Reading Club - Agatha Christie

As I mentioned yesterday, I've been reading about Book Clubs and this one in particular which involves reading my very favorite arthor, Agatha Christie. I'm going to post the link which I've copied from a blogger who is involved with this club - and I hope it is an active link, if not, I'll have to do some messing around to get the active link. I will be putting some links on the side of my page too - please be patient with me. I'm not feeling well and at this time reading and my computer are my best friend. 

This is the address to the Agatha Christie Summer Book Club

 

Reading club

Just a quick post today - I just did something new  - I joined an online reading club.  The books will be by Agatha Christie's.  I love her methods and her mysteries, so I am looking forward to posting more about it and the link.

Hope you are well and life is good for you and your family.  Talk to you soon.

The Age of Beginning Forgetfulness

For the second time, that I can remember anyhow, I lost my way while preparing a dish for dinner.  The is a very simple dish.  Prepared it a ka-zillion times for my children and more for my grandchildren.  It isn't important what the dish was as it is the emotion of my moment. 

When you have done something so simple, so routinely, without even having to think about it, actions as smooth as silk, then wham! what a minute this isn't right.  It hits you like a light going out in a dark room.  Like a loud sound in a quiet place.  I went about the movements of preparations, but I knew something was wrong.  I was almost at the end, but it wasn't right, why did I proceed like this?  It's not right but what is wrong?  Time passed, I don't know how long, but enough I knew as the dinner was almost ready, I had done something wrong.  I was able to recoup the recipe from the recipe file which is stored in my brain - I don't write my favorite recipes down, I just know how to do it - never measuring, just know from looking. 

This dish is a simple one, easy to fix, and in the end, it was as it should be.  But, I know the forgetting is only the beginning. 

The other recipe is my mom and dad's famous chili recipe.  I have forgotten it.  This was a recipe created by my mom and dad to serve in the restaurant they owned as I was growing up.  The recipe is nothing like any you'd find in a recipe book or on line.  It was my mom and dad's recipe.  I tried making it the other day, but it wasn't right.  It was horrible.  And, you know you can only serve chili to your family so often.  I will keep trying.

And yes, I have started writing my recipes down.  I don't type them out, I write them down and I'll tell you why.  I have a huge binder, well actually several, with recipes from my girlfriends and from family members including my mom.  Some are typed and many are written.  You can tell the ones I've used more often than others by the food stains on the cards or the pieces of papers.  And, I even have pieces of paper without any title on the ingredients, some have cooking temps and others don't.  If you have the knack for cooking and baking you know automatically what temp to use, but not if you are "forgetful."  So I want my recipes written so when my family goes through my recipes they will remember my handwriting and this will bring back the memories. 

Long time no post...again!

Yikes, this is becoming a like a bad habit this non-posting laziness.  I've gotten too taken up with Facebook and black and white movies on Turner Classic Movie channel.  I will once more make every attempt to be religious and make some type of comment each day.

There isn't a lot to discuss when you're retired and in a state of limbo economically.  Decisions to be make whether to sell or home and downsize or stay where we are for now.  Both my side kick and I would love to move back the the country somewhere.  We've talked about Texas near Fredericksburg.  We enjoyed visiting the area, especially Luckenbach.  But at our age relocating wouldn't be as fun as it was when we were younger. 

Our family which consists of our children and a couple grandchildren live here.  My extended family, father, mother and brother are at another location that I can't go to yet - Heaven.  I have aunts and cousins in Ohio but I've been gone too long to reconnect.  Although I love Ohio, it is a beautiful state, I do wish we had moved there in our younger marriage years.

Our area here has a water problem which means unless something serious is done or God provides us with a lot of rain, we will be out of water then we will be in huge financial devastation.  With that knowledge you'd think we'd be getting the heck out of Dodge, but no, there's too many other reasons.  So we stay but continue looking at houses on line and wondering what to do.

