JK Wedding Entrance Dance

This is so cool! Yes, the BEST Wedding Entrance ever and I love the Bridesmaids dresses too!!! What a tremendous way to start a marrage! Fun!

What does retirement mean to me!

Retirement means no alarm clocks unless the alarm sound is coming from another room in the house occupied by a misplaced son who needs to get up and leave at 3 AM. He is a truck driver and stopped by to visit on route north from southern state. My mental alarm clock went off before his did, seems a mother's instinct never evaporates even when approaching 65 years old. God made women versatile and with longevity. Retired men, on the other hand, can sleep through anything. It really is annoying, I would yearn to be a sound sleeper but my instincts are still keen.

My instincts are still honed in on school times too. After raising five children, you'd think I'd be ready to forget all those requirements but that's another thing God really forced into mothers. Our granddaughter lives with us and her father most of the time over sleeps - maybe he mentally relies on me - however, mentally I think I annoy him - and I don't give a hoot. We will be leaving on a undisclosed destination for an undisclosed time after we sell our home and they will all be on their own because I won't answer my cell phone. Talk about Tough Love - that's the name of the game. I'm too much of a patsy right now - just can't let my granddaughter be late for school, it's ingrained into my sense of responsibility.

Retirement is suppose to mean freedom and we have that maybe 33% of the time, the rest we do have responsibility to helping with granddaughter, but soon that will be cut off when we leave town for places unknown. This is a dream mind you - I feel as though I don't have much time to experience fun and the thrills of life before I crumble up so I am dreaming of the day when Bob and I can jump in the truck and say "hidi-ho.....adios!!" I'll keep you in informed.

Retirement on the positive side is playing with my computer any time I want. There are all sorts of moans and groans from the peanut gallery about my addiction to FaceBook, FarmTown, Twitter, my blogs, and emails, etc, but who cares. I have to give up playing my music at the volume I enjoy so I can sing as loud as I want (off key). Just because I am retired doesn't mean I have suddenly gained a beautiful tone to my singing but it does mean I can hide in my out of the way office and enjoy the melody to the fullest sense of my favorite music. But, there again, responsibility and consideration which has been instilled by the love from God prevents me from disturbing any sleeping bodies that may reside in the home off hours. I could use earphones to silence the music but the singing would probably be the most annoying, so why push it.

So, as I approach my 65th birthday in a couple weeks, I want to go to Disneyland, visit President Ronald Reagan's library in California, and see some friends in Huntington Beach, but I'm not sure this wish will be fulfilled. Wouldn't you think after all this time on this earth I could have this wish - - well, maybe, possibly. I'll let you know.

Finally, I have some girl-friends who do not enjoy having their husbands at home after they retire - one in particular told her husband she didn't want him to retire. As fate would have it, she died of cancer and because he was retired he took care of her until her last days on this earth. That was my brother who tenderly cared for her even though he realized how she felt. Sad! I do love my husband and I do love having him home and can't wait to head out in the truck traveling together. We have so much fun being retired, and I guess we've had fun most of our live together.

Life is so unpredictable and we never know what tomorrow will bring despite our dreams and hopes. It can be so frustrating when you want something so badly but have to settle for second best. It may be more comforting if I could accept second best as the best without realizing that may be the best of life at the time. Humor has been my daily dose of medicine to cover up disappointments. Hope is another virtue present that endures and pursuades the senses there is something better but it essential to have Faith. I know God is with me always and the reasons for my existance and my circumstances are His as He guides me along this Life path every day I am on this earth.

Fickle Finger of Farming, Fame and Fooie

I've just come from my Farm Town the application on FaceBook where one of my FB friends had a link to a cooking blog. I wanted to link to it on this blog so I felt rather guilty and two-faced not stopping by to write something. I am torn between the two addictions now but all my time has gone to FaceBook and my Farm. I've included my Farm as it it right now. I have planted Peppers because they make more coins but they haven't matured. There are trees all around and lots of flowers and farm animals, kittens and dogs. I am staying in the middle of my field but I am very small. I continually add flowers and will be adding ponds and water ways and other things. Some farms are very elaborate. It's a fun thing.

There is huge FarmTown competition here in the family between granddaughter Alex, husband Bob and me. I am trying to be mature about the whole thing but you can see it in their eyes as they watch my coin count continue to collect as well as the trophy number and the awards. Alex has come unglued to the point of tears over several issues since she has started her farm. She has even worked Bob, promoting herself and her job skills to cultivate over mine - when you share cultivation the helper earns coins and the farmer earns more coins. It is so silly it is funny.

