What do you want for Valentine's Day?

Or better yet - what value do you or your lover put on Valentine's Day and how you celebrate?


Hubby and I were just now chatting about Valentine's Day, actually I brought it up, wondering out loud when it was. I was having a memory lapse and couldn't remember what today's date was and when was Valentine's Day. Ok! so it's next Sunday, what now? I apprehensively glance over at him. He is sitting in his chair to the right of me about ten feet away working on his laptop computer while we watch the CBS Sunday Morning program, we never miss it, and I ask him the $24,000.00 question "what are we going to do for Valentine's Day?" His response............silence. Typical....after 45 years, I know it's up to me. He is not the "surprise ya!" kind of guy.

Oops! but then I remember, I already have his Valentine's gift. It wasn't wrapped up in pretty red paper with a giant bow, in fact, it came in a cardboard box with a handle. I was thinking what is one woman's diamond is another's set of sheets, although I prefer pearls over diamonds. And, for sure, not every woman would be so satisfied with my gift that came in a cardboard box, unwrapped. So, I ask "What appeals to you?" What would really set you off and make you ooohhhhh and aaahhhh when you open your Valentine's Day gift? Even you guys, being serious of course - I think of giving my husband a nice cooked meal or going out for dinner to his favorite spot, we don't exchange gifts on Valentine's Day, so I don't have to scan my brain wondering what to give him. I wonder why it's all about the female. Seems sort of one sided. We do exchange cards. He is difficult to buy for, he is the guy who has everything. I'll have to think on that one.

We moved from our designated sitting sites in the living room to the kitchen table for breakfast and now Bob has left the area and is off to take his morning nap - we're retired, but even on Sundays he has routine naps. The area on his forehead where he was receiving radiation treatments for cancer looks good. I hope it is healed on the inside. I don't know how the doctors know just by looking.

Bob has given me many gifts in our years together. He struggles to pick out just the right one. He says I am difficult to choose for and I know it is because we have different tastes. As I've gotten older I face the reality of our differences. It must be realized there's more to love than gifts and the words on greeting cards although the words are true and everlasting and at times necessary to hear.

Today he is very gifted in giving and caring for the simple comfort in life. I waited on him "hand and foot" when we were young - because I wanted to. I catered to his every need because I wanted to make him happy. If it sounds icky and too mushy, it is, but it worked for us. Now, today he cares for me. I have medical needs and I don't have to ask twice or ask at all, he is there, he can predict. He does so willingly, with a very caring heart and a beautiful smile. He would do anything for me - and I know our devotion and dedication from day one has paid off. He needed me when I was young and strong to be his strength and at his side, today as I have lost my vitality I have his strength and devotion as I grow old.

His gift in a cardboard box came from one of our favorite stores. We were shopping for a few items only a few days ago and came across it at the end of the counter. It is something he knew I thought about getting eventually after a few bills were paid off. He said he couldn't resist the glistening and pitiful foreboding begging look in my eyes especially when I saw the price and knew the value plus the warranties - yes, I am thoughtful of those things. He nodded yes, and I think the excitement vibrated through the rest of the store - I have no proof of that but it felt that way to me. I grinned through the remainder of the shopping trip and couldn't wait to get home to open my cardboard box. I had to share my happiness with every employee I saw until the last when I actually picked it up from that special holding place. Jubilee, yippee!

My special Valentine's Day gift was a laptop computer, the one I'm typing on - with Windows 7 - now that is so exciting to me. Bob and I share many things together and he understands how I enjoy having a top notch working machine and it matters to me. I can't wear it around my neck or on my finger, but I do use it from early morning to late evening for all sorts of tasks. This is the best gift of all - finally a computer with Windows 7!

So, speaking as a well traveled been around the block sweetheart, Valentine's Day is so very nice for the young, but when you have years behind you, having a lover who knows your needs and provides your desires when needed, Valentine's Day is everyday.

Fiddle-Faddling around.....

It's Saturday morning around 9AM, watched the morning news and the weather channel, then did Facebook, Farmtown and Farmville and emails. I was surprised to read my friends posts from west Kentucky and surrounding areas post on Facebook they have 8 inches of snow. All I'm seeing on the Weather Channel is Washington DC and their snow fall.

I do get aggravated with the regular cable Weather Channel sometimes, then neglect the weather in the west and are more partial to only the east coast. So here we go again - they left out the mid west. Don't they realize there are plenty of people and weather there in that region of the U S!!! Get real folks at the Weather Channel!!! Hello!

There is total cloud cover in the Las Vegas Valley right now. I can imagine Mt. Charleston is covered with snow, which is a good thing. Our trees are barren but there have been as many as 50 birds resting in the three trees in the back yard. I'm watching it drizzle and I know there is a bigger rain heading our way. When I write about our rain I feel guiltily weird because some of you may have gotten more than your share and I wonder if you are thinking "what's up with that?" Well we've been in a real drought situation. Our Lake Mead is drying up. We need more than one season of rain to fill it back up to the level it was years ago, so that's kinda why I talk about it often.

Bob and I are home alone this weekend. At this moment, the only noise in the house is the air blowing through the heater vents. It is lovely. I can hear the rain falling outside and the birds singing. I enjoy peace and quiet. I love my kids and grand kids deeply, but I cherish the quiet! Bob, for some reason, likes to have the TV on with no sound - personally I like no TV - no distractions.

On a different level - what are your plans and hopes for this year? Do you have something special to look forward to? Will you travel? Or, are you in a conundrum of sorts with so many things to sort out that some days you feel like you'll never get it straight?

I'm like that right now - in a conundrum of decision. In my lifetime, I've never been in this state of mind, is it my age, the situation, too many people involved therefore too many considerations? I never worried about the too many people before, it just all seemed to work out, but it seems like the end with this decision, finality. The last one, so it has be to good. It is a heavy worry weight that I can't get a grip on to solve. Maybe it isn't time yet to solve the problems. I've always trusted in God and knew He was guiding me in all my decisions. There was a peace about it, I knew the decision was right. It's almost like He's telling me to sit still, there's something more to happen, there's more to it, just wait. But, sometimes I have a fear that maybe I'll be too late. I am concerned about our future as so many are today. I know we could screw up badly then be in the poor house if we don't act, but then maybe not - maybe acting impulsively is wrong, maybe that's why the feeling of "wait!" Nothing is falling in place - if it was right, it always did, and it worked. Not today, there always seems to be something new come into the picture of our life.

I complain and grumble about my life, but I am blessed. I see some friends - not all - believe me I wouldn't have wanted to walk in their shoes either any more than they would have wanted to walk in mine and I don't mean that in a negative obnoxious way - but a couple of friends have succeeded to the top in their career field and have had the freedom to travel. I chose another direction of being a stay at home mom. I worked sometimes and after the kids grew up, I had several different and wonderful jobs and attended college all of which helped me realize I had it where I needed it - the creativity and smarts - and if I had to, or needed to work, I could find a job. My life choice was to care for my husband and my family's needs. I'm not saying that working mothers aren't dedicated and wonderful at what they do. I know many women who could handle it all - but for my husband of now 45 years, I knew what he liked, for him this was the route I choose, I knew what was required, no words spoken, I just sensed it.. So I get upset with myself sometimes for thinking about the other direction I could have gone. If I had failed to follow my heart which was and is my love, all things would have been different.

