CHAPTERS

I'm calling this blog chapters.  I feel like that is what life is like---chapters.  Always changing, with new stories to come.  Dean had a CT Scan and it wasn't great----but it is....what it is.

They saw a spot on his kidney & another organ (cysts they "think").  He has an enlarged spleen.  The spleen is what filters your blood.  His is clogged, and they could eventually have to take it out which will live him even more immune compromised.  He some enlarged lymph nodes, and his white count is growing.  Oh, and he also has an adominal aneurysm.  Acturally this is the scariest thing to me, because if it reaches 6 cm or more it will burst and kill him (painfully).  His is only 2.8, so will continue to have tests to check it size.  Next month he is having an MRI.  I hope after that they stick to ultra-sounds for most of the testing because it's good and not invasive.  Too much dye in the veins can kill the kidneys!

As horrible as all of this is---we are "LIVING".  He is mostly well at present, and feeling pretty good.  We are all going to die sometime (even though in our secret hearts, we're pretty sure it's NOT going to happen to US).  He's going to be 67 in January.  I've told him I'm not through with him yet, and he has to stick around for awhile.  We agreed that is a good thing.  

We are looking forward to going to Branson with our friends on Nov 1 for a week of seeing shows, and having fun playing cards and dominoes.  We will also have our 43rd Anniversary (Nov 5th).  We are still very much in love, and I know we will have a good time.  So, that's what's happening in this chapter!

Good Night Gracie.

PAINTING

The past two days have been very busy with painting.  Sherri, Brian, and kiddos came over to paing our dining area, living room, and hallway.  The old color was a seafoam green, and the new color is stuart gold----very different.  I'm not a good painter b/c I was never allowed to paint (b/c my husband is so good).   I did get to paint at my brother's house a couple of times b/c he wasn't so picky.  Well, now that Dean is disabled, he's decided I can paint, only I suck at it.  Lot's of tension around our house the past 2 days.  The good news is, Sherri and Brian, and 3 of their kids all know how to paint and even enjoy painting.  So they were a HUGE help.  I got wet clothes for drips, got stuff, checked on Caleb, and even did some "cutting in".  Also, I did 90% of the pre-work, in packing and moving stuff around.  Tomorrow is the last coat of paint.  Whew!!!!   My thanks to my kids and kiddos who helped so much and did such a wonderful job.  I did take them out for good meals everyday, and will do so again tomorrow.

Dean & I have never worked well together at projects.  I don't know why.  I'm sure someone could analyze it.  I work very well with Sherri and other people, but not him.  Oh well.  You don't have to do everything together, right.  I'm tired.  Think I'll go relax.  If any Karps read this.......Thanks again, and again!!!!!  x0x0

LYNN THINKING & WRITING

Two of the reasons I haven't been "blogging" so much is first:  Face Book.  It takes a lot of time, and you get instant gratification, sort of, to what you post.  It takes too MUCH time tho.  The 2nd reason is, it's been a hard year, and I didn't want to a "whiner" about it.  

So much has happened this year.  I have gone through a lot of different stages like Helen Kubler Ross says about DEATH & DIEING, and more to come, or maybe all over again.  I have just come to the "acceptance" sort-of, that I'm living with a man who has a terminal illness.  Also I have to deal what he is thinking.  And I don't tell him all that I know.


All sorts of things surprised and shocked me this year and some of them were:  He got pneumonis REALLY quick, was hospitalized and came home & was on oxygen for 2 more weeks.  After a brief period of wellness he then got sever shingles, and then pink-eye.  It has dawned on me.....finally....that I have to be greatful for the well times, and this is going to keep happening.  His white-cell "lymphocite" count continues to rise and crowd out the good while cells.  His immune system is crappy.  He is progressing in this disease.  

I was terrified for awhile, then accepted it, then got angry.  I was mad at him cause he can't do all the things he always has, and can't work in the workshop & make things, and build things like I always thought he would at this stage of our life.  It really made me mad. We just went on a long road-trip, 20 days, and he did the driving, thankfully.  But I did all the packing and most of the hauling in and out of stuff, and I have gradually been taking over more and more of stuff at home.  It both scares me and makes me mad.  This is not what I thought I signed up for.  But I did.  I said "for better or worse."  And I'm so very very thankful he is here.  I do everything in my power to make sure he is well, and ask all the questions of the doctors, and do the research on the internet to get more info.

So sometimes I feel AWFUl for being mad, and scared.....and thankful.  Stress.  Yes that's what it's been like.  So like I said.....it's dawning on me finally that this IS our life, and how it's going to be.  So I'm learning to be happy in our new "normal" and greatful that I am still healthy enough to be able to take over more, and do whatever he needs done.  We've spending a lot of time at the VA this year.  He just got checked out for a possible blod clot in his leg (negative).  Now he has to have CT scans to check out his lymph nodes.  No problem.  

So that's why I haven't been writing.  I'm learning a new chapter has begun in our life.  I think I have gone through most of the anger.  I love him dearly, and really really want him here as long as possible.  He is the other half of me.  I don't feel like I can exist without him.  Who loves me like he does?  The truth.....no one.   Don't pity me.  This is just what it is.  Every day people go through this and this is life.  It is what it IS.  

I'm still learning.......and I've always thought it's on on-going process forever.  I still think that.  Today is a good day.  I love that.  So, I will try to write more, and think more postive thoughts.......Such is life.

