.

Last day to pack....

2010-04-30T06:23:00.000-07:00

Up early for the last day of packing and cleaning before the movers get here tomorrow. I'll try and pin them down today on the 'as early as possible time' - so I'll be out of bed and dressed before they get here anyway. The Divine Ms. V will be here also to help out. I'll turn Toby over to his adoptive Mother tomorrow morning. She is going to be great for the mutt. Home all day- and a real dog lover. And Toby will be good for her also. OK, gotta get away from the computer and pack!

Found more room to stack boxes.....................

2010-04-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

I had no more room to move around and much more stuff to pack. I've found more space by packing and stacking the boxes on my bed...........and sleeping on the couch! 2 more nights and Wagons Ho!

Wow.

2010-04-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

This tiny little apartment gets crowed fast with boxes stacked and a new set of table and chairs stuffed in it!

Today, I pack.............

2010-04-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

I have rented an apartment in Valencia. I have purchased a refrigerator for said apartmet. I have hired movers - who sound like they will not bamboozle me (ever notice how hard it is to type with your fingers crossed?). I have put in an address change with the Post Office. My son and daughter-in-law (who have approved my move so close to them) will be manning the new apartment for the delivery of the fridge- and hopefully the cable guy. The Divine Ms. V is coming over Saturday to help with the move- all the way up to my new home. So, today I pack. No distraction (Like blogging or Face book) I just pack! (I hear a Lady GaGa song in my head- slightly different verse "Just Pack do do da do Just Pack!")

Moving..................

2010-04-22T06:24:00.000-07:00

The fun part (finding a new home) and the sad part (finding Toby a new different home) is done. Time is running out - so I have to start packing tonight. I also have to find movers who won't hold me for ransom to unpack my stuff from their locked truck. (I had movers once ask for $500 in cash on a Sunday within one hour- or, they would impound the truck - full of my belongings - in downtown L.A.) And no, I did not call the police, I should have tho. I didn't think of that until later. Instead I went to the grocery store and plead my case and they cashed a $500 check for me. Last time I called my son-in-law over to have a 'talk' with the movers and suggest they stop pitching rocks and pack the friggin' truck - and they did pick up the pace when the Chief showed up. This time, since I'm moving to my son's domain - I'll have him there to move it along. But, I've got to find them first.

Found my new home..........

2010-04-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Found my new home- put all the necessary funds down to hold it for me............had to go out and buy a fridge - got a nice shiny new black one! Secured a new home for my mutt - who is not taking this journey with me- but, is embarking (ha ha emBARKING) on a new journey of his own. Toby will be staying here with a nice lady who's dog died about 6 months ago. She still walks with the other ladies with dogs. Tonight when I told her I was moving - and had to find a new home for the mutt- she asked to take him. I was hoping she would. Toby will be in a very loving environment- with human companionship all day- just like when my Mom was around. this is the hard part for me....but, he won't be alone for 12 hours a day.

And I will move on to the next phase in my life, new job, new home in an old city...dogless for the first time in my adult life- and most of my childhood.

House hunting...........

2010-04-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

Apartments, condos and townhouse oh my!....I took the day off, my son and daughter-in-law took the day off and we are going to scour the Santa Clarita Valley looking for suitable housing.

I want a place on the ground - no stairs, no 2 story. I want dirt around me for a garden. I want space inside to invite friends and family. And I want to be able to eat after paying the rent.

It's 11 days and counting until my new job starts............and I haven't packed one box or called around for movers yet.

I seem to have relocated my cape...................

2010-04-13T07:00:00.001-07:00

I put it back on to see if it still works........and apparently it does as I was given an awesome promotion yesterday - with an office of my own to manage. It will be huge change for me, personally and professionally. And while I jest about the cape- the reality is that there are alot of good people at work- ( I admire them professionally and personally) - who have expressed their faith in me, and are offering me the tools I need to succeed. The cape? More of a net- to catch me when I fall - and give me the confidence to get out there and walk the tightrope called management. No superhuman strength - but plenty of superhuman effort!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T17:21:00.001-07:00

Maybe just time for a change................

2010-04-01T06:40:00.001-07:00

2010-03-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

But, before I do that................I'll take a 'snow day' for myself tomorrow and have a 3 day weekend!

My daughter has this as her FaceBook photo.

2010-03-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

She's actually quite the 'go to' person - so it's rather appropriate - aside from being really freakin' funny.

Just paid my taxes................

2010-03-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

And while I'm happy I had the $$$ in my savings account - OUCH!. I usually get a refund. AND, I may have a penalty for underpaying my California State taxes! Double OUCH!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

May soft be the grass you walk on,
May fair be the skies above you....
May true be the joys that surround you,
May dear be the hearts that love you.

2010-03-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

Mama Hummingbird is back!

2010-03-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

Same nest as last year- with just 2 eggs this time.

This little piggie went to the market............

2010-02-28T18:27:00.000-08:00

Ever notice when you are playing "This little Piggie" with your grandchild - and they say "Do it again Granma!" - you HAVE to start on the other foot- or it doesn't count?