This morning Alex expanded her property which of course changed the borders. She isn't experienced enough to realize the results of her decision and each of us - Bob, Kevin, and I, had to explain how it works but she was too upset to accept our help. I sat down at that computer and explained and began to do some expansions for her until I realized she knew what to do really.

She is very sensitive and wants it all perfect. And please do not comment negatively or the tears will flow. I have been very upset and moody lately and ill tempered with not only her but everyone. I know the reason, but the reason doesn't matter, it won't/can't change because it is the way it is. I guess I've come to the end of the road for now and will just have to once again realize I need to suck it up and get on with it. This is the problem raising grandchildren or having them live with you - ideally, you'd prefer to see them when you are in a loving mood rather than impatient or ill-tempered or feeling poorly. At least, that's how I would like it, but these days that's not how it is here. I guess reality is a better lesson than imaginary pretend.

If you are interested in Farmtown - it is an application off FaceBook and you will need a FaceBook page, then go from there. It's easy.

Plans are moving forward for painting the interior of the house, and I think I've finally convinced myself of the idea that I am comfortable with renting a house for a year after we sell this place. Son Kev and Alex with have to move with us to the next home - and I plan on giving Kev an ultimatum of a year to get his life together so he can go it alone with Alex - maybe by then Alex's mom will start paying something for support. During that year of renting, Bob and I will travel all over and while traveling stay longer at places we think we might like to live and look at real estate.

Bob has now decided he wants to go to Alaska and I suggested he go alone! In our early years of marriage he wanted to move to Newfoundland because he had been stationed there in the Air Force and he really liked it there. It was one place I refused to move to although I did move everywhere else with him in the U. S. when he got an itch in his rear to move on a whim. I won't move to Alaska for the same reason I wouldn't move to Newfoundland - too far from family. After 45 years of marriage, I am sticking to my gun and being where I want to be. I know in a few years I will be having a great-grandbaby and if you think for one minute I want to live so far away from that baby I couldn't see it then you are cookoo! Tom has a girlfriend and they are serious, but not ready to settle down yet and I am glad, but I know the day will come.

Tom did get his promotion to Sergeant and we are so proud. He celebrated by buying a new vehicle that he's always wanted. Good for him!!!

Well, that's it from here and Jeannie Beannie's farm too. I hope you all are well and your life has been going along smoothly. I pray that God will bless you abundantly with prayers answered and many blessings. Do take good care.

Seems like forever.......

Yes, it does seem like forever since I've blogged. I thought I was hooked on blogging until my oldest son Don introduced us to Facebook, then I found Farmtown - a Facebook application. Even Bob is hooked on Facebook and we were competing on Farmtown for the biggest farm and who has the most coins. This all came to the "cross words" status a few days back. I can't say we saw the weirdness in the whole situation, but we both did change our strategy which changed our techniques and now there's no more competitive opportunities in our motivation.

I didn't realize it when I met my husband 45 years ago that he was extremely competitive. In fact, so much so he wouldn't even play cards with the kids when they were younger. I thought that was odd, until years later he admitted it. Now we all have a great time. A while back Bob even spoofed Tom when playing Hearts, I think it was. Tom didn't realize Bob knew the game and was being easy on Bob, when lo and behold, Bob was counting the cards, and won the hand. I never saw Tom's face so amazingly surprised!

It's not like I don't have anything to do because I should be packing up the house for moving. But, I am not motivated and playing Farmtown on the computer is much more fun. I have found friends and kids of friends I knew from places I lived - the kids are grown up now into very attractive mature individuals. This has been a saving grace and a wonderful experience for me to begin communicating with these new found old friends. A few of my friends are on Facebook, but mostly it is their children who I am sharing news with and some have passed on information from me to their moms (my friends). A dear dear friend's daughter is trying to convince her mom to get on Facebook, but so far, no go, but I am getting news from her daughter. Which is wonderful fun.

We've gotten two estimates for the interior painting of the house. I want two more individuals to come in before I make a choice. I do like one of the painters, but I need to have more to chose from at this point. Email from our Realtor has us checking out homes via the Internet which is fine with me since if we do see something we like then we can drive by. None so far have not jumped out and slapped us across the face and said "buy me."

Oldest son Don was home for a couple of days. His birthday is Wednesday and we took him out to dinner last evening to Claim Jumpers. I was looking forward to eating there again. The meal we had on Father's Day was fabulous unfortunately the food wasn't so good last night. I really felt disappointed since I looked forward to doing something special for Don. He hasn't liked having birthdays for years and generally doesn't get a truck load in our area on his birthday. Don was called back on the road this morning so he headed out bright and early but we did have a nice visit. He was able to get some time on his motorcycle too.