I'M STILL HERE

Gee, I haven't blogged in awhile. It was a wild & crazy summer. Dean was sick a lot. Pneumonia in April, then shingles in July, then foot fungus (yuck), then pink-eye in August. Now it's October. He's healed from everything except he still big purple spots where the shingles were, and one leg keeps swelling, and he has post-somethingorother neurological pain in his foot. And so it goes......

Brian came back from China, and is going again next month. In fact he will be gone for most of November his birthday month (40!!!!). But will be home for the holidays. What an education he is getting!

We went on our trip although we did not make it quite all the way. We went to OHIO to see John & Rachael (our oldest son), and the campus where John is getting his Masters in Fine Arts. 9th oldest public institution in the nation, and just a gorgeous town, and campus. They are in the foothills of the Appalachians, and so it's just so beautiful there.

Then went to N. Carolina to see youngest son James, whose wife is in the army at Ft. Bragg. Lexi, our grand daughter got sick same day we got there and we thought we'd have to stay in a hotel, but it was her appendix, and her 10th Birthday!!!!! She will never for it, and we got to stay and enjoy the the kiddos cause she was not contagious!! Shortly after we left Trixy was in a car accident, and rolled their van with Lexi and R. J. in it. Trixy was the most hurt, but they are all ok. And now we found out Trixy is being deployed in December to Afghanistan!!! :-( It will be hard for all of them.

Then we went to visit our Tampa friends Grady & Lyanne, and also some relatives in Spring Hill, Florida. We had a great time there-----but the weather was hot and muggy!!! Can't believe we lived there for 10 years. We did have a good time tho.

Then we went to visit my brother Rick & wife Deb in Gulfport, Mississippi. That was really fun. We even went to the casino one night. Didn't win or lose, just had fun. We were supposed to go on to Shreveport, but my niece and her daughter weren't feeling well, and we were EXHAUSTED as it was almost 20 days for us on the road! We did do it slow, staying in a hotel between each stop, even the short 8 hour ones, so we could just rest and lay down! Dean get better on the way, and we just had a great time-----except the last 2 days of driving home when were a little "snarly" at each other!

When we got home we were met by Sherri and the grandkids with birthday presents for me, and lots of hugs and kisses. That was the BEST!!!

So, now we are home, and guess who got sick? ME! Just sore throat cold thing, but glad it didn't happen on the trip. Now, I'm moving things around to paint albeit slowly. Finally going to get rid of this "foam green" that I loved when we moved in 10 years ago!!!

So that's it for now........Good Night Gracie......

What's Happening....

Brian has been in China for a whole week now. Sherri hears from him daily. He has been having some interesting experiences & FOOD!! He's eaten squid with the little suction cups on them, and fish with the eyes & whole heads on them. They served "snacks" at karaoke---chicken FEET!!! If it crawls, swim, moves and breathes---they eat it...ALL! Anyway, I know he'll have lots to to tell us when he comes back.

Sherri and kiddos are supposed to come for a few days this coming week, provided they are are all (mostly) well. Some of them have the sniffles, but that's acceptable. Today we all, except Caleb, went to see Harry Potter 6. I really enjoyed it, but the kids said there were "gaps" and stuff missing. I didn't read this far, so I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to see the 2-part ending next year.

Dean is having some work done on the foundation of our barn. It keeps shifting, because we didn't do it right the first time . I'm happy to say the weather just cooler----high 80's and low 90's. So much better than 100+ weather!!

I'm reading MY SISTER'S KEEPER, and can hardly put it down. I've read almost ALL of Jodi' Picoult's books now. Only a couple more to go. Recently I've been reading non-fiction about China (not b/c of Brian) but because I'm interested about the culture. Who knows, they may be in charge some day (of us).

We are planning some vacations for later this year. We are going on a road-trip to see the boys in different states this fall---and also to see some friends and relatives in Florida. Then in November we are going to Stormy Point in Branson for a week---with our Tampa friends. Can't wait for that! Next year we are planning a 2-week trip to Michigan to stay on a lake somewhere near Alpena, with the Karp's. And maybe some other small trips also. Who knows..... It's good to look forward to spending time with family & friends. Well, time to go. HOpe everyone is having a fab. weekend. Take care......

Good Night Gracie....

WHAT HAPPENED T HIS WEEK

JOHN is having some rehab on his finger/hand from when he broke it. Also he's anxious (as is Rachael) to move to Ohio in August.

SHERRI is happy that VBS is over for another year! The new (Mexican) Priest was not very appreciative of all she's done, and I'm not sure she will be back next year. Brian is currently in China, so we hope to see more of her and kiddos these next few weeks.

JAMES says his lawn business is not doing well at present. Trixy is home for a couple of weeks on vacation and is bored. She says she already has all the work done she wanted to do!!

DEAN just completed his Native American Head---and it looks darn good. He also made a very fancy spoon with a swan on the tip of the handle. Really REALLY good!! I'll take pictures and put them on later.

Noah has already had basketball camp this summer, and Noah is going to Science Camp soon. The girls just done doing VBS in the mornings, and Drama Camp in the afternoons. We went to their final Performance Friday night, and I know I'm prejudiced----but they were really good!! Of course to be fair, they have been performing on stage since they were toddlers, so they've had lots of practice!

