Marty's Musings

Uh-oh

2011-05-14T21:02:00.002-05:00

For some reason, my post decided to end before I had intended. I am on my "new" refurbished laptop and am not real comfortable with it yet.

Back to the storm. I pray that people will take the events of April 27 and make their lives better and make their lives count for more. We need to be more aware of our friend's and neighbor's needs without having a natural disaster to spur us on.

I had meant to post more, but I think it is about time for me to get in bed. I am reading a series of Guidepost books and I have to find out what is happening on Heather Creek Farms. These are easy reading and very good. I find myself getting involved with the family and they are fictional. But the situations could be happening to anyone.

Everyone have a good week. It is supposed to be on the cool side, but then warm up later. Alabama weather is something else. You never know what you are getting this time of the year, especially this time of the year. It doesn't want to quite give up the cooler temps, but then it hits with a very warm humid day. Only in the south. And I wouldn't live anywhere else.

She liveth, I think

2011-05-14T20:54:00.002-05:00

Hello, world. Yes, I am still among the living. I have been without a computer since a week before the tornadoes and I have been so aggravated. HP is now on my list of companies to avoid. My advice is too avoid them. Their tech department is located somewhere in INDIA!!

We were so fortunate to have no damage due to the weather. Actually, we hardly had even any leaves in the yard; however, my sister was not so lucky. Her car was hit by a tree and she only had two payments left. Her house was hit but not a direct hit. She was so upset. She nor anyone else was injured, so that was good.

I know the storms were awful and people are probably wondering why God lets things like this happen. But things of this sort have happened since time began and God doesn't "cause" them and he could stop them, but that would not be letting nature do as it was designed. I know that sounds goofy, but I know what I want to say, I just don't know how.

2011 - A Better Blogging Year (I hope)

2011-01-06T13:41:00.002-06:00

So far 2011 has been a good year. Joe and I are concentrating on each other for a change. We have decided that we are alone for the first time in our entire marriage. That only took 42 years. Joe has definitely became a "new creature" since his baptism. He is the kindest, sweetest, most considerate person in the world. Now, Trina, please do not faint, but it is true. He is not the daddy you grew up with. God is so good.

Today is so pretty, cool, but pretty. I have just fiddled around today. It is almost time to get ready for work, my last night this week, but I have volunteer duty tomorrow. I love my hospital work. Three weeks from today I will become the president for this year. I am excited about it, but a little apprehensive, especially when I walk past the wall of past presidents and I see the people I have to follow. I will try my best and that is all I can promise.

One of my favorite ladies from church, Jane Cleveland, is leaving tomorrow to move to Palestine, Texas. One of her sons and his family live there and since Roger, her husband, is not in the best of health I guess they decided to move where Jane could have help. She will be sorely missed. You talk about somebody that can give a hug, Jane was the BEST. I will miss her "Jane Hugs."

I will try my best to be a better blogger this year. I know I have said that before. I think if I ever break down and get a laptop I will do better. I really am not real crazy about coming to the basement at night when Joe is upstairs and during the day it seems I am always doing something else. We will see.

Trina and Karen, have a great week and beginning of your new term. I address you two, because of my lack of blogging involvement, you are my only followers. Who could ask for better?

Have a good day and don't forget to spread a little sunshine as you go along.

Things happen in God's time, not ours.

2010-12-13T20:54:00.002-06:00

I have always heard that and I believe it to be true, but after 42 years of praying for Joe, I was beginning to think this was a prayer that was destined to be answered in the negative. Was I ever happily surprised on Friday afternoon when I found out that prayer was answered. When I got home Joe was here, of course, and he seemed kind of different in a good sort of way. Anyway, he told me he wa going to tell me something, but I COULD NOT tell anybody else. He said that over several times. I could not even begin to imagine what he was going to say next. And when he did tell me, I almost fell into his arms. He told me that he was going to have George, our minister, baptize him this week. I have loved this man for a long time and he has never told me anything that made me love him more than those words. Well, today at 11:00 AM the deed was done. Joe is a private person, so he chose to go this route. He only wanted one other couple to be there and that was the couple that basically were the first (outside of me) to ask him to attend church. I am sure the angels in heaven are still rejoicing. I am and will forever more.

This is a short post, but I can think of nothing else to even begin to compare. Praise to God our Father for His grace, mercy and love.

How Blessed I Am

2010-11-25T14:37:00.002-06:00

Today has been relatively quiet. Joe and I had what I considered a good Thanksgiving lunch. I cook so much less than I once did, that I surprised myself when it all came together. Of course, I cooked more than enough, so I guess it will be The Left-Over Diner for a few days.

I really have so much to be thankful for this year. First of all I am thankful that God has blessed me as He has. He allowed me to be born to a family that believed in Him and brought me up to do the same. They taught me to work and be honest, traits too many of the younger generation does not exhibit. When our nation realizes that belief in God and His ways are what it was founded on things will begin to get better. He has blessed this country and for a large part the country has thumbed their noses at Him. How sad our ancestors would be!!

I am so thankful that I have Joe. I know there have been times that I could have put him on the proverbial slow boat to China, but I would have been swimming after it before it got too far from port. Pretty gutsy stuff for a girl that can't swim to be saying. That is just how much he means to me. I guess as we have aged together we have become more tolerant of each other.

My children are most precious to me. Trina has always made us proud, not that she was perfect. Sorry, Trina, perfect children are just a myth. Seriously, Trina has made her niche in life and a very good one at that. She married the most wonderful gift from God and we love him dearly. She has been mother to Katy and Jessi and a very proud Granna to Sam. Phillip and Lance are just a dear to her as are the girls. She has succeeded in becoming a great teacher and loves her job. She was fortunate to have had two of the best English teachers ever. I never forget to remind Jane Mullinax of her influence and were Ms. Smith still alive I would also remind her.

Our Eddy is another story. I love him with all my heart, but he is a very troubled soul. All his life he had great ambitions, but for some reason he never was able to capitalize on them. It could be that his particular ambitions changed so readily. I realized early on that Eddy seemed to have some kind of attention problems (this was pre-ADD/ADHD), but everyone kept saying that he would outgrow it. You the reasoning: Limit his sugar intake, don't let him drink caffeine drinks, etc. Guess what he did not outgrow it and hence, we have been burdened with many problems. His self-esteem is minus 100 at the best. I tried to get some counseling when he was around 9 years old, but was unsuccessful . All I can do now is let God have him and pray for the best.

Over the last ten years, I have become so involved with so many things. And I love all of it. When I retired, I began going to the ladies' Tuesday Morning Class. Loved every minute of it. We have grown since then and do a lot of service projects. My thing has always been that if Jesus came to earth to be a servant for us, how can we expect to be like him if we don't become servants too?

Now that I am volunteering at the hospital I feel my life has become even better. I work with people that are true God believing people and don't care for talking about Him to anyone that will listen. I feel that my faith has grown so much for this experience. I know I am where I am supposed to be and I love it. The little twelve hours a week I work is just icing on the cake. I would do it just to get volunteer hours, but the extra pay is good.

My friends through the years are some of the most wonderful people. There have been times when they were just what I needed. Our "bunch" from school still get together about every 2-3 months and have a girl's night out. We would probably do it more often, but some of them have become grandmothers and they have to coordinate their goings with the grandchildren's activities. Oh happy days!!

My plans for my days off this week were to do some much needed sewing. Have I? No. Why? Too much other stuff to do. I HAVE GOT TO GET SOME SEWING DONE. MY FABRIC IS GOING TO DRY ROT IF I DON'T!!

Hope everyone has had a great day and that the upcoming holiday season will be just as blessed. Try not to stress out. Just spread some sunshine and everything will be fine.

Today was Up and Down

2010-11-09T21:11:00.002-06:00

Today did not start off in such a happy way. Eddy was here overnight and it seems lately when he is here, it never is a happy way. I am at my wit's end on what to do and even wonder at times if there is anything to do except to just exist. Oh well, brighter days are surely not too far off.

Things improved greatly when I got to our ladies class. Always does. It is so refreshing to be around my "sisters." We had a wonderful discussion on several things before we ever got to discussing some of the things from the Beth Moore study book. The study series was so great, even the second time around. After class several of us went out for lunch. We always have a good time then and usually end up staying much longer than the waitress prefers. We always tip well.

Then, I had my six month check up with my hemotologist and I don't go back for six more months. She was so excited about my lab work. Numbers on my blood count were high, which was very good. Numbers on my kidney lab was low, which was very good. After nine years it is about time.

Then I got to go to work. Yea!! I love my job at the gift shop, but I think you all have probably already figured that one out. My manager (I'm old enough to be her mother and she actually calls me Mama Marty sometimes.) is a sweet young lady and anytime I put a display out she always will compliment it and is always thanking me for coming to work. She is a pure joy to be around. I think this satisfying that urge I once had to have my own business, but I don't have to worry with any of that boring stuff like payroll, taxes, ordering, etc. I think that is called the best of both worlds.

Time to call it a day and go snuggle with my little four legged boys. And they are excellent snugglers and on these cold nights I really appreciate them.

Have a great day tomorrow and don't forget o spread a little sunshine along the way.

looking forward to a new week

2010-11-06T19:30:00.002-05:00

Yes, I am definitely looking forward to a new week. The last couple have been hard, but after hard times, the good times seem even better. And there will be better.

I am so sorry the Tide did not roll today, but I still love them and think they are the best. They always show class and that is just as important (well, almost) as a win. You know what I mean.

The last three days have been absolutely beautiful even though the temp today was just a wee bit too cool. If the wind had not been blowing, even the temp would not have been so bad. The skies were so pretty - just a few wispy clouds around. My God is so awesome when he paints His canvas so full of beauty.

Our gift shop is beginning to look like a Christmas wonderland. I don't know where Melissa got all the ornaments, but we have got them, everything from angels or all kiinds to fishing Santas. We even have some shoes and purses for all the girly girls out there. I am having a blast with all the decorating and seeing what else will pop out of the stock room.

We plan to have an open house this next Friday. One of the companies we order from has sent some samples that we can prepare to offer to customers in hopes they will then buy the product. Sounds like fun to me. The foods of the holidays are one of my favorite things.

Our younger Chi has been shaking for several days now so I dug out his sweater and he is much better. He is our funny boy whereas Mule is our more sedate laid-back fellow. These two boys have given us some very enjoyable times. You should see them get after animals on the TV. You would think a war had broken out and they were our only line of defense. It is even funnier when Dingo turns and gets onto Mule because he is also barking. It is a hoot.

OK, I have had my shower, got my flannel jammies on, lotioned up my feet and put on my sleep socks and then put on Snuggle slippers on, so dear blogging friends I will bid each of you a pleasant nights rest until the next time. Have a wonderful day with God tomorrow and spread some sunshine wherever you go.

Just some thoughts

2010-11-01T20:19:00.002-05:00

It appears that arrangements for Elizabeth's funeral have been made. Joe talked to the oldest son this afternoon and he has almost convinced them to have the visitation and service all on the same day. Their dad, Joe's brother, just does not handle death well at all. When his dad died and again when his mother died, he totally collapsed, so I can not imagine what it is going to be like with his daughter. Right now it will be on Wednesday mid-day. Please keep the whole family in your prayers. They are going to need all the support that can be gathered during this difficult time.

In addition to this already tragic event, Joe comes in and tells me that his younger brother, Cordell, says that his son, Chris, is not doing well at all. Chris was born with heart problems and at age four had open heart surgery. He has since had several other surgeries. Now it seems that his body has begun to retain too much fluid. It seems his heart is doing fine, but the veins are the problem now. I really don't know what would happen to Cordell if anything happened to Chris. Chris is his only son, his only child. He is 37 years old. Please pray for this family as well.

Our family is making it, but times are still tough. Eddy has lost all interest in life. My son has been through a lot, most of it from his own undoing, but a lot from a system that is all wrong. He no longer cares much about what he looks like - wears sloppy clothes and doesn't get all done up nice anymore. He has gained so much weight, too much actually and his blood pressure is out of sight and I doubt very seriously that he is taking his medicine. He has even said he didn't see any reason to even try anymore. I pray that he will come around and get better.