With that thought in mind ----through our belief and trust in God, does our faith instilled us with a "homing device" which is connected to HIM and through that connection we are led in the direction which best serves HIM to love and be a better person?

Waking up with a headache

Good morning! How are you today? Have you had your coffee or tea yet? Breakfast? It's early in our home but not as early as we usualy get up - thank goodness! I don't understand why we wake up so early and I know it can't be for a cup of fresh coffee. I'd received many comments from friends who are retire - especially woman - who wake up everyday around 4AM. I know when I have to get up and I don't want to, I can sleep, so wondering if it could be a mind over matter psychology! I haven't had my first cup of coffee. I know it will help with the headache which almost feels like a hangover headache, but unfortunately there's no reason for a hangover!

Bob's still having symptoms of being so tired after radiation treatments were ended. It is very difficult for him mentally to adjust to these feelings. He is comforted by the fact there is nothing pressing for him to do so he naps peacefully and often. There's something to be said about retirement without strings and obligations.

I have not done any "homework" on this cancer thing so I know dit-squat about this. It must be part of getting senile since any type of motivation to check it out is nil. I don't want to push it aside with the thought "ah, there's nothing wrong" because that could result in a huge breakdown in the end not being prepared. As I posted previously, I cried thinking of losing him. After that post, I cried for several more days. I'm all cool now - I think its a matter we need to get out and do something.

As you know if you follow my blog, my son and granddaughter live with us. Alex is nine years old and very active. She's on the Honor Roll, enrolled in a drama class and a reading class held early in the morning once a month - she really needs and enjoys the extra activity. My son still hasn't found a job and his car got repossessed. We only have one vehicle since my husband retired, so you can see the situation. Alex has the brightest disposition. She is in the preteen stage of a little girl life. She does things like sing and dance around her room, when Kevin pops his head in she screams at the top of her lungs. Kevin is getting a taste of the reaction to come from a little girl growing up and wanting her privacy. She does have a girlfriend and they talk on the telephone everyday. It is so cute. I know, it's not really "cute" but it is special because Alex needs to have contacts beyond our home. My son is sort of possessive parent without a partner to help and he keeps her close at hand. Her girlfriend is a sweet girl and her parents are responsible. It's a good thing.

Yesterday she wore a really cute blue sweater that Bob and I bought her for Christmas. She looked adorable. After school, having changing her clothes, I noticed she had her sweater rolled up under her arm, she was heading out the door with Uncle Don and her dad. They were heading out to the laundromat to wash large items. I asked her about the sweater and then she showed me - it was stained with tye-dye dark blue color. Not in a specific design, but straight across the waistline with splatters of dark blue all over the front of the light blue sweater - so much so the sweater instantly was downgraded from a dressy outfit to a play outfit.
I've tried to wash the tye-dye ink out without success - I think that ink is made to last. If any readers have any ideas to help me get this stain out, I would welcome the suggestions.

No big plans for today except finish today what I didn't do yesterday and be thankful for what we have. I am grateful.

I hope all is well with your family. God bless you! Take good care.

Mostly cloudy

The weather reports says it will be that - mostly cloudy, does the weather outlook sometimes relate to your disposition of the day?

For this cloudy day I don't mind because I know we need rain badly here in our area and with the clouds there may be rain to follow, for which I would be very grateful! And, too, we are very fortunate that it is well known the desert sun always shine. I've lived here for so long, I am not sure how I would adjust to the environment of no or partial sun most of the time. We've thought often of leaving this area but the dry heat and lack of tornadoes are a factor to me for not moving.

It is a mellow mood for the beginning of this Tuesday, Groundhog Day - who really believes in that groundhog anyhow - I can't put my brain around what is and what isn't - if he sees his shadow or doesn't, so what. What if there's six feet of snow on the ground and the sun is out does that mean spring is around the corner? I don't get it.

But, if you come to see my front yard, like I wrote yesterday, you would know for a fact spring is just around the corner here - maybe Jean's Yard would be a better predictor of spring that some goofy groundhog!!

Well, that's all I've got for today. Other than - do you know what you're going to do for the rest of your life? I know from the way I feel today I probably don't have long, but I've thought about taking some college English writing classes on line. I know my grammar could do with some work and writing is what I enjoy doing. I'll keep you informed.

Hope you have a wonderful day. Keep warm and dry - I noticed there's lots of rain in most parts of the United States today. May God bless you abundantly and may you feel His presence when you most need it! Take good care.

Not much happening......

Sitting here watching winter sports on the TV with the sound off - do ever get tired of the noise? As I've written before there are several people who live here besides me and Bob, so there's always noise or so it seems. Sometimes you get to the point where you don't even hear anything, then all of a sudden it's like your brains wakes up and tells your ears "boy, it's noisy!" I guess I did that tonight. We're watching the Luge and a guy just slipped off his sled, slidding the snowy path, wheeee.

I love the downhill in skiing. The participants posturing is so beautiful. I also enjoy the speed skating - awesome. I guess I prefer the winter sports to the summer.

Bob has finished his radiation treatments but he's been very tired and not feeling in good spirits. It's all a part of the treatment, that's what I hear. Its okay because there's nothing pressing for him to worry about - I'm glad. If there was stuff to be done then he would really be upset. Sometimes things work out for the best although I wouldn't say being ill is for the best, but timing is everything - gee, that's bizarre. I am digging a deeper hole, so I'll just move on.

It's unreal to face the fact this is the first of February already. I accomplished some tasks in January but not enough certainly to brag about - but I stuck to my list and goals, so that's something. Valentine's Day will be here before I know it - I'd better get to the store and get Bob a card. I don't know if we'll do anything special, but we should. We spend so much time with our kids and grandkids that we do need to be alone, maybe a night at the Hampton Inn. There is a Hampton Inn near our Costco store, maybe we could go there - the Hampton Inn to spend the night, not the Costco, although Costco is Bob's favorite place to go!!! He doesn't feel like driving out of town right now. It would be a hoot!! It would seem more likely to go to one of the hotels on the strip but the Las Vegas strip will be packed on Valentine's day - its a big time for couples getting married.

I spotted two beautiful yellow crocus in the front flower bed and the hyacinths are popping out of the ground. We have so many robins and the doves and quails are eating the grass seed Bob scattered on the front lawn. Spring is right around the corner from our house.

I am pleased to announce through my Facebook postings and searches I located a grandson I haven't seen in over 10 years. His mother was disturbed with my son, the grandson's father, over money and before I knew it she stopped talking to me - this was right after my son Brian died too. I could never figure that one out because we had been good friends. I haven't heard anything from my grandson other than we are "friends" on Facebook and I am thankful for that - it's something for now.

I hope your life is good and you are well. May God bless you with His abundant blessings and keep you safe and healthy.

What's love got to do with it?

Tears! Have you ever been so tore up, upset, and sad, you couldn't stop crying? It made me so ticked off when I am in public and I'm overcome with the thought of something so close to me and I burst out crying. I bite my tongue, hold my breathe and do anything else I can think of to make me stop shedding those tears.