For the rest of the summer we are all looking forward to some "down time" and swimming and reading etc...

We may go on a little road trip----but not til fall. And we are going to Stormy Point Resort later this fall with friends also. So good things to look forward to.

We played dominoes/poker tonight, and are now home, and nice & cozy in our A/C which is "jerry-rigged" to work until the part comes in. (thank you God for A/C!!)

Well that's it for tonight. Good Night Gracie.....(and you know who you are)...

HOT HOT HOT!!!!

We haven't A/C since July 4th. The guy was supposed to come today. Couldn't make it.

Maybe tomorrow??? We are melting, melting, melting..........................help........

4TH HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights today---4th of July, 2009

1. It rained (lovely).

2. Good food made my Karps.....

3. connecting with family & friends via phone.

4. Entertainment: listening to Noah sing and play piano. Arthur, Amazing Grace, and a few other songs. Listening to Noah play patriotic songs on piano, and then accompany himself by recording the song first on the piano---then playing the saxophone (with himself on piano).

5. Sewing repairs on Spiderman's suit (Caleb). Spending time with Spidey, and having important discussions with same.

6. Listening to Bekah read the Declaration of Independence with many interruptions for political discussion (kids & adults).

7. Watching Zorro (first Caleb----then Bekah) a real hoot.

8. Watching the girls sing and dance together --- and then Noah jumping in....

9. Family time around the table with all the Karp's....

10. Quiet time at home with Dean!!!

NOTE: not-so-good highlight-----A/C not working when we arrived home! :-(

MI LADY.....

This is "Mi Lady" a villager in Beauty & the Beast. Isn't she adorable?? :-)

We went to the library today to see "fairy tales" presented by the Karp Kiddos and their mom. Very good, and very funny. Rapunzel was my personal favorite!! I think there was a good 15-20 feet of looooooong hair!!!

Dean is sculpting. Also he has carved the head of an Indian girl. The master carver he carves with, said that Dean was better than 95% of first-time carvers! Quite a complement. You can look him up---Don Effinger on line, and see some of his carvings, including the Indian Girl that Dean is trying to imitate. His site is: thewildlifesculptor.com

Also, if you would like to see a multitude of pictures taken during the play, and the rehearsals, go to htpp://bb.birdco.net

There's tons of pictures, and if you click on the ones that have dates on them, you will see ALL the pictures taken on that particular date!!

So far we are enjoying the summer. For me----having Netflix, has made a big difference in my happiness! :-) We've had lots of kiddos already, the 4 Karps, and Nick (our oldest grandson, adopted), and have had lots of fun times with all of them. And lots more to come!!

I don't think we are doing anything special for the 4th. Last year we (& the Karps) went to see fireworks here on the Ridge, and that is a possibility. But I've heard it will be close to 100 that day, and that leaves me out of anything outdoors!

Brian is leaving for China soon, and that is exciting. Besides switching jobs, and going to China, he has almost completed bricking in their patio (with Noah's help)!

Well that's it for now....... Happy 4th of July Everyone!!! Let's celebrate our country's freedom while we still have it......

FUN

We went to see BEAUTY & THE BEAST last night. And not just because our daughter is in it. We actually have season tickets, and support the arts! It was very well done, and there is a lot of talent in little Siloam. The music & singing was excellent! And of course our little "fork/villager" was great also. She very well for a first time performer!!

Tonight was the Grand Opening at the restaurant in our little Country Club. They had a steak special for $7.50 from 5-8 pm. We went at 5:30, and by the time we ordered we got the tail end of the steak special! They ran out of steaks in a little over an hour and they had 60+! We sat with friends, and enjoyed a nice supper. Then we went to the ice cream social at the non-domination's church just a 1/2 mile from our house. We had home-made ice cream with some more friends, and listened to live music. Very entertaining! And the ice cream was delicious! Yum!

Now we are home, and Dean is watering the flowers HE planted this year, and I'm ready for a movie! Life is good.

Tomorrow Dean is playing golf, and I'm contemplating going to a movie before I go pick up Noah to stay for a couple of days. Yesterday, Nick our oldest grandson, came over and worked half a day with Dean mowing and doing chores around the ranch!

Well, that's it for now..... Just ordinary life happenings..... Good Night....Gracie!

SUMMER TIME....& THE LIVING IS EASY....

HOT! Aready we are up to the high 90's, and maybe 100 tomorrow and it's not even August yet!!! I wonder if this means we will have a HOT fall like we did in 99 or 2000. Whew, I hope not.

We are laying low, and only going out in the early morning or evenings. Swimming at the pool is pretty much out, since the water is already bath water. No refreshment there! Of course we could go in the river with snakes and such....Hmmmm.... Nope. Oh, we find plenty to keep us busy around here. We have $1000 worth of wood sitting in the barn ready to be made into book cases, but too hot to do that.

I recently joined Netflix, and I LOVE IT!!! I wonder how long it will take me to run out of good movies? So far so good. I'm even renting "seasons" of shows I've never seen like The Soprano's. I may not like it, but at least I get to see it and decide.

So many people hate cold weather and feel like hibernating. I think hot weather is just as bad, if not worse. I want to sleep during the hot days, and do stuff during the cooler weather at night. Cooler, like 75-80 degrees, ya know?

We are going to see Sherri's play tomorrow night. Can't wait. EVERYBODY has seen it already, so she says, but we are excited nonetheless. Her in-laws and kiddos are there tonight.

