil was down $1.00 per barrel. Now, I don't know how it actually closed but every little bit should help the price of fuel. I just think that it's highway robbery (literally) that we have to pay so much while the big companies are making mega-mega bucks each quarter! How can they do that and keep a clear conscience I wonder. They are expected to make almost twice that amount again next quarter. Not right! Another issue that concerns me greatly is the tax that is put on each gallon. Our state would probably fall in the top 20 in this area. I think California is the highest, especially in the northern part of that state. This tax money collected is supposed to go to replace highways and to build new ones; however, I understand money is being used for walking trails where railroads used to be, etc. I don't think there is anything wrong with walking trails but why are we using highway tax money and why is that being raised to such exhorbitant amounts? We won't need the highways anyway if they price fuel out of everyone's range. I'm for doing something now. We were warned back in the early and mid-seventies about the shortage of fuel, etc. and everyone got scared; yet, that didn't last long. We all started driving more than ever, myself included. We started buying big autos and SUV's that are very thirsty instead of going for the more economical. I include myself in this too, because I thought (and still do for most of them) that the hybrids are ugly and I'm too vain to own an ugly vehicle. My son has the right idea. Because he has to drive a big gas-guzzyling truck in his work and cannot afford 2 vehicles, he has sold his home (at a decent profit) and bought another within walking distance of his office. (He tried riding his bike from his house once but that proved to be toooo much for him as I'm sure that would have been for all but the best athletes).
So, where am I going with all this? Hmm...back to my recliner to listen to some more depressing news of the day. Isn't that all they tell us??

Voting Counts

I see my friend was right in that she picked Pickler to go home. (I was right with the 2 big disappointments: Pickler and Paris). Now I wonder which one will go all the way. None of them can touch Bocelli! He has a great voice!

Did you vote for the Idol contestants last night? Now is the time to think about voting early in our local and state elections. Some folks say their votes don't count, and it appears that one vote wouldn't make a difference among so many; however, if everyone felt that way we would have a mess. Think about this...if we didn't vote, what could we complain about when things go sour? You seldom hear someone admit that they voted for the winner who turns out bad.
We can vote here any day this week, including Saturday, then the polls close until actual Election Day. Hubby and I rode by the voting place today, hesitated, then decided we needed to do more homework on the candidates. Many of my friends say they are not voting because they know nothing about the candidates and they don't trust most of them anyway. I tend to agree but it is our duty as American citizens to vote; so, in order to do that more intelligently, I must read up on each of their platforms. That's my # 1 priority for tomorrow. Read about them, pray about my choices, vote, and may the right/best people win.

An Hour of Disappointment

After American Idol was over last night, I planned to blog but the storm came about the same time. I was quite disappointed in all the contestants last night, especially Pickler and Paris. I really didn't like any of the songs that were chosen by the contestants to sing. Perhaps I was expecting much more, especially from a classical standpoint. Even the classic numbers they chose were not very classic in my opinion. Now I wonder who will get his or her walking papers. One of my friends think it will be Pickler since she has had 2 bad weeks; however, she is so loved by so many that I think she will stay on. I recall Simon saying once that he thought she was even better than last year's winner. I don't agree with that statement but she had been doing quite well. Paula thinks she should go I know but then Paula loves the guys, all of them. In fact, Hubby asked me what she was trying to prove with some of her bahavior toward the guys last night. She does seem to go a overboard...nuts, in other words. I hate to admit it, but I do think that Simon is the most honest of the three judges, and, in my view, the most correct. Now, I am not a connoiseur of great music or musicians so perhaps I should stay quiet. We'll see soon who will take the walk of shame; will it be Elliott...McPhee? Hmm...

Here I go Again! Hunger Pangs Beginning

Today, I broke down and actually began to diet, and I didn't start any time too soon! I just hope that it works! Since I quit smoking 11 months ago and also having to go on different heart, blood pressure, cholesterol, and reflux medicines, I have really put on the weight. Doc told me this would happen just with the smoking cessation and he said it would be a year to 18 months before I would start losing the added weight. Now, I can't wait any longer so I'm going to see what I can accomplish. First of all, I need the will power to stick to the program. I'm starting with the 6 weeks' Curves program and I hope that I can get a jump start on losing weight. That looks like a fairly good diet. All I know is that right now, I'm pretty hungry! I think it's time to have a snack! You know, they don't call these programs diets anymore. They are considered programs or changes in eating behaviors. Whatever they are, I 'm going to try to stay focused this time. I do appreciate the fact that the founder of Curves is a Christian and I believe he has based his program on Biblical principles. Please pray for my success.