I am going to get ready for bed and see if I can sleep and maybe things will be better by morning.

I will try to spread some sunshine tomorrow.

Life is fragile . . .

2010-10-31T14:34:00.002-05:00

. . . handle with prayer.

Yes, life is indeed fragile and as the Bible tells us it is only a vapor that will soon disappear, but to have such a young life be snuffed out is hard to understand. I also know that all things are not meant to be understood; however, as humans we can't always grasp hold of that concept. The old church song, "In the Sweet By and By" pretty much says it all.

I am referring, of course, to our niece's untimely death on Thursday due to an accident as she was going home after picking her two oldest boys up from school. Everyone was properly buckled in and suddenly a car cut her off. She was unable to control her vehicle and left the road. She, according, to the paramedics died instantly. The oldest and youngest of the boys were shaken up, but not badly hurt. They were transported to the hospital for observation. The middle boy was in the seat behind Elizabeth and was air lifted to the hospital. The last report Joe got was that his face would have to undergo complete reconstruction.

I do not know why the person in the other car came onto the highway as they did, but for whatever reason it could not be important enough to take a person's life and deprive three young boys of a mother. To make the situation even worst was the fact that that person did not bother to even stop. Were they so oblivious to what was going on that they did not realize what had happened? Being a very busy stretch of highway and being the time of day it was there were several witnesses and a description of the car as well as the tag number was given to the officers. I hope that now that person will be apprehended and dealt with properly and in a timely manner.

Last Monday, the 25th, the baby turned one and next Sunday, the 7th, Elizabeth would have turned 37. Will it ever be the same around this time of year for them? Sadly not for some time yet.

As we approach the holiday season, I most always get very sentimental, depressed or whatever term you may choose. It will be twelve years on the 11th since my dear sweet Mother left this world of pain. My Momma (my forever name for her) is missed every single day that I live and so many times I think of something I need to ask her. That will never go away, I guess. Momma was so sick, both physically and otherwise. I think she just simply got tired and worn out and was ready to go to a better life. Even though I miss her terribly, I would not bring her back unless she could come back the way she once was. But, once again, "In the Sweet By and By."

The weather is finally beginning to feel like the fall and I am so happy. Basically I am a cool weather person, not necessarily cold, but nippy cool. I love the way the coolness will tingle you face when you walk out in it. It is so rejuvenating. I can get so silly during this time of the year. Heck, my manager at the gift shop told me Friday I was silly all the time. Oh well, I have fun.

My never seen friend, Karen over at Karen's Korner is having a give away. She will be drawing for it at midnight tonight. The picture of the unfinished basket looked too good and I just believe I could really appreciate everything in it. I love surprises.

Our shop is beginning to look like a Christmas shop. Melissa and I spent all last week putting up stuff and pulling out our Christmas stock. We have ten skinny trees that we decorate with ornaments in a particular theme. One is animals, one in Alabama/Auburn, another is for young kids and I don't know what else we will have for this week. One of our tables has some really pretty pieces of dishes that are too cute. Of course, there are our Christmas aprons. You all did know I have a fetish for aprons, didn't you? If Melissa thinks I have been silly before now, she ain't seen nothing yet!! I promise,Trina, someday I plan to try and grow up but not anytime soon.

Our annual conference for hospital volunteers was in Mobile this year and we stayed at the Renaissance Plaza and it was wonderful. We did not have to leave the hotel until we left if we didn't want to. Pat, my cohort in crime, and I did go out walking one afternoon and really enjoyed looking at some of the older things around that part of the city. Our state project for the association is Alzheimer's Disease. We had a wonderful speaker on the subject and I intend to learn as much as I can about it. Our hospital has a support group that meets once a month or once a week, can't remember which. It designed specifically for the caregivers who the speaker said is the most affected from this terrible disease. I can well see how that may be from what Trina says.

I promise to be a more dedicated blogger and not wait for a month or more between posts. I mean well and you would not believe how many blogs i write in my head as I wait for sleep to overtake me at night. Some of those actually sound quite good. Too bad I can't remember them once I waken the next day.

Until next time, always remember to spread a little sunshine wherever you go.

just some rambling thoughts

2010-10-09T10:04:00.002-05:00

The weather is really pleasing me lately. Only complaint is that it warms up in the afternoon. It will be really nice when it stays in the low 70s and high 60s all day and with a breeze and sun shining. I guess God doesn't have to have me to do His weather planning, but maybe just a little hint won't hurt.

Joe and I are leaving shortly to go to Cullman. Today is the last day of their annual October Fest, the only one world-wide that does not serve beer. They seem to have great crowds and lots of stuff going on anyway. We will end up the afternoon by going to Rumor's Deli for a German style meal. Having never been to Germany, I have no idea if it is authentic or not, but Joe, having been to Germany, says it is close.

Well, this is probably the world's shortest blog post, but Joe is ready to leave and I don't want him to change his mind. The weather is good, I've got my walking shoes on and nothing is hindering us. Will give you a report later among some other thoughts.

Life is good, God is good. Thank Him for the first.

Karen's questions

2010-09-18T13:00:00.002-05:00

1. What is your favorite season and why?2. Do you have a Bucket List and what is one thing you have on it?3. Do you go to Starbucks(or another coffee chain) and what is your favorite drink there?4. What book are you currently reading(or just finished)?5. Do you take pictures? What kind of camera do you have and share a current picture with us!6. What is your favorite genre of music and favorite group, band, individual from that genre.7. Where was your most favorite vacation and what made it your favorite?8. What is your favorite thing to cook/prepare and share the recipe

Hey Karen. Thanks for the chance to share with you. After the answers you may think i am a hum-drum person, but here goes.

1. Favorite season has to be the fall/autumn because of all the seasons this is the one that shows the wonder and awesomeness of my God. I know there is not a paint mixer anywhere that could match what He puts out there.
2. I do not have a Bucket List. Just haven't taken the time to make one.
3. Don't go to Starbucks much since we do not have one close by, but i do frequent our coffee shop, Lobby Lattes, at the hospital. My favorite varies.
4.It is a book by terri Blackstock, "Last Light" (I think.) Anyway, it is a mystery set in Birmingham.
5. I do take pictures but not a lot. My camera is a Kodak digital and I would love to share some of them if I knew how.
6. My favorite genre of music is country/gospel. Right now I am listening to a lot of the Gaither CD's. I am going to the concert in B'ham in December so I am practicing so I can be in fine voice that night.
7. Gosh, all of the vacations Joe and I took were favorites, but I guess the most favorite was when he surprised me by taking me to Buffalo NY where my dad was from. We even searched until we found my grandparents old home. Was I ever disillusioned when I saw it. It looked like the house, but not like it did when I was 11-12 years old.
8. I have cooked so little lately I just don't know. Let me see. I guess it would be the old stand by chicken casserole and I think everybody has that recipe. I have learned a little trick from one of my friends. Use both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups and add sliced water chestnuts. Also, put a layer of the Ritz crackers on the bottom of the pan. Yummo!!

Thanks again, Karen.

What a beautiful day!!

2010-09-06T14:50:00.002-05:00

That is my feelings about today. This is supposedly the official end of summer. The temp isn't quite cool enough yet, but it is getting there. Now when the leaves start doing their grand show, this girl will be one happy person. I have ALWAYS loved the fall. I used to say it was because my birthday is in the fall, but no, it is just my kind of weather. It gets cool and the air has a certain feel about it. It feels so good to go out and you get this little tingle on your face and the air smells so clean kind of like I remember when we took one of our trips out to Utah, Idaho and that area. When you took a deep breath all you could smell was clean air.

I attended a Beth Moore class a few weeks back. Missed the last one because of my new found career, but I have continued to do the book study here at home. One day, my study was from Psalm 130. Let me tell you I feel in love with that particular Psalm, particularly verse 7. And from reading that verse, my love for God went up about umpteen million billion points. In my paraphrase it says, " God's love in everlasting and his redemption is full." That tells me that He loves me longer than forever and that He forgives ALL my sins (of course, I have to ask His forgiveness), not just some of them, but ALL OF THEM. I know that God's favorite thing for us to do is to love others as much as He has loved us. But that verse just about knocked my socks off. Don't ask me why that verse at that exact time. I don't know. I think it is what I like to call a "God thing." I have been having a lot of those lately and it just makes me feel so wonderful. I know my Redeemer lives.

God's beauty and goodness is another reason I love the fall. No one can duplicate the colors He paints on the trees. They are so vibrant and so pure and so, so, so . . . I can't even come up with the words to describe them.

I guess football has gotten here in full force. Alabama won, the other school won, Jacksonville State really pulled a biggie and little old Oakman High won. Guess that about covers my knowledge of football.

Life in the gift shop is going great. I have an idea working in my head for the baby section. It needs a make-over and I hope Melissa will let me do what I have in mind. Some of the baby items are so cute that I keep trying to find expectant friends and family to buy for. I know I have Jimmy Dan and Gina and Libby and Jay. Some of the things are in the keeping category rather than clothes. Seems like they always get more clothes than baby can wear.

Our collegiate things are coming in and Melissa and I began setting up each school's displays. Wish we had room to do local high school displays, but we are not big enough to afford to stock items to cover all 7-8 schools in the county. Maybe we can think of something. We keep things for people to buy for patients, but people don't realize that hospital gift shops carry things for other people as well. Next time you need a gift try your local hospital gift shop. You might be in for a surprise.

Time to get back upstairs and get our meal (late lunch/early supper) ready. Got most of it put together already, but still got the potato salad to make.

Have a good week and enjoy God's upcoming display.

Never say Never

2010-08-23T22:04:00.002-05:00

I believe it was Sir Winston Churchill that once said, " Never, never, never, never say never." I fully understand what that means now. Back in June 2000 when I retired from my job at the elementary school I said I would "never" go back to work, at least not in a paid position. Well, guess who has had to eat her words? Yep, yours truly. It was just too good to pass up and the way it happened was just like it was meant to be. As you know I have been volunteering in the hospital gift shop for a little over three years and just love it. The part-time night clerk decided to quit and this was made known to me quite by accident and it just hit me that I might be interested. I talked to the manager and she explained how to apply online. I did and I am now the night clerk and I still love it. I only work four nights a week and three hours a night. It is not hard work, I get to meet a lot of people and sometimes I get to just listen to people as they want to talk. So far I don't think Joe minds. He doesn't act upset and even acts like he might like the idea. The pay isn't that great, but I didn't go into it to get rich, not monetarily anyway. So just remember to Never say Never.

Things in the Staggs' household have not been all fun and games lately. You know that Eddy has a chemical addiction, even though I really believe he has got that under control. But he will be released from Tuscaloosa County jail tomorrow after serving a 30 day sentence from two years ago. He could have avoided it by simply going down there and taking a certificate showing where he had completed the program at a state run rehab. He chose to not do and leave it in the hands of his attorney, who of course did not do as he said he would. Another lesson learned: never pay an attorney his full fee up front. They can tell you anything, but since they already have their money, don't count on them keeping their word. Bottom line is that it was ultimately Eddy's responsibility to take care of it and he didn't. Time to grow up, Boy.

Sunday our congregation is celebrating our 20th anniversary. It is hard to believe that it has already been that long. I was not there for the first six months, but am so glad that I am there now. It has been a wonderful time for me especially in my spiritual growth. I have developed some of the most wonderful friendships and love all the projects that I am involved in. It is such a good feeling to be able to do for people that are less fortunate than we.

I am going to try to do better about posting, but I think I said that the last time, too. I have good intentions but we all know which road is paved with good intentions. It really is a long time past my bed time and tomorrow is a long day. Ladies' class is in the morning and then work at 4:00. Joe has to see his cardiologist in Birmingham for his check-up tomorrow so I don't have to make lunch for him.

Until the next post, stay cool and enjoy life.

Aging - It's only a process of living.