We went for bar-b-q tonight at a local place that just started being open til 8 p.m. on Thurs-Sat. We really like it, and it's reasonable, and close. Yummy.

Well, that's all for now. HOpe everyone is happy and cool. Good night....Gracie!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

This is the best father I know! And I'm married to him. Lucky me. His hair is getting longer, and so is his beard, and he's getting older....and I love him so much! And I'm very very thankful.........

Right now he is playing golf, and I'm enjoying being kidless for the first time in a week! Whew! I know why young people have the kiddos! And to think I wanted more in my 40's! What was I thinking???

It's a good day, but too hot. I'm just not a hot-weather person, and it's getting WORSE. But I can stay in the A/C and there's plenty to do.

We sure had fun with 6 yr. old Caleb here. He loves swimming, and it's easy to just take him to the pool. Sherri says they will come swimming 2-3 days a week after the play is over. So the next 2 months we'll probably be there a lot.

So, have a great day everyone, and Good night Gracie....

BRAVE ROBIN

It is Caleb's turn (brave Robin) to spend the night(s) and we are just kind of veggin' today. We are going to the "Feed Trough" to eat, and then going swimming.

Dean did some putzing around the house today---installed a new light over the utility sink, installed a board trim above my new sink, etc...

Me...I don't like getting out in this heat, which is why we waited to go swimming. I'm just not a hot-weather person, even though I try.

Sherri seems to be doing well with the play this weekend although she says she is "so over" her hair. Ha-ha. She is having to work with it a LOT to fix it for the play every night. She is enjoying herself though, and I wouldn't be surprised to see her do another play.

Happy Father's Day to any father who reads this----& yes it is possible.

Oh, I just finished THE DENNISTON ROSE by Jenny Pattric, and it was most excellent!! Really like it. It's about a little 4 yr. old girl and her "shady" mom, who move to an isolated rocky coal mine to hook up with a man her momma knows. The local, New Zealand, is very interesting, and the facts about the area and mining I believe are accurate. It's a very interesting story, and I've already ordered the sequel.

Good night, Gracie....

HELLO

Well gee, Ann thanks for reading me. Hello to G & L. I'm telling ya, everyone is doing Facebook!! I heard on the news that "My space" is cutting back b/c FB is now so big.

Well Bekah came today for her 2 days. I had bunco. I never win. I'm always right smack in the middle score-wise, and I have never won low score or most bunco's either. But it's fun. Next month it's MY turn to host---& I'll do it at the clubhouse. Sherri & the girls will probably help me. They all love bunco, and I know I'll be able to use at least one of them, if not more to substitute. Haven't planned the menu yet.

Bekah & I watched an interesting movie tonight called PASSENGERS, with Anne Hathaway. Pretty intrigueing flick. Also Bekah is learning to knit, and has started a scarf. She REALLY wants to make mittens, but I won't let her do that yet. We are concentrating on following a pattern right now, as she has knit & purl down!!!

Tomorrow we are going to JCPenneys to pick up some jewelry I had repaired, and buy Dean some shorts. And of course we'll take Miss Bekah out to lunch.

Sherri is doing her first performance tonight. We are going next weekend, when she has several performances under her belt---ha-ha.

Well, that's it for today. Good Night Gracie........

BUSY WEEK

I haven't written in quite awhile b/c I've been on facebook so much. But I have friends who don't FB, in Tampa, and I know they read this. So I'll try and be better about writing b/c I know at least "THEY" read me. Ha-ha. Sherri is busy with the play this week and next, so we are taking the kiddo's for 2 days each. That is we are taking them one-at-a-time for 2 days. So we will have kids here constantly for the next 2 weeks, but only one at a time. Except for Friday when I think they will all be here for swimming. And maybe I'll go stay with them on Father's Day so Dean and Brian can play golf. Sherri will have a performance.

Dean decided NOT to pay the 2nd half of his golf year, and instead to play more golf with Brian at his golf course. So, we are starting a "golf-jar" and putting in it the same amount he would spend if we paid up his year. We want to see if he uses it all!! I doubt he will.

So far we are having a wet, rainy summer. I suspect it will get really hot in August. I hope I'm wrong. I really hate it here, when we have an August that is all 100+ days!!! Whine-whine. I think whenever it happens again, I will for the North and cooler climes. John & Rachael will be here for a day or two around Aug. 10th on their way to move to Ohio. So we are looking forward to that.

Tomorrow I have Bunco, and Dean has carving---so he will be taking Katie home, and picking up Bekah on the way back. He goes right past their house on the way to his carving club.

Well that's it for tonight. Good Night Gracie......

THE NEW MAN!

This is the new man in my life. Dean with a beard. I really like it, and I hope he keeps it.

I can't say just why.....but to me he looks sexier!!

When he went into the hospital he didn't shave...

I love it!!!!! Just though I'd share.

WE ARE BACK TO "NORMAL".......sort of.

Most people who read this know what a challenging & chaotic time we've had the past few weeks. Dean got the "sniffles", and then a just 3 days later we made a mad dash to the emergency room in Fayetteville because he couldn't breathe. This is the result of his having CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia). His immune system is suppressed, which means he gets sick very quickly and it progresses FAST!

Lately we had been getting a little "sloppy" because he had not been ill for a while. This was a wake-up call to do better. We carry the hand-sanitizer always, and now carry masks for big crowds, and especially if we hear someone coughing etc.... He was on oxygen at home for 2 weeks, and we are happy and grateful that he is now OFF of it. Totally. They did tell us it "might" be permanent. So we are very happy!!

Good News!!!! And we are excited about Bekah's upcoming Confirmation. A blessed event to look forward to. We give the Glory to God, and say THANK YOU.......

MY HONEY

As many of you know who read Sherri's blog, Dean is now home from the hospital. They "oxygenator" machine (which is what I call it) - it's actually a compressor of some type, is installed. He goes everywhere with a 57 foot hose, and it's really not daunting at all. Today we will have our first "outing" and we will have to take a couple of tanks with us cause they don't last long!!!

We are both hoping that he will eventually be weaned off the oxygen. This is another complication with the CLL---but we are optimistic that things will get better, and more "normal."

The above pictures are a sculpture Dean did of himself. His FIRST time ever sculpting!!! I think he did an amazing job for the first time. Other than working with wood, he's not ever done anything "arty." He really enjoys the process of it also. We took a class together and me the one who loves art and crafting was bored to tears! I eventually dropped out----and he was best in class. he wants to do more of it----and he is also really getting into wood carving, and belongs to 2 groups. This is good, because he is all done with doing big wood projects like furniture and bookshelves and such. It's too hard on his lungs to deal with all the dust and mold of woodworking.

Me----I'm well, and doing fine. I've very excited about card-swap coming up, and looking forward to life, and whatever comes. Although I'm very very sad to miss my son's graduation in May (we can not travel at present) I will be here for my grand-daughters' confirmation. What a blessing!
Thank you all of you who have been remembering us in your prayers.

Oh---congrats to Sherri for making the play. I knew you could do it. Hopefully this is just the beginning of doing a fun thing for yourself!!!! TTFN!

HAPPY EASTER

We had a wonderful Easter at the Karp house. There was lots of candy and I was lucky enough to receive a beautiful pink glass oval basket (bowl) with candy in it! It makes me so happy!

Sherri prepared a wonderful meal (church was Sat. night) of ham & bacon and cheesy potatoes, and lots of sides and lemon cheesecake----all home-made of course! We really enjoyed the day with Sherri & Brian and the kiddo's even if Brian and Dean did watch the golf play-offs! :-)

I hope EVERYONE had a wonderful Easter and sang as we did "Jesus Christ has risen today, Alleleuia" ---- we just kept singing it and humming it.......and meaning it!

PAY IT FORWARD

ok---I hope I get this right. To the first (5) people who respond to this blog, I will make you something. With my own hands.... No time limit. Ok, I have the rest of the year. All you have to do is promise to pay it forward by posting on your blog that you will do the same.

Neat idea, huh? Kinda fun..... So let's see who responds.

I'm waiting.....

BUSY TIMES

Here is a picture from Caleb's 6th birthday (3-16-09). Life has speeded up, or maybe we have just slowed down so much, that it seems fast.

Caleb loves his birthday (all birthdays) because he really loves cake....and parties! We had a really good time with his "buds" Nathan & Nate, and his "girlfriend" Chandlor (13) & his sisters and brother, and mom.

I'm late putting this on because everything just takes so long to do. ;-) Today Dean & I worked at the library as we are now "friends of the library" and we are having a big book sale during the Dogwood Festival. So the next few weeks will be busy getting those books ready and priced.

Caleb lost his first tooth recently, and I'll try and post a photo of that soon. I didn't get any Easter cards made (gasp) because Easter just snuck up on me this year. We are having a swap soon, and I have to think about that also!!!!!

Ok, so I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. We are also getting ready for our big trip next month to Missoula, Montana to see John graduate, and spend a little time with him and our sweet Rachael. We are driving, so we have to get the van ready (we are taking the van, b/c John has stuff he wants us to bring back) and it's old and worn out. Such is life.

Ok, now I'm going to sort some clothes....cause stuff has to get done around here. I'll write more later......

Blah-Blah-Blah

Well, I got it. The sore throat/cough/runny nose thingy that all the Karp Kids have or have had. I just can't keep my hands off of those sweet sweet babies (to me). I just pray Dean doesn't get it. He's in his work shop, and probably carving something. He was "best-in-class" in our sculpting class. He really has a knack. He sculpted a small bust of himself, and now wants to do one of me (!) And now he's joined not one but two Wood-Carving Clubs. I'm so glad he's doing this. Being retired and having your honey around 24/7 is a lot harder than you think. This would have been bliss when we were first married.....but now.....well, let's just say it's kinda like being "stalked". Ha-Ha. Between the projects I have lined up for him, the sculpting, wood-carving, and his reading he should be pretty busy for a while!!!

I finally figured out out to open a pay-pal, go on e-bay AND Amazon.com, and order stuff. What fun. I ordered several Jodi Picoult books (a lot of them used and heavily discounted) and a discontinued Stampin' Up Stamp set. It's like getting presents in the mail. I love it.

My new vanity top came (ordered from Lowe's) for my new taller vanity for the bathroom. When Dean gets it done, I'll post pictures. I'm sure it will be beautiful. We are already planning the two bookcases we are going to build in the living room and dining area. We just need more space for our books. I give a lot of mine away, but Dean likes to hold on to his----and even though we have a 12 foot wall of bookcases in the den, and one in our bedroom, and a small one in one of the bathrooms.....well, we still need MORE!!

We celebrated Caleb's 6th birthday this past week also. I can't believe he is 6. He is my youngest grand-son and my God-son. He is so fun, and such good company. I love being with him----and all of my grandkids. They are uniquely individuals and with interesting talents and personalities.

I won the Grand-Prize at the Mary Kay open house in Siloam Springs. It was a huge basket full of product, and gift certificates. I can't believe I won. I shared with Sherri, and gave her the beautiful white fluffy robe and some product. It's so fun to win something. I'm so glad we made the effort to get up on that rainy gray day and go to town. And thank you to Sylvia for inviting us!

Well, that's what I'm thinking today. I'm trying to decide if I'm well enough to attend our "game-night" with our golf group tonight. Dean will go, and I may too. Depending on how much my nose is running. TTFN (ta-ta for now).

LUNCH

I had lunch today at my friend Laura Lee Flynn's house. It was so delightful! We had a fabulous sandwich (home-made bread) and a wonderful fruit salad!! We talked & talked and had a grand time. I was there for almost 4 hours and the time just flew! I love going to lunch or going out to lunch with friends.

But here's the funny part.....or sad part, depending on your point-of-view. I have a kind of panic-disorder whenever I meet someone the FIRST time alone. After I've known someone, and I'm comfortable, then it's ok. But I can only think of one time when I've to meet with someone for the first time, but it was a family situation and I wasn't alone. When I think over my friendships in my life I think in every instance the person has sought me out first and made the first appointment or whatever. I know the ladies at Trish's or even my Sat. night dominoe group would find this odd.

So I've known Laura for years, and she's mentioned several times we should get together, and I've always said yes, but never made the first move. Last night at book-talk group she asked me to come for lunch and I said yes......even though I knew I would dread it at first.....because I really wanted the opportunity to have her for a friend. Why am I like this? I don't know.

But I had the most marvelous time and I hope we do it again. But she will probably have to ask. Weird, huh?

BODY CLOCK

FYI I'm a firm believer in body clocks. Ever since I can remember I have never liked getting up. I don't drink coffee (which might help) and just need a little "time" to be well....awake. Of course I had to get up with children (but I was never really fully awake) and I worked for several years. But I found a job as a legal secretary where I could work the hours I liked.

When my older two kids were in 7th grade they requested that I NOT get up with them anymore. I have no idea why, but I was really relieved.

Now that we are retired if I let myself follow my real "body clock" I will stay up until 2 am or so, and then get up between 10-11 am. I'm getting the required 8-9 hours of sleep----just different hours. AND....I wake up happier!! I know many people who just love mornings and are chirpy (PA-LEESE) and gung ho to go.

I can get up early whenever I need to and I'm ALWAYS an on-time person. But if I have choice, you will find me sleeping peacefully..........until I get up for breakfast at 11 am!!!

2 MORE = 25= DONE!!

OK, since Sherri finished her list, I HAVE to finish mine. Silly!

24. I am a consumer's advocate. I take it quite seriously and follow up when I think I receive shoddy service or shoddy goods. I also write "good" letters if I receive great value or superior service!!

25. I can yodel. I love it. My mom was much better and had a beautiful voice also. I wish I could sing as well as she did. I don't yodel as well, but at least I can do it.

So there you have it. 25 things. We are all amazing creatures, aren't we? I think people are the most fascinating creatures on earth. When we visited NYC a few years ago, I wanted to bring a lawn chair and just sit in Times Square and watch people. I like airports for the same reason. I'm more of an "observer" then a "participator I guess. Anyway..... that's me....

25 or FEWER THINGS ABOUT ME..........

I have purposely NOT read anyone else's list like this for awhile, so I could be "fresh" and not copy. The next thing that comes to mind is......who cares? Really. Probably my daughter, but she knows me better than I do. I'm not as articulate as Sherri or Ann, nevertheless......

1. I used to play several instruments. I started out on the accordian at a young age, but I ever really liked it. I have subbed in my dad's polka band a few times (when I was young). I also USED to play the guitar, banjo, and harmonica a little. I have piano, and occasionally I play that but not very well. I think I've lost interest in playing and just like to listen now.

2. I gradutated high school at 17, and worked in a planatarium for the summer. Dean proposed to be when I was still 17 and he was 23. We got married 6 weeks after I turned 18, and he was 3 months shy of turning 24. He was in college at Lake Superior State in Sault Ste. Marie., MI. We lived there for a few months and he was drafted----but signed up for the USAF b/4 he received the actual paperwork!

3. I had a very strict German upbringing, where children did what they were told (or got beat with a belt) and were to be seen and not heard. Thus, whenever I was first married and we went over to my in-laws, I left Dean with the adults, and I went to "play" with my 10 yr. old brother-in-law, or watch tv or whatever. I was supremely bored by the adults. (Whatever did Dean see in me?)

4. Needless to say my "in-laws" were put off by my immature behavior and upset that I wouldn't drink with them. The culture I grew up in (up North) was Polish/German and EVERYBODY drank and there was a bar on EVERY corner. This is just the way it was. I didn't.......so I was somewhat of an odd duck, to say the least.

5. I have ALWAYS loved crafts and sewing, knitting, crocheting, or whatever I could get my hands on. I started crocheting when I was 16, and have always done handwork. There wasn't much in the "olden" days for crafting. I remember joining a craft club through a magazine, and they would send me "crafts" once a month, like making a rooster by glueing on millions of seeds!!!!

6. During all the years of my marriage I have taken classes of one sort or another. When we were first married and Dean was is the military, I took a ceramics class. When the kids got older I took college classes, but I also took "enrichment" classes. Gradually over time I quit the college classes and just took "enrichment classes" like cake decorating, gift wrapping, tole painting, etc.....Right now I am taking a sculpting class and so is Dean (a first for us to take a class together).

7. Because of Dean being a wood-worker and all the different arts classes I have had, we can make almost anything and anyone who has ever been to our home can testify to that. From furniture, to blankets, mittens, scarves, hats, bookshelves, painted artwork whatever.....we can do it.

8. I have first and foremost aways wanted to be a wife and mom. I love my job. I got my wish. I had my first child just one month before I turned 20. 14 months later I had my second child, and my last one was born when I was 24. Now I'm a grandma, and I LOVE it and adore my grandchildren.

9. I had toxemia every time I was PG and didn't really know it was dangerous until a classmate of mine died from it. I had very easy labors and births. My longest one was 5 1/2 hours, and my shortest one was Sherri at 1 hour and 23 minutes! I never had any pain until I was dilated to 5 or 6 at least.

10. I wish I had had more kids. It's one of the biggest regrets of my life that I didn't.

11. I have always loved to read. When I was really young I used to trade comic books with my cousin, and they were all the rage then. When I was in 7th & 8th grade I read almost all the books in the small libraries the schools I went to had. In high school I read voraciously, and loved English class in every grade mainly for the literature. The very first college class I took when my kids were small was English!! I read everything, and currently belong to 3 libraries, and go to a book-talk group at our local library in Siloam. To me it's life.......

12. I was raised Lutheran, and turned Catholic at age 17. I've studied other religions, and read the Bible all the way through. I have several Bibles, but my favorite is the Living Bible. I believe in God and an afterlife. I believe that we are on this earth to learn, learn, learn, and to sometimes teach. It's an on-going process that will continue when we die.

13. I don't believe in coincidences.

14. I had a very hard life growing up. My folks had a band, and were very VERY social. As I've said they were overly strict. As the oldest of 5 chidren I was responsible for most of the child care in our house. Probably one of the reasons I married so young was to get out of the situation, but luckily (God's Grace) I married the RIGHT man for me. He is a fantastic husband and father. Not a coincidence.

15. Over the many years I've been doing arts & crafts I've loved different things at different times. For many many years I painted acrylics on wood. Now I like paper crafts and make cards. I have a lot of money invested in this particular hobby and I'm still enjoying it, so I think it will continue for a long long while.

16. I'm really blessed to have given birth to my best friend. I have other really good friends. But my daughter is always (almost always) available to me, and I trust her with all my thoughts, fears, and concerns. We can talk about anything, and I know this is a gift. I don't take it lightly. I do worry that HER friends will think I'm an "appendage" of sorts. I never want this to happen, and sometimes step back when she asks me to do something involving her friends. I love her so much.

17. When we lived in Florida I had a brand-new house (white inside with all white carpeting). It was beautiful. We had HUGE and i mean HUGE lanai that was screened in with a big in-ground pool) surrounded by cool-deck (it doesn't get hot). My personal bathroom was as big as a small bedroom. The house had many cute architechual details-----but I really like the old log cabin we live in now better. It just feels so much more homey (although I do miss the pool) I don' miss anything else.

18. Our very best friends do live in Tampa. We try to get together with them once or twice a year and go on vacation. We love them dearly, and I know we will ALWAYS be friends. We are totally compatible and have the BEST times. (God's Grace).

19. I remember thinking when my kids were small and I worried all the time about them, that it would be a relief when they grew up and I wouldn't have to worry anymore. ha-ha-ha-ha......Now I have kids AND grandkids to worry about. Such is life.

20. I love playing cards and games for money. I'm not a big gambler. If I go to a casino I only spend $20.00 TOPS. I may spend a LITTLE more at the horse races, but I always win. But for cards and games, I like to play for quarters, and my grandson Noah has inherited that from me. Currently I play dominoes bi-monthly (no money involved :-( and bunko once a month-----costs $3 and I've never won yet..... But I still enjoy the challenge of paying a little teenie bit and the chance of a win!!

21. As I've gotten older I've made a point to keep in touch with relatives mostly Aunts and cousins that I really care about. I lost a favorite male cousin a few years ago, and it made me realize that I really had to make the effort to keep in touch with people I cared about. And I do!!!

22. I have collections of things, but am getting tired of them (except for my t-pots and Santa's). I'm really getting tired of clutter period. We are going to build some more bookcases because we have more books than anything else----but I REALLY want to purge. Some of this I have to do in secret because my husband does NOT like CHANGE. But whenever I change something he always likes it. Go figure.

23. I love music. I really like music from the 40's, 50's and 60's the best. I used to love to dance and could dance for hours without getting tired. And believe me---doing the polka is very arobic!! I really NEED to take it up again to get healthier.

It's not 25 things, but almost. I know I could go read someone else's and come up with a few more, but you are probably bored to death as it is. Til next time........Happy Trails to you......

I LOVED THIS BOOK

BEL CANTO by Ann Patchett was really good. What's odd is that the last 2 books I read took place in Italy, and this one takes place in S. America. I guess I'm liking foreign places??

It's about a fancy birthday party that takes place in the Vice-President's home of a small country in S.A.. Terrorists takes the entire party hostage and things go wrong. It lasts for months and bonds are formed and the characters forget about the real danger that has been set into motion by the taking of hostages....... and the consequences.....

"Patchett's tragicomic novel----a fantasia of guns and Puccini and Red Cross negotiations---invokes the glorious, unreliable promises of art, politics, an love." ------THE NEW YORKER

The most romantic novel in years. A strange, terrific, spell-castng story.."-----SAN FRANCISO CHRONICLE

It has everything; suspense, love, religion, poetry, & music. Fabulous!-----LYNN STRZELECKI

ICE/SNOW STORM JANUARY 2009

Here's a few photo's (I don't know why they look blue) of our place when we were iced in for 4 days. The bad thing about livin up here on the (Flint) Ridge-----is the roads are all twisty-turvy and very slippery when ice comes. It's just not worth the chance to try and drive someplace. At least half the Ridge was w/o power. We were lucky and had plenty of food and power. Although our pellet stove was out temperarily.

It sure was beautiful. We are ready to go out now. We read a lot, and I knitted and and we watched some movies. Cozy...... Of course we still have February to get through.

My poor daughter went without power for 6 or 7 days!!!! Thank goodness they have a fireplace and a wood stove they could cook on-----and a gas hot water heater! They cooked many meals on their wood stove----good learning experience for the kiddos!

SOMEONE DIDN'T HAVE TO DIE........

...for me to get into the Bunco Club up here on the Ridge. Usually the only way you get to join a club (there are 12 permanent members) is for someone to die or move. Or you could find 11 other people and start your own!! I've been subbing for a club up here on the (Flint) Ridge for a few years now. I was subbing on Wednesday this week, when one of the permanent members walked in and said this would be her last time, and she was so sorry because she was supposed to host next month.

Since I have been subbing for so long I guess I was next on the list....they asked, I accepted, and now I'm PERMANENT! This means I go once a month and play.....it's a fun easy dice game. I only have to host once a year. Although since this was so "last minute" one of the regular gals said she would do it, and asked me to co-host with her (which means we bring the food for the lunch and make the tally-cards). If your house is big enough to hold 3 bunco tables plus a food table you can have it at your home. But a lot of the ladies just have it at the (golf) clubhouse here on the Ridge. That is where I will host also. I have a bi-monthly card/dominoe group that I meet with, and now we represent more than 50% of the bunco club also. So I have a lot of friends that I already know, plus from subbing I've met the other ladies also.......

On the downside I have a little cold----which is normal for this time of year. I just hope Dean doesn't get it. Otherwise it really is a Happy New Year..... I hope it is for everyone.

Looking forward to card-club, and card-swap coming up (YES!). It's a brand new year, and brand new chance to lose the pounds I'm (always!) trying to lose. I'm going to try-----but here's the thing----I'm NOT beating myself up about it. I'm just going to try.......Wish me luck.

CRAFT ROOM UPDATE

Here are some pictures of my new craft room in use! I store all my stamp sets in an old hutch a friend gave me. In the bottom I store all my tools and equipement for embossing. In the 2nd picture you can see the small lazy susan I use for all my pens, markers, gel pens, and colored pencils. It's an easy way to get to them quickly.

The next 2 pictures show the shelves with various stamping stuff on them including a brand-new "punch-holder" that my husband made. Actually this one is a little small so Sherri will get it and he's making me a larger one. He may make them to sell if anyone is interested. I like it because you can immediately reach for the right punch and it keeps them against the wall where I can see them.

The last picture is my very large lazy susan. It was being thrown out by a carpet company and I dearly love it. I sit to the right of it,and it holds a lot of stuff that I can easily get my hands on by just turning the table!! I just love this space so much and it makes stamping even more of a joy. For Christmas I got a small flat-screen t.v. that goes on a shelf just above the large lazy susan. Soon I'll take a picture of the rest of the room so you can see it's still a very useable spare bedroom.

I'm really looking forward to out new season of making cards......

SO WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED IN 2 MILLENIA?

"The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, the public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance." Cicero - 55 B.C.

This expresses what I've always thought about politics and government. It stinks!! Yes-----I know we supposedly live in the best country in the world (cause they always tell us we do) but hopefully we can and will LEARN...... I think the education system is horrible and should be revised radically, and also the government needs to be rethunk (yes I know that's not a word) and redone totally.

Enough of that......Happy New Years Everyone.....more book reports to come.....

Oh----we went to see some movies this past week. Here's my reviews:

7 Pounds: thought it really good and thought-provoking but........a real tear-jerker. Gives new meaning to "atonement" and "sacrifice."Take a whole box of kleenex.
The Tale of Desperaux: I liked the book better----they had to "pad the movie" to make it stretch, but the kiddo's loved it.
BEDTIME STORIES: My favorite one so far. Adam Sandler was really funny, and we (all ages) loved it and laughed a lot.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: This is a curious little tale (by F. Scott Fitzgerald) and really doesn't have a "meaning" as such. Just a curous slice-of-life tale..... (wouldn't see it again.)