Bet that got your attention, didn't it? I had totally forgotten that "line" but heard it this weekend and just wanted to say it!!!! It's funny how you forget things and then something happens and it triggers a memory.
Finishing a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. This was the fifth year without HC Baker, and I didn't get to see any of my children or grandchildren. Two are up north "digging out" and my nearby daughter worked. I did speak with all of them. Emily and her family were joined by TR Baker and his family for what I'm sure was a delicious dinner. Libby completed her day at work, went home and she and Tim had a cook out! It seems as if everyone had new Thanksgiving experiences! I had breakfast with Handsome Fella' and then he went to his daughter's home, and I went to my sister Linda's home. We both enjoyed very special family time. Holidays are hard. I have so much to be thankful for, but it takes a lot of energy to stay focused on that. My brain tells me to count my blessings and my heart points out memories. I always want to go to the Thanksgiving service at my church, but the last time I was there, HC Baker spoke about his faith journey through his illness. Somehow I just cannot go back there yet. Maybe next year. I am so thankful for my wonderful family and friends, and this year I added Handsome Fella' as one of my blessings. We both have lost our spouses of many years and it's such a comfort to be able to talk with each other about that. We understand the feelings and the emotions that will forever be a part of our lives. But we are also able to find joy in this new life, and we laugh.
I'm working!!!! I am a part-time seasonal helper at A Taste of Kentucky in Middletown. I'm having a ball but must admit I had forgotten about standing on your feet for eight hours! WOW! I am adjusting and enjoying this experience. We have so many lovely and unique things in the store, I love telling people about them. I'm learning about exceptionally creative people in the state who use their talent and gifts making the beautiful things we sell. Stop by and see me!!! (I'm working Monday and Tuesday, 11-7, this week.) And we sell CANDY!!!!! Mojeskas, bourbon balls, pull candy, Derby pies, Bourbon Barrel cakes, Blue Monday bars, and country ham, beaten biscuits, cheeses, jams and jellies, and on and on!!! All made in Kentucky!!!!
And here's another news flash. I made an offer on a condo and it was accepted! Had the inspection and am waiting for the decisions about that. The condo is in Plainview - Sycamore II and has 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2 fireplaces and 2000 square feet. There's a lovely back patio with a privacy fence, a lower level with a really neat family room, the front faces a lake with a fountain and plenty of green space for my "girls" (Nutty and Maggie). I haven't had them over there yet, but I know they will love it! And guess who built them 35+ years ago? Handsome Fella' did!!!! It's been fun! Hoping to move in after the first of the year.
Excited about next weekend. TR Baker and Danielle are coming to Louisville for the weekend. We're going to celebrate the upcoming March 5 birth of a precious little girl, my NINTH grandchild and fourth granddaughter! How exciting is that? I can't wait to see them. It will be a quick trip, but such valuable time for me. Please pray for safe travels for them.
I hope all of you had a blessed Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for. I'm smiling as I think of all of you. xxoo
Monday, December 1, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
Ramblings...
I have eight pillows on my bed, and I sleep on ONE! What's that about? Yes, it looks beautiful, but why did I think it was necessary? Every night I move them to a chaise next to the bed. I stack them up, turn the covers back, crawl into bed and go to sleep using one. The next morning I put them all back, arranged perfectly, and wait to move them again. Thank you to my dear friend, Christy, for finding the most expensive "decorator" pillows available in the city, but I do love them. Apparently, so does Nutty! For the past week, when I wake up, I find her quite cozy in the midst of them sleeping soundly. NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! These are not doggie pillows, they are not for lounging upon, they don't look good covered in brown dog hair, and the beading on two of them is not designed for her weight!
I'm back on the house hunting trail. Six months ago I moved into a "rental" as a temporary location until I found the perfect home for me. It's been quite some time since I "rented", 39 years ago actually. Anyway, quite by accident (seems to be how things happen to me these days) I met a woman who is in town preparing to sell her recently deceased father's home. I asked her about it and she invited me to see it. Well, Saturday morning I looked at it. Her parents had lived in this home since 1978 and not updated anything. There's wallpaper, paneling, formica countertops, harvest gold appliances, totally outdated lighting, hunter green wall to wall carpeting, low vanities, rust colored ceramic tile, no fence and a neighborhood I have never lived in before . There's also double front doors, a slate floored entry, formal living room, formal dining room, fabulous rock fireplace in a cozy family room, three bedrooms, two full baths, attached garage, a lovely back yard, neighborhood sidewalks, and a history of a loving family who enjoyed being together. So here I am wondering if my home has found me. Anxious to see if this home and I will come together.
Spent last Saturday night celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday. Bill was 70 years old!!!! We all said, "Holy Cow, Bill's seventy!!!!" Then I realized I'm 67 and in three years will (hopefully) celebrate MY 70th birthday! Why does the age of 70 sound about 20 years older than the age of 67?????? Or maybe the question is why does 67 sound young and 70 sound so old???????? Of course, as usual, sister Mary immediately informed everyone within hearing she was the youngest!!!! Happy Birthday Bill! We all love you!
Had a tutorial this morning on how to build a fire in my fireplace. Thought of this as I listened to the weather forecast this morning. Two maintenance men timidly knocked on my door. (I don't have the best reputation in the complex for being easy to get along with!! Surprise!!!) They came in and checked the living room fireplace first. When they opened the "damper" (not sure if that's spelled correctly), a bucket full of soot fell into my living room! You were wondering about my reputation???? The handle for opening this damper thing would stick. They worked it several times and then had me try. Still sticking! They told me not to push or pull so hard. How am I supposed to know stuff like that? Anyway, finally got it working. Then we went upstairs to my bedroom. The handle worked much easier up here. They asked me if I had a log to test the "drawing"! What????? I told them I just decided to build a fire so why would I have any logs???????? I'm going to Lowe's to buy those logs wrapped in paper. I think you just light the paper. Anyway, once they were sure I could open and close the damper, they left. They were looking for any retreat they could find!!! Anyway, so now I know how to build a fire in the fireplace. Really?????? For those of you living close to me, listen for the sounds of a fire engine Wednesday evening around 10pm and come on over. It might be one of the biggest fireplace fires you've ever seen! Fingers crossed!
Handsome Fella' has been out of town since Friday and will not return until mid-week. That's a long time and I've missed him. Let me remind each of you how wonderful and special it is to have someone to talk to, someone who listens to you, someone who makes you laugh, someone to have dinner with, someone who puts their arms around you or holds your hand. Stop right now and touch or call or text (not if you are driving) someone you hold dear. I was reminded yesterday during church that we all have gifts and those gifts come with a responsibility. For those we care about, that responsibility is letting them know every day how important they are to us. Please don't forget to do that. You just never know...
And for heaven's sake, hug a Veteran this week! (I plan to!) It's the least we can do. xxoo
*Madeline and Cinda doing well. Keep them in your prayers as well as Rick and Barbara. And there are others with silent prayer requests. Add them too. God is good!
I'm back on the house hunting trail. Six months ago I moved into a "rental" as a temporary location until I found the perfect home for me. It's been quite some time since I "rented", 39 years ago actually. Anyway, quite by accident (seems to be how things happen to me these days) I met a woman who is in town preparing to sell her recently deceased father's home. I asked her about it and she invited me to see it. Well, Saturday morning I looked at it. Her parents had lived in this home since 1978 and not updated anything. There's wallpaper, paneling, formica countertops, harvest gold appliances, totally outdated lighting, hunter green wall to wall carpeting, low vanities, rust colored ceramic tile, no fence and a neighborhood I have never lived in before . There's also double front doors, a slate floored entry, formal living room, formal dining room, fabulous rock fireplace in a cozy family room, three bedrooms, two full baths, attached garage, a lovely back yard, neighborhood sidewalks, and a history of a loving family who enjoyed being together. So here I am wondering if my home has found me. Anxious to see if this home and I will come together.
Spent last Saturday night celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday. Bill was 70 years old!!!! We all said, "Holy Cow, Bill's seventy!!!!" Then I realized I'm 67 and in three years will (hopefully) celebrate MY 70th birthday! Why does the age of 70 sound about 20 years older than the age of 67?????? Or maybe the question is why does 67 sound young and 70 sound so old???????? Of course, as usual, sister Mary immediately informed everyone within hearing she was the youngest!!!! Happy Birthday Bill! We all love you!
