My scheduled messed up -

 It's Monday and my Tuesday gym appointment was changed to this morning.  As I was starting to get ready I started getting the 'lightening bolts' so It ook a tylenol, hoping to ward off the intensity of those - and did.  Thank you, Jesus!  Yes, I aws praying too.  It's hard to work out and hard to drive when I have lightening bolts flashing all around my eyes.  They went away by the time I left.  It's Monday and usually hubby brings me my coffee first thing - even when I work out - but this morning he didn't.  And now that I'm back home, he forgot he didn't bring me my coffee - and it is 6:40AM and I do not have my coffee yet.  I could go get it myself - and I will, when I'm done here, cause I will need to jump on the computer and get ready for work.  Oh joy.  Another week of fun.

We did go to church yesterday, then Tom wanted us to take a friend out to lunch, so we did.  It was a good visit with him. And, yes, I made hubby upset again.  I can't help it.  I love to teach, and read, and this guy and I got to talking about classes and books - and hubby got upset because I monopolize the conversation. I told our friend I can't help it - I just get excited when I talk about teaching a class or about a book I really liked.  Sigh.  With hubby sometimes it is just not a win win.  It doesn't matter if he taught the class before or not - he just doesn't get the excitement about it as I do.  And I still feel he only did some things so that we could do them 'together'.... heaven forbid I should do something that he didn't do... sigh.   Jealous and envy is a horrible, horrible thing in a marriage.

I'm down to one bag of cherries as the youngest stopped by and I was able to 'unload' some of the avocados and other fruit to him.  I still have about 5 bags of avocados.... I'm cutting up a bag and freezing at a time now.  Need to do something with this last bag of cherries too.  They sure are good eating just as they are.... but may cut up and freeze this last bag.  At least with one bag, perhaps my knuckles and fingers won't swell.

This year is really flying by.  It will be August tomorrow... then some birthdays in August... then VACATION!  I am really hoping I can enjoy and rest and yet do some things too.  I can't explain it. It is what it is.  But I'm ready to not have to work.  I may take my work computer and try to keep up on the emails.  At least delete the ones I don't have to do anything with.  I had over a 100 with one day off work - can you imagine 6 days off work what it would look like?  I will admit, it isn't all for me to do... I get meeting notices from 3-4 other people besides my two bosses... and that is because I have access to the calendars of these other people as they want me to make meetings for them.  But that also causes me to get their meeting notices too, and if people respond to their meetings, I get a copy of that email too.  Many times I'm just clearing emails to find the dozen or so I need to work with.  I think I only have about 8 this mornign to start with. YAY  Hopefully I can delete most of those.

And, I need to get off here and ... just realized I once again haven't written anything of value. Sorry about that.  I probably should just throw this in draft mode... but then you'd keep checking to see if I wrote something, right?

So here it is.  I've got nothing.  But at least you got to read something. :-)

Blessings!

I hear the rain falling...

 actually, I heard it start about an hour ago.  Heard it thundering around 2:15AM... and yeah... I couldn't go back to sleep so got up about 3:15 or so and came in here and tried to sleep.  May have a little bit, but don't feel like I did.  But as I sat here about 5:30-ish, I think it was, I heard the big drops start falling.  I waited a moment to see if they will continue, and then ran out side (yes, in my jammies) and pulled the cushions off the chairs.  Hubby came out as I was finishing the front and asked about the back chairs - so to the back we went.  He stood there watching me, at first, and I told him to start pulling the strings!  We got them all taken inside before it started raining hard.  But the rain that fell on me sure did feel good.  It seemed to stop a bit ago, but I heard it is raining pretty good right now, and I hope that it continues for awhile and really soaks the ground.  I have lost so many plants due to the heat.

My fingers and knuckles are still sore, but size wise are about back to normal.  I did not pit the last of the cherries, but did get grapes frozen and the rest of the blueberries frozen... and I got all the corn shucked, blanched, and wrapped and in the freezer!  Definitely do not need any more corn.  Unless I give some of this away. :-)   I worked on things until early afternoon then just quit.

Oh - and hubby didn't ask me out for breakfast... but he did ask if I was going to cook breakfast.  And I did.  Bacon and eggs and toast.  DIdn't cook lunch for neither of us was really hungry, but did fix fried chicken (air fryer heat up from Fry's), salad wedge, zucchini slices, corn on the cob (of course), steamed broccoli, and yogurt with blueberries for dessert.  Yeah, we were full, for sure.  But I love to cook. :-) I don't usually fix all that, but needed to use up some of the veggies.

Today is Sunday and we will be going to church... although I do have a minor headache - probably from being awake since early this morning.  Or it could be from the weather change.  I do love the rain and if hubby suggested staying home today, I would....I think.... not because of the rain, but because I love to just sit and listen to the rain fall.  It is so relaxing and soothing.  Tonight they will have a worship service, but we won'tbe going.  Sometimes the music is just too loud and having an entire night of worship.... yeah... probably won't go.  In the mornings hubby doesn't even wear his hearing aids.... he can hear everything just fine - even Pastor Patrick!  Yeah, they are loud.  But he can sure preach a message! That's why we love him - he preaches the Bible.  

John 11:14-15 (NKJV):  "Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless, let us go to him."

As I read that scripture this morning in my Bible, I am reminded that sometimes God puts us in a waiting pattern.  Jesus had known for two days that Lazarus was sick.  And the Jewish laws allowed only so many miles to walk in a day - like about two miles, I think it was.  Yeah, they could walk two miles in one day and they couldn't walk any further.  Could you even imagine?  Anyway... I don't recall how far Bethany was from where Jesus was, but it wasn't far.  But even when He was told Lazarus was sick, He just commented that Lazarus was going to be ok... that it was all to glorify God.  It makes you wonder, doesn't it, how the disciples dealt with Jesus' lack of concern for His friend when He was told Lazarus was sick... and He didn't rush to heal him.

Not just in this circumstance, but think about this... in all circumstances, even in times of waiting (as Jesus and His disciples did before heading to Bethany),  we should interpret circumstances by the love of Chirst..... rather than trying to interpret Christ's love by the circumstances.

Does that make sense?  When someone is sick... and we are waiting for them to be healed or get well; or we prayed for a certain situation to happen ... and we are waiting for it to happen.... and neither of these things come to pass.  At least not the way we want them to..... do we start blaming Jesus and say it is because He doesn't love us?  Or do we believe that it is because He loves us, that He allowed things to happen as they did, that He worked in us as He worked in the situation?

Sometimes I feel that I am all prayed out.... what else can I pray..... I'm not getting answers.... at lesat the ones I want to hear and see.  My heart still grieves... I am still troubled....  I grow weary at times... and yet.... I can say I have never doubted that Jesus loved me, that Jesus heard me.  But I continue to beat on the door of heaven and ask... waiting... and waiting still... for answers that I have not seen come to pass.  

And yet, I believe.  I believe that in the asks I have, Jesus will bring them about, in His timing, not mine.   And sometimes a hope, a wish, a dream... comes true without my beating on the doors of heaven.  A comment is made that warms my heart and gives me hope.   A hope that pushes the heaviness of my heart away and allows me to find joy in the moment.

It was an innocent comment.  But it warmed my heart.  I'm not going to share it; in time I am sure I will write about it and you can figure it out.   But I found joy in the comment.   How I long for joy to burst forth in my heart as it used to!  

I'm not complaining about my situation, my life.  Sometimes, though, life is hard; it is tough, and it buries the soul.  But I have leraned over the years and have quoted it - and sung it - many times....

Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV):  "Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord.  Do not sorry, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

...."the joy of the Lord is your strength."  

When life beats down, as it sometimes does, that is the one line we can always remember... 'the joy of the Lord is MY strength'.  I had a boss who didn't like me one time... and I would walk the hallways singing those words..."The joy of the Lord is my strength, the joy of the Lord is my strength..."   And He gave me His strength to endure her words, her actions...  

All things are in His timing, all things are wortht he waiting.  Even when we don't want to wait... when we are in His waiting room, He makes all things perfect... all in His time.

Wait upon Him... He is working in you to bring forth the results you desire.

Blessings!

Saturday laziness

 Yeah... I slept in until nearly 6AM this morning! (so did hubby)  How did that happen?  We watched movies until about 9:30PM... then I was awake in the wee morning hours and couldn't go back to sleep.  My left hand had swollen up so badly that I couldn't close it.  I'm sure it is nothing more than I overused it yesterday.  My right hand was swollen some too, but not like the left hand - and I usually sleep on my left side so figure it has to do with that as well.  And with having arthritis in my knuckles... yeah... I can't wear my rings very often because my fingers are swollen.

I just know hubby is going to ask to take me to breakfast - he's stopped his reading and is outside watering the plants now.  Several of my plants have literally died or are near death, due to the heat, and because he has it in his head to only water every three days. Sigh. I tell him in this heat nearly every day.... but it falls on deaf ears.  I go out and water a couple that I really want to keep.  I will cook breakfast... then I need to get busy and get that corn shucked that I didn't do yesterday.  If I finish here and get started on breakfast, maybe he will be satisfied with just bacon and eggs and toast at home.  But he actually gets mad when I tell him I don't want to go.  

What did I do instead?  I pitted four bags of cherries (and found two more bags in the refrigerator!  I may pass those off to the youngest; haven't given them any yet).  I made a small pan of cherry cobbler - my own improvised recipe since I couldn't find one I liked.  Hubby and I ate a little, then when a granddaughter stopped by, gave her the rest and hopefully she remembered to give one container to her mother.  Haven't heard if they liked it or not.  I guess not hearing means it was ok. :-)  I froze about 15 cups of the cherries (pitted) yesterday.  Could be why my fingers were swollen too?

With all that, I didn't get the corn done so must do it this morning.  Maybe will keep a couple out to fix with dinner. We both love corn on the cob.   And I want to try to make that cherry jam too.  

Other than that, I don't really have plans for today.  Finished another baby blanket yesterday.  I may 'take off' and go browsing at the stores and see if there is anything I can get for Christmas gifts.  I know, the bigger sales are at Christmastime, but the more I get done now, the less I'll have to do then. Besides, I have a lot I like to cook during that month anyway. Hmmm I wonder how cherry pumpkin bread would taste?  Maybe I'll try it and substitute cherries for the cranberries.....

I think I'll cut this short this morning.... I want to get started on things and get them done.  Next week I might get more/other things.  Just remembered I have about 6-8 bags of avocados in the refrigerator yet I need to freeze.  I did cut up a bag the other day and freeze them - and they didn't turn brown.  I guess it works - but when it thaws, they may.  But, it is what it is.Want to freeze them before they rot.  

My fingers hurt thsi morning... may need to add some arthritic cream to them... 

Hope you have an amazing day.

Blessings!

Ten minutes of quiet....

 and here I sit.  Hubby has headed off to his Bible study and I have ten minutes before I need to turn on the work computer and get started on the day.  I glanced at emails from my phone last night and I see that Brett has given me several tasks to start the morning with.  He's starting to irritate me. :-D   I try to keep his Friday calendar clear of meetings and he rewards me with giving me tasks to complete. Where is the fairness in that?  

I managed to get more blueberries and grapes frozen yesterday and bagged, will finish up the trays that are in the freezer this moring.  I still need to get back to pitting the cherries and get those put in bags.  I think I went a little crazy, but the cherry shakes I've been having in the mornings are a nice treat.  Full of vitamin C too.  Hubby likes the blueberries but has been using the cherries too.  My goal today is to get the corn shucked.  I found a recipe that says how to freeze them - Pioneer Woman's no less - so will hopefully get that taken care of today.  We do love corn on the cob.  Goal is to finish up all the fruit by Sunday.  Then I'll see what they offer next week!  Spending way too much money on the fruit, I know, cause I'm buying cases... but I love that I can have it year round if I want.  Still want to try making cherry cobbler this weekend too.  And maybe cherry jam and have it put back for Christmas gifts.

Christmas gifts.  I have already bought some, but I'm really cutting back this year.  I know I say that most every year... but I need to.  But I love to buy for my kids... I just need to not buy so much.   And I lvoe to buy for my grandchildren, but I've managed, pretty much, to keep those at a minimum... except for the granddaughters.... and greats... they are just too darn cute not to buy things for!

Philippians 3:14 (NKJV):  "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Every day presents a new goal in itself to live as a follower of Christ.  It is in every word spoken, every action taken, every attitude given.  As a follower of Christ, we are to follow so closely to Him that the dust from His sandals gets on us.  Oh that I might follow that closely, and yet, so many days I find that I fail.  I need to realign myself with my words, actions, and attitudes daily... I let distractions tear me awsay.  

Do you find that happening to yourself too?  That the more your strive to be Christ-like.... you fall on your face?  

Ah, but the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father!  He waits patiently for us to open up our hearts and minds to Him and to run to Him with all our problems, our successes, and with just life in general.  I tell you the truth...... one cannot live in today's world without leaning into Jesus for help.

You do it, perhaps without even thinking of Him.  You have hope; you are hoping in what He will provide for you.  You want success in life; only Jesus can provide it.  He is the only One who will walk through all the trials of life with you.  He is the only one who will walk through fire with you... and get you to the other side.

So you think you are financially stable, you are healthy, family is doing fine - and you don't need Jesus?  You are definitely wrong.  Oh my friend, please pay attention to this.... you can not live life without Jesus on your side.  And He is on your side.  Trust me in this.... leaning into Jesus and asking Him to guide you and direct your path, your finances, your businesses.... when you give it all up to Him and follow His will for you, you will find that you will be blessed beyond measure.

Or perhaps you don't want to be blessed beyond measure?  Oh the things you are missing out on by not following Jesus!  He is your Peace, He is your Joy, He is your Everything.  Trust me in this.  Yes, I grumble about still working.... but that's becuase hubby won't 'let' me retire..... but I also know that if I did retire, I couldn't live the lifestyle of shopping whenever I want, getting away whenever I want, having opportunties to do whatever I want.... I would be stuck at home, with no money to do anything with.  

I was talking with a friend last night - she mentioned she can't quit working.... but she has a house in the mountains she is paying for as well as one here.  I get it.  Hubby likes to have his breakfasts out with his friends.  And I like him going out and giving me a quiet houes.

OOPS - it's after 7AM and I need to get the work computer on - 

Trust Jesus to guide you - ask Him to show you the way wherein you should walk.

Blessings!

  

I pushed through....

 Yep - as tired as I was yesterday morning, I was able to get some things done yesterday.  I pitted two bags of sweet read cherries, the last of what I had.  I had already pitted a couple other bags, what I hadn't given away.  I started thinking I wanted 'more'... then I'd argue with myself that I needed to NOT go buy more... but my 'want to' overruled my 'need to' and I took a break (besides the break that hubby insisted he take me to lunch) and drove to where I get my fresh fruit and veggies when offered... and bought a case of corn on the cob, as well as sweet red cherries, blueberries, avocados, grapes, and I'm drawing a blank.. seems like there was something else.  

I washed and laid out the blueberries on a cookie sheet and froze; got the last batch to put in a bigger bag yet and put in the freezer.  Freezing them individually (sorta) it is easier to get them out.  I did also get some grapes washed and put in the freezer; this morning I need to take out of the freezer and put in baggies.  Still have a couple more bags to go, I think.  And then there are the cherries.  I may take some to our friends we are meeting for dinner tonight.

I did contact my daughter in law and took her some of everything - I love to share what I have.  Gave me a chance to see her as well.  From there it was on to Fry's where I picked up some biscuits cause I want to try making a cherry cobbler from scratch.  Problem is finding a recipe that starts it with fresh sweet cherries.  Most resort to the canned sour cherries.  But I'll play with it and see what I can come up with.  I'm thinking I can pit some and bring to a boil, add butter and perhaps a little sugar, throw in some biscuit dough - that should work, right?  Stay tuned... if I remember to tell you.   I had read that I could cut the avocados and slice them, and freeze on cookie sheets - so am going to try it -I have about 10 bags so need to do something with them!  I tried to give more of those away yesterday but no one was interested.  I'm not a big fan of avocados, but make myself eat them because it is a healthy fat to eat.  So today I need to figure out how to freeze the corn, and finish up all the other stuff I want to get done.  With food prices going up (I saw at Fry's yesterday that 4 ears of corn were $6.69!!  Of course I could have read the wrong label - but it was above the corn.  And avocados, I think, were like $4.49 a bag.  

My arms have already started hurting this morning... yep, my trainer bypassed legs this week and focused on Triceps and pecs and shoulders last Tuesday, and today it was biceps and lats and some other muscles.  And my arms are sore this time.  Oh - and I gave in.  Hubby asked if he could go to the gym with me and ride the bike while I worked out - and I said ok.  He goes during the day for his workouts so I can't go when he does, but as long as he doesn't tell me what to do, he can go off and ride the cycle while I work out.  He said he got 4 miles in today.  

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV):  "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a crowd of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...."

Do you remember back when your children were little and when they were outside playing, how you would watch over them?  Perhaps it was when you took them to the park, and let them run free and you sat on the bench and watched them, or you walked around closeby where you could keep an eye on them.  Remember those times?  That is what our Abba, our Heavenly Father, and all those that have gone before us - our parents, our grandparents, our friends and other relatives - they are all watching us run this race of life.

Some of us may go "oh crap! I hope they didn't see that!" And others of us may just shrug and think 'whatever'.  But in reality, we are always being watched over by witnesses who encourage us, who help us, who walk this journey of life with us.... whichever 'side' you are on.  Demons will encourage you to do evil things... but angels will encourage you to do good and right.

Have you ever watched the movie "I Am Gabriel" yet?  It is such a good movie.  I watched it again the other night - it is one of those I can watch frequently...  and in the story, Gabriel himself takes Doc to heaven.... and when the church comes together to celebrate Doc's life, the clouds shift and rain pours down.... and someone commented about it being a downpour..... and Gabriel responds..... "no, these are tears of Joy welcoming Doc into heaven"... or something like that.  

Will there be tears when I die?  I hope that I will be missed.  But when I get to heaven - and I want to go there - will there also be tears of Joy in heaven for me that I am welcomed in?  Something to think about and process.... will there be tears of Joy here on earth - rejoicing that I have finally gone 'home'.. to the only place I want to go....  my thoughts are wandering.

And... it's about time to get to work ... my mornings I work out messes up my quiet time, but I know that it is beneficial for me as well - and I can sit down and read my Bible at night as well.  I do at least get my Bible read and write in my journal these days... and sometimes get in here ... but my regular reading does get put off until evening.  And that's ok.  My prayer time with God is more important than any of it.

Gotta run - hope you have an awesome day!

Blessings!

Is it just 'recovery' time?

 I sure can't figure out why I'm so tired lately.  Have I just not recovered from the long trip to California the other week?  Is it from the anesthesia from the procedure last week? Is it just laziness?  I don't know... but I'm tired.  And I have been getting my usual amount of sleep, I think. Perhaps it is my job... ya think?  It does require a lot of mental work.  And yesterday was really busy until about 2PM and then I wasn't getting any responses to my emails and I was in limbo for the next two hours.  Maybe it is just tiredness from not being productive?  Could it be the little blizzard I had last night with dinner?

I could have grabbed some yarn to work on.  Or I could have grabbed a book to read.  But I didn't.  I sat at the desk and played with my phone.  Some one did email me about 3:55PM .. and I responded right away... I waited until 4:03PM and they didn't respond with their answer - so I shut the computer down.  I'm sure their response is there now, probably expected me to take care of it last night.  But, I don't work 8-5PM.  I work 7-4PM.  Although at times I do work a bit later, it is a rare thing.  If it was critical, I would have checked back; but I don't support this person so I answered and she didn't in my timeframe - so there!

Today is 'hump day'.  I love that commerical of the camel walking through the office yelling 'Mike, Mike! Guess what?  It's h-u-m-p d-a-y!'  Get over today and it's a downward slide to the weekend.  The longest two days in the week, right? haha

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV):  "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Have you ever questioned 'what is faith?'  Have you ever thought about what you put your 'faith' in to?  I feel taht so many times we don't talk about 'faith' because it sounds religious.... so we talk about HOPE.  So what is hope?

I looked it up in the 1828 version of Webster's Dictionary... amusing.....  curious?  Here you go - 'A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that is obtainable. hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.'   

It also refers to Job 8:13:  "So are the paths of all that forget God, and the hypocrit's hope shall perish."

Things that make one go 'hmmmm'.  In glancing through the 1828 version of the Webster's Dictionary, I think it would be fun just to readc through on some definitions!  The first one that came up was the in'fidel.  Oh yeah - we've heard that word a few times.  Obviously back in 1828 the defdinitions were quite lengthy.  And just being a 'wordy' person... just saying.... it makes perfect sense to me. :-)

But back to faith - or hope - what do you believe (or have faith in?  What do you think about and wish (or hope) for?   You believe your spouse will be true to you.  Therefore you have faith they will, correct?  That's one way to define faith.  You believe in something you cannot see.

Why is it so hard to believe in God, whom you cannot see visually, but yet, you can see Him all around you?  He is in your children; He created them in the womb.  He caused them to breathe when they were born.  He gave them life.  (just as He gave you life).  He is in the seed of the plant you put in the ground.  When you water it, He causes the seed to open and bring forth the plant.

Just like us.  When we take His Word and read it, and apply it to our lives, He will water it in our souls and cause His Word to come forth and bloom within us.  He will teach us His ways and how we should walk.  He will give us all His wonderful blessings when we follow Him.  He will listen to us, and He will speak His Word to our hearts.  Truly, there is no greater joy than sitting back and hearing our Abba Father speak your name.

I've heard Him call my name ... and I can tell you, He doesn't need to say another word to me.. I hear Him speak my name in my heart and I know it is my Abba Father.  And the joy washes over me for I know He hears me, even better than I hear Him.  I am loved.

When was the last time you sat back and was quiet, and listened for the still small voice of our Savior? When was the last time you acknowledged His hand upon your life?  Even if you do not acknowledge Him as Lord, He knows you.  He knows your name.  And even if you don't (think) care about Him... wanting to do things your way, for whatever reason.... someone is praying for you, and He is answering those prayers, even though you rebel and still try to do it your way.  Our Abba Father is faithful and just; and He loves you more than you can ever imagine.  

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face... and the things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

Blessings!

Guess who overslept this morning!

 Yeah... I didn't feel my watch buzzing at 4AM.  It finally started playing music - not sure when it does that - but it woke me up and I got up and came in here.  Snuggled under my blanket and laid my head back.  Now I'm thinking it is about 4:15AM.... but I open my eyes and was startled to look at the clock and see that it was 4:48AM - and I had to leave at 5AM for the gym!  So up I jumped and headed to get dressed and get out the door so that I could get to the gym on time.  I also discovered that my car tracks me.  LOL  I plugged my phone in and up popped 'Mountainside Fitness' 10 minutes away on my screen.  Cracked me up.

Anyway - made it to the gym on time and Trayden, our trainer, worked my shoulders (I hate those; which is why I don't have shoulders) and triceps and pecs.  My shoulders are sore and I can't move them real well.  He laughs at me.  I told him my arms felt like Popeye's - at least the upper part after working my triceps!  

It didn't feel too hot temperature wise when I got home so grabbed my journal to write in while sitting outside for about 30 minutes before needing to come in and start work.  It was a nice time alone outside and I even had a hummingbird come and visit me.  I do need to go fix up a sugar water mixture and hang my bird feeder back out for them this morning.  So I didn't have time to do any reading - or even to write in here this morning before needing to get busy with work.

I've been busy this morning but am finally caught up from being off last Friday, I think.  I can just imagine how it will be when I take 6 working days off next month!   We'll only be out of town the 11th - 15th, returning the 16th, but I went ahead and took the next two days off too - unless hubby drives me crazy and I simply must work to gain some sanity.  Always a possibility.

I had a hankering for my eggs ole' yesterday afternoon so made a batch.  Took some over to Ms. Vicki and visited with her a bit; then took some over to Ms. Diane - she was grumpy - even at me! - last night.  I told her if she was going to be grumpy with me I was going home!  LOL  

Aww... the surgery center called to make sure I am doing ok after my colonoscopy last Friday.  They actually called yesterday too and I didn't recognize the number so didn't answer; they left a voicemail. I thought that'd be it - but they did call again.  I really liked this place and they made me feel comfortable (other than the one nurse putting the needle in my hand messed up and blood went everywhere - all over my hand and dripping on the floor!).  But all is good and I am doing great and back to normal.  Whatever one wants to call normal.  BTW - already got my results back and I'm fine.... and I don't have to have any more!!  I'm so happy about that!

Wow - a little warning button popped up on my computer where the temperature usually is - and it says 'polluted air'.  Sure, it's polluted - it's hot out there!  I know I"m weird, but I still don't mind going out and sitting for just a few minutes outside - even in the sun.  I also have a rocking chair on my porch so can be in the shade too.  I like the warmth - especially since the air conditioner is always running and I'm usually cold.  Many days I'm sitting here wrapped up in a blanket trying to work.  Yes, I get warm at times in here... but overall, I'm always freezing.  I'd set it on 80 like hubby used to when we first moved out here - regardless if we had people over or not - used to absolutely infuriate me - but now he drops it down into the upper 70's... I don't even look cause I'd change it and then we'd fight.  He doens't notice how much electricity we used since we are on the 'budget plan' - until at the end of the year and it is adjusted and then it is because it was so cotton picking hot.

Well, I just took a short break so I could type in here.... so guess I need to get back to work.

Hope you have an amazing day!~

Blessings!

Back to work today.

 And I don't really want to... I have about 100 emails the last time I looked.  And I don't want to do any of them, although I know I can delete the majority.  But, alas, it is what I must do; not really a choice right now.  'It is what it is' - right?  

Yesterday was sorta quiet.  In a way.  We went to church, then stopped at Rubio's for lunch.  Hubby does like their 'coastal trio' which is fish tacos (barf)  The fish is cooked and I'm sure they are good, but I'm just not in to fish tacos.  I had forgotten that a birthday party was happening yesterday for a grandson that I  really do not know very well.  Hubby didn't go, but I did, and good did come of it.  While most everyone was in the pool, my youngest son and I had about an hour or so by ourselves where we could just talk about things that are going on.  After that, I was getting really tired - so I came home.  Hubby ate a TV dinner... since I had a piece of pizza at the party, I wasn't hungry.  We had to watch a movie of course. sigh.  After that movie I wanted to watch the season 3 of Chosen that I hadn't seen yet - but hubby couldn't stay awake and it was our usual time of going to bed, so stopped it at episode 2 and to bed we went.  I awoke at 3AM with him snoring loudly, so got up and came in here, but could not go back to sleep.  That's what happens when one isn't active... your body isn't really tired when it's time to sleep and then it refuses to go into a deep sleep and you feel like you haven't rested at all.

I'm back to work today after taking Friday off and I know of some things that are already in my in box.  Sigh.  Invoices to process I don't mind... but I really do not want to mess with airline tickets and hotel bills for other people.  But, it's something I have to do.  That in itself is enough to make me want to quit.  But, having the extra money is nice, I will admit.  I still say I would find another job and I am confident that I won't have any problem doing so - even at my age.  I'm not too proud to be a cashier at the grocery or flipping burgers.  

Today is my big brother's birthday.  He is 78 today, I think.  It's hard to believe he is that old - nor the fact that I will turn 74 in a few weeks.  He has been my inspiriration for so many years, keeping me active.  If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be working out.  I wouldn't be making myself do things and move my body.  He is the reason I choose to exercise and walk.  He has been a diabetic for over 40 years now, I think, and he has steadily worked at keeping his body healthy so that he could live a long life - and he has enjoyed life along the way.  He has a very positive outlook on life and tries to see the positive in everything.  I would have sunk into depression a long time ago had I not looked up to him and listened to his encouragement to be positive about life, to LIVE life, and to keep active.  

Yes, I could be a lot more active, and I've been (once again) thinking about that htis morning.  I am lazy; I admit it.  I allow people I love to suck the life out of me with their sharp words that come back to me time and again.  I give up easily and just sit.  But I must change.  For my own sake.  I want to live life to the fullest.  And although I can't do a lot right now; at some point in my life I am hoping that I will be able to.  And when I can, I want to be able to enjoy what I do.  Does that make sense?  So many things I have longed to do over the years but kept from it.  Personal reasons I won't go in to.  I will say that my life is nothing like I dreamed it would be.  And that is why I need my big brother.  He encourages me to do things; to strive to achieve greater things.  And not just sit back and let life pass me by.  I am young - not old.  And I need to quit acting like an old lady.  After all, my brother has challenged me once again to a 10 mile walk the next time we meet up - reckon I need to start NOW and get conditioned.

My boss tells me all the time that since I am 10 years old than she is, although she knows my limitations and availability, she says that she watches to see what I do, because what I do now, she knows she can do when she is my age.  She is active, and she also encourages me to keep active.  Recently she took up pickleball.  It would be fun to learn how to do it and play - but I know hubby would have a fit.  He has a friend whose wife took up pickleball and she is gone all the time playing with her friends and her husband complains to hubby all the time.  And hubby listens.  You know that when he hears one negative thing about something - it becomes law.  Yeah, that's why it is hard for me to live life.  

2 Kings 5:3 :  "She said to her mistress, "I wish that my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would cure him of his leprosy."

We probably all know of someone who has 'leprosy' - moreso spiritual leprosy rather than the real thing.  We allow it to rob us of living life.  But our Father's sovereighnty is so complete, His dominion so comprehensive, and His control over even our most difficult circumstances so sure, there is really no situation in our life that is beyond His redeeming power.  Not. Even. One.  Somehow, even our most grim dilemnas contain the essental ingredients from which He can pull peace and hope and even a good, remarkable ending.

If you read this story in 2 Kings 5, you read of an Israelite girl who was taken captive during a raid on Israel and forced into slavery.  She ended up in servanthood of an army captain's wife, and it was this army captain that had leprosy.  She must have been treated well for her to even volunteer that just possibly, if the army captain could get to this prophet, he could be healed of the leprosy.

If you read the story, you read that the army captain, Naaman, did go to Samaria to see this prophet and he was told to go dip himself in the Jordan River.  He rebelled at first; after all, the water was muddy.  Why didn't the prophet tell him to go dip in a nice clean river?  But one of his servants convinced him to do it - and what if he had stopped at one dip?  Or two dips? Or three dips?  ... or six dips?  But he didn't - he continued to dip himself into the muddy Jordan River seven times - and when he came up out of the water on the 7th time, his leprosy was removed.

So many times we take our leprosy - whatever it may be - and we know what we must do, and we may need to do it repeatedly... but we think that after one time all should be well.  It takes 21 days for a habit to form, they say.  If you set your alarm repeatedly at 4AM and get up every day for three weeks, you will find your body will begin to wake up at that time every day, even without the alarm.  If you choose to eat good food and consistently watch what and how much you eat, within three weeks you will begin to see the results of that new 'habit' of eating well.  If you pick up your Bible to read a chapter a day, or a devotional, or just sit and talk with God every day for three weeks.... you find yourself wanting that little bit of time you devoted to Him every day thereafter.  

God can take whatever we give to Him and if we obey His instructions, we will see results.  We often think that if we go to church once that God will give us what we ask for.  But when you turn your back on God, you may think your life is fine... but in reality, it is missing the link to survival, the link to joy, the link to fulfillment, the link to life.  God doesn't cause bad things to happen.  God doesn't always give you in your time frame the answers you want.  But God always walks you through any thing that you go through.  We are impatient people and we want what we want - NOW.  But NOW isn't in God's timetable.  We need to grow and mature, sometimes, before we receive what we ask for.  We may think we have all that we want right now... but there is still that missing link if you don't have God.  

Let me ask you this - if something dreadful should happen within your family right now.... how would you deal with it?  You need Jesus to lean on and allow Him to walk you through what ever that dreadful thing is.  That is the only way you can get through it.  You can't get through it on your own.  He's there. He's waiting for you to invite Him in.  Will you?  It will make all the difference in the world.

Blessings!

Back in my room....

 Yep, I came back to the back room again this morning - and believe it or not - hubby questioned me on why I came back here!  And why did I?  Because it has less distractions!  I chose to go to the desk because it is so easy to fall back to sleep in here.  My recliner is comfortable (even hubby comes in when I'm working to sit in it to talk to me about his stuff and comments it's comfortable) and so easy to relax in.  But when I sit at the desk, which is just on the other side of the kitchen 'window', I can hear hubby in the kitchen, I can see him and he can see me.  The noise is distracting.  I think I'm coming back in here permanently.  I actually think that because I moved the bookcase on the left of the chair instead of the right, that I feel like it isn't so cluttered, but more open.  Remember my whining about it feeling so cluttered?  The chair is more centered in the corner now and, well, it just feels more open.  And I have my space, and that makes me happy.  Best way to start the day - me being happy, right?

Yesterday was our Ladies Heart Crew (which is what they call the women's group) and there were seven of us who gave their testimonies.  Lucky me, (not), I got to be the first one.  It was hard to share; I've kept that part of my life hidden for so long.  But I did get a note from our pastor's wife last night that my testimony touched a lot of women.  So that is good.  It was interesting that the seven of us women - we each had a different testimony.  One was from witchcraft, one from an abusive marriage, one from addictions, one from an alcoholic spouse, one from a wild lifestyle that became abusive, one from being a teen mom, and me... an abusive childhood and a lifestyle that I am ashamed of after my divorce until I remarried.  We had to choose negative words to describe from what we came from - abuse, rejection - to what Jesus did for us - He redeemed me.  He forgave my past and He set me free from who I was.  Hallelujah.

Hubby poked his head in here a bit ago and asked to use my shower.  Of course he can... but why?  He said the handle broke on his shower.  Guess that means a text to the son-in-law to come fix it.  No rush; hubby can use my shower in the meantime.  

I was reading in the book of John this morning and something clicked.  Now, I have read my Bible all the way through, including John, several times over the past 40 years since I became a Christian.  (wow, that is a long time - but we celebrate our 41st anniversary this year!)  But this morning, something kind of clicked.   I guess in my own insecurity I tend to compare myself at times to others - even to hubby.  You know how I have struggled over the years to be ME.  I have to kind of smile at that statement.  I know exactly when it started.....  it was at our marriage rehearsal.

I had fought / and have fought for so long to be ME.  At our wedding rehearsal, we were told about the candles and what it meant.  Now I probably could have gone along with it (although inside I still didn't want to get married) had it not been for this.  The pastor was discussing the candle lighting.  The two single candles are lit.  We were to each take our candle and light the big one together.  I'm good with that.  Then hubby wanted us to blow out our individual candle so that we only had the one 'together' candle lit.  To me, what I felt was 'let's snuff out your life individually, so that you are bound to me only'. Does that make sense?  I know, it's probably only silly thoughts on my part.  We could have left the individual candles lit as well as the together candle.  We could still be two individual people together.  But no, he insisted - demanded in my thinking - that I blow out my candle.  And because my mother had always told me the man was the head of the house and what he said was law... I blew out my life; my individuality.  And I have been fighting for the past 41 years to be me.  Does any of that make sense?  Silly, isn't it...  I just want to live.  And although I am 'allowed' to do things; many things I am not.  Unless he goes with me. Or is involved with me.  Which moves into another topic altogether and I'm not going there.   Anyway - in John this morning, it talked about comparison.

John 3:26 (NKJV):  "And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified - Behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!"

Every believer is uniquely gifted and called by God.  This truth should end all unhealthy comparisons with others.  BOOM!  There is that word.  Comparison.  After years of growing up in an abusive household, and being told I am worthless, stupid, and am only good enough to get married and have children.....  I know I do compare myself to others.  I was even comparing my testimony to the others yesterday - but it only proved one thing!  We are all different.  We all came from different backgrounds. We all are individuals.

Years ago women were considered property of the man.  (In some countries it is still that way) First her father, then the man he gave her to.  Women were not allowed to have a voice.  Women were not allowed to be successful.  I still remember the huge fight that happened when I got a raise (years ago) and it brought my salary to more than hubby's was.  How dare I get paid more!  Obviously now that isn't an issue.  Not cutting anyone down... but again... comparison.

If we are equal.... should it matter who makes the most money?  If we are equal, shouldn't we cheer the other on in their successes and stand beisde them and encourage them and help them succeed?  Isn't that what marriage is supposed to be?  If we are equal, isn't it ok to take a step back and allow someone else to be honored?  I guess it depends if it is a man or a woman, even yet today.  Although, I do know couples who put each other before themselves.  They truly have a good marriage; one that is not self-seeking or self-centered.  And that is what we all need to strive to do.  

Put others before ourselves, whether it is our spouse, our child, or even a friend at times.  As long as it is a good thing, celebrate their successes; encourage them.  Be their biggest cheerleader.  Life is hard sometimes and we all need that pat on the back to say 'good job'!  We all seek value.  When we don't get value, or appreciation, many times we turn to other things to satisfy that longing for approval.  I know.  I've been there.  

I have sense learned that I need no one's approval but God's.  I am who He says I am.  I am His.  I am a royal Princess; a child of the King who loves me beyond measure.

And He loves you too.  For many of you, He is waiting for you to come back to Him, to let Him love and encourage you.  But we have to let go of some things to have Him.  He is waiting for you - and for me - to lay things down and turn to Him.  He is our strength, our encourager, our hope.  Seek Him. You will find Him.  And your life will never be the same.

Blessings!

And I don't have to do it again!

 Whoo hoo! Those were the words I heard from the doctor yesterday after my procedure.  And in case my mind started playing games with me as in 'did I really hear that or did I just want to hear it' - I have it on my discharge papers as well.  Typed out.  "You do not have to do this again".  Thank you, Jesus!

Aw.. it really wasn't that bad, and in taking care of my health, it is one of the preventive things I had to do.  I should also eat better as a preventive thing.... and I don't do that too well... but I'm trying to do better.  Somewhat.  Hold that thought.   Speaking of food... I didn't get my pizza yesterday (the nurse told me that wasn't a good idea; hold the spicy for a day or two) and hubby really made me angry.  Why?  Before I tell you.... let me tell you about this....

This time, the nurse messed up in hitting my vein in my hand for the anesthesia... she blamed it on the needle. It hurt really bad going into the vein and she had to adjust it alot... and I was afraid to look - but I did take a peek and there was blood all over my hand, dripping onto the floor.  She cleaned my hand up, taped the needle down, and cleaned up the floor.  The anesthesiologist had to readjust the needle as the flow of the anesthesia wasn't getting through.  They gave me lynocaine (sp) before they gave a poly drug to knock me out.  This morning the spot in my vein where the needle had been is still all puffed up - which is unusual, based on previous experience.  As long as my blood keeps flowing I guess it's ok and that it will go down to normal size.  I'm partly afraid I might hit it and the weakened spot pop open.  It's about the size of a big fat fishing worm, about a 1/2 inch long.  Those of you who fish know that size.

Anyway... why was I mad at hubby afterwards?  He didn't eat breakfast before we went and he was hangry.  He didn't listen to me... in the past we always went to Dennys and got breakfast...  I suggested Bisccuits as it was just a couple blocks away.  Oh no, he was thinking about Haystacks or Black Bear.  So he drove on by Biscuits and went to Black Bear.  In my mind, I'm not hungry, I just want to go home and sleep and eat later.  So we go to Black Bear and it is full - with lots of people waiting in the lobby.  I told him I was not going to wait.  So then he wanted to go to Mimi's.... by this time I'm frustrated for I just want to be sitting down and quiet and still.... afterall I am still 'recovering', right?  I didn't want to go to Mimi's.  It was like he wasn't even listening to me.  I didn't want to be waited on at a restaurant; I wanted to go home.  I finally suggested we go to Einstein's - he likes their bagel sandwiches, and we both enjoy their coffee.  Grumbling, he finally went to Einsteins when I made it clear I did not want to go to Mimi's either. So we went there, ate, and I finally got to go home and I went to bed and slept for two hours.  But I was angry at him for he wouldn't listen ... all he could think about was getting something to eat.  I didn't want food; I wanted rest. 

The rest of the day was fairly quiet... and of course we had to watch movies last night.  He slept through part of the second one. One positive, I finished a baby blanket I had started the other day, plus I finished an afghan I had been working on.  I crochet when the TV is on.  Win-win, right?

Which reminds me,  one of my granddaughters surprised me with a gift yesterday and I just love it!  I love the surprises that are 'just because I love you'.   She crochet'd for me four coasters in a 'bowl' - but the coasters are in the shape of daisies!  My favorite flowers!   She crochet'd them for me - and I absolutely love them.  I asked her to make some of sunflowers as a gift.  I can't wait to see them - she sent me a photo of one she did last night.  LOL she offered to teach me how to make them - but I know I can't do them justice.  I know that two of my granddaughters are so talented with crafts and I am so proud of both of them.

Which reminds me, my other 'crafty' granddaughter sent me a photo last week - she was doing the creative memory scrapbooks with her mother in law, and sent me a photo of the fold-up she had made of her daughter and I baking cookies last year.  Or was it the year before.  It was such a special surprise to receive that memory.  

2 Peter 1:13 (NIV):  "I think it is right that I refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body."

I pray that I am often reminded of memories with my loved ones, as well as of the goodness of God.  Sometimes we get so caught up in life that we forget how loved we are.  We get buried in ourselves and forget that we have a choice to make memories, or to forget them.

I want to remember the memories, the good times.  The special things.  I want the things I did with the grandchidlren years ago, to be remembered and that they know how loved and cherished they are in my heart.   I know I was a much better grandma than I was a mom... that's why it is so important that each one of us be a person that our children or grandchildren can look up to.  Do we want our children and grandchildren to imitate us?  There is a lot that I don't want my chidlren and grandchildren to remember, but I do hope they remember the good things, especially how dearly they are loved by me.

Refresh your memory... think about the good times, and rejoice in that memory.  Most of all, pass that memory on; write it down so that it will live.  Let it encourage not only yourself, but those you love.

Blessings!

Today is the 'the day'...

 What is today?  When I get to do the 'fun thing'.  Actually, I guess yesterday it was... at 8PM, like an obedient patient, I started drinking two liters (like in half a gallon) of this 'stuff'.  I managed to get it down without too much difficulty.  I finished it about 9:45PM.  We went to bed at 10PM.  At 10:15PM I was making a 'run for it'.  Forget the jammies.  Didn't make it; didn't expect it that soon. (TMI?)  I went back to bed, only to jump up again.  Again I tried to go to bed, and had to quickly jump back up.  (In the meantime, hubby is snoring).  I sat on the bathroom floor, my head against the wall, trying to sleep.  It evades me. Uncomfortable.  

A bit after 11PM I felt I could go back to bed; said a quick prayer that God would allow me to get some rest, and He did.  I awoke about 3:10AM with the urge to visit that room again.  By 3:30AM I was drinking the last of the liquid I had to drink.  Now mind you I have had nothing to eat for the past 30+ hours so I don't have muchin me anyway.  But I do have a lot of liquid.  I spent from 3:30AM to nearly 5AM in the bathroom... decided it was safe enough to take a shower, which I did.  So far so good.  We will leave in about 45 minutes to head over to the surgery center. I am to be there at 7:30 and the procedure is at 8:30AM.

But you know what thought comes to my mind?  My sister's ex-husband's wife had a colonoscopy less than a year ago.  She went in for a routine one, just like I am (now I've had 2 of these already so I know what to expect).... but she never went home.  She died in the hospital a few hours later.  I don't know what complications came up; I know nothing other than she had a colonoscopy.  Also, when my sister had her last one, they clipped the intestine and she ended up in ICU for 3 days.  Yeah, those things are running through my mind this morning.  But you know what?

Psalm 119:30 (NIV):  "I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws."

What I remember also is God's faithfulness.  He has never failed me.  No matter what difficulty or trouble came against me; no matter how discouraged and hurt I have been.  No matter how sick I get or what I go through, one thing I know for sure.

Jesus loves me.  Jesus loves ME.  I can go through anything when I know He is walking THROUGH the battle, the journey, with me.  

Philippians 4:13 (NIV):  "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."

Life has been hard, in a lot of respects, but I know that Jesus has been faithful to me.  He has never failed me.  He walks with me, He talks with me, and He always assures me of His love when I turn the wrong way.  Or if something happens, He shows me how much He cares for me.

I'm going into this 'thing' this morning with open ears and an open heart.  I'm His.  He will take care of me all the way.  He will always provide for me.

And when this thing is over - we're going out to eat!  I'm hungry!  I'm thinking pizza - of all things! But knowing hubby.... sigh... it won't be pizza.  Or he may surprise me and give in.  I don't want a salad today.... I want FOOD.

Say a prayer for me that the resultsof this routine colonoscopy will be clean and everything will go according to the schedule and plan.  Stay tuned.  God isn't done with me yet.  Nor with you.

Blessings!

I got 'er done!

 We were able to get everything accomplished yesterday that I wanted to - or rather, the majority of it anyway.  Got my car worked on; they did a crappy wash job so need to take it to Cobblestone and get it washed correctly..... picked up the combo box, and on a whim, picked up a case of blueberries and a case of sweet cherries.  Oh yum.  I washed blueberries and put on a cookie sheet in the freezer to freezer; this morning I'll put in bags for our shakes.  I removed the pits from one bag of cherries - they are so good.  I bagged those and put in the freezer - but I still have several bags of cherries to figure out what to do with.  Got a big bag of broccoli, cucumbers, limes, a bag of sweet potatoes, a bag of avocados, and I can't remember what else in the combo box.  Fixed steak, baked sweet potato,and steamed broccoli for dinner last night and it was so good!

I took some fruit over to Ms. Diane last night.  Haven't been over to see her since we got back.  She was in a crabby mood.  Gotta love her.  Her daughter asked if she ate lunch, she said yes.  What did she have?  Orange slices, shrimp, and a couple other things.  Then her daughter says.... there wasn't any shrimp in the refrigerator and the orange slices are still there as are the other things she mentioned.  Busted.  She again had sat there all day and ate.  She claimed she hate a big bowl of cheerios that morning and wasn't hungry.  Then she started in about the caregiver they have coming in... Ms. Diane says she comes in and sits down and eats her own lunch she brings and then asks Ms. Diane.... "Do you need to go pee pee?"  LOL That made Ms. Diane furious! She said she was not a child!  Her daughter is going toput a camera in the house today to see if what Ms. Diane says about the caregiver is true, that she eats the lunch she brings, then takes a nap on the sofa.  Interesting.  Gotta love her.

I had planned to take some fruit over to Ms. Vicki along with her birthday gift, which is today, but she didn't answer the door nor my phone calls. I was getting really concerned as I know she has fallen a couple times as well.  So with no response by 8PM, I told hubby I was going to go inside to check on her.  I have her garage door code, and if her car was there, I'd go in and see if she had fallen or what... but if it was gone, then I'd know she was out.  Well, her car was there, so I took a flashlight and we walked through her house, calling out her name.  She wasn't there.  She had packages on her porch so I brought those in.  Finally, I wrote a short note and put on her door into the house from the garage that I had been there checking on her and had brought her packages in.  This morning I had a text from 11:21PM last night from her that she and her girlfriend had gone to Harrah's for a few days - sorry she hadn'tlet me know.  I would have known if I had taken the time to call her earlier in the week when we got back, but I didn't.  I think she will be back today so perhaps I'll do a short visit tonight.

Today is going to be a pain.  Liquids only today.  I just might get hungry.  But, liquids only.  Then I think it is about 8PM I get to drink this wonderful sickening stuff for two hours; 1/2 a gallon of it.  Then at 3:30AM I get to drink the rest.  Lord help!

I went to the gym this morning and I got a choice - work on biceps and chest or do legs today.  DUH.  Biceps; I need my legs to be able to get tot he bathroom once that crappy stuff starts working!

Housecleaners are coming this morning and I need to pick up some things.   

Why is my computer acting weird this morning.... I can type out a sentence  and then it disappears.  sigh.

Need to 'run' -  need to be at the surgery center at 7:30AM so may not have time to write in here... I will be 'otherwise occupied'.  Whatever. 

Have a good day - got to get to work.

Blessings!

I kind of overbooked things for today....

 A couple weeks ago I scheduled for my car to go to the dealership for the oil change, checking out stuff, etc.  Usually I don't bother with the dealership as it costs more, but I will be driving my car on vacation this year and I want to make sure everything is ok to drive.  Afterall, it does sit in the garage most of the time anymore.  I need to take it in at 7AM this morning and drop it off.  No biggie, right?  Except I need to leave early to make sure I'm 'up in the line' that forms.  I forgot hubby has an 8AM gym appointment so I need to get in and out quickly so that he can drop me off at home.  Should be able to do it.

Then there is a company that sells fresh fruits and vegetables and you get this huge box for $25.  You have to order online and they give you three dates and times to pick up - I did it for the first time last month - and loved it.  Sure beats going to the store and looking at things.  I get new things to try and they are fresh and clean.  The corn on the cob I got last month was delicious!  Anyway - I scheduled my pickup for Wednesday.  Which is today.  From 10-2 is pickup.  We should be able to do that easily enough as hubby will be back from the gym and I don't think has anything else scheduled for today.  

There was something else I needed to do today but it escapes me right now.  And I often think about hubby's memory fading.  To the point I put a magnetic calendar on the laundry room refrigerator yesterday and added on it the days we have trash pick up, recycle pick up, his gym days, etc. and he hasn't even asked about it yet.  I wonder if he has noticed it.  My thinking is that he can put his appointments on it (although he does have a large desk calendar that he uses; I just don't go over to his desk to look at it).  But he sometimes misses putting our recycle out on those days, which is partly why I did this, plus I don't always know when his doctor appointments are.  Yes, I could go to his desk and look - or ask him - but sometimes I just need to refresh my mind with a glance.   I have another magnetic calendar on the refrigerator in the kitchen where I keep birthdays and other things that we do on it.  It helps him keep track of what I have on my agenda, i.e., when I have to drive to Mesa, activities at church I need to attend, etc.

We should be able to work around 'my' scheduled things today - with working, I just need to be sure hubby gets me picked up and dropped off, although I could get a ride home too, if it comes to that.  Hubby is fussing some because he can't be late for his gym appointment.  Speaking of - my trainer worked my triceps yesterday - and this is odd - remember my sharing about my left arm elbow area turning pink, appearing swollen?  I had worked triceps then too.  The pink was back in the same area again last night. And my left tricep/bicep area looks swollen.  Intresting.  I haven't looked yet today if the pink is still there.  I will take my measuring tape too; I'm curious if it is really swollen or just feels like it.  When I got done working out yesterday, my arms felt so big they were rubbing my sides. Make sense?  LOL  No, I'm not that big.  It just rubbed against the extra fat.

My son asked me to participate in a program with him and I really want to do it... but as I reviewed some of the questions on the website... I felt sad.  I could not remember; did not know how to answer some things.  I'm sure the questions he would come up with would be ones I could... but... I have buried so much over the years and it is only occasionally that a trigger will pull that memory back out.

I need to stop eating so much junk food and focus on remembering things.  I have lived over half my life, and I've let my memory fade away.  I've been reading The Mind Diet book - which is made up of the Mediterrean and DASH diets - and if I would follow them, it should clear my thinking.  It's not just my food though; when I am hurt by words or something someone did, I tend to bury those things.  And there are also a lot of things that I would never share with anyone.  Those secrets will go to the grave with me.  I refuse to let things that others did to me hurt my children or others.  Some things need to remain in the past.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV):  "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

As I typed out the above scripture, I was reminded my little sister called me yesterday.  We hadn't talked in nearly a month, I'm guessing.  She asked if the wedding was last weekend or this weekend.  I shared with her it was last weekend and shared many things about our travels and the wedding, how beautiful it was.  Sent her some of the photos I have on my phone, although there are not many.  I knew a tornado had gone by near them last month and had asked it they were ok at that time.  They were.  What I didn't know was that another storm had gone through the week after and trees around them had fallen, and I don't remember how, but their electricity went out so they spent a week at the Embassy Suites because of no power or air at the house.  AND, she finally got her new refrigerator, stove, and microwave that she wanted last fall and never got.  They were 'blown out' by the storm so insurance paid for new ones  and she got what she wanted.  Good for her.  They also get a new roof and are seeking roofers who could do the job; insurance has already paid for it.  She hadn't told me about the storm before; and it wasn't on the news so I didn't know.  She said she posted photos - but I am trying to stay off of facebook so hadn't seen them.

Some things need to remain in the past.  I don't think our friendship will ever be like it was.   Some people just can't let go of the past, but want to remain a victim .... thinking it was just them... I choose to heal and live life.  That is what keeps me going.  I am not a victim.  I am a survivor and I am strong.  (i.e., I am woman, hear me roar!) 

Work has kept me so busy these past three days.  I'm exhausted even when I wake up, trying to sleep just a little bit longer, but knowing I need to get up and work.  Hmmm.... the landscapers are working outside... and it's only Wednesday.... guess their schedule is messed up too.  They come on Thursday mornings.  Need to get dressed, take my car over and get it in the shop and get back home and jump back on the work computer.  It's going to be a crazy off-schedule day for me too.

I'm not quite back in sync yet... maybe soon.  

Blessings!

Did I really think....

 that I would be more alert today than yesterday?  What was I thinking?  We got to bed about 9PM, which is later than our usual, but not bad... at 9:30PM my watch was going off... I looked to see what it was and it was a call coming in from our neighbor across the street.  I had to think about it - then understood why she was calling... hubby had left the garage door up again.  So I got up, shut the garage door, then came back to bed - and couldn't get right back to sleep.  Finally did, and then, of coures, I struggled to get up this morning.  Missed the 4AM wakeup again, but got up before 4:30AM.  Hubby got up about 5AM and I was getting ready to run out the door to the gym for my workout.  At least with having an appointment, it makes me go to the gym!  My arms are mush!  

Hubby just left to meet a friend for breakfast, then he will go get his workout.  I had a talk with him last night about our trip.  I just flat out told him it was noticeable by others that he is struggling to do normal things.  He will talk about the same thing several times.  He is much slower moving about.  Seems confused about what is going on at times.  His eating is moreso what I noticed this weekend.  I told him he shocked me, as he was 'out of control' on Sunday.  For breakfast he had fried potatoes, scrambled eggs and about 6 strips of bacon - his plate was piled up.  THEN he ate a whole bagel with a pack of cream cheese on each part.  Then when we stopped to grab lunch at Subway, he got a footlong chicken teriyaki sandwich, chips, and a drink.... and ate a large Payday and asked for a large Snicker too (I refused him the Snicker!). He never eats like that - a plateful of food, yes, but two hours later eat a foot long sandwich? Never.  I told him it surprised me.  And I told him as well that his mental capacity is scaring me, for I don't know what to do.

I'm going to change our diets, for one thing.  I've been reading 'The Mind Diet' which is a combination of the Mediterranean Diet and the DASH diet.  I've heard more and more doctors share that eating the Mediterranean Diet is more healthy than most other diets.  Anyway, of course I have a book, so was reading on it last night and am really going to try and watch what we eat.  I need it as well as hubby does.

Work was horrendously busy yesterday - got through all the emails and was super busy all day.  About 3:15PM I felt like I was about to crash (I had worked straight through) so I decided a short nap was due - laid on the bed and crashed for 30 minutes!  Took me another half hour to finish up on things and shut down for the sya.  I need to get in there in the next couple minutes and get started on today's work.  Still had some leftover from yesterday.  Another busy day ahead of me.

I am off work this Friday... ugh.... I'd rather work.  Colonoscopy time is almost here.  NOT looking forward to it. But since I've met all my deductibles... need to get everything done this year that needs to be done, right? It doens't cost me anything - or very little - because my deductible has been met. Justa few more weeks, though, and I'm off for 6 work days!  Whoo hoo!  I wasn't looking forward to it so much before, but now, I'm so tired, I just want to do nothing for awhile and regain my strength.  Changing my diet I hope will help.  And continuing to work out.

I guess I'm not totally back in sync yet, and I apologize... but I have 3 minutes to get signed on my work computer so need to stop and get to the back room.  

Hope you have an amazing day -

Blessings!

I wanted to sleep in...

We got home around midnight last night and I really wanted to sleep in this morning, and did somewhat. The alarm went off at 4AM (ignored it); woke at 5AM (ignored it)... wanted to go for 6AM... but hubby started flip-flopping on the bed so gave up and got up.  Thought I would catnap until he got up - well, he saw I was up so he got up.  So much for trying to catch another nap.  Oh well, if I get weary, I can always take my lunch hour and take a nap.  I'm more fortunate than some!

It was good to get away and celebrate with everyone, but I do admit, there is no place like home and your own bed.  It didn't take long for me to fall asleep.  The air went out in the RV again on the way home for a few hours.  But it wasn't as bad atmosphere wise as it was going over.  I stayed in the RV until the last gas stop/grab snack (we didn't stop specifically for a meal like on the way down) and then our bags and me was moved to the car to be driven directly to the house while the others went to the daughter's.  It still took about 12 hours to get home.  Better than 14, of course, but still, 12 hours of setting 99 percent of the time is hard on the behind and body.  

Communication got mixed up about breakfast but we still were able to grab food to eat.  The hotel we were staying at was esceptionally nice, and as I mentioned before, the view from our window was beautiful of the bay.  Oh - the animals I mentioned the other day?  They were large ducks that had huddled bayside by our balcony.  

My body feels swollen this morning and I can only assume it is because of sitting so much (or just standing) for the past four days.  And limiting my water intake because I didn't want to make us stop ... we did have a toilet in the RV, which I did use a few times, but even after one person uses it... there is a sickening odor that lingers in there.  No one wanted to use it.

Didn't bother to unpack last night except the few things we needed to pull out of the suitcase.  I feel bad for my daughter ... she not only has a full household with the granddaughter and family there and having to get them off to the airport early this morning, but another granddaughter and her baby are staying there as well.  I think her dad and brother were still there too.  I'm afraid of chaos happening; it isn't fair to my daughter to have to babysit ... but it is what it is at the moment.  I can't help and I am afraid with all the issues going on ... my daughter is going to have a breakdown.... and all I can do is pray for her.  

This is all I have for today.... because I slept in I have to now jump on the work computer.  Really no reason for me to take the day off... even now I could... but for what reason?  I'll unpack after I get through the 200+ work emails I have.  Most aren't mine, but need to see what I am being asked to do.

The trip took a lot longer than I thought it would... I really had no idea how long it was.  Wish we could have all afforded to fly and just rent a car!  Waiting on my daughter to tell me how much we owe her for the rooms, rental of RV, gas, etc.  I don't want them to have the entire expense.  I know the trip wasn't cheap by any means.  I don't think our hotel was too bad... I got the receipt on the last one and for such a nice hotel, I was surprised that the room was about $219 a night, I think.  And we stayed two nights.  California sure has a lot of taxes added on to everything!  I'm getting to where I don't want to stay at a hotel because of the taxes being added.  You think you are getting a deal with the room - like I mean the room itself was $169 - not bad - the rest was all taxes!

Ok  really got to go - 6 minutes.  Just turned on the computer.  Hope to get back into sync tomorrow morning - it will be a normal bed time for us tonight!

Blessings! 

As Expected, totally beautiful

 The morning turned crazy after I wrote in here yesterday - but probably only on my end.  I did get hubby's suit and got it ironed;  used the steamer on the iron - much better than hand held steamers.  I also ironed one of the little ones' dresses - lots and lots of frills and I thought I would never get to the end of it!  LOL Poor little ones.... we heard they were saying 'it's heavy'.... and with all the frills, I'm sure it was.  They all looked so precious and cute in them though - and all three walked the aisle this time, although the older one had mama walk with her.  Memory making day, for sure.

The wedding started on time and was very interesting.  I loved that 'Father Tom', the priest, shared exactly what he was going to do throughout the wedding.  Watch the movie 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' or whatever it was called.  LOL Although it doesn't show it, really.  But, the wedding was beautiful and interesting to watch, for sure.  

The toughest part - and some of you may agree with this - the air conditioner was out in the church.  Ok, big church, kind of humid, although the temps are not what they are where we live.  But still... humid.  The reception was in another part of the church.... and no air conditioner.  Add 150+ people... people drinking (they had open bar) and dancing... lots of Greek dancing (wish I had thought of it and learned how to do it before we left!), lots of music I have never heard (becuase I don't listen to what the kids do nowadays)... all extremely fast and lots of jumping.... they finally played one slow one before we left - MUCH later... we did about half of it.  

The three little ones were running all over the place, dancing and having a great time.  Lots of Greek food; had for the meal a stuffed chicken breast with spinach, cheese and I'm not sure what all... asparagus and small potatoes.  And there was some kind of cream sauce over the chicken.  It was very good.  They had a small cake to cut, then lots of different kinds of cupcakes and Mexican wedding cake cookies. (I had one cupcake and one cookie!)  

I think everyone had a great time; we did as well, although we just sat at the table a lot.  Oh - I had a big surprise after we got to the reception.  Stevie had asked me to pray over the rehearsal dinner.... ok.... but I was totally caught off-guard when the DJ came over and said I was to do the prayer for the receiption too.  Make me feel a part of the wedding. :-)   The reason I was asked, though, was because 'Father Tom' had recently had knee surgery and after the ceremony (which was an hour long), he left and did not stay for the reception.  He was to have done the prayer.

We were all hot and sweaty as the evening went on and we were able to take a shuttle back to the hotel late evening.  I'm not sure what time it was.  The humidity just takes it all out of you!  Hubby was sweating to the max, even with his coat off and tie undone! Others were too.  I was sweating in my long dress.  And you know I don't sweat!  LOL   My daughter and hubby, and the three little ones came back to the hotel with us - a nice limo shuttle.  Very nice.  We left the car and the two granddaughters and their husbands there to dance and hang out with everyone.  Our favorite nurse was the designated driver so all was well. :-)    Got back to our room and I just crashed; forgot to take a shower last night but have gotten one in this morning!  

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV):  "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Appreciate the prayers.... I kept my mouth shut and behaved.  Grateful Abba heard my prayer; He knows my heart and my desire to be like Him, inside and out.  At least I don't think I made anyone irritated last night.  Nowadays it is so easy to upset the cart.

My understanding is that the bride and groom are to call certain ones to pass it on to meet downstairs for breakfast this morning.  Normally we would have already been down there,m eaten, and back to our room, but we will wait.  Not sure when they will call.... and if they don't call in the next hour or so, we may just go on down and get something to eat anyway.  I'm not really hungry, but LOL, as I type this paragraph, hubby is asking if we are going to get called to go to breakfast with everyone, or ... will  we be forgotten in all the excitement.  The newlyweds will be flying out later today to the Dominican Republic for 8 days for their honeymoon.  Praying now for their safety.  Don't like them going out of country... but I do know people who have been there recently and they are back and things were fine.  I just want my family safe.

Hubby is done in the bathroom so guess I'll finish getting my face put together.  Not going to do much; once we start traveling, it don't matter anyway.   14+hours to get here... hope we make better time going back.  We will be leaving later in the day so it will still be in the early morning hours before we get home.  Right now I am planning to still work tomorrow... I can always take my 'lunch break' and take a nap.

Have an awesome day; please pray for travel mercies as we head home.

Blessings!

Today is 'the day'...

 Today is the actual wedding; rather, at 3pm this afternoon.  I'm glad it's early afternoon.  The last two evenings have been late ones - and this one may be as well, but at least we are getting an early start on the wedding and the festivities that follow.  Got to watch some practice of a Greek dance the bridal party will be doing.  Ompa!  LOL  They all looked so cute out there!

The daughter stopped by this morning to say she was putting me 'in charge' of making sure everyone would be getting ready in time - as she and the two granddaughters go to get their hair and makeup done.  The fathers are taking care of the great grands.  There really is nothing for me to do ... at least I wasn't understanding what she wanted me to do, other than help steam the girls dresses, if my help was needed.  We need to get hubby's suit at some point so that I can steam it as the sleeves were wrinkled, if I recall.  They should be back at 11:30AM... and we don't need to be there until 1PM... (we don't, they they do)... I'm not clear on what I am do to help; willing to do whatever I can.  

I'm not doing emotionally real well this weekend; not sure what is doing it.  I feel so out of place and unsure of what I am to be doing.  Give me a specific task and I'm happy to do it.  I just don't know what to do without stepping on toes.  After all, I'm just the grandparent.  I've been left out of weddings before... I've gone through this before.  I know it will all go well; I am just experiencing some things I haven't ever experienced before and I don't know how to navigate through it.  I did a lot of praying about it this morning, asking Abba to help me.   I've commented on some things I just should have remained quiet on; I questioned some things; I have wondered about some things....  and I am sure it is just me... I'm just not understanding all the pieces.  My heart is in anguish and I don't know what to do.  Abba, please help me.

Our room at this Best Western is amazing.  We have a king bed, small sofa with coffee table, a desk, and of course TV, refrig, etc.  The bathroom has a large tub to soak in as well as a shower.  Toilet room has its own door.  But the best part?  We have a small balcony, which I love, and it overlooks the bay area.  Last night when I looked out, I saw some sort of animals down next to the bay.... I'm going to have to ask what they were.  My vision is not that sharp to figure it out.  I did try to take a photo through the door, I need to find out what kind of animal comes up next to the bay at night.  There were about 8 of them just under our balony, next to the bay.  

It's chilly here this morning and my sweater is in the RV.  So is hubby's suit that I need to steam so need to get it brought up here so that I can get the wrinkles steamed out.  Glad we have this morning somewhat to chill.  I need to see if my dress needs steamed too, I guess.  Right now, I just don't even care what it looks like.

One of the grandsons-in-law drove the car all the way here - and he graciously let hubby ride with him (he deserves a double blessing!) so that the great grands wouldn't bother him.  I appreciate this man so much because he is so patient with hubby and I both and seems to know what is needed at the right time.  If I could reach his neck, I'd give him a hug!  LOL  Anyway... from what I understand, he is a nurse and in the past has worked some with mental health... (maybe that is why he understands hubby and I so well and is so patient with us?).... and he has noticed that hubby has declined somewhat mentally.... which those of us around him frequently have noticed as well.  Sometimes I think it is just me over-reacting on things... because I have been so hurt by things in the past that I notice specific things... I don't know.  

I am grateful that hubby rode with him.  I'm grateful my fears have been confirmed.  Unfortunately, hubby would never agree to any changes... and I don't want him to quit living because of these things, but accept some things are harder and different.  And it is always the little things that I notice.  He forgets how to do certain things, like opening a small package... you know the kind, it something wrapped that has a small slit on one side for you to rip that side off.  He couldn't figure out how to open the container....he's done it thousands of times before... but yesterday, he couldn't figure it out.

Hubby is done with his 'quiet time' and is rambling about the room, so guess I should end this before I dissolve in to tears and get my mind focued on other things.  I am not sure about going out of the room - what if they bring the suit and we aren't here?  Will I need to help the grandsons-in-law with their suits sinces their wives are getting their hair and makeup done too?  Well, one is doing the makeup; the other is in the wedding party, as technically, is my daughter, so they are getting both done.  Me, I'm on my own for both, and that's ok.  

From what I have been told, this will be an interesting ceremony.  I'm not critical of it or anything, it's just something that I haven't seen or heard of before.  It's 'just a ceremony' - the real marriage begins after that.  Because I was somewhat confused; I think my grandson thought I was upset about it... but I'm not... I just haven't heard of this type of ceremony before.  In fact, I want to google some and understand more of the what it's all about.  It's going to be unique and special and that is all that matters.

Abba, please help me watch my tongue and my expressions.  You know my face gives me away a lot.  I am trying to stay off to the side and just be a help to others... but I need to know what to do.  I'm lost emotionally and am struggling.  I'm sure I've angered some just by my comments, even if they werne't wrong, I shouldn't have been the one to say them.  Have I really gotten old and set in my ways that I cannot allow others to 'you do you' - as my granddaughter says?  Am I over cautious?  Am I over fearful for their safety?  Am I really so out of touch with life?

Oh - and to end this... you won't believe what I did last night at the rehearsal dinner.  Sigh.  I was trying to be a help, making sure the food was ready and we had everything we needed.. all were eating and I had thrown some trash away in the outside bin, then was walking back to the table.... and had my mind and thoughts on something else...... and missed the step up to the patio slab... and fell.  I hit knees and hands.... and I looked up.... and I hear my daughter scream "MOM!" and she and her hubby came running to me.... while everyone else kept on talking (thank goodness) or just watched.  I quickly got up; nothing broken or cut.... just totally embarrassed.  I got up off the ground and continued on to what I was doing, before sitting back down.  And I am fine.  My granddaughter asked if I needed her hubby (the nurse) to check me out, but I declined.  It wasn't a 'fall' but a stupid distraction and I forgot to look down because I was focused on something else.  I pretty much stayed seated the rest of the evening.

And with that... I'm going to be quiet.  If you pray, please pray for help for me.  God knows what I need right now.  It's like the serenity prayer... Lord, help me to change what I can change, and keep my mouth shut about things I cannot  -  and the wisdom to know the difference".  My version.  Abba, please help.  

Blessings!

What a ride!

 It has been over 50 years since I've ridden in an RV...certainly didn't remember how loud they are as they bounce down the road!  We got on the road about 8:30AM... sigh... with having to make a stop back at our house becuase hubby forgot his glasses and said he had to have them.  So the driver in the car did a detour to our place while those of us in the RV (2 in car, 5 adults and 3 great grands in the RV) hit a Dutch Brothers and they met us there. Or something like that. I was personally trying not to drink too much liquids with being on the road... altho we did have an 'indoor potty', and yes, I did end up using it a few times.  But, we had to make frequent stops for everyone to get out and move about; and of course gas, which is outrageous....don't know how much it was... . just know that it took over $100 a couple time to fill up the RV, although we didn't let it get past half, I don't think.  

We 'got out of town' then stopped for lunch...  a few hours more on the road and another stop or two, we stopped at a Black Bear Diner - I forget where it was -but about 3 hours out - I think - prices were about 2-4 dollars more on some items I think.  Anyway, we ate, drove some more, stopped one more time I think (it seems to be all running together in my mind)... and we arrived at the hotel at 1AM this morning.  Got our rooms and hubby and got up here and 'crashed'.  He had the quiet of the car and driver.  LOL  I get in bed, he comes a few moments later, and I'm laying there wondering if we are just outside the RV cause all I can hear is a motor running.  I didn't sleep that well becaues of it.  I woke about 6-ish and told myself 'no way'... tried to doze but eventually getting up between 6:30-7AM.... and when I got up and went into the bathroom.... I realized it.... hubby always leaves the bathroom light on so he doesn';t stubble to find his way to it.  And, of course, with his hearing aids out, he doesn't hear it.... but I got to listen to the fan (connected to the light) all night long.  Lucky me.  Do I win a prize?

Today will be sorta quiet in the morning and chaotic in the afternoon, more than likely.  We don't plan to check out until 11AM so we pretty much can chill in the room.  We've already been down for breakfast (of  course) and I'm still on my first cup of coffee that I brought back up with me.  After we check out I think we are going to where the rehearsal dinner is to be.  I understand tables are already set up, but we have to get other things done, decorations, etc.  Then at 3PM we head to Oakland, check into our hotel, quickly get 'rehearsal' clothes on, and head to the church by 3:30.  Hoping we can get an early check-in.   It will take longer for hubby to get ready than me... you know how men are.  LOL  I'm one of these I'll slap on make-up, comb and curl my hair - maybe - throw on a dress and shoes and I'm ready.  Tomorrow for the wedding will be a different story, for sure.

Back to the ride over, it wasn't that bad at all, except for the length of time, and the RV noise.  The great grands were all good.  My favorite moment?  When the 3 year old, after we made a stop, came over and stood by me (as I was still sitting down, telling me she wanted to walk with me as we went inside the gas station and picked up goodies.  Of course I bought her the yogurt pretzels and bottle of water she wanted.  After that, she didn't want to leave my side for almost the rest of the trip.  Sitting next to me, she wanted to snuggle.  It was nice.  I haven't seen this great grand since last year at the last wedding, I don't think.  But if we stopped, she held my hand to walk with me.  Warmed my heart up.  You know how I am when about the grandchidlren and great-grandchildren.  Children, not so much (sorry).  LOL  

So - going to spend a little time reading my Bible and perhaps write in a journal.  This is probably more of a journal and my book are prayers.  God has been good and has gotten us here safely.  The air conditioner wasn't working too good on the way out of  town... but once we crossed the border, it cooled quickly and I got the blower full force where I was sitting on the 'couch' for the trip.  I'm hoping I don't come down with a cold.  By late last night, I had a two year old asleep at my right side with her head on my lap and on my left was the 11 year old snuggled up trying to sleep.  It was a good, good, day.  

Oh - and hubby did well, too.  He was always in the car (although they got the RV because of him, mainly, becuase he's supposed to get out and walk on long trips - i.e., reason why (also) we stopped frequently so that he could).  He had peace and quiet...  we had the snacks and drinks. ;)  So he seemed to be always hungry when we stopped.

Well, hubby is done in his shower and I need to get off here.  Will see if I have a chance to update tomorrow.  Sometimes my time is not my own.  Wednesday night a granddaughter with her baby stayed all night... we were up at 4AM as usual.... her dad picked her up at 4:30AM to take to work, we watched the baby until dad got back; loaded up the car, and he took us over to my daughter's where he is staying the weekend, helping watch the animals.  Along with the granddaughter, a grandson, and her baby.  Another crazy weekend in our family.

Hope you all have a great day - it is much cooler here - 75 degrees, I think they said.  I'm looking forward to our next hotel... the photo they have for the king bed is overlooking the bay area and it has a balcony.  Wouldn't that be so nice!  And we are there tonight, tomorrow, leaving on Sunday at check-out time to head back - which means early hours of the morning again getting home..  I did tell my boss I may or may not work Monday... but I probably will... I already have over 100 messages.  I should weed them out off my phone... .. but I'm always afraid I'll delete or move the wrong one. Oh well.

Until next time..

Blessings!