You see, my husband has a cancer spot on his forehead. It has been diagnosed as a basal cell carcinoma. It is the most common cancer and treatable. He had his last radiation treatment today. The spot on his head from the treatment is redness about the size of a baseball with scabs from sores on the area. He did have the choice to have surgery and have the cancer area cut out, with the probably of having to have a skin graft. He decided to have the radiation treatment instead.

I believe the doctor and nurse - they seem very reliable. They say he has done fine and they will see him again in a month unless he feels the need to come in sooner. The only other side effect has been being very tired. He's retired and manages to get the tasks completed he wishes to complete, so it's no big deal for him to rest, play on his computer, or take naps. We have no pressing schedules around here.

The sadness overwhelms me when I think of being without him. We've been together almost 46 years. I joke I don't want to train another man, but in reality I don't want anyone else. When I saw him for the first time I thought he was gorgeous, then when we met and danced for the first time, it was magic. Within four and a half months we were married - and no, I wasn't pregnant. It was love, magic, genuine outrageous, marvelous love.

Today, I still enjoy watching him even though the energized walk he had as a young man has turned into a slow, sometimes wobble - yes, and to add, we both wobble these day - its those damn knees - you know, time for a total knee replacement, both of us. Old age, crap, why when we should be able to really enjoy our life.

I woke up a few years ago after he had retired and saw him in a different light, a different prospective, and I was surprised. When you are so busy raising your kids, helping your parents and grandparents, neighbors and being active in church, the days pass and sometimes you take your closest partner for granted - you don't want to, but it just happens. I realize he had a huge sense of humor. We have always laughed from the moment I met him, but I never stopped to realize how funny he was - I was shocked at myself for not realizing it. Our grandson made that remark recently. We had taken him and his girlfriend out to a German restaurant for dinner. Bob and I were being silly and we were cracking up laughing - I have a loud weird laugh, Bob's laugh is sweet but his face gets real red and tears explode from his eyes - humorous tears from laughter. Tom was so shocked, he and Tine were so surprised - they had to join in because it was so contagious. He had not seen Bob explode in tearful laughter before. Realizing the depth of his humor was only the tip of the iceberg, it is amazing how you can be married to the same person for so many years, yet still find out new things about that person.

One bond we have always had is a physical one of holding hands. He told me once it was sensual for him. There is something very tender and content in holding hands. I don't remember a time when we went anywhere that unconsciously we didn't hold hands - the contact, his guiding me, leading me, protecting me, his loving way. After all these years, I still enjoy touching him on his arm or kissing his cheek. Our kisses are still as tender and endearing as they were when we were young, maybe even more.

When you are old, life's moments have more meaning so it would be reasonable to say love is deeper and more meaningful. We are very lucky to have survived life's challenges and tragedies and are on a higher plateau than when we started as young lovers.

So, rightfully so, the mere thought of any possibility of an illness ever so slight that could take him away from me brings me to the brink of tears and there is no holding me back when the mood is right, there is no stopping the thoughts of my life without him. He is my right hand, left hand, and my man. I know, I know, life is life. But, I can't imagine life without him and I won't, so I let the tears fall as they may because its all I have right now. I am thankful for his presence and so grateful for the life he has given me. So, what's love got to do with it - everything, nothing less, the highest element of emotion all wrapped up in Love between two people.

Where has the time gone and what have I accomplished?

A few weeks back I received a newsletter type of correspondence from a person that had been the president of our senior class from the school I graduated back in the 60s. At first I thought it was a letter requesting money or to inform me of a get together, but there were emotions behind the written words. It was odd because I had not ever received a personal type note from Pat.

As I read through the message I realized that he was reaching out to all who read to share the parting of one of our classmates. The revelation of a friend's death was written as a postscript and last sentence, but the mood of the note was remorseful. Pat expressed sadness without saying any word remotely resembling his mood. He reached out to all those who were having problems and difficulties this day.

The message that has fresh in my mind from the note was one sentence that reflected on past days, meditating on what was and what wasn't accomplished, dreams that never came true and the place where we have reached. When I was young in high school, I knew I wanted to get married and have children, but I didn't know what potential I had. I lacked the confidence to respond to my gifts. I did marry a wonderful man and we are still married going on 46 years. I was working at a successful position when we met and would have been upwardly mobile since at 19 I was a supervisor and instructor at the company I worked for at that time. But, love took me away, and before having children I had only one other job at a bank. It was an entry level position, but would have been a secure job. My husband had other ideas, and my mother taught me well to remain true to my husband so we were off, moving to many other places, other adventures, more children, challenges including running a farm.

Since receiving the note from Pat and feeling the depth of remorse about the loss of my friend and classmate, I have thought of what I have missed, I thought what my dreams really were, what could I have done had I taken a different path. I was not able to work at any job regardless of how good they were or how well I did the work because something always came up such as we moved, my husband needed me, or the last time I left a valuable job with great benefits because of my son. I also gave up taking college classes as was my goal to secure a college degree no matter how old I was.

The dreams at that time was not to be. One dreadful early morning a telephone call put a stop to it all and changed my life forever. My son had been injured in a non-combat accident while serving in Germany with the Army. From the year of 1989 through his passing in 2000, my life was totally dedicated to caring for him, raising the son of my daughter who was mentally unstable and hospitalized, plus keeping our home running smoothly for my husband and other two sons and other grandchildren. My husband and I worked together through it all.

Today I have missed out on financial benefits other girls I know will receive when they retire. The friends who have retired are receiving substantial income from all the years they worked. They have built a social life and are active in other aspects of life that I miss. These are my regrets of status and benefits that I could have achieved or accomplishments I would have reached.

After my son's death, my health deteriorated as though my body and soul were holding together to give him all his needs to help him survive the time on earth until God finally called Brian home to be with God. When he was gone, the hope left my physical being and I fell into despair for awhile. I know God gave me enormous strength to care for Brian and the same strength of love for our grandson who had many trials in school. I know a mother's love sees and senses beyond the surface and realizes potentials and needs that no other person can. Brian was a wonderful son with a great sense of humor, he was considerate and loved God and he played a mean game of tennis. I guess God had a tennis partner waiting for Brian. And even though it's been almost ten years in April, you never ever get over the loss of a child especially when you invest the time and hope to keep him alive - yes, giving up everything for him.

It is a Mother's ambition to give all to her children, every ounce of her soul, love and physical existence. I suppose this was my job in life and I should accept it and be satisfied. It was a gift to care for Brian and I am thankful I had that time with him. Our grandson has turned out to be a very fine human being and it my shinning light. He makes me smile and he is very considerate although forgetful.

I have realized we are given talents for many tasks in life. Is it a gold plaque or a check of a zillion dollars that give us our worth? If we have to chose between caring for a loved one to make his life better or committing to a job that may or may not make us happy in the end, which will be the most fulfilling in the end. To watch a child suffer when I could help over making an extra dollar would not be me. So, I have to admit that I have made the right choices.

