Old eyes and shaky fingers

This afternoon Alexandra and I sat down to make more jewelry. We are new to this hobby although the first go round went pretty well, you'd think it would be all down hill but something has changed.

Alex is very clever and talented. She can put together a necklace or bracelet in the speed of light with a variety of colors, styles, and beads while I am struggling putting the ends on her designs. I am quietly thinking that I must come up with a better strategy or working arrangement because we are not actually working together. I am too grumpy as I struggle to put the string through the little holes of the clamps, crimps, and jollies and all the rest of the doo daas that finishes the piece. We have a bright light in the room but I need a lamp that shines directly on the work, so there's something else to be in the way. Organizing the work area has been another thing. I thought this was going to be a fun way to spend time with my granddaughter but I find myself being irritated and grumpy with her and that is defeating the whole purpose of this time.

So its back to square one and starting my plan all over. I think the best would be for me to put the finishing touches on the jewelry after both of us have worked together on a couple of pieces. Until I get the hang of it and can whip right through the most difficult part, I think this will work out the best - she won't mind waiting until I put on the finish touches. This way we will have time to work together and share ideas.

There are so many beautiful beads, chains, hooks, finishing thingies and so many other things to add on - beading is an art in itself. I know we will have fun and enjoy our accomplishments once we get situated and organized together. We have lots of books to go through for new ideas.

I have made myself a bracelet which fell apart but I do know why - I didn't have it connected correctly at the end. Believe it or not, there's a lot to know and learn. My hands shake more these days than when I was younger and my eyes have trouble dealing with putting the stretchy string through the small holes - like threading a needle, but I can do it if I keep trying. Like Thomas the Train, I think I can, I know I can. We will reap the rewards of our accomplishments and the time we spend together.

The sound of quiet

Candy to my ears - no noise, no TV, no radio, or music, no one hammering or mowing the lawn or construction work. No yelling or shouting, no traffic, just quiet. It is rare here in our home. I know it's a lot to be thankful for - to have a home that grandchildren can grow up in, but there are those moments when quiet is a diamond moment. This is it right now. Awwwwwwww! taking it all in.

The sun is setting and there are a few hummingbirds getting their last licks from the feeders. They are amazing - they are up early and still feeding way after dark and the other birds have settle in their designated trees.

This has been a very busy week. Bob celebrated his 68th birthday yesterday. A quiet one by most standards. We did go out to eat at our favorite pizza place - Metro Pizza, but we had the birthday cake celebration tonight - it was a time factor yesterday. He was melancholy yesterday and a little depressed today - I don't know if it was the age thing or the health age thing. He has accomplished a lot in his lifetime. I know how he feels though, we do wish we were at a different place in our life, but sometimes there are things we can't change. There are times when we should be thankful for what we have but not give up hope.

I'm going to to doctor for my leg on Monday, gosh, I can't wait - what a pain in the butt it's been dealing with this. I'm not one to give in to pain, but as I've gotten older I sometimes feel like a big baby. Oh well, we just keep on plugging don't we as long as we can.

Soldier Tom's birthday is in a little over a week. He and his gal Tine are so full of energy and we are so dull compared to their lifestyle. He said to me that we are at the age we don't want to celebrate birthdays anymore. I don't know where he got that idea, I don't mind it, but would just like to have a big party but no one around here knows how to give a big fun party so its the same ole thing. My husband is a quiet man with a sense of humor and I am grateful for him from the bottom of my heart to my tippy toes. I am blessed to have him in my life and to celebrate birthdays with him.

Weekend breaking in on us again, where do the days go! Hope you have a great one, keep safe, God bless.

ჱܓDirty Dancing "She's Like The Wind" by Patrick Swayze (1987) ჱܓ

Patrick Swayze has passed away at age 57 after a 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer. He will be missed but his spirit will live on forever and he will suffer no more.

The men, they are cooking Sunday dinner..

As previously mentioned, me and my water bound knee plus large black and blue lump on foot of leg of same water logged knee is reporting no change and ability to get around remains difficult and limpingly to say the least. However, one bright star at the end of the universe is a husband who will try anything. Sunday dinner is something we look forward to, so husband Bob agreed to do the work while I supervised from the kitchen chair. Agreed!!!!

As time neared to get things rolling in the kitchen, the telephone rang, it was Soldier Tom calling from Ft Bragg, well actually his car as he was on his way to the grocery. He was hesitating, but inquiring apologetically, he needed advice. He was determined to cook dinner tonight for Tine, and he needed help. How do I cook lasagna he asked? This was the meal he had decided to do to prove he could put together a dinner for Tine. The men in this family can't turn down a challenge, so I imagine Soldier Tom was challenged and he was determined to complete his cooking mission. So, how do you give advice over the phone on how to cook lasagna? Holy cow!!!! My brain went into freeze zone then thawed because this was my forte - cooking and computers. I gave him suggestions especially the quick way will be to use the recipe on the box of lasagna noodles for measurements which is what I follow and not try to make the sauce from scratch the first time. I'm available if you need more help was the final words before we said final sentiments of love you and take care. Then twenty minutes later as Bob was cooking, I remember the time difference - it was 7:30 PM his time, it would be 11:00 PM probably before they eat. I called him and suggested something less time consuming or easier, but he wouldn't budge - he was committed. So, we parted on those word and I haven't heard from him since. I'll give him a call in the morning to see how it went. Bob and I wondered if Tine was helping out too or was this a "do it alone" challenge? I know he helps her in the kitchen all the time. I'm proud of him for learning and achieving involved cooking skills.