My side kick hubby has a bad cold and has been down and out all week, so we've been living in a pretty quiet state this week.  I have a number of books staring me down to be read.  One is Steven Tyler's biography.  I am a very unlikely person to read such a book - you would think that if you met me, but after watching American Idol for the very first time in our lives, I was impressed with his respect of the contestants.  I like his gentleness in telling each one the good and the bad, where as the other two judges I thought were mean spirited and had favorites.  So, as I've gotten into Steven Tylers book, I realize I'm in for some rough moments especially language.  I'm a big girl, actually and old senior citizen and I believe that I do have rights to "learn" or experience what I choose.  I'm certainly not going to run out now and live a life of sin, it isn't who I am.  I can skim over those rough parts. 

Plans changed, grandson Tom just called, his gal Tine is going to nursing school and she wants to come over and take our blood pressure, a class project I suppose. 

I'll send this on with best wishes and prayers that you are well and life is good for you and your family.  Do take good care.  Oh, I will be updating my photos soon.

Good Friday

It's a day like all the rest except for the knowledge of the traditional worship and respect for what this day signifies.  It is necessity of Faith to meditate on Christ and how this day changed the life of all Christians.  Without this day, the human race of Religious People would not be the same. 

I have not been as true to my faith as I once was - I don't attend Mass like I did.  My belief and faith in God is still strong and I pray diligently as I always did - and I believe He is with me.  My excuses are real to me and my intentions are honest as I do want to do back to Mass, I know something is missing.  But there are changes in my health that prevent me from going. 

When I was young I had so much energy, pills were non-existent in my life.  But all seemed to fall apart as I got older especially when my son Brian died.  I never experienced pain as I do today.  I know I need my Church more than ever.  I need the community of faith as well but this community is different - difficult to fit in, we've tried and it's very discouraging.  Where once going to Church met meeting with neighbors and chatting, coffee, even pot lucks, even breaking bread in our homes together.  It's not like that here - so its not like we tried once, so getting out of that rut and attitude is one additional obstacle to going.  Excuses. 

This morning after watching the morning news I went outside and sat in the sun.  It was beautiful out.  We have hummingbirds who "live" here and one small male hummer was resting in one of the flower bushes near where I was sitting.  He had taken possession of the bush because when a larger male came around the smaller one ran him off, he was chattering and telling the larger hummer off.  My husband eventually came out and sat with me.  He is hard of hearing and could not hear the hummer chattering or the Mockingbird off in the distance singing her morning song.  It is sad when you can't hear the jobs of nature, I feel so bad for him.  He taught me so much about nature throughout our marriage.  He was a city/country boy - his grandparents had a farm and it was his favorite place to go growing up.  He eventually changed made me to a city/country girl too.

But, I'm drifting off the theme of Good Friday.  It is the suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ that set us free.  He paid for our sins but we still have a commitment to follow His rules.  We must love one another honestly, truthfully, and with all our heart and by that we are loving HIM.  You might say there's more to that but how can there be - if we truly love we can't break any laws or rules.  Loving means respect, and with respect there can be no law breaking.  No lying, no cheating, no harassment, no being mean or vulgar.  Loving is caring and feeling compassion and doing the Lord's work no matter how simple.  We do what we can do.  We do what he brings in our life and puts in front of us willingly and accepting. 

This is my humble opinion.

Flustered

I have a bad attitude right now. It's silly to feel like this. I wish I could wave my magic wand and make this wish a reality right now, but life doesn't give us those advantages. Also, this thing isn't that bad to be so upset about but it's the steps one must go through to reach the end result and final answer to complete the solution that is time consuming.

It has to do with the federal government and a benefit - one which a member of our family is eligible. He insists he doesn't need it, but he's only a young man with not a lot of experience of life under his belt - he has no clue, really! We're trying to help and maybe he doesn't what to put us out or maybe be involved. It involved health insurance coverage - the advantage of the new Obama law of children up to age 26 on parents polities.

We were his legal guardians and he is eligible but we have to fill out the right forms even though he had already been on the policy before - new forms, more waiting time........don't like waiting, getting older as a senior citizen has driven out the patience I use to have.

