A sober, solitary, sickly Saturday

If you prefer to have a lazy hazy Saturday, no rush, take it as it comes, well, this would be your choice of environments here today.

Tom and Tine went to southern California to the beach yesterday. They will be home sometime tonight. Alexandra is quietly doing her girlie thing, Kevin is quiet, and Bob is sick. Lots of garbage sickly crappy stuff going around. Tom has an upper respiratory infection - you can view two photos I took at my doctor's office with my favorite office staff persons and my favorite nurse. We were fortunate my doctor could see Tom.

Bob's symptoms appears the day before yesterday and has put a haul to any plans for anything, so I am recuperating from excitement. Thus the sober lazy Saturday - and getting stuff done around the house while the house is quiet. Once the kids come home, the aura of electricity in the area and movement of the air is over-powering. It is fun and exciting - never dull.

They will be leaving Tuesday morning, but I haven't let myself think about it - I hesitated to type it but I can type without thinking so that's what I did - ha ha! The mood won't be the same so I just can't even think. See, there is it - the tears, damn! Stop it!

Tine cooked us a wonderful German soup - it had a wonderful taste I never experienced before - it was delicious. She has Tom working in the kitchen and he makes a terrific sous chef! We have some plans for stuff to do like go see the new movie "UP" - I don't know if Bob can make it so I'll go with the kids. Kevin and Alex went to see the movie yesterday - Kev said it was funny and sad! Oh, Great!!! I was looking forward to just plain funny! We also want to see the Museum movie, but I don't know if we'll have time to go together, if not, Bob and I will go later.

They have been on the go since their plane landed. I think there are a few things they've missed but I'm sure they will take it in. I remember when I was 21 and had all the energy in the world. I only needed four hours good sound sleep and I could go constantly. Holy mollie - if I get a good nights sleep, if I'm lucky - maybe I can go constantly for four hours top!!! I guess I worked so hard when I was young I wore myself out - - - - well, that sounds like a pretty good excuse.

Hope you all have been well. I've missed blogging and I have a lot of blog reading to catch up on. Bob bought me a new Canon camera for Mother's Day and I have to get onto some of the Blogs that give instructions. There are some gorgeous sites and photos posted, and I have a lot to learn.

Take care - and God bless.

George Strait - I Saw God Today - 2008 ACM Awards

A Break from the norm

Last night we watched the special program of the tribute to George Strait for being named the Artist of the Decade - an award I believe he justifiably deserves overwhelmingly.

So, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite George Strait videos with you over the course of the next few days.

I think I have everyone of his CDs and I've seen him in concert only once - - - but I am a member of his Fan Club. I don't think you're ever too old to enjoy good music and be apart of it all.

Have you ever let your female emotions ruin a good day?

Now, I think that is a really loaded question but one I think, every mother has experienced. If you haven't, then you are very fortunate. It's 4:55 AM Las Vegas time - it's quiet in the house so I can focus and write. I continue to wake up every morning at 3:00 AM and can't go back to sleep - maybe that's why I'm emotional!!!!

As you know Tom is home with his friend Tina, also truckdriving son, Don, and then there's Kevin and Alexandra who live with us - and daughter Suz who has joined us for every get together. A situation happened and I felt I should write about it - it's like a woman/mother thing that affects the whole family. I know I can't be the only mother who's been in the same predictiment, but this time it bothers me deeper than ever because of Tom.

Mothers who "rule" are responsible for almost everything in the family from reservations, transportation, clean clothes, clean house, food, etc - you know the routine. It's been a long road for me lately, with the worries of selling the house, packing boxes, looking for and deciding where we will live - here or there or in Texas - then getting ready for Tom and Tina, and all the rest - you know how it goes!!! The bugger for me is my age and limitations, and even when I was much younger too much stress and expectance lead me to an outburst at a breaking point due to the non-cooperation of other participants.