These days I am rather morbid because I need total knee replacement and I've become lazy and lax but happy because my husband is right beside me and we are having a good time. We aren't accomplishing too many important things in our life right now. We do have dreams but there are other people in our life that have tapped into our space and require our time. It seems like we are back to ground zero just when we thought we would have time to be alone - can you imagine being married 46 years and never ever having a home to yourself, always someone in the house - it's hell on your sex life!!! Yes, people our age, especially since we love each other think about sex every once in awhile - but the walls are paper thin and we have a nine year old granddaughter living with us. Darn it!! Our son lives with us too and he is out of work and home all the time. Then there's the truck driving son who might drop in at any time. Oh, our grandson will be getting out of the Army and will be coming home with his girlfriend - did I mention we have a big home. We have to go to a motel for privacy. What a hoot!!!

By the way, it isn't my intentions to dwell on what could have been and not be thankful for what I have. God has given me the most wonderful husband. He takes care of me like I was a princess. He is sweet, kind, and a gentleman. Did I tell you he has the best sense of humor of anyone I know or have known - when we laugh, it ain't just a tis-tis tickle, but a huge belly laugh that's unforgettable. He is my miracle and the reason I am on this earth. He is my reason for being - he and my children, grandchildren and those to follow. I've always known there's nothing more important than family. I am grateful even through all the challenges, defeats, and successes. Whatever gifts God has given me He presented me with tasks He knew were custom made for me and no one else. I believe we all have a task to accomplish before we are called to our Heavenly Home.

Sometimes it takes a letter from a stranger to bring out the reality of life and light the candle of awareness to God's graces.

It's raining, it's pouring, I'm so glad!

We haven't had this much rain in the southwest desert of Nevada in years - we are desperately dry and need the rain badly.

Bob and I are Midwesterners when rain comes at the most inopportune times and most of the times unwelcome. Until you live in a area where the possibility of having no water in your future, rain takes on a different concept. I am puzzled when I hear the weatherman say "don't worry, the rain will stop by tomorrow" when they know full well we need it to rain for days.

We have a back porch/patio that is screened in. We don't have mosquitoes or pesty bugs like Midwest cities, but we do have flies, and that's about all. We live in a rural area where most of our neighbors have horses and they attract the flies if the owners don't the corrals cleaned up. So, that's basically why Bob screened in the porch to protect son Brian from critters. Brian was in a wheelchair. His room exits onto the back porch area - it was pleasant to leave the doors opened for Brian to get fresh air. Brian was 100% disabled. He passed away almost 10 years ago.

As I was mentioning the rain a few sentences ago, I thought about the other night when I went outside to listen to the rain falling. When you are fortunate to live in an area where rain is normal, I believe you take it for granted. We appreciate the sound, smell, and aura that comes with this gift from heaven. It is a blessing to sit out on the back porch, protected from the raindrops yet involved with the wetness since you can't escape the dampness that permeates the surrounding area. Humidity is something we forget about living in the desert but it comes naturally with the rain. And, with the humidity on a cool night, the temperature is even cooler or colder than it would be if it was a dry weather night. Our arthritis is bothering us, so we contribute that to the rain, but we wouldn't complain because we miss this blessing too much.

Yes, it is a blessing to us. We need so many days of rain to fill our needs and make everything right, so we thank God for what He gives us and let Him know we appreciate all the blessings He bestows on us everyday.

What's my name!

I've neglected blogging for so long that I've forgotten my names and passwords - duh! I've been addicted to Facebook with it's Farmtown, Farmville, and my Happy Aquarium. Really intellectual!

Did you have a nice Christmas season? The Sullivan's - be that as they are - were all together and we had a blast. Unfortunately, we are small in numbers but big on laughs and fun. Bob and I grocery shopped several times just to make sure we would have plenty of food in the house for everyone. Now I am so strapped for cash, I can't go to a grocery store for a couple of weeks. No, just kidding.

We cut back on gifts this year due to the requirement we put upon ourselves of getting the house ready to sell. We had expenses like painting the interior, putting in new landscaping, new garage doors, and next will be a new rug in the computer/grandkids room. I don't have a problem cutting back on my expenditures because I feel very fortunate for what we have to start out with and I always make sure I can pay my bills first before buying anything.

The year ended in our household with major health problems - I hope not a fore-boding for us Senior Citizens. Just when we were hoping to be free travelers, escaping down the highway of life with what's left of our hair blowing in the wind - a ha, just kidding. Husband Bob found out he has cancer on his forehead. He's had our physician look at it and treat it for some time, but we finally decided to go to a dermatologist. It's like "I should have had a V-8!" Why didn't we go sooner. They wanted to cut it out, but told Bob he could have radiation instead of a hole with possibly probably skin graft - so he's been taking radiation treatments for a couple of weeks now. It will last another several weeks. That place on his forehead is red - worrisome to me. When my Aunt had radiation, they stopped the treatments when it got red - but this doctor just gave Bob ointment which he says help. Who do you trust????

Bob is a very handsome man, but he's not vain - and he says he's not concerned about any scaring - just didn't want a hole. The cancer is not the real serious type, but is there any cancer that's not a real serious type.

I've talked about our knee problems before and they haven't gotten any better in fact, I'm worse. But, we've agreed for Bob to go first - he also needs both knees replaced and we're waiting on some approval or disapproval paperwork from the government. Our insurance will cover but we are covering our butts with extra paperwork so that it doesn't come back to bite us. Bob is a workaholic even though he's slowed down in his old age, but he needs to be busy, I don't care now, but I am still called upon to do chores.

Selling the house is on hold, I think, until after the surgeries for both of us. Soldier Tom gets out of the Army in June and he and his gal and granddog Peanut will be coming back here to live and go to college - so for a short time we will have more boarders. We don't know whether to buy a bigger house or move into a Senior Citizen's development where no one under 55 can live!! That would be running away from the needy!!!! Our son and granddaughter are with us still.

I don't know what I would do if anything happened to my husband. We are hooked at the hip! We aggravate each other in depth, but we have so much fun. He is the best kisser in the whole wide world - and I've kissed a lot of guys in my younger years - never went any further passed the kissing - was a different time when I grew up but I didn't have to, because I knew when I met Bob, he was the one and the only.

In this New Year, politics are a changing! The War is changing. Weather is a changing - glad I live here in the west except for the serious water shortage. We lived through the bitter cold on the farm in Kentucky - ice storms and all. We all pay our toil though.

Well, just dropped in to say "howdy" and hope you had a good Christmas. Hope the New Year will be good for you in all ways - good health, success, hope you are fine economically, and spiritually. May God bless you and keep you safe always.

Now what?

Today we took Tom, Tine, and our grand dog Peanut, to the airport. They left only two hours ago, but already it seems so boring and too quiet. Bob is on his computer dedicated to his dutiful assignment on Facebook - farming on Farmtown and Farmville, cleaning fishtanks on several aquariums and other topics of his interest. Yes, I do have my Farm and fishtank, but I try to allow a certain time frame for that stuff. I don't want it to be the be-end all of everything I do. As you can tell because is has been a long time since I've blogged, I've been attracted to other things, like it or not!

I started getting things ready for Christmas before Thanksgiving because I just don't work fast at my age and my knees are giving me a lot of pain. We did have a wonderful holiday season with all that kids and grandkids available being here. Tom and Tine are so much fun to have around and we loved having their dog with us. She is well behaved and has the same temperament as Tine. It was a nice celebration.