Oh, don't get me wrong in most cases I have tons of patience - I enjoy sitting and watching people in a hurry knowing their haste won't get them there any quicker - or watch speeding care zoom by and realize we'll most likely get the same place they do only a few seconds later - they have the most probably of getting a speeding ticket too.

I waited 45 minutes for a federal person to answer the telephone. He was very nice and helpful however I goofed and failed to take down important information thinking I was going back to an original number for more information - which didn't pan out. I am agitated at myself and at the process. I had more patience and where with all when a was younger, but these day, it affects me to the point of a very bad mood.

It's not the end of the world. My time is not taken up during the day with important tasks. Being retired I do have lots of free time to do this stuff so I should be ashamed of myself for complaining.

My husband just came in and patted me on the shoulder and thanked me for doing this task for him. He dislikes it even worse than I do. It's always nice to be noticed and thanked for a good job even when the job isn't an earth shaking paper pusher event.

I feel better now.

It's already well into the New Year.

I have been so delinquent writing in my blog. I was over come with fun in Farmtown and Farmville on Facebook. My thinking ability to write was removed and replace by competition with my husband. When I realized that we weren't doing anything but sitting on our rear ends doing those two Facebook games, and on yes, then the Vineyard, I sort of threw a fit. He had no time for me. So, for LOVE we gave those things up. It's not that we get more loving but at least we do talk more often. The more loving part has been acceptable as is because of our age and our conditions.

I was thinking the other night "Getting Old" is a good topic and I've probably talked about it until you are bored to tears. Unfortunately, once you hit a certain age your body does change - or well, even illness will change your bodies capabilities, and aging doubles the anxieties.

I have friends who have very full lives. The travel and are very active in sports. They are vibrant and energetic. They are the same age as I am. Our life styles are different and I've had more children so I wonder if that has had anything to do with it. Hmmm, I wonder. Does having kids wear a mother out thus leaving her vulnerable for extra illnesses? My Aunts who had far more children than I did all suffer from one to many sort of illnesses. But, it's too late for me to change that and you might say why dwell on it. And, you would be perfectly correct.

Of late, however, I have contemplated on when exactly I began feeling so very crappy and every year it is worse. Finally, I decided the best thing to do would be blogging it which is sort of documenting, then I can come back for reference. I'll try to vary my topics so not to become so redundant.

I do need to change my photos too - lots of water under the bridge since I last posted.

I hope you all are well and you and your family are all well. We had the best Christmas ever - very memorial. It was nice. I hope yours was the same.

Take care and God bless.

Just another Saturday

Good morning! It is a beautiful morning. Cool enough to leave the sliding glass door open. Fall is upon us I thought I heard the weatherman say, but our desert temperatures are going back up into the 100s. The pool water is cold but this week will be the last hurrah, it's a must to get in all the swimming before the chilly winds come around and it won't be a pleasant feeling when I get out of the pool. I am so mousy and picky since I've gotten older, don't know what happened to my stamina. I blame it all on the day Brian die. I need to give it up and turn it around, but maybe it's my excuse to hold on to it.

Do you feel like you are in a rut and it is the way your life is suppose to be? I know that may seem negative sounding, but the things that happen to us seem to be in the same format. I know there is an easy out by saying no but that wouldn't be true to form. It would be difficult. I've never done it - well, I'm trying. It's different, it's not my style, but its becoming a necessity.

I have a question? Have you heard from God today? If so, what was the outcome? Aside from all the blessings in your life that we take for granted, don't you have prayers for help and assistance for some problem you need solved and don't you feel like you've prayed forever and there's been no signs that you can recognize? I've been praying for a specific solution, sign, change, or whatever to the same situation in my life for years, so has my husband. I ask him every once in a while if he's gotten an answer yet, and his reply is the same, no answer. Outside of the regular Catholic prayers that are so routine in my day, I'll let out a "Hey God, I'm still down here, how about............(He knows what, I'm sure of it!!) My eyes are elevated to the Heavens as though I am seeing straight through the clouds to the pearly gates. Nothing. Just nothing..........so if there is no answer, sign, or anything, is it just as it is!!! A blank sheet! What do I do - keep on keeping on in an as is journey!

