Tuesday, December 23, 2008
White Christmas this year!
I will be off work until January 5th!! RELAX time. YIPPEEEEE!
I pray everyone is safe and warm this Christmas.
Friday, December 19, 2008
"A Baby Changes Everything"
"A Baby Changes Everything"
It gives me goosebumps everytime I listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8illRJRmN8&feature=related
Saturday, December 13, 2008
I love Christmas!!
When I was a little kid I saw Santa Clause and his sleigh fly across sky. I can't remember how old I was, but we were living in a little house on Libby Road. I must've been in first grade. I don't know if my brother was born yet or not. I think he was a baby. The jingling of sleigh bells woke me up so I ran to the window and looked out and I KNOW I saw santa in his sleigh flying across the sky. (Now I think it was the imagination of a sleepy child wishing it to be true). I'm sure my parents were drunk downstairs and putting the gifts under the tree and daddy jingling the bells and mom giggling. Dad was an overgrown kid at Christmas!
My sister was watching this movie "Prancer" and she called me and said "You have got to see this movie! It is YOU". I saw the movie, and sure enough, it was me! I had the imagination that the little girl in the movie had.
"The Polar Express" is magical too!! The only ones that can hear the bell are "believers" Well I heard the bells!!
I Love to watch all the old Christmas movies with magical messages in them.
In the news lately the Governor has a Nativity scene in the Capitol building in Olympia. Well the Atheists decided they needed to put their message up too, and they did!.
They put up their display and boy, has there been quite the controversy! They have every right to have a display of their beliefs, but don't slam ours! I feel bad for them. I pray for their souls and salvation. I feel bad for people that do not have the comfort of Christ Jesus to rely on. I feel sad that they think that this is it. Nothing more. Don't take me wrong, I do not condemn anyone their beliefs and religion. Let them celebrate what they want to celebrate. Winter Solstice has been celebrated by the Pagans for eons. The Christians have adopted December 25 as their day to celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
I hope everyone can enjoy the Holidays as much as I do!! Peace to all.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Thursday, December 04, 2008
FIRE!!!!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
My Gratitude list
I am thankful for my brother.
My brother was diagnosed with adinocarcinoma of the peritoneum last year and was given three months to three years. (Cancer in the sac in the abdomen).
He is still with us.
He was taken off of Chemotherapy a month ago because it wasn't doing what they thought it should, and he was sick alot. Well this past week he was sick again and Sherry took him into the emergency room tuesday morning at 2:30. She sat by his side all day long. They admitted him and will keep him yet another day just to see if he will be able to keep things in him. My heart breaks for him. We don't want to see him in so much pain but we don't want him to die either. Sherry has such love for that man.
I am thankful for Sherry.
He has what I have been searching for all my life. A spouse that loves him unconditionally. She was crying the other day telling me how much she loves him and the song "He gives and takes away" kept playing in her head. God gave her Mike and now he will be taking him away. I told her we might still have him for a few more years. We have given him to God and asking for His will not ours be done. That is so hard to do, but in order to keep our sanity we need to keep our Faith and know that whatever happens is for a reason and is in God's plan not ours.
My Faith has grown so much in the past few years. I have lost most of my fears.
I am thankful for my Faith. I come home from work and have no one to vent to and the trials I am put through sometimes can be too hard to bear, and the only person I feel I can turn to is God. I am constantly giving myself to Him. What I mean by that, is I trust in Him that His will is better than my will. I am thankful for every trial I am put through because that makes me turn to God and trust in Him. It has taken years to get to this point but what a freedom to not feel the fear I used to feel.
I am thankful for my sobriety. Without that, I would have nothing. Actually, working the twelve steps brought me to Faith.
I am thankful for my health. I have Diabetes which has weakened my immune system and whatever I am exposed to I come down with it. I also have arthritis. The pill arthrotec 75 they just put me on has been a wonder drug for me! I am so thankful that I don't have MS or some other debilitating disease.
I am thankful for my three cats that love me and fight over me when I come home.
I am thankful for my sister that loves me and is my friend. and her daughter Donna and son Tim, and my brother's son Galen. All are healthy and clothed and have a warm bed.
I am thankful for my freedom. Thank you to all the military folks that are out there fighting for our Country to keep us free.
Ah, life is good.
Update: Sherry and I had a quiet dinner at my house, after she took my brother home from the hospital. He is still sick, and the doctor told him that the hospital cannot do any more for him. They suggested him going into a place like a nursing home. I will call around tomorrow to find out how we can keep him home through to the end. I know of a system called COPES that will pay for home health. That is the best way.
Keep him and Sherry in your prayers please.
Monday, November 24, 2008
The 1863 Lincoln Proclamation
by the President of the United States of America
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than theretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union. In testimony wherof I have herunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
[Signed]A. Lincoln
I noticed more history of Thanksgiving here. Interesting reads.Sit back and take a deep slow breath.Again. Now take a few minutes and reflect on the past year and your life and find the things you are thankful for. I have many!!
I pray everyone has a blessed and SAFE Thanksgiving!!
I posted this last year and thought it is appropriate again for this year.
God Bless you all and keep you safe.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Saturday
I went to work yesterday and feel MUCH better!! I had a reaction to the pills they gave me. Swell. I need to stay healthy!! I have 5 more years before I can retire!! God willing.
I need to get purtied up so I can go to the Gratitude Banquet at AA tonight. Whoot!
Well I have fun!!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
This is how I feel!
I went back to work on Thursday. I went to my doctor and she found an infection in me so I am now on some kind of sulfa antibiotic. I thought I had a bladder infection but she said no. Friday I couldn't get out of bed so I called in sick! Today I got up at 10:00 and was back in bed at 1:00 and got up at 3:00 and now I am heading back to bed at 10:30.
G'nite
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I'm back and all rested up!
Swans and ducks are swimming,
Friday, November 07, 2008
I'm off for the weekend!
My brother's wife Sherry and I are going with a few gals from my Church.
It will be alot of fun and just what the doctor ordered for Sherry!
Caregivers need a break once in awhile ya know!!
Y'all have a great weekend, I know I sure will!!
TA-TA!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Change has come
We have witnessed history in the making! I remember the riots in the 50's & 60's, and Martin Luther King assassinated telling of his dream that happened last night!
No matter how you voted, (I didn't vote for Bush but I stood by him and supported him later), we all need to give Barack a chance and believe me, it won't happen over night. He has quite a mess waiting for him to come in and work miracles.
I am very proud of McCain's speech. After all the stupid dirty politics, we need to forget all that and move forward and do all we can to save this Country. We are teetering and ready to fall. I am ready to pay more taxes, nothing comes free (except Island Transit, we are fare free). We need to get this Country back on it's feet and work on healthcare, retirements, and local jobs. BUY LOCAL, folks.
I am going to sit and watch tv tonight with NO POLITICAL ADS!!
Goodnight.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
No matter who wins the elections....
Show Me!
Regardless of who wins the November Election...
TOP 10 PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed teaching and healing.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?!!!!
Ah, Just 2 more days!!
I pray for our Country. (by the way, I voted for Barack).
Friday, October 31, 2008
My two Cats The third is just keeping away from them.
Well look at them now, folks. It is fun watching them. She would sashay up to Elliott and rub against him, then walk away, then Elliott would do the disgusting thing that animals do and sniff her butt. Look at him, he looks like he is enjoying that! (he is).
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Scaredy Cat
Last night Elliott, my brown striped character cat was in bed with me and my other two cats.
Punkin was curled up on my left side, Cinderella was curled up on my other pillow and Elliott was stretched down and hugging my entire body. He was laying on my chest and stretched down my body. He is heavy but warm, so I left him there for awhile. All the cats were purring and I felt loved indeed. I wasn't asleep yet so I reached over to stroke Elliott and barely touched his whiskers, and BAM!!! He ejected out of bed faster than an ejection seat in a fighter jet!!
HAHAHAHA I don't know what he thought, but I scared the beejeesus out of him!! He hit the wall and then the floor. The other two cats just looked up and shook their heads and went back to sleep. I looked down at Elliott and he was just sitting there dazed. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I couldn't stop laughing! Still can't. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Poor baby!
I guess you should've been there.
Maybe not....:-)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
A Druggie I am not
Saturday, October 25, 2008
New Computer, knee operation
My old one was going downhill fast. I remembered I had some retirement money in the Hospital from when I worked there, and called in January inquiring what I can do about it. They told me I needed to wait until I was 59 1/2 until I can start drawing on it. I was that old in August and remembered again about the money. I called a few weeks ago and asked how much I had. I knew I had about $1,500 about 8 years ago. Well she told me it grew to $8,000. WOW! Knowing the market is teetering, I asked if I could draw it out in one lump sum. She said yes, and also suggested me having about 20% rtaken out for Federal taxes. So I told her to take out 23% just to be safe, and I got a check for $5,000. That took care of my Home Depot bill for my new wimndows, and my Discover account and left me with about $1,000.00 for a new computer. I went to Costco and found this one for $699.00. I really lucked out, because AIG is losing alot of money, and my check was from AIG. whew!! That was a nest egg I didn't know I had and came in real handy when I needed it!!
Now on to my knee. I have been going downhill as fast as my old computer! Arthritis etc. I asked for xrays of my knee and they found arthritis in both knees and worse in the right knee. Well glory bee imagine that! My doctor sent me to a new Orthopedic Doctor here in town and he suggested having an arthoscopy done on it. (definition from wikipedia follows)
Arthroscopy (also called arthroscopic surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage of the interior of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision. Arthroscopic procedures can be performed either to evaluate or to treat many orthopaedic conditions including torn floating cartilage, torn surface cartilage, ACL reconstruction, and trimming damaged cartilage.
The advantage of arthroscopy over traditional open surgery is that the joint does not have to be opened up fully. Instead, only two small incisions are made - one for the arthroscope and one for the surgical instruments. This reduces recovery time and may increase the rate of surgical success due to less trauma to the connective tissue. It is especially useful for professional athletes, who frequently injure knee joints and require fast healing time. There is also less scarring, because of the smaller incisions. Irrigation fluid is used to distend the joint and make a surgical space. Sometimes this fluid leaks into the surrounding soft tissue causing extravasation and edema.
Well I am so happy that this is minimal because I HURT!!! I am also happy because they gave me Oxycodone for the pain. I had this done Thursday at 3:30pm and got home at 8:30pm. I slept most of Friday and now it is Saturday morning at 2:00am. I didn't get a cane or walker as I didn't think I needed one. HA!! I have a small house so I lean on the walls as I hobble around grunting and screaming at times. I left the pills in the kitchen, dang!!
I am an alcoholic so I hesitated taking these strong feel happy pills. Some people in the program (we call it the program in Alcoholics Anonymous) think we should not take pills for pain because it is mind altering. Well some people are complete asshole idiots, too!! Let them hurt in agony trying to be a martyr NOT, ME!! The doctor gave me 45 pills. Believe me, I have them counted. I told him not to let me have any more. So here is where my alcoholic mind comes in. I was thinking that if I had 45 pills, and it says to take two every 4-6 hours as need for pain, I will only take one only when needed. That way I can keep the unused ones for later when I might need them. Well throw that theory out the window!! I started out taking one and went to bed. I woke up yesterday afternoon after sleeping 8 hours and my entire leg was throbbing so much the cats were holding on tight just to stay in bed!! It took me about 15 minutes trying to get out of bed, (I have one of those mattresses that conform to the body, and after sleeping for 8 hours, you have to crawl out of the hole the mattress has you in. It is not a pretty site, that is for sure)! By the time I hobbled into the kitchen to get to the pills, I wanted to take 4!! Nope, I'll be a martyr and only take two.
Well they are beginning to take effect, so I better close for now before I make a complete idiot of myself! hehehehe
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Fall
Every October we have a scarecrow contest here in Coupeville. I took some pictures, but they didn't show them justice. The first photo is of my friends Al & Nancy. He gets his imagination going and constructs a fabulous monument every year. Unfortunately he isn't included in the contest because he lives in the country and the contest is downtown Coupeville. He gets honorable mention in my books!!
The picture is too dark to show the big black bat, but it is great!
The theme is "The cows returning to Coupeville".
So a bunch of folks at Island Transit concocted these cows and scarecrow.
(If you look close at the black spots on the cows, it is actually maps of Whidbey & Camano Islands which is Island County.
Well it doesn't take much to thrill us country folk!
Nope it sure don't!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
She's gonna VOTE!!!
I am so proud of my neighbor!
I have lived next door to her for 18 years and she just LOOOOVES to argue politics. During one of our heated arguments I asked her who she voted for, and she said she doesn't vote. "WHAAAT?! you don't vote?!" I yelled. I then told her I wouldn't listen to her bitchin about someone she didn't vote against!
About a year later she got to bitchin again and I stuck my fingers in my ears and said "lalalalalalalala I don't hear you!" She then said that she voted! Yay I said.
Well this year I found out that she lied to me just so we could debate! Hmmmppppff!
She came to the fence this morning as I was getting in my car to go to work, and asked where and how she could register to vote! WHAT??? My smile covered my entire face. I reached in my car and gave her a voter registration card. I just happen to carry them with me for people that I visit for Paratransit. Some of them just moved here from other parts of the Nation, so I make sure they have their chance to vote! Tonight she called me during the 11:00 news and told me she won't be able to get the registration in the mail by noon tomorrow. I said BULLSH-T! I ran over there and helped her fill it out then we both got in my car at midnight, in the rain, (her in her robe), and we drove to the Post Office and mailed the registration!!!
Hip-Hip-Hooray!!
She said she watched the vice presidential debate last night and decided that she does not want that bimbo gal as president of the United States!! She said it took a dang woman to get her off her butt and vote, so there!! I am tickled pink about this! She is 92 years old and registered to vote! But gee, now that she is voting, and we argue politics, I guess that means we are cancelling out each other's vote....hmm. Oh well, at least we voted!!
So.......are you registered?
Too late now, but not too late for the next election. Go to the voters office in your County Courthouse and get a handful of Registration cards and keep them with you for friends or family that are not registered.
I pray for this Nation.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Deer on Whidbey
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Shack
I read "The Shack" a week ago and loved it! I have heard controversial reviews on it. I am Christian, but I like fiction books and like different views. There is only one way to find out if there really is a God or Jesus etc, and that is to die. I think I'd like to wait awhile to find out myself.
I know a few people that have had horrendous childhoods and they say how can there be a God if He lets things like this happen? Well this book explains a few things. I really don't want to say alot about the book, because it will ruin it for you if you want to read it.
I suggest reading it, then we can have a book review.
I'd really like to hear from others what they think of it.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
A lazy Sunday afternoon
I sat in my recliner crocheting today and Cinderella crawled up on my pile of yarn projects and nuzzled in and fell asleep. Later I fell asleep. I woke up and she had crawled up on my chest, and Punkin was on my lap and Elliott was on my legs. I was cozy and warm.
It is rainy and breezy and cold. The flannel sheets are on my bed and I am finishing my laundry. Time to shower and get ready for bed.
Have a great week!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Foggy morning on Penn Cove
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A cats life....simplicity!
Cats don't care how much money you spend on them at all. They are satisfied with the bag you brought it home in. Just empty the bag, throw it on the floor and you will be entertained for hours!
Punkin, on the other hand, will have nothing to do with such silliness! She has never played like a kitten, she just sits on your lap or sleeps on your bed. She rules the food dish though.
Elliott and Cinderella are the characters in this house.
The luncheon went well. 111 gals showed yup. I got there at 10:30 to set up and there was a line already! It was supposed to start at 11:30. Gals from all over the State attended. Our speaker has 50 years sobriety, and is 88 years old.
I can rest now for another 10 months. Ahhhhh.
I will be going to Olympia again on Tuesday and returning Wednesday night.
Y'all have a marvelous week!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Skywatch Friday
This is common here. The sunny days have a hint of Fall dropping in on us. The trees are on the cliff by Ebey's Landing by Puget Sound. The water is frigid and the sun hits it and therefore the fog.
I will be BUSY this weekend. The yearly Island A.A. Women's Luncheon is Saturday and I have 120 gals signed up to come. I need to be there early and ensure everyone has paid and has a name tag. It will be fun with all them hungry alkie gals. Whew!
Y'all have a great weekend!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Skywatch Friday
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The fight over the box!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Skywatch Friday
Monday, August 25, 2008
My kitties
And Elliott makes sure she doesn't go anywhere else! He growls and hisses at her whenever she gets near me.
It sure doesn't seem to phase her one bit! She rolls around on the floor teasing Elliott. Punkin just sits on the chair in the background letting them make fools of themselves.
Elliott makes sure he is right next to me or on my keyboard!! It makes me feel kinda good having a man fight over me again!
Such is life on Whidbey today.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Skywatch Friday
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
"Cinderella" is home!
When I brought her in I put the carrier on the floor and Elliott & Punkin come up and sniffed. Punkin turned and left, but Elliott made a fool of himself! He cried and screamed like a little girl!
Elliott stayed most of the night sitting on top of the covered cat litter box to be sure she didn't go in there and make a mess! I had to make her a small one just for her. I also had to give her food by herself as Elliott does not want her near the food either! That will change!!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Happy Birthday Donna!
I can't believe how time flies. I was 18 years old when she was born, and at my peak of youth, beauty and wild times. I went to the dances at the Enlisted Men's Club on the base three times a week. I took Donna to the cafeteria where my sister worked and everyone thought she was mine! I was (still am) blonde, and so was Donna. Mary Lou has Auburn hair.
It seems a lifetime ago. I got her a birthday card that says the earth stopped 41 years ago and she got on. That about explains Donna. She is unique in every way! I am very proud of her and hope she knows it. I love her like she is my own daughter. She gets raw wool and makes her own yarn then knits things. I crochet small things with store bought yarn. She is a very self sufficient gal and I have no worries about her survival! None whatsoever!
Happy Birthday Donna!!
I saw a huge lightning strike today about 2pm over the mountains. It was bright orange and poerful! I never heard the thunder so I figured it was a long ways away. About 20 minutes later I noticed a heavy plume of white smoke in the mountains where the strike hit. I called 911 and they transfered me to the Jeffereson County office and I told them what I saw and they said about 4 other people saw the same thing and it is a forest fire in the Olympic National Forest caused by the lightning strike I saw.
WOW!!
Stay safe everyone!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Happy Birthday Sherry!
This is Sherry blowing out her candles on the melted cake. My sister bought the cake and put it in the car and stopped at another store and came home. Just in that short time the heat of the day melted the cake!! HAHAHAHA
My sister took this picture of my brother. They left right after. He was tired. They went to the Island County Fair and he was worn out. He is starting to hurt in different places now and that worries me.
Alot!
We take it one day at a time here. Pray for mercy and comfort for him please. Thanks.