Home again, home again....................

2010-02-22T06:36:00.000-08:00

Back form my daughter's home in Colorado- and back into the 'work groove". Too short, too short.

Off to Colorado!

2010-02-12T07:44:00.001-08:00

2010-01-17T18:29:00.000-08:00

My granddaughter sent this to me in an e-mail with a prayer for my happiness. I thought it was lovely, and it made me happy - so I kept it. I just realized - I was talking about the flower- but, I could have been describing my granddaughter- she's a keeper too!

2010-01-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

2009-12-31T06:28:00.000-08:00

May your New Year be blessed with happiness, joy, good health, passion, love and the light of peace.

2009-12-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

For unto you is born this day, in the City of David, A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

May the blessings of Christ fill your Christmas with Peace, Hope, Love and Joy

2009-12-17T22:22:00.000-08:00

2 year old grandson alert!

2009-12-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

My youngest grandson turns 2 tomorrow. I'm heading up to my son's house after work today to join the celebrations. This little munchkin is all about motorcycles ('gotercycles' he says), trains, planes and cars - so Mommy is making him this super cool birthday cake using match box cars.

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Boy!

Over heard in the toy section of Walmart:

2009-11-28T17:29:00.000-08:00

"Daddy! I just found something else I want you to e-mail Santa about!"

My favorite season of the year.

2009-11-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

Now, that's a road I'd like to travel down!

Happy Birthday Mom! Love ya lumps!

2009-11-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

Grandkid Halloween choices this year:

2009-10-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

Grandkid Halloween choices last year:

2009-10-29T21:22:00.001-07:00

My daughter's new home in Colorado:

2009-10-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

At least, I THINK it's in there somewhere. One day's worth of snow fall.

2009-10-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

Today is my father's birthday. Well, today or yesterday. It was a HUGE family joke. I could never remember if it was the 26th or the 27th. (And even when I did remember - I 'didn't'). And I would call or come over with presents on the 26th and my Dad would laugh at me, I would wait until the 27th, and he would ask where I was yesterday.

I have my father's birth certificate, his marriage certificate and his death certificate, all with this very important date documented........and I even know where they are.

But, I won't peek. It would ruin the fun. I sent Happy Birthday prayers yesterday, and I'll send them again today. And, with any luck, I"ll hear Daddy laughing from Heaven.

Happy Birthday Daddy! (Or maybe that was yesterday).

2009-10-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

Today is my Father's birthday. Well, today or tomorrow. It was a HUGE family joke - I could never remember if it was the 26th or the 27th (and even when I DID remember - I 'didn't'). And I would call or come over with presents on the 26th and my Dad would laugh at me- or, I would wait until the 27th - and he would ask where I was the day before.

I have my father's birth certificate, his marriage certificate and his death certificate, all with this very important date documented - and.....I even know where they are.

But, I won't peek - it would ruin the fun. I'll send birthday prayers today and tomorrow - and, with any luck, I'll hear Daddy laughing from Heaven.

Happy Birthday Daddy! (Or, maybe tomorrow)

It's an Aye-Aye !

2009-10-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

A type of lemur from Madagascar.

Name that critter

2009-10-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Got a few of responses. 'It's a weird bat' - or, my daughter-in-law and the director at the local animal shelter (yes, I e-mailed him too) think it's photo shopped. (Altho the director did promise to call me if one shows up at the shelter.)

2009-10-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

If anyone knows what kind of critter this is...please let me know. I THINK it's a baby opossum.

World's saddest movie

2009-09-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

Seriously

2009-09-09T23:30:00.000-07:00

My son compared the candles on my birthday cake to the Station Fire............................nice.

2009-08-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

Home again, home again. Jigidee Jig. With this picture of a flower taken by my grand daughter at a nursery by their new home- with my cell - and about 4,692 awesome memories. All in all a great 12 days!

Gone Fishin'

2009-07-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Off to visit my Sweet Baby Girl in Colorado for 12 daze!

2009-07-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

I am child of the Most High God
My Father Loves me and accepts me as I am
I am critical to him in the balance of the world He has created
I am loved
I do not have to prove myself to Him
I am because of Him

There is Grace

Locks of Love

2009-06-07T11:23:00.001-07:00

This is my grand daughter's braid - after it was cut for donation. I cried like a baby when I saw this picture.
10 inches of love for a child she will never meet -but, who will be wearing her hair.
Last year I wrote a blog about my children being my heroes.
This year...................looks like I'll be writing about the next generation.

WHAT IS LOCKS OF LOVE?
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.

2009-06-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

I have a hummingbird nest in the leaves of my fiddle leaf fig on my back porch. A few weeks ago I was dive bombed by a hummingbird while I was watering my plants. I found her nest - with 2 eggs in it about a week ago. To help Mom out a bit - I went out and got one of those bright red hummingbird feeders and hung it on a branch near by. From where I sit, right here at my Father's desk - I can look outside the sliding glass doors in my bedroom and watch her flit back and forth from the red syrup and back to her nest to feed her babies. It's awesome.

