Happy Halloween!!!

Boo to you too! Busy day today. Good cool day for Halloween here. I remember when the kids were young and we lived in the midwest, Halloween was cold and they had to wear their coats under the costumes. And, the costumes weren't as elaborate as they are today.

Have fun and be safe!

Morning

I've always been an early bird, waking up at the crack of dawn and sometimes earlier depending on the season. Lately, I've been sleeping in and I accept that as a blessing. I opened up the two windows here in my office and pulled the lace sheers back to expose the outside so I can both hear and see the hummingbirds as they are feeding on the feeders Bob put up outside my windows. Most of the time I enjoy the quiet so I can hear nature outside my window. Sometimes I enjoy listening to music, but hearing nature is a more restful type of music. Since we live in the desert, it was surprising to me that I have become more familiar with birds and their habits than I did when we lived in the country on the farm. I guess the reason I wasn't a bird watcher in the country was because we had lots of cats and very few birds. I do love cats too and we don't have one here. On the farm, they took care of patrolling the barns and especially the corn cribs where the corn for our chickens and cows was stored. And, the cats also took care of the bird population. So, I never saw a hummingbird until we moved to this home and Bob put up feeders. We also have a variety of birds that pass through - I call our place the "Bird Motel" and it is seasonal - we don't charge a "tree" fee, our payment is the reward from the enjoyment we receive of their "visit" and the joy they bring with their songs. We do have hummingbirds that stay all season because of our mild winters. In our neighborhood, we have quails - no shooting please - doves, mockingbirds, finches of all sorts, ravens, woodpecker, an occasional chicken hawk and a few other varieties of beautiful birds.

We did have feeders in our front yard, but duh! we couldn't figure out why our grass was looking crappy until it dawned on us - the birds were scratching beneath the feeders. Once we moved the feeders to the back, we finally have a green front lawn.

I hear the vehicle traffic picking up now as they are driving their children to school. My peaceful solitude is broken by the sound of the children's voices as they pass by the house. Their voices bring another type of peace and joy only children can bring to a grandmother's heart. I watch the children check out the thingies we have in our trees - some twirly things, the fake squirrels Bob put in several of the trees, and we always put some type of modest holiday decorations out too. It's fun to see their reactions as they are walking to school. By the way, have you noticed the size of the backpacks today - Holy Cow - I remember carrying my books in my arms, but my granddaughter's bag is so heavy I'm afraid she will break her back!!!!

Well, it's almost time for school to start. The school is just down at the end of our block. We can heard the school bell ring and the voice of the teacher on the loud speaker giving out a report. It's not annoying, and how loud the voice sounds depends on how the wind is blowing - or not.

It's a peaceful day today. When the weather is cool, the birds seem to be happier as their singing is louder and more frequent. The hummingbirds are playful and chase each other from one feeder to the other or they compete for the space in the flowerbed of red flowers.

I hope you have a peaceful day today. Take good care and God bless.

Quiet day

Being alone, is that a positive need? Today our two adult sons and granddaughter who live with us each went to visit friends and we were left on our own. Perhaps to some who relish their children visiting and being around, they may not understand how we cherish our alone, quiet time in our home. We are generous souls and open our hearts to help whenever the need presents itself, but as senior citizenship and some health problems have sneaked into each of our bodies, we yearn for the quiet and solitude. I reminded the younger who has the granddaughter that we are retired on fixed income and he acknowledged, but I wondered if that generation really understands what that means.

When we were living in Kentucky on the farm back in the 70s and 80s, we would often make the trip to Bob's parents who lived in southern Illinois. We passed homes of people who were very poor and I felt deep compassion for them. It is an emotion I have never forgotten. At the time we were struggling, with four kids and one salary, but we always had food on the table and the bills were paid and a good roof over our heads. I do remember my boys saying after they grew up they would never buy another pair of Sear's Toughskin jeans because that's the only brand I ever bought. They were very active boys and we lived on a working farm. Those jeans were tough and lasted a good long time through many rough and tumble days and farm jobs. It was a good buy and all I could afford at the time.

I am afraid sometimes that what we have earned and saved for retirement won't sustain us through our old age. The times are questionable and yet our kids don't realize the worry we have. We also never stop worrying about our children or grandchildren regardless of how old they get. The economy here in Southern Nevada requires two paychecks to sustain a home whether that is living in an apartment or renting a home - buying a place is more attainable today, but without golden credit it is impossible.

But, aside from the worries about the economy and the campaign, Bob and I did enjoy the peace and quiet of the day and we are are thankful for what we have, we are blessed. We do treasure our time alone even if we did spend our day doing the same ole routine except without interruption.

I hope you have had a good day too. God bless you and yours with a pleasant day tomorrow.

Granddaughter

I just read another Grandmother's blog and I thought I would mention about one of my special granddaughters. This granddaughter lives with us. She is a happy child even though her parents are separated. She is pleasant and always has something nice to say. She spends the majority of her down time drawing and they are always about family and friends and are positive. When we say our bedtime prayers, she has a litany of people she prays for, some she hasn't seen for years, including all the people of a church she once attended far away.