2010-06-03T09:27:00.002-05:00

Aging is somethng most people do not like to talk about, but face it folks, we all face each and every day. As a matter of fact, immediately after letting out that first scream we begin that process and it continues until we draw last breath. That probably sounds very morbid or something like that, but as I approach my 68th year, those things jump out at me more often.

I do not fear death. The thing about death is that it frees someone from all of life's troubles, pains, sorrows and whatever else may burden them and allows them access to a new life that is eternal. These are based on the condition that your are a saved sinner. Non-Christians don't have that to look forward to.

Death is a breaking of life long relationships and that is the sad part. Those left behind find a deep void that cannot be filled. Usually the grief is from a deep longing for the person that has gone and missing all the time you had together. And another thing, with death most unhappy memories no longer exists. You only remember those happy times and that helps to soothe the hurt. And time does ease the hurt; it doesn't eliminate it.

How did I get on this tangent? I was going to do aging. Oh well, I guess the two are very closely related.

I can remember when I was young and there were four generations living in one house. The house started out many, many years ago as a two room log house. By the time I was born, it had become a much larger house. My great-grandmother, my grandparents, my parents and I (along with my three siblings) lived in this one house. I can remember when we first got electricity and the house never had indoor plumbing. Somewhere along the way after we had moved to our own house, my grandparents did manage to get water into the house. But you know those years - we moved out when I was nine - were the happiest I can remember. I know times were hard and things were not always easy, but in my mind I cannot see any of that. We had plenty to eat thanks to the gardens and chickens and pigs. We had a place to live, not a palace but a mansion of love. We had clothes even though most of them were either hand me downs or home made by grandmother. We had plenty of room to play whatever games our imagination could find. Ever built your very own playhouse from pine straw? You ain't lived if you haven't. No, I did not slip grammatically. Some things are just better said like that. And the Sunday afternoons when Granddaddy would take us on a hike up the "mountains" behind the house. We would get to the top and he would begin to point so and so's house and mr. somebody's fields. It was awesome how smart he was. .

When I started school, the second time, we had to walk about half a mile to the highway to catch the bus. Didn't matter if it was hot, cold, raining or the dogs were following. It was down the road we went. I said the second time, because, Mother had enrolled me the year before in the little one-room school house, but I had to be taken out because that was the year the age requirements said you had to be six on or before October 1. That didn't happen to me until November. That was OK since the school was right next to my other great-grandparents house and we visited there a lot and I was allowed to visit the school. Those were golden days.

But as time went on and as I begin to "age" things began to not be as such. This thing called unhappiness began to creep into my life and I did not like it. I did find out as I continued to age that that was just part of life and I did survive. May have not liked it, but survive I did.

And even as I grew into adulthood and eventulally married and began a family, things were not always joy and fun. I can hear my Mother talking about how it seemed that after her children grew up and went out on their own, she was kind of forgotten. I guess it is called making your own nest. I tried to make it a part of my life to include her in as much as I could. If there was a band competition, she was always happy to go. She and I had a ritual for a long time. I would get up on Saturday and get Joe off to work. Then I would get ready, pick Momma up and away we woulod go. First stop was Hardee's for breakfast, slow and no hurrying. Then we would just ramble for quite a while, usually at Wal-Mart and then do some grocering shopping. I would drop her off at her house and come on home. Those were happy times, times that I miss.

Aging goes on until we can't go anymore. Then our bodies will revert back to from whence it came. Sometimes I think how wonderful that will be, but then I think of the things I would miss. Fortunately, I won't know I am missing them.

I will be back on this subject later. I am glad I have gotten back on my blogging. Lazy I was for a while.

MEMORIAL DAY 2010

2010-05-31T13:35:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying your holiday, but PLEASE remember WHY we have this holiday. It cost some people a lot, like their lives. They may have survived whichever war/conflict they may have been involved with physically, but do you ever stop to think about those that have and are still having problems dealing with the things they endured? Our idea of today is a cook out, time at the beach/lake, visiting with family and friends. This is all good, but somewhere we need to stop and think just how we got to do all these nice things.

I guess I am on a real giant size soap box lately, but all these political ads have just about got the best of me. Tomorrow is election and I will be so glad when it is over. This is just the primary and if a run off is necessary it will be starting over on Wednesday. What floors me is that today, there are say two/three candidates running for the same office on the same ticket. They are blasting each other for all they are worth - name calling, mud slinging, you name it. Then come Wednesday and time to begin campaigning for the run off. Those same people that could not endure each other today are all buddy buddy on Wednesday. How do you account for that?

And another thing. Why do people long at you like you have four heads if you happen to not agree with their political agenda? Those people that I spoke of earlier gave me the privilege to vote and to vote for whomever I please without fear of reprisal. And I love my friends that are not of the same persuasion as I, but I don't ever recall forwarding them an email that is knocking the people/party I happen to be supporting at this time. I say at this time, because I do not vote party, I vote person. I know of no president, governor, senator, representative or any other elected official that is perfect or above reproach. We all have/will sin and fall short of the glory of God.

I received an email today that was blasting President Obama really bad. My Daddy, a veteran, said that even if you did not vote for the sitting president, he still deserved your respect by the very nature of the office he held. President Obama has been in office less than two years. Now tell me this. How did he create a trillion dollar plus deficit in that length of time? And the health care reform stuff has been floating around for years as in more than two. And I received an announcement from Medicare last week that said this new act would be a savings for people and the government. Oh, I forgot, the person that sent it is a Republican. I still love her and think she is a wonderful Christian lady. And that is another point. Since when do I have to be a Republican in order to be a Christian? I am first a Christian, then an American. My salvation was bought with the blood of Jesus and my freedom was bought with the blood of a soldier. I don't think that anyone has the right to try to impose on me their political views. I feel like I am a fairly intelligent person and perfectly capable of making my own decisions. They may not always be right, but they were nonetheless, MY decision.

I have also been told numerous times that when President Bush was the sitting president that he was there with God's blessings because God set in place those that should govern us. Does Presjdent Obama not have those same blessings? Evidently from the way some people talk, not so.

I will probably anger some people and they may think me a lunatic, but so be it. I have sat around for eight+ years and had things stuffed down my throat and rather than cause a conflict, I have just let it pass, but the email this morning just put a big crack in the straw on the camel's back. Glad it didn't break!!

My sisters that I meet with each week are so dear to me and I would not hurt any of them for anything, but I guess I am just full up today.

This is not going to be a happy face week. Nothing to say on it just yet, later though.

I definitely need a good attitude adjustment and don't know where the adjuster is right now. I guess the blog will have to do. However, I don't think anyone ever reads my posts, but so what? I have got a lot off my mind and I do feel a little better right now.

I am going upstairs, take a shower, get dressed with a minimum of make-up and go for a manicure. My hands are hurting so badly and a couple of my fingers feel like a tooth ache. The manicurist I use is great and I do hope they are open today. If not, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow will be another day.

Remember our veterans past and present. I am honored to have had a dad, uncle, brother, husband and numerous friends to serve. And as always may God bless the United States of America.

Hola! Mi Amigos

2009-06-30T20:47:00.002-05:00

Well, I have returned from Mexico. Actually we got back on June 20th. Our trip began on Saturday, June 13th when we left our church building at 4:00 AM (ugh) and headed for Birmingham International. There were only eleven of us that flew out of B'ham; the other seven flew out of H'ville. Yeah, there were only 18 of us this year, but guess what. We made it fine and I think a small group does better since everybody has to pull their weight. And our bunch did just that.

The weather, as usual, was absolutely wonderful. No humidity, temps in the 70's during the day, maybe low 80's and then when the sun went down, it was time to get the light weight jackets on.

Anyone that has ever listened to me after one of these trips knows just how much I love the people of the Baja. They are really a people that appreciate all they have, which is not much not by our standards. But they are the happiest people you will ever see. They don't have so therefore, they don't miss it. True, there are those who will do without the neccessities just to have a cell phone or something like that. That is a trait tha exists everywhere. And those are mostly the younger ones. The older people just do the best they can.

We were able to do a little home visiting this time and that was so great. The two houses our group went to was of two of the ladies from our congregation. The last one was so special and such a lovely lady. I have pictures of her that I will try to post a little later. Her name was Janet and she is a widow. Her 61 year old son will come to visit some. She has a stiff leg and must use a walker, but her house was clean as a pin and so neat. No only that, when we got there she was working in her garden, which a lot of our farmers would have stood and drooled over. She had lemon, lime, orange and I think, apricot trees, flowers, and vegetables. And she does this while on a walker!! Can you see anyone here doing that? No, they would probably be filling out disability forms.

I coould go on forever, but it is getting late, for me anyway, and I have to be at the hospital for a volunteer meeting at 9:00 in the morning.

After nine years, I am tackling the #1 item on my to-do-list when I retired. I am cleaning out my basement. Now, I didn't say I was finished or even close to finishing, but at least I have started. Hey, give a girl credit for that.

Where Did April Go??

2009-05-04T20:09:00.002-05:00

As far as that goes, where does all my time go? I know I must be accomplishing something since the house has not yet been condemned by the health department and no one has reported me to the ASPCA for not taking care of Mule and Dingo and Joe has not suggested that I start reading my cookbooks (of which I have MANY).

Today was no different from most Mondays. I was up at 5:30 to get ready and be at the hosptal by 7:00 for the book sale. I left there at 10:00 and went by the bank and then went downtown to the First United Methodist Church for their Tasting and Fashion Show. My "partner in crime" at the hospital gift shop is a member of the UMW group and she invited me as her guest. Each lady in the group made recipes from their latest cookbook and we were privileged to sample them. As Rachel Ray says, "YUM-O." Then the fashion show began - it was a blast. The lady that modeled her Easter dress had plastic Easter eggs in her bonnet; the lady that modeled her pill box hat had a "hat" that was loaded with pill bottles, needles, etc and her "handbag" was a first aid kit and she was dressed in white scrubs. There were about fifteen more ladies with their fashions. Let your imagination run with these: a sun dress, a Christmas dress (would you believe a Christmas tree dress and gift box shoes?), bell bottoms, sack dress, etc. It was real cute. Then it was on the the clinic for my monthly CBC. Then I just fooled around a while and came home around 5:00.

We received some bad news over the week end. Joe's uncle married a lady from our church and before they moved to Monroe County, the four of us would go out to eat a lot. And we have been down to visit them several times. Anyway, several years ago, Betty adopted two of her grandchildren and raised them up as her children. Sammie, the boy, moved down to Monroe Country about six years ago, married a young lady and had a little girl. He was working and doing OK. Saturday, he suddenly died from a massive heart attack and he was only 31. Joe and I are going down in the morning for the services. Betty and Louis are not dealing well with it. Don't guess anybody would.

There just isn't anything real exciting happening around here. It was stormy most all week-end, but fortunately, no damage was done that I know of.

One of my blogger friends, Karen, posted here 200th blog today and is having a give away to celebrate. Drop over to her site and enter. Karen's terrific giveaway will take you to her blog, so jump over and enter. However, I fully intend to win simply because I NEED SOME PAMPERING.

Until I have time to sit down and write more, I am calling it a day.

Guess Who!!

2009-04-09T08:43:00.002-05:00

It has been another busy week up on Mockingbird Hill. Make that two weeks. Between doctor appointments and other things we just about meet ourselves coming and going out the door. Oh well at least life is not boring around here. Oh, for boring!!

Our Faith in Action campaign on Sunday was wonderful. We started out with breakfast in the fellowship hall, prepared and served by th Boy Scout/Cub Scout Troops we sponsor. Then we went to worship service, which is the highlight of my week. After worship, each team met at the work sites. Our site was the elementary school where I attended, my kids attended and I spent 22 years as secretary/bookkeepper, etc. So it was a labor of love for me. I was a sight - work gloves, bright purple T-shirt (our signature FIA shirts) and a pollen mask. We made three flower beds, sans flowers due to the impending freeze, painted the poles along the side walk and cleaned around the side walk. All went well and very little rain. The agribusiness class put the plants out for us yesterday. After work, everyone went home, cleaned up (well, everyone was SUPPOSED to go home and clean up) and went back to the building where the Scouts had grilled burgers and dogs for supper. Everyone then gave reports of their day of work. It was a fast and tiring day, but one that had God written all over it. I only hope the communities that had work done in them saw Him.

