Today in My Life ... April 26, 2025

 Today is April 26, 2025

I woke up this morning about 2:45 and after spending a few minutes in the bathroom, I rolled and tumbled in the bed for an hour before deciding to just give up the ghost and get up.  It's raining and the sound of the rain on the roof and windows paired with the window rattling thunder is making for a wonderful time to be awake.  There's truly nothing like a LONG drought to make one really appreciate the sounds of water falling from the sky.

Had a cystoscopy this week and am not at all sure that I want to do that again...EVER.. The first one back in December was not nearly as bad as this one.. or perhaps I've just forgotten how bad it was..lol  The worst part is the use of succinylcholine (a paralytic the anesthesiologist uses ) that leaves me feeling like I've spent a week in basic training with the 3rd Marines.  Every muscle in my body screaming..lol  However, the worst is over now and life is beginning to return to normal.  

One would think that after about 8 or 9 years of wearing the same old robe...every morning (and sometimes all day)... that a person would finally realize that enough is enough and get a new one...wouldn't one?   But no, I just can't find one that I like.  I've looked.  In stores.  In catalogs.  On line.  Nothing is even close to what I would like.  So this poor raggedy thing will have to make it another year (or until I find something I can live with... sigh)

My roses are out doing themselves this year.  I guess the lackluster showing from last year was just them saving up for this year.  Of course, it has nothing to do with the fact that I have fertilized them at least a couple of time over the fall and winter... 

Phil and Loretta were here over Easter weekend.  What a joy that always is. I had (sort of) planned a couple of things to do while they were here, but it seems that no one wanted to get out of their pajamas so we all just visited, ate, watched tv and in general enjoyed our time together.  Can't think of a better way to spend the time.  

I haven't been in much of a constructive mood lately.  Not much "making" of anything going on.  My sewing machine is acting up and even tho I got the old one down and plugged it in enough to mend a few things, just can't get in the "making" mood.  

I have painted a few eggs for Jerry.  But he has come up with one that I just haven't been able to wrap my head around even though I've had it on my mind for a couple of weeks.  I'll continue to think it through and eventually get it.  Here's a couple of the ones I've done so far...

   This egg I gave to a friend who is a plant enthusiast...like me.  We trade plants occasionally.  However, her green thumb is a lot greener than mine.. lol

It is now going on 7:30am and the rain and thunder continue.  Cannot say how wonderful that is since there has been so little of it. 

There are no plans for this day.  There are several things I need to do, but no real plans to do them.  Perhaps a lightening strike will wake up my get up and go..lol

Enjoy your day today.  Find something that makes you smile and hold onto it for as long as you can!

 

A Bit of Reality Strikes

 Time has always been an ephemeral thing for me...like a will o the wisp that glides through the mind on a whim and then fades as it goes by without much notice by anyone.  This morning I was restless after a 3am trip to the bathroom...so I got up.  The night is a philosophical time with no one around, no noise ... just peace. The thoughts began to revolve around a birthday coming up.. number 77. 

This one is finally bringing home the realization that life is not forever...at some point it's over and the baton must be past to the next generation.  As I pondered all these things this morning... things left undone, relationships that I hope will be mended, plans left to do or finalize... the thought peeped in that I had never considered that my parents and grandparents had had to face the finalization of their lives.  Were they happy?  Were they regretful?  Were they prepared?  Were their lives fulfilled? 

Somehow our parents and grandparents.. even as we grow older ...are the stabilizing rock of our existence.  It never crosses our minds that they have to face the same things we face...and have the same agonies of decision making that we've had to go through.  And then suddenly reality hits and the time grows short. 

This is my Dad as he is leaving for the Army after being drafted for WWII.. visiting his grandparents before leaving.  I knew my great grandfather .. he died when I was in the 5th grade. And the generations continue... with Dad's children and their children and now their children.  

I can't say that I am delighted at the prospect of time being limited now that I have recognized it... but it is calming to know that the ones I love will continue long after I'm gone. 

 

 

Losing Dianne

 I guess I knew that Dianne was not doing too well.  We haven't physically seen each other for many years and yet spoke online almost every day through Facebook, messages or phone calls.  I remember thinking about a week or so ago that I hadn't heard from her in a while and "I need to call"....  Then last night as I was cooking supper Jerry said "Listen to me.  I'm trying to tell you something!" .. sigh .. "Dianne Nash has died."  I couldn't catch my breath.  

I met Tom and Dianne Nash around 2005 at a Ranger Reunion in San Antonio, TX.  Their daughter Kim had died just a few months earlier and while they were as upbeat as they could be, the sadness was palpable.  We liked each other, but it was not an "instant bond" thing.  Then as time went on and we came across each other on facebook and talked via messenger and phone calls, we became friends. 

Tom and Dianne would take trips to New Mexico almost every year and the year we built our new house (2011) in Sherman, TX they made a special effort to stop to see us.  

We had just moved into our new home and had barely emptied all the boxes.. lol  It was so fun to have them with us.  Out to dinner, shopping in the antique stores...Tom going to Jerry's coffee klatch with him.  They only stayed one day and left the next morning, but what fun.  

Over the years we followed all the fun, the pride in our husbands, the Ranger reunions, the Ranger newsletter, sharing crafts and books...Tom wrote poetry and we had a shared interest in certain kinds of books.  Jerry edited the newsletter and Tom was President of the Ranger Association...both spent a lot of time encouraging all their buddies and helping with VA paperwork. What a team they were.  

Tom died in 2021 and left a hole in our hearts..and now Dianne.  Sleep well, Dear Friends. 

Santa Cookie Plate and Christmas Ornaments

 I decided this morning that I've put off posting long enough.  Things happen and I just can't get in the mood to post... what kind of nonsense is that???  lol  Anyway, I got up this morning at 5:15am and decided I needed to do something besides sit in my chair.

I found this cute dough roller at the Dollar Store the other day for $1.59...lol  I knew it was not going to be "professionally finished"... more like raw wood.  But I love it anyway.  And...a sweet friend of mine brought me some air dry clay a few days ago...sooo ... this morning turned out to be "the" morning.  

I'm sure that if I make a few dozen more Santa Cookie Plates and Christmas ornaments I may get good at keeping the thickness uniform,  but that's definitely not the case today.

I have about 5 pounds of Air Dry Clay around here somewhere..put away where I can "always" find it..just can't find it today..sigh  Or last week or the week before .. or any time I've spent hours looking for it. 

But I am truly enjoying this idea. Last year at Christmas, I dehydrated oranges to hang on my tree.  I will do the same thing this year because I truly loved the stained glass look of them glistening on the tree.  

What I didn't realize when this bright idea struck was...those beautiful little flowers...get clay stuck in them.  Then you spend 1/2 hour with a toothpick and a good light to clean them out! However, I find that it's worth the time.  And.. if you spray it with your Pam cooking spray it doesn't stick.  But.. I'll have to tell you later whether the oily spray caused problems in the drying process...fingers crossed here. 

Now comes the hard part...waiting for them to dry.  I'm sure I'll wait at least 2 days before I start painting them.  I used the screw on lid from my canning jars for the circles.  I just cut the pear (that was supposed to be a bell until I realized I liked the pear) using a sharp paring knife.  And that little bitty thing on the right center is just a blob of clay with my thumbprint in it.  

(Have you ever thought about the fact that we have no idea what our grandparents hands looked like except in memory?)

I'm considering making a set of these for each of our children.  I would like to think that all my grandchildren would have at least one thing that is personal to me...whether it be something hand written, a Christmas ornament, a thumbprint, a book mark, a painting..whatever. 

It's been wonderfully cool here in SW Oklahoma for the past few days.  However...we are still waiting for appreciable rain.  If it doesn't rain soon, I'll have to water the mint and get the rest of it harvested and dried so I'll have winter tea.  I'm not sure how to shut down the sage for winter...harvest it all but a few or just cut the stem down and water it good for the winter... hmm.. must ask Barbara. 

Have a good day today.  Keep your loved ones close and try to spend at least a few minutes today doing exactly what you WANT to do instead of all those things we HAVE to do each day.  Hugs...

Would You Make A Prepper's Doll?

 Several years ago Jerry and I began to consider the need to prepare for a disaster.  We considered food, water, shelter, medicines, personal hygiene items...and the list goes on and on.  As time has passed, we continue to consider these things.  As I began to look through the internet for related things, I came across this most unusual idea....  A Prepper Doll.   

I have to say this totally intrigues me.. lol  Now...we have reached the age that if anything did happen we are just too old to jump in the car and run off to some "secret" hidey hole and wait everything out.  But...that is not to say that I may not make one of these little cuties just to see if I can.. lol 

Stuff You Can't Have  is a blog by Catherine McEver with the description of this doll.  There doesn't seem to be any real pattern, but it shows how each area of the doll is filled with necessary items for survival.  The legs are filled with rice, the arms with beans and lentils, the body with fishing gear, knife, medical supplies or anything you would like to put in it or feel you would need.  The clothes have an underskirt that is embroidered with necessary ideas for building a shelter, purifying water, how to build a fire and some basic first aid.  Even her face is used to show that stress and fear will be a way to keep you on your toes in the event of a disaster.  

I find it a very unusual and ingenious idea.  I think I would change the face to one of hope instead of sadness, tho.  

If you go over to the site, be sure to click thru the other labels on the side panel to see some of her other posts.  This lady is amazing in her ability to take beauty from the most bland things.  I truly enjoyed her site. 

The weather has cooled off again in Southwestern Oklahoma.  The fire was lit this morning and the dogs are in hog heaven once again.  Nothing really came of the weather alert for our first "there is a small possibility of a tornado" for this year.  I'm sure it won't be the last, but there is always hope.. lol

Have a wonderful day today... and as the Boy Scouts always say... Be Prepared!  (in line with the subject of this post!)  :)

Today in My Life... March 24, 2024

 

I woke up this morning around 2:30 am and for whatever reason could not get back to sleep .. so I got up and moved to my recliner and tried to sleep there for a while.  Both dogs decided to join me so I had no trouble staying warm...however, moving around was a bit stilted... if you get my drift..lol  

Finally I decided to give up the ghost and just get up.  Put the Navy Beans (as my grandmother called them) in water to soak to be cooked for supper tonight, put out bacon to be thawing for breakfast and plopped back down in the other recliner to see if it would be better.  It wasn't.  

So here I am at 5:17 writing for the first time in at least a month.  

We've had rain during the week and thankful is not even a big enough word for what we feel about that.  I've heard all my life the saying "March winds, April rains"... well there was very little wind and finally a little rain, but everyone is sure hoping that April will bring rains and lots of them.  However, we are under a wind advisory beginning tonight for strong winds up to 50 mph into tomorrow noon.  We may get some of those March winds yet.  We'll see.

The rain has brought some of the back yard into bloom.  Love that.  The redbud is bursting out all over and the japonica has already set all the blooms for the lovely cherries that will make jam this year.  Been here 7 years and just learned last year that these beauties are good to eat.  Who knew! 

I took the dogs out around 3am and the neighbor's dogs across the alley were in a massive uproar about something.  No idea what about, but they seemed to settle down within a few minutes. The only sounds heard.  One of the things I love about this time of the day is the peace...quiet...ability to just drift off into thoughts of whatever comes along. 

Have been a little under the weather during this past month... off and on.  Running a slight fever every night for no obvious reason at all... I like to blame it on the 2 teeth I had to have prepped for crowns last week but not sure that's what it was.  Between that and the teeth, it's been a month of doing whatever can be done in a chair.. lol 

I cut up my short nightgown and used it as a pattern to make me a new one.  Had a left over piece of a sheet I had cut up for a project, so I used it and some pretty lace to put together a new one.  The poor old one was on it's last leg!  This one turned out pretty good... if you don't look too closely...lol 

An old friend from Sherman, (Hi Amber!) sent me a message to tell me she was finally getting that spinning wheel she's been wanting for about 10 years.  So HAPPY FOR HER! And she's doing great!  Sent me pics of her yarn.. Started my spinning bug back and I've been happily chugging out my Blue Faced Leicester over the last week or so.  

When it came time to dye it I found that I had 2 cherry Kool Aid packets and one strawberry... sooo... guess what color I got to choose.. lol  But it came out good.  275 yards of 2 ply and about 100 yards of 3 ply (Navajo plied).  No plans yet for a finished product, but we'll see what comes along. 

Been doing some "mindless" knitting with some 2ply handspun that I've had for a while.  It will probably turn into a scarf or a head/ear covering like I made a couple of months ago.  This feels really good so I may end up keeping this for myself.. lol  

Still reading the same series of books by Pedro Urvi.  Can't for the life of me figure out why I'm even reading them..lol  They are definitely written for kids still in school, but somehow got sucked in and can't seem to stop.  Book 11 now... whew... must change!  

And now the time is 6:10 am and I can legally turn on the coffee pot... YAYYYY   I do enjoy a Dr. Pepper every now and then but this one to stave off the coffee addiction is not working.. just sayin'...  :)

I looked at the calendar and so far there is nothing on it for this week except the groomer for dogs.. and hair appointment.  Those two I enjoy.. others not so much.. :)  I have some things I need to get into the mail and the prep for that will take at least a day, but that is the only planning so far for the week.  

I hope you have a wonderful day...full of laughs, friends, hugs.  If you don't get smiles, give one.  :)  

Today in My Life... 02-20-2024

 Today is Tuesday, Februrary 20, 2024

I got up this morning:  later than usual.  I spiked a fever last night, not a high one, but didn't feel quite spunky enough to attend the Women's Circle meeting today.  I have 2 teeth that need the fillings redone so I'm thinking that is what is causing the fever. 

I am hearing:  Talley as she puts the dishes up from the dishwasher.  Jerry now has a personal aide who comes twice a week to help him with his daily living.  She is a wonderful young lady..upbeat and jolly most of the time.  Helping with whatever needs are found that day.  We are very thankful to have her help.

I am thinking:  about the fact that I have promised to help Dr. Rivera learn to paint.  Wow.. I haven't painted in so long I'm sure I remember how!  lol 

I am wearing:  a blue...almost worn completely out....housedress.  I tell myself every week that "next payday" I'm going to buy some clothes.  I haven't bought many things to wear in the last 7 years...it's about time.  Everything I own is almost worn out..lol

As I look out the window:  the sun is shining beautifully.  What a day for the middle of February.  It's supposed to be in the near 70°s today.  My bushes think it's time to bloom out and I'm afraid I will lose all the little berries from my Japonica. 
 

The current book is:  The King of the West  by Pedro Urvi.  It's a young adult book in the fantasy genre.  It's definitely not in the As the Bell Tolls class, but it's good enough for an easy read to fall asleep at night.  :)  This is the 7th in a long series by this author.  I guess I'll read it until I get tired of it.  :)  

Creatively:  I've been a busy girl.  Finally.  Picked up my knitting again.  Have knitted soooo many scarves, wrist cuffs that I think I may turn into one.  Got started naalbinding and then couldn't put that down.  Then decided to make a plaque hanger to hang my coat by the door.  Then my friend wanted one so made her one too.. lol  But all make me happy.. so I don't mind the busyness.  

Plans for the day:  None...  Still feel a little punk so am not going to plan a lot for today.  Probably knit some..may do some hand sewing.  But definitely nothing that requires a lot of moving around.  Maybe tomorrow will be better. 

As I wandered through Facebook today I came across this quote from J.R.R. Tolkein.  I've heard parts of it before but never realized he is the one who wrote it!  I love it. 

“All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

(The Lord of Rings)

Perhaps I will be back faster than this time. I hope so. Be kind today and enjoy all those close around you... and even some not so close. Have a wonderful day!

Today in My Life ... August 28, 2023

 

Today is: August 28, 2023

Today in my life: I sit here and think back to a time when I had no computer and felt as if the world was passing me by.. lol  I just knew that as my grandchildren grew up their knowledge of how these things worked would surpass me to the point we would have nothing to talk about.  Little did I know!  This still happens, but it's not anywhere near what I thought it would be.  :)

I got up this morning:  at 5:00 and turned on the coffee pot as I passed by to turn the alarm off to take the dogs out.  It's quite the eye opener when one forgets to turn the alarm off and nonchalantly opens an outside door... ask me how I know!

I am hearing:  the oxygen concentrator that is humming away beside the door.  It's in here to keep the noise from permeating our bedroom at night.  

