What a day will bring. Past the end of the day yesterday, and two hours after I'd gone to bed, the telephone rang. At midnight, the ringing phone brings fear to a slumbering soul, and I raced to find out what was happening. My youngest daughter in NY was calling to say that she'd taken her sister to the emergency room, and that she had appendicitis. Surgery would be this morning.
She had everything under control up there, taking her two neices home with her for the night, and would be sure they got to school in the morning. She's got a good head on her shoulders and said she didn't think I should make a bee line for NY. It's a good thing, because our area was under a tornado watch.
I turned on the TV, and we watched for awhile to see what was happening in our area for the weather. We discussed the surgery and possible trip to NY. Of course, with all that on my mind, I couldn't sleep. I used the time to pray and trust God to keep all of us safe in our respective situations, including my other family near the Atlanta area, which was in danger of a sighted tornado. Prayers were flying...for hours, as the thunder rumbled across the dark skies and the lightning flashed long and bright against the night.
Finally I fell asleep, dreaming that we were babysitting for a 14 month old baby in our church. I saw myself clearly packing for NY, and taking the baby with us, as there wasn't time to give her back to her parents. I called them (in my dream) to let them know she was fine and with us in NY, and to ask what kind of formula I needed to buy for her bottles.
I was awakened with a start, again, at 6:30 this morning, again by a phone call from the NYer. She was letting me know that the hospitalized daughter wanted me to call her 'right now.' I did... and she bellowed when she heard my voice. I guess, even at the age of thirty-seven, a girl still needs her Mama when she doesn't feel well or is overwhelmed with the financial stuff this will cause. I tried to calm her down and let her know that we'd work all that our later, that today, with pain, stress and no sleep was not the time to concern herself with those matters.
As I type this, I still don't know what time her surgery will be. I think, maybe, that she's in surgery or pre-surgery right now, as I called her cell phone and left a message, and she hasn't responded.
I know she'll be fine, but I would so love for this to be over for her. All of us have her on our hearts today, and will be glad to hear that she's in recovery or back in her room, and resting as well as she can be, to begin her weeks of recovery.
And so, I sit by the house phone and keep the cell close too. Sometime today I will hear the words I need to hear. Meanwhile, I'm trying to lay my trust and my daughter into the hands of our Great Physician.
To be continued.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I DID It!!!
I've been wanting to redecorate my blog page and didn't know how. One blogger that I visit often renews her page very frequently, and she offered me some insights. Although I've still not mastered her instructions, I was able to do some renovating, and I quite like it!
I've also found that it's a good bit of fun to find new 'wall paper' and try it out before 'sticking' it to the wall of the page. It's time consuming, to say the least, to 'shop' for new accessories and things to make the blog look nicer than it has, but what fun to find something new to look at! Now that I know how to make a few changes, I'll be attempting it again on my other blog, very soon.
All this reminds me of a time back in the early-90's when I had an overwhelming desire to paint. I'd tried all my life to paint pictures that looked like something other than kindergarten art. I lamented to my husband whom I was dating at the time. I said, "I wish I could paint." He said, "If you want to, paint!" He continued to encourage me, and when my daughter bought me a gift of acrylic paints, I got some good brushes and attempted my hobby again. Eventually I got better, and happier, with my endeavors. I must say, I've still not mastered the art, but I can bring something out that wouldn't look completely at home on the bulletin board of my granddaughter's classroom!
So, I'd like to say thank you to Auntie for her help and encouragement in the redecorating! Without her supportive words, I'd still be looking at blah tan with the birds flying across the top! I'd like to thank my husband, again, for encouraging me to do what I'd like to do, and not just say, "I can't" or "I wish..." .
The moral of the story, if you want to do something, give it a try. Work at it. Don't limit yourself with your own disbelief in yourself, or the fact that you don't know how. Pull up your big girl panties and TRY it! Learn something new! You will never do it, that's for sure, if you don't give it a shot.