I am now starting to take down the inside decorations. I've also started throwing all the fattening snack foods we had in for the family - and Bob and I which we enjoyed beyond exclamation! It's back on our protein diet, and I must admit we did gain back what we lost. I have a doctor's appointment in a couple of weeks, and I'll be a huge chicken and postpone for a couple extra weeks just to get these pounds off before getting on the scale in his office. I hate that part of the visit!!!!

As I contemplated which decorations I would pack up first this morning, it occurred to me, what next? It's always a big deal planning for Christmas - the food, decorations, who will be here and what gifts to buy, not to mention the house cleaning all all the rest of the next stuff. I do enjoy it so much. Once the lights come down it seems so dreary although its not as dreary here in the desert southwest as it is in the mid west and east where it is so desperately cold and barren. We still have leaves on our trees and roses on the bushes. I remember the below zero temperatures very well, something one doesn't forget especially if you have the responsibility of making sure the farm animals have water in the freezing weather. This means chopping holes either in the pond or in the water tank unless you have a water tank heater that works well.

Making a New Years Resolution would go hand in hand with what's next in my life. I purchased Windows 7 to install on my main computer. I have had to use every ounce of patience I have to deal with the problems I've endured with Vista. Now I have to plan when I will do the installation so I have time and will not be interrupted because I am anticipating it will take thinking and concentration to do. I'll back up stuff first just to protect what I have. Gosh, I hope it this program works better than Vista.

I have a china cabinet that has dust growing on dust - its shameful that I haven't had the ambition to clean it. It is on the top of my list of resolutions of to-dos and I can pack up some things that aren't appropriate there, or things I want to give away. I know Tom & Tine will want some things for their place when they move back here.

Tom has decided not to re-enlist in the Army. He and Tine will come back here and go to college. She will continue on with her nursing program and he will get back into the EMT program he started before joining the Army.

It will be difficult to plan financially for the future in view of the passing of the health care bill in Washington and the other bills as well. I am concerned with what amount if any they will take from my social security check. I made the choice to be a stay at home mom most of my married life even though I have had excellent jobs first off before I met my husband, then, before Brian's accident when I was working and going to college. I was left with no pension and just a pittance of social security to show. Ah, yes, I have my husbands to fall back on, but well, it would have been nice. I hope we are coming out of the recession and the cost of real estate will level, as we are thinking of putting the house up for sale. Although, at this point we will still be looking for a large place not a small one as I had hoped. It must be our destiny! I believe there is a path set up for us the minute we are born and how we follow the path determines our frame of mind and lifestyle and probably happiness. It is better not to be angry or upset when things are going right, sometimes there's not much you can do about it.

So, that's where it is today. I must get back to blogging and catching up with the other bloggers. It is fun and interesting, and I have missed being apart of this world.

God bless you all and take good care. Sending you best wishes for a very Happy New Year.

Holy Mollie! I can't believe it!

I have been so delinquent in my blogging tasks! I am now active daily on Facebook and totally connected to FarmTown and so is my husband - he keeps me busy harvesting his crops. I prefer to mess around decorating my farm. They made the Christmas stuff available to "buy" with the "coins" or give as "gifts" so I have gone kookoo decorating. Silliest thing I've ever done, I think, maybe.

So here it is the 6th of December. I am in the holiday mood. Soldier Tom and his gal Tine (Tina - but spelled Tine as in Christine) will be coming home for Christmas and they are bringing their dog Peanut and I am so excited!!!! I miss Tom so much. He is so much fun to have around - never a dull moment when he's home. His gal Tine is a lot of fun too. She is an absolutely wonderful cook and likes to do stuff for our family - isn't that terrific!!!! When they asked if they could bring Peanut home with them, I said yes instantly - although I did pause and ask Bob, but it didn't matter because I wanted to see Peanut. I miss having a pet. We have had a dog or cat or lots of dogs and cats and farm animals my whole married life - the first time was when Bob brought home a little black kitten right after we were married. So, after my dog - Angel, a yellow lab, died about two years ago, Bob said no more pets until after we move from this house. It is a good idea, but I can't help but miss having a pet. So, I am so excited. In fact, there is one gift under the tree right now and it is for Peanut!!!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving - I hope you did too. The kids were here and I worked my butt off and after we ate I collapsed. I've mentioned I think in previous blogs that I need total knee replacement on both knees but have decided to postpone the surgery until after the first of the year. I figure if I have strenuous work to do, if I relax and take my pain pills before that time, then work my butt off when necessary, then relax after then I can endure the pain and that is how I am getting through the holiday preparations. There's just so much work to do and so little time - I hate this being "sort of disabled" I really do - so you have to make hay when the sunshines, put a smile on your face and go for it - - whatever works. I love the Christmas holidays so much - it is exciting, energetic, and happy. I get angry when my family are all grumpy and tell them "bah humbug! and really get on their case. So far that is working - but I have to pick and chose my moments to accuse them of being downers! or I would be in big trouble and that would defeat my purpose.

As I mentioned, I have been playing around with Facebook. I have connected up with many of the kids I went to Catholic grade school and two years of Catholic high school with - most I grew up with until I moved away with my parents from Ohio to Las Vegas when I went into the 11th grade here. It was a very difficult change for me. I loved the high school I was going to and was getting good grades. The teachers at the Catholic high school in Vegas were good, but the attitude out here was different than the midwest. Totally different environment, I didn't do as well in my studies as I had been - regretfully, my fault, totally, but being a teenager what are you going to do. I had great parents, it wasn't their fault, I just made some bad decisions. I went right to a full time job after graduation and did excellent at that job, then met Bob and that's a whole other story which I've told a time or too in my blog. But, here we are back to meeting up with old friends. It is very interesting hearing about their life after not seeing or hearing from some of then for over 40 years. I look forward to getting back to Ohio again and getting together with them, although there are some who live in other places too - so who knows!!!

We are going shopping later - we went to WalMart last night - something we never ever do - it was a miracle to get us out of the house after dark... Like we must have gone mental or something. We are so reclusive now and I really hate it!!! I know hate is a strong word, but howdy do - that's how I feel. I would love to entertain, but there are situations in our family right now, and well, nevermind!!! I will entertain one of these days - just have to wait until Tom and Tine come home - his friends always pop in - and I love everyone of them. Should be a fun time!!!

So, that's it for now. I hope you and your family are well and are getting into the Christmas spirit. We can't forget the reason for this spirit and give thanks to Our Father for all the blessings He has given us even in this distressful time for our economy. It has hit our family too, but we have to give thanks for what we do have. We say thank you Lord for our loving family and our warm home!

Take good care. May God bless you with abundant grace to find your way through your problems, and give you blessings to make you smile!

They say it happens in "3s"

It is an absolutely beautiful day before Thanksgiving. It's quiet in the house for the time being - I am grateful for the quiet times and too, for the times when the family's all here laughing and talking about whatever is on their mind. I know that life is short and we never know what tomorrow will bring.

However, today was the day of two bad announcements - one was sort of expected, and the other was inevitable, I think! The first, my son who is not working came in and said his car was being repossessed. The truck was here to pick it up, but some legal matters gave him the opportunity to wait a day or two - - don't ask me, I've never had this problem and I'd rather not know anymore than that! We are not in a position to help him financially - he knew this was possible, and today was the day. It is very alarming to me although I am quiet about it but maybe he will get off his butt and do something. As a retired person on limited income, adult children can't depend on parents to rescue them every time they get in a mess. Living in my home and helping with a grandchild is plenty help, in my humble opinion.

