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Went to a Veteran's Day Concert this evening

It was nice to hear the patriotic music I grew up with. God, Glory, Honor and Duty.....all praised as things that were righteous and  worthy. Imagine that.  The high school chorus sang a version of American Trilogy. I always liked Elvis's version.   To all those who've served, this is for you:

The end of daylight savings time..

                               Did you remember to set you clocks back an hour last night?

I think I need an elegant adventure....

Gee, I hate November. It's so grey and blah. You have to start looking around
for new projects and adventures, because unless you're one of those individuals, who actually likes a cold, wet, barren landscape; there is nothing to do outdoors..

I have been doing some "house cleaning" of sorts. I sold off the extra bunnies and chickens. And I put the pellet stove and corner sink on craigs list. Today I am taking a huge bag of unwanted clothes and toys to the Once Again Shop. So, the closets are cleaned out.

And now what? I am thinking of starting a new painting. I got my dress dummy down from the attic to, perhaps, make a few dresses. (Have you ever noticed how hard it is to find just a regular, everyday house dress? You just can't find them anymore!) I could always re- grout the kitchen tile (I keep saying I'm going to do this....and I will...eventually) But I need a new job or project or adventure.

I can't really get a job job because of the kids. I don't want just a job anyway. I want something half way interesting. If I am going to leave my nice warm house and go out in the cold and snow there better be a darn good reason for it! So....what? What to do? What to do?

What do you do when you feel at loose ends? How do you find your next adventure? I really want to know!

In the meantime, Happy Guy Fawkes Day! Today is the day the English celebrate the failure of a plot to blow up Parliament and assassinate King James I by burning one of the plotters in effigy. (Those crazy Brits!)
Our friend Karen is from England, and celebrates every year by hosting a bonfire. I've never been, so we'll bundle up and go join the festivities this evening.

Hope your evening is wonderful..............

It's election day....have you voted yet?

I don't think I have missed voting in an election since I turned 18. It is a privilege that I take seriously. I try to understand the issues. I do not necessarily vote down party lines. I'm sure you and I might disagree on many different issues and/or candidates. But this one thing I believe.  It is not only our right as Americans to vote; it is our duty.

So, before work, during your day,  or after supper,  go make your choices.. Make your opinions felt and heard. Don't let anyone tell you your vote doesn't count. And the more of us who believe that, the more we can show the politicians who REALLY  runs this country of ours. 

VOTE!!!

   P.S.  If you have neighbors or know people at church who are home bound or just aren't able to get out much, stop by and see if they need a ride to the polls.

Spooky Halloween greetings everybody!!!

A night at the movies....

 The two youngest had places to be tonight, so the big boys and I (and Joey's girl, Kelly) went to the movies. We saw RED with Bruce Willis,Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary Louis Parker.

First of all, it's fun just being out with the guys. They are hardly ever home these days...always going somewhere and doing something. So it's nice when we can  spend a little time doing something together.

The movie it's self was refreshing. At least I thought so....the stars were all 46 or older and they were sexy and smart and dangerous. Who says it's all down hill after 40? These people certainly don't show any signs of slowing down.

If you have the chance, go see this movie. Lots of action, some romance and  a little humour too.

a sad farewell to a friend

Life's Eternal Song

I hold you 'till Life's Breath is gone

I cry for all I'm worth
Even though I know we share a memory
Of you and I on Earth.
As I sit upon the windowsill
Looking out into the rain
There's still a brightness in the sky
That clears away the pain
As I look into the Heavens
I feel that you are gone
But I know that you are there with God
Singing Life's Eternal Song

-By: Rachel Schlow, age 10


Yesterday we lost our little Jasper. Well, he wasn't that little anymore! He turned out to be a good sized cat, considering he started out life an abandoned runt.
 
He was our friendliest cat. He was silly too. Lately he had taken to hanging from the screen door and peering into the kitchen. It was kind of creepy to be standing at the sink doing dishes and then, when you turn around, there's a huge pair of green eyes staring at you from outside!
 
Good bye Jas....we miss you so!

Don't be nervous.....

On Friday I am having a colonoscopy. I am very, very nervous about the whole thing.

For those who didn't know, I had several surgeries when I was a child.   The M.O. of the hospital staff back then was pretty much just grab the kid and do what you wanted. No explanations. No parents around to sooth a frightened child.  

I'm a big girl now, but I have never gotten over the feelings of fear when I am around hospitals and/or medical personnel (which is ironic considering I was a critical care respiratory therapist for 13 years!).  I no longer scream when I get blood drawn, but if there's a way to get out of a medical procedure, I'll find it!

Unfortunately some things you just gotta do. The annual pap smear and mammogram, and, now that I am 50 (OMG! How did THAT happen?) I need to add colonoscopy to my regularly scheduled procedures.

I am told that the worst part is the emmm...cleansing that occurs the day before.  I have canceled all my plans for tomorrow and loaded up on T.P., ginger ale, and library books.  At least, after the meds do their thing, at least for the day, no one can tell me I'm full of Sh##.

Colon cancer is the #2 cause of Cancer related  deaths. If caught early, it's is almost always curable.  To learn more about colon cancer check out this site: http://www.humc.com/coloncenter/fact.shtml
Then, be brave, like me, and go schedule your your colonoscopy. Even it it is a pain in the butt.

Anybody want a bunny?

  

It's been a busy week. Swimming and football are done for the season and cross country is finishing up. I have to say I am relieved that the constant taxiing of children from meet to meet is nearly done...at least for

awhile.                                                                                                                                                     

     Joey is still fighting to be allowed to enter the military. The DNA tests came back negative for Marfan's, but the Army, in it's wisdom, is asking for other tests to be done, so we are making appointments as quickly

as we can, so we can get this boy in uniform. I am so proud, and yet, at the same time, scared to death. It's

one thing to marry a soldier. It's a whole different game when you're the mom of a soldier. 

Check out my new bifocals...what do you think?

The corn maze is back! We went on Sunday. It was fun, but MUDDY.  We almost fell a couple of times. I ran into my friend Karen and her daughter, Emmy, Karen invited us to a bonfire on Guy Fawkes Day (November 5th).  That should be fun!!

This is Groucho. He, his mother and 3 of his brothers and sisters live in my basement. Sigh. This is too many bunnies indoors!! We have to get rid of some of these guys. Any takers???  Gillian loves them, but is getting overwhelmed  caring for them.

As October is rolling into November we are still working on the house. Trying to finish up some outside work before the weather gets too cold. We had the eaves at the back of the house fixed and more of the gutter put in. I wish I could snap my fingers and have it all done in an instant.....but I will settle for slowly, but surely.  I am so excited to see this beautiful house being brought back to life!  It is an absolute joy to be a part of  the "resurrection".

A thoughtful message from a wonderful woman

If I Had My Life To Live Over 

by Erma BombeckThe following was written by the late Erma Bombeck
after she found out she was dying.  

If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ...

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.