Here on the home front, Bob's assignment was Beef Stroganoff. My recipe was a simple recipe. I volunteered to be his sous chef since I could sit and chop. Since Bob became retired he has taken on many kitchen chores. He does seem to enjoy himself and follows instructions very well. The dinner was excellent. It was very nice to enjoy our Sunday dinner together tonight.

The only downside of men in my kitchen is their persistence for turning the heat too high under the skillets. So, my saving grace was to buy them their own pans to cook with and I hide my good cookware. It is lovely to turn over the duties of cooking of fine cuisine to the men in the house. There are bonuses all round.

Saturday evening with George Strait & Favorites

It's been a full day with some accomplishments - did check off some stuff that's been muttering "me next!, me me me!" yes, finally crossed through those things. Bob moved some furniture in Tom's room so we could fit in my nice typing table that Alexandra and I will use to make jewelry. We can spread our jewelry making stuff out and not have to worry about putting stuff away. This was my biggest accomplishment but the day took a turn for the worse when a heavy piece of wood fell on my foot that was the letters and a coat holder spelled out in the letters THOMAS.

My foot is really swollen tonight coupled with the fact my leg has been in pain all week - my regular doc said I had water on the knee but he didn't do anything about it on my last visit. I fell down twice and I'm sure now all that is coming to light. The first time was a few years back when I was taking classes at night at the Community College. We were walking up carpeted stairs that had little strips of lights, but they curved and I didn't see it - I tripped and hit my head and landed lopsided on my knees. They hurt for weeks on end. I didn't go to the doc then - I didn't want an ambulance, but had to sign a paper saying I wouldn't sue the school. The last time I fell was in my kitchen on my slick kitchen tile floor - it was wet and I went a flying. The knee got infected and doc gave me an antibiotic and that was the last of it until now. Hoping in a few days it will get better if not I'm off to the knee doc - he knows our family personally. Husband Bob and Son Don has been in to see him and had surgery several times - so we're old pros at joint pain. I'm limping around like Festus did on Gunsmoke with Jim Arness. When I was younger I never had accidents and I was active. We had a farm and I was all over the hay wagon, doing tobacco, running cattle and pigs, and running after my kids too. Old age stinks!

Bob has picked up the slack on the tasks at hand, no big deal stuff, just odds and ends. I appreciate his help very much. Son Don has just stopped by for a short stop. He's come up from Phoenix and has to be in Salt Lake City - he's my truck driving son. It's always nice to see him regardless of how long he's here. Kev's working a night shift so we're responsible for granddaughter Alex. Don will aggravate her and she will tease him. She loves it when he stops by.

I haven't had much time to be back here in my back office alone without any interruptions so I can play George loud and sing off key to his music. Bob bought me George's new CD "Twang" for my birthday. There are several really good songs. George is good candy for these old eyes and I love his music - he gives his fans a variety of styles, so you never know what's next with him.

I also enjoy the smooth selection from the Eagles CD, and then there's Sting and Chris Botti - sweet!

I hope you are having a very nice weekend - a very special time for our country in many aspects. May God bless and keep you safe . Take good care.

Talking in my sleep

My friend Ann will be surprised to know that I carried on a telephone conversation with her in the wee hours of the morning. Ann is a regular visitor here to my blog. She's been a friend since the first time I met her when I went to work at Southwest Gas in Las Vegas, back in 1989. She's been my friend through some really rough times in my life, mainly, Brian's accident, caring for him and then his death. I've known her through her own trials as well, especially when she lost her loving father and now as she takes care of her mom.

Ann is one of those kind of people who is very trustworthy. You know whatever you tell her, she wouldn't repeat it to anyone. You can be who you are even if you are having a very ugly day or on the top of the mountain. She also laughs at my jokes which is the main aspect I look for in a close friend - I can be a dingielingie so a friend must understand I have those days. She has a deep love of God and trusts Him to always watch over her.

So, it's not surprising that I would have an out loud verbal conversation with Ann in the middle of the night. I asked my husband this morning if he heard me talking out loud in my sleep and he said he did but he didn't realize it was Ann I was talking to this time. It was a telephone conversation with Ann and a side conversations with one of my kids, now I've forgotten who except that was about erasable markers on a white board. Ann was holding on the phone as I spoke with my kid. Ann's conversation consisted of her telling me what time she would be at school and my out loud response an explanation of when was I going to be there.

Oddly, neither Ann nor I are in school nor do we have kids in school. I have no clue where this conversation with Ann stemmed from and we haven't had a conversation about meeting at school ever. I did wake myself up talking out loud to Ann and that's why I can remember only this part. My family tells me I do talk out loud sometimes in the night and I remember it's usually when I am sick. Actually, I am sick right now, so I must have been delirious last night.

