Why are People not "Pooling"?

Today was the last day for me to pick up the grandchildren from Pre-K. I will miss them tomorrow because they have been very entertaining as usual. And, they are growing up so fast, it's unbelievable. I'm beginning to think one cannot spend enough time with loved ones before they are grown and gone. One thing they do is keep my energy level higher than usual, which is necessary when trying to keep up. Leaving the classroom, Livvy is off and heading for the car, ready to listen to Christmas music. In fact, yesterday, she asked me if I had a tape of "The First Noel", one of her favorites. At the time I didn't so she informed me that I needed to get it, that her mom played it for her in her car all the time. Now that I have the tape, she may not be riding in my car again before Christmas.

To change the subject, traffic in our little town is getting more and more hectic every day. Sometimes, I sit at the end of our drive for 5 minutes when I used to be able to drive directly out. I have planned to leave 5 minutes earlier than necessary to pick up the children just in case I needed it. Well, yesterday, I did need those extra minutes. Also, the traffic was moving much slower, too, due to patrolman pointing his radar in our direction. On main street, every car wanted to back out of its diagonal space in front of us (at its leisure). I shouldn't complain about the traffic, however; when in Raleigh last week, traffic was so heavy that it took forever to even get to an intersection to make a right! I also noticed that almost every vehicle had only one person in it. Now, for a country that is turning "green", I am shocked at this arrangement; why are people not pooling? It was quitting time for many I'm sure. I guess everyone feels that they need a vehicle in case they need to leave work for various reasons. I have thought about a hybrid but then decided that it would take many years to break even after paying so much for one that I would be ahead to pay for the liquid gold. Those prices need to come down soon if we are serious about staying green.

A Passing Thought

Play practice with the children went very well tonight, especially the little ones. They are so cute and so eager to please. Their parents are doing a great job with them. I was also very proud of the boys and their willingness to perform, often in dual roles due to the small number of participating children. Someone suggested that we use some adults but I don't know if any of them would agree to participate. We will practice again next week and see how it goes, then determine if we need to recruit some adults.

Tomorrow is my last day to pick up the grands at pre-K. Their mom will be returning from her winter conference so she won't need me to continue our "fun hours". They have been very good and I have enjoyed having them over and listening to their little chats. Anyway, I will enjoy another day with them and know there will be more of them in the future. Now, I must settle down to Christmas chores. My daughter and I seem to be duplicating gifts for some of our family members. I wonder how that can be avoided. It makes it really tough when I have to travel to another city to purchase gifts then get the same gifts. I think perhaps there should be different requests from each recipient so this could be prevented. It would be easier if we lived in the same place but my daughter lives several hours away and it's impossible to communicate each time we are buying a gift. Perhaps the person can use two of the same?? (Well, that's a passing thought anyway).

Preparing for the Christmas Program

I hope your Thanksgiving was as good as mine and that now you are as excited about Christmas as I am. That is such a special holiday for my family: first and foremost, because it is the day of our Savior's birth; second, it's a grand time together with the children and grandchildren. This year, the two little ones are at the age where Christmas will be its most memorable probably. I have picking them up from pre-kindergarten all week. Yesterday, when they arrived, they noticed all my decorations that I had put out. Clay said, "I remember that! Both of them were so excited to see the house lighted for Christmas once again.

Tonight, we begin practicing our children's program at church. I just hope that the children are not so excited that they won't settle down enough to do some serious practicing. It's hard to know how they will act; yet, when the time comes to perform, they usually come through like real champions. We have some really cuties at church and I'm excited to see them show their talents.

Shopping with Siblings

I cannot believe that I finally...FINALLY was able to post to my blog! Actually, I'm still using an old email address but for some reason, it won't let me change it. Anyway, I'm glad to be back on.

I had a nice Thanksgiving though it was different from the usual. We didn't go to my daughter's house because they were entertaining our granddaughter's new in-laws. Instead, Thursday afternoon, we drove to meet our son's girlfriend's parents who were alone that day, as were we. That was a nice trip.

Yesterday, my 2 sisters and I made our annual Black Friday shopping trip (I have never really figured out why this day is called such because the shopping is not that bad around here anyway. The worst place we visited was "Toys R Us"-people there would run over you and some parents were allowing their children to ride tricycles and scooters all around the stores running into things, knocking over displays, etc. I cannot understand that being tolerated on this busy day for certain).
We started our trek at 7:30 AM, stopping for a biscuit breakfast, then on to the shops. After 4 hours of busy shopping, we stopped for lunch at one of our favorite sandwich shops. Then we continued our shopping for another 3 hours before venturing to the mall (we always wait until later to go there because the news media say that's where the crowd is worst). At 8:00 PM, we left the mall and drove to O'Charley's for soup and salad. The night had turned quite cold by this time so the choice of meal was great. From there we visited the nearby Target and there we remained until almost closing time (10:45 PM). We went by my older sister's home, enjoyed her decorations and a cola before heading home a few minutes before midnight. I had forgotten my house key so I had to call Don to make sure that I was able to get it. It took us another 10 minutes to unload the car.