Even with the "sneeze mask" I managed to have a sneeze fit Sunday night. So for the remainder of this week, I have been in a fog of sorts. At least the sneezes have been kept at bay, somewhat.

The dogwoods have really been putting on a show around here. The woods are simply beautiful. Everywhere you look there are little white patches peeking from the still barren trees. And the red buds have been strutting their stuff as well. Just another of God's wonders. How do people look at the beauty of nature and not believe? Beats me.

Got to run. Washer has turned off, pups are waiting for reading time and I have got to at least vacuum the floors. Will mop if I feel the need. And of course, the sewing room is crying for some attention. Oh, me can somebody please give me a week's worth of maid service. Oh no!!! That would mean I would have to clean the house before I would dare let them in.

I can see clearly now

2009-03-28T14:46:00.002-05:00

Well, at least I can see clearly in my right eye. My cataract "surgery" went just great. It took longer to get prepped than the actual procedure took. I prefer to call it a procedure since it was only 5-7 minutes in length. People seemed amazed that I was at church Wednesday night. My six month dental check up took longer than this and I would much rather have this done than to have a filling put in my tooth. I really don't know what all the fuss was about. But I can hardly wait for the next eye to be done. I am in hopes that I can either put my glasses away totally or else just wear readers. And have you priced readers? El Cheapo. I may even have a different pair for each day of the week. Pink one day, yellow, blue, green and how about some rhinestones?

Got to run. Joe and I are going to ride down to Tuscaloose and goof off for a while. Will probably go by Sam's. That is always fun because I can always find something I just have to have.

It has been a good week

2009-03-21T09:03:00.003-05:00

Good morning. I hope all of you have had a good week. The weather has been so nice. It is like the weeks we had when I was still working and the kids and I were both out at the same time. I would put them in the yard to play and I took one room a day and totally tore it down and cleaned it, top to bottom and side to side. Boy, that was a big job and one I have not tackled in a long time.

Joe's biopsy went well on Tuesday. A friend of ours from church rode over with us, even though it wasn't necessary. She thinks Joe and I are her "other parents." Her parents also live around here, but have only been back a couple of years so she let us fill in until they moved here from Montgomery. Trina also came up.. He heard from the doctor yesterday and everything is OK. I sure am glad to hear that and I only hope that Joe is telliing me right.

I have my cataract surgery on Tuesday. They will do the right eye then and about four weeks later will do the left. I started the drop routine this morning. I hope this will eliminate glasses all the time, maybe altogether. There is a new implant that can do that, but since I have worn glasses for so long, I will probably still reach for them every morning. Oh well, at least my vision will improve.

Got to run. Do I ever get through going to pick things up. I think I have it all done, and wham-m0 something pops up.

Nine years ago this week (spring break week) I made the decision to retire and it is a decision I have never looked back on. I love not having to stick to a schedule as far as being on the job at such and such time and staying somedays until who knows when. Take my advice. When it is time to retire, do it. Do not wait a few more years to up your monthly check. Time is far more important. I actually stay busier now than I did when I worked, but it is a different kind of busy. A freedom busy. Of course, I do not get a lot of things done that I should, but my projects aren't going anywhere and if I don't ever get them done, the kids can have fun wondering what I was saving all this junk for and then they can toss it or whatever. No, I seriously intend to get them all finished. Now if the stores would just quit selling fabric, crochet thread, notions and I would not subscribe to sewing magazines, etc. What's the fun of life if you can't enjoy it.

Have a good week, friends/

Happy Birthday, Momma

2009-03-14T13:46:00.002-05:00

I wonder what we would have done today for your birthday. You always said it was just another day, but I know that you loved the gifts and attention. And most of the time it was a chance for you to have all the kids around you. Oh, how you delighted in the grandchildren and when the great-grands started coming along, you really loved it.

I miss you, Momma, more than anything in this world and there are times that I just want to tell you something and then I realize I can't pick up the phone and call and say, "Guess what." or "How do you do this?" or a hundred other things.

Today has been rougher than most for some reason. I guess the gloomy weather may have something to do with it. You would be "biting at the bits" ready to get out in the garden or whatever.

Each year when your roses bloom I think of you. We have tried to keep them pretty, but I just don't have the same ability you did.

Momma, I love you and miss you. Wish you could be here, but I honestly, would not want you back with all the pain and suffering you were facing. I will see you someday, so until then, I love you.

Another Awesome Retreat

2009-03-07T16:05:00.002-06:00

This was my home congregation's ladies retreat and as is always the case it was wonderful. Our speaker, the first one anyway, is the mother-in-law of one of our elders. She is an amazing lady. She is so filled with the love of the Lord, and her family, that it just pours from her. She did her lesson on the book of Esther and it was so good. She showed how even though the name of God is never mentioned in the book, He is working throughout. His providence was there in every aspect of the events. Then this morning in our devo before leaving, she told her story about how the providence of God had worked in life and eventually led her to her Christian life. I wish everyone could have heard her,.

As I mentioned above, we also had another speaker. She is a young mother of three and also a music teacher in the Jasper City System. Our minister's wife also teaches with her and knew her story. It seems she gave birth to baby Jake in December. She had had a normal pregnancy and normal delivery. That was for about 15 minutes or so. She took a bad turn and began to bleed uncontrollably as she said, "from every part of body that blood could come from, except my eyes." The whole story came down to the fact that she "died" and she said she saw herself walking beside Jesus. She said she didn't really want to leave her family, but if it was His will so be it. She said she saw other people, but not their faces and that she felt the most wonderful peace she could ever imagine. Anyway, after many days of just hanging on, she came back around and is now back to teaching and doing great. She gave the name of the condition she had, but I sure couldn't begin to tell you what it was. Anyway, only a very small number of women survive even the first hour after it hits. Now this is not some kind of far out freak type person. She is just an ordinary lady that loves her family, her job, and God and totally believes in Him. At one point she said her blood pressure dropped to 40 and that is just barely alive. She had her two sisters and her Mom with her last night and of course, Baby Jake and he was just gorgeous. Slept pretty much through the whole program, even the skit.

The weather was perfect, the food wonderful, the fellowship too good and the angels in heaven could not compete with our singing. I am not saying it was that good, it was so from the heart. And isn't that what it is all about - praising our Father for all the wonderful things He has done in our lives. Not all of them are pleasant, but they are all for our "refining." I think it is all in how a person deals with the "fires" of their lives that determines the outcome. Maybe I'm wrong, but we all have a free will to choose our actions. Some just choose the wrong way.

I am tired. Just can't take these 1-2 AM bedtimes much. Joe and I are getting ready to go eat Chinese and then I am setting all the clocks ahead an hour and probably crash as soon as I take a nice HOT shower and get in my jammies.

I hope all have a wonderful day tomorrow. We will go to worship and bask in the glory of Christ. Until next time, God bless.

What a beautiful day

2009-03-01T15:34:00.002-06:00

It was indeed a beautiful sight this morning to watch the snow falling. We had very little accumulation, but just the sight of falling snow has always been something that is just too beautiful to put into words. Another one of God's awesome creations. By the time we were out of church, the sun was out and all snow was gone, but the air was COLD, especially when a gust of wind whipped around you.

One of the blogs that I so enjoy reading is Karen's Corner and in the wee hours of this morning she posted six things that made her smile. I thought I would give that a shot. Here goes.

1. The first thing is definitely a newborn baby. For that moment in time I am able to look into the face of God or the nearest thing on earth to His face. And for those precious moments (plus a few short years) I can also look into the face of a perfect person. I mean perfect in no bad thoughts or behavior. I also realize there are times when a baby is not always perfect physically.

2. A falling snow makes me smile. See above statement.

3. Greeting my "sisters" at church or wherever I happen to meet them.

4. Being with my own children, which has become few and far between times.

5. My pups. Those two are always doing something to put a smile on your face. Their funniest thing is when Dingo decides that Mule is a cushion and sits on him.

6. Any show of patriotism makes me smile and oft times I also have tears in my eyes.

Smiles just don't happen as much as they should. Nor do good old "belly" laughs. I love to laugh so hard that tears form and your side starts to hurt. Nothing will boost my spirits much quicker.

Got some other stuff to do so until the next time, have a good day and God bless.

I'm Back

2009-02-28T18:45:00.002-06:00

Well, back safe and sound at home. The retreat was great as are all Christian retreats. We left Jasper around 10:00 A.M. after waiting for a down pour to pass over. We got to Cullman and HAD to stop at the All Steak for lunch. If you have never been to All Steak, you should really make the effort to go. The food is absolutely wonderful and the visit is topped off by a basket of orange rolls that are to die for. Everyone from around these parts know about them. If you leave this restaurant hungry, it is your own fault.

After lunch we decided to stop in part of historic Cullman where there are some antique shops. However, before arriving there I spotted a fabric store. Trina knows the rest of that story without me going on. I browsed through that shop while the others were looking at the old stuff. I did find a piece of fabric that I just could not leave. I am into aprons and this piece is just too cute. It is a coffee theme. I guess I have enough stash to make at least twenty aprons. I have even toyed with the idea of making them to sell. After seeing the prices on some in Guntersville, I think I should consider it. I even have a name for them : Lillie Belle's Aprons. Lillian was my Mother's name and Belle was my Grandmother's middle name. I am thinking real hard.

When we arrived in Guntersville, we stopped off at a shop that has been there forever. Its name has changed, but other than that it is as always. There have a ground level floor that is packed with all kinds of things from fabric (didn't find anything this time) to novelty gifts, clothing for all ages and sizes, luggage, candies, cookies, you name it. But in the basement there is a lot of things, but they may be irregulars or close outs or out of season items. But the prices are super. I got Eddy a pair of Carhartt carpenter jeans for $17 which ain't bad!!
After I went back upstairs I happen to find Joe a pair of Haggar slacks that have the hidden stretch waistband and they were only $15.

We stopped off at McDonald's to get a small snack and something to drink before we went on to the state park. Dinner wasn't going to be until around 7:00. We got checked in and kind of just rested for a while. \\

When we got to the area where the meal and sessions were held, it looked like a big girls pajama party. You would not believe some of the things these ladies had on. It was hilarious. And the meal was so good. And the carrot cake for dessert was soooo good.

The theme of the retreat was: Designing Women, God's Way. Of course, you can guess that the TV show played a large part in it, with scenes complete with Julia, Suzanne, Charlene, the whole gang present.

The scripture verse was Psalm 139:14 - I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Just thing about that. We are made each made by God in His image and He had this all planned even before my body was formed in my mother's womb. How thrilling is that thought? God had my life planned before I was even born. I love Jeremiah 29:11 where God tells us that He knows the plans he has for us. That is such a comfort.

When the session was over we all went to our rooms. My roomie, Edna, and I crashed and almost did not get up in time for this morning sessions. For some reason, we failed to order a wake up call and had one of the other "girls" not knocked on our door, we might have still been asleep, but we put ourselves in to gear and made it with time to spare. Our breakfast buffet was a good old country breakfast and was so good. The speaker this morning told us about some of the things that might not have been part of our design plan like sickness, death or terrible accidents. She related a story about a friend of hers that never married until she was 42 and was hurt in an accident that left her paralized from the waist down. The young lady did not let it tear her down, but became stronger for it. She and Joni Tada Erickson have become friends and one of Joni's books, "Hope. . . the Best of Things" is dedicated to her. You see even though God has designed us, there is not promise that things will not come into our lives that will give us grief, pain and suffering, but He also designed us with the ability to overcome these obstacles, if we so choose to do so. This is a reminder to me that Satan is prowling around just waiting for us to use a mishap to blame God and then he will step in and take over. Our lives and hope for eternity can quickly become ruined.

We had some beautiful singing and prayers. Imagine what a chorus of God's loveliest creatures all lifting their voices in praise to him. It was incredible. As always I came home refreshed and ready to start serving Him for another week.