What a Scare!

My experiences today were different from the usual Sunday in some respects at least. First, I had to teach Children's Church which turned out to be a real treat. I had 5 sweet little girls, ages 4-6, and they were most interested in the Bible story that I told using a flannel board. I had bought all the accessories that would make an excellent way to enhance the story of Joseph, especially after he became Governor of Egypt. The girls were excited with the flannel board and helped me to adjust the pieces as they thought they needed to be. Madelyn and Meredith were so cute as they adjusted the furniture so that it would be sitting on the little rug. It could not be in the air they thought. And then Elana wanted to make sure the flower pot actually sat on the table and the basket of fruit was close by the soldiers. They were precious.
Later this afternoon, my daughter, son-in-law, and 2 grandchildren arrived after being gone on their Easter trip for several days. I left later to go to town, knowing Livvy was in the house in timeout and Clay was sitting in his dad's lap. Well, when I started backing out of the garage, I heard an awful noise! My heart skipped a few beats because I knew that whatever I hit belonged to one of the children. Sure enough, Livvy had parked her "motorcycle" (tricycle) behind the car and I ran over it. I was so thankful that they were nowhere near the car. My son came out and removed the trike from beneath my car. Can you believe there was absolutely nothing wrong with it? No, the plastic tricycle is as good as new and I am so glad for that too. However, I would gladly replace a million tricycles rather than harm a child. I'll say an extra thank you in my prayers over that one. Thank you, Jesus, for being near and for protecting my family during that scary moment. How blessed we are to have such a friend in Jesus!
Tomorrow, the children return to school after a week's vacation; many parents also return to work. As the school year draws closer to its end, I pray that all students will get the most out of each of the remaining days and that they will do their best to prepare themselves for a wonderful future.

Suggestions for Lowe's Home Improvement:

I have to tell you what happened to me Thursday when I went to Lowe's Home Improvement Store. My hubby wanted me to pick up 3 packages of hinges for a cabinet. He told me to ask a clerk to help me get them. Okay, that I planned to do, so I asked the first clerk I saw for help. She didn't even know where to look for hinges and she said it was her first day on the job. That's fine so I went in search of another clerk. While looking for a person, I found the area where hinges are kept in these little bins with hinged plexiglass lids. With no clerks around, I began looking for the bin which would contain the right sized one for Hubby. I finally located it (at the floor level by the way...who can read those little numbers while standing on your head!). I started looking through them and found one in a packet with the correct numbers but I found several in there with the wrong numbers on them. Worst of all, most of them were out of the packets, had no numbers that I could see on the hinge itself, and naturally, they didn't have the little screws with them! This was very frustrating! Looking around, I saw no clerks available so I decide to dig through the bin more thoroughly when the dratted lid came down on my arm and made 5 "v"-shaped cuts in my arm! I started bleeding like a stuck pig but still saw no clerk so, dripping blood along the aisle, I started toward the restroom to find some paper towels...none there but there was plenty of toilet tissue. A nice clerk came in and asked if I was okay and I told her the problem. She said she would go find a first aid kit but it was her first day too. I kept using up the toilet tissue to stop the red river. 2 more nice clerks came in and wanted to know if I was okay. I said yes, if I didn't bleed to death before a bandage showed up. When the man with the bandage showed up, so did about 6 more clerks. He asked if I was on blood thinners and I said no but I do take a small aspirin usually (I had not that day or the day before, however, but I am a heart patient). Finally, after getting my bandage in place, I carried the one little hinge that I had held on to up to the front of the store. One cashier was so busy that I went to the only other one open (no one else was there) and laid my hinge down. The cashier kept putting in a bunch of numbers while another watched (I was in pain wanting to get in the car and just sit awhile...I was clammy and pale). Finally, she took my hinge, rung it up, and I paid her the grand total of $2.67. The other clerk looked at me and said, "she will learn how to work this register before the day is over" (Evidently it was her first day on the job too). I have a better suggestion: before teaching the new help anything else, teach them how to respond to any unforeseen accidents, especially in a store like Lowe's where accidents are prone to happen. That whole episode took about 45 minutes when it should have been taken care of in less than 5 minutes. Boy, am I glad it wasn't a major emergency! And I still don't have all the hinges I was supposed to get! That means another 50-mile round trip back to Lowe's for $5. 34 hinges and $10 worth of black gold, fuel that is!