2009-05-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

'We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.'

Moina Michael

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you
and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them,
though you may or may not have always.

Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.
And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.

Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Listed as KIA February 7, 1978

2009-05-14T23:12:00.000-07:00

I just heard on the news that a major drug company, in response to the difficult economics times, will be giving away free Viagra.

Remember that old saying from the 70's?

"Sex will get you through times without money - better than money will get you through times without sex?"

Drug companies going retro- wow.

Fasinating

2009-05-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

2009-05-09T07:33:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day Proclamation

2009-05-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

The United States celebrates Mothers’ Day with gifts and greeting cards (yep, and that's a GOOD thing) but, this is a good thing also: Mothers’ Day was not originally conceived as such. It began in 1870 as a rallying cry for mothers who lost husbands and sons in the U.S. Civil War, and as a renunciation of war, militarism and patriarchy. Here is the original Mother’s Day :

Proclamation penned by Julia Ward Howe in 1870.

”Arise then, women of this day!
Arise all women who have hearts,
Whether your baptism be that of water or tears.
Say firmly:
“We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We women of one country
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs.
From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with our own
It says “Disarm, Disarm!”
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice!
Blood does not wipe out dishonor
Nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home
For a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Whereby the great human family can live in peace,
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress,
Not of Cesar,
But of God.
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality
May be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient
And at the earliest period consistent with it’s objects
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.”

2009-05-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

Cherokee Legend- told 2 ways

2009-04-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Here is the same story, but it is called "Grandfather Tells" which is also known as "The Wolves Within"

An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, "Let me tell you a story.
I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.
But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.
But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.
Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"
“The one I feed.” Replied the Grandfather.

"Go Light the World (Carry Your Candle)"

2009-04-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

There is a candle in every soul

Some brightly burning,

some dark and cold

There is a Spirit who brings fire

Ignites a candle and makes His home

Carry your candle, run to the darkness

Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn

Hold out your candle for all to see it

Take your candle, and go light your world

Frustrated brother, see how he's tried to

Light his own candle some other way

See now your sister, she's been robbed and lied to

Still holds a candle without a flame

Carry your candle, run to the darkness

Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn

Hold out your candle for all to see it

Take your candle, and go light your world

We are a family whose hearts are blazing

So let's raise our candles and light up the sky

Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus

Make us a beacon in darkest times

Carry your candle, run to the darkness

Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor

Hold out your candle for all to see it

Take your candle, and go light your world

Carry your candle, run to the darkness

Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn

Hold out your candle for all to see it

Take your candle, and go light your world

The flowers are blooming on my back porch.

2009-04-25T17:17:00.001-07:00

Be careful what you wish for.................

2009-04-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

I moved Bob and Robert out of my bedroom into the living room - in front of the sliding glass door. When I am home and weather permitting - I move them outside between the palm fronds in my overgrown garden - where they communicate directly with their free brethren - flying in for the wild bird seed.

B&R appear to really like being outside- except for a few days ago - when it was blistering hot out- they were on the bottom of the cage- wings spread and panting within 20 minutes. Oops.

But, most of the time they yell at the other birds who gather around their cage - and continue the yelling and screeching and tweeting and twerping and cooing and SCREAMING even inside.

As in, I can't hear the T.V. and Toby goes over and stares at the cage wondering 'WTH' - or whatever dogs wonder when their ear drums are being played like a crazed Tommy Lee on - well, whatever makes Tommy Lee crazy.

But, I wanted this didn't I? Yes, I did. And it's really kinda cool. Wonder what the neighbors think.

2009-04-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

What's in my almost empty fridge:

2009-04-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

3 Brown Russet Potatoes
5 Eggs
1/2 jar of Smuckers sugar free Boysenberry jam
1/2 pound of coffee beans

Wow. I see a pattern here.....................
If I had some bread and butter and maybe an onion - that would make a killer breakfast!

Time to go grocery shopping.

Hangin' with the mutt

2009-04-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

Got home today from work - and for the first time in 16 years, Tobias The Mutt was not there to greet me.

He wasn't on the couch - hoggin' the remote, wasn't in the bedroom on my bed- or his - and he didn't come when I called him.

I finally found him- sitting outside on our first gloriously hot day- basking in the sun- warming up those old bones of his.

And it hit me .......I shall not be as philosophical as Shane- (in the post before this)- when Toby's walk on this earth is done.

Toby came into our family on a tremendously stormy day. My son and I drove out to Lancaster to pick him up- as a tiny puppy. He fit in the palm of my son's hand (OK, my kid has big hands, but still...) and up until the day my Mom moved in with us- he was my dog.

Then he was all hers. He went from Tobias to Toby and was Mom's constant companion.

After Mom passed away, Toby remained in her room for 2 weeks, sitting in her chair - just waiting for her to come home. I had to pick him up and carry him outside and hand feed him.

Finally, after those long weeks, he realized she wasn't going to come home, and he huffed and puffed his way down the long hallway to my room.