The other afternoon we were all together - a grand task for sure. We are a small group but someone always seems to have "plans" so when we can all be at one place for several hours - it is a grand celebration - you know what I mean, I know you do. I had hoped for a long time that we could all go to the cemetery to put flowers at Brian's grave - together! Unfortunately, sadly, we have not done this as a family - all together. Bob and I go often, and the kids have come with us occasional if they are around and they do go on their own. I had hoped on Memorial Day we could do it - but the plans weren't jelling for that, but on Sunday evening, there we were - all together - we were bowling and having a great time.

The thought came to mind it is a perfect time to go see Brian. I could kidnap everyone and haul them all up to Boulder City before they had time to look at their watches or remember a friend was waiting. Yes, I thought of it, and knew it was a marvelous idea - I could do it!!! Well, at the middle of the second game of bowling Bob started having breathing problems. It's been pretty stressful around the house although no one knows this but he and I. I know with all the excitment and he exerting himself to bowl which he was doing a great job at - it was getting to him. He had his nitro spray with him and his breathing inhaler and he was determined to finish the game. No one else recognized or realized this - they were having a good time but I knew. I also knew he needed to go home after the game. I know he would have gone to the cemetery for my sake but I also know he was here and now and most important.

I could have arranged something else, I am sure, but I have been upset that in my old age I cannot pull it all together as I did when I was younger. I am very remorseful that we missed a wonderful opportunity to be together to memorialize Brian and to share a very special part of our family with Tina for Tom's sake. And, too, to give thanks to Soldier Tom for his sacrifices as he has been serving in the Army.

We cannot predict the next minute of our life and our judgements can be so predestined by our emotions and health as well. We have to grasp at the good times and be thankful for what comes into our life each moment and never take it for granted. I have been hard on Tom this visit and he has been confused because I never expected so much as I have this time. He has a lot of friends and many parents really like him - he would never be at a loss for a place to stay - they all like Tom, so when he comes home, he is gone a lot. This trip I wanted to see him more than ever. It was a shock and we came to cross words because of it. He didn't realize nor understood some of it but we agreed to compromise which we both felt we had done. At least we both are more aware of each other's feelings - a grand step for a young man growing up and for the grandma who raised this young man and let him go to grow and prosper. I told him he is so much fun to have around. He brings joy, happiness and laughter when he is around. As I am older, time means more to me than ever before, it is precious. I want to enjoy him as much as I can without being selfish. He still has another week and will have opportunities now to see the rest of his friends.

But as is the grand realities of life - there's never enough time to accomplish all we want to accomplish, is there?

Memorial Day

Brian's gravesite at the Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, Nevada

Squeezing in a couple words edgewise!

Phew! Taking a second breath, holy cow! these youngins here keep us zooming around. They've taken a ride to Arizona to buy a lottery ticket and will stop by the Hoover Dam just to walk around for a little while - no tour today, saving that for another day. Soldier Tom and Tine have been busy bees since their feet hit the ground - in other words they hit the ground running.

This morning they went up to Mt. Charleston and went hiking. It was beautiful weather up there - still some snow on the mountains. The lodge is gorgeous overlooking a cliff surround by beautiful homes. They were excited when they arrived home from their hiking adventure and experiencing the unique beauty of the pine tree covered mountains on the outside of the desert town of Las Vegas.

I have a few minutes to type then I must get some dinner started - just spaghetti. Tine hasn't had time to cook a German meal - yet! Don is hoping to get home by Thursday so this weekend should be busy.

Tom bought some new games for our Wi-Wi. Bob was so tired his eyes were slamming shut so he went to bed, but, Tine, Tom, Alex, and I played. I don't know what the heck kind of game it was and I didn't know what I was going - but guess what, I won! I laughed so hard, I couldn't help myself. I had no clue. They were really ticked off!

The energy level in the house is over a 1000 whatevers and Bob and I are slower than snails but we try to keep up - well, just a little. Last night Kevin had to work but Tom, Tine, Bob and I went to Alex school for the presentations of the Honor Awards - again! for Alexandra!!!

She is so smart and picks up the rules of any game whether it's a board game, card game or a Wi-Wi. Amazingly, all three - Tom, Tina, and Alex, are VERY competitive - I'm just there to have fun.