I've also found that it's a good bit of fun to find new 'wall paper' and try it out before 'sticking' it to the wall of the page. It's time consuming, to say the least, to 'shop' for new accessories and things to make the blog look nicer than it has, but what fun to find something new to look at! Now that I know how to make a few changes, I'll be attempting it again on my other blog, very soon.
All this reminds me of a time back in the early-90's when I had an overwhelming desire to paint. I'd tried all my life to paint pictures that looked like something other than kindergarten art. I lamented to my husband whom I was dating at the time. I said, "I wish I could paint." He said, "If you want to, paint!" He continued to encourage me, and when my daughter bought me a gift of acrylic paints, I got some good brushes and attempted my hobby again. Eventually I got better, and happier, with my endeavors. I must say, I've still not mastered the art, but I can bring something out that wouldn't look completely at home on the bulletin board of my granddaughter's classroom!
So, I'd like to say thank you to Auntie for her help and encouragement in the redecorating! Without her supportive words, I'd still be looking at blah tan with the birds flying across the top! I'd like to thank my husband, again, for encouraging me to do what I'd like to do, and not just say, "I can't" or "I wish..." .
The moral of the story, if you want to do something, give it a try. Work at it. Don't limit yourself with your own disbelief in yourself, or the fact that you don't know how. Pull up your big girl panties and TRY it! Learn something new! You will never do it, that's for sure, if you don't give it a shot.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Beauty of the Finest Kind...
The other day the skies here were awesome! There was a storm off to the southwest, and it was heading toward us. The clouds were dark and layered. The ones closest to the ground were small pillows, with an look on the surface. I likened it to the way marshmallows look when they are lightly toasted by a hot fire...blistered.
Yesterday I sat on the porch for awhile, in the 80 degree heat. There was enough humidity so that the air was permeated with the fragrance of the rose bushes in the garden beside the porch railing. I couldn't sit still, after a little bit. I had to go to the blooms and put my nose into the flower to breathe in the soft, powdery scent. From there, I left the porch, walked along the garden beds toward the back of the house, breathing deeply through my nose, so as not to miss a drop of perfumed air. The closer I got to the back yard, the more I realized that the fragrances of the wild roses, the antique roses, the mock orange bush and the wild honeysuckle vine were all laying on the slight breeze. What a marvelous stroll it was!
The bumble bees were seemingly drunk as they randomly wove their way from bloom to bloom. (We call them Dumble bees, because they constantly run into the gutters on the facia and the walls of the house.) Not only were they erratic in their flight, but as noisy, too, as I've ever heard them.
The various birds that visit were chattering, chirping, cheeping and whistling, showing off their pleasure in the glorious weather.
Who could blame them? Spring has definitely come to South Carolina, and with her arrival, she's brought along beauties of the finest kind! I surveyed my gardens with a grateful eye, rather than noticing the weeds that were left behind in our early Fall clean up. I saw nothing except the fruits of our labors since we moved here four and half years ago. I did not think about the many dollars spent on bags of dirt and fertilizer or the hours of hauling it to and fro in the yard with the wagon and wheelbarrow. I did not feel the burning pain of the work as we dug and struggled with the native, heavy, red clay. I knew only that the gardens were rejoicing in the bright, warm sun, and so was I!
Yesterday I sat on the porch for awhile, in the 80 degree heat. There was enough humidity so that the air was permeated with the fragrance of the rose bushes in the garden beside the porch railing. I couldn't sit still, after a little bit. I had to go to the blooms and put my nose into the flower to breathe in the soft, powdery scent. From there, I left the porch, walked along the garden beds toward the back of the house, breathing deeply through my nose, so as not to miss a drop of perfumed air. The closer I got to the back yard, the more I realized that the fragrances of the wild roses, the antique roses, the mock orange bush and the wild honeysuckle vine were all laying on the slight breeze. What a marvelous stroll it was!
The bumble bees were seemingly drunk as they randomly wove their way from bloom to bloom. (We call them Dumble bees, because they constantly run into the gutters on the facia and the walls of the house.) Not only were they erratic in their flight, but as noisy, too, as I've ever heard them.
The various birds that visit were chattering, chirping, cheeping and whistling, showing off their pleasure in the glorious weather.