WOW. Snow possible tonight. Is there anything more scrambled up than Alabama weather? But ain't it wonderful.

Think I will go take a nice hot shower and put my pj's on. I have got to give my little four footed boys some lap time. And to say I am just the least bit tired would definitely be an understatement.

Everyone have a blessed Sunday and God bless.

Past my bedtime

2009-02-26T22:22:00.002-06:00

Just a quick note before turning for the night. I will be gone until Saturday. A group of 7 other ladies and I are going to Guntersville State Park for a retreat. We will be leaving at 9:30 in the morning. I am really looking forward to it. I NEED SOME DOWN TIME.

This week has been a killer. We met on Tuesday for our ladies' class, but instead of a Bible study we cooked for hospice. We put up 100 plates plus we also ate lunch. We had dried butter beans with ham pieces cooked in them, cornbread, freezer slaw, sweet potato patties with butter and brown sugar, home made mac and cheese and dessert. We were dog tired when we finished. Then we had to come back about 2:00 Wednesday afternoon to prepare our final fellowship meal which was sphaghetti, salad, garlic toast, dessert and drinks. Then today was six month dental check. Then I had to embroider a blanket for my brother to take to his grandaughter's first birthday on Sunday. So it is now 10:30 and I am going to bed.

Will post next week and let you know how the retreat turned out.

Have a blessed week end and God bless.

An Honest Scrap Award? Who me?

2009-02-16T20:07:00.002-06:00

Well here goes. Don't know how far back I will have to go, but I will give it the old college try.

1. When I was very young, my "thing" - security blanket type thing- was to suck my bottom lip and at the same time rub on my navel. Does that sound weird? It sure must have looked weird.
2. Also, when I was young, but a bit older than in #1 above, I kind of lived a fantasy life. I would build playhouses out of pine straw. If you have ever lived in the country and I mean COUNTRY, you probably know what I am talking about. The pine straw was used to make "walls" between little pine saplings and then you set up housekeeping. It helped if you had someone else playing with you.
3. When I was in a bit older and would be helping Mamma with the dishes at night, rather than talk to each other, I would always sing. This was my way of entertaining her, I guess. Most of the songs were hymns from church or maybe whatever was the latest hit on the radio.
4. Would you believe eleven years old and finding out that Santa wasn't real? I was heart broken. Christmas never had that same magic about it after that. Did I mention that we lived in a very rural area and did not have TV until I was in 6th or 7th grade.
5. I never had a date in high school that the guy asked me. The only dates I had were for the proms and of course, if you were not asked by someone else, you could invite someone yourself. I did and they were one date dates. Popular I was not.
6. I feel in love with Joe three times. Once in fifth grade and he was in 10th grade and would save me a seat on the bus. Then in the spring of 1961 when he was home on leave from the Army before he went to Greenland. He was the ONLY guy that I would have given up the thought of going to college and marrying on the spot. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Then in 1967 when he was home of leave again, we met up and dated while he was here. Before he left for Vietnam, we were engaged and exactly 53 weeks later we were married. Guess the third time is the charm.
7. The night before my Dad died, we had a big argument and I never told him I was sorry. That tormented me so badly that I went from a size 16 on the day of his funeral on August 15, 1963 to a size 10 in November. I was existing on about 2-3 hours of sleep a night, because when I went to sleep I was having terrible dreams about him and things that had actually happened years before. That was the first time in my life that I had ever had to take anything for nerves.
8. My Dad was an alcoholic and had I stayed in Huntsville much longer I probably would have fallen in his tracks. Don't get me wrong, I loved my Dad very much and I have since learned that alcoholism in a disease and that the tendency is there if you are a child of one. Thank God, I came home and have stayed away from it for the most part since then.
9. Becky, my most favorite and bestest friend in high school, did the old Indian trick of becoming blood sisters. We actually pricked our fingers and then pressed them together, blending our blood. I don't see or hear from her much anymore, but if we were together for a few minutes, we would be right back in high school.
10. I once was a real cry baby. Really, I would cry when our football team lost the game or I would cry when they won the game. I would cry when one of my siblings would get a spanking. I would cry when one of the had to have a shot by the doctor when he came to our house. Did you know that doctors used to actually come visit you at home? I cried when I was very happy or when I was just a little sad. I didn't need a big reason to cry. I just cried. I'm not that way now. Well, not quite that bad.

Now, you know all my little hidden secrets. Sorry my life isn't any more exciting, but as I said from the beginning, I grew up in the rural south where we were poor, but we didn't know it, because everybody else was too. We always had food on the table, a roof over our head and clothes to wear even if Grandmother had made them from feed sacks. We were happy and very contented. I would not trade it for any other way of growing up.

Thanks Karen for the award.

What a week -- and there is still some left!!

2009-02-12T08:08:00.002-06:00

Sunday was a great day (always is to me). Worship services were awesome and then lunch with some of our friends. That night there was a Valentine Banquet at the church building for all ages. The teens helped look after the younger ones while the adults had dinner. The teens ate later. The dinner was nice and the entertainment was great. Our emcee is a former radio announcer and talk show host locally who now teaches at the local community college. He is a hoot. Anyway, it was a most pleasant evening.

Then Monday, Joe and I headed to Birmingham bright and early. We did our round of thrift shops. That is so much fun. I have put together a rather nice looking outfit for less than $10.00, not including shoes. That is the one thing I don't even look at. I get several name brand items and sometimes even get new things with the hang tags still attached. Then after that we had lunch at a Cracker Barrel (Thanks Trina for the gift card.) and then it was off to the VA hospital for Joe's visit with the urologist. For the first time ever he wanted me to go back with him. I thought it rather odd that he even wanted me to go over there, but didn't think much about that. Anyway, he has a prostate biopsy scheduled for March 17 - the first available. Seems his PSA level had jumped from a 3 last year to a 7.5 this year. For some reason our primary care doc had not run a PSA or else it just showed up at his regular yearly VA check up. VA does his diabetic, vision and eye care along with a yearly check up. The young doctor (and I mean YOUNG) said it is wise to have it checked even if it turns out to be only an infection or inflammation. So that was Monday.

Tuesday was my weekly ladies' Bible class and get together with my "sisters." We are doing Wednesday night fellowship meals during February so of course we had to plan for that. Some of the others went grocery shopping after lunch. I had to get my monthly blood check for my anemia. No Procrit shot this month and have not had one since October - YEA! Finally I got home around 5:00.

Wednesday we woke to a blustery, stormy looking day, but fortunately nothing ever happened except for high winds. I had chicken to cook to take to the building for our meals. We were having chicken casserole and several of us take the chicken home to cook to save time. Then I made a batch of brownies to take for dessert. By then it was time to get ready and go see Eddy. I left there and picked up one of the girls that doesn't drive and got to the building by 2:00. We began putting the casseroles together and getting the green beans on to cook. We made eight casseroles. After we fed the church folk we packed the remainder of the food into freezer boxes that two of our hospice units get for the patients and/or caregivers. This is a ministry we have been doing since 2005 and has been a very rewarding thing. We also prepared nine meals and delivered to people that were sick at home. My life pretty much centers around my church and I wouldn't want it any other way.

It is finally Thursday and I don't know if there are enough hours today to do what NEEDS to be done. Guess I will do what I can and let the rest wait its turn. So far no one has complained, that being Joe. He has food to eat and clean clothes to wear so he doesn't worry much about the rest. Our house isn't all that bad, mostly just cluttered. But that bothers me.

I guess I had better get off here and get busy. But where do I begin? Guess it will be the buttonholes a lady asked me to make for her. And the washer just went off and I have some calls to make. One is to cancel my mission trip to Mexico that I was to leave for on March 13, but I will not go since Joe's biopsy is on the following Tuesday. I know it is a simple procedure and not much is involved as far as pre-op is concerned, but I will not go off. I know they will understand. I still hate to make the call since I had to cancel last year. Oh well, I hope I can go in June.

Have a blessed, sunny day.

It's Friday

2009-02-06T08:21:00.002-06:00

Today is my play day at the hospital. At least that is what I call it. Actually it is my volunteer day at the gift shop, but I LOVE it so much that I consider it play. I still feel my Mom near me when I walk those halls that she once walked.

And getting to go to the nursery is an added bonus. Those little precious ones are so cute and so perfect. I love George Strait's new song,"Today I Saw God." What else can you see when you see that newborn. It is perfect, knows no wrong, and sees only good. How I wish some of the parents would see it the same way. I try to tell each of them that and since Walker Baptist is a faith-based hospital I can talk about God without fear of getting whacked with a law suit.

Today is a beautiful day, still cold, but due to warm up. The sun is out in all its glory and I can take cold when it is like that.

Guess I had better get my tail up and get ready. My shift awaits. Until the next chapter in my most exciting (???) life, Adios, me amigas.

2008 - What a year

2009-02-04T20:56:00.002-06:00

I know we should not be glad a part of our life is over, but 2008 was not exactly what I would call a banner year. I think we were under Murphy's law most of it. You know, if it can go wrong, it will. It all started in February when Joe was admitted to the hospital with what turned out to be a diseased gall bladder, no stones, just a bad organ. What would normally take only a couple of days in the hospital turned into eight. Before the blame gall bladder could be removed (laproscoptically) they had to pump him full of antibiotics to get some of the infection down. Finally, we got home and two weeks later he had to go in for a post-op visit with his regular doc. While there Joe asked him to check a spot on his leg. Guess what!! Back to the hospital and emergency surgery on Saturday morning for a staph infection. Then if that wasn't enough he came home with 7 day a week home health care. That went on for the first week. Then his nurse had the doctor order a wound vac thingy and she only had to come 3 times a week, but that went on for six weeks. Finally, we were over all the diseases and infections.

Then summer began and things were not much better. As anyone who knows us probably know that we have a son that is bipolar and as are about 75% of all bipolar people, he is also an addict. And if you have never had or have never known of anyone that has this terrible disease, you have no idea what a life it can produce and believe me it is not good. Anyway, he totally lost it this year and around the latter part of July, for reasons too long to go into, he was incarcerated in Tuscaloosa for 50 days and then went to Montgomery for some treatments. All was going well there until a misunderstanding resulted in him and four other men being discharged early. He was back here for two days and has since been in Walker County jail. There again that is much too long to go into the details. And believe me when I tell you that Walker County jail has to be the most terrible place in all 67 counties. But I will not go into that either. A jail of this sort is definitely not where a person with bipolar (or anything else) needs to be. It appears we may be making progress to get him out shortly. Oh, did I mention that the legal system moves at the speed of a dead turtle? And that is on a good day.

Well, we managed to get through the holidays best as we could. Of course, it just isn't the same when any of the family isn't around. Thanksgiving was spent eating out, just the two of us. We spent Vest Christmas in Hartselle as we have for several years. When Trina married John, we got a bargain in that we got another family. John's family is so wonderful to include us every year. It really means a lot to us. They feel like "real" family. But as far as Christmas day, we stayed home and once again ate out together. Then just as we thought we were seeing the end of '08 Joe has one last doctor's visit. Do you want to guess what the doctor told him? Yeah. Back to the hospital. It seems he had blood clots on his lung. So for New Years Eve, he drank his IV and the pups and I sat up until 2009 got here and then bedded down. He got out on the 4th or 5th. Then on the 19th he had to go to Princeton for an arteriogram and wound up having a stent put in so he spent another night in the hospital. For a man that had only been in the hospital once in his life (1955 for an appendectomy) he has made up for lost time. This was his fifth stay in about the last two years. I sure hope he has caught up.

2009 is here and I am most definitely looking for better times. I am going to try to get more organized, especially my sewing room. And I have got to stop buying more sewing projects until I get caught up. I have heard that God will not take you until you get all your projects completed. If that is the case, I will be here A LOOOOOG TIME.

We had our first fellowship meal at church for this year. We will have three more. This is something we have been doing for several years. I don't know why we do it this time of the year, but it seems to work well. Lasagna was on the menu tonight and it was good. Next week is chicken casserole. Yummy.