Had a tutorial this morning on how to build a fire in my fireplace. Thought of this as I listened to the weather forecast this morning. Two maintenance men timidly knocked on my door. (I don't have the best reputation in the complex for being easy to get along with!! Surprise!!!) They came in and checked the living room fireplace first. When they opened the "damper" (not sure if that's spelled correctly), a bucket full of soot fell into my living room! You were wondering about my reputation???? The handle for opening this damper thing would stick. They worked it several times and then had me try. Still sticking! They told me not to push or pull so hard. How am I supposed to know stuff like that? Anyway, finally got it working. Then we went upstairs to my bedroom. The handle worked much easier up here. They asked me if I had a log to test the "drawing"! What????? I told them I just decided to build a fire so why would I have any logs???????? I'm going to Lowe's to buy those logs wrapped in paper. I think you just light the paper. Anyway, once they were sure I could open and close the damper, they left. They were looking for any retreat they could find!!! Anyway, so now I know how to build a fire in the fireplace. Really?????? For those of you living close to me, listen for the sounds of a fire engine Wednesday evening around 10pm and come on over. It might be one of the biggest fireplace fires you've ever seen! Fingers crossed!
Handsome Fella' has been out of town since Friday and will not return until mid-week. That's a long time and I've missed him. Let me remind each of you how wonderful and special it is to have someone to talk to, someone who listens to you, someone who makes you laugh, someone to have dinner with, someone who puts their arms around you or holds your hand. Stop right now and touch or call or text (not if you are driving) someone you hold dear. I was reminded yesterday during church that we all have gifts and those gifts come with a responsibility. For those we care about, that responsibility is letting them know every day how important they are to us. Please don't forget to do that. You just never know...
And for heaven's sake, hug a Veteran this week! (I plan to!) It's the least we can do. xxoo
*Madeline and Cinda doing well. Keep them in your prayers as well as Rick and Barbara. And there are others with silent prayer requests. Add them too. God is good!
Saturday, November 1, 2014
"Re-Booting"
I have re-booted my laptop, my TV while talking to a recorded voice on the phone, and my bluetooth procedure in the car. In October, I re-booted my life! I decided not to wait until January, but to take action now.
I've told several people that if HC Baker hadn't been cremated and was buried in the ground, he would have rolled over in his grave so many times, he would have put himself on a rotisserie (always the efficiency expert)!
I started the month of October with a new job!!!!! I'm working part-time at A Taste Of Kentucky in the Middletown store. I have loved this store for years. Anything and everything Kentucky! It's the perfect place to find the perfect gift for yourself or others! Please let me know when you'd like to come and visit, and I'll help you with ALL your Christmas shopping...one stop shopping for everyone on your list. And we wrap!!!!! I'm having a great time with happy people! Hope to see you there!
I made a quick trip to northern Michigan. Remember every year I buy the indoor space in the press box. Three years ago I signed a five-year contract to do this. My contract ends next year when grandson Garrett is a senior. I love football and there's nothing like a small town high school football game on a dark, chilly Friday night! This year I even bought a sponsorship on the local radio station that broadcasts the games. When I'm not there, I can listen to the "live streaming" of the game at my townhome in Louisville!!!! When I told them I would buy a sponsorship they asked what I wanted to advertise. I told them they just have to mention #75, Garrett Lindgren, every time he was a part of a play! They've done pretty well. It's incredibly exciting to be in Louisville, Kentucky, listening to my laptop and hear my grandson's name called as he tackles someone or recovers a fumble!!!! But I did get to be in attendance for the homecoming game! They won 45-13!!! Great game!
Saturday morning was soccer time! Gracie played two games and lost both, but we soothed our wounded souls with a great lunch and SHOPPING!!!!! Gracie and I love to shop and we did our best to add to the northern Michigan economy! Saturday night was a special treat as we were all together for dinner. TR Baker, Danielle (showing the baby bump), Natalie and Oliver joined Emily, Brett, Garrett, Gracie and Brianne (Garrett's date for the Homecoming dance) and me for dinner at the Dam Site Inn, a favorite restaurant of ours. Lots of laughing and happy conversations! The only thing missing was Libby and her gang! Family...it's the best!
Saw a few of the dear friends I made during my four-year "residency"! Thank you to Kathy and Beverly and Boots for welcoming me back and sorry to others I just did not have time to visit. Maybe next time I can stay longer! I did drive by the grey house and was pleased and surprised I did not feel any heart stirrings. I made the right decision. It was time to return to Louisville. (Oh and by the way, they had snow yesterday with more to come today!!!! Yes, the right decision!) I miss them all so much, but it was time.
I should mention I was thrilled to have a traveling companion for six hours up and six hours back! My dear friend Christy traveled with me to Saugatuck where I dropped her off for a weekend with wonderful friends Kristi and Tom. Thanks to them for lunch on the way up and brunch on the way back. Enjoyed my very short visit with them. And especially enjoyed Christy being with me. The drive was so much nicer with a friend!
Since I returned I have been working and also enjoying the beautiful Kentucky autumn. A northern Michigan friend, Karen, spent a night with me on her journey to Florida for the winter! Last weekend Handsome Fella' and I drove to Madison, Indiana, and had many moments when our breath caught in our throats at the beautiful colors! Handsome Fella' spent a few teenage years in the Hanover/Madison area so our drive included memory visits to places and the home of a beloved grandfather. Emotional, "releasing" and relaxing. And on the way back, we stopped at Bray's Orchard, a memory for me.
Which brings me to last Tuesday night. Just an ordinary Tuesday night for many of you but for me...well...it was amazing!!!! I saw Sir Paul McCartney, live and in person!!!! Like some of you, I remember sitting on the floor in front of the TV quite a few years ago on a Sunday night watching the Ed Sullivan Show and seeing the Beatles for the first time. When I think of all the life I have experienced since then, what fun to now, at this point in my life*, be able to say "I have seen Paul McCartney in person", well, that's just very cool! Handsome Fella' and I had a great time.
*Speaking of "at this point in my life", Handsome Fella' and I did discuss posting our concert photo on my FB page. And it was a serious discussion. We each have wonderful families and friends and our histories with them are very special to us. Privacy is also important to us. Never would we want our families and friends to be hurt in any way. So that being said, thank you to all who "liked" and commented. We enjoyed reading your words and feeling safe in your hearts.
Hope you can spend this first week of November beginning anew, counting your blessings. And PRAY!!! I should pray more because when I pray, I feel the closeness with the Lord I want to feel. And He knows I know HE is the reason I have blessings to count! Special prayers this week and counted as blessings to me are for dear friends. First, Madeline, who has completed all her radiation treatments and can now move on to the next step. Second, Cinda, who is doing well and recovering from her breast cancer surgery. I saw them both this week and rejoiced at their smiles! Many others I know are concerned with serious news they have received and are waiting for more information to help them with decisions that will need to be made. The world is full of hurting people. Please pray for them. And don't forget to include our military and their families wherever they are serving. The Lord loves us all. Let us be worthy. xxoo
I've told several people that if HC Baker hadn't been cremated and was buried in the ground, he would have rolled over in his grave so many times, he would have put himself on a rotisserie (always the efficiency expert)!
I started the month of October with a new job!!!!! I'm working part-time at A Taste Of Kentucky in the Middletown store. I have loved this store for years. Anything and everything Kentucky! It's the perfect place to find the perfect gift for yourself or others! Please let me know when you'd like to come and visit, and I'll help you with ALL your Christmas shopping...one stop shopping for everyone on your list. And we wrap!!!!! I'm having a great time with happy people! Hope to see you there!
I made a quick trip to northern Michigan. Remember every year I buy the indoor space in the press box. Three years ago I signed a five-year contract to do this. My contract ends next year when grandson Garrett is a senior. I love football and there's nothing like a small town high school football game on a dark, chilly Friday night! This year I even bought a sponsorship on the local radio station that broadcasts the games. When I'm not there, I can listen to the "live streaming" of the game at my townhome in Louisville!!!! When I told them I would buy a sponsorship they asked what I wanted to advertise. I told them they just have to mention #75, Garrett Lindgren, every time he was a part of a play! They've done pretty well. It's incredibly exciting to be in Louisville, Kentucky, listening to my laptop and hear my grandson's name called as he tackles someone or recovers a fumble!!!! But I did get to be in attendance for the homecoming game! They won 45-13!!! Great game!
Saturday morning was soccer time! Gracie played two games and lost both, but we soothed our wounded souls with a great lunch and SHOPPING!!!!! Gracie and I love to shop and we did our best to add to the northern Michigan economy! Saturday night was a special treat as we were all together for dinner. TR Baker, Danielle (showing the baby bump), Natalie and Oliver joined Emily, Brett, Garrett, Gracie and Brianne (Garrett's date for the Homecoming dance) and me for dinner at the Dam Site Inn, a favorite restaurant of ours. Lots of laughing and happy conversations! The only thing missing was Libby and her gang! Family...it's the best!