Who could blame them? Spring has definitely come to South Carolina, and with her arrival, she's brought along beauties of the finest kind! I surveyed my gardens with a grateful eye, rather than noticing the weeds that were left behind in our early Fall clean up. I saw nothing except the fruits of our labors since we moved here four and half years ago. I did not think about the many dollars spent on bags of dirt and fertilizer or the hours of hauling it to and fro in the yard with the wagon and wheelbarrow. I did not feel the burning pain of the work as we dug and struggled with the native, heavy, red clay. I knew only that the gardens were rejoicing in the bright, warm sun, and so was I!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Church Attire...
When I was a youngster, the approved wardrobe was the very best in your closet. This included for the female population, both young and old, ankle socks or nylons for the adults, unscuffed shoes, most probably patent leather, hats, little white gloves and always dresses. The little and big gents always wore suits,ties and well-polished shoes. The hair was just perfectly coiffed and the boys' short locks were glued down with gel or Brylcream, parted, and combed into just the right wave.
What has happened to all of that? It's gone by the wayside, like manners and respect, I suppose. Dressing in your best for church was expected; it was a matter of respect for God to look your best. These days, I've seen everything from blue jeans and short sleeved shirts on men to tank tops and shorts which should have been quite a bit longer to be considered modest in any public area other than the beach. Personally, I don't approve of shorts of any length in church...or tank tops, unless covered by a jacket. I don't know when the dress code became a free-for-all, and I'm not a huge fan of the changes.
I do wear dress slacks and a nice blouse, sweater or jacket at times. I have abandoned the hats and gloves, as have other women, even older ladies than I. The men in our church usually don't wear ties and jackets, but most do, and those who do not still wear nice slacks and shirts, often with sweater vests.
Yesterday, and last Easter Sunday as well, one of our congregation wore a hat. Last year, she sang the special solo music, and she prefaced her song by saying, "If you're short and want to stand out in any crowd, wear a hat." Yesterday she kept saying that she was hoping to get women to wear hats again. I, for one, LOVE hats! I am complimented whenever I've worn one of any kind, so they apparently suit my look. They always seem to 'dress up' an outfit, or just 'top it off', so to speak.
I think that I will pull one out of my stash, and wear one next week to church. Perhaps Sandra and I will start a new trend, and hats will be a fun accessory to bring back! You can keep the gloves, however...and the seamed nylon hose.
What do you think about hats? Do you like them or not? Where would you/do you wear them, if you do? Shall I wear a hat next Sunday...even if I stand alone in the fashion statement? I think a survey is in order, so feel free to share your opinions.
What has happened to all of that? It's gone by the wayside, like manners and respect, I suppose. Dressing in your best for church was expected; it was a matter of respect for God to look your best. These days, I've seen everything from blue jeans and short sleeved shirts on men to tank tops and shorts which should have been quite a bit longer to be considered modest in any public area other than the beach. Personally, I don't approve of shorts of any length in church...or tank tops, unless covered by a jacket. I don't know when the dress code became a free-for-all, and I'm not a huge fan of the changes.
I do wear dress slacks and a nice blouse, sweater or jacket at times. I have abandoned the hats and gloves, as have other women, even older ladies than I. The men in our church usually don't wear ties and jackets, but most do, and those who do not still wear nice slacks and shirts, often with sweater vests.
Yesterday, and last Easter Sunday as well, one of our congregation wore a hat. Last year, she sang the special solo music, and she prefaced her song by saying, "If you're short and want to stand out in any crowd, wear a hat." Yesterday she kept saying that she was hoping to get women to wear hats again. I, for one, LOVE hats! I am complimented whenever I've worn one of any kind, so they apparently suit my look. They always seem to 'dress up' an outfit, or just 'top it off', so to speak.
I think that I will pull one out of my stash, and wear one next week to church. Perhaps Sandra and I will start a new trend, and hats will be a fun accessory to bring back! You can keep the gloves, however...and the seamed nylon hose.