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! It's raining! We really need the rain in our state and all the surrounding ones too! It's also thundering outside which means lightening is popping overhead and I cannot tarry on the computer. Nevertheless, I just had to get on for a few minutes and express my thankfulness to God for the rain. How wonderful He is!
Now, I'm stuck inside which is a blessing to because I need to finish preparing my Children's Church program for tomorrow. That's really not my forte but all of us have to take turns doing the programs for the children, ages 2-5. Now, the 5-year-olds can understand better and the 4-year-olds are learning. Being a small church with few workers, we have to combine all these children. It's tough but I will do the best I can and pray for God's help.

Tonight is a NASCAR race, I think. I'm once again pulling for Earnhardt,Jr., who has not won a race in a long time. I think it's about time for him to show that he can still compete with the best of them. Michael Waltrip is doing much less and I like him too. I am not a fan of Johnson, J. Gordon, the Busch boys, or Newman, but I do like Kahne, J. Burton, Labonte, Jarrett, etc. I don't like to see Stewart climbing fences. He looks like an aged spider stuggling to prove he's still a teenager. Not impressive to me! Take the flag and drive sensibly and with dignity around the track. The winners need to stop burning their tires up and wasting all that fuel unnecessarily, also.
I prefer the races to take place on Sundays though and very disappointed when they don't. The best thing about the races is the naps that take place after lap 50 and before the last 50 laps! I love to snooze with the "zoom zoom"!

I Voted for Florida

I have just finished watching the Miss USA Beauty Pageant which is something I don't normally do. (I did switch back and forth from another channel, however). If you watched it, I wonder how you did placing the young ladies in the top 5. Personally, I didn't do too well. My selection was as follows:
(1) Florida: I picked her because I thought she looked the most natural and was beautiful. She also looks very much like my oldest granddaughter who is also gorgeous and tall! (And I'm a runt!)
(2) Kentucky: She, too, is a very pretty girl, a natural beauty.
(3) Georgia: She had a good personality but not as pretty, only cute.
(4) California: She was cute, had good answers and seemed to have good morals.
(5) Ohio: I thought she was attractive. She looks somewhat older than FL and KY. I
didn't like her dress. I didn't think it was appropriate for the pageant.

These were my choices and my reasons. Notice that I was very incorrect...What do I know! I would love to hear what your choices were and why, so I'm tagging all my readers.

You're a Winner!

I have to take just a minute and blog about a young lady whom I have never met but with whom I feel must be a kindred spirit! I only know her through her blogs but I can tell that she is a young lady with many talents and who should go far in her future endeavors. I have read her creative writings and have been more impressed with them than I have with many of the various books that I have read over the years. This sixteen-year-old has the maturity of someone older, doesn't mind corresponding with an older "grandmother" type, yet appears to be very interested in her friends while getting the most out of her final high school years. Her goal is to become a writer someday and I believe she will accomplish her goal if she continues along her current path. I find it refreshing to read the blog of a young person who keeps her blogging "clean", written with style, and on topics that might appeal to all ages. That's what it takes to be a success, I'm told (I've never written books but I have been encouraged to do so in the past. I have written articles and would love to write a book but probably never will. I'm waiting for my young friend to write one). I expect great things from you, R! You're a winner!

Bring on the Food!

I went to a food party that my niece was having tonight. I had never heard of such a party before I received this invitation. The lady and hostess had prepared little samples (or should I say samplets since they were very small). As she passed these around, the lady would explain what the dish included and how easy it was to prepare. I must admit they were all very tasty and some were absolutely divine! The best part of the party was after it was over! Why? Because the little samples became larger bites! I tasted things I had never heard of before tonight and I may not sleep well tonight as a result; things like garlic-garlic, onion-onion, beer bread (that was delicious! It can be made with soft drinks instead if you prefer but I couldn't taste any beer). We were told to come hungry and so we did. That's why the kitchen became the gathering place at the end of the party. Um-umm!! If you are ever invited to such a party, you need to go if you like to taste different-from-everyday foods. What a treat! Desserts were great, too!

Freedom of Prayer?