I could hear him coming. He leaped up on my bed- made a HUGE show of TRYING to get comfortable - and after 6 years years he's gotten there.

My children are afraid he will out live me- and one of them will have to take him in.

The meaning of Life: Dogs

2009-04-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them and never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

2009-04-12T00:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

Off to the Pantages to see 'Mama Mia' with a good friend!

Can't wait - I've seen the movie- but, never the play!

My My! How can I resist it!

Granma's Hands - 5 generations

2009-04-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

Look closely at this lovely photo of 5 generations of women. The baby girl's hand is touching her Great-Grandma's hand - while her Mommy's pinky touches hers - and the circle is complete- each woman touching fingertips; Sisters, Mom's and Grandma. Beautiful.
This appeals to me so much as I have always been fascinated by my daughter's hands. Strong, beautiful, talented and loving whether she's using them to tie back her daughters' hair, balancing a check book - or diving and darting them through the air as she tells a funny story - fascinating and lovley as the woman who owns them.

Grandma's Hands:

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.
Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK.
She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear strong voice.
'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her.
'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really looked at your hands?'
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.
Grandma smiled and related this story: 'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years.
These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.
'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war.
'They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.
Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.
'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.
They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.
'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home.
And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of God.'
I will never look at my hands the same again.
But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home.
When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

When my Mother passed away 6 years ago April 15th, one of the last times I touched her - was to take her wedding rings off her hand. They were her most cherished possession and I was entrusted to hold them - until my daughter takes them off mine. And my Sweet Baby Girl's beautiful hands will reach back 3 generations and wear her Gramma's rings.
Again, how lovely.

2009-04-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

New Location for All Saints Church

2009-04-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

Our church is moving! I found these photos on 'Joann's Blog". Joann is All Saints' priest, Father Rich's wife- and keeper of the blog news and photos and 4,672 other things church and non- church related.

I am (or was) 89 miles from the old church (a building I was never fond of- so dark in there) this one is a little farther up the road. But, I stop at my son's home and I drive up with him and his family - and anything that keeps me in close proximity to my grandkids for a longer period of time- is OK by me!

These photos are the first I have seen of our new space - and so far..........I'm loving it!

Look at all that LIGHT! So in keeping with our Bishop's teaching - this is GOOD NEWS folks! Find joy and have fun with it!

And I would add: Shed some light on it!

Palm Sunday. 2009

2009-04-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Matthew 21:9

Both the crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed him kept shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! How blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

To scratch or not to scratch.............

2009-04-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Science has come to few conclusions about the biology of itching. The itch reflex likely shares some of the same neural mechanisms and pathways as the pain reflex, but they're obviously not the same thing. A nasty cut will make you pull your hand back, while a mosquito bite provokes an itch.So why does scratching seem to help, at least temporarily? According to a 2003 New York Times piece, the general theory is that scratching provides a "counterirritation" that distracts the brain from the original itch.Others believe scratching releases pain-reducing endorphins. The pain neurons become temporarily overwhelmed, which masks the itching sensation.But anyone who's dealt with a bad batch of poison ivy knows scratching can often lead to more itching, which leads to more scratching, leading to all manner of pain, discomfort, and misery. We know this, and yet we continue to scratch because we are weak.In short -- leaves of three, let them be. Treat sun-damaged or dry skin with the appropriate ointments. Mosquito bites can be treated with topical antihistamines. And try not to scratch.

This was bugging me so I had to look it up.

Ah, Spring......................

2009-03-26T21:01:00.001-07:00

in Colorado...................

Ah, Spring

2009-03-25T19:19:00.001-07:00

A beautiful spring flower I purloined (don't want to say 'pilfered' in the middle of Lent) from a friend's blog.

An e-mail from my daughter-in-law!

2009-03-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

HAPPY SPRING !!!!

2009-03-19T20:19:00.001-07:00

Mother's Dictionary

2009-03-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Still a few months from Mother's Day- but, always timely:

AMNESIA: Condition that enables a woman who has gone through labor to make love again.
DUMBWAITER: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
FAMILY PLANNING: The art of spacing your children the proper distance apart to keep you on the edge of financial disaster.
FEEDBACK: The inevitable result when your baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.
FULL NAME: What you call your child when you're mad at him.

HEARSAY: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
IMPREGNABLE: A woman whose memory of labor is still vivid.
INDEPENDENT: How we want our children to be as long as they do everything we say.
OUCH: The first word spoken by children with older siblings.
PUDDLE: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
SHOW OFF: A child who is more talented than yours.
STERILIZE: What you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it.
TOP BUNK: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman pajamas.
TWO MINUTE WARNING: When the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar grunting noise
VERBAL: Able to whine in words
WHODUNIT: None of the kids that live in your house...

What's in a name? Alot of laughter!

2009-03-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my 3 year old grandson asked to see the 'Tinkerbell' movie.

His Mommy said, "'It's not Tinkerbell- It's 'Fern Gully'".

Granma (that's ME) says: "There is more than one faerie - altho 'Tink' is the most well known". (Refer to the name of this blog for details on this comment.)