What do you think about hats? Do you like them or not? Where would you/do you wear them, if you do? Shall I wear a hat next Sunday...even if I stand alone in the fashion statement? I think a survey is in order, so feel free to share your opinions.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
A Special Day
It is Easter ....the celebration for Christians of a resurrected Savior. A day of Hope for believers.
It is also the birthday of two very special people in my life. My brother, Tom, had he lived, would be sixty-one years old. My youngest daughter, Meg, will be thirty-five years old. I was only two and a half when Tom was born, so I cannot remember the day of his arrival. But, I remember the coming of Megan. She was four days earlier than she was predicted to be.
Tom was very much attuned to life as he was raised. Though his own was traveled on different roads, his heart was always geared to living it in conventional ways that were taught by our parents. He was a gentle man with soft brown eyes and soft curly dark hair. He was tall and thin, and he was plagued with rheumatoid arthritis from the time he was in his twenties until he passed away four years ago. The ailment sapped his energies, and put him on permanent disability status, but still he worked as he could on his 47 acres. He cared for his small house lot and his home. He mowed with a tractor, kept his landscaping simple and easy to care for. He had a sure determination that kept him walking on his own two feet, unaided by cane or wheelchair for the entirety of his life. Doctors thought he would long ago be in a wheelchair, full-time, but Tom wouldn't entertain that idea. His gnarled joints were painful, yet he didn't complain. He did what he could to keep his life as normal as possible, in spite of the limitations.
Megan has always had her own agenda. As I said earlier, she came four days early, and rather than the usual presentation at birth, she chose to be born face up! "Sunny side up" the doctor said. She was a strong willed little person, and was quite a challenge for me, at times. I remember when she had her fifth birthday. She announced to me that now she would go to 'big school'....to kindergarten. I could not convince her that the school wouldn't let her go until September, and that she would continue at her nursery school until June, then have the summer off, until September came. She would not go to nursery school another day. The fight was so strong, and silly, that I let her off the hook. I learned how, with Meg, to choose my battles.
She always has made her own choices about things, even when she was small. Of course there were times when I had to enforce the rules or make her do what was best for her. But, she chose her clothing and her favorite foods. I offered other options, but how do you force a child to eat lima beans when they won't? She has forever been a free thinker, and is such today. Some might say that there was rebellion, and I might agree with that in certain instances. But, what harm is there, really, in shaving the sides of your head, around your ears, and pulling back the top hair in an elastic band at the crown? What does it hurt if she sprayed it purple or blue? Hair grows out. Hair color washes out. And teenagers grow out of that stuff, thankfully.
My sweet, gentle, conservative, brother was thrilled to have this little neice born on his birthday. So was I. I felt that God had given both Tom and me a gift when she arrived. I still feel that way.
My challenging, free thinking little girl has grown into a beautiful woman with good sense and comical personality. She doesn't always think as I do, but I don't want my kids to be a bunch of cookie cutter kids. The world would never change for the better if someone didn't step out of line once in awhile and make their different ideas known, would it?
So Tom...Happy Birthday to you. I miss you and love you. Megan....Happy Birthday to you, too. I wish I could share a face to face celebration with both of you today. But know this, that I celebrate you both in my heart and in my mind, and have been blessed to have had you both in my life. Enjoy your day!
It is also the birthday of two very special people in my life. My brother, Tom, had he lived, would be sixty-one years old. My youngest daughter, Meg, will be thirty-five years old. I was only two and a half when Tom was born, so I cannot remember the day of his arrival. But, I remember the coming of Megan. She was four days earlier than she was predicted to be.
Tom was very much attuned to life as he was raised. Though his own was traveled on different roads, his heart was always geared to living it in conventional ways that were taught by our parents. He was a gentle man with soft brown eyes and soft curly dark hair. He was tall and thin, and he was plagued with rheumatoid arthritis from the time he was in his twenties until he passed away four years ago. The ailment sapped his energies, and put him on permanent disability status, but still he worked as he could on his 47 acres. He cared for his small house lot and his home. He mowed with a tractor, kept his landscaping simple and easy to care for. He had a sure determination that kept him walking on his own two feet, unaided by cane or wheelchair for the entirety of his life. Doctors thought he would long ago be in a wheelchair, full-time, but Tom wouldn't entertain that idea. His gnarled joints were painful, yet he didn't complain. He did what he could to keep his life as normal as possible, in spite of the limitations.