Saw a few of the dear friends I made during my four-year "residency"! Thank you to Kathy and Beverly and Boots for welcoming me back and sorry to others I just did not have time to visit. Maybe next time I can stay longer! I did drive by the grey house and was pleased and surprised I did not feel any heart stirrings. I made the right decision. It was time to return to Louisville. (Oh and by the way, they had snow yesterday with more to come today!!!! Yes, the right decision!) I miss them all so much, but it was time.
I should mention I was thrilled to have a traveling companion for six hours up and six hours back! My dear friend Christy traveled with me to Saugatuck where I dropped her off for a weekend with wonderful friends Kristi and Tom. Thanks to them for lunch on the way up and brunch on the way back. Enjoyed my very short visit with them. And especially enjoyed Christy being with me. The drive was so much nicer with a friend!
Since I returned I have been working and also enjoying the beautiful Kentucky autumn. A northern Michigan friend, Karen, spent a night with me on her journey to Florida for the winter! Last weekend Handsome Fella' and I drove to Madison, Indiana, and had many moments when our breath caught in our throats at the beautiful colors! Handsome Fella' spent a few teenage years in the Hanover/Madison area so our drive included memory visits to places and the home of a beloved grandfather. Emotional, "releasing" and relaxing. And on the way back, we stopped at Bray's Orchard, a memory for me.
Which brings me to last Tuesday night. Just an ordinary Tuesday night for many of you but for me...well...it was amazing!!!! I saw Sir Paul McCartney, live and in person!!!! Like some of you, I remember sitting on the floor in front of the TV quite a few years ago on a Sunday night watching the Ed Sullivan Show and seeing the Beatles for the first time. When I think of all the life I have experienced since then, what fun to now, at this point in my life*, be able to say "I have seen Paul McCartney in person", well, that's just very cool! Handsome Fella' and I had a great time.
*Speaking of "at this point in my life", Handsome Fella' and I did discuss posting our concert photo on my FB page. And it was a serious discussion. We each have wonderful families and friends and our histories with them are very special to us. Privacy is also important to us. Never would we want our families and friends to be hurt in any way. So that being said, thank you to all who "liked" and commented. We enjoyed reading your words and feeling safe in your hearts.
Hope you can spend this first week of November beginning anew, counting your blessings. And PRAY!!! I should pray more because when I pray, I feel the closeness with the Lord I want to feel. And He knows I know HE is the reason I have blessings to count! Special prayers this week and counted as blessings to me are for dear friends. First, Madeline, who has completed all her radiation treatments and can now move on to the next step. Second, Cinda, who is doing well and recovering from her breast cancer surgery. I saw them both this week and rejoiced at their smiles! Many others I know are concerned with serious news they have received and are waiting for more information to help them with decisions that will need to be made. The world is full of hurting people. Please pray for them. And don't forget to include our military and their families wherever they are serving. The Lord loves us all. Let us be worthy. xxoo
Monday, September 15, 2014
My Walking Girls, the Ballet and Handsome Fella' at the Sundial!
What an awesome weekend!
It all began Friday morning with my walking girls, Cinda and Joyce! Stop whatever you are doing right now and clap your hands...a lot!!!!! That's applause for these two remarkable women who for the THIRD time walked 60 miles in three days, this time in Philadelphia! Yes, there was a bit of rain but hey, the tents were indoors this year!!!! No muddy footprints on the mattresses! I am so proud of them and their knees and feet. Think about it. When was the last time you walked one mile? They walked 60! WOW! They are such an inspiration to me, AND they do it for all of us. That's just over-the-top awesome! I love them so much!
Friday evening I made two new friends (I think). I had a lovely dinner with Handsome Fella' and his best friend and his wife. I must admit I was a bit nervous. When you've been married for a ton of years and your spouse dies, all of a sudden you are one instead of two. All of your friends are used to you and your spouse and the "couple" you are. It's quite a "moment" when you appear with someone else. We arrived a bit late (not my fault) and his friends were already there. So, introductions were made and the evening began. How am I supposed to relax, talk, EAT, and be comfortable while I'm wondering what they think about this...and me? They were so warm and friendly to me. The conversation included children, grandchildren, the "old times" stories, and the history between Handsome Fella' and me. (Remember, 40+ years ago, Handsome Fella' and I dated prior to me marrying HC Baker and Handsome Fella' marrying Miss Patti.) Dinner was delicious, Handsome Fella' was right beside me and kept me included and the evening ended with hugs! Sigh of relief and smiling! (And Cinda and Joyce walked!)
Saturday was filled with the usual Saturday things. However, I was looking forward to the evening with Handsome Fella and attending the Louisville Ballet's production of Giselle, my most favorite ballet. Many, many years ago I performed with the Louisville Ballet and danced twice in Giselle. Absolutely love it! And Handsome Fella' had never been to the ballet! (He's a sports guy, especially baseball as he nearly made a career in that profession. More about that later.) So, he picks me up and we head downtown. Dinner on Main Street and then to the performance. I did offer a very brief synopsis of the story of Giselle so he would hopefully be ready to see and feel the romance and heartbreak of "the dance". So often the choreography of many of the original classic ballets is altered, but the new artistic director of the Louisville Ballet retained much of the original work. My feet wanted to move with the music so many times, I was afraid I would jump up from my seat and dance in the aisle. (Kept myself in check!) It was beautiful. Giselle and Albrecht (the prince) were fabulous! She was graceful on pointe with beautiful extension. He was a master of leaps - great height and precise beats. And Handsome Fella' now has a new respect for the artistic ability of dancers. He was impressed and enjoyed the performance, maybe would even go again!!! We both agreed on one thing though. Having not attended a Louisville Ballet performance in over five years, I was surprised the music was recorded, as was he. Does the Louisville Orchestra no longer provide the music for the ballet? What about the opera? What happened? My goodness, the orchestra would have so enhanced the performance! But what an evening! Perfect from beginning to end! I was happy to see a few wonderful friends at the ballet too. (And Cinda and Joyce walked!)
Sunday morning, Handsome Fella' invited me to breakfast. The day was so beautiful, after breakfast he decided we would take a road trip! We began to drive east on US 60, something I hadn't done in quite some time. Interstate highways are wonderful when you're traveling long distances, but there's nothing like the "old" road to relax and surprise you! And the day was gorgeous! Perfect temperatures and wonderful sunshine were everywhere we went. Our first real "slow down" was in Frankfort. I love Frankfort. We drove down (or up maybe?) Capitol Avenue, circled the capitol and saw the floral clock. Good grief, I remember when it was brand new! We drove past the Governor's mansion, and I remembered having dinner there twice in my life. Handsome Fella' has had dinner there lots of times over the years. Memories!!!! We saw the sign for the Kentucky Viet Nam Veterans Memorial and he asked if I'd ever seen it. I said yes, several times and he said he'd never seen it. We agreed to go, and I took him right to it. (If you've never seen it, shame on you. It's very special in it's location and design.)
Here's a bit of history about Handsome Fella'. He was an Airborne Ranger in the mid to late 60's and served in Viet Nam. He is the recipient of two Purple Hearts. With the design of the Memorial, he could stand on it just where his name would have been inscribed had he lost his life. Fortunately, he did survive his injuries, but those injuries did cancel his baseball contract as a short stop with the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite his incredible disappointment at not being able to play professional baseball, he has achieved business successes worthy of the true American hero he is! I am so proud of him and am blessed to call him my friend.
From the capitol, we traveled the back roads and found Woodford Reserve Distillery. I had been there several times but he had not. (All those business successes kept him pretty busy. He is just beginning to learn to relax a bit.) We decided to take the tour and what fun we had. Again, the beautiful day added to the enjoyment! It seemed every time our guide asked if there were any questions, I was the only one who had something to ask!!! (Go figure!) Well, most of you know how that tour ends and we enjoyed that too! As the sun began to set, we headed back to Louisville. What a glorious day! (And Cinda and Joyce walked!)
Another beautiful day today (Monday), and I got to have lunch with my dear Harrodsburg friend who was in town for a morning seminar. We shared about our families and laughed! What's better than that? (And Cinda and Joyce flew home!)
Life is short Friends! Praise the Lord, do your best, laugh a lot and enjoy every moment! xxoo
It all began Friday morning with my walking girls, Cinda and Joyce! Stop whatever you are doing right now and clap your hands...a lot!!!!! That's applause for these two remarkable women who for the THIRD time walked 60 miles in three days, this time in Philadelphia! Yes, there was a bit of rain but hey, the tents were indoors this year!!!! No muddy footprints on the mattresses! I am so proud of them and their knees and feet. Think about it. When was the last time you walked one mile? They walked 60! WOW! They are such an inspiration to me, AND they do it for all of us. That's just over-the-top awesome! I love them so much!