Now, I am broke again and I've not taken care of everyone in my large family. I noticed that prices are quite a bit higher this year so I regret that there will be less gifts this year.

An Early Thanksgiving Meal

I was fortunate enough to celebrate Thanksgiving today with friends and co-workers from my office. They are very kind to invite all the retirees back for their great luncheon. Food was absolutely delicious! Best of all, I was able to spend time with many others who had retired too. Looking around the room, I noticed that there are more and more new people in the office and less and less of the old crowd. This year has been a major time for retirements and, according to statistics concerning the baby boomers, this trend will continue. Probably in 5 more years, all of the ones I worked with will be part of the retiree group. As my son said today, that's just the way the cycle of life goes and we have to roll with it.

I don't know if it's the cold weather or what but my right leg has been very painful today; that's the one that I broke in 1995 (not just a break, but a twisting, crushing, difficult to mend break). I was disabled for 5 months, moved to a wheelchair, then a walker, then crutches, and finally to a cane, all occurring over a three-year period (not to mention that I had to backtrack at least once due to surgery, etc). But, I can walk now so I am very blessed!

My two sisters and I had a wonderful time yesterday. We decided to eat lunch out then shop a little. We had so much fun that we later decided to enjoy dinner last night. Family is so much fun. I hope that you will be able to spend Thanksgiving with some of your family members. This year will be a little different for us since our granddaughter is a recent newlywed; therefore, we won't be seeing them this year. Kendra and Mark will be dining with his family this year (we have to settle for every other year with them unless we stay home). Whatever you do, I hope it will be a grand time for you and yours.

November: a Great Month

I have enjoyed spending time with one of my sisters today. We went out for lunch, visited our sister-in-law, and shopped a bit. Tonight, I met my friend at church and we rummaged through some of the costumes and scenery hoping to find things that we could use for the children's Christmas play on the 16th. Fortunately, we have some very talented seamstresses in the church who have made some nice costumes. Now, all I have to do is get the play written and to the children so they can learn their parts.

Tomorrow, I have to attend the graveside service of a friend of mine. I didn't see Frances often but knew her and her family all of my life. I feel so sorry for her older sister who she looked after. I look forward to seeing Frances' nephew who will be here for the funeral. I haven't seen Wade in probably close to 10 years. We used to have many fun times together. My mother thought he was one of the funniest guys, always laughing and carrying on a lot of foolishness (Mom's words). I remember several of us visiting him at his college in the mountains once and off we went to Ghost Mountain (in the freezing cold mind you). I have pictures of us riding the gondola up the mountain side in shorts and we looked like we would absolutely freeze! We attended the Miss North Carolina pageant together the year that one of the contestants walked off the end of the runway and almost landed in Wade's lap! It wasn't funny but the contestant wasn't hurt, only embarrassed.

Tomorrow, my oldest granddaughter is celebrating her 26th birthday. She is a very special, beautiful granddaughter, one we love and cherish very much. So, Happy Birthday, Jessica! May you have many, many more! My youngest son's girlfriend is also celebrating her birthday tomorrow. Best wishes to you, too, Cheri. May your day be filled with much happiness. (Enjoy your evening out). November is full of birthdays in my family: 5 of us I think. There's Kendra, Jessica, Cheri, me, and my grandson, Josh. I also have 2 great nieces born in November and a sister-in-law. What a great and popular month! And, I love the Topaz; it just fits this Fall month.

Different Days Coming

The days spin by so quickly that I have difficulty remembering what I've done when bedtime arrives! Where does the time go? I know that I did a little cleaning today, met a friend for breakfast, talked to friends on the phone and had a friend to pay us a visit. I also spent a couple of hours going through some things in the motor coach, trying to get ready for our upcoming trip to Florida. I still have things to do there. It just needs a good cleaning out because there are so many things that have accumulated which I no longer us. Everything weighs and with the price of fuel now, I need to lighten the load.

Don went to the orthopedist yesterday and learned that he has to have surgery on his left shoulder but he says he will postpone it until we return from Florida. It seems that they will operate, then place it in some kind of brace that will hold the arm straight out where it will remain for a month; then, they will move it downward a bit every few weeks until he is able to keep it all the way down. The doctor said recuperation time would probably be about a year! I dread this as I know Don does. Later they will probably have to work on the other shoulder. He thought he had hip problems but that turned out to be spinal misalignment, so PT begins tomorrow on that problem. He isn't looking forward to all these treatments either. I think our days are going to be different for awhile. I hope that I will be able to continue driving the RV; we don't want to give up the traveling.

This is the Day

Officially, today is Veteran's Day although many celebrated Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It was mentioned in our church bulletin to remember our veterans. I wish we would do more than we do. I noticed pictures of veterans in the newspapers as they celebrated in various services around the area; however, I saw no pictures of anyone actually thanking them, the veterans. I, for one, am quite proud of the veterans in our family: my husband, my son, a Marine Veteran, my brothers-in-law, veterans of the merchant marines and the coast guard, my cousins, veterans of the Army Air Force, Navy, and the Army, and many other relatives, one of whom was a Seabee, if you recall them in WW II (they played a very vital role in the war). I recall my dad saying that he missed both wars because he was too young for WW I and too old for WWII (plus he had so many children to think of during WWII). And, let's not forget those who are actively serving our armed forces today: my grandson who is serving in the Navy, and all others serving.

We voted last night not to have an adult cantata at our church due to the illness of our choir director; however, our talented children will come forth with their own program for all to enjoy. I am so proud of our many children and look forward to seeing them perform; after all, the holiday is mainly for the children. Of course, the main reason is to celebrate the birth of Christ which is for all. I hope that everyone will accept His invitation as their very own.

Thank You, Veterans!

Today isn't Veteran's Day; yet, the schools are celebrating with a holiday here. I would have thought that Monday would have been the day to celebrate, however, the important thing is that we stop and remember all the veterans who have served or are serving our country. I know my husband is a 21-year-veteran and a thank you always made him feel especially proud; you see, he loves this country and what it stands for and, he thinks that every American should feel the same. Although we don't always agree with the way things are going: the laws, the politics, the fussing over various practices, we should all agree that America is a wonderful place to live, a place of freedoms that other countries don't have. I wonder why we don't cherish these rights as we should. While living in an underdeveloped country, I longingly missed many of the privileges of being in the states. For example, during the coup of 1968, we weren't allowed to even leave our apartment for fear of being shot. The radio station nearby was blown up; the guardia nationale were aiming rifles between our eyes and the heads of our children; a neighbor was brutally beaten near the university; we had to depend on neighbors to sneak us food! When we were finally able to leave the apartment, our car was searched while the guards held their guns on each of us. On top of all the buildings, armed guards were stationed.

We had 2 young children when we were transferred to Panama; then our two youngest were born there. There were many, many things I loved about the country, especially after we were able to move out of the Panama City and onto the safer military base. We continued to have problems with theft, etc; yet, we didn't have to worry about being hurt unless we cornered them. Unfortunately, the crime rate here seems to be worse and people here are more apt to hurt you. I wish it were not so and I wish there was some way to stop this awful crime in America.

I can't help it; I love the USA; I love my freedom of speech, but especially my freedom of religion. If you love these things, take time to thank a veteran this weekend. They gave their time of service for you, too.

Medicines May be Kicking In

I'm feeling a little better tonight (maybe the medicine is kicking in a little); however, I don't feel like doing much but sitting around eating homemade vegetable soup that Don made and drinking hot tea that he also fixed for me. (Would you say that I'm a "kept" woman?). Yes, he is a mighty fine hubby for sure. He believes in taking care of his wife. In fact, a few weeks ago, he made the comment that he would rather be sick than for me to be sick, that he would suffer for me on any occasion. Now, that's what a Christian husband should say, isn't it? He is special for sure (even though he can get on my nerves sometimes, just as I'm sure I get on his). We have a good marriage and have shared a great almost 40 years together. Our oldest granddaughter recently married as you may know. I just hope that she and her husband will build a lasting relationship with a very strong loving foundation.

Tonight, we have been watching "Don't Forget the Lyrics" and I can do fairly well. Don, on the other hand, remembers absolutely none of the songs. He loves the Big Band music and I just like almost all music except rap and any songs with the dirty lyrics. We also watched "Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader?". I have trouble believing that some of those questions belong in the first or second grades. Even though I knew all but one, I think those kids have been given the questions in advance and that's okay if they learn the material.

Below Par

I'm still not hitting on much this week. I have determined that I have a case of the flu since I am aching so badly. Keni says I may have gotten it from having the shot. I am better but still not up to par. I shouldn't complain since there are so many people who are in much worse pain than I. Sometimes, I think we are very selfish thinking more of self than others. I am trying to do better though. Whenever I hurt, I am focusing more on those who have serious illnesses such as the husband of my very good friend who has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer; I think of one of our church members who has just had colon surgery; I think of my good friend from PA whose granddaughter just learned that she must lose her entire colon and possibly her rectum (she is only 16); and, then I just remember how blessed we are to have a mere cold or flu and I am ashamed of my own selfishness. Amazingly, some of these folks have a better outlook on life than those of us who have no serious illness of which we are aware. Perhaps most of us need an attitude adjustment.

Feeling Low Today

I don't know if keeping late hours over the weekend, being out in the winds, or just contact with a cold bug has made me miserable today and last night. I have been aching all over today, coughing, and dragging since morning. First thing this morning, Don and I went to vote even though we could only vote on one issue: the land transfer tax. (Right now the "against" vote is leading...YES!) I had to get a mammogram later this morning and that didn't help my feelings very much. The hospital now has the new digital x-ray machine but, let me tell you, it's as uncomfortable as ever. After I arrived back home, I have been dozing in my recliner and my sweet hubby has been giving me his sympathy/empathy. I had planned to work on my Sunday School lesson today; however, with just a mighty headache and other body aches, I have done nothing. I just pray that I will be better and able to teach on Sunday. I also need to be working on the Christmas cantata but I'm not having any success with that either. Being gone over a week has put me way out of kilter! I'm going to take my cough medicine, some aspirin and hit the sack now and hope that I will feel better tomorrow. I also hope to wake up and learn that the best candidates have won the victory races.

Shopping with the Best

We are now home for awhile I think. Don dropped me off at Myrtle Beach and I met 7 lady friends with whom I shopped and shopped. We did have a great time! We were traveling in 3 SUV's and they were packed to gills! The wind was blowing extremely hard on Friday and several of us now have sinus problems; at least, I do. None of us got too much rest either because once we arrived back at the condo, we sat around and talked until late in the evening or in one case, early in the morning. It was a lot of fun though, so much so that I think we are planning to make this an annual affair; actually, some of the ladies went last year for the first time but I was unable to join them but I plan to try to participate from now on.

Right now, I need to rest and try to fight off this cold that seems to be taking over.

Checking Out

Today looks as if it will be a very nice one for traveling; a little cool and a lot windy. Things are so quiet in the mornings. The sun rising over the beautiful Atlantic makes a lasting memory.

We can't check out until about 9:00 AM and then we will drive the 4 hours to Myrtle Beach. This place is a very nice place to relax, enjoy the beach, and do nothing. This is the first beach that I have ever visited where people rent bikes to ride on the beach. I walked it for a few minutes and it was pretty packed; however, I think pedaling a bike would be difficult. Ah, to each his or her own but I prefer to ride a bike on pavement.

Have a great weekend. Time to make a double check through the condo before checking out.

Leaving the Island

We have been packing things tonight getting ready to move to Myrtle Beach. This will be a four-hour drive! I didn't realize it was almost 200 miles from here. I will be staying there over the weekend with 7 friends and we plan to get some Christmas shopping done. I suppose we will be worn out when we get back home but I'll have to rest up a few minutes before going to church Sunday night. We are planning a special communion service as a follow-up to the completion of our Bible study.

I'm not sure that I will have time to check in tomorrow morning before leaving, so I will just say that I should be back on either Sunday night or Monday. Have a great weekend, wherever you are and whatever you plan to do.

Savannah, a river city

While in Savannah, we enjoyed being on the River Walk, shopping and just enjoying the scenery. The day was a beautiful one; it was great just being outside this time of year.

These are photos of the Savannah River and the sightseeing riverboat. Savannah is a city full of fascinating history, especially about the Civil War. They love to claim to have many ghost stories and give ghost walks at Halloween.

From the Condo

We have really enjoyed our week at Hilton Head. As you can see by the photos, we face the ocean which is not very busy at this time of year. We have enjoyed beautiful weather this week even though it is a bit breezy today. Rain was predicted but it's just a little cloudy.

By the looks of these photos, we have no neighbors and are located on a solitary beach: Not. They way Hilton Head is designed, you often feel alone; however, once you get out on the streets, you have to be careful not to get run over.

The grounds here are very nice with many tennis courts, bike trails, lagoons, etc. Many folks rent bikes to get around this area.

I recommend Hilton Head if you want to stay in a place that is more isolated, a little more pricey entertainment and dining, offers many golf courses, etc.