It's getting difficult, there must be change. I don't know what to do. I hope there is an answer soon.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I hope too that God blesses you with all your needs.

Disgusting turn of life events

It's all Facebook's fault...for the past year I have spend more time sitting on my backside than I have in all the time of my whole life on earth.

This morning the reality of that sit down reflected in the ugly turn of the dial on my bathroom weight scale. I was in the state of shock at the revelation of the numbers that appeared. I've been ignoring that piece of equipment for many months. Being in a state of depression and hating the state of events in my life, the last thing I've wanted to care about was the little numbers on the face of that awful piece of equipment. Today was to be my face to face with reality since my health have gone down hill so drastically - I knew part of it was the weight, but I didn't expect what I saw.

And yes, Facebook is one of the culprets to be blamed. I blame my husband too. I blame my kids, I blame the weather, and I blame this one and that one.......but mostly I blame myself.

I am blessed with a good life - a wonderful husband of 46 years, but the lifestyle stinks. We have plans to change but things aren't lining up. We try to make the best of it, but it isn't good enough for me. Seeing the positive admidst all the negatives isn't always easy. What I see as a paint in the patootee many not be to you --- but by this time in my life I didn't expect to be tied down still raising kids, especially when they are not mine. I know, it may seem life it would be easy enough to get out of but not when children are involved - that's my core belief. You can't go against your core believe - at least not as a mother.

So here I am faced with the reality of needing to "start all over" again. I am signed up on Weight Watcher's online" - it's not real expensive, but its enough, but better than going to the meetings which I've done. The meetings are ok, in fact both Bob and I were going and we enjoyed it. But, after the trip to Maine and lobster rolls - only putting back a couple of pounds, surprise! - the meeting has accummulated about 20 more people and it wasn't the same. The group leader was wonderful and we really liked her, but the tone of the environment wasn't the same, so we quit. I have found the online site is helpful - as long as I log everything I eat everyday - it really does work - for me.

Bob has also gained and he also weighs more weight that he ever has. He has to have knee surgery as do I - - but the physicians have told both of us to loss weight first......We don't seem to pay attention to those guys - - - but what has hit us is the fact we can't breath and are having huge difficulty getting around without struggling...thus making our tasks of playing on Facebook a whole lot more fun.

We've started this week to be serious about what we put in our mouth. It's a lifelong program for both of us. It is easy for Bob to lose weight, he is more active than I am. I have a slower metabolism - always have been that way all my life even when I was extremely active.

Hope you and your family are well and life is good for you. May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You!

My oh my how time flies when you're having a blast!

I was connected to "Pioneer Woman" website entering a contest and I had forgotten my blog name so when I connected here I saw I hadn't posted since August - I was ashamed!!!

So many things have happened, well, events have happened since I last wrote. I had a birthday and turned 66 - I think, wait a minute, let me count!!! If you think that's funny, it is because I do forget because I really don't want to think I've gotten this far YET!!!! Believe me I haven't gotten this far without a battle either. It was so much fun up until a point then it seemed like all heck broke loose.

A friend made the point the other day he was leaving the 40s and adding the 5 on - and he was thoughtfully reticent about the up and coming event. My response was the 50s are still pretty good, but it was in the 60s when I started going down hill big time. This guy is a hiker though - he has a huge advantage over my lifestyle - he will do fine. His mom is several years older than me and she hikes up the Alps, and looks great. I'll just say, if you have the advantage and opportunity to do that type of exercise - do it!!! Unfortunately, my life took a different turn and I never had that chance.

My responsibility can in the form of caring for my son. We all have choices and bends to take in our life. Some have a straight way to go, others have many bends....but you know I think in the end, we all have our share of trials one way or the other.