Friday evening I made two new friends (I think). I had a lovely dinner with Handsome Fella' and his best friend and his wife. I must admit I was a bit nervous. When you've been married for a ton of years and your spouse dies, all of a sudden you are one instead of two. All of your friends are used to you and your spouse and the "couple" you are. It's quite a "moment" when you appear with someone else. We arrived a bit late (not my fault) and his friends were already there. So, introductions were made and the evening began. How am I supposed to relax, talk, EAT, and be comfortable while I'm wondering what they think about this...and me? They were so warm and friendly to me. The conversation included children, grandchildren, the "old times" stories, and the history between Handsome Fella' and me. (Remember, 40+ years ago, Handsome Fella' and I dated prior to me marrying HC Baker and Handsome Fella' marrying Miss Patti.) Dinner was delicious, Handsome Fella' was right beside me and kept me included and the evening ended with hugs! Sigh of relief and smiling! (And Cinda and Joyce walked!)
Saturday was filled with the usual Saturday things. However, I was looking forward to the evening with Handsome Fella and attending the Louisville Ballet's production of Giselle, my most favorite ballet. Many, many years ago I performed with the Louisville Ballet and danced twice in Giselle. Absolutely love it! And Handsome Fella' had never been to the ballet! (He's a sports guy, especially baseball as he nearly made a career in that profession. More about that later.) So, he picks me up and we head downtown. Dinner on Main Street and then to the performance. I did offer a very brief synopsis of the story of Giselle so he would hopefully be ready to see and feel the romance and heartbreak of "the dance". So often the choreography of many of the original classic ballets is altered, but the new artistic director of the Louisville Ballet retained much of the original work. My feet wanted to move with the music so many times, I was afraid I would jump up from my seat and dance in the aisle. (Kept myself in check!) It was beautiful. Giselle and Albrecht (the prince) were fabulous! She was graceful on pointe with beautiful extension. He was a master of leaps - great height and precise beats. And Handsome Fella' now has a new respect for the artistic ability of dancers. He was impressed and enjoyed the performance, maybe would even go again!!! We both agreed on one thing though. Having not attended a Louisville Ballet performance in over five years, I was surprised the music was recorded, as was he. Does the Louisville Orchestra no longer provide the music for the ballet? What about the opera? What happened? My goodness, the orchestra would have so enhanced the performance! But what an evening! Perfect from beginning to end! I was happy to see a few wonderful friends at the ballet too. (And Cinda and Joyce walked!)
Sunday morning, Handsome Fella' invited me to breakfast. The day was so beautiful, after breakfast he decided we would take a road trip! We began to drive east on US 60, something I hadn't done in quite some time. Interstate highways are wonderful when you're traveling long distances, but there's nothing like the "old" road to relax and surprise you! And the day was gorgeous! Perfect temperatures and wonderful sunshine were everywhere we went. Our first real "slow down" was in Frankfort. I love Frankfort. We drove down (or up maybe?) Capitol Avenue, circled the capitol and saw the floral clock. Good grief, I remember when it was brand new! We drove past the Governor's mansion, and I remembered having dinner there twice in my life. Handsome Fella' has had dinner there lots of times over the years. Memories!!!! We saw the sign for the Kentucky Viet Nam Veterans Memorial and he asked if I'd ever seen it. I said yes, several times and he said he'd never seen it. We agreed to go, and I took him right to it. (If you've never seen it, shame on you. It's very special in it's location and design.)
Here's a bit of history about Handsome Fella'. He was an Airborne Ranger in the mid to late 60's and served in Viet Nam. He is the recipient of two Purple Hearts. With the design of the Memorial, he could stand on it just where his name would have been inscribed had he lost his life. Fortunately, he did survive his injuries, but those injuries did cancel his baseball contract as a short stop with the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite his incredible disappointment at not being able to play professional baseball, he has achieved business successes worthy of the true American hero he is! I am so proud of him and am blessed to call him my friend.
From the capitol, we traveled the back roads and found Woodford Reserve Distillery. I had been there several times but he had not. (All those business successes kept him pretty busy. He is just beginning to learn to relax a bit.) We decided to take the tour and what fun we had. Again, the beautiful day added to the enjoyment! It seemed every time our guide asked if there were any questions, I was the only one who had something to ask!!! (Go figure!) Well, most of you know how that tour ends and we enjoyed that too! As the sun began to set, we headed back to Louisville. What a glorious day! (And Cinda and Joyce walked!)
Another beautiful day today (Monday), and I got to have lunch with my dear Harrodsburg friend who was in town for a morning seminar. We shared about our families and laughed! What's better than that? (And Cinda and Joyce flew home!)
Life is short Friends! Praise the Lord, do your best, laugh a lot and enjoy every moment! xxoo
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
WHEW!!!!!
I love wonderful, exciting, happy memories, and the last two weeks have provided so many, I just don't know where to begin!
I'd like to begin with Pastor Barr's sermon, Sunday, August 24th. He has been sharing a few of the Parables Jesus told and this Sunday's was called "A Rude Awakening". It's the Parable of the steward who stole money from his master (Luke 16:1-8), and it's always been a bit vague to me as I never knew where it "fit" me. Now I have a new understanding of it and know exactly how it applies to me. Dr. Barr began with the question, "Have you ever had a game-changer?" WOW, have I, and that game-changer left me spinning in an unknown world. Now I have a few possible avenues to pursue.
I am the STEWARD of my own life. There will be an accounting to the Lord and did I use
all the gifts the Lord gave me? Have I lost sight of who I am and who I am becoming? What
investment can I make today to affect my future and others' futures? The hymn "I need Thee every
hour" was sung followed by this statement - Yes, we need Thee every hour but we don't always
act like it! LIVE WISELY!!!!!
The following week was incredible! On Tuesday, my dear friend Christy moved into her new home. It's beautiful and she is settling in! Wednesday began the final wedding preparations for Libby and Tim's special day. Most of you have seen a few of the photos and they are perfect! It was a beautiful day of memories and fun, exciting times with family and friends.
With our arms around each other, Libby and I walked down the aisle which was between bales of hay covered in old quilts from the handwork of my grandmother, Mamaw, HC Baker's grandmother, Gandy, great Aunt Mary, and a few newer, purchased ones! Surrounded by memories right there!!! There was lawn Twister, giant Genga (made by Tim) and not sure of that spelling, 3 sets of corn hole, the HUGE pile of old trees, stumps, old fence posts, etc., ready for a wonderful bonfire, plenty to eat and drink and lots of laughter and a few tears! What a day! Missed having Emily, Brett, Garrett and Gracie there. *Handsome Fella' missed the day too as he was in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with his family enjoying his grandchildren for a final summer outing. So it was a family holiday weekend for everyone! Hearts are full!
Survived all that and spent the next week recuperating! I did visit with dear friends Hub and Reenie. Some of you might remember them from the years of the live Nativity - they supplied the lambs and Jamison, the donkey! Hadn't seen them in some time and it was good to catch up!
Made it to church on Sunday for the first in a sermon series titled Just Walk Across the Room, a book by Bill Hybels. Bought the book, starting to read it and already cried once! Excited to learn how I can just walk across the room! Wouldn't that be wonderful for ALL of us?
Spent Sunday afternoon with Handsome Fella' and dear friends, Rick and Barbara (you've been praying for them because they were BOTH diagnosed with cancer last fall) on their weekend farm in Washington County. Barbara is doing well, Rick is still in treatment. A large part of his problem is his heart cannot stay in the right rhythm and the meds he is taking keep him sick to his stomach most of the time. Continued prayers please. We did take a ride around the farm in his new "mule". I asked my friend Christy if she knew what a mule was and she said yes. Then I told her I rode in it around the farm and she gasped!!!!! She thought I meant a real mule!!!! After we both stopped laughing, I explained to her it was like a golf cart!! She felt better! (I was still totally out of my element but I did it! Handsome Fella' took a photo if you need proof!)
There's so much else I could tell you but am running out of time. I have 3 huge projects going on as I write and none of them are going very well! For some reason, my power drill/screwdriver won't stay charged and I can't find the correct "bits" (???). I am trying to hang a picture and cannot get the hooks to catch on the back of the frame!!!!!!! Aggravating to say the least! I'm trying to hang drapery rods and I think I'm trying to drill into metal and that's a problem!!!! AND...I'm sewing and broke the machine needle and can't find another one in my sewing box!!!!! Not my morning!