I don't know if you are a fan of the ACLU or not, but I'm concerned that the organization is getting involved in everything it seems. I believe that everyone has his or her right to do as he or she chooses but not at the expense of taking away my freedoms. I was surfing through some small newspapers and learned that the ACLU is trying to prevent some small county commissioners from opening a meeting with any prayer that mentions the name of Jesus Christ. I have no problem with this prayer as you know. If the audience present is REQUIRED to sit there, then that is a problem; however, my understanding of most commissioners' meetings and all other meetings, too, is that one is free to come and go at one's leisure. That means if I don't want to hear a prayer with the name of Jesus spoken, I can come in late to the meeting; I can wear earmuffs; I can turn off my hearing aids; or, I could even pray silently to Allah if I had a mind (I am a Prostestant, however). If this is a procedure which has been taking place for years and years, then it's not a practice just started to offend others. I would inform you that this prayer would be taking place so that you or any others opposing this practice could wait outside. That way, you can be happy and I can be happy. That, to me, is freedom of religion. In the same way, if you and your organization were of a different religion, you should treat me the same. I'd gladly wait outside, pray to my Lord and Savior while you have yours. That, my friend, is freedom, in my opinion. What do you think? I love my country's religious practices; I love our money which says, "In God we Trust"; I love the 10 Commandments written on our governmental buildings; I love the freedoms which my forefathers guaranteed; and, I love America!

Short but Sweet!

We're having stormy weather tonight so I will make this blog short and sweet. Also, "Deal or No Deal" is about to begin and I like to watch that for some reason. Can you imagine the decisions some of those guys make on that show? They are sometimes offered $100,000 to sell their suitcase and they say "no deal"! I think I would take the cash and run...what about you? Some of them say they came with nothing so they will leave with nothing. Personally, I wouldn't mind leaving with several thousand.
I've been busy cleaning one of our closets and that's a headache. I've decided that if I don't wear these clothes I should share them with someone who will. That's the Christian thing to do. We should always look for ways to share our good fortune with the less fortunate and I have been remiss in doing this. I still have another bigger closet to clean and I plan to share those items also.
I hope you had a great Easter weekend and for those of you on vacation this week, have a safe and happy one.

Sad Tears...Happy Tears

Where is everyone today? Only 2 of you have hit my blog so far. I hope that you are not reading because you are too busy celebrating the Easter season. I have had a marvelous day celebrating with my dear family at home and with my church family, too! We began the day with an early breakfast at church and, as usual, that was wonderful fellowship! At Sunday School, a dear friend shared the Easter story in a different but entertaining way...thanks, Fran! During the morning worship service, our pastor presented the message again in another interesting way... Thanks, Mr. N. It's difficult to think of the Easter story and not shed tears of sadness; yet, we should shed tears of gladness too because without the events that took place so many, many years ago, there would be nothing over which to be glad. My sad tears are shed because Jesus suffered so horrendously for you and me and I KNOW that I am unworthy of such love; and then, my glad tears are shed because Jesus does love you and me so much that He willingly gave His life for you and me. What a sacrifice! Are we worth it? NOooooo! Yet, all I have to do is believe Jesus is the Son of God, that He did die for me, that He arose from the dead less than 2000 years ago, that He went to prepare a place for me, and He will receive me into His Kingdom. What a promise!! I say "YES" to Jesus. Sad tears...Happy tears...Sad remembrance...Happy promises! Wow!

Disappearing Items in the House

I did as I promised that I would. I went back to Curves to work out some kinks and, by jove, I think it worked! Today, I have had no aches and pains in the shoulders and chest areas. I hope when I go back on Monday that it will continue to improve and that I will be able to work harder at the machines. My daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren came over this afternoon and that was a joy for us. Livvy wanted her usual bottle of water and candy. Clay wanted me to read his book about dozers to him. That was the only way I got him in my lap for a few minutes. We ordered pizza delivered here and while he was eating, Clay did share a lot of his thoughts with me then. I was so happy to have him talk to me. He told me about his camper, his recent camping trip and his next one. With those dimples shining, I just wanted to squeeze him but knew he wouldn't like that. He's turning into a little, big boy.

Two things tend to disappear from our house frequently: flashlights and scissors! Why that combination, I will never know, but I have bought more scissors and flashlights than I have towels. The electricity went off while the children were here but fortunately, it was still daylight; however, it did go out again after dark and we had to hunt for the flashlights. I wonder why that is always a problem. We have to grope around in the dark looking for them. I have tried to keep one in each room. Believe it or not, now there is one in the kitchen and one in our bedroom. That's it. Who took the others? I won't even go into the scissors loss. Of course, there are other little things that are hard to keep up with too, like scotch tape and stapler. What about you? Do you have this trouble and, if so, what do you have that you have trouble keeping up with? Funny, isn't it?