Have a good Thursday people.

The Big Letter H

2009-02-03T18:51:00.003-06:00

I have been tagged to list some things that begin with the letter "H" that is important to me. I think that is what it is supposed to be. The internet gremlins are at my computer again and I can not get into my daughter's blog to get the exact rules. I have been known to break the rules or change them in my life time. Yea!! I finally got the little gremlin out and found the right number of things to list. Sorry, my blog will not be as cute as others, but I am not into this as much as others. Guess I could be if I just took the time to do it. Oh well, he goes. And absolutely no laughing at this little round old lady's list.

1. Heaven -What good would life here be if there wasn't Heaven to look forward to? I read a thing the other day. Actually, my son sent it to me. It said, "What if I do and it isn't? (Nothing is lost.) What if I don't and it is? (All is lost.)

2. Hubby - My Joe is my life. We have had some rough roads over the last 40 years, but I wouldn't , couldn't think of spending my life without him. I guess your first love is always the best. I mean your first TRUE love. There were others I thought I loved, but no. They were not the real thing.

3. Hunlin - Gothcha on that one, didn't I? Unless you speak Pennsylvania Dutch or you read a lot of Wanda Brumstetter or Beverly Lewis books you would never guess that means "Dog." I do read those ladies' books and my dogs are my bestest friends. My Gizmo left me last October and I still miss him so much. I find myself (and Joe too) calling one of the other pups Gizmo. He will always be the #1 pup in our lives. But Mule and Dingo are stepping up and letting us spoil them.

4. Happiness - This is something that is not always possible, but if only we had constant happiness maybe our lives wouldn't be so mixed up sometimes. But God nowhere in the Bible promises us happiness. I realize that the sad times, the bad times. the mad times are all part of being here.

5. Home - This is the place you can always come back to when everything else and everybody else turns on you. I don't mean a building known as a house. I mean that place where you are welcome and loved regardless of the situation you are in. This is usually the place where special people live like parents.

6. Health - This is something we all take for granted until it begins to go on you. Why do we wait until then to begin to practice healthy lviing? Don't know, but sure wish I had paid closer attention when I was younger. Joe and I are in reasonably good health, but as we are getting older there are some things that just do not work like they once did. Thank goodness we are still around to have "problems."

Gee, this letter isn't as easy as it looked.

7. Honor of country, ancestors and most importantly (at least to me) God. Our country is what it is today (freedom, opportunity, rights that other nations only dream of) because our ancestors had faith in God that He would provide them with a safe place to live and worship. He has done His part. We should do ours.

8. Hair - Do not laugh. I thought of this because I am a regular contributor to St. Jude's Research Hospital and I receive a calendar every year. When I turn the pages and see the pictures of all the kids suffering from that dreaded disease, they are always smiling, but not a strand of hair to be found. I also receive a small photo each month with a short bio of the child. They, too, are smiling and bald. Such courage.

9. Hope - Don't we all hope for things? Hope is another one of those things that helps us get through the long days especially when those days are beset with many problems. As the song says, "You gotta have high hopes."

10. Hands - I have realized in the last few years how important my hands are. You would be at the mercy of others without the use of them. I have a fair amount of arthritis. No, arthritis isn't fair, but it happens to a lot of people. I am thankful that it is only my hands that are affected and they still do what I need them to do. That is the key to arthy - keep those joints moving.

Well, Trina, I have blogged. I know these things are not the best, but they are the things that came to mind. Enjoy and critique.

2008-12-28T16:44:00.002-06:00

TAG!
A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

5 things I Was Doing 10 Years Ago:
1. Trying to adjust to my mother's death
2. Dealing with Eddy's addiction
3. Wishing the holidays would just go away
4. Dreading having to go back to work
5. Not really caring about much of anything

5 Things On My To-Do List Today:
1.Go to hospital to visit friend that is having surgery
2. Probably do some ironing
3. Try to figure out something different to cook
4. May take the dogs to be bathed
5. Try to find some answers from Eddy's attorney

Snacks I Enjoy
:1. French fries
2. anything chocolate
3. sweet tea (to me that is a snack)
4. trail mix
5. nuts

5 Things I Would Do if I Were a Billionaire
:1. Donate enough money to the church so that we could get our addition built and have everything like it should be and all mortgages paid off
2. Help Eddy get a new life started
3. Build Trina and John their lake cabin
4. Do a major make over on our house and maybe get a cabin on the river
5. Donate to St. Jude's Research Hospital

5 Bad habits
1. Fooling around on the computer too much
2. Getting more projects to do before I get caught up on the ones I already have
3. Not doing more Bible studying
4. Not cooking and cleaning house like I once did
5. Saying things before I really think it through especially when I concerns me or some one very close to me

5 Places I've lived
1. Oakman, AL
2. Huntsville AL
3. Columbia, SC
4. Tuscaloosa, AL
5. Jasper AL (when I was small and for only a short time)

5 Jobs I've Had
1. Clerk in a department store in Jasper
2. Office work at the college when I was a student there
3. Counter/snack bar worker at the local bowling alley
4. clerk at the local board of education
5. secretary/bookkeeper at the elementary school

5 Things People Probably Don't Know About Me
:1. I once dreamed of being a professional singer..
2. I once. called an old friend after I married Joe - just curious, never heard of him again
3. My brother and I cut a girl's hair one night and she wound up with a crew cut.
4. It took me three times to pass my road test for my licenses.
.5. I have a fear of drowning in a car

Tag: Mom and Katy. Sorry these are the only blog friends I have.

Catch Up Time

2008-12-10T20:11:00.004-06:00

Since it has been over a month since I have posted anything, I thought it might be time. I guess it is the time of the year, but I always seem to go into super slo-mo around the mid part of October. Even though this is my favorite time of the year, it has always been a sad time of year.

Over the years there have been many family members that have left us during the last three months of the year. This year was no exception. If any of you have read my blog, you know already that I lost my best bud, Gizmo, in October. I still miss him even though it is getting easier. I guess getting another Chihuahua has helped although he is not exactly what I had hoped to get, but Dingo is doing just great. He is so active and mischievious. He is like a little kid except this kid runs and moves like a supersonic jet. No kidding he can turn the burners on.

And this year has been a lot worst than some because of Eddy's situation. True, I know his troubles are mostly of his own doings, but somehow that does not ease the pain that this Mother has in her heart. Regardless of what a child may do, a mother never stops loving them and always wishes the best for them. Unless something changes this will be the first Christmas in his 37 years that we have not been together. I still can remember the first Christmas I missed with my mother. It was no fun at all even though I had Joe and Trina with me. I keep thinking that all things have a reason for happening and that in time I will see that purpose, but until then I can't help but be a bit sad.

It has been sixteen years now since our little elementary school was devastated be a storm and did major damage to parts of the building. I can remember very well the date because it was the day of Trina's bridal shower, November 22, 1992 to be exact. I was working at the school then and we had to close school for the rest of the week. I don't remember how long we had to stay out, but fear not, we made the days up. Again, early this morning at almost the same spot, another storm came through and did major damage again, except this time it was more severe. This time was a tornado, the other time was supposed to be straight-line winds. Regardless, damage has been done, but no lives were lost because of the hours they hit.

I will try to post more regularly from now on. True, I have been very busy. The volunteer "job" has been going into overtime and as always we have been busy on Tuesdays preparing meals for the hospice units and getting gifts ready for the hospice patients as well as the nursing home residents that attend the church services that some of our members have for them every Sunday morning. The Tuesday Morning Sisters are taking a break until after the first of the year so maybe I can catch up and since Christmas and New Year's both fall on Thursday, the gift shop is closed on both of those Fridays. I may become so lazy I never go back to "work." If real work had been this much fun, I would probably never have retired.

Got to go. It is getting close to my bed time.

Catch Up Time

2008-12-10T20:11:00.001-06:00

Today I saw God

2008-10-19T14:34:00.002-05:00

I see God everyday, but today was kind of special. You see, I am an autumn person and when that first morning of real chilly weather hits, I am in my element. The sky was (is) a beautiful blue and the trees are beginning to struct their stuff. How can anyone with the ability to see not believe that there exists a being far superior to any one on earth? Who can invent or mix colors that can compare to what He does every fall? This has always been my favorite season for as long as I can remember. I even wrote a poem once about it, but I have no idea where it is now.
Our little "outside" dog is really enjoying it. Her playmates from next door were over here this morning as we left for church and they were having a grand old time. They would run and wrestle all over the yard. Of course if Gizmo was here he would have been right in the middle of the fray except that he would be bossing. I still miss him so very much. That sweet young special lady named Jessi sent us the most beautiful card with a special note added. No one can know what that meant. Especially since Jessi knows what it feels like to have lost a best friend that just happened to have four feet instead of two feet and two hands.
I am closing for now. Got to leave for life group early and go by the grocery to pick up supplies to cook on Tuesday. I will not be able to be there, so I will do the shopping today rather than tomorrow. Joe is having an epidural on Tuesday morning and I was, naturally, elected as the designated driver. The doctor is hoping a couple of epidurals will postpone any surgery for a time. We will see. He was in favor of just doing the surgery and being through with it, but the insurance company doesn't see it that way. Surgery is the last resort with them. Go figure. Seems like it would be less expensive to do the surgery rather than go through two epidurals and then do the surgery. But then the shots are supposed to possibly even not to ever have to have surgery. Time will tell.
Oh, any of my visitors that drop by (except Trina - she always visits) please just sign in and say hello. I would really like to know who is reading my stuff and if you have any comments, good or bad, critical or complimentary, really doesn't matter. May a good comment with some postive critique would help.
Anyway, everybody have a great week.

My Little Buddy

2008-10-13T19:04:00.003-05:00

Approximately six years ago, a young lady asked if we would puppy-sit her dog for a couple of weeks. We said yes, not knowing what kind or anything. She brought him to us and he was the cutest little red chihuahua named Gizmo. And he was a house dog. Joe had always said dogs belonged in the yard, not in the house. Well, Gizmo moved right in and took up residence. At the end of the two weeks, the young lady was not able to take him back and he became ours. She will never know what a tremendous favor she did for us. Gizmo was indeed a delight and we loved him almost like a child. In fact, he was our child since Trina and Eddy had moved on.

Then three years ago, we became "parents" again. This time it was a rescue and was he pitiful. Every little bone in his body stuck out and he had lost most of the hair on his head. He and his little sister had been locked in a closet and somehow they were found and taken to a vet. A friend of ours heard about it and went to get the little girl, but he could not leave the other one. He brought him to us and Mule became a member of the family. Mule is also a chihuahua except he is what is called a deer-head and Gizmo was an apple-head. They didn't get along too well at first. Gizmo was used to being the only dog on the premises and along comes this little thing and starts acting like he belongs here too.

Then on Sunday, October 5, while they were outside doing their usual morning things, a larger dog from across the road attacked Gizmo. I guess she took on Gizmo because Gizmo was always the barker. We didn't think Giz was hurt very badly, but Joe took him to the vet the next day and had to leave him overnight. I had to leave Sunday afternoon for a four day conference with the hospital volunteers. When I got home Wednesday afternoon, I was really shocked to see how badly he looked. He had stitches on his little back and on his underside. His belly area was all bruised and he walked like he was in real pain. He would not eat but drank water constantly. The vet said the trauma was so great that he probably wouldn't eat for at least 5 to 7 days, but to make sure he got plenty of liquid and his medication.

By bedtime, he wasn't acting like he was getting to feel any better. I fixed his little bed right by our bed (He normally slept with us.) I had cried so much that I could not sleep and it seemed like I was turning the light on every few minutes checking on him. Finally around midnight he was making some odd noised so I got up and saw that he was trying to crawl out of his bed. I picked him up and just sat on the floor holding him. I kept rubbing his little head and talking to him. Joe leaned over the bed and began to massage his back. He was hurt a lot worst than we thought and around 12:30 he just took a couple of breaths and died. I cried and cried, just like I am right now. I miss him so much, but when you have a pet that eats with you, sleeps with you, goes places with you and sits with you while you read or watch TV and this had been going on for over siz years, it hurts and it hurts bad. Littlw Mule is constantly walking around as if he is looking for him. If I am up walking around, Mule is usually right under my feet. Don't tell me dogs don't have feelings and can feel emotions.. If you believe that, then you have never owned a dog.