We also celebrated our 46 wedding anniversary. It was uneventful, decided by both to be so. We are grateful to be together that long. As Bob will say - I am his best friend and I say to him - He is my best friend. We have fun together, we cry together, and we pray together. So, that pretty much says it all. Through the grace and blessings of God we have made it this far. It was meant to be even though it was "love at first sight!"

Next we had another birthday - Bob's, he made the last number before 70. Where has the time gone??? I can't fathom where the time has gone so quickly!!! We celebrated his birthday for the whole weekend because one or the other of the kids couldn't be here - so Tom and Tine could come on Friday, the others were here on Sunday. We had lots of cake this weekend - - not too good for our Weight Watcher diet but we counted.

Our health is about as good as it gets for our age - - we have routine knee problems still waiting on surgery for both of us. Other problems some serious some not so bad but we have lots to be thankful for - God has been good but we still have a special prayer for our future hanging out there and we haven't heard from HIM yet!!!! I know HE's heard it because we've seen other prayers of ours answered!!! The Mysteries of the Lord are many.

We have one more birthday this month - - our very special grandson Tom - we raise him. He is going to college now, studying to be a Paramedic. He has completed his three years in the Army and is home for now. We are so proud of him.

Economy stinks - our son and granddaughter still live with us. But the others are doing fine.

It's even stranger how fast this year has gone - like in fast motion. We went swimming today and the water has gone from being like warm bath water to ice cube cold. In this dry desert air once the temps get back down in the 90s or even lo 100 the water starts cooling off. We are enjoying the pool for the last few days the heat remains in the 90s - we are brave.

Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas we will on us before we can turn around twice and blink. I hope things turn out better for our country soon. It's very stressful to see the things going on around us.

Well, folks I hope you are well and things for you have been good. May God bless you abundantly with all the blessings and miracles you need each day.

Green Pool

There are problems everywhere. Retired on a limited budget. Unemployment high which includes a son who is unemployed with no car and living at home with a daughter. Value of homes have dropped so dramatically - great for home buyers but lousy for those hoping to sell. Political scene very depressing. Health care cost going up as we age and as life would have it, we are progressing into that age bracket of more health problems.

Then there's the green pool. One day the water in the pool is sparkling and enjoyable for relaxing and forgetting all your troubles. But, unbeknownst the green goblin is working overtime as you sleep and in the morning the pool is a slimy green color. How did that happen? Who knows!!!!

The daytime temperature is still maintaining highs of over 110 and a swim would be refreshing, but who wants to swim in green goop. It all seems so minor and it is in the face of all the other daily problems we have. It is a distraction too putting into prospective the important issues and things we could do without.

Although, on the other hand, if this was your house and you had a For Sale sign on your front lawn, would you really want to have a Green Pool??? No, I don't think so. It isn't that issue right now, but it is necessary to clean it up or it will just get worse. Our kids want a pool when they buy a house, so as hubby makes several trips to the pool store, I let the adult kiddies know how much the chemicals cost. Hubby is retired, so he has all the time in the world to spend poolside cleaning the filters and scraping down the sides of the pool for hours in 110' heat. Oh yeah! such fun.....The comment from the adult kid who wants a pool is of unbelievable surprise. After all he is fresh out of the Army and just moved into his first apartment, paying bills and enjoying real Capitalism. It all looks so easy when you're young.

My hubby is a gem. He knows I love to swim, he does too - a fine exercise for both of us. Old age and finances has trimmed the yearn for this luxury, maybe a lap pool enclosed would be nice, but next time, they'll be no pool in our back yard. They are common here in the west so its not a big deal but even so, you know, it's difficult to find a home without a pool.

Hope you are having a great day without pests to deal with like the green algae or bed bugs as seems to have taken over New York! Oh my God, what's that crawling up my leg???? Help!

Letter to a Friend

Good morning Friend,

How are you today? What is happening in your life? I hope you and your family are well. Have you been traveling? Remember all the dreams we had, the places we wanted to visit and things we wanted to accomplish? Where has the time gone? If we had made a checklist, I wonder how many of those on the list would be crossed off.