Assurance of a Tomorrow

Some days (and weeks), one just doesn't have anything to blog about and this has been one of mine. I have done nothing exciting since my last blog. I did go to Curves yesterday and today. I took it easy yesterday because I haven't been going much and need to build myself back up for the machines. Today, I worked a little harder at it and tonight, I'm paying for it! Yep, I've been aching in the shoulder and chest areas. I'll go back tomorrow and see if it gets better after I work some of the many "kinks" out.

Today is "Good Friday" as all of you know and the beginning of vacation for many children across the country. Pray that they will enjoy their vacation and that they will stay safe during this time. Let us not forget the significance of the Easter season and what it means for each of us now and when our lives end on this earth. I pray that all of you will put your faith and trust in God today so that you can be assured of a tomorrow with Him.

How smart is she I wonder!

I didn't get a chance to blog yesterday due to an unexpected schedule of events. First of all, I had to go purchase items to make floral arrangements for the graves of our mom, dad, grandmother, grandfather, and step-grandfather. All of that took awhile, especially since we had to stop and get us one of those special, delicious hamburgers from the famous cafe nearby. Then, I received a call from my brother that a couple of our friends from Florida who are headed back to Canada would be going out of their way to stop by for a couple of days. Since Bro and his wife were to be tied up all day we were to entertain them today which we did. We spent several hours just sightseeing around the area. Soon, we will be picking them up and going out to dinner. They are a neat couple and we enjoy their company. We also love their accent which is quite different from anything we hear a lot in the U.S.

Our daughter and her family came by for awhile yesterday and went for a ride in the golf cart. That is, everyone but Livvy. She didn't wish to go. She said she needed to stay with me which I loved, by the way. She wanted a bottle of water so we sat at the bar and she told me her problems for the day. Her one-sided conversation went something like this: (one-sided because I preferred to listen to her story)
"I don't want to do any homework today. I don't like homework. I really don't have any to do today anyway. I think I will just drink my water and draw... Can I have some paper to draw on? (She draws a face) Do you like this? This is more fun than homework. ... I think I need some candy... I'm glad Mom and Dad are riding the golf cart. And Clay too. I'm having fun with you..." (Naturally, I gave her one piece, Mom)
She is such a hoot! Later, I had a small burp which she heard, of course, and I got a lecture on burping. "We say excuse me when we burp at my house. And if we spill water at my house, (she spilled a little) it's an accident and everyone has accidents...And we don't wear our coats in the house."
Where does a recently turned 3-year-old learn all of these words? And, this was just the beginning. I could go on and on about her use of words, most often used correctly. I'm sure TV teaches a lot but sometimes she says things that make it appear that she may actually be reading something. Maybe she is and is just keeping that a secret until she can surprise us. How smart is she, I wonder! I won't be surprised when she comes in someday soon reading an encyclopedia!

Be an Active Witness

A Quick Observation & Testimony:
Our Baptist Women had its monthly meeting tonight and we had a visitor who had recently returned from a missions trip to the far East. She was very informative. Thank you, BW, for sharing. Our women are very active in mission projects although we don't take the long trips like that, mainly because most of us are range from age 52 to late 70's. I know that I would love to go on a trip and regret that I didn't do that when I was younger and more in shape. Now, it would be quite difficult for me to leave the country and visit under-developed ones due to health reasons. We can serve from home though and I try to do that. Since we camp, I would love to be involved in the Campers on Mission groups but so far, we haven't done that either. As much as we do go, we should be witnesses for Him, don't you think? If you want to get involved in such, I hope you don't do as I have and regret not being actively involved.