Megan has always had her own agenda. As I said earlier, she came four days early, and rather than the usual presentation at birth, she chose to be born face up! "Sunny side up" the doctor said. She was a strong willed little person, and was quite a challenge for me, at times. I remember when she had her fifth birthday. She announced to me that now she would go to 'big school'....to kindergarten. I could not convince her that the school wouldn't let her go until September, and that she would continue at her nursery school until June, then have the summer off, until September came. She would not go to nursery school another day. The fight was so strong, and silly, that I let her off the hook. I learned how, with Meg, to choose my battles.
She always has made her own choices about things, even when she was small. Of course there were times when I had to enforce the rules or make her do what was best for her. But, she chose her clothing and her favorite foods. I offered other options, but how do you force a child to eat lima beans when they won't? She has forever been a free thinker, and is such today. Some might say that there was rebellion, and I might agree with that in certain instances. But, what harm is there, really, in shaving the sides of your head, around your ears, and pulling back the top hair in an elastic band at the crown? What does it hurt if she sprayed it purple or blue? Hair grows out. Hair color washes out. And teenagers grow out of that stuff, thankfully.
My sweet, gentle, conservative, brother was thrilled to have this little neice born on his birthday. So was I. I felt that God had given both Tom and me a gift when she arrived. I still feel that way.
My challenging, free thinking little girl has grown into a beautiful woman with good sense and comical personality. She doesn't always think as I do, but I don't want my kids to be a bunch of cookie cutter kids. The world would never change for the better if someone didn't step out of line once in awhile and make their different ideas known, would it?
So Tom...Happy Birthday to you. I miss you and love you. Megan....Happy Birthday to you, too. I wish I could share a face to face celebration with both of you today. But know this, that I celebrate you both in my heart and in my mind, and have been blessed to have had you both in my life. Enjoy your day!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Tis the Day Before Easter and....
All through the house, the dust bunnies have been vacuumed up and the place is pretty well organized. I need to hurry myself along, as my eldest daughter and her two teenagers will arrive within the hour.
We've got the menus planned...easy stuff until tomorrow's dinner, and even at that, it's easy for me, because Mike will be cooking. He's such a great cook, and he cooks most every dinner for us, with a little help from the rest of us. He'd really rather do it alone, as he likes to move around the kitchen without hinderance or 'shadows' attached to his toes like Peter Pan's.
There will be a full ham dinner, lemon pie and chocolate layered pies. We cheated on the dessert, by purchasing it, as I'm the world's worst pie-crust maker! (Does anyone want to share their favorite recipe for a no-fail crust?) Mom has always made our pies, but her last efforts have not pleased her. She has trouble reading recipes now... and though she knows the ingredients by heart, she somehow isn't able to make things as well as she used to, and she gets frustrated. We have been grateful for her efforts, whether she likes them or not, and I will miss them at our meals.
I have to go over to Mom's house today and give her a haircut. It's long enough to put up in a little bun now, but she hates it, so I'll cut it short again, and fluff it up so that her natural curl takes over. That should please her. I used to cut my own, but have trouble now with my right shoulder, so it's hard to get into the correct position to cut it well. I need a haircut too, but can manage to get by until I get one. I've enough body and wave to look presentable if I try.
There's much to do, and I should take my shower now...before the kids arrive. So, I will leave you all, and wish each of you a blessed Easter Sunday. How will you celebrate it? And...as you're answering that question, please feel free to pass along any of your favorite recipes, especially for that pie crust!
We've got the menus planned...easy stuff until tomorrow's dinner, and even at that, it's easy for me, because Mike will be cooking. He's such a great cook, and he cooks most every dinner for us, with a little help from the rest of us. He'd really rather do it alone, as he likes to move around the kitchen without hinderance or 'shadows' attached to his toes like Peter Pan's.