But let me close with a few prayer requests. Tomorrow, dear friend Madeline will have her first radiation treatment. Even though she is the best nurse many of us have ever had, she is now the patient! Not an easy task for her. PRAY! Thursday, dear friends, Cinda and Joyce fly to Philadelphia for their THIRD 3-day 60 mile Susan G. Komen breast cancer walk. I am so proud of these two women for their commitment and hard work! PRAY! Tomorrow a wonderful young woman and her patient and kind husband will be overjoyed at the arrival of their triplets. She has been in the hospital on bed rest for over a week now waiting and tomorrow is the day! PRAY! There are lots of others needing prayers for all kinds of reasons, good and bad. PRAY! And always please remember our military and their families. PRAY!
And to everyone, PRAY we will all find the strength and courage in our hearts to JUST WALK ACROSS THE ROOM!
Love you all, xxoo
I'd like to begin with Pastor Barr's sermon, Sunday, August 24th. He has been sharing a few of the Parables Jesus told and this Sunday's was called "A Rude Awakening". It's the Parable of the steward who stole money from his master (Luke 16:1-8), and it's always been a bit vague to me as I never knew where it "fit" me. Now I have a new understanding of it and know exactly how it applies to me. Dr. Barr began with the question, "Have you ever had a game-changer?" WOW, have I, and that game-changer left me spinning in an unknown world. Now I have a few possible avenues to pursue.
I am the STEWARD of my own life. There will be an accounting to the Lord and did I use
all the gifts the Lord gave me? Have I lost sight of who I am and who I am becoming? What
investment can I make today to affect my future and others' futures? The hymn "I need Thee every
hour" was sung followed by this statement - Yes, we need Thee every hour but we don't always
act like it! LIVE WISELY!!!!!
The following week was incredible! On Tuesday, my dear friend Christy moved into her new home. It's beautiful and she is settling in! Wednesday began the final wedding preparations for Libby and Tim's special day. Most of you have seen a few of the photos and they are perfect! It was a beautiful day of memories and fun, exciting times with family and friends.
With our arms around each other, Libby and I walked down the aisle which was between bales of hay covered in old quilts from the handwork of my grandmother, Mamaw, HC Baker's grandmother, Gandy, great Aunt Mary, and a few newer, purchased ones! Surrounded by memories right there!!! There was lawn Twister, giant Genga (made by Tim) and not sure of that spelling, 3 sets of corn hole, the HUGE pile of old trees, stumps, old fence posts, etc., ready for a wonderful bonfire, plenty to eat and drink and lots of laughter and a few tears! What a day! Missed having Emily, Brett, Garrett and Gracie there. *Handsome Fella' missed the day too as he was in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with his family enjoying his grandchildren for a final summer outing. So it was a family holiday weekend for everyone! Hearts are full!
Survived all that and spent the next week recuperating! I did visit with dear friends Hub and Reenie. Some of you might remember them from the years of the live Nativity - they supplied the lambs and Jamison, the donkey! Hadn't seen them in some time and it was good to catch up!
Made it to church on Sunday for the first in a sermon series titled Just Walk Across the Room, a book by Bill Hybels. Bought the book, starting to read it and already cried once! Excited to learn how I can just walk across the room! Wouldn't that be wonderful for ALL of us?
Spent Sunday afternoon with Handsome Fella' and dear friends, Rick and Barbara (you've been praying for them because they were BOTH diagnosed with cancer last fall) on their weekend farm in Washington County. Barbara is doing well, Rick is still in treatment. A large part of his problem is his heart cannot stay in the right rhythm and the meds he is taking keep him sick to his stomach most of the time. Continued prayers please. We did take a ride around the farm in his new "mule". I asked my friend Christy if she knew what a mule was and she said yes. Then I told her I rode in it around the farm and she gasped!!!!! She thought I meant a real mule!!!! After we both stopped laughing, I explained to her it was like a golf cart!! She felt better! (I was still totally out of my element but I did it! Handsome Fella' took a photo if you need proof!)
There's so much else I could tell you but am running out of time. I have 3 huge projects going on as I write and none of them are going very well! For some reason, my power drill/screwdriver won't stay charged and I can't find the correct "bits" (???). I am trying to hang a picture and cannot get the hooks to catch on the back of the frame!!!!!!! Aggravating to say the least! I'm trying to hang drapery rods and I think I'm trying to drill into metal and that's a problem!!!! AND...I'm sewing and broke the machine needle and can't find another one in my sewing box!!!!! Not my morning!
But let me close with a few prayer requests. Tomorrow, dear friend Madeline will have her first radiation treatment. Even though she is the best nurse many of us have ever had, she is now the patient! Not an easy task for her. PRAY! Thursday, dear friends, Cinda and Joyce fly to Philadelphia for their THIRD 3-day 60 mile Susan G. Komen breast cancer walk. I am so proud of these two women for their commitment and hard work! PRAY! Tomorrow a wonderful young woman and her patient and kind husband will be overjoyed at the arrival of their triplets. She has been in the hospital on bed rest for over a week now waiting and tomorrow is the day! PRAY! There are lots of others needing prayers for all kinds of reasons, good and bad. PRAY! And always please remember our military and their families. PRAY!
And to everyone, PRAY we will all find the strength and courage in our hearts to JUST WALK ACROSS THE ROOM!
Love you all, xxoo
Monday, August 11, 2014
Dangnabbit but it got better!!!!
What do you want to know first?
The week started wonderfully because one of my BFF's, Kathy, came to spend the night with me!!! She arrived early Sunday evening and left late Monday afternoon. We talked and laughed, ate and laughed, and shopped and laughed! What more could girlfriends want! We did have one awkward experience at the Kroger store when (unbeknownst to us) Kathy stepped in front of a man attached to an oxygen tank. He asked her if she always stepped in front of people waiting to shop. Now let me tell you, he was not even close to what we were looking at and at first we thought he was joking with us. Not so! He was hateful and rude! We apologized and stepped back (not before we grabbed what we wanted). As we walked away I did suggest we go back to him and unplug his "link". Kathy wouldn't let me!
Next, I got a letter from Anthem BCBS of KY. Since I moved back to Louisville, I have switched my Medicare Part C (I think that's the one). I thought I had it all worked out. AND...they are deducting the payment from my checking account. Well, I got a letter from them telling me they were canceling me due to lack of payment. Seriously????? Well, I called them. First of all, there were so many "options" of what to press for help, the last choice was press "12"!!!!! As usual, I Pressed "0" for operator. I explained my situation to her and she told me I should have pressed "6"! I beg your pardon! So began my wait! Finally, someone named Cheryl took my call. I explained once again my problem and she said "Please hold"! She came back on the line after three minutes and thirty-two seconds to tell me it was a misunderstanding and I could just disregard the letter. Whoa Baby!!!! Wait a dadgum minute. I wanted a better explanation. I told her I would expect another letter in the mail telling me THEY made a mistake. She said they don't write correction letters and her confirmation via our telephone conversation would suffice. (She didn't say "suffice", trust me on that!) I then asked for her direct phone number and she said she was not at liberty to give me that number. So here I am, fingers crossed, hoping I don't need medical attention before I see another payment deduction! Who are these people????? Do they really work in an area called CUSTOMER SERVICE?????
Another thing I've been working on since late April and my return to Louisville, is my license plate. I had no problem getting a Kentucky driver's license. A Kentucky tag proved a bit more difficult. My car is leased through Toyota out of Michigan where I made the deal. Well, it turns out Toyota holds the title on my car. I had no idea. How come I'm making the payments???? Anyway, the very helpful (????) ladies (????) at the license place gave me a stack of papers to complete and send to Toyota requesting they send the original title to them and then they would give me a Kentucky plate. I came home, completed the forms post haste and sent them. And the wait began. Finally, last week I received a letter from the office of Bobbie Holsclaw, telling me the title had arrived and I should come to 6th and Jefferson to get my plate. The letter also said DO NOT ASK FOR THE TITLE TO BE SENT TO A BRANCH. This procedure could only be completed downtown. So Thursday morning I went downtown. The address was Court Avenue. Let me tell you if there is a street sign reading Court Avenue, I am blind. Fortunately, there was a number for the building and I finally found a building with that number. I went in and approached the first open door I saw. Before I even finished asking, the person I was speaking to, without looking up from his desk, said, "Across the hall". So that's where I went. Oh my! Take a ticket, take a seat! I felt like I was at the new Outlet Mall shops. People everywhere, standing, sitting, yawning, coughing, asleep, all waiting! I looked around and immediately noticed three of the employees standing up at their desks, laughing and obviously having a personal conversation. My tax dollars at work!!!! So I waited. Why does everything in a government office look so dirty. So I stood and waited. Then after thirty-two minutes, my number was called. The woman who was to help me greeted me with "What do you want?" It took everything I had not to punch her in the face. I gave her all the papers I was told to bring and I honestly believe she read every word (or at least pretended to). She gets up from her desk, walks over to a file cabinet and retrieves a few papers. On the way back to her desk, she stopped to have a conversation with one of her co-workers. REALLY?????? Twenty-seven minutes later she asked me what kind of plate I wanted. I looked at her and said a license plate for my car. She rolled her eyes and gave a big sigh and said there a several choices. I had no idea. She began to drag out all kinds of plates. Love the Louisville Cardinals, but no thanks. Love the UK Wildcats, but thank you no! And no to any other plate except a regular, plain old generic plate. She gets one for me out of a cabinet, tells me what I owe, I write the check, and I'm out of there! When I arrived I had found a great parking place at a meter, "fed" it for one hour and fifteen minutes and when I returned, a policeman was looking at my expired Michigan plate and expired meter! I ran to him and showed him my new plate and told him if he wrote me a parking ticket, he should be prepared to see me cry. He opened my car door for me and when he closed it, he said "Go back to the suburbs, Lady!" Trust me, my Thursday only went further downhill from there!