It's a beautiful day here in Southern Nevada. I have my earphones on listening to my favorite music on my playlist webpage. I was thinking earlier I miss the private quiet time I had back in my office when no one was around. My favorite past time was to turn the music loud and do whatever it was that needed to be done whether it was writing out the bills, writing letters, cleaning up the bookshelves or filing, but it was so relaxing. I was elevated to a higher elevation of my own environment rarely interrupted. It was very refreshing and pleasant.

But, like all things in life when there are children and grandchildren even friends and other family members that have requirements we sometimes have to give up, sacrifice if you will, the pleasures of our life to adjust for other's needs.

I know you have experienced the problem of getting behind in your chores for one reason or another. The family was all home starting sometime the last of May through a week or so ago. I've lost track of time. Being retired there are no beginnings or endings unless someone sets a schedule. Have you noticed how people rush everywhere they are going? Well, friend, being retired I have the pleasure and excitement of watching them in the hustle and bustle going their way. It is amusing too, sometimes in my slow gait I arrive at the same place within a few seconds because I see the obstacles and can avoid them without any anxiety.

When we go somewhere with the kids - kids as defined our own adult children, their companions, grandchildren and their companions - we request they "go ahead" of the pack. Bob and I meander behind at a slow deliberate pace. Sometimes the heat takes it toil on our breathing so we have to pause, but what's the hurry.

It is marvelous to watch a hummingbird for long minutes without any interruptions. Watching them pose on a branch watching eagerly for another friend to visit their feeding table, only to chase their friend off, often playing in mid-air. Taking time to watch nature and be aware of the value of the joy they bring to one's life is a gift from God.

God has given us so many treasures sometimes we miss them in our hurried existence. I have a friend who has watched two doves visit her, landing on her brick wall where she has provided feed. She waits for their return and when there was a length of time they failed to feed, she worried as though they were a part of her family. It is these occasions of life that we miss when we are young and busy with everyday life and making a living.

There is a time and a place - I am thankful to be at this time and this place. I have much to be thankful for, there are some things I could do without, but they are there for a reason. Sometimes we wonder what God is thinking, what does He really want from us........I think this often. "Hello God! Jean calling. Help God!!! what's happening? I really need to hear from You? This time You've given me a doozie to deal with. What's up with that?" I've said these words more often than I'd like to recall. Sometimes there's no answer, but boy oh boy, when He does answer - it is so awesome. When He answers and it's a flat out cold splash of water in the face, I am so shocked but then why wasn't I ready for it!!!!

It's a good day. Thank you my Lord for all my blessings. Dear Friend, I hope your day is fill with so many gifts and blessings today you too are shocked. Please take good care. Love you!

CHRIS BOTTI IN BOSTON | Shape of My Heart Sting & J. Groban

Choice

I briefly scanned an article that came to my email box this morning. The article made the statement "life is a matter of prospective" and I agree. The article's first paragraph stated that sometimes we say or do things we regret but can never take back. I am always say stupid things and I wonder why I can't get my mouth and brain to work together. Why can't I see far enough into the future to realize what I am going to say will both sound stupid and may cause either pain or hysteria. I have been on a roll with that tragedy more recently and I don't know why. After I realized what I've said and mull it over in my mind for days, I make resolutions to be mindful of what I saw - but it doesn't work. I keep on either giving out secrets that I've kept private for years or add situations which don't apply today. Whether or not these misstatements have affected the dear ones I'm talking to was not evident. Then I think, ok, you need to talk to them about it - oh no!!! by bringing it up may emphasize the topic ---- think!!! maybe they weren't paying any attention anyhow --- oh good, can I get out of it that easy??? I think not.

I think I will just wait until the subject matter comes up again then I will try to explain it away! Oh dear me, my mouth really does get me in trouble. I am a senior citizen who has lost good social skills and I am blaming my rampant mouth problems on that!!!

I do have a choice and if I were still a kid, I could hear my mom saying "you need more self-control!" She would be right. I must revert my lack of foresight of the outcome of what I say to attempting to not speak of certain matters without realizing the outcome of my words.