When her dad drives her to school in the morning, we stand outside and wave goodbye and throw kisses - this is a routine I've had since I sent my own kids off to school thirty years ago - and as I sent my husband off to work too. As my son is driving away, you see only her sweet smiling face looking out the back seat window. She is saying things like "have a great day" and she is throwing kisses too. It is one of those unique mental photos which is embedded in my memory and as I recall this sight, it bring tears to my eyes. Her smile and good humor is contagious. She is even more special to me because I was there when she was born. God has certainly blessed me.

Chicken Soup

I am in the mood to make chicken soup. I know it is good for us and we all enjoy the flavor. I shortened my cooking and prep time by buying roasted chickens from the Costco. Our Costco has the biggest and most delicious ones in our area and they are less than $6.00 each as compared to our local grocery story where their roasted chickens are small and puny and cost over $7.00. I usually make chicken salad with the chicken breasts. No part of the chicken goes unused. I also started using chicken broth since I'm not boiling a regular chicken all day. It's my next job after this blog. I'm going to try and bake up a batch of cornbread too - now I don't do so well with that even with the pre-pared mix that you just add water to. Bob doesn't like the consistency. So, if any of you have a good cornbread recipe - please email me. I'd appreciate it.

Bob's out painting the exterior of the back of the house. I have some dishware to pack while the soup is cooking. These are things I can do without now and won't need to use. They are my Polish dishware I bought a few years back - they are beautiful pieces. We're making headway although slow but sure with the packing and organizing downstairs.

I am getting excited about moving. I've decided to look into newer developments even though here in our valley the newer homes have less land, but we'll check around. Bob's getting to the point he doesn't want a lot of yard work to do and we'll probably go with desert landscape. Both of us enjoy green and would love to buy a farm in Texas but we've decided with all this time on our hands, we can travel to other places, stay for a few months and enjoy the lush green landscape but not worry about the upkeep. I can't wait. We're hoping the economy will have a turnaround by spring and the housing prices will stabilize so we do get a decent price for our home. Regardless, we have to move, this place is too much work for both of us. It's a wonderful home for a family. It was purchased for Brian and handicapped remodeled for his needs.

We are having another beautiful day here in southern Nevada. There's a forecast of rain later in the week and I pray that God brings us several days of a good downpour. We really need the rain. I thank God for all my blessings that are many and for my dear friends and family. I pray for you also as you are reading this blog, and I thank you for visiting.

Take care and have a special day.

Time for Christmas packages

The chatter I am picking up on the military blogs is about sending Christmas packages to the troops. I received an email from our local Blue Star Mother's group about the addresses of the troops, so I know they are getting their stuff together. I don't know what the latest date is to send, but I know I will be sending Tom's boxes out within the next couple of weeks. He has admanently told me not to send him anything, but then in second breath he knows that falls on deaf ears.

Although Tom and I have been emailing and iMing (instant messaging) I hadn't actually written to him via snail mail since September before his birthday. I've been down in the dumbs then I fell and hurt my leg. So, now I think my brain is as active as its going to get right now. Yesterday we took four envelopes to the post office for Tom. If an envelope weighs over a pound then you have to do that customs slip, but one postal worker made me fill one out when the postage was less but I used a large envelope and I only had newspaper clippings and a long letter. So this time I separated everything and included a Halloween card. I would send Halloween decorations but I'm not sure how that would go over in Iraq with their traditions. We are going to send him Christmas stuff though and I'll also send Thanksgiving decorations too. Suz will send him a tree and I will find other stuff from the crafts store to send him so he can decorate his room.

This will be Tom's first Christmas away from home. He did come home last year when he was at Ft. Bragg. It will really be lonely without him. He's so much fun to be with. We love and miss him so much.

Well, this day is almost over. The weather has been fabulous. I finished reading 99% of the newspapers and magazines that have stacked up. I have made a pact with myself not to watch much of the news - only Brit Hume and maybe Bill O'Reilly. I don't want to be upset this week, I've been all tore up over the campaign stuff. I do love Sarah Palin and really hope McCain wins.

I really do hope you have a very good week and things go your way. I'll say a prayer for you. God bless you always. Take good care.

It rained in Iraq

I received an email from Tom this morning. Tom said it rained for 4 -5 hours straight and there was lots of mud and puddles. He said it has also cooled off. Can you imagine in that desert environment getting that much rain at one time and not having drainage ditches like we have in the states. He is doing well. It's quiet in his area right now. He'll be home in five months. His notes are always upbeat.

Another week has passed and it seemed to wiz by again. Today is a day of rest. The infection in my leg has finally gone away but I'm weak in both legs because of having to be off my feet all this time. Our weather is beautiful and cool right now so I'm hoping we can start walking again even if only a short distance. We have Alexandra today and she needs to get outside and away from the TV and computer too. We usually go out into the driveway while she rides her bike or scooter, we'll blow bubbles or caulk draw on the driveway. There is a terrific park at the end of our block by her school and it will make a nice walking adventure today. They went to a Halloween party at her school on Friday. She has a cute outfit. When she got home, she counted and made note of every piece of candy she got - I guess she'll be an accountant when she grows up.

Hope you have a lovely day and take good care.

Music

One of my favorite things is listening to music and I appreciate sharing some of my favorite songs available on playlist. I know you can either listen to the selections or mute it, or you can chose another tune from the list to listen to. I am glad you have that choice of listening or not since the sound of music can be annoying to some individuals. I have select a couple of Ricky Nelson's songs to play because Ricky was my very favorite singer when I was a teenager. At that time everyone else was in love with Elvis - I've always been independent and think outside the box.