There will be a full ham dinner, lemon pie and chocolate layered pies. We cheated on the dessert, by purchasing it, as I'm the world's worst pie-crust maker! (Does anyone want to share their favorite recipe for a no-fail crust?) Mom has always made our pies, but her last efforts have not pleased her. She has trouble reading recipes now... and though she knows the ingredients by heart, she somehow isn't able to make things as well as she used to, and she gets frustrated. We have been grateful for her efforts, whether she likes them or not, and I will miss them at our meals.
I have to go over to Mom's house today and give her a haircut. It's long enough to put up in a little bun now, but she hates it, so I'll cut it short again, and fluff it up so that her natural curl takes over. That should please her. I used to cut my own, but have trouble now with my right shoulder, so it's hard to get into the correct position to cut it well. I need a haircut too, but can manage to get by until I get one. I've enough body and wave to look presentable if I try.
There's much to do, and I should take my shower now...before the kids arrive. So, I will leave you all, and wish each of you a blessed Easter Sunday. How will you celebrate it? And...as you're answering that question, please feel free to pass along any of your favorite recipes, especially for that pie crust!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Morning Thoughts
The Earth has had it's noisy morning shower, and it's gleaming! The fragrance of grass that was mowed yesterday is stronger now, with the addition of the rain upon it. And, it's greener too!
Spring has made it's way to South Carolina...and as we move into each morning, we get deeper into the lovely weather! The warmth increases, then it decreases, which is just fine with me, because all too soon, the air will be heavy with humidity, and opening the door to the day will feel similar to opening an oven door!
This time of year is usually the windy season, as well as the time when we get the most rain during the year. The wind can be fierce, and often there are reports of tornado warnings or watches. The moody temperatures often find themselves in conflict, and thunder storms erupt. Not being a huge fan of thunder and lightening storms, the coming of Summer is a relief for me. We rarely see much rain or storms during those long months of summertime.
There's nothing we can do about the weather...but wait, watch and prepare for it. Springtime in the Carolinas can be tough to prepare for, because you never know what mood will appear. So, we leave our windbreakers in the car and we might have to dress in layers at times. There's an umbrella in the van, also, as well as one in the coat closet, because too often, I've been caught in one place or the other without my bumbershoot!
I guess today will be in inside day, as it's gray and damp outside. There's no more rain, but the ground is wet, and the red clay is muddy. I've got much to do before the weekend and the upstairs is calling my name. The guest rooms await new sheets, the shopping list needs to be updated, and the shopping must be done.
There's no time like the present to get started, I guess, so I'll "talk at you" tomorrow! Wishing you all a great day, whether it's sunny or rainy wherever you are.
Spring has made it's way to South Carolina...and as we move into each morning, we get deeper into the lovely weather! The warmth increases, then it decreases, which is just fine with me, because all too soon, the air will be heavy with humidity, and opening the door to the day will feel similar to opening an oven door!
This time of year is usually the windy season, as well as the time when we get the most rain during the year. The wind can be fierce, and often there are reports of tornado warnings or watches. The moody temperatures often find themselves in conflict, and thunder storms erupt. Not being a huge fan of thunder and lightening storms, the coming of Summer is a relief for me. We rarely see much rain or storms during those long months of summertime.
There's nothing we can do about the weather...but wait, watch and prepare for it. Springtime in the Carolinas can be tough to prepare for, because you never know what mood will appear. So, we leave our windbreakers in the car and we might have to dress in layers at times. There's an umbrella in the van, also, as well as one in the coat closet, because too often, I've been caught in one place or the other without my bumbershoot!
I guess today will be in inside day, as it's gray and damp outside. There's no more rain, but the ground is wet, and the red clay is muddy. I've got much to do before the weekend and the upstairs is calling my name. The guest rooms await new sheets, the shopping list needs to be updated, and the shopping must be done.
There's no time like the present to get started, I guess, so I'll "talk at you" tomorrow! Wishing you all a great day, whether it's sunny or rainy wherever you are.
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