I hope you have a lovely day and may God bless you with abundant graces. Take good care.

Birth of The Blues

Library

Waiting for a few minutes to get ready to go visit our new library in our neighborhood. I am really excited. The new one has better parking and easier access on the outside - even has a drive-through window. I can't imagine!

I have fond memories of walking or riding my bike to my neighborhood library where I grew up. It was a good thing. It wasn't very large and the people were very friendly and helpful. It was a great thing to have growing up. I enjoyed reading the "Hardy Boys" and books like that. My mom was a reader too so I guess she made that impression.

We are taking granddaughter Alex with us. I think it is a good thing to have as a routine visit. She loves to read and is in the reading club at her school. This is something to share with her. She lives with us and I have to admit unfortunately, it is a different life experience when you either raise your grandchild as we did with Tom or they live with you with one of their parent as in the case of son Kevin. They are with you everyday and there are no surprises - and as you get old, surprises are wonderful. We have several other grandchildren around the United States and the anticipations of the time when we might see them is a thrilling emotion.

I buy books routinely but need to get in the habit of borrowing and returning to the library because my budget these days is struggling and straining at the seams. There is a new book out by John Grisham I am going to look for today. He is a good read and I can get through it in a couple of days especially since tomorrow is Sunday and no plans except to visit Brian up at the cemetery. Reading on Sunday is both relaxing and refreshing to the mind - of course, it would depend on what kind of book you're reading.

A lot has happened in this home since I last wrote. We had two months of the house burgeoning at the seams. People in and out - my grocery bill has been out of sight hence the budget reflex!!! Today it is quiet, except for Alex's singing to the music on the radio. I don't mind. Tom use to whistle all the time and Alex sings. Music for the soul.

Hope you are well and life is good in your life and home. May God bless and keep you safe.

I Am America

Unexpectedly quiet

For all the ranting and raving I've committed myself to in other posts about peace and quiet, I am admitting here and now experiencing this quiet is a very weird to silence this morning. For the past six weeks the activity in our home has been like a carnival atmosphere.

This morning our oldest son left out on his motorcycle for a new job. He has been home for all of that six weeks, maybe more. He had come home to leave from here to go to his daughter's graduation in another state, but when he returned, he was notified he no longer had a job. He was very fortunate he was able to secure another job offer and he left early this morning to begin another new adventure.

Each one of us has a different aura that we can connect with whether it's a quiet serene or noisy "hey you, I've arrive, and I'll be here awhile" type. This son was that type - the noisy one. He enjoys conversing, teasing and is a worry wart like his mom's family. So, we know when he is around. He is very independent and won't expect us to worry - he doesn't want that burden. He knows we have enough troubles on our mind at our age.

The two other auras who have been present are traveling. They are medium noise and don't require a lot of attention because they haven't lived at home in years. They disappear quietly and return the same - we have to inquire whether they are here or gone because they are not in the habit of answering to anyone. They are pleasant auras and nice to have around so now they are gone I miss them, but they have left something behind for us to watch - their dog. She can be very high maintenance, but is a wonderful pet. She is starting to show signs that she really misses them. The other day Bob had to do something in Tom's car and he got his keys to go outside. there must be something about the "sound" of the clinking of the keys that woke Peanut up, she reacted with an awareness that she does when they come in the door. Tom and Tine are very active and are active with Peanut ---we are more sublime although the others have tried to keep Peanut busy like taking her for walks and playing with her. But, I think dogs know the difference. She does sleep on their bed for familiarity. I know she will be so happy when they come home.

I love having the TV off. We do have our favorite shows but they aren't on all the time all day. I love quiet and solitude too. I treasure the moments when I have this luxury. There are three other auras in our home I haven't mentioned, I think I'll save for another post.

It is a good day. The past six weeks have been wonderful having the family around, in and out, friends filling the house, food overflowing on the tables and counter tops, laughing, yelling, sports, games, all the things of excitement in the moments-----and it all wears me out in a very positive way. I have slept very soundly.