I also enjoyed watching the Nelson family show Ozzie and Harriet with Ricky, his brother David and his mom and dad. The TV shows in those days of the 50s were very wholesome. There was no violence or sex stuff. A lot of good humor and good acting.

Miniature Tootsie Rolls

The sun has set here and its getting dark outside but my family is out in the driveway making noises doing something. I was thinking about Lightning Bugs. I grew up in the midwest, Ohio to be precise, and during the summer evenings when there was a bunch of kids together in the neighborhood, we'd get a glass jar with a lid and catch all the lightning bugs we could but we don't have them here and catching lightning bugs is something my grandkids have missed growing up doing. My kids did have that experience when we lived on the farm in Kentucky. I wonder if kids back in the midwest and east still do those things?

One thing I do like about this desert climate is the dry air. There's something peaceful about it in the evenings. I remember once when I flew here to Vegas from Kentucky to see my dad who had had a heart attack and my mom needed help. It was in January and I left the bitter cold and two feet of snow, it was a bad winter in Kentucky and surrounding areas that year. When I arrived in Las Vegas, I only needed a light jacket. There's something in the evening air that I can't quite describe but I am at ease with how I feel once the summer heat has left and the fall season finally brings the cool temperatures. We really do enjoy sitting outside after the sun goes down, it's peaceful.

What is your favorite snack food? Are you a chocolateholic? We had to pick up a few things at Wal-Mart today. I've been wanting something when I get the munchies as we are watching the TV and the program is driving me mad with tension and excitement. At the end of one of the aisles I zeroed in on a huge bag of miniature tootsie rolls. Bob had taken a quick detour as we entered the store and he headed to the powder room leaving me alone to shop for a few minutes. There was no hesitation and I quickly grabbed the big bag of tootsie rolls, hiding it under my large handbag and swiftly moved down the aisle to find a Halloween card for Tom in Iraq. When Bob was unloading the groceries on the conveyor belt at check out he never said anything about the huge bag of miniature tootsie rolls but placed them in line right along with all the other healthy (ha ha) food we selected. I did notice this evening he was enjoying the handful of miniature tootsie rolls I left for him on the table by his TV chair in the living room.

Another day pit the dust, where does the time go! I'm glad I have dyed hair so I don't have to count the grey hairs! Hope you have a pleasant evening. Take good care.

Today's great accomplishment

If you've ever planned for a long time to do something and the day finally arrives that you can fulfill the responsibility, then you'll know the self-gratification I feel today. Bob and I early voted. I am so thankful we have completed this wonderful privilege we have here in the United States. It was very busy at the voting poll although was very organized and no waiting in line for a voting machine. It is an honor that I treasure with all my heart.

It was an absolutely beautiful day. We didn't accomplish very much today. After we voted we went to lunch to celebrate, then to Costco to spread the wealth, and came home. I cooked salmon patties and buttered noodles for supper. Now some of you may say - "yuck" but that combination is a staple meal for a Midwesterner's Catholic Friday fish meal back in the days when we couldn't eat meat on Fridays. Salmon patties are also a poor man's protein - for lack of a better phrase which wouldn't come to me!!!! I love buttered noodles and my mom made them from the time I was a little girl so it is a very old timey side dish.

Bob likes my cooking and he is easy to please. His mom and grandmothers were excellent cooks. What was amazing to me was that each had their own method and neither were fancy cooks but very practical. My mom was a wonderful cook too and I learned a lot of basics from her, then after I married Bob, I picked up his family's recipes. My mom taught me the basics for vegetable and types of soup and the Midwest style of chili soup and which is nothing like what cooks make out here in the west. I love to make all kinds of soup and I never make the same type twice. For example, my chicken soup never has the same flavor the second time around, I'm always tweaking it.

I know that's one reason Bob kept me around. His mom and grandma's spoiled him with their good cooking, and I knew one of the best way around a man and to keep him happy was through his stomach. Forty-four years of cooking proved that.

Have a restful evening and pleasant dreams. See ya tomorrow.

Pack rats - call the exterminator!

I wonder how many of us are there - those who just can't part with greeting card, colored pages from a child, concert tickets or stacks and stacks of graded college papers? Yesterday I finally finished folding and packing away two huge boxes of clothes I kept from I think about 20 years ago. They were time tested outfits but didn't fit my out of shape body. My suits were like Chanel's and would never go out of style I have to face it, I would never either be in the situation to wear suits again or most likely never be able to fit into them at the pace I'm not moving. So, off they went. I surprised myself (is it possible to surprise yourself, really?). I thought I would be depressed to let them go, I had such high hopes but now all I have is the memory and photos of those days gone by and the high heeled shoes I wore. I think I miss that fashion most of all - wearing high heels, not the pointy pencil heel ones, those I gave up after having the second baby. I don't know how women walk a long time in high heels.