My husband and son sometimes talk in their sleep although I wouldn't repeat what my son says. My husbands speech is so blurred that even straining to hear doesn't help. One night a long time ago, he did hollower out a cuss word and was laughing (not anything promiscuous so don't go there!!!). I had never ever heard him really cuss like a Navy shore man before during those early years and even now it's very unusual so I guess that's why I still remember and it was hilarious!

I wonder if talking out loud in our sleep tells something about our inner thoughts like our dreams? If so, I guess I was thinking Ann and I needed to go back to school for some reason. I wonder what she thinks about that?

Afghanistan Photos of the Day September 7th, 2009

U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st and 3rd Platoons, Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, wake up after spending the night inside a compound in the Tangi Valley in the Wardak province of Afghanistan, August 30th, 2009

U.S. Army Specialist Christian Jimenez cuts the hair of Specialist Indra Geerts at Combat Outpost Tangi in the Wardak province of Afghanistan, August 31st, 2009.

See more photos of our Army in Afghanistan here.

Day after

The 45th anniversary celebration came and went. Bob and I agreed no gifts or cards this year - we both have most everything we want and why get more stuff to move when or if we ever find the home we want to buy.

The day was relaxing, fun, and enjoyable. Very casual with only Kevin, Suzanne and Alexandra present. We had a good time. Son Kevin cooked an absolutely delicious seven course meal and cleaned up. He is an excellent cook. Suz helped where she could.

I was only permitted to contributed the task of doing the deviled eggs because I have this really simple way of mixing the yoke and other ingredients that results in no lumpy yokes. Years and years of lumpy yokes in my deviled eggs and now with a simple suggestion of putting all the ingredients in a plastic bag and mushing it all together, snipping off the end of the plastic bag and piping it into the boiled egg white - presto, fast, quick and done in no time, no mess and fuss.

We talked and joked and reminisced. How did we get here together 45 years through all our fits, arguments, trials and tribulations, and mixed in with all the many joys is a result of our faith in God who is the glue that gives us guidance and shows us the path to take when all else fails. We both know our life would be unbearable without our faith and praying daily for His presence in our life. So many times we don't see the way clearly. We don't understand why things happen. Sometimes the answer of why is obvious. It's always a surprise. Our life is sheltered and protected with His Love and through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Our marriage could not have lovingly survived had it not been for His Blessings.

crap happens when least expected---or wanted!

Bob and I are approaching our 45th wedding anniversary date. We can't do anything big deal fuu-fuu, but we were hoping to get out of town for a couple of days just for some quiet time ---- alone, that is the operative word----ALONE - Together,,,,,,,,,! Well, shuckie darn! Crap does happen when least expected, especially when all seems good.

Everything was moving very smoothly, things were ready to go, we went to bed with everything organized, all bases were covered, Kevin was here to take care of things, no big deal problems, smooth sailing. But, it was not to be this time - - woke up at 3 AM with a minor headache, dumb me, didn't take anything for it - - - now, mind you, I hadn't been drinking anything, sometimes certain wines or mixed drinks will give me a headache and I only drink two - three makes me incessantly continually giggly........So by 5 AM the headache had advanced into a migraine. I can't remember the last time I had a migraine - at least back when Brian was alive and that was back in the 90s. If you are one who have migraines, you know you need quiet and dark and the toilet free at all cost. I hugged the pot for an hour - and fortunately we have a nice cozy place where ours is situated and one can grab the walls and not fall or stumble if sick - even laying one's head on the wall and sleeping has happened too -not a perfect place, but when you're sick, who's picky!! Plastic waste can very available, lined with bag easily taken out - quickly - - - well, you get the drift. Bob is a dear, he knows the drill, cold wet washcloth to the forehead and leave. I ended sitting in the bedroom chair - the best position with migrane, laying down is horrible. By noon, I was one-fourth a human being again, quick recovery I think. Bob again is a good nurse, serving chicken ramon soup with 7 up later in the day. I could hear him checking in on me as I slept in the chair.

Dang it!! We'll make plans to go maybe next week. Only a couple of days just a few miles away, not a long drive, but pretty, just to get away. We have responsibilities to help our son and granddaughter, it's different when your our age, and still have responsibilities and can't just pack up and go. I envy those our age who can. After all, we're Senior Citizens and have paid our dues!

You know you never know what God has in mind for your life. I am blessed the best with a loving husband. Forty-five years has flown by so it seems. Dreams have been fulfilled, but I'm not finished dreaming - I have a list, and that list includes loving and laughing, and traveling with the man I've shared my bed with for these past years. We may have situations in our life we can't do anything about right now, we both have health problems that we can't do anything about, but not as bad as they could be, but our reward is our marriage that has stuck. It has worked because of our faith in God and our head strong determination to make it to work. There are those little things - like holding hands still give me chills, he says the same, seeing him in a crowd, watching him walk toward me, the jokes he plays on me, we laugh at the silliest things, just knowing what to do and when, the respect for each other's space. Just knowing he's there.

I can't imagine my life without him. Long lasting love is sweet.