Why are government workers and government offices so frustrating to me? UGH!!!!!!!
I endure Friday and determine Saturday is gonna' be MY day! After all, I'm medically insured and have a brand new Kentucky license plate! What else could a girl want? Well...after much thinking and strategizing, I have decided I need a job! I haven't worked in four years so I'm thinking I need a "starter" job. I begin by making a list of what I'd like to do and where I'd like to do it. And then I begin an internet search. The information you can find on the internet absolutely amazes me. I found several possibilities and began the application process. And I thought you could no longer ask for a person's birth date. So even though there were spaces for month, day and year, I only supplied the month and day. When I tried to submit it, the year "blanks" flashed red at me!!!!! I was able to attach my resume so now they know I'm an old broad with lots of great experience. Wonder what will be more important to them? And they give you tests during the application process. Whew! So finally I complete everything and "submit"! Got that done and decide I probably need to celebrate my accomplishment and how best to do that?????? Shopping!!! Works for me. I went to Lowe's and bought the drapery rods for my bedroom. (The panels were special ordered and have arrived!) Now if I just had a Handsome Fella' to help me mount those rods...oh wait...I do! (Hasn't happened yet because of some golf match going on in the city but he has committed to the chore!) Ended Saturday smiling!
Finally Sunday and The Prodigal Son, absolutely just what I needed. And you know what? I was able to share the story (not as well as the SMBC "Big Guy") twice before the day was done, and saw and hugged and talked with some wonderful friends. Shared dinner last night with Handsome Fella' and dear friend CH as we watched Rory bring it home!!!!
A new week has started. I'm getting a new bathtub today in my bedroom. Plumbers and DUST throughout my house. They'll finish tomorrow. Then Thursday and Friday my parking lot is being resurfaced. Can't park at my house. What's a girl to do? No, no, no! Cannot shop again!
NEWS FLASH!!!!!!
Just got a call as a result of one of my applications, and I have an interview on Friday! Wish me luck!
Happy new week to all! xxoo
The week started wonderfully because one of my BFF's, Kathy, came to spend the night with me!!! She arrived early Sunday evening and left late Monday afternoon. We talked and laughed, ate and laughed, and shopped and laughed! What more could girlfriends want! We did have one awkward experience at the Kroger store when (unbeknownst to us) Kathy stepped in front of a man attached to an oxygen tank. He asked her if she always stepped in front of people waiting to shop. Now let me tell you, he was not even close to what we were looking at and at first we thought he was joking with us. Not so! He was hateful and rude! We apologized and stepped back (not before we grabbed what we wanted). As we walked away I did suggest we go back to him and unplug his "link". Kathy wouldn't let me!
Next, I got a letter from Anthem BCBS of KY. Since I moved back to Louisville, I have switched my Medicare Part C (I think that's the one). I thought I had it all worked out. AND...they are deducting the payment from my checking account. Well, I got a letter from them telling me they were canceling me due to lack of payment. Seriously????? Well, I called them. First of all, there were so many "options" of what to press for help, the last choice was press "12"!!!!! As usual, I Pressed "0" for operator. I explained my situation to her and she told me I should have pressed "6"! I beg your pardon! So began my wait! Finally, someone named Cheryl took my call. I explained once again my problem and she said "Please hold"! She came back on the line after three minutes and thirty-two seconds to tell me it was a misunderstanding and I could just disregard the letter. Whoa Baby!!!! Wait a dadgum minute. I wanted a better explanation. I told her I would expect another letter in the mail telling me THEY made a mistake. She said they don't write correction letters and her confirmation via our telephone conversation would suffice. (She didn't say "suffice", trust me on that!) I then asked for her direct phone number and she said she was not at liberty to give me that number. So here I am, fingers crossed, hoping I don't need medical attention before I see another payment deduction! Who are these people????? Do they really work in an area called CUSTOMER SERVICE?????
Another thing I've been working on since late April and my return to Louisville, is my license plate. I had no problem getting a Kentucky driver's license. A Kentucky tag proved a bit more difficult. My car is leased through Toyota out of Michigan where I made the deal. Well, it turns out Toyota holds the title on my car. I had no idea. How come I'm making the payments???? Anyway, the very helpful (????) ladies (????) at the license place gave me a stack of papers to complete and send to Toyota requesting they send the original title to them and then they would give me a Kentucky plate. I came home, completed the forms post haste and sent them. And the wait began. Finally, last week I received a letter from the office of Bobbie Holsclaw, telling me the title had arrived and I should come to 6th and Jefferson to get my plate. The letter also said DO NOT ASK FOR THE TITLE TO BE SENT TO A BRANCH. This procedure could only be completed downtown. So Thursday morning I went downtown. The address was Court Avenue. Let me tell you if there is a street sign reading Court Avenue, I am blind. Fortunately, there was a number for the building and I finally found a building with that number. I went in and approached the first open door I saw. Before I even finished asking, the person I was speaking to, without looking up from his desk, said, "Across the hall". So that's where I went. Oh my! Take a ticket, take a seat! I felt like I was at the new Outlet Mall shops. People everywhere, standing, sitting, yawning, coughing, asleep, all waiting! I looked around and immediately noticed three of the employees standing up at their desks, laughing and obviously having a personal conversation. My tax dollars at work!!!! So I waited. Why does everything in a government office look so dirty. So I stood and waited. Then after thirty-two minutes, my number was called. The woman who was to help me greeted me with "What do you want?" It took everything I had not to punch her in the face. I gave her all the papers I was told to bring and I honestly believe she read every word (or at least pretended to). She gets up from her desk, walks over to a file cabinet and retrieves a few papers. On the way back to her desk, she stopped to have a conversation with one of her co-workers. REALLY?????? Twenty-seven minutes later she asked me what kind of plate I wanted. I looked at her and said a license plate for my car. She rolled her eyes and gave a big sigh and said there a several choices. I had no idea. She began to drag out all kinds of plates. Love the Louisville Cardinals, but no thanks. Love the UK Wildcats, but thank you no! And no to any other plate except a regular, plain old generic plate. She gets one for me out of a cabinet, tells me what I owe, I write the check, and I'm out of there! When I arrived I had found a great parking place at a meter, "fed" it for one hour and fifteen minutes and when I returned, a policeman was looking at my expired Michigan plate and expired meter! I ran to him and showed him my new plate and told him if he wrote me a parking ticket, he should be prepared to see me cry. He opened my car door for me and when he closed it, he said "Go back to the suburbs, Lady!" Trust me, my Thursday only went further downhill from there!
Why are government workers and government offices so frustrating to me? UGH!!!!!!!
I endure Friday and determine Saturday is gonna' be MY day! After all, I'm medically insured and have a brand new Kentucky license plate! What else could a girl want? Well...after much thinking and strategizing, I have decided I need a job! I haven't worked in four years so I'm thinking I need a "starter" job. I begin by making a list of what I'd like to do and where I'd like to do it. And then I begin an internet search. The information you can find on the internet absolutely amazes me. I found several possibilities and began the application process. And I thought you could no longer ask for a person's birth date. So even though there were spaces for month, day and year, I only supplied the month and day. When I tried to submit it, the year "blanks" flashed red at me!!!!! I was able to attach my resume so now they know I'm an old broad with lots of great experience. Wonder what will be more important to them? And they give you tests during the application process. Whew! So finally I complete everything and "submit"! Got that done and decide I probably need to celebrate my accomplishment and how best to do that?????? Shopping!!! Works for me. I went to Lowe's and bought the drapery rods for my bedroom. (The panels were special ordered and have arrived!) Now if I just had a Handsome Fella' to help me mount those rods...oh wait...I do! (Hasn't happened yet because of some golf match going on in the city but he has committed to the chore!) Ended Saturday smiling!