Laughter is Good for the Soul

As I said earlier, I believe that it's okay to have fun at church, that God does have a sense of humor. Yesterday, our friend, Fran, whom I mentioned a few weeks ago had gotten her black jacket taken or misplaced, came wearing a black, mingled jacket. Fran came up to me and said, "This jacket cannot be taken or misplaced since it is so loud. If it disappears today, then I will know that it was stolen and so was the other." Now, this was just an "invitation" for me to want to do something about this jacket. When we went to the choir room and replaced our robes with our jackets, I jumped at the opportunity to begin the fun. When she was not looking, I whispered to my sister to watch this. We took the hanger with the black, mingled jacket and hid it (very well, too I might add) in the closet. After the service ended, we went back to the choir room. When Fran made her way to the closet, lo and behold, she immediately saw that her jacket was gone! She let everyone know that her jacket was once again missing. Then she noticed that there were several people just standing around waiting to see her reaction and we, along with Fran, began laughing! She is such a great sport that we love to tease her. It took her a good while before she was able to locate her jacket. After we went outside, the teasing continued, especially from my brother who loves to tease her unmercifully! He suggested that she chain her clothes to her body. When she told him that she had bought this particular jacket at a consignment store, he asked her if she planned to return it now, especially since no one liked this one well enough to steal it for real. He said that it was a jacket that you wanted to say something about but you just didn't know what to say about it! (I think he was referring to the "mingled" part of it). We truly had a wonderful few minutes of merriment. Fran left laughing and saying, "No question about it, laughter is good for the soul!" And it is! I felt better all day for it I'm sure! Try it and you will see.

The cantata went well so I'm told. Several commented to that effect yesterday plus I received one anonymous comment on my blog that it was good. (Thank you for that). The message in songs was so beautiful: Christ died for you and me; yet, even more important, He arose! He arose and has prepared a place for us to live with Him for eternity! Everyone is invited to come to the Cross, then to the tomb and know that He lives; invite Him into your heart today! What wonderful news, don't you think? If you agree, say "Amen"!

Cut, Snip, Place, and Smile!

We had our Relay for Life Scrapbooking Day and what fun it was! There were 22 of us present; several couldn't participate due to babysitting problems, job-related problems, etc. The ones who did attend seemed to have enjoyed their time and were happy that they took the effort to get there. We enjoyed breakfast and lunch together ( I guess that was the highlight of the day). I completed 6 pages which is not very much; yet, I'm proud to have finished that many since Sister and I were up and down most of the day making sure that all ran smoothly. I'm working on my life portrait right now and have finally gotten to the year 1966! I have one more page to complete then I will begin a new album: "1967, two lives are joined in marriage". Do you think I will ever catch up? That shows that I'm quite a few years behind. After I finish those, I have my trips to complete; I'm only up to 1970 on those! Sometimes I switch from one to another. I also want to make a new wedding album for Don and me. Well, it's fun even if I never finish. The children can do them because I do have all the pictures organized in folders up to the current year.

It was good to have 3 children present today. That means they will have a lot of memories building that they can all cherish. Imagine what mine would look like if I had started in 1948!
If you have children, I urge you to consider this hobby. I believe they will appreciate your doing this. Better yet, help them do their own. It's lots of fun.

On another subject, we are having our Easter Cantata at church tomorrow morning. I still have a bit of a sore throat and I pray that I can get through it without having to cough any. I do covet your prayers for all of our choir members, that we will sing to the glory of God and that the message we present in song will touch someone's heart.

When can they be children?

It's almost 10:30 PM and I'm still dragging from this morning's workout. My 2 little sweet grandchildren came over this afternoon and I enjoyed watching them play outside. Livvy was picking up sticks and putting them in a neat pile, all the while saying, "Mommy and Daddy and PaPa will be so proud of me!" Clay is still not up to par; it was obvious that he didn't feel well because he wanted to sit and play by himself much of the time. (Even Livvy left him alone).

To change the subject, I saw 2 of the cutest little girls this past Sunday, one at church named Gwen and the other, Livvy, at my house that afternoon. They are both such precious girls. I was delighted to see Gwen and noted how much she had grown since I last saw her! She really has some very proud grandparents and I understand why. Children grow up so quickly that we just have to relish each moment we have to be around them. I encourage you to enjoy your children, grandchildren, and others' children and grandchildren. What can be sweeter than a little child? I saw 3 of my niece's children today, one of whom is in the first grade this year, and she asked me to help her with her math homework. I could not believe the content of those math worksheets... in first grade!! Graphs, word problems, addition, subtraction, centimenters, etc!! I had never heard some of these words when I was in first grade. All I remember was Dick and Jane and their pets, Spot and Muff, running and playing. Now, that, I can relate to. My friend, Frannie, was talking about the difficult math in 5th grade but first grade? I'm a retired educator and I'm failing to see the logic in teaching so much so fast to the so little! It seems that little children better enjoy their playing days before age 6 if they want to have any worry-free, problem-free life at all. Play, Kiddies, Play!

Whew!