Once those boxes were packed and moved out of my space, I began on another group of unfinished packed boxes dated in the 80s. Ahh, the memories floated around the my mind of the good times and I smiled as I sorted through the many pieces of notebook paper, conference books, and newsletters. I found stacks of dot matrix paper from the first dot matrix print we purchase around 1987 and on those pages were instructions how to operate the DOS computer. I don't remember how now, Bill Gates made it easy to work computers when he developed Windows. I took a computer class in 1985 and was taught on a Radio Shack Tandy - it was DOS and it was brain work. I was hired for a job with the union at Hoover Dam in 1986 as a office manager/gal of all trades to put their files together. Everything they had was in boxes and what was remarkable was the documents that dated back to the beginning of the Boulder Dam that were signed marking the agreement of service. It was ancient and awesome.

I was provided with a Mac Plus computer to use for data input. I was shocked at the ease of use of this computer after learning the complicated system of the DOS computer. I remember thinking what a piece of cake - and it was. We have come a long way since 1987 and since I purchased my first computer shortly after that, a DOS machine too. And, there it was remnants of computer paper from that old computer that we got rid of a long time ago. I had arranged three boxes of disposal for the stuff that I find in the boxes - keepers, shredders, and garbage.
Can you guess which box the dot matrix paper went into - if you guessed the garbage, you are right. Although, maybe it would be a good torture tool for who ever goes through my stuff when I die, maybe the paper deserves to be in a museum, nah, don't care!

I am a sentimental fool so I know this is why I am a pack rat. I know I have to do a better job of sorting and getting rid of stuff because we are downsizing. We have lived in large homes because we've had four children and now grandchildren living with us. I am looking forward to our next place to be only two of us - and one temporarily - our soldier boy. I know he won't want to live with his old grannies for long once he is out of the Army. I have to put the others out and on their own. Bob and I have never been on our own unless we take a vacation. So, I must put my self control in gear and push ahead to do some serious throwaway exercises.

Oh, I wanted to ask, do you have something you like to collect? That's something else that's difficult to get rid of - collectibles. I like fountain pens, paper weights, china tea cups, books, tablecloths, cookbooks, and well, the list goes on, thus there's the problem of space. I hope I can rise up to the challenge of strict organization. I'll keep you informed. It is a challenge.

I hope you have a good day today. I hope you meet someone special who brings a smile to your face and love to your heart. God bless.

"And on the seventh day, He rested"

Today is Sunday and has always been our day of rest. I am glad Bob adheres to this belief not only because God has told to do so, but because Bob really does work physically hard and he needs this day of rest.

To back up a couple of days, earlier in the week I asked Bob if he thought he knew everything about me there was to know - keep in mind that we have been married over 44 years now. Of course, he was confused I would ask that kind of question - there's one of those "women" questions, I am sure he was thinking and I know we do have a way of catching men off guard. I was serious because this is something I had realized a few years back but didn't know if he was aware of this fact especially since we have been together so long. I also have the idea that other marriages I am familiar with seem to not have as much fun as Bob and I do and I wondered if it was because they don't realize each other's needs change. Now, I'm not saying that everyone must joke and tease to be happy, but there is an aura of familiarity of comfort between two people when their relationship is in harmony.

I came to the conclusion some time back that we never stop learning something new about our partner. When I was 20 and met Bob, I was instantly bowled over by him, even his charming proposal of marriage in the form of an offer to do his laundry for the rest of his life was one I couldn't turn down. We didn't know anything about each other when we decided to get married so I guess we were both pretty gullible and naive to take each other's word for whatever we said. It was a "feeling" for me and I was open to learn and I was an adventuous person and yes, a very naive, stubborn, sheltered 20 year old. Oh, don't get me wrong, I have always had a lot of guy friends, and guys I had been serious about, but worldly not so much.

Now I realize that I was gifted with a preception of myself and my choice. It has to be that gift from God and my faith and Bob's faith too, that has also kept us together. Today I am in awe of the traits I see in him that I know as a young person I took for granted. My father and mother were very hard workers and so was Bob - maybe it was something that I just expected from the man I chose but I know today that I lucked out. I would rather think that it was God's hand in my choice and He gave me a beautiful gift. Today I see what Bob needs to be content, I knew this some years back when we made the huge decision to bring our son Brian home from the VA hospital to take care of him. Brian was a total care patient requiring round the clock care. We worked it out as a family how we would share the care.

Bob couldn't give up his job at Hoover Dam to help me during the day so not only did he come home from the long hours at work exhausted, he needed some time to relax too, but after dinner, he was ready to give his time to Brian so I could rest a bit. Our kids pitched in for a couple of hours too. Bob used his down time to either do things around the house - yard work, always planting flowers, mainly roses, tending the grounds, or building things. Working was his therapy to help against the stress and agony of our son's condition which was a result of the accident while he served with the Army in Germany.

Today he has slowed down his pace of physical work and he has had to do just that - pace himself and it is a struggle to change something that has been so inherently ingrained. I recall too when I first met him he told me about his dream. He wanted a farm in Kentucky. I'll tell you here and now - I was raised a city gal, but I had great-grandparents who were farmers in Ohio, so somewhere in my genetic background must have been a dormant farm gal ready to be energized. Talk about how God works in strange ways, after almost six years of marriage and four kids, we were living in Massachusetts, when we got the call from Bob's grandma that the farm next to her's was up for sale. Well, Bob quit his job at the Mass. Air National Guard on the Cape, and we sold our home, and moved to Wickliffe, Ky, where we did buy that farm and Bob also went to work at the Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah, as a welder and he was farmer, too.