Repeating his request: "Mommy, can we see 'Tinkerbell?'

Granma - finding it important to make this distinction repeats: "This one isn't Tink"

Mommy: "This one is Fern - NOT Tinkerbell."

And so, after a slight pause to digest all this new information (and trying so hard to cooperate - because really, all he wants to do is see a movie with a big scary man eating lizard in it- not the least bit interested in the hierarchy of faeries) my grandson says: "Mommy, can I watch Fernklebell?"

2009-03-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

Off to see the grand-boys. And maybe Kung Fu Panda?

Active Listening and Living Alone

2009-03-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

This was the topic of our meeting today at work. Active listening. Complete with homework: go home, take the time to actively listen...............listen to understand, not just to respond.

Sounds good. However, if my boss had been reading my blog- he would already know I can rule out Bob and Robert because they still aren't saying anything (unless I can get an extension on my assignment until the next inauguration.)

And all my mutt does is grunt and grumble.

I must have made this last comment about my dog out loud as my co-worker sitting next to me mentioned that's all her husband does too and she can expect as much success with her assignment as I can with mine.

Some times, it's nice to be reminded that there are some really good reasons why I live alone (or almost alone, - my apologies to the livestock that share my space.)

Bob and Robert Update

2009-03-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, they are still here. Eating like pigs and as quiet as ever. Except for that one day - Jan 20 - when Aretha Franklin was singing and Bob and Robert joined in to celebrate the inauguration.........nuthin..........

So, I moved them. After my spring cleaning Saturday - I moved a few things around. Yesterday I put the birdcage in front of the sliding glass door in the living room with the blinds open. So instead of looking in a mirror they are looking outside into my overgrown garden and seeing- and hearing, all the noisy birds from outside. I like it better as I see more of them.

And, of course, the T.V. is on for the mutt. Let's see if the bird boys like this better. They were really interested in watching me last night when I was flopped on the couch reading- and actually huddled themselves into the corner of the cage closest to me. (Keep your friends close - and your enemies closer comes to mind.)

Kun Fu Grandsons Hi! YAH!

2009-03-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

For my first viewing, my 3 year old grandson says "Po says 'sucks' Granma. 'Sucks' is a bad word. So we can't say 'sucks'. But, maybe because you are an adult, you can say 'sucks." "And, Po says 'stupid' Granma. 'Stupid' is a bad word and we can't say 'Stupid'. But, maybe because you are an adult you can say 'stupid'. Isn't that right Mommy?"

8 times - maximum use of the 'bad' words - without being 'bad'. It's just a warning right? (When my son was that age he loved to sing 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia" - because he could sing "SOB' and get away with it.)

Gotta love it.

And, hey - if you have never seen the flips and shakes and kicks, butt wiggles and sound effects of a 3 year old boy learning Kung Fu from a fat cartoon panda- you have not lived to see the bright side of hilarity yet.

Of course, the one year old, not to be outdone - grabbed the stuffed animals from the movie that Colorado Auntie gave them- realized they were the same as on T.V. and started bashing them together screeching joyously. (Altho this one screeches joyously ALOT - so that may not have been the Kung Fu noises his Big Brother was making.)

Spring Cleaning time!

2009-03-05T07:11:00.001-08:00

OK, this is the weekend!

I am dropping the bedspread off at the cleaners, the dog at the groomers and I'm picking up the Rug Doctor this Saturday after work. I will be washing and cleaning and waxing and polishing and 'airing out' and dusting and rearranging the rest of my 'days off'.

It's time. I've lived here a year and I share this tiny little space with a dog and just 'the usual' weekly cleaning needs a boost every once in a while - and this Sunday we "spring forward' on our clocks - so perfect timing!

Oh, and I'll be making a few loaves of Amish Friendship Bread" also!

First tattoo

2009-03-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

My son's first tattoo is healing nicely. Altho.........I'm thinking this isn't his last.

It is Dr. Seuss' Birthday

2009-03-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

Everybody 'Hop on Pop"!

Now, had I been thinking.........and not just watching intently and laughing and enjoying myself - I would have gotten a live shot of a 'Hop on Pop' last night at my son's home. My grand sons (ages 3 and 1) were crawling all over and hopping on Pop - he's a magnet for the boys as soon as he sits on the floor.

Both boys were trying to 'zerber' Daddy- and the youngest discovered chest and belly hair. This was hilarious- the baby kept 'pretending' it was coming off in his hands and trying to give it to his big brother - who also thought the whole thing was mighty funny. That is until Daddy mentioned that he too would have hair on his chest and belly some day. Horrified my grandson pulled up HIS shirt to show us he still had a nice clean- hairless (and round) little belly!

My Father was partial to this book also- my kids called him "Pop-Pop' - and they spent many a happy hour hopping on him also.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Good work God................

2009-02-27T20:33:00.000-08:00

Seriously...................

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-25T07:08:00.000-08:00

First day of jury duty

2009-02-24T05:41:00.000-08:00

No High Profile cases pending in Orange County right now......................we'll see what happens!