Joe fixed a little box for him and left his towel wrapped around him. He then put a plastic bag around him. He dug a little grave down under the pines and buried him. My big old manly husband even fixed a styrofoam cup and put three little roses in it.

We plan to get another apple-head when we can find one. We hope to get a red coated one It must have a short snout, little pointed ears and a tail that curls over his back. I know there will never be another Gizmo, but I sure do want something to fill up this big empty hole that is in my heart. Mule needs a little buddy, too.

Little Buddy, if there is a doggie heaven, I know you are running full speed and having a good time. Momma and Daddy and Mule miss you and will always love you.

Marty's Meanderings

2008-09-22T10:48:00.004-05:00

Well, I finally decided to post something. Not that many people care to read my "meanderings," but after all, this is MY blog and I can post whatever falls on my heart. I do not intentionally post things that offend anyone, but should some of my thoughts clash with yours, I apologize. Isn't it wonderful that we have that privilege? In so many other countries, people have to speak and communicate in code. I have been told this by a lady that did mission work in Taiwan,

Today my main subject has to deal with our other child, Eddy. I haven't said much about him in previous writings. Anyone reading this that knows our family already knows the situation, but for those than are just dropping by I will kind of fill you in. (Who am I kidding? No on drops by my blog. If you do let me know.)

Eddy is 36 years old and is above average according to his school testing scores. The same applies to Trina. However, Eddy has a problem that many people have today, some are able to realize this problem and get help from professionals. Eddy was never diagnosed at an early age and as time progressed his "condition" seemed to escalate. I am in no way excusing his actions or behavior that resulted from this condition. However, I am his mother and I do have feelings for him, as any good mother would.

Eddy was never able to stay as enthused about something after a short while. He would begin a project with great fervor only to loose it after a couple of weeks. This applied to everything except music. His love of the band was very quickly dashed from people that thought athletics was the only way to go. So he abandoned band and took up football. He loved to watch football, but really did not care to play that much.

He finally got through with high school and enrolled in drafting and design technology for the fall at what was then Walker State. But shortly after graduation, he drove to the Dallas area to visit his half-brother for a couple of weeks. He made this trip alone there and back quite successfully. He had been home only about ten days when he was out on a Saturday night with guys he should not have been with. He was late coming home and Joe became very upset and got up to lock the doors and turn off the lights. Not too much later, the phone rang and it was the hospital. There had been a wreck and Eddy was in the emergency room. We were told he was being transferred to UAB and to go immediately to the ER over there. We decided to stop at the ER in Jasper and found him there. He had a very badly broken leg, cuts on his mouth and ear and a deep open wound on his leg that we did not find out about for a few days. Thus began a long summer of long days at UAB, Jefferson Towers West. He was over there from July 15 (in the wee hours of that morning) until August 24. He underwent numerous surgeries and many nights and days of pain. He was on high doses of medication during the whole time, some of it strong medication for pain. Even after getting him home, things were not over. We had home health for several weeks and I was taught to re-dress the wound every day. He had several skin grafts and other surgeries on it at later times. Now after 18 years that wound still bothers him. The broken leg required a plate and 12 screws to get it back in place, but these were taken out later thinking they might be the cause of the continued infections at the wound site.

Fast forward about 4 years. Eddy meets and marries a sweet young lady with a 4 year old daughter that we immediately fell in love with. He seemed happy for a time and then in late 95 things began to go down hill. Kim finally had taken as much as she could and in July 96 she divorced him. We still stay in touch though.

It seems that Eddy was asked to try some drugs. Being the person he is, he finally did and thought no big deal. However, the damage was done and so begins the years of frustration, damage, run ins with the local law enforcement, alienation from family and friends. The typical scenario associated with drug problems. Joe and I searched high and low for help. Unfortunately, we live in a county where there is no help. We kept trying everything from having him arrested, putting him in rehabs, and more jail and more rehabs. Still no improvements.

We did find out one thing during all this. Drug addiction is a viable medical disease. Hold on to your seat, but according to the AMA that is their finding and not only that, but the preponderance for drug/alcohol addiction can be inherited. Who would have believed? That is something a lot of the do gooders don't want to accept. That still does not excuse, but it does help explain it more.

It is a strange thing to me, but if a person is diagnosed with a socially acceptable disease (cancer, heart, TB, even HIV/Aids) people will rally round to offer all kinds of help, but if you are diagnosed with a socially unacceptable disease (addiction, alcoholism, etc) there is no help. The family is left to battle it alone. The very people that you think would and should help like the mental health department will just shun you away when they find out drugs/alcohol is involved. They do not want to look at the underlying causes such as bipolar disorder, ADD, depression, which they are supposed to deal with.

I guess I have just about bored those that may have started reading this. I had done a post earlier about Trina when someone wanted to belittle her for being a childless teacher. They are not supposed to be able to adequately relate to students therefore not be able to adequately teach them. So today I thought I would give equal time to Eddy. I just wanted the world to know that he is not the monster that most people around here want him to be. He just chose some wrong roads to go down and took some of us with him as far as our time and finances are concerned. He is still my son and even though I hate the life style that he was in I loved HIM the same. I did not care for him nine months prior to his birth just to throw him away.

I pray daily for both my children. And I know God will look over them. I just pray that time will be on their side and that life will deal kindly with both of them and their lives will be both fulfilling and spent in His service.

Life is short and we should each make the most of each day. I try, but I know I fall short at times. Don't we all? As long as we walk this earth and live a human existence we will make mistakes. The biggest mistake is not admitting you have made that mistake.

Have a wonderful day.

I'm one tired woman

2008-09-08T18:24:00.002-05:00

Today has been a typical Monday. My plans were to clean the house, but when I got home from life group last night, I had a pile of peas to shell. And not one but 3 gallons of scuppernong grapes. That shot down cleaning. Anyway, I had some washing that had to be done, so I got that started. Since I had shelled the peas last night, I got them on the stove. I washed the scuppernongs and put them on the stove. It took my huge stainless steel bowl plus my dutch oven. I had to watch them and keep them down low to keep them from sticking. The bottom line is that I got the washing done, got a country supper cooked and now have over a gallon of juice ready to turn into jelly. That will involve most of a day, but I know this winter it will be nice to just open a jar of my home-made jelly rather than paying for it at the store. Joe says there will be some muscadines too. As Rachel Ray says, "Yum-O."

I attended Ma Pounds Black's services on Friday. It was an amazing celebration of an amazing woman's life. There were four ministers that helped conduct the services and at least four or five in the audience. The family made up the better part of the audience. At one point, one of the ministers referred to them as a tribe. That was pretty fitting since there is the Cherokee connection. Her presence will be missed, but she will live on in the many lives she has touched over her 93 years. She would have turned 94 on the 29th of this month.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful church family. Several years ago, I was talking to one of my "sisters" Kathy Walker about how I didn't have any grandchildren close enough to see very often. She said I could just adopt her two, Sally and Christian. They are super kids, too. I told her that would be just fine. I thought that would be the end of that, but since then they never forget my birthday, mother's day, Christmas, Easter and even Grandparent's Day. They met me in the parking lot yesterday with a gift bag. Do you want to know what was in it? OK, I'll tell you - a big fat slab of home-made peanut butter fudge. Oh my goodness, it is soooo gooood. How lucky I am to be associated with such loving, caring and giving people. I know this has to be a minute glimpse of what heaven will be like. Kathy is great to just talk to when I need it. And of course, everybody knows how I feel about my Tuesday Morning Sisters. It is bad to say, but I am closer to them than I am my own sister. I do love Pam, but we just travel on different tracks through life. And I know she would be here in a heart beat if I called and said I needed her.

We have our fall "Cup of Cool Water" project underway. We are buying diapers for Childhaven.

Since I am about nasty, I think a good hot shower is in order and then it will be lap time for my little buddies, Gizmo and Mule. Poor Mule has something wrong with one of his eyes. Looks like he may have a cold settled in it. Pam at the vet's office said to flush it out with some artificial tears. I'll try that and then if it doesn't clear up it will be time to go see the doggy doctor. Dr. Cain is just a great vet. He is so kind and considerate.

Have a great week or day or whatever time span you choose to be in.

A Legend Goes Home

2008-09-04T14:03:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, September 2, 2008, Gracie Lois Tuggle Pounds Black lay her earthly cloak aside and entered into that heavenly realm that is provided for all of God's saints.

"Ma Pounds" as she was so lovingly called by everyone that knew her was a woman of the earth. She could take nothing, a cast off from someone else, and make something very useful. I guess she was a pioneer in the field of recycling.

There are probably thousands upon thousands of now grown children that have sat under the trees at Indian Creek Youth Camp south of Oakman and listened as she brought to life the events and peoples of the Bible. And add those same chldren to the number that she taught to swim either in the creek or the swimming pool, once there was enough money to build one.

Ma Pounds was of Cherokee descent and it was very evident in her physical features. She had that beautiful dark hair and eyes and those lovely high cheek bones. Her heritage could probably account for her ability to make something of nothing. It is said she even whittled her own crochet hooks.

I knew of Ma Pounds reputation long before I ever met one of her daughters-in-law. Judi was a young lady from the Chicago area that was introduced to Wheeler Pounds by an Alabamian that was living up there. It seems that the love bug bit them both. Judi married Wheeler and he promptly brought her south and began the process of making a southern of her. The house they live in was constructed largely by them. It was only recently that the roof was replaced. They had covered the house originally with hand cut shakes.

Judi and I became acquainted when she began volunteering at the school. It was as if we were supposed to friends and now some thirty years lately we are very close to each other.

Wheeler is currently in Russia on a teaching mission. He and the other siblings talked to their mother before he left about his going. She assured all of them that he should go and when asked what she wanted him to teach while there, she quickly said, "The truth." With that said she closed her eyes and never waked again.

The entire Pounds family is a very devoted Christian family. Their father, Bro. J.G. Pounds preached around Walker County and various parts of the south until age prevented it. After he passed away, Ma married Mr. Black who was equally as devoted to God as she was.

I dare say there are not many people in Walker County, Alabama and parts of the south that have not heard of the Pounds family, especially those among the brotherhood of the churches of Christ.

Ma Pounds will be missed, because her earthly self will no longer be around. Ma Pounds is now free of the terrible pain she had in her legs and will be able to walk unaided and be joined with the other saints.

My sympathy pours out to all her family. She was a good wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt and friend.

Catch Up Time

2008-09-03T09:12:00.008-05:00

It seems I cannot get my act together. I have good intentions of posting and then on the way to the computer something gets in the way. I think my area of focusing has about gone out the window.

We had our homecoming at church on the 24th of August. It was really a wonderful day especially since the official ground breaking for the addition to the building took place. All the kids (and some "big" kids) were given Bob the Builder hard hats to commerate the day. There was a phrase on them about this building project being for their future. Someone laughingly said, "And the payments, too."

That week was also doctor check up week. On Monday was a visit to the dentist for teeth cleaning, Tuesday was my visit to the cancer center to see my hemotologist, Wednesday was my check up with my primary care physician. Got a good report from Dr. Cummings (dentist); Dr. Hamilton (hemotologist) ordered a Procrit and said my counts were OK and to come back in 2 weeks; Dr. Barton (primary doctor) gave me a good report also. I hope that about winds things up except for the visits to get my blood work done every two weeks.

We had a wonderful ladies' class yesterday. Our numbers continue to grow and that is very exciting to all of us. We had 12 there yesterday with 3 absent and 3 they only come during the fall seasons. Our hospice cooking is sort of caught up at least for a week or so. That always fluctuates depending on the census of each unit. Now we are into our fall Childhaven project which is to furnish diapers and baby wipes for the Genesis project. This consists of 3 homes that house 4 teen age girls each. These girls are unwed mothers-to-be/mothers. They receive medical care, counseling, additional schooling if needed and day care for the babies. Some girls that don't go to school go to work. It is a wonderful work. Of course, we will naturally have lunch while in Cullman. Let me see, just where would we want to share a meal? Anyone ever heard of the All Steak and their famous orange rolls? We just might have to try that.