I am thinking: that I have outlived my time.  The world as we know it today is not the one I grew up in and I find that very sad for our children and grandchildren. The idea that homes need security systems when there was a time that no one even locked their doors is quite sad for me. 

I am wearing: my pajamas.. it's still very early and I will dress later.  Sweet DH is still sleeping and my clattering around in the shower and flapping closet doors might be a little much.. :)

As I look out the window: I do so love to see the birds fly back and forth to the birdhouse hanging from the eave.  I can hear the baby birds chirping from a window in our bedroom  Every year we have several bird families flying in and out and we can see them from at least 2 windows of the house. 

The current book is:  The Assassin's Target: CIA Assassin   This is the last of a series of books written by Auston King.  This series is reminiscent of the books by Vince Flynn and Daniel Silva...but he is not quite as good.  With that said, I would still recommend his books. 

Creatively:  I have done a few things.  Since we have a new great grandson I loaded the loom and put together a small blanket and made a receiving blanket for Casey.  What a joy to do!  I also got the old knitting needles out and have been keeping the hands busy in the evenings making wristlets and scarves.  I find that when crocheting and having to count stitches, my macular degeneration causes me problems...especially if I am trying to use a dark colored yarn.  So I have been sticking with the knitting needles. 

Plans for the day: It's off the hospital this morning for the yearly mammogram.  Never my favorite thing to do, but necessary.  Then on to do a few errands before coming home.  Seems I enjoy home more all the time.. :)

It's been extremely hot...but then it's August.  Triple digit heat for days on end.  If it's 80° at 5am and that feels soooo cool you want to sit on the porch with coffee even if you can't see your hand in front of your face... for me that's amazing.  But September is on the horizon so we stay indoors and busy... or not busy... as the day unfolds.  

As I sip my second cup of coffee and watch our fur babies sleeping away in their beds beside me, I'll say "Hope your day goes well."  Sending hugs.. :) 

Casey Jaymes Kemper

 Meet the newest of the new... our Great Grandson Casey Jaymes Kemper born last night August 6, 2023 .. I am just delighted with this little fella.  :)  He is the our daughter Paula's 5th grandchild and I have to say that I'm wishing I lived in Wichita, KS right now.  :)

Why Am I Up?

 It's 3:45am.. why am I up?  This has become a trend in the last couple of weeks.  As the old saying goes "Up before breakfast!".  

I still have quite a bit of the black and white yarn I've been using, so I started another scarf.  Not quite the same pattern is showing up as I go along, but still showing the the same geometrics.  I have to say I am enjoying getting back into knitting. 

However, I'm not sure I'm up for the "frogging" that will be taking place as soon as I wake up enough to not totally mess up this scarf and have to start over.  I have NO IDEA how I managed to mess up 4 rows without noticing the screw up! 

I was knitting this last night while we were watching the making of Band Of Brothers and I guess I became more interested in the show than in what I was doing.  I have to say that Band Of Brothers  is one of the most moving series I have ever seen and I will see it many more times since we liked it so well we bought it. 

I had a call yesterday from grandson Jeff.  What a joy that guy is.. lol  He is expecting his first child and he said the baby will be born via section on August 9th.  I can hardly wait and I'm sure his wife is even more ready than I am.  :)  

The moon this morning is awesome.  I went out to try to capture it on camera and it just wouldn't work for me for some reason.  I believe I could sit outside and watch the moon for hours on nights like this.  It's huge and beautifully clear.

Temps for the last few days have been horrible.  Triple digits around 107° every day and we've had poor workmen out working in it fixing the soffits and eaves of our house.  I feel for anyone having to work outside in this heat.  Weather says we're in for a cold front the end of the week.. only around 104° .. not much of a cold front if you ask me.. 

It's now 4:30am and I've had one cup of coffee, the dogs are sleeping on their beds in here with me, I can hear the oxygen concentrator buzzing and it seems the whole world is sleeping quietly.  What a blessing it is to be safe in our home, cool and comfortable, with the ones we love.  Every now and then I am a bit overwhelmed with the ocean of blessings that we have had bestowed upon us.  

Enjoy your day, hug your loved ones...