Whew! I finally made it back to Curves this morning and now I can hardly move!! Two + months away surely makes a BIG difference! Perhaps I can get back on the right track again; it's no question that I need to since gaining 15 pounds by quitting smoking last year. Doc said it would take a year or so to lose that extra weight, that it is natural to gain an average of 12 pounds. It has now been 11 months and the loss hasn't begun yet! I'll just keep on thinking tomorrow will be the day I will wake up and be 5 pounds lighter (with that thinking I'm sure I will still be asleep and dreaming).

I'm trying to be energetic and get some "spring" cleaning done in our house. Since we came home to a beautiful bedroom I have had the urge to do some serious closet and drawer cleaning; however, I cannot get to them yet because my hubby is still tiling the bath and dressing area floors. I just hope the urge doesn't pass before he gets finished! Unfortunately, for me, Spring Fever always comes with Spring! Before that happened, I'm getting up from here and getting with the program!! Ugh, it hurts to move (But, I have got to move past that comfortable blue recliner that I hear calling my name! And I am going to run past it now!)

A Different Day

This day didn't go as I had planned at all. First off, I had planned to return to Curves since I haven't been for 3 months! Did I go today? Not! The lady who helps me clean called at 9:30 and wanted to come here at 10:30! Needless to say, I wasn't prepared for her but since she had a close friend to pass away, I consented. As a result, I had a lot of cleaning to do, not only because she was here, but also because my brother-in-law who has never spent the night with us and who has only been in our home once may be coming here for several days. Don't think I don't enjoy him (I've only seen him about 5 times in 38 years) so I look forward to knowing him better. Also, my oldest daughter and oldest granddaughter may be coming down for the weekend. We are having a scrapbooking party all day Saturday and they may join us. I worked at not getting frustrated today. Guess what...I was calm!! It's okay to have a day different from what you expect. Just keep cool!

About scrapbooking, for those of you who don't scrapbook, let me suggest it as another great way to have fun and enjoy the memories of days past at the same time. I truly enjoy doing this although I'm not so fancy and professional looking as my daughters' books. They are absolutely beautiful. Yet, I have so much fun; in fact, all of us enjoy laughing at our old photos. And, on days when I am alone and have nothing more to do, I can always drag out a scrapbook and I don't feel so alone anymore. I like laughing at myself, my family, and you too (if I have your picture!)

Smarty Kids

Children just get smarter all the time! Is it the exposure to so much more through TV and computers? Whatever the cause, I had to laugh at myself Friday when, once again, we were delighted to keep our little grandson who was still running a fever. He was comfortably reclining in his papa's lap when one of his favorite cartoons went off. I then asked him what he wanted to watch next and he said Scooby Doo. Okay, dumb granny pushed the menu button and started reading the program listings for the next shows. When I couldn't locate Scooby Doo, I told Clay that it was not on right now. He informed me that Scooby Doo is on and that's what he wanted to watch. Again, as I kept scrolling, the channel that was on was in a smaller picture in the top left corner of the screen. I again told Clay that I couldn't find Scooby; yet, he insisted, "I want to watch Scooby Doo now. It's on now." I continued scrolling and was becoming frustrated, wondering what he would settle for in lieu of SD. I asked him what else he wanted to watch since Scooby Doo wasn't on right then. By now, Clay was getting a bit upset, so he turned to me and said, "Granny, Scooby Doo is on now. It's on right NOW! I want to watch Scooby Doo!" I happened to glance up at the top left corner of the screen. What do you think I saw? Scooby Doo! Yep, the whole time I was scrolling and searching, Clay was having to watch this little 4"x4" picture!! After I wised up, Clay thought it was funny, that I couldn't see Scooby Doo. Now, what do you think...my children say I cannot hear and my grandson says I cannot see! But, let me be the first to admit, I am a lot of fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Time to Celebrate!

It's almost time to celebrate! My older sister and her husband are celebrating 50 years of marriage tonight and my other siblings, his siblings, their children's families and we will be joining them soon to help them remember that joyous occasion! I'm looking forward to, once again having the opportunity to recall fun times. I'm sure there will be moments of sadness as well when we think of our departed family members who shared those times with us 50 years ago: our parents, several of his siblings, and other close family friends. We will try to keep it light and happy tonight, I'm sure, and concentrate a lot on the moment as we build new memories.

So, let's celebrate! We are always looking for something else to celebrate. And this is a very special celebration! So tonight, Sis and Bro, we say "HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY!!"