The second shoe to hit the floor was also expected - Bob got the call this morning from the Skin Cancer doctor's office - and yes, the sore on his face he had checked and biopsied last week, is cancerous. I know it is a simple procedure to go in and cut the cancer out as an outpatient in the doctor's office. Bob's grandfather had the same problem. He did later develop more serious cancer in another area, but I don't think it was linked.

So, needless to say, what started out as a very pleasant day, has Bob very upset - probably more upset about our son than his own condition. I'm trying to be as up beat as can be, not being upset so that we can have a nice family get together over turkey tomorrow.

Such is life, sometimes we are the source and reason for our problems and sometimes, it just is what it is. I don't know what my son will do - but it is up to him to deal with it. As far as Bob, we will do what we have to do. His appointment is in two weeks to see the surgeon.

Tom and Tine will be home on the 23rd and I can't wait to see them. Christmas decorations will go up soon and Christmas cards will soon be in the mail - no! I haven't started writing them yet, but I do intend to get them out early this year and not at the last minute like I usually have the past couple of years.

Hope you are having a good day and all is well at your place. Please keep our family in your prayers, I would really appreciate it! God bless!

The turkey's thawing

I had Bob pull the big bird out of the freezer this morning and leave him (the turkey not Bob) on top of the freezer - its very cold in that room. I'm never really sure where and how long to thaw that bird, but we've never gotten sick in all the years I've cooked a turkey. Don will be in town tomorrow and Suz will come over Thursday morning. It will be strange without Tom, but he's got Tine and they are going to an Army friend's home for dinner.

I sent them a box of goodies on Saturday - priority and they received it today. Imagine that - all the way to North Carolina, great mail service. Tom said it seemed like he did when he got a box of stuff in Iraq. He has a girlfriend now, so I know he is taken care of and I don't think of sending him stuff now. She is a good cook too and has gotten him involved in the kitchen as well, but I think he is enjoying it too. I am glad! He's very independent which is a good thing. They will be home for Christmas with Peanut the dog too - can't wait to see all three.

Too many difficult health thingies going on around here between Bob and I all totaled together - too many things!!! All you youngins out there reading this who are healthy, be thankful, enjoy life, and take good care of yourself. As you get older stuff happens like arthritis and other weird things that slow you down and believe it - it can get ugly. Bob and I get so aggravated we have slowed down. He's still got a lot of spunk and keeps really busy, I can't keep up with him.

I've been in the cooking mood which isn't good for the diet we set out on. One thing strange happened today - I forgot how to make my mom's vegetable soup. I've been making it for over 45 years. I forgot to buy the most important ingredient - a soup bone - and rather than go back to the store I decided to just use beef broth - well, it ain't the same thing. Bob loved the soup. It was thick and he likes his soup that way, but I didn't care for it at all, I know it was because I didn't make the broth from scratch.....I've decided I need to write down the recipes I've made from memory before I really get forgetful. Tom asked for my chili recipe and I forgot how I made it. Ooo no - senility is setting in!!!!! I'm the type of cook that has a basics foundation then adds what I want as I go along.

Well, gotta go - we've been watching "Dancing with the Stars" - and it's on now - the finale!!! I can't believe Bob has gotten interest in this show, but I'm really glad. He's a SyFy guy. I really do think Donny Osmond should have left last week - I thought that tall blond beautiful model was a better dancer, but I guess Donny had more votes because of his star power.

Hope you and your family are well. Take good care.

Some things do happen for a reason

Maybe I'm repeating myself and perhaps said this in a previous posting, but you know, it does happen sometimes. When you can't figure out why plans aren't working out appropriately, maybe there's a reason. I guess when it's all said and done we have to follow our "gut" and go with the flow where it's leading ya!

I was so disappointed I couldn't make a trip to Ohio to see my very favorite Aunt who is very ill. She is my mom's sister and we have been buddies since I was a really little kid. When my mom died back in 1986, my Aunt and I seemed to become even closer and became really good friends. Even as sick as she is, we always have a big laugh about something silly when we talk on the telephone - every time.

As it has happened, my hubby went to a skin doctor yesterday and he may have skin cancer. We should have taken care of this long ago, but we've been trying to heal it with methods that have worked before, but not with this spot. The skin doc's opinion was it was cancer, but it will take two weeks for the biopsy to come back. My hubby's grandfather had skin cancer and it was taken care of without anything serious resulting. Bob isn't worried but we are concerned. I hope we haven't waited too long.

So, had we gone on the trip, this is one appointment we wouldn't have made.

The week has been successful and we've gotten a lot done around the place getting the house in order for the holidays. I have all the stuff purchased for Thanksgiving dinner except for the pumpkin pie and we'll get that next week from Costco. Bob and I worked downstairs and straightened up the rooms - sorted out the boxes which were stacked all in the center of the room so the painters could do the walls and ceiling. We moved the ping pong table to a more appropriate space and I'll rearrange the other boxes and furniture to a comfortable arrangement so the kids can have fun downstairs. I love to play ping pong, but the table has been put up for a couple months as we are so slow getting to our projects. With Tom and Tine coming for Christmas and Don will be here too, and Suz, the kids will enjoy playing. So glad we got that done.

My total knee replacement surgery is totally on the back burner. Don't know where I'll get to it now. Bob's knees are hurting him worse than mine - but he works harder than me as he is a self-appointed workaholic. Me, I take it easier than he does, although he does take more naps than I do. Our dieting started out fabulous for two months, then we fell off the wagon for a few days. Holy cow, it's been tough getting back on that baby!!!! We're trying hard together to follow the routine we did at first because it worked.

Well, I'd better get in the living room with Bob. We bought Star Trek, the new movie, today. There doesn't seem to be anything worth watching on TV tonight, so we'll watch that.

Hope you and your family are all well. Take good care. God bless.

Choices

When does it stop, if ever? Responsibility and common sense. Is there ever a time when one can just be free and have no responsibility or worries? I remember a time when I was young, first married, and we moved so many times from one part of the U. S. to the other - just because. My husband had no fear and he could do anything, a jack of all trades sort of guy. This is not anything I wanted, but it was what my spouse wanted and I was raised by "old school" and did what my man wanted (as long as it was legal, of course). I am at a time in my life of being an old lady and some days feel as though I have lost some of my "marbles." There are challenges and choices. I am having difficulties making up my mind. I wonder if it's because for such a long period of time the choice and decision of so many things were not really up to me - the bottom last word was his, my main man. Ah, never thought of that! Could that be the answer to my struggle, could that be the reason I wain and can't make a choice? Oh, that's too easy.

Being responsible verses throwing caution to the wind and doing what I would really like to do is compared to having one of my wisdom teeth pulled. It's a painful struggle. I am tempted to do exactly what I want, but I've made promises. My heart and tears are pulling me in one direction, and a promise made is the silent argument against and there are other obsticles - like money. Why is that sometimes the bottom line - the principle of being stawart and sticking to the pencils edge of the budget and commitment to oneself. Why can't I just let it go and do what my heart really wants to do - - am I a coward for not stepping out and jumping off the hill - there will be no clifts because I know I wouldn't survive. I know I can finaggle the budget and get back on track, that's not a viable argument, not a solid one in my mind right now. At my age, sometimes it is important to look beyond the pencils edge of numbers because fortunately for me, I can make it up down the line although I know it's not that easy for others.