Finally Sunday and The Prodigal Son, absolutely just what I needed. And you know what? I was able to share the story (not as well as the SMBC "Big Guy") twice before the day was done, and saw and hugged and talked with some wonderful friends. Shared dinner last night with Handsome Fella' and dear friend CH as we watched Rory bring it home!!!!
A new week has started. I'm getting a new bathtub today in my bedroom. Plumbers and DUST throughout my house. They'll finish tomorrow. Then Thursday and Friday my parking lot is being resurfaced. Can't park at my house. What's a girl to do? No, no, no! Cannot shop again!
NEWS FLASH!!!!!!
Just got a call as a result of one of my applications, and I have an interview on Friday! Wish me luck!
Happy new week to all! xxoo
Friday, August 1, 2014
Conversations with Friends and other Good Stuff!
Because I was up north for four years, I really missed having long, wonderful conversations with my dear friends. I was blessed during my "northern exposure" to have some great home visits and frequent phone visits with some of my friends, but many of us are so busy, we just couldn't fit those long distance sharing moments into our schedules. I'm working hard to catch up on "catching up" and this week was a wonderful start.
Sadly, when you're alone you kinda' adjust to not talking and for me that was quite an adjustment! That's probably why my dogs seem to listen so intently to me. They were my conversation partners. But here I am now, surrounded by my precious friends and family, and I get to see their faces as we discuss our lives - past, present, and future. What a gift to ourselves to be able to talk with others about what's in our hearts and on our minds. The age of the person, where they are in life, their state of mind, their heartaches and joys, all contribute to the memories you will always have of this person.
Last Sunday at St Matthews Baptist Church, the "Magical" David G. reintroduced me to a few verses in Romans, (Chapter 14, 1-15-15:7). He called this message "US and THEM". As usual with David, humor played into the questions he asked each of us. But for me, more importantly, these verses and the challenge he presented to all of us was about making the "me" into an "us". After forty plus years of being married and being an "us", I have spent the past four years discovering what it means to be a "me". He talked about walking into a room looking for the person to make "me" an "us". WOW! I have done this countless times in recent years. There are just so many situations when you find yourself being the "one" person in the group. Oh...everyone is very welcoming and friendly, but that doesn't change the feeling in your heart. One of the things I'm thankful to my Handsome fella' for is when we're in group gatherings, he makes me an "us" instead of a "me", a "two" instead of a "one", a person who can laugh out loud instead of one who forces a quiet smile, someone who can look forward to events and not dread the future. Thank you David for reminding me to avoid placing stumbling blocks in the way and to focus on what "joins" us all together. Great Sunday morning even though we did have to say goodbye to one of my newest, best friends, Jeremy who, along with his family, is following a new calling from the Lord. (Dang!!!) Best wishes to him in his new church home!
The rest of the week included some very special conversations with exceptional people.
Lunch and talking with Madeline who had breast cancer surgery yesterday and the prognosis looks very promising.
A great evening with my wonderful friend CH and her friends celebrating...yes celebrating her recent divorce, selling of her home and the purchase of her new home. What a journey she has nearly completed and now the hope and excitement for a new journey with a wonderful future filled with new experiences.
Fun, entertaining and interesting (as usual) conversations with KVH who came from Michigan for the party. CH and KVH came to see me every October I lived in northern Michigan. What special times those were.
Sharing a few short conversations with my dear friends Joyce and Cinda. They are training for their THIRD Susan G. Komen, 3-day, 60 mile walk, this year in Philadelphia! My heart nearly bursts when I think of the commitment they have made to accomplish this. I am so proud of them for this (and lots of other things too!).
Had so many great interactions with people I have missed, Ray, Werner, Sam, MB, and the list goes on.
And I have to mention the many conversations with Handsome fella'. As he is on the same side of the "me" part of his life as I am, we can discuss our history with special spouses and feel comfortable sharing those memories.
TRUE FRIENDS understand where you've been, they listen to you, they laugh and cry with you, they share their hearts with you.
Sometimes the stumbling block is a pebble on the walk and other times that pebble is in your shoe! Hold on to the arm of your friend, and they will help you remove it! Hold your friends close and keep talking.
xxoo
Prayer requests - Friends Rick and Barbara still battling health issues, brother and sister-in-law of my friend ET, Madeline as she continues to recover from her surgery, Danielle still suffering the 24-hour variety of morning sickness, TRB as he begins his new job responsibilities, children grieving over the loss of a parent, and all of our military and their families.
P.S. Today would have been my 41st wedding anniversary. So thankful for those memories and looking forward to new conversations!
Sadly, when you're alone you kinda' adjust to not talking and for me that was quite an adjustment! That's probably why my dogs seem to listen so intently to me. They were my conversation partners. But here I am now, surrounded by my precious friends and family, and I get to see their faces as we discuss our lives - past, present, and future. What a gift to ourselves to be able to talk with others about what's in our hearts and on our minds. The age of the person, where they are in life, their state of mind, their heartaches and joys, all contribute to the memories you will always have of this person.
Last Sunday at St Matthews Baptist Church, the "Magical" David G. reintroduced me to a few verses in Romans, (Chapter 14, 1-15-15:7). He called this message "US and THEM". As usual with David, humor played into the questions he asked each of us. But for me, more importantly, these verses and the challenge he presented to all of us was about making the "me" into an "us". After forty plus years of being married and being an "us", I have spent the past four years discovering what it means to be a "me". He talked about walking into a room looking for the person to make "me" an "us". WOW! I have done this countless times in recent years. There are just so many situations when you find yourself being the "one" person in the group. Oh...everyone is very welcoming and friendly, but that doesn't change the feeling in your heart. One of the things I'm thankful to my Handsome fella' for is when we're in group gatherings, he makes me an "us" instead of a "me", a "two" instead of a "one", a person who can laugh out loud instead of one who forces a quiet smile, someone who can look forward to events and not dread the future. Thank you David for reminding me to avoid placing stumbling blocks in the way and to focus on what "joins" us all together. Great Sunday morning even though we did have to say goodbye to one of my newest, best friends, Jeremy who, along with his family, is following a new calling from the Lord. (Dang!!!) Best wishes to him in his new church home!
The rest of the week included some very special conversations with exceptional people.
Lunch and talking with Madeline who had breast cancer surgery yesterday and the prognosis looks very promising.
A great evening with my wonderful friend CH and her friends celebrating...yes celebrating her recent divorce, selling of her home and the purchase of her new home. What a journey she has nearly completed and now the hope and excitement for a new journey with a wonderful future filled with new experiences.
Fun, entertaining and interesting (as usual) conversations with KVH who came from Michigan for the party. CH and KVH came to see me every October I lived in northern Michigan. What special times those were.
Sharing a few short conversations with my dear friends Joyce and Cinda. They are training for their THIRD Susan G. Komen, 3-day, 60 mile walk, this year in Philadelphia! My heart nearly bursts when I think of the commitment they have made to accomplish this. I am so proud of them for this (and lots of other things too!).
Had so many great interactions with people I have missed, Ray, Werner, Sam, MB, and the list goes on.
And I have to mention the many conversations with Handsome fella'. As he is on the same side of the "me" part of his life as I am, we can discuss our history with special spouses and feel comfortable sharing those memories.
TRUE FRIENDS understand where you've been, they listen to you, they laugh and cry with you, they share their hearts with you.
Sometimes the stumbling block is a pebble on the walk and other times that pebble is in your shoe! Hold on to the arm of your friend, and they will help you remove it! Hold your friends close and keep talking.
xxoo
Prayer requests - Friends Rick and Barbara still battling health issues, brother and sister-in-law of my friend ET, Madeline as she continues to recover from her surgery, Danielle still suffering the 24-hour variety of morning sickness, TRB as he begins his new job responsibilities, children grieving over the loss of a parent, and all of our military and their families.
P.S. Today would have been my 41st wedding anniversary. So thankful for those memories and looking forward to new conversations!
Sunday, July 20, 2014
What a Week!!!!!
The only concern about writing a review of this week is where to start! So I'll begin with last Sunday.
Had a great experience at church only made greater by having lunch with the Louisville Kirkland gang! WOW! Reed has grown so much and MH is so beautiful...and a runner! She has just finished running her second 5K and finished in 43 minutes!!!! And her running mate is her grandmother!!!! Is that exciting or what????
First thing Monday morning, I went to a new dentist. It's so hard to change doctors and since my former dentist was no longer practicing but teaching, I had to start over! On the recommendation of Handsome fella', I met Dr. David Schaefer and his able Hygienist, Missy. Great office and great people. Mark that off my list!