Monday night Joe and I made a trip to the funeral home. Trina's best friend during high school, Debbie, had called on Sunday and said her Granny Taff had died. Mr. & Mrs. Taff both lived up on the hill for a long time. She was rather old, but since Debbie had always been a part of our family for so many years and Jo and Ed have lived next door for as along as we have been here.

It is strange but when you go to a visitation like that it usually ends up being sort of a reunion. Debbie and I talked for a long time. She was in Italy back in the spring to visit her son as he graduated from high school. He is currently in basic training with the Air Force in Texas. She gave me one of his graduation pictures. I am posting it below.

Marcus has really made a handsome young man.

I know Debbie is extremely proud of him. It is wonderful that she and Charlie can be friends after all these years. She and I are having lunch sometime before she leaves, I hope. She wants to show me her Italy pictures.

This just about catches me up for now. That is not to say my "projects" are caught up. They just seem to do like rabbits - multiply, multiply, multiply. And since I have been elected historian of the volunteers at the hospital that means another project. Oh well. I guess I could always so "NO," but that's no fun. I got my 500 hundred hour pin yesterday. I made my goal of 500 hours in under two years. Now on to the next level.

Have a great day, World.

Memorial Day, 2008

2008-08-23T18:56:00.005-05:00

I know Memorial Day was almost three months ago, but since I was not blogging at that time I could not very well tell about the wonderful day we all had in Oakman. The weather was a little iffy. Rain was threatening most of the day. A bank of clouds would roll in, the wind would pick up and we all wondering what would happen if it did rain. However, the sun would come back out and the breeze had cooled the air down somewhat.

Anyway, to the event of the day. It would probably be a good idea to go back about a year or so and bring everyone up to date on how this day came to be. It seems a couple of high school boys in the agribusiness class came up with the idea to make a monument to the veterans from Oakman that had been killed in war. They thought they could construct it out of some good grade of plywood and it would do for some years. Some other people heard about the project and minds began to come together, primarily from veterans.

The first meeting was held in the latter part of the summer 2007 and things began to roll in a hurry. Some of the men got together (once the site was located and approved) and began to cut some trees, have the stumps ground up and then the site prep started. There was grading to do, leveling to do, water lines run, electricity put in and the list went on and on. As other people in the town saw the work going on, the talk picked up. Soon others helped and the donations began to come in the the school or some of the men.

Now mind you, these veterans were not going to settle with just a plywood board. No sir. These men wanted something that would last years after they were gone and children not yet born could see. They designed a park that was patterned after one that is being built in East Tennessee. This one is no where as large as that one will be, but it is just as impressive.

There is an all-weather flag that flys 24/7 and it is lighted at night. Behind that are four monuments, one for each of the wars - WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Fortunately, so far we have not lost anyone to the Iraqi conflict. On each of these markers are listed the men from Oakman that gave their lives in each of these wars. Directly behind and to the middle of these is the Freedom Tower. It is an obelisk with each of the four freedoms we are privileged to have - freedom of religion, freedom of want, freedom from fear and freedom of speech. Behind the Freedom Tower is the monument dedicated to all veterans both living and dead whether death came as a result of the war or from natural causes. At the base of this monument around all sides are brick pavers that have been bought either in memory of or in honor of these veterans. This part is an on going project.

The agribusiness class has taken the upkeep of the park as their project. They will maintain the shrubbery, grass and flowers. The Beta Club members wrote statements in tribute to these veterans and to our heritage as Americans. These statements are placed on the back of each of the front markers, on all four sides of the Tower, on front and back of the Veteran's marker. Placed on the retaining wall are several more markers all containing statements from these students.

Finally, May 26th came and a great turn out of several hundred people came. The high school band provided patriotic music, The FFA officers led the Pledge, the Honor Guard presented a 21 gun salute, taps was played, a student sang the National Anthem accompanied by the band and we had speakers by some very prominent people. Among these were Mr. Julian Davidson, a graduate of Oakman High School who has a building name in his honor at the Flight Center in Huntsville. The key note speaker was Major General Alice Astefan (ret.), also a graduate of Oakman, one of seven children from the same family that all served in the military and at one time the highest ranking female in all the branches of the military. And who said small, rural high school can not produce high quality graduates?

Mr. Davidson made a statement that really brought it all home to the people that had worked so hard on this project. He said that he lived in Huntsville, a city probably at least 50 times as large as Oakman and they did not have anything there to compare to this.

I guess I was the proudest when my husband and a veteran was asked to do most of the speaking for the day as to explaining the various aspects of the park. He did such a wonderful job and received many compliments for it.

Oh, by the way, the rain did come but it was after everything was all over.

Even today there are people stopping to look at the monuments. A young man was passing the park on the day of the dedication and stopped to see it. He had just recently returned from deployment to Iraq. Those that were there and saw him said that as he walked around viewing everything that he just broke down and cried. Isn't that what it's all about? We can never let our men and women not know how much their sacrifices mean, even if we oppose the war(s).

"I'll Defend Her to the End . . ."

2008-08-14T13:21:00.000-05:00

No, I am not talking about Lee Greenwood's all time classic hit about the U.S.A. The words fit for me as a mother. Having grown up in the country where there were many types of animals and fowl, I am familiar with the way some of them respond to their young. The mother hen will flog you in a heart beat if you go near her young, otherwise known as "biddies." Most animals are protective of their young, but we animals, human beings, are even more so.

As most of you may know I, or rather Joe and I, have two childrenm both grown now. That fact does not deter me from coming to their side if I feel the need. Anytime anyone, including family or friends, make either of my kids unhappy, I am unhappy.

When I talk to either of them I can tell by their demeanor what they feel like, usually. And today when I talked with my daughter she was crying!! To a mother that is very unacceptable behavior especially when she is crying because of the actions of some other person. I was about to put my on "flogging" outfit.

She is a very soft hearted person and very compassionate about things, but when some one begins to throw slurs at her and then she tries to defend herself only to be made to appear as if she is all wrong, it hurts. She has tried to put this behind her but to no avail. She has even accepted responsibility for whatever she did that may have appeared out of line. Let's all face it. NO ONE is perfect that walks on the big orb. He that was is not longer walking here. EVERYONE is subject to making mistakes and misjudgements. That is part of being a human. That person that thinks they are immune to mistakes made their first one when they made such an implication.

I have said my say and am now burying this whole matter. I only hope that my daughter can find peace and once more be herself. She has tried to forget, but has not been successful. My prays are for her every day. And I know in time she will overcome. I hope others will do the same.

I've spoken about our daughter. The same holds true for our son. And it is common knowlege, especially around here, that he has tested the waters quite frequently, but I can remember many times while still in school some of the scorn he was put through because he chose to be a musician rather than an athlete. So much so that at one point he even gave band to be on the football team. Did that help? No!! He then had to suffer the scorn of doing as the others to only wind up sitting on the bench. This was not the only time things like this happened, but that hurt me just as much as it did him. This does not excuse his actions over the last few years, but you wonder if things like that might not have led to his problem by him trying to "fit in." Only he knows, but believe you me, If I ever find out who was responsible for the beginning of his problem, this mother hen will reinvent the flogging outfit.

As Minnie Pearl used to say on "Hee Haw." "We're through playing now." I am through venting now.

My Parent's Dreams for Me

2008-08-10T14:58:00.000-05:00

It is funny how somethings come to your mind out of nowhere. That happened to me recently. I can remember that my parents had dreams for me as an adult. For some reason Daddy wanted me to be a teacher and Mother wanted me to be a nurse. I never actually became either of those, but to some degree I have fulfilled their dreams for me.

Even though I did not become a teacher I did begin in that direction. When I entered college that was my goal; however, as so often happens, that just did not work out for me. I completed my first two years at the local junior college and was all ready to transfer to the University of Alabama. This was in 1963 and we all know the unrest in the colleges at that time. Anyway for whatever reason, I went to Mother and asked her if she would care if I didn't leave that day for the University. Now mind you, clothes were packed, dorm room attained, classes planned, the whole bit, but I just could not leave. Mother could not understand why, but she knew me well enough that she consented for me to "delay" the rest of my college career. Now looking back I realize that God had a reason for me not going. In just a few short weeks an event happened in our lives that was totally unexpected.

I had gotten a part-time job after deciding not to leave and since we were a one car family then (everybody was back then) I had to ride to work with Daddy. This particular day I only worked half a day, but when I got home Mother was waiting and told me to go back and get Daddy. He had gotten sick and needed to come home and go to the doctor. As soon as we got back Mother took him to the doctor who wanted him to go to the VA hospital, but Daddy refused saying he had work that had to go out. A side note here: Daddy was a dental technician and was paid strictly on commission - no work, no pay. So the doctor settled for him to go home and straight to bed. Daddy did that and we thought he would be OK after some rest. I went over to some friends house to play Canasta, but when I went by Grandmother's to get my sister she said to get back to the house immediately. When I did I found out Daddy had died. My world fell apart as did Mother's and my brothers and sister. Those were some of the longest days of my life. I would not sleep at night and when I did I had the most awful real-like dreams. I never told anyone and in the process I lost about twenty pounds in just a matter of three months. Anyway, that was the reason I did not leave that Sunday afternoon for Tuscaloosa. I just did not know it then.

As far as becoming a nurse. Forget it. I couldn't stand to see anyone else get sick and didn't like the sight of my own blood and forget it if someone had to have a shot. So in my mind that was not even an option.

Fast forward several years. In 1968 my high school counselor had gone to work in the central office of the local board of education and they had an opening for a clerk. He asked if I was interested and I took it. This was just a great chance to advance. Then in October Joe and I got married and he left for Ft. Eustis, VA. for his duty station. I would go up when he got base housing. That happened in February. I resigned my job and Trina and I move off to Virginia. I forgot to say that Trina was my child from a previous marriage and she was part of the package deal, to which Joe quickly agreed. We had our own little government apartment and it was so beautiful. We only stayed there until August when Joe was deployed, again, for Vietnam. Here we go back to Alabama. After that year it was off to South Carolina for a few months and then Joe was assigned to recruiting duty in Tuscaloosa. Then fourteen months later he was transferred to the recruiting office in Jasper and there he stayed until retirement. While in T'town we had our son.

In 1975 I decided to go back to work and found a job in payroll at the local board of education. This began my career in education. From there I went to the school where I had attended and the children were now attending. I stayed there until June 2000 when I retired after 25 years. So even though I didn't teach I did work in education and in my own way, I feel I impacted a lot of young lives. Daddy's dream was fulfilled.

After retirement, I got busy in other things. I began attending the ladies' Bible class on Tuesday morning and always had a good day with the other "girls." Over time this day evolved into a work day as our group began to do volunteer work for one of the hospice units. We would cook, package and freeze meals that the nurses would deliver to the patients and their families. This was not because the families could not afford the food, but because often times the care givers were so tired they just did not feel up to cooking. For whatever reasons, they got food. This has now grown to doing meals for not just one but two units. So rewarding.

Then in 2007 I decided to do volunteer work with the auxiliary at the hospital, the same hsopital that Mother has retired from in the late 80's. I was put in the gift shop and soon found myself eagerly awaiting Fridays. Then it hit me one day that even though I did not become a nurse I was "working" around a hospital. Our pay is not much (lunch on the days we work), but the rewards are worth more than any paycheck. So Mother, in a way, your dream has been fulfilled. I told my supervisor one day that when I put on my white pants, shoes, and blouse and then put on my pink smock and walk down the halls, I feel like I am walking in Mother's footsteps.

I am a rambling type of writing, so if you happen to stop by my blog and it looks like you have picked up a novel, fear not, it is I. I have always loved to write and even at one time considered journalism.

I hope the day has been good for you and that this week you will find a blessing in your life.