So, here I sit, it's not too late, well, it almost is, if only I had started sooner, if only!!! Timing is not always on target and its not always that simple, or is it? It is procrastination? I complain our grandson, Soldier Tom - the beautiful child we raised, is the worse procrastinator I've met, but could he get some of that from me? I don't think so, usually I am right on point. But, I've been down this road before and the same decision was before me - this is the second time, maybe I won't get another chance. I don't like being boxed in, I really don't - which prodding voice in my head do I listen to - the clock is ticking, not much time to decide, can't wait too much longer, then it will be too late again. Like the domino effect, once the clock has ticked past that one bronze hours, it will be too late, and the decision will have been made. I hate getting old, I hate that I am put into this corner - which comes first this time - - - family or my heart! Will I have regrets? Regrets will make me miserable especially if the outcome is devistating for my reason to go.

I have been given a path to follow, I know, by the Almighty God. He has given me and my partner unselfish love for caring for each other and the family and children He has given us regardless of their problems or needs. Commitment can be a dirty word to me because it has kept me from doing what I really want to do and I won't sin again commitment. It is my personality and standard. Today I am again faced with that but this choice is not because of a fun event, but a sad one. My heart strings are again being pulled to their painful end. I cry, cry and cry but to no avail. The pain is deep and won't be eased through tears.

I know the decision will be regretted. I've prayed for a miracle so I could go, but life isn't that easy. I only hope and pray that I do have time. I pray because it's out of my hands and He knows the volume of love I have and the need to be filled. I know He will take care of things, even if I don't SEE His actions. I pray another day will come. Please Lord, I ask you to please take care of her, please let me have the chance to be with her before you take her. In Jesus name I pray.

PHOTOS: Soldiers at Camp Ur, Iraq

U.S Army soldiers from Charlie Company, 1-77 Armored Regiment, 4-1 Armored Division, pose in front of USO2GO Kit boxes, October 24th, on Camp Ur, Iraq. Charlie Company, 1-77 supports 40th IA BDE MITT and conducts joint patrol missions with the IA and Iraqi police, within Dhi Qar Province in southern Iraq. MITT soldiers live and work with the Iraqi army, as well as train, advise and assist the IA in the areas of intelligence, communications, fire support, logistics, and infantry tactics. Pictured from left to right; Pvt. Dexter Neal, 11B, from Houma, La., Sgt. Jefferson Guillermo, 19K, from Porterville, Calif., Pfc. Jonathan May, 19K, from Harrington, Del., Pfc. Jared Morris, 68W, from Independence, Mo., Pfc. Alex Ayala, 19K, from Bronx, N.Y., Spc. Michael Williams, 11B, from Jackson, Tenn., Sgt. Liam Molinelli, 11B, from Stow, Ohio, Spc. Ryan Adams, 13F, from Holland, Mich., and Pfc. Randy Hamilton, 11B, from Columbus, Ohio. (U.S. Army photo/Sgt. 1st Class Alan B. Owens)

The source of this photo and names of U. S. Army Soldiers-----http://www.militarynewsnetwork.com/military-news/news1063.htm

God bless them one and all!! Thanks for your dedication and service!

Windows 7

I can't make up my mind. When I bought this HP computer to replace my Sony that went defunct, I knew I wanted the new Windows 7 because even back in April of this year Windows 7 was talked about big time. This machine has Vista and doesn't qualify for a free upgrade as others purchased after July do. I'm pretty computer savvy and couldn't imagine not getting along with any operating system, but I have to tell you I really really don't like Vista - it is slower than my defunct Sony!

But, I am not sure I want to purchase the new OS system, download it myself then have problems, or do I want to haul it into Best Buy and have them do it and be without a computer for a week. I may just wait and wait and wait until I have made up my mind. Bob says to wait until all the kinks have been worked out. Maybe he's right, this time.

Also, I wondered what will happen to all the photos in Vista Window photo gallery. I don't like that application, but I have hundreds of photos captured there. I can't get an answer to that inquiry because Windows 7 will not have the gallery. Good! I'd rather use my Canon camera's software anyhow.

Any suggestions?

Everyone with total knee replacement - please stand up!

First I was then I wasn't now I'm not, I think! I've been complaining about the pain in my legs for awhile. Limping is not an activity that I have enjoyed. I feel so old and a nurse told me "you're not old" but 'lady, I feel old!!! When you've lived a very active life with little or no health problems, and if there were any, I didn't talk about it - until a few years ago. I've always been pretty pain tolerant but now I don't do so well.

After seeing the orthopedic surgeon and having ex-rays taken, zowie, surgery was necessary. My left knee is a mess - no meniscus, no wonder I was/am in pain!! The right knee is not as bad but lacks a full coverage of meniscus. Golly, I'm glad I found that out! So, surgery date is scheduled for total knee replacement for the left knee and so preparations are on. I am an organizer so the race was on to organize my stuff for the visit to the hospital and the expected stay of four days. Family notified; house slippers ordered - no flip flop types because of activity and physical therapy; nice robe purchased, must look nice walking around the hospital; mp3 player filled with music; and two good paperback quick read mystery books purchased, so just about ready to go - next planning for blood work and final paper work to fill out.

Can you imagine how surprised I was when I received a call from the nurse saying the doctor wanted me to go through physical therapy for a month - it might keep me from having to have total knee replacement, and no surgery now! My husband was angry- what could physical therapy do where it is bone on bone!!! So, here I am faced with this decision, should I go to another surgeon? There's no doubt the physical therapy will help, I haven't been as active as I should be and I know there will be an adjustment after the knee replacement and there will be PT then, but the question is their attitude that PT will cure the problem of bone on bone is another issue. Was this just the words of the nurse? I was too shocked to know what to say.

On top of that - the hospital called this afternoon to remind me of my surgery and continued to ask questions assuming that I was having surgery - I was double shocked!!! They were shocked, everyone's shocked, I guess!! Oh, but upon further searching she did find the nurse had canceled the surgery - but the surgery nurse at a different extension had no clue and she wasn't going to take my word for it - I had to contact the doctor to contact her - the surgery nurse, but she reveals the doctor is on vacation!!! Ah, could he just be on vacation and that's why he didn't want to schedule the surgery NOW!! But, it was his call, I was also in shock (again) when I found out my condition and that I needed surgery.

What a mess. I am going to talk to my regular doctor this week. Maybe he can give me some guidance. For now, there may be physical therapy in my future, but the surgery will have to wait until after the holidays. I could have tolerated the challenges coming home after having the surgery the first of November but any later would physically challenge me up through the holidays - and with Soldier Tom and Tine coming home for the holidays I don't want to be incapacitated.

Take good care of yourself and even if you do, be prepared for anything to happen when you get to the tender years of Senior Age.