Monday I was also determined to complete my office area. Found the perfect shelves and got them into my car then into the house! Not an easy task. They had to be assembled but the box said no tools needed! (In the past four years I have discovered that anytime the assembly instructions are written in four languages there's probably gonna' be an error or two! Yes, that applies to these shelves!) The first giant task was getting them out of the box. Now I'm a reasonably intelligent person with a reasonable amount of strength. Good grief! I finally got one set out of the box and completed the first step. After that it was an uphill battle. I finally gave up and decided to wait until tomorrow so I could mentally prepare for what appeared was going to be a super frustration for me. Wait...someone's knocking on my front door. Knight in shining armor arrives...AKA Handsome fella'!!!!! So Monday ended much, much better than I expected. Bookshelves assembled and placed in office! My hero!!!
Tuesday began with organizing my office with the new shelves. Got that done in short order and moved onto my next task, emptying and organizing 6 trunk/tubs of winter clothes, boots, coats and personal stuff! Got all that hung in the guest room walk-in closet and moved the empty tubs to the garage. Which brings me to my next task...organizing the garage. You'd think if a person moved three times in four years they would be able to manage their personal belongings. I swear that stuff reproduces during the night. After downsizing, dividing (TR Baker into his own home), giving away, throwing away, and moving from 5 bedrooms to two, there was a huge amount of stuff I didn't even move. And some of the stuff I did move was for my sisters and daughter Libby. So how come, after moving into this town home did I still have too much stuff???? The garage was full of furniture and boxes I simply could not fit inside. And I wanted to be able to put my car in the garage. I did a pretty good job of labeling my boxes so I was primarily looking for a blender, two small lamps, a few more pots and pans, framed photos, book ends, and the ever-popular toaster. I found it all, emptied several boxes and consolidated several more, moved a few things around and still not room for my car! I took empty boxes to the dumpster/compactor and kept stacking until all I was left with was two dining room chairs (cannot fit them into the dining room!). So I hammered a few nails into the garage wall and hung the chairs. Also, since HC Baker died, I have moved financial/tax records from as far back as 2006 and I was tired of it. I looked on-line and the IRS said keeping 4-5 years of "stuff" was sufficient. BTW, the IRS keeps seven years so why should I? Did you know you could take this kind of stuff to the FedEx (sorry TR Baker) store, pay them 79 cents a pound and they will shred it? So I loaded the car with 2006/7/8/9 tax, etc. records, plus two additional boxes labeled HC's miscellaneous files and took them to the shredder. I should tell you that was an incredible "freeing" experience for me. I started to go through each box before I took them but decided NO! I'm done with them. The car is in the garage!!!!! Go Me!
Now, what should have taken me a few hours became two days. I did not go through the tax and file boxes but I did come across two other boxes I have moved three times in the past four years. Both boxes were not cardboard like the bankers boxes but leather and felt lined. One box contained all the cards and memories of HC Baker's illnesses and surgeries and the other all the memories of his death. After quite a few deep breaths, I decided I would read everything one more time then they would be discarded. And I didn't call my children. This is not their burden, it's mine. So I began. Oh my, what wonderful, fabulous, faithful friends HC Baker had and I have. So many cards when he was ill...in Louisville and at the Mayo Clinic. I was able to picture their faces as I read the messages from around the world. Cards, letters, e-mails, the responses to the on-line updates while at Mayo, pizza boxes signed by all who were in attendance that day, the huge envelope of cards made by the youth. I remember the day we received that envelope and how HC Baker and I both cried over each fun drawing and comment from those precious teenagers who meant so much to him for so many years. And I remembered the phone calls to me while we were at Mayo. So many times I could not talk but cried while those on the other end just held me in their hearts so many miles away. And then the cards and conversations when we arrived back home. We'd made it! So I finished that box and dumped all of it in a bag to be discarded. Box #2...A.D. I didn't know if I could do this today but told myself YES I CAN! It's one more box. And interesting to note, both dogs sat right at my feet the whole time. The cards and letters again from around the world from people I knew and loved and people I had no idea who they were. People HC Baker had met along the way. Such beautiful messages in cards and letters, dear friends who had Catholic masses said for him, donations made to the HC Baker Children and Youth Memorial fund and Kentucky Habitat for Humanity, and flowers. I did keep the guest book from the visitation and memorial service, so grateful for all those who came. Let me say again how grateful I was and continue to be for the staff at St. Matthews Baptist Church who held me and all the details together. And to Mark at Clifton Pizza for his special gift of the lunch. It could not have been more perfect. So many of the cards and memories especially touched my heart as they were sent from dear friends who have since joined HC Baker on the streets paved in gold. OK, I did it! Hard work and the physical reminders are gone but the memories will last forever.
The last thing of note on Wednesday was a posting on FB from TR Baker. Many of you saw it and have expressed to TR Baker and me your joy and support. TR Baker has had a difficult time in the past four years but he has come through it all and is now seeing the sunshine of life. About a year ago he met Danielle and when I announced to him I was selling our grey home and moving back to Louisville, he decided to stay up north and begin to share a home with Danielle and her two children, Natalie and Oliver. I have been so proud of TR Baker and his efforts to make a home for himself and his new family. He has worked for UPS for 14 years and has been offered a full time position of driving for them. He leaves today for a week of training. Please pray for him as "anxiety" is his other middle name! And then the best news is he and Danielle are expecting a precious baby. They are both thrilled and on Friday, he heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time. He said it was awesome! So I gained two more grandchildren with Natalie and Oliver and now will add another! That equals 9 grandchildren for me!!!! How blessed am I? Can't wait for another baby to hold!
*Note - Did I tell you Libby is getting married on August 30? So I'm gaining a new son-in-law too and his name is Tim! Blessings continue!
OK, it's Thursday now. Spent most of the day completing the tasks I began earlier this week. And then got ready to attend the St. Matthews Baptist Church Women's Summer Pot Luck Supper. I love "pot luck" meals. You can taste some amazing things! Fabulous salads, delicious corn pudding, enchilada pie, CANDY BAR CAKE!!!!!, fresh blackberry cobbler and on and on! YUMMY! A cookbook is being prepared with all the recipes. And the best part was seeing so many friends I had not had the opportunity to be with in some time. I saw Madeline and her incredible daughter Sam. Sat next to new friend Pat and a friend of many years, Debbie and her wonderful daughter Amanda! Missed all of them so much! Fabulous evening! Thank you to Cinda and her great team! I love you all!
(I know this is long, but it was a very "releasing" and "revealing" week!)
Friday morning - Oh my! Went downstairs and stepped on carpet that squished under my feet! Not a good start! Called the maintenance number immediately and 5 minutes later someone is knocking at my door. (This happened once before right after I moved in and it was the furnace/ac unit with a clogged pipe.) This squishy carpet is on the other side of the dining room, far away from the furnace/ac unit. What now??????? BTW, I'm not happy! It appears the townhouse next door had a water line break and it came over to my place. Whatever...JUST FIX IT!!!!! So it began with the removal of the carpet padding, mopping up, water extraction from carpet, and huge fan under the carpet to dry it all. I hate messes and just when I was about to have everything in order! And I have Handsome fella' coming for dinner. It is what it is! They will be back Monday morning to complete the task. So, since I am not happy (that my friends is an understatement!), I asked if the "guys" could make time that day to hang my wall art. Why yes, we can certainly do that! (Funny how things happen!) Anyway, I have this very tall and dimly lit stairwell. Several weeks ago I asked them to move the dining room light fixture (a brushed nickel drop light that did not allow my dining room table and china cabinet to be placed as I wanted them in the dining room) to the stairwell and move the basic ceiling light from the stairwell to the dining room. They did that and then I proceeded to create a wall hanging. The center piece is old fabric from things I've made over the years, pieced together with other "things" that make me smile. One of my favorite add-ons is two pink rubber breast cancer bracelets to remind me of my dear friends Joyce and Cinda as they prepare for their third 3-day, 60 mile walk this year in Philadelphia. I think and pray for them each time I go up and down the stairs! On each side of this fabric collage is a sari HC Baker brought me from India. So the maintenance guys brought one of those very cool ladders that allow you to make the legs adjust to the height you need, and they proceeded to hang the rod to hold my wall art. They got everything up and hanging and OH MY GOODNESS, it looks FABULOUS! I wish all of you could see it! I'm very happy and it made me forget my dining room looked like crap! So my dinner was successful and Handsome fella' enjoyed it! (Fresh tomato and cottage cheese, country ham, lima beans, new potatoes, fresh peach cobbler and peach ice cream! Delicious!)
So now it's Saturday! You're gonna' love this day! Handsome fella' calls and asks what are my plans for the day. I don't really have any so I'm open to suggestions. He asks if I'd like to go to the Forecastle Music Festival. I've heard so much about it over the years and never attended so yes, I'd like to go. (He'd never been either.) So off we went. I'm smiling as I write this because I have NEVER in my life seen so many "sights". There were very creative costumes, