Today is Friday - and I always thought that Friday was my favorite day because it ended the work week. Well, since I am retired now - I've chosen a new favorite day. And no, it's not Sunday (forgive me Lord). That's probably because although our time of worship is refreshing - and our Pastor's sermons always challenge me - for years it was the day that was too busy for the mother of four and wife of an Elder. So many potlucks - meetings - choir rehearsals etc.
No, my favorite day now is Monday. When I was a working woman, we called it Blue Monday. Maybe because it started the long week after a busy weekend. But now I like it because it is my official day to catch up on my reading - fellowship with some dear friends for breakfast - listen to sermons by so many godly men - and really enjoy my home. It's the day when I look over my 'birthday' list and send cards. I try to make calls to the dear friends that mean so much to me and don't get to see.
It's my 'let it all hang out' day.
Every day has its own adventures. For instance, today I heard that our grandson, Jason, will be coming home from the army, for good in just a few weeks.
We're rejoicing with our grandson Chris and his family at the news of their bid being accepted for a new home - closer to us!!! And then Barb, our dear daughter, called to tell us that she has sold her home, and will be coming down next week to start to look for a home here. So many wonderful happenings in our lifetime drama.
I got a call from Neil to bring me up to date on the West's trial. It's a difficult situation that has brought so much tension to their lives. I pray that you will pray for them and for a fair outcome. Their church has been so faithful to uphold them in this difficult time. What a blessing this church is to all. Neil has found his ministry so fulfilling.
Talked to Wes the other day and he shared that the new office building has been purchased!! With luck - they will be moving in sometime this fall, probably October. They'll have to design the interior as it is just a big shell right now. Pray for strength and energy to make the move. They'll need it.
Syria started back to school this week. She and Matt had a great summer redecorating their home. But it was hard work. Now, Matt will transfer his talents to the new office. Fun???
Susie is up in Oregon visiting Barb and Jerry. They're having fun picking berries, sightseeing, reminiscing and planning Barb's return to the Valley. Meanwhile Glenn is holding down the fort - and no doubt, hanging out with Brooklyn whenever he can. He likes his new job at the Firehouse driving the Command Van. No more para-medic-ing.
Beth got her new horse, Callie. She's quite a bit smaller and younger than Hopper was but just as lovable. She's ecstatic.
Well, that's my news for today - and I don't know how I got so far away from my original theme - "Monday". But old ladies are forgiven a lot. So thank you in advance.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
MY HANDYMAN
Life has many changes in it. Today I haven't left the house once. Of course, it's only 2:45p.m. - but it seems strange to me. I've always been one to start out early and run until late, but today's different. Why?
For one thing, I've come to the place where I really enjoy my home. I guess that's not too uncommon for women my age and stage. But it's crept up on me. I'm not thinking of things I want to change - or redecorate - or replace or redo.
I've been fortunate in the fact that my husband is a 'handyman'. I've always just had to mention a change, and he's been quick to get it designed, shopped for, worked on and finally done. That includes everything from replacing the water closet (toilet) works to building a second floor on our house in Levittown, N.Y.
And he is always so cheerful about it. He's not a griper about anything except the corruption in politics and the disgust he has for movies today. He's a gentle man, a kind man, with a sweet disposition and lovable dry humor.
I see him in our sons but also in our grandsons. He's left them great footsteps in which to follow. I've told him for many years that he is also an artist. He does very unusual things with this talent. His mind is always at work. He has built some very unique artifacts.
How many houses have the Sisteen Chapel on their living room ceilings? Or Flagpole Sculptures made of golf balls in the backyard for both the American and Arizonan flags? How many women can boast of a perfectly designed Studio that meets all hobby needs; computer and desk paraphenalia; storage shelves for 45 boxes; bookcases for dozens of bibles, books and study materials; and a shelf for my guinea pigs cage; and a huge table for hobbying on? Well, thanks to his constant loving care and affection, I can.
I hear some women 'put down' their husbands, and I thank God that I never have a good reason for doing it. I'm not perfect and I'm sure I've said some things that might be considered unkind, but it isn't because he deserves it.
He's not perfect either - but his imperfections just make him more lovable. For instance, his short term memory is really going. And I find that encouraging because mine is, too. We laugh at the things that are happening to us as we grow older, and thank God that we don't have to keep up with the 'youngsters'. We don't know how a man can marry a second wife half his age. She'd never understand what aging puts one through. And how do they adjust to the music???
While I've been writing this I've had an idea for one more thing that I'd like to do - but I think I'll wait for another week or two before I mention it to my Honey because he needs a little down time - just for himself.
For one thing, I've come to the place where I really enjoy my home. I guess that's not too uncommon for women my age and stage. But it's crept up on me. I'm not thinking of things I want to change - or redecorate - or replace or redo.
I've been fortunate in the fact that my husband is a 'handyman'. I've always just had to mention a change, and he's been quick to get it designed, shopped for, worked on and finally done. That includes everything from replacing the water closet (toilet) works to building a second floor on our house in Levittown, N.Y.
And he is always so cheerful about it. He's not a griper about anything except the corruption in politics and the disgust he has for movies today. He's a gentle man, a kind man, with a sweet disposition and lovable dry humor.
I see him in our sons but also in our grandsons. He's left them great footsteps in which to follow. I've told him for many years that he is also an artist. He does very unusual things with this talent. His mind is always at work. He has built some very unique artifacts.
How many houses have the Sisteen Chapel on their living room ceilings? Or Flagpole Sculptures made of golf balls in the backyard for both the American and Arizonan flags? How many women can boast of a perfectly designed Studio that meets all hobby needs; computer and desk paraphenalia; storage shelves for 45 boxes; bookcases for dozens of bibles, books and study materials; and a shelf for my guinea pigs cage; and a huge table for hobbying on? Well, thanks to his constant loving care and affection, I can.
I hear some women 'put down' their husbands, and I thank God that I never have a good reason for doing it. I'm not perfect and I'm sure I've said some things that might be considered unkind, but it isn't because he deserves it.
He's not perfect either - but his imperfections just make him more lovable. For instance, his short term memory is really going. And I find that encouraging because mine is, too. We laugh at the things that are happening to us as we grow older, and thank God that we don't have to keep up with the 'youngsters'. We don't know how a man can marry a second wife half his age. She'd never understand what aging puts one through. And how do they adjust to the music???
While I've been writing this I've had an idea for one more thing that I'd like to do - but I think I'll wait for another week or two before I mention it to my Honey because he needs a little down time - just for himself.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A NEW FRIEND
I wrote this the day that I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Little did I know how prophetic it would be.
A New Friend
CIGNA WAITING ROOM Feb. 6, 2001
As I look around me, I see the effects of aging on the many patients sitting here. Many who were once vital young people - farmers, laborers, mothers, executives - all are bearing out the truth of the second law of thermodynamics. Everything Decays.
My aching seems trivial. The ravages of real disease takes a grim toll of the bodies of my companions. But what lays behind their eyes? Happier days I trust. Maybe even continuing joyful experiences. But today - they are set aside with pain.
Pain! The friend and enemy of all men. Friend because it signals a possible problem. Enemy because it interferes with the living of life. Why not go silently - quietly to the grave. Why must they groan - Why must I?
Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good... and that includes pain - discomfort - disease. Dis-Ease! The absence of ease. The ease that in my younger years I took so for granted.
Yes pain interrupts my plans - my desires - my peace. It wakes me in the night and says "Here I am, make friends with me. I will be your companion from now on.
So as I sit here - praying for a miracle shot - some wonder drug - a healing touch - I am aware of all these lovely wizened lined faces that I see around me. Now I say resignedly,
"Welcome my friend, Pain - but please don’t stay around too long."
A New Friend
CIGNA WAITING ROOM Feb. 6, 2001
As I look around me, I see the effects of aging on the many patients sitting here. Many who were once vital young people - farmers, laborers, mothers, executives - all are bearing out the truth of the second law of thermodynamics. Everything Decays.
My aching seems trivial. The ravages of real disease takes a grim toll of the bodies of my companions. But what lays behind their eyes? Happier days I trust. Maybe even continuing joyful experiences. But today - they are set aside with pain.
Pain! The friend and enemy of all men. Friend because it signals a possible problem. Enemy because it interferes with the living of life. Why not go silently - quietly to the grave. Why must they groan - Why must I?
Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good... and that includes pain - discomfort - disease. Dis-Ease! The absence of ease. The ease that in my younger years I took so for granted.
Yes pain interrupts my plans - my desires - my peace. It wakes me in the night and says "Here I am, make friends with me. I will be your companion from now on.
So as I sit here - praying for a miracle shot - some wonder drug - a healing touch - I am aware of all these lovely wizened lined faces that I see around me. Now I say resignedly,
"Welcome my friend, Pain - but please don’t stay around too long."
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
WHAT DO SENIORS DO WITH ALL THEIR TIME?
Wed. July 9, 2008
Here I am again. It's 10:30am and I've done all my immediate chores including breakfast, feed the piggies, read the newspaper, check out emails exercise in the pool, and have my personal devotions. I started all of this at 6:30am.
You wonder what the senior generation does with all our time? Well, for one thing, we take a great deal longer to do what you do. Getting out of a cushy chair for instance. I've watched you pop out of my recliner with a baby in your arms and a diaper bag on your shoulder. (You know who you are).
Well, for me - getting out of my recliner has become a challenge. First of all, I have to put my shoes back on - now that sounds easy - but in the course of my changing positions I've inadvertently kicked one slightly out of reach. Soooo, I stretch out my right foot and slide just far enough to feel my chunky bottom slide off the seat as my foot connects with the wrong shoe. But don't worry - I have a 'quick backslide' that lets me hang on to the security of my seat..
I decide that it isn't worthwhile to put the shoe on anyway, and prop myself up on the arms of the chair to put into action my failsafe lift. Now, here's another problem I didn't consider. My once muscular arms are now kind of flabby and - well let's just say it - not dependable. Sometimes they respond just right - but other times - they just buckle under.
No fear - I have a plan 'b'. If I put my right arm on the seat beside me (it's anchored) and my left arm on the wonderful hefty marble topped table that Grampa made me - and push both at the same time.......Im up! Now, all I have to do is get my shoes on.
The left shoe is no problem because it's right where I am standing. But that right shoe has slid off to the wrong side and I have to hop to it. Well, perhaps 'hop' is the wrong word. I kind of wiggle to it. Then I have to turn it over with my left foot. Have I ever told you about my left foot? It's the one that I leaned on for so many months before and after my hip surgery. It's a great foot and I truly love it. But lately it seems to think that it has a right to be lazy at times. And why not? It's been holding me up for almost 77 years now . I understand. But today - it just doesn't want to report for duty. So, the heck with the shoe! I can pick up another one later.
Now, this little action has taken twenty minutes so far. And I'm not even three feet away from my chair! Well, dears that just the beginning of my day. If I'm lucky the rest of the day won't get any more complicated. After all, I have to have some time to relax after all this exertion.
But I guarantee you that I will make it to my 'group date' at Costco at 2pm. We meet there and have a hot dog or pizza or maybe even a chicken bake. Have I told you about our group? We can have anywhere from three to fourteen people show up. We usually have about seven. We range in age from 84 to 2. That's Dolores (our friend who became a lawyer at 76 and is still practicing!) down to Brooklyn(our great grandchild who comes with her Nana, Susie). We'll discuss politics, Christianity, the price of gas, our kids, grandkids and great grands - and then we'll leave promptly at 3:30 - or mayble 4:00 if one of us gets stuck to the bench.
Hope your day is a full and satisfying as mine is.
Gramma
Here I am again. It's 10:30am and I've done all my immediate chores including breakfast, feed the piggies, read the newspaper, check out emails exercise in the pool, and have my personal devotions. I started all of this at 6:30am.
You wonder what the senior generation does with all our time? Well, for one thing, we take a great deal longer to do what you do. Getting out of a cushy chair for instance. I've watched you pop out of my recliner with a baby in your arms and a diaper bag on your shoulder. (You know who you are).
Well, for me - getting out of my recliner has become a challenge. First of all, I have to put my shoes back on - now that sounds easy - but in the course of my changing positions I've inadvertently kicked one slightly out of reach. Soooo, I stretch out my right foot and slide just far enough to feel my chunky bottom slide off the seat as my foot connects with the wrong shoe. But don't worry - I have a 'quick backslide' that lets me hang on to the security of my seat..
I decide that it isn't worthwhile to put the shoe on anyway, and prop myself up on the arms of the chair to put into action my failsafe lift. Now, here's another problem I didn't consider. My once muscular arms are now kind of flabby and - well let's just say it - not dependable. Sometimes they respond just right - but other times - they just buckle under.
No fear - I have a plan 'b'. If I put my right arm on the seat beside me (it's anchored) and my left arm on the wonderful hefty marble topped table that Grampa made me - and push both at the same time.......Im up! Now, all I have to do is get my shoes on.
The left shoe is no problem because it's right where I am standing. But that right shoe has slid off to the wrong side and I have to hop to it. Well, perhaps 'hop' is the wrong word. I kind of wiggle to it. Then I have to turn it over with my left foot. Have I ever told you about my left foot? It's the one that I leaned on for so many months before and after my hip surgery. It's a great foot and I truly love it. But lately it seems to think that it has a right to be lazy at times. And why not? It's been holding me up for almost 77 years now . I understand. But today - it just doesn't want to report for duty. So, the heck with the shoe! I can pick up another one later.
Now, this little action has taken twenty minutes so far. And I'm not even three feet away from my chair! Well, dears that just the beginning of my day. If I'm lucky the rest of the day won't get any more complicated. After all, I have to have some time to relax after all this exertion.
But I guarantee you that I will make it to my 'group date' at Costco at 2pm. We meet there and have a hot dog or pizza or maybe even a chicken bake. Have I told you about our group? We can have anywhere from three to fourteen people show up. We usually have about seven. We range in age from 84 to 2. That's Dolores (our friend who became a lawyer at 76 and is still practicing!) down to Brooklyn(our great grandchild who comes with her Nana, Susie). We'll discuss politics, Christianity, the price of gas, our kids, grandkids and great grands - and then we'll leave promptly at 3:30 - or mayble 4:00 if one of us gets stuck to the bench.
Hope your day is a full and satisfying as mine is.
Gramma
Thursday, July 3, 2008
4 GENERATIONS!
I'm entering the world of blogs in response to a request from my grandson, Todd. Besides - it sounds like fun and a good way to fill in time on those hot hot days ahead.
What will I talk about? Christianity, Politics, The election, Good reading, family history, food, relationships, events = you name it! I'm just going to let my mind wander through all of these topics and probably more. I hope this is what you want Todd.
Let me start by thanking God for the lovely family that we are part of. Dad an I are so grateful for each other, for our fine sons, for our daughters-in-law, our grandkids, and now great grandkids. Boy, that came fast. It seems like each day brings a new surprise. Tonight we'll be celebrating Justin's 30th birthday.
I remember a wonderful experience we had when he was only about ten. We took several of our grandkids on a camping trip to Big Lake. We were with friends from church and had such comfortable fellowship. The big event was that Justin caught his first fish! Was he thrilled! He's an avid fisherman now and his lovely wife, Jennifer, encourages him.
What will I talk about? Christianity, Politics, The election, Good reading, family history, food, relationships, events = you name it! I'm just going to let my mind wander through all of these topics and probably more. I hope this is what you want Todd.
Let me start by thanking God for the lovely family that we are part of. Dad an I are so grateful for each other, for our fine sons, for our daughters-in-law, our grandkids, and now great grandkids. Boy, that came fast. It seems like each day brings a new surprise. Tonight we'll be celebrating Justin's 30th birthday.
I remember a wonderful experience we had when he was only about ten. We took several of our grandkids on a camping trip to Big Lake. We were with friends from church and had such comfortable fellowship. The big event was that Justin caught his first fish! Was he thrilled! He's an avid fisherman now and his lovely wife, Jennifer, encourages him.
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