People talking to themselves

Our day got started early today with our first appointment at our hair stylist. I went to my very all time favorite Kim and Bob to his barber Frank. Both have a shop in Boulder City. If you have ever came to visit Las Vegas then went to Hoover Dam for the tour, you went through Boulder City. I moved to Las Vegas with my parents when I was the tender age of 16 and grew to love Boulder City - a lot! It is separated from Las Vegas and Henderson by the fact there is no gambling in town allowed as it is in the rest of the state of Nevada. It is a very quaint town and most everyone knows everyone.

I've had Kim as my hair stylist for many years. Her husband works at Hoover Dam and knew my husband when Bob worked at Hoover. The beauty shop is an fabulous place - the best atmosphere I have ever experience in a hair salon anywhere I have lived. The girls all have fun and the clientele are all ages. They even bring in the senior citizen ladies to have their hair done, and if they can't make it in, one of the girls will go to the "home" to do their hair. I also have a blast there - you never know what will be the topic of discussion for the day. Kim is awesome with my "doos" too - she listens and does exactly what I request. No matter! I am so thankful I found her! Today our main discussion was about knee surgery and doctors, but once we covered that topic it was on to other things of importance like thinning eyebrows or men losing weight in their butt rather than their stomach when they are on a diet. You know, the good stuff!!!!!!!!!

Bob and I went from there to Costco. I just had to go today, so I "drugged" up on my medication and took it easy, sitting down when I needed too. It was time to buy Norton Virus for my computers, gads zooks, have you seen the price of the software!!! Holy Macaroni!!! My uncle has a MAC and I asked him if he had to buy virus protection and he doesn't - I don't know, maybe I should think about jumping the PC ship and go Apple next time!!!! Costco usually has good software prices and actually I did check Amazon, etc, and found Costco was the best deal in town.

I was outside waiting for Bob to drive up to pick me up after we had made our pass through the store when I heard a person talking. An attractive young woman bounced passed me and she was talking at a loud volume and for a brief moment I wondered if she was talking to me, but no, as she passed I could see one of those weird thing growing out of her ear. She was a pretty woman but frankly, I am developing a huge pet peeve of those stupid ear things - yes, I do have one that I purchase when we traveled so I wouldn't have to fuss looking for my cell phone when we were on the road - I wasn't the driver either - but I never used it - it is still in the drawer. Society has become so anti-social!!!! There are times when I look at people and their lips are moving and sounds are coming out and they seem to be looking straight at me - I smile, preparing to respond - then I realize they have a blank gaze on their face and there is it - the weird black thingie growing out of their ear..... You know, I enjoy watching people - it's a great past time. I enjoy too, smiling at others or saying hi, or have a great day. I'm a friendly person. I think we need more personal contact - I don't mean we all have to become great friends immediate, but just a hello and a smile goes a long way. We've all got our share of difficulties in our daily life today, it's really nice to share a pleasant moment every once in awhile. Ah, but I guess for some, it would be difficult to give up the pleasures that the communication technology has given us.

I hope you all are well and your life is good. Do take good care. God bless!

Egads! I haven't posted in a long time!

Holy cow! Where has the time gone!!! I've been in a state of non-compliance. The part of my brain that comes up with the ideas and words for my blogs has run away to a far away land of unknown destination. For some odd reason, it returned this morning, who knows why, curious!

Seriously though, I guess, deep down in my psychic I've been worried and when I write I relate through the expressions, maybe! A few weeks back I went to the Bone man doctor to check my left knee. I've been in pain for years, but have tolerated it until recently when it got so bad I was brought to tears continuously. So, after ex-rays and examinations Bone Man Doctor told me I would have to have Total Knee Replacement. We did the cortisone shots just for comfort but that only was a temporary fix. The surgery will have to be done on both knees, but my left is the worse. It is a real mess and you can feel it too - yuck! but sort of cool in a morbid way.

We've tried to get away from the house several times, you know, for a couple of day trip out of town, but the knee just wouldn't give it up, this was before the doctor's appointment. There is a beautiful organic fruit farm up in Utah only a few hours drive from here. They sell delicious Gala apples this time of the year. They also sell lunch sandwiches and organic drinks that are so delicious and unique. The drive up there is so beautiful because it is in the heart of Zion National Park. It would have been so gorgeous this time of the year since it has cooled off here in the desert southwest.

That is a huge disappointment to me AND the fact I cannot go shopping. The last outing to Wal-Mart was a huge disaster for me. Even though I can take pain pills to absorb the brunt of it all at first, it doesn't take long for the medication to wear off and I'm ready to be dragged out of the store crying hideously - so it's best Bob takes over that duty.

Now here's a good one ladies - letting the man do the shopping. Oh Holy Mother of God!!! a true sacrifice for me!!!!!!!!! Please forgive me for being overly religiously expressive, but it pains me deeply to give up one of my biggest treasures in life, I know! I know! I'm being overly-dramatic, probably, but hey, I'm a woman, and that's what I do best - shop!!!! But, I'll give it to my man - Bob - he is a good shopper. His favorite store is Costco, and he is good!!!!! Coupon book and list in hand, man oh man, he can tear through those aisles with the speed of light! No dottling for him, he gets the job done. If there's a question, he doesn't hesitate to call home on his trusty cell phone. He isn't a cell phone person, like, he doesn't have it with him all the time - that's in my job description. But when he shops, he religiously has his phone for any questions or if I come up with a new item we need that I forgot to put on the list in the meantime, I can call.

I picked up a not so expensive MP3 player on Amazon.com - a really small one with only two gigs of memory which may hole about 500 songs or so. I want to take to the hospital with me so I can listen to music. I should be in after surgery for 2 or 3 days. So now I have to fill it will music. I'll take one paperback book - one that is a fast read. Darn-it! I have packed all my good reading books and there's no way we could find the box even though it is marked well. When the painters were coming, we shoved everything in the downstairs that was out in the way into the only two small rooms that weren't being painted. They had been well organized with packed boxes but once the last minute procedure happens of having to shove the rest of the extra stuff in every vacant spot counts and it gets messy! I wouldn't ask Bob to search since his knees are hurting too. I do like Agatha Christie books.

Well, that's it folks, that's pretty much why I've been non-blogging for while. I have kept up with my Farmtown on Facebook only because my husband is addicted to it. It is our retirement fun!!! HA HA! That's as good as it gets right now - that and enjoying granddaughter Alexandra who is growing up too fast. And I am anxiously looking forward to Soldier Tom and his girl Tine coming home for Christmas!!!

Speaking briefly of grandchildren, Alex is at the age of noticing boys, (good grief!!!!). She is a straight A student, very creative, and all that. I am on a diet now, hoping to lose a few pounds before surgery, and as I was drinking an Atkins Protein drink the other day she told me it had too many calories in it and her PE teacher told her diet drinks weren't good for you. So there she was, my granddaughter telling me what was good and not. Even though I showed her on the box that my drink had only 150 calories and very lo sugar, it wasn't enough, her PE teacher was smarter. Oh me! the age of other people are smarter than the "parents" has arrived - again!!! I need a vacation around adults who are on the same brain level and think I am marvelous. But, on the other hand, my 22 year old grandson has told me how smart I was and how he appreciates my advice. Sad, isn't it, you have to wait until they grow up to get a vote of confidence from them!!!!!!! What a beating the ego takes raising children - sometimes!

It's good to be back. I hope you all are well and having a wonderful weekend. Take good care and God bless!