Well, I'd better get busy - they'll be home soon.

Hope you all are well and life is good for you. Take good care. God bless.

Someone new has taken over my computer!!!

Fun Day

What can I say - this is high energy!! They are off and running and Bob and I are trying to re-coup. Alex has her excitement matched when Tom is home - it's continual teasing and agitating. Tine is from Germany. We have talked about her home and where Brian was stationed. It has been interesting. She is going to do some German cooking while she is here. My mom and aunts cooked a lot of German meals but I didn't, not because I couldn't, it was something I just didn't do, unfortunately! Tomorrow is a family day. Our favorite pizza place - Metro, gives 25% off if you are military, so we'll take advantage of that then spend the day home playing games - card, Wi-We- and other things the kids love to play and maybe swim. I think I am worn out all ready!

He's here!

Tom's plane arrived early last night - isn't that amazing!!!! He was so excited to be home. His friend Tine is amazing. They are so compatible. She is a very nice person. I'll show photos later.

Bob bought me the camera I have wanted for years for Mother's Day - it's a Canon Rebel digital. I haven't taken many photos yet, but I will post them when I do.

We went to see Star Trek this afternoon and out to lunch. He rented a car and now they're off visiting.

When he woke up this morning, he ran back and forth through the house, then he got his trombone and play it - he said he has missed it all. He played in the school band, middle school and high school and some at the university until he joined the Army. He's like to play in the Army band.

The weather is pretty out but hot, up in the 100s today - something Tine has to get use to.

We are so happy to have him home and I know the time will fly. He is so energetic and spirited - he keeps us laughing!

It's "T" Day! He'll be on his way soon! and we're getting ready!!

Holy Mollie! I can hardly contain myself as I adjust to the day has arrived. Soldier Tom and his friend Tine will be in tonight! I can't think about it or I will cry - isn't that so silly!

Everything is accomplished and I have checked off everything on my "to-do" list. Golly, I'm so glad I started early - this ole gal is slow in the git-along! Thanks too in part - a big part - to hubby, Bob, and son Kevin. The house is really sparkling. The new equally spared office/bedroom really looks good. Like so many women I know, I love to rearrange furniture especially when it's not time to buy new stuff. We found an inexpensive long mirror to hang in a good spot for the girls to check out their attire. I thought granddaughter Alex would like that since she is very conscientious about how she looks when she goes to school. Now she has proof she looks good from top to bottom.


I put a Snuggle dryer sheet in each drawer of the new chest of drawers then a couple pieces of tissue paper in the drawer. My mom always put a liner of some sorts in drawers when cleaning or when we bought new chests of drawers - I wonder if that is done today by the younger generation. If its kids drawers then I use kids wrapping paper that I've had left over. Adding the dryer sheet gives the drawer freshness. Alex recognized the soft fragrance when she came into the room just a minute ago. So, mission accomplished without over kill on aroma! One never knows, does one!


Bob just woke up from his first nap of the day - our doctor says it's good to take naps and since Bob retired, he takes advantage of our doctor's advice. In a few minutes he and I will tie the "yellow ribbons" around the trees in the front yard and put out the Welcome Home signs. It is so
exciting!! I hope I bought enough yellow ribbon this year. I know he won't see the ribbons on the trees since he will come in after dark, but he'll see some of the signs. He will be looking for them tomorrow morning for sure. The kids made the sign above - the one hanging on the basketball goal, the other signs including the other sign above - I bought from a site that sells military stuff.




We would like to send our prayers and condolences to the families of the five soldiers who are on their way home for burial after the shooting at Camp Liberty. What a horrendous situation! There are many soldiers at Camp Liberty and had it not been for the quick action of the security team there could have been more casualties. May God bless them all.

Almost done!

Just finished cleaning off the back patio and outside furniture. Bob's mowing the lawn. It is suppose to be up in the 100s today and the rest of the week. The pool water should be warm enough to be comfortable for swimming. It is so typical for our weather to go directly from beautiful spring weather directly to the hot 100s - and so it goes.

Bob showed me a hummingbird nest the other day. There were two itty bitty teeney tiny beaks sticking up. There should be more nest = the hummers have been busy, but this place is where the hummer has build it's nest for years. Sweet!

Just a couple more chores then I will be done. Trying to get all the hard down and dirty cleaning done today - tomorrow I get my hair colored, yes, I have to admit, I am a bottled blond otherwise all gray! It's shopping day tomorrow, then Thursday, last minute cleaning up and napping some because oh, in case you don't know why we're doing all this cleaning up - Tom and his friend come in Thursday night! Hooorah! It's great they are flying in at night - the lights of Las Vegas are beautiful. I think the plane goes over Hoover Dam too and that is a very special sight. Tom's friend has never been to the west, so I know she will enjoy the sights of the city.

I hope you all had a nice Mother's Day. Ours was quiet for the most part. Do take good care and be safe. God bless.

At the End of the Day

I hope all the moms had a Happy Mother's Day today! Today was kind of odd but for those two that weren't here I heard from them. Tom called early this morning then we did the Yahoo messenger thing with the video came both ways - that's kinda fun. Don called while he was on the road somewhere up north. Kev and Suz and Alex were here. No big deal dinner, just picked up some stuff and ate here. With Soldier Tom coming home this week, we always go out a lot and I thought we save the special places for him and friend Tine.

We're just hanging out relaxing tonight. I heard from friends via email and talked with Aunt Thelma last night.

My cable went out early this afternoon. I thought it was probably because the amount of traffic burning the lines all for Mothers. I remember years ago the long distant telephone lines got jammed on Mother's Day. It was the most popular holiday of the year.

You all take good care and I hope you have a great week. Stay safe.

Trapped

I just received an email from my realtor - the resale value of homes in our area are heading towards the dumpster. Of course, if you're out there buying then it's your market. The decision is difficult right now for me, whether to put the house on the market or wait it out a little longer. It will take a couple of months to get the photos and things off the wall and things packed so the painters could come in and then we were going to put the sign up, or now do we wait?

I did some house shopping on realtor.com this morning and big houses can be had for little or nothing. We wouldn't have any trouble getting any size house. I am in a dilemma though because I can't find what I want!!! It took us a year or more to find this place.

We fell in love with the area around Frederickburg, Texas, and Bob keeps sending me property in the area. If it weren't for grandchildren here it would be easier for me to leave here. I just don't want to start all over. I love my beautician and my doctor and finding someone in those occupations that you care for is very difficult! Don't you think?

Bob and I go back and forth why or why not as to if we should sell - but we are old, it's a big place and a big yard with a pool which means lots of commitment and a lot of hard work for him. It's an in our face moment I have to come to terms with. See that cat's face, that's how I feel!

I hope you are having a really nice enjoyable Saturday. The temps are up in the 90s today and the rest of the week. Maybe the pool will be nice and warm when Tom and Tine get here on Thursday. Can't wait!

TGIF

Yes, it's Friday all day, and the rug man has cometh and goneth! The office/bedroom is ready almost - for our special guest - just the final touches which I'll do next week. Actually, I like that my work area is more compressed and organized - I had/have still lots of stuff to run an office efficiently. When we were caring for Brian I had to do legal work with the court system because we were his legal guardians - that was fun, NOT! I also kept contact with the U. S. Government especially the VA system for his benefits and medical things - lots and lots of paperwork there. Plus the private sector physician and hospitals. After Brian passed away, I took on a home office job. I had worked for this company previously and loved the work. It was very different doing it from home. The people were fabulous and I loved the work as I mentioned. I was very much in mourning for my loss of Brian and having something to do was great therapy. Although the down side was during certain periods like conference time it was very stressful and the work needed to be accomplished in a extremely timely manner. Unfortunately, when Bob retired I decided I should retire also. It was a difficult decision to make but one I don't regret. Bob and I have traveled a lot and I couldn't do that and be faithful to my job.

We're taking some down time this afternoon to let the rugs dry so we're conferencing at the kitchen table accomplishing what we can here.

What are your plans for Mother's Day? We're sort of up in the air right now. Since Soldier Tom and friend Tine isn't coming home until next Thursday and Kevin has picked up an afternoon shift to work, the attendance of the celebration will be slim. Haven't heard from Don, so I don't know if he will be in town. It may be a last minute choice of what to do. I know Suz wants to come over. We'll see.

Bob bought me a beautiful hanging red Fuchia plant. It is very beautiful. He bought me one a very long time ago before I knew anything about plants and of course it croaked! I haven't forgotten about having it. Lowe's had several hanging outside the plant area and when he went to the store the other day I requested one one - he said it was the last. The last time we bought a huge bouquet of fresh cut flowers, Bob found out he was allergic to the bouquet, so I'll gladly settle for a hanging basket of live flowers anyday. How about you?

National Day Of Prayer 2009

Regardless where you live, join in and Pray for our Country and our Families. Thank Him for all our Blessings.

God bless you!

Wednesday's Hero

1st Lt. Michael A. Cerrone24 years old from Clarksville, Tennessee2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne DivisionNovember 12, 2006 Cerrone's men said in written statements of remembrance that he put their safety and welfare first. He lead from the front and all of the paratroopers would "unquestionably" follow him into battle. His platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald H. Berryhill, said Cerrone was more than a leader, but a friend and "little brother. "He remembers the first day Cerrone got to the unit. At the time, he was shy and quiet. But after a few months, he became more outspoken."I am truly blessed to have known him and to serve under his leadership," Berryhill wrote. "He will never be forgotten. I will carry him with me always and I will always watch over his platoon. We will make him proud of his boys. "Sgt. Cerrone was killed when a suicide bomber detonated the bomb he had strapped to himself in Samarra, Iraq. Also killed in the attack was Specialist Harry "Buck" Winkler. You can read more at BLACKFIVE. These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People LivedThis post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

That darn cat!

We are blessed with another beautiful morning. I love it when I can come into my office and open the window to listen to the birds busy feeding and singing. I guess I love early mornings better than any other part of the day mainly because its cooler. Our desert valley temps are heating up and the air conditioner kicks on around noon.

We spotted a dove with two babies yesterday morning outside the kitchen bay window. They were in the flower bed and the momma was feeding them. I remember from my days on the farm how amazed I was to learn that each momma animal has a special tone and each baby recognizes their mom's call. The dove was cooing softly to her babies as they were cuddling up to her. We had to leave for the store and when we came home the babies and momma were not in the same place. There's plenty of shelter, but not from the dreaded neighbor's cat.

We did have four roaming cats but the past couple of years the one grey and white is the only predator. I know, they keep things thinned out and it's the survival of the fittest, but I'm a softy! Yes, I even cry if I seen the cat run by having made a "kill."

The hummingbirds are busy feeding this morning. They keep Bob busy keeping the sugar formula made up and keeping the feeders full. The hummers are the busiest in the early morning and late evenings.

The Grackles are back for their routine spring visit, birthing and rearing of their youngins, then they move on. They usually pull the dead growth from the spring beds for the bedding in their nests. We can count on them to partially clean out the flower beds for us. The flowers are beautiful right now. It's been a good spring. We do need rain badly. I'm praying, but I guess God is busy!

Do mothers/fathers make school lunches today?

Bob just returned home from taking granddaughter Alexandra to school. This is part of our assignment for a couple of days this week. It's something we were doing regularly until the economy went into the dumpster and hotel resorts on the Las Vegas strip began laying off workers or cutting hours, which is what happened to son Kevin, Alexandra's father. Then he had to have back surgery, so in the interim while he was home, he did all the fatherly chores of school, lunches, bed, etc.

Kevin has been released from the doctor for work and he is back to working at least part time - beats nothing at all. So, we are back to the routine of morning and afternoon duties which includes waking little girl, breakfast, dress, and packing lunch, before grandpa takes her to school.

I have packed lunches for all my kids and grandson Soldier Tom and Bob too - that's a lot of lunches. I know times have changed and more mothers today work because they have to. I don't see how the young couples make it financially today. Las Vegas and surrounding areas housing and rental prices are very expensive. Although with the economy as bad as it is, the housing prices have fallen downward and it is a terrific time to buy, but then there's the issue of having the money and good credit.