My life with Bob has been a variety of unexpected surprises and journeys. It is a comforting thought to know there will always be something new to learn and life will never be mundane.

Saturday Nite Fever

Let's go disco dancing! Yeah, alright! Bring on those silky shirts and my dancing shoes and we'll rock oops disco the night away!

Actually, I never did disco - I was in between doing the jitterbug and ball room dancing and the twist and the monkey - yes, there was such a dance in the 60s, but then getting married and having babies was as far as I got to doing anymore rocking around. I did dance around the house with my babies to smooth beat songs but I could never get the hang of pointing my finger in the air then down as I was swinging my hips. Bob had a couple of those disco shirts that my dad gave to him - egads, it took years for Bob to finally get rid of them.

But, it is Saturday and there won't be any dancing of any sorts - maybe wishful thinking of dancing on the stars, and no, I don't mean Dancing with the Stars. There once was a time when I was a great dancer and my dance card was always filled, but age and a rearrangement of "my figure" changed it all. Bob and I tried to "cut a rug" every so often, but he gets out of breath and so do I and it takes a hour to recuperate. He has asthma. My brother and his wife joined a dancing club and they had a great time. I do miss doing stuff like that.

No big plans for the weekend for us. Bob has left for his guitar lesson. He's doing pretty good and really is enjoying playing and learning and singing too. It is another gorgeous fall day here in southern Nevada. We sat out on the swing this morning, I am grateful for Bob's ability to build things. He is very good. I come up with the ideas and he makes them a reality - we make a good team.

There's no news from here. I iM'd (instant messaged) Tom yesterday (Iraq), he's doing fine. I have sent him so much candy and snacks of all sorts and the Sunday comics and he's alerted me he has plenty now. He said the candy interferes with his manly figure - those were my words. They do provide a work out gym with pretty good equipment and he makes use of his spare time keeping physically fit. Tom always has been pretty conscious of what he eats and tries to eat only healthy food. He is a unique person and is a lot of fun to have around. He has a positive aura about him.

I hope you have a good day today and something nice happens to make it an even better day. Take good care.

Mellow yellow

It's a good day, but mellow with a touch of the blaas. There's lots to do today, mainly laundry and I had hoped to finish up the packing tasks I started yesterday, but there's a glitch so I'm on hold for completion. I looked at a local home contractor's ad on the computer yesterday , I was curious what kind of new homes he had for sale. I was absolutely stunned at the price for the home. I thought new home prices were suppose to be lower, but not this guy's homes. I wonder where his buyers are getting their mortgages? I think as soon as my knee is better, we'll start looking, I mean actually going in rather than checking things out from the street. I just don't know if I want to stay here in this area, if it was up to Bob he wouldn't stay. He wants to move to Fredericksburg, Texas, near Luckenbach, where the living "seems" easy and the home prices are much lower. I've thought about renting a place here and traveling until we decide but I really don't want to move twice.

I am glad the debates are over. We haven't received our voter booklets in the mail yet and the early voting starts on Friday, I'm suspicious and hope nothing is out of sorts with our names. We have voted in every election. This one is very important, as you well know. There are several early voting places to go, but I've decided we'd go to the Henderson City Hall for early voting. I feel safer than going to the grocery story. Last time we voted for the presidential race we went to Boulder City City Hall and there was a question about Bob's ballot - evidently there was someone else who used his name, but the person who checked his ballot at the other location must not have checked signatures in the book. Bob has a very unusual and distinctive signature that is very unique. Maybe this year we will carry our birth certificates with us. I wish all states had the law to check ids but they don't. This is just a worrisome campaign. Too much going on in our country and depending on who is elected, our country policies may change drastically. I am trying to have the resolve as Bob has said and leave my worries in the Hand of God and trust Him to take care of us, as He always has.

Tom will on occasion instant message from Iraq and he has a video camera on his computer too, so it is very special to not only heard from him immediately but see him as we speak. We "talked' online last night. He really looks good and is doing well. The weather is cooling off - it was 60 when I was typing him last night. It is extremely hot there in the summer time but will cool off when the sun goes down. He only has a little over five months to go. He's not sure where he will be transferred when he comes back from his tour of duty there. He's a really nice guy and we are very proud of him.

I am fed up with my computer and I am looking at purchasing another desktop. This is a Sony Vaio and I love the audio speakers and I have a large screen which I won't change, but the desktop has been a pain in the patootie since I bought it. It took me a long time to realize that when Sony manufactured this computer they really goofed up when they separated the hard drives. This Sony has little memory space on the main drive with the OS and lots of memory on the D drive. I have read reviews of some users who have tried to repartition the hard drives and it didn't work well with the Vaio. They had lots of trouble. Again as usual a week or so ago I was trying to clean up and move around and delete stuff and I guess I deleted a systems file I shouldn't have and I've had lots of problems since. This problem is reoccurring constantly and I'm tired of dealing with it. I'd like to get a new desktop with one terabyte and a good processor with two cd/dvd players it would be perfect to do what I enjoy doing with photos, music and videos. I'm considering upgrading and I do have the blessing of Bob to go ahead with the purchase, but I'm not an impulsive purchaser so I'll have to get mad enough to do it. I just hate to spend the cash right now. We'll see.

That's about it from the mellow fellow gal today - lots to do and it is another beautiful southern Nevada fall day. That's why I like this area - no humidity but we do miss living in a place with four seasons but we don't want to shovel snow. Also, we would love to grow tomatoes. We just don't have good luck with a garden here no matter which way we've tried.

I hope each of you have a very nice day and are feeling well. Take good care and do something special for yourself today.

Movin on down the road

It is an absolutely beautiful morning here. I wish we could jump in the yellow truck and cruise on down the road to a far away place - like Maine where the beach is almost void of tourists and the leaves are doing their thing changing into marvelous colors........I yearn for a delicious lobster roll and a steamy bowl of New England clam chowder from York Beach.

Instead I will be working downstairs packing and organizing again. We are hoping to sell the house in a couple of months but we don't know where we're going. I look forward to downsizing but I don't have the vision of where our destination of downsizing will lead us. I suppose it'll all fall in place. I hope to call a realtor as soon as I can get some things in order. There's boxes all over the place and right now they couldn't even measure the rooms. I knew this time would come as we planned to move since Tom graduated from high school two years ago. Now is the time to get my act together and react.

That's all there is from here this morning. Wishing you all a wonderful and healthly day.

Doctor S.

My blessings are many so it is sometimes difficult to narrow them down to write about. When we talk about moving away from here to other parts of the U. S. immediately I know there are a couple of people I will miss immensely. Today I will tell you about one because I HAD to see him yesterday - the day of the dreaded deed. I do not like going to the doctor or any doctor for that matter under any circumstances. When I was younger it was a piece of cake because I was so darn healthy and fit, but as I've gotten older they continue to find all sorts of oddities with my body and then there's that damn scale that I don't want to see it before me!!! But, unfortunately as necessary we have to go and as previously reported I fell down in my kitchen a couple of weeks ago, no broken bones, but somehow in the course of passing days my knee inherited an infection. How weird is that??? The opinion of the household was drowning out any argument I had of not going to have it checked, the family group insisted I see Dr. S., and so I did yesterday.

The meeting was as usual short, sweet, and to the point, problem solved, no brain surgery, prescription, out the door, there you are - everybody happy! But it doesn't start or end there. There is a historical tale which I must tell. It is one where trust is the basis, compassion is the glue, and friendship the dessert. If you are lucky enough to have a physician who fulfills your needs then you are very fortunate. We are very lucky indeed because we have Dr. S.

He was recommended to us back in the early 90s right after we brought Brian home from the Veteran's Hospital in Los Angeles. We needed a physicial who we could depend on to help Brian and support our cause of caring for him at home. This story isn't about Brian now but about how a sensitive physican and his staff cared for a family doing almost the impossible. I could have never taken the responsibility of caring for Brian at home had it not be for the skill and foresight and expertise we could always expect from Dr. S. and his staff. He was always available. I never ever had difficulty reaching him or never was a telephone call not returned whether from any of his staff or from him. He was so dependable right up until the night Brian died. There isn't anything more a mother could want from a physician caring for her child than we received from Dr. S. He was ALWAYS supportive - and I emphasize this because a physician I had before Dr. S. had shouted at me in the hospital when Brian had pneumonia. The doctor said that I had too much hope and he was always negative and depressing.

Not only do we care so much for Dr. S because of Brian, but he is also on spot with both Bob and me and our health. I know I have stated I dread going to the doctor, any doctor, but on some occasions going to see Dr. S is similar to going to see the Comedy Shop. If you forget about all the medical instruments, the weight scale, uniforms, and peeing in a plastic cup, and reading boring magazines (just kidding, his are pretty interesting), reading an eye chart, counting backwards, breathing deep and hoping not to pass out but what better place to pass out - they have oxygen available, showing parts of your body you'd rather not anyone see - but going to Dr. S's. office was a positive experience - they have cookies. They also have a staff of super-duper, on-the-ball people to help you out before you go into the "door!" to the "room" where you see Dr. S. Conversation is soothing and concerning, always attentive to you needs in the front room. You are led to the "room" by a sweet caring nurse who takes care of the pre-stuff. Dr. S. is an all impressive guy - he's 7 foot tall, and thank goodness he does sit down to talk to you. The visit is never boring, even the health discussions can be filled with unusual unrelated comments. The Comedy Shop begins not as a result of the physical examination but at the onset of the comedic jokes and skits. Did you hear the one about.......? How many oranges did it take to...................? or How many knees................? There have been so many jokes passed around during our visits, I've lost count and can't remember any of them. The point being, he makes what can be a difficult time at least a more comfortable situation. Now, I am sure not everyone would want their physicians telling jokes, but for me, I appreciate a good sense of humor and have made it through many difficult moments with a slight off handed humourous comment.

Seeing Dr. S is a special occasion which I am thankful to have on my places to visit when necessary. It's comforting to know that I have someone to trust with the pieces of my most intimate life. So to you Dr. S - thanks so much for your commitment, you are the greatest!

Oh the dread of it!!!!

Two dreads occurring on the same day, how unlucky and unfortunately. Bill paying - icky poo! So glad when its done but sure don't like doing the balancing act. I know a lot of friends have it bad this month with the stock market performing outrageously bad. They say to hold tight, but I know that is easier said than done, and whose advice can you trust. The ones you thought you could trust are the one's who ran off with the money!!!

Heading to the doctors this afternoon, my leg turned worse off. I spend yesterday reclining with a cold pack on the swollen knee and had a chance to listen to my Harry Potter audio tapes. Bob watched Iron Man - I preferred to listen and catch up with Harry. I thought Iron Man would be like all the rest of the adventure films and I wasn't in the mood for it. But, after sneaking peeks at the scenes from across the room as I listened to my audio, I had second thoughts it didn't look too bad after all. Later in the evening Bob asked if I wanted to watch as he wouldn't mind watching it a second time. I had heard that Robert Downey, Jr., did a great job and I have to agree. I haven't cared too much for him in earlier films and haven't seen anything of him recently, but as Iron Man I give him an A+. Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper the assistant, played a really good part. It wasn't outrageously extravagant but a good role. I was surprised to see Jeff Bridges - I didn't know he was one of the actors until after the movie, he really looks different as the villain - oops, shouldn't have said that, but he played his role superb. Would recommend if you haven't seen it already. Good movie, and I'm sure they'll be a second.

I love Harry Potter and have read the first couple of books and listened to the audio tapes of the rest of the stories. I have trouble keeping up with who who's and I am grateful for the websites that list the character and other Harry Potter information. I have CRS which is normal for my senior age and need a reference point to carry on when I forget what I read yesterday.

Its a beautiful fall day here in Henderson and at the Sullivans. Alls quiet on the home front. Hope its good at your place and this week brings you and yours many special wonderful surprises. Take care.

Is it time to put the extra blankets on the bed - already?

Brrrr! it was 48 degrees on our outside temp gauge this morning. That's the trouble with our weather here - it goes from being horribly hot to cold with only a few weeks of reprieve in between. The spring and fall seem to be the same and I try to draw out and enjoy every minute of coolness from the days I can. Our leaves turn colors slowly in the autumn and hang on their branches as if to say I'm not ready to leave and fall to earth and it seems within a matter of maybe a month, there are new buds - its amazing the turnaround we have here in the dry desert atmosphere. I love the spring and fall here but I do miss the spring bushes and trees from the south - the Red Bud, the Azaleas, Forsythia and all the others, but we have a few desert spring trees that I've found and can enjoy. Our fall colors aren't as vibrant as the north or the east but the yellow leaves are brazen and some reds are so crimson they take your breath away.

It's windy again today and every one's allergies are stirring. Bob always keeps a hundred boxes of Puffs available for those sniffles that are inevitable now. Halloween is just around the bend. Bob has resigned the job and has passed the bucket on to whoever wants to assume the job. I remember when Angel my yellow lab was alive, she had to go to the door and see who was there. I miss her. We usually give out the Rice Krispies treats every year - no fuss, and not a too bad snack for the kids. Don't have to worry about a kid having an allergy attack to the candy. Costco sells a big box of them and they don't cost an arm and a leg. We gave away our outside Halloween decorations so our house will be dull by comparison to some other homes on the block.

My three blessings for the day are very simple: I am feeling pretty good today ; it's a lovely fall day; and its quiet and peaceful in the house right now. The last one is subject to change at any moment, but I do treasure the quiet times.

I hope you have a pleasant surprise today that makes you happy. Take good care.

Daily Blessings

Yesterday when I had some time I was browsing through blogs and I came across one blogger whose daily commitment was to mention three blessings.

I am thankful everyday for my loving husband. We have so much fun together and we are best friends; and I am thankful for my children and grandchildren. I am also thankful for this beautiful day here in Southern Nevada - our days have cooled off from the 115 temps of the summer and we can open our windows and enjoy the fresh breeze we take for granted so often.

I hope you find peace in your soul today and your day is filled with love, kindness and friendship.

Change of seasons and life, too!

This is the swing Bob made for me earlier this year. It is similar to one his grandmother had on the farm in Kentucky many many years ago. He had great memories from when he was a kid and would visit his grandparents on their farm and sit in the swing which was out under a huge oak tree. The house was off the main road quite aways so it was so peaceful and private. I've always wanted a swing like that and when he surprise me with his idea of building one, I was elated. It is a getaway place to think and relax.

I had the opportunity to sit out there this morning and was thinking about stuff - now isn't that original! This is the place I like to sit in the early morning before the sun comes up and evening after the sun goes down behind the trees. On the one side is the swimming pool and on the other side is the view of the hummingbird feeder and the bird feeder. We are fortunate to have hummers that stay around all year. They are fun and relaxing to watch and sometime buzz so close when we are sitting in the swing, I think they are going to stop and perch on the swing.

It was so peaceful out this morning, the only disturbance was the sound of the birds singing and the hummers chattering and singing to each other. I love to look up to the heavens and see through the leaves and whatever is in the way and imagine just how far up the sky goes as I swing back and forth. I remembered how much I loved to swing when I was a kid. The swings back then were made out of very strong material and were cemented into the ground and there were at least 10 swings in a row at the park. There was no safety material under our feet just the earth. It was a glorious sensation to lean back and let the wind take over the movement of the swing and feel the breeze in my hair and on my face - it was an endless sensation.

Reality has a strange way of shocking one back to the events of the moment - good or bad because those days of freedom of the breeze is gone at least for a while. Our responsibilities come in all sorts of sizes and shapes and sounds whether its a granddaughter needing breakfast, a husband inquiring about a time schedule or a son requesting an immediate answer, we are summoned out of our dream state back into the requirements of wife, mother and grandmother that I have assumed willingly although sometimes faltering, responding quietly inwardly and non-verbally reluctantly not wanting to leave my dream world.

The fall that I endured last weeks still impales me morning and night. I know the older I get the more difficult it will be to recover instantly. I was a strong woman and recovered quickly from any situation that dared to stop me from performing any task. It has been difficult to accept but nonetheless that doesn't matter, fight it all I want, it is the way it is. My husband has been a workaholic all his life but not now and it can be very devastating for him. When he becomes the least ill mannered and depressed I know he yearns to work physically doing anything. I am fortunate that he is like this for he is eager to take on any and all jobs willingly. It has been a struggle for both of us to face this fact of old age. But, we have each other, and we laugh a lot about the changes in both our bodies from youthful muscles and tight skin to wrinkly wiggly hanging forearms to other things that we know and you don't want to hear about but we do laugh at what we've become and reminisce of what we were. A sense of humor and a lot of love goes a long way to keep a marriage solid. One of Bobs most favorite things in life are baby chicks. And, I love kittens. We hope someday before all is said and done we can live where we both can have some of the things we once had.

I hope your day has gone well and if you are struggling with the stock market and these ugly price declines, I can only suggest you do as they all are stressing and that is to hold tight. I don't know a thing about the stocks, its something we have never gotten in to, but I hope for your sake, it works out better than you are thinking it will. Have faith.

Wanderlust!

It's the season of the changing leaves and I am wanting to be on the road again! We took our first retirement trip in the fall of 2006 and it was marvelous. Our first stop was in Dillon, Colorado. It was a very serene and lovely place. I wouldn't mind living there except that both Bob and I had trouble breathing due to the high altitude.

Our favorite place is New England, specifically, Maine around York Beach. During that trip we traveled through Vermont and New Hampshire with Maine as our final destination. We even went to Bar Harbor which is an enchanting place and we would highly recommend visiting there. It is very unique. I am anxious and looking forward to another trip to York Beach. Our first trip visiting there was in the 90s when Tom was a young boy and we were still caring for Brian. Tom tried his hand at surfing then and became addicted. The people are so very friendly. The food is absolutely delicious. We felt right at home in that atmosphere. The beaches are the best.

The trees in Ohio and Missouri were radiant with color. We enjoyed the kaleidoscope of colors as we traveled through both states to see family. We have been to Virginia to see Monticello and through the Smoky Mountains during the autumn as well. Monticello is the most perfect spot to visit. The mountain top historical home of Thomas Jefferson's has been preserved elegantly. The grounds are spacious and very well cared for. I have always wanted to go there and can say it was the trip of a lifetime and I am thankful.

This year we will have to be contented with autumn trips around the area, we have other priorities at this time. The temperature here has cooled off a little early it seems like and the leaves are already starting to fall.

It is Sunday and our day of rest. I hope you have a fine day and are able to do what pleases you and brings peace to your soul.

Happy Birthday Keeley

In a couple of days it will be Keeley's birthday - and she will be 15!!!! She is living in another state right now so we won't be able to celebrate with her this year. We wish we could celebrate though and look forward to maybe someday helping her eat birthday cake.

Keeley is a very special granddaughter. She has a super personality and a terrific sense of humor. She's one of those people who you don't mind having around all the time because she is very pleasant and always on the positive side. She has a unique laugh and a contagious smile. We sure do love her alot and hope she has a fantastic birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEELEY!

What a week!!

I thought last week was a bummer, but man oh man this one was a doosey!

We had two birthdays - Tom's was on the 29th, he celebrated his 21st birthday in Iraq. The 30th was son Brian's birthday. If he was still alive he would have been 42 years old. Brian died 8 years ago. I can only imagine the kind of life he would have had if he hadn't of had the accident. He would have been a wonderful husband and terrific father. We didn't have to imagine that he was a good son because he was very thoughtful and caring.

We anxiously waited for the Palin-Biden Debate last night. It was awesome. Actually, we really enjoyed it. Both candidates were very civil to each other and we learned a great deal from both their comments. It was wonderful to see the families together on the stage - it was a wonderful scene. The Bidens seem like very friendly and warm people. We are for Sarah Palin and John McCain. I was pleased to see that there was no attacking. I am so tired of all the bickering from both sides - but it is the way it is.

The worse time of this week was when I fell. I am so agitated with myself, when I was young I was so limber and never fell and hurt myself but since I've gotten old it happens so often. The hose under the kitchen sink blasted away from the connection and water was pouring out every where fast. I slid on the slick floor where the water had spread and I landed spread eagle - hard. Thank you God for no broken bones but I landed on my left knee. It's been pretty painful for a couple of days. I didn't go to the hospital because nothing was broken - only my spirit but it sure does hurt. As I've gotten older, I crave sympathy and attention and Bob has been very attentive. Thank you!

We're all surviving and we're well so I guess that's pretty good. We do have a lot to be thankful for - and so we do give thanks to God. We're also praying for this election to be fair.

You all take care. Hope things are good at your place.