Tom is doing well at Ft. Bragg. He called me out of the clear blue - no problems, didn't want anything, just wanted to call - that was nice and a very special surprise. He is trying to get his hi school and college grades together so he can apply for college courses now. I know Tina is behind him pushing and I am grateful. Tom needs nudging in that direction and she is the one to do it - she has the power and the love. Tom is very bright but also a proscrastinator - big time. Tina is very bright too and they make a great couple.

Not much else going on here at our place. I've missed blogging but it is a time warranted attention keeping job. Also, I have to have peace and quiet and no interruptions to keep my train of thought to write. It's quiet in the house at this moment. OH, it is so hot outside these days - temp up to 116 degrees some days. A little cooler today because we had rain in some parts of the valley. Nice!

I finally did get to do what I have looked forward to do for a year - - we saw Harry Potter this afternoon. It was totally terrific. If Bob will go, I want to see it again. I don't think I could go a year before it comes out on DVD before seeing it again - maybe it will be on DVD for Christmas but probably not. I did listen to the (audio) book on CD so I sort knew some of the stuff to happen, but it was great to see it... Really great.

Take good care and God bless each of you.

Nellis Airman Honored with Renaming of Airmen's Center

So often lately I've heard the comment that many have been paying tribute to Michael Jackson after his death while we have heros who lose their life protecting and serving for our country and they seem to go unnoticed. Today our local news website announced the honor of an airman from our local Nellis Air Force Base.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Jesse M. Samek, 21, of Rogers, Ark.; assigned to the 66th Rescue Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; died Oct. 21, 2004, from injuries he received when an Air Force HH-60 helicopter aircraft crashed during a medical evacuation mission in Afghanistan. You can read the rest of the story on his military service here.

Our local news station KLAS-TV Channel 8, writes a Nellis Air Force Base airman who became the base's first post 9/11 combat death was honored at the base Monday.

Airman 1st Class Jesse M. Samek will be a part of every Nellis airman's life for years to come. Nellis AFB has named the Nellis Airmen's Center after him in hopes no one will forget the young man's life.

Please read the rest of this story about Nellis AFB and comments from his mother here.

We hold the family and friends of Airman Jesse Samek in our prayers.

Fort Drum Soldier Killed in Afganistan

FORT DRUM, N.Y., July 11, 2009 — A 10th Mountain Division Soldier from Fort Drum was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Afghanistan Thursday.

The Fort Drum Soldier killed is Spc. Joshua R. Farris, 22, an infantryman, of La Grange, Texas, who deployed with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team in January in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He served in 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).

Spc. Farris joined the Army in March 2006 and came to Fort Drum in June 2006. He is survived by his father, mother, and step-father.Spc. Farris' awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Our prayers and thoughts are for Spc. Farris family and friends. May God bless them in their time of grief. Sad news.

This entire text was copied from this page at Newzjunky.com, off a Drudgereport.com link.

Koo Koo for Farm Town

The past couple of weeks my guilty conscious has played havoc on my constructive energies. It has prevented me from adhering to the tasks at hand even my blogs. My husband reminds me that we are retired and can do whatever we want. I know I have mentioned this before that I have let my household tasks go to pot, but the past couple of weeks have been ridiculous although he doesn't complain. Unfortunate for me, the only outcome from me has been a guilty conscious because I am not motivated even though I know I am delinquent and derelict in my duties to my house. It's the usual stuff although nothing drastic or urgent, just matters of organization and habits, such as, washing clothes, cleaning the kitchen floor, dusting, just those sort of things. The priorities I have managed to do because they are there in the moment, like cleaning the latrine (sounds better than the bathroom, oh, oops, I did say it anyhow!), changing the bed linens, those I am up on - - - but the everyday in your face stuff is squalling out - clean me, do me first, help, clean my spot first! But, I ignore them all and do you know why?

I have become a freak and inhabitant of this d*** computer! Just when I didn't think I would/could find something else to monopolize my free time, Facebook enters my life. Our oldest truck driving son, Don, mentioned it to us a couple of months ago. When both Bob and I signed up and got a pretty good following, Don comments he can't believe we're spending so much time on the page. Well, let me tell you, he was shock when he realized how attached both Bob and I are to Farm Town - an application that goes with Facebook. Don shakes his head in disbelief and I know he thinks we are kookie!! I don't care, really, I haven't told my kids how kookie I think they are sometimes. They seem to have the upper hand of classifying our parenting skills without the realization of how old we are and our accomplishment and the fact we are still alive and kicking. But this post isn't about "them" but more about Farm Town and wasting time.

Oh well, what the heck, does it really matter? It has been fun building a little farm and putting horses, cows, pigs, chickens and all the rest of the little critters on my make believe farm, plus planting crops and meeting the challenge of earning the most coins I can so I can improve and enlarge my make believe farm. Believe me this environment is a better deal than physically working on a farm - been there, and done that, and it is work, hard work, really sweaty work, muscle hurting work and the price is not a money reward but satisfaction of a job well done. And, that is was - it was a joyous adventure and I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Opps, gotta run, Bob just came in and asked me to harvest his crops - we both make more coins if we harvest each others crops. I'm growing cabbage right now and they only take a day and made more coins than any other crops. This is just a make believe game, after all!!!

Evian Roller Babies US

Really cute babies! They are SO talented, don't ya know!!!

Deadly Day for US Troops

Copied from Sarah Palin's webpage -----Governor Palin Mourns Loss of Fort Richardson Paratroopers July 6, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin offered her condolences to the family and friends of two Fort Richardson soldiers who died in Afghanistan. Private First Class Aaron E. Fairbairn, 20, of Aberdeen, Washington, died Saturday of injuries sustained from small arms and indirect fire. Private First Class Justin A. Casillas, 19, of Dunnigan, California, also died Saturday in the same attack.

“These soldiers served with honor and courage,” Governor Palin said. “Both will be remembered as true American heroes. Todd and I offer the families our prayers and support during this difficult time.”

Both men were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

A state flag, along with a letter of condolence, will be sent to the families.

There is additional information concerning additional troops who were killed this week on the military.com website here.

Our prayers to the families and for departed soldiers. May God please bless our fine soldiers in battle and be with their families.

Name correction!

I apologize, I made an assumption when writing the post earlier about the fallen soldier. The soldier's name is Aaron Fairbairn. I have not seen his rank on line - yet.

Here is a link to FoxNews with more news and information.

Sorry about the error!

Aaron Masters killed in Afganistan

I just clicked on Michelle Malkin to read the article from the father of Aaron, David Masters. He was passing on the news of the death of his son on twitter. Here is the link to Michelle Malkin's website with the rest of the story. Here is the link to Aaron's MySpace page as provided by Aaron's father, David, through Michelle's website.

Our prayers and condolences go out to the Master's family.

Happy Fourth of July!

U. S. Marine Helicopter

A U.S. Marine CH-53 transport helicopter flies over the rugged terrain of Farah province March 17, in southwestern Afghanistan. The Marines, who expanded into the area last November, are soon to be joined by thousands more American troops as part of an additional 17,000 U.S. forces being sent to the war. Getty Images / John Moore

Read more and see more images of the U. S. Marines in Afghanistan here.

Strike of the Sword, July 2, 2009

About four thousand U.S. Marines including one thousand Marine shooters and more than six hundred Afghan forces launched a major offensive into Taliban controlled

villages in southern Afghanistan on Thursday.

U.S. Marines from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 1st Battalion 5th Marines board helicopters at Camp Leatherneck for a night air assault in Afghanistan's Helmand province Thursday July 2, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

U.S. Marines from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, 1st Battalion 5th Marines wait at Camp Leatherneck to board helicopters for a night air assault in Afghanistan's Helmand province Thursday July 2, 2009. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

To read the latest on this offensive, please go to FoxNews here.

Five months and 24 days

Can you look back on the year 2009 and say it's been a great year? Well, 2009 is half over and there's five months and 24 days to go before Christmas day.

We are in the first week of the usual hot dry desert weather. The one advantage is that it is great swimming weather. I receives a note from a friend who said she misses the dry heat but she is now living on the east coast in an area where the summer humidity is high and so is the temperature. Whew! I remember those days, mosquitoes, ticks, sweat, yuck!

It's weird but seems like the weekend to me already, can't get a grip on the day. Just talked to Soldier Tom and they're heading for the beach along the Atlantic Ocean this weekend which sound like a great idea. There's some really great spots over here on this side of the U. S. on the Pacific. One place we have visited is Moro Bay and then there's Huntington Beach and further south around San Diego and Newport Beach. The most beautiful beach is at Monterey or Carmel by the Sea. At some of those beaches the sand is the type you sink into when you walk. In Maine, the beach sand is solid, really nice for strolling. Monterey has a fantastic aquarium. We went there for one of our anniversaries. It's a great place to visit. Lots of shops and things to do.

We'll probably hang around for the Fourth of July holiday and maybe catch a movie or two. No big deal holiday plans here this year. What about you?