God bless and take good care. I am so thankful for all my blessing.

The Harmonica Man

The Harmonica Man

An amazing and enjoyable story.

Walking in My shoes

Have you ever had a situation where you were involved as a by stander in a conversation and you opened your mouth and inserted your big foot by commenting on something that didn't concern you? I have a huge habit of doing that. I also learn my lessons the hard way, and some day and sometimes I don't learn anything at all. And, you know once you've said it, even after realizing you should have not said anything it's too late to apologize because you could never right it, regardless. I think to myself "when will I learn!" But I still apologize because I know I was wrong and I am truly sorry for the intrusion. There is an uncomfortable feeling for a while, but nothing more is said, and its is okay. I won't do that again.

But, then, another situation not quite the exact same, very different situation. Earlier I was expressing to a friend of my limitations and my dependence on my husband for assistance in some situation, sometimes more than I prefer. I got the same type of "foot in mouth" from the friend as I dished out, but, she doesn't know it. I had sense enough to realize what I said to another person was wrong, it was my gut that told me - but the issue with my friend now has taken a different turn. There's no body language to read, or voice to hear maybe agitation, it was the written word that affect me. I was going to write and express and try to explain that her judgement was wrong, but I knew unless you get it, you wouldn't understand - and if she had gotten it, she wouldn't have voiced her opinion in the manner she did. Repeating would be repetitious which can lose a lot in the translation. No point!

All this brings me to a thought I had earlier today, a very important aspiration of walking in someone shoes. When we look at our friends, listen to their problems, sorrows, happiness or just a conversation, are we judging as they speak? Do we listen with our hearts or our brains and thinking how we would handle that or pass judgement, or maybe not listen at all.

Through Facebook, I have "found" many friends I went to grade school with and many I knew in other times of my life. I envy some because on the surface it looks like they have a wonderful life, but there are others who have had struggles and are honest about those struggles but really made the best of it and deal with the problems life throws at them. There are still others who do struggle every day and manage, but there are some who from my eyes look as though they've had a great life with some problems, but they look so contented and what they write about is so wonderful and their philosophies are so positive almost to the point of being pushy and sickening. Which makes me wonder if they are thinking of only themselves as being holier than everyone around them.

Ideally, if I could I would like to change my method of reacting right now. I would like to be more conscientious of each person's individuality and set of problems so I could be sensitive and not say stupid things or give advice when I shouldn't - or maybe just listen instead of saying anything. To me, that is an ideal friend that everyone should have - no criticisms, no judgement, only pure honest interest and compassion. It is a lot to ask after all, we just want to help even if our opinion isn't required or requested. We all need just one of those special friends, we're very fortunate if we ready have one.

No one could imagine the depth of my pain from my experiences, but a good friend wouldn't expect another friend to experience anything so horrific. I wouldn't want anyone to experience my pain. I wouldn't want anyone to walk in my shoes. However, I would like an extension of a sensitivity and compassion, but it isn't that simple - no one reacts the way we expect or we think they should because they are not us. They couldn't even begin to walk in your shoes or my shoes because we each have our own pair of shoes that fit only our life.

We are given a special life path to follow, if we have friends who walk beside you down the path, to be there when you fall, or pray for you when you are hurting, cry when you cry, then you've got a beautiful matching pair - but there are those who cannot see or feel because their life will never parallel yours so they will never know your pain, but yet they will express opinions that may not be helpful, in fact painful because they don't understand. How do you respond, with unkind words, with attempted explanations, going back over the expressions of your situation - actually none of the above - if the person understood, nothing would have been said, so any more words might make it worse.

In both my situations - one was created by me toward a friend. The other was applied to me from a friend. In the first situation I didn't walk in my friend's shoes but I should have, I could have, when I realized on my own, I did apologize. In the second situation my friend didn't walk in my shoes but she couldn't have because her path has taken her down a different avenue that didn't run parallel with my path. I learned a lesson this week. I am very thankful and I hope that I can do better for my friends regardless of whose path I am walking beside.