Alex sometimes buys her lunch and I know today the school lunches are suppose to be pretty good. I try to improvise on the day it's my duty, but Al is a picky eater. Trying to get the golden triangle of food values (not the McDonald arches) into a young feisty gal is a real chore.

I sure didn't think I'd still be making school lunches at age 64 - Life is full of surprises.

My mother always said "get a lot while you are young!"

My mom died back in 1986 and I still miss her so much. She was so much fun and a great mom. As I think about her, within the span of only 30 seconds, I can think of so many things we did together and how hard we laughed at the simplest silliest things. She gave me much good advice. For example, back in 1962 when I was about to graduate from high school, mom and dad had the discussion with me about going to college, especially music college and the closest one was in Reno that I remember. I didn't want to leave the security of home. And, I had a very difficult time at the Catholic high school I was attending in Las Vegas. We had moved from my home town in Ohio as I was going into my junior year. It was very difficult adjusting and I never quite seem to fit in. I missed the kids I grew up with and at that time I was attending an all girls Catholic school, which I loved. We really did have fun. The Catholic high school I transferred to was co-ed and at that age with kids I didn't know, it made a big difference in my life. I know it made a difference in my attitude and my grades. I believe if we hadn't of moved, I would have gone on to college - but there are a lot of "what ifs" and maybes and life is what it is. It was because of that experience that I wouldn't move Soldier Tom away from this area even though after Brian died, we had talked about selling this place since it was remodeled for Brian's care with all of Brian's memories. There was the additional consideration - Tom. Tom grew up here in this house, started kindergarten here and finally graduated from a great high school just about a half mile away.

Anyhow, my mom advised me to look into a job in computers. Mind you, this was back in the early 60s when only those huge monsters of computers were the new machine of the advanced working class business. I think today, how did my mom know about computers way back then - they were so unknown. My mom didn't go to college, she didn't even finish high school, believe it or not, back in the 30s, it wasn't unusual. But, mom knowing about computers, well, you had to be there to understand, if you are the age of my grandchildren, around 20 or so, you would probably think I lost my mind, but believe me, there was a day when we didn't have a computer in every room - or some sort of tiny handheld game which is the equilivalent of a tiny computer.

I did apply to a firm that had those computers, but ended up at the telephone company here in Las Vegas and that job worked out quite well for me. Wait, I'm getting off the subject I intended to bring forth here this morning.

To "get a lot while you are young" could be interpreted several different ways, in my way of thinking. Getting a lot - - go out and buy a lot of property, yes, that would be a good thing especially in today's market and would have been good when we first moved to Las Vegas back in 1960. Holy Cow, I could be living up in one of those mansions on the hill up the street right now! Could she have meant - do a lot while you are young? Well, if that's the case, I've been there and done that - my husband had "wandering bugs in his britches" (be careful what you're thinking!) and we moved a lot when we were first married. My daughter is amazed how I can rattle off my around the country addresses in less that 2 minutes. My husband and I have experienced a lot in our 45 years together too. And, then, there's the intimate idea she may have been trying to prepare me for - and I won't mention it any further here, just use your imagination - but if you're not older than 55 you wouldn't understand.

What brought me to this thought was reading comments on my Facebook. The Friends I have are comprised mostly of kids who I knew growing up at the church we attended in La Center, Kentucky. One of the girls - Michelle, is a very beautiful young lady, now a mother. She was a very nice sweet person when I knew her back in the 70 and 80s and as I read her comments, I know she has grown into an even more beautiful person. Her mother was a gracious lady and no matter the situation, she always had a smile on her face and a very pleasant greeting to whom ever she met. I haven't seen either Michelle or her mom - Gladys, since we traveled back to Kentucky with Brian and Tom in the motorhome back in the 90s. This was after Brian's accident and he had brain damage and was in a wheelchair. Brian grew up going to St. Mary's Catholic Church, in La Center, and was an altar boy. Gladys was a very holy person. I know here on earth we rarely meet someone who has an aura with a halo, but to me Glady's has a halo.

Michelle's most recent comment on Facebook was about the time she spent recently with her 16 year old daughter. Her thought in retrospect was "they grow up so fast" and reading that comment made me chuckle. I wanted to re-comment - "just wait until you're 65 and look back at your children, grandchildren, and maybe even great-grandchildren." But, I thought better of it. I know the feeling behind that comment when you are a "young" mother and your children are growing up, forming their own ideas and ways, separate from yours. Michelle experienced a wonderful unique time with her daughter and maybe that is what my mom was telling me in more ways than one.

I am not young with regards to an "age number" and I don't move as quickly and have many aches and pains, but I'd like to think the thoughts and ideas are still youthful. Grandson Tom continually tells me "grandma, you're not old" so okay Tom, that is a wonderful compliment! Whether young or old, we should do our best to get a lot out of each day that God gives us. Trying to make the best of a bad situation even though you can't change the situation, the results of how you deal with it could make the difference between a good moment and a disaster.

My mom was wise and she understood. She taught me how to understand Bob and many things about how to live well with a man. Her teachings were simple. I didn't always listen when I was young, as we all experience with our own children - the not listening thing. Gosh, I really miss her. I wish my grandchildren had experienced her wisdom as my children did.

So, in ending, I believe in the words of my mom "get a lot while you are young" is to make the best of life everyday. There's so much to be accomplished and age is in the mind of the beholder. God bless and take care. Have a marvelous Sunday!

Holy Mollie!

We're heading down to the wire and getting pretty frazzled. Of course life's disasters don't stop happening when you have things to do - I won't even go into all the crazy things that have occurred except that my biggest concern has been that Soldier Tom is a victim of fraud and someone is opening accounts using his social security number. It's hectic trying to keep up with it all plus informing him since all this mail is coming to our address (which is probably good thing!) He threw in a huge zinger a couple days ago when he called and asked if we would mail him his Army dress uniform because he needed it in a couple days for an important meeting. He left it here when he came home on leave from Iraq. Holy Crap! They (our boys) don't plan ahead, do they? Of course, I should have known better and mailed it to his new military address as soon as he arrived at Ft. Bragg. A double DUH!

Everything always works out, but I'm getting too old for all this stuff. Someone told me having the young around keeps you young. Humph! I'd like to get a taste of that quiet for just a little while. I think I am going to insist on getting that motor home B+ - it's a scaled down version of a big bus and something I can drive. After we sell this house and find a smaller home and we're moved in, we're packing that B+ baby and heading for the woods, mountains, national parks and fishing streams and we're not coming back for a lllooonnnggg time. I told Kevin he would have to find someone to help him with Alex when we are gone. He's very protective. He's a wonderful father and has depended on us completely since Alex's mother flew the coop! I just need some space.

We should have this room (office/guest room) just about completely organized today for Tine and Tom's arrival. We bought the new closet bi-fold doors yesterday and other stuff for the room. We are having to crunch stuff together. I keep losing space for office paraphernalia,- you know, like printer paper, labels, etc, but I'll figure it out.

Next week I'll move on to Tom's room - I moved boxes from this room to Tom's room and now those need to go to storage if I can't use them. Then it's a matter of cleaning and changing the linens. Beauty shop and rug cleaning next week too.

Tomorrow being Sunday will be a day to take a break. We need to drive over to see our daughter Suzanne too. She's doing okay in the group home and is attending group meetings every day during the week. I think this has been helpful for her. When she lived alone she sometimes never got dressed up for days. The group therapy is held every day and located at a hospital. They have special transportation for those who attend. It has given her reason to dress up and to interact with other people. She had become extremely reclusive. Suzanne's case of mental disability is sometimes difficult to understand. Her medication now seems to be at an even balanced level. I know we eventually see the Light and accept the inevitability of our situations or our loved ones. Some things happen for the best whether you like it or not - or want to admit it. Regardless, there's no free pass!

I hope you all are well and things are good at your home. May you have a blessed day.