Another Rite of Passage

2009-02-19T11:16:00.000-08:00

There are certain rites of passage we all go thru as we age.
The first time we realize our doctor is younger than we are (not the Urgent Care doc we end up in a room with thinking we are in the peds department – with another patient- not the MD) – but your every day doctor.
My doctor is younger than me. By a lot. And while I’m not real thrilled about her staff (2 of whom are my age actually) – I really like my doctor.
For the first time, my president is younger than me. By almost 9 years. A generation.
When Clinton was elected (Clinton is 6 years, one month and 9 days older than me)– my Highly Significant Other at the time was 10 years older than me (I assume he still is, unless he’s pulled a Benjamin Button on us). That made him 4 years older than Clinton. Still the same generation, but younger. It was a significant moment for my friend, as it is for me now.
Maybe more significant…………..the president’s daughters are younger than my GRAND-daughters.
MMMMMMMM………….

Hanging in there............

2009-02-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

Rocky Mountain Hi!

2009-02-06T07:06:00.000-08:00

One my way to see my Sweet Baby Girl and her family in Colorado. Word has it that my youngest grand daughter has the flu - good thing Granma is on the way to fuss over her!

Looks like snow is in my very near future!

Texas road humor

2009-02-05T05:59:00.000-08:00

Now, I think this is kinda funny- but the Texas Department of Transportation is not amused. Someone hacked into those annoying - flashing - neon road signs and changed the wording. After this notice it said "Head for Cold Climates" "The end is near!"

Now, I've seen how people drive in Texas.............zombies are the least of their worries.

And all we get in CA are warnings about no cell phone use and seat belt requirements.

One week from today...............

2009-01-30T06:04:00.000-08:00

I'm off to see my Sweet Baby Girl in Colorado! It's been six months since my last trip. Only 6 months?

National News from the Associated Press:

2009-01-26T06:58:00.000-08:00

Taking his trial to the media and refusing to attend his impeachment process:

"The Democratic governor is refusing to take part, arguing that the rules are so biased that he can't possibly get a fair hearing.
"The fix is in," he said on ABC.

"When the whole story comes out, you'll see that the effort was to work to have a senator who can best represent Illinois and one that can help us create jobs and provide health care."
His Dec. 9 arrest was the final straw for lawmakers, who had spent six years butting heads with Blagojevich. The House quickly voted 114-1 for impeaching the governor. That sent the case to the Senate, where it would take a two-thirds majority to convict Blagojevich and throw him out of office.
Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn would replace him, becoming Illinois' 41st governor.
Whatever the Senate decides, the criminal case against Blagojevich, 52, won't be affected.
In recent days, Blagojevich has compared himself to the hero of a Frank Capra movie and a cowboy being lynched for a crime he didn't commit. He said that when he was arrested on federal corruption charges, he took solace from thinking of other jailed leaders- Nelson Mandela, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi."

Seriously. The guy has been inhaling too many hair product fumes.

"They've been doing some research into Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Have you seen this guy? Well, it turns out that thing on his head actually mated with that thing on Donald Trump's head. It's getting ugly." --David Letterman

Just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean.........

2009-01-25T18:51:00.000-08:00

Visiting my son and daughter-in-law this weekend- kids in bed - and we have a total chick flick lined up- “Legends of The Fall” (long blonde hair-Brad Pitt……..) - except that the 3rd installment of the “X-men” series is winding up - so we are were watching that first.
I was familiar with Wolverine - as that was one of my son’s favorite’s growing up- but, I hadn’t seen any of the movies and was rather lost.
I commented on the lead Bad Guy’s head gear. It was an odd shaped helmet that half covered his face from each side- it looked like it would be heavy and cumbersome to wear- blocking his peripheral vision (an effective Bad Guy has to see whose going to come at him from the right and left.)
In response to my comment my son goes into a rather detailed description of why the Bad Guy was wearing this particular headpiece. Something about keeping the Bad Guy’s powers contained and focused while blocking out the good guys ability to interfere with the BG’s brain waves.
I mentioned that aluminum foil works for me- lighter, cheaper and easier to form to my head comfortably without inferring with my vision.
My son, bless his heart - started cracking up - and said “You may not want to repeat that around people who don’t really know you Mom.”
Although, I think I caught a worried look on my daughter-in-law’s face - and she’s known for - what? 9-10 years now?

And now, Ladies and Gentlemen.......Willie Nelson

2009-01-22T23:08:00.000-08:00

Altho I think my all time favorite Willie Nelson song is 'Seven Spanish Angels' or maybe 'You Were Always on My Mind' -but, I heard this one tonight - and remembered I liked it too......................

If you had not have fallen

Then I would not have found you

Angel flying too close to the ground

And I patched up your broken wing

And hung around a while

Tried to keep your spirits up

And your fever down

I knew someday that you would fly away

For love's the greatest healer to be found

So leave me if you need to

I will still remember

Angel flying too close to the ground

Fly on, fly on past the speed of sound

I'd rather see you up

Than see you down

Leave me if you need to

I will still remember

Angel flying too close to the ground

First Dance with the First Lady

2009-01-20T20:25:00.001-08:00

'At Last' sung by Beyonce.

Even the birds are singing!!!!!

2009-01-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

I interrupt the historical inauguration of our 44th President to post this amazing announcement!

Bob and Robert just started chirping and chattering and screeching and fweeping!

Scared the bee-jeebers out of the Toby mutt!

No idea why this would start today - (and I don't think it's something they normally do during the day- unless they just don't do it on Saturdays and Sundays when I'm not at work.)

Maybe they just liked the sound of Aretha Franklin singing "God Bless America"!

Living the Dream..........

2009-01-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

2009-01-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

Protect this man, our new President, Lord. Allow him to lead this country into a strong and prosperous age. Allow him to serve to the best of his ability and to live to a ripe old age. Allow him to dance at his grand daughter's wedding.

Bless Michelle with the strength and wisdom to raise her family in the lime light of the White House and to keep her marriage strong, her children safe.

Bless us with the acceptance and the benefits of their dedication to our country with their very lives and those of their children.

Bless this house they move into today. Amen

2009-01-19T07:10:00.001-08:00

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
"I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood."

Sticks and Stones

2009-01-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

I’ve never given much credence to that playground rhyme.

And if you have ever been the pregnant teenage recipient of an older brother’s snarl that you are a slut and not good enough to cross his door step ever again – then you might not either.

And, if you have ever been a pregnant teenage girl, standing in front of a closed door on her brother’s (the chosen one- favorite son) doorstep hearing your father say “You know, your brother always was an ass – let’s go Princess – we need a new stroller.” you also know the flip side- that kind words spoken even without scripted and practiced eloquence but, with heart, can heal.

I understand that the prevailing thought now is all about empowerment with words. That, if we embrace the word and use it as our own – we take the power of the word to hurt us away – and replace it with our own self esteem. This justifies blacks using the “N’ word on each other, gays calling each other fags and overweight folks calling themselves fatties and slugs. “If I get upset by someone calling me a name, then I have given away my power and I need to make a different choice.”

I don’t get this. Words that hurt are expressions of feelings, beliefs and attitudes that hurt.

We have a beautiful language. Words that warm the heart, make our spirits soar and inspire us beyond even the stretch of our language – until we are literally left speechless.

I vote we speak with more kindness and beauty – instead of adopting hurtful words as our own. Let the hurtful words form together into their own little dead language and let the kind and beautiful ones continue to warm our hearts and mend our hurts.

May you speak and hear a beautiful word today.

Must be Toby's "Christmas Tree Night"

2009-01-13T21:42:00.000-08:00

Apparently the mutt isn't ready for the tree to come down either.

Too bad this blog doesn't have sound- because he's SNORING to beat the band!

I'm thinking of taking my Christmas tree down.

2009-01-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

Not yet tho. No hurry.

My Sweet Baby Girl is getting snowed on!

2009-01-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

Latest pictures from Colorado - where the commute to school (no late passes given out today!) and work was doubled.

Pretty to look at- not so pretty to drive in!

Not a peep

2009-01-08T06:36:00.000-08:00

It's early in the morning and I am sitting here listening to the birds out side on my back porch. They are singing and fweeping and chirping and squawking over the seed I left out for them. All the while Bob and Robert sit here. Silent as lambs. Not a tweet, chirp, fweep or shriek between them. Occasionally I hear them muttering to each other (altho the on line information I have gathered calls that 'warbling' and it's the equivalent of a cat's purr). It is a nice sound.

But, the other day when I went into PetSmart to buy more bird seed (they may purr like cats- but, they eat like pigs) and heard the wild sounds of a cage full of parakeets, I was reminded of WHY I brought them home in the first place. I like the sound of noisy birds in my home - and I missed it after Bob I's sudden death a few months ago. Now THAT was a noisy bird!.

I went on line- alot of talk about mirrors - IF I didn't want the birds to learn to speak English (I like to speak English to people, not birds. I like bird sounds from birds.) The lady at PetSmart made the astounding suggestion that "Maybe they don't have anything to chirp about." (My ex husband didn't talk until he was 3 - the doctor's comment was "Maybe he doesn't have anything to say yet."). But, the PetSmart lady also mentioned mirrors.

So, yesterday I hung a mirror- the same size as the cage actually - that I had in my closet - behind the bird cage. Right behind the feeders where they spend the majority of their time. So far, not a peep, but there's always hope!

Christmas Tree Night

2009-01-05T05:55:00.000-08:00

Last night was my Christmas Tree Night. I've been doing this since I have been on my own with kids. One random night after Christmas, I sleep on the couch with the Christmas tree lights on - all night.

I've lived alone for about 6 years now- no hubby, kids or Mom sleeping down the hall (no hall actually), but it just seemed like the night for it. For the last 16 years, my mutt joins me on the couch and I bring out a blanket and pillow, I read, watch T.V. - and look at the tree and doze off and on.

Christmas trees are one of my favorite things. This year I did not have access to any of my traditional Christmas decorations or the Christmas tree my daughter and her family surprised me with about 4 years ago, so I used my year round 'craft' pine cone tree and decorated it with candy canes and beads and red ribbons and the Christmas decorations that hang around my house all year long.

Each year I leave out one new Christmas decoration from the packing boxes. I tend to have eclectic Christmas decorations - penguins, beaded lamp pulls, frogs, little cars - so that it's not as odd as it sounds (my place doesn't look like Santa's workshop all year). This Christmas, the one who escapes the box for the next 11 months is a new white and gold angel from my daughter-in-law's Mom that will hang all year round next to the painted lady ball from my son-in-law's Mom from several years ago.

I started doing this as a gift to myself- to appreciate the tree in a quiet, post stressed holiday time frame - and to count my blessings - it takes all night - and just think and feel and remember the Christmas Season I was just passing through - and the ones from the past.

I do this alone, but I am never lonely on these nights. It's all about Christmas Past, Present and Future for me - in the glow of tiny firefly lights and candles.

Not on any one's holiday calendar, but one of my favorite nights of the year. And I always wake up rested and refreshed.

Traffic, little black dogs and Saints

2009-01-03T09:21:00.001-08:00

Last night on my way home I decided to take the freeway instead of the back streets as the traffic seemed light enough. Just past the off ramp to my home there is a gas station on the corner of a very busy intersection that shares it's back lot with the parking lot of a huge mall surrounded by restaurants and banks. In the center of all this traffic and driveways was a family of 4 trying desperately to get a small black dog back into their van parked at the gas station.

The Dad was a big man- and looked angry and fed up- the girl looked to be about 8, crying and the boy about 12 - altho from a distance he could have easily been mistaken for an 18 year old. I had one like that boy and I could see he was young and trying to look angry and disgusted like his Father, not scared and crying like his sister - and coming off in that sweet sullen 12 year old boy attitude that achieves nothing very well- (and is only sweet now that I'm 20 years past it). Mom was in the middle of it all - trying to direct traffic and her family from getting run over.

Now, as any dog whisperer will tell you- the best way to entice a recalcitrant dog back into it's van is for a perfect stranger to pull an illegal U-turn on a crowded off ramp - leap out of the car and attempt to assist in the round up. So I did.

I leaped out of my car and not seeing the mutt I yelled over the car noise (and horn honking) "Did you catch him?" All 4 family members looked at me in stunned silence and pointed to the back of my car and for a brief moment in time, I thought, OMG I ran over the mutt. But, no - the ugly little thing had followed my car in like it was a big cream puff and was standing right behind me. I got within inches of the gnarly little buck toothed critter when it realized I was "one of then" and took off - again.

I spoke to the Mom - Dad was yelling something in Spanish telling the kids to get back in the car- they were leaving without it. I asked the Mom if I could run in and get some food and try to get it to me that way? Mom thought that was a good idea and called her son who was stomping around behind Dad - to go into the gas station and get some chips - I asked what his name was - and the Mom said Jr. I'm not sure if she was talking about the dog, or the kid. But, Jr. (the kid), started to walk towards the store and asked if someone was going with him? Mom told him, "Go- I can see you from here". (Yep, he's 12)

Mom explained that they were coming back from visiting family and still had to drive to Escondido where they lived, they had stopped and the dog got loose- tired of being cooped up in the van all day.

By this time Jr. (the dog) had taken off into the parking complex of the mall - I went that-a-way and lost site of him. Turning back to the gas station to regroup - I saw all 4 of them in about the same positions I found them in - with the mutt now giving a less than merry chase as it was tiring out. Mom and I thought this might be our best bet.

As I was positioning my car to see if Jr. (the dog) would follow it again - a young man in a new Mustang - pulled up to the center divider of the main street- parked his car with the hazard lights on - and in one fluid, totally silent motion - sprinted thru 3 lanes of traffic - swooped the dog up in his arms, handed it to the Mom and sprinted back to his car and took off.

Now, why didn't I think of that?

About 5 years ago my then 6 or 7 year old Grandaughter came running outside her Uncle Frank's house in Colorado: "GRANMA - there's a bird in the house!" I went in side, and sure enough a sparrow was flapping it's wings against the ceiling, beating itself to a frenzy trying to get away from a house full of people attempting to direct it to an open window or door.

I walked in and raised my hands up - and the bird fluttered right into my open palm. It's heart was beating so hard against it's chest I could feel it. I closed my hands around bird folding it's wings and attempting to calm it and walked it outside where I released it, wondering if this is how St. Francis of Assisi felt in the woods that day.

"My sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in everyplace give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you…you neither sow nor reap, and God feeds you and gives you rivers and fountains for your thirst, and mountains and valleys for shelter, and tall trees for your nests. And although you neither know how to spin or weave, God dresses you and your children, for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. Therefore… always seek to praise God."

My grand daughter was very proud of me - and Uncle Frank's only comment was "Of course."

So, to the unknown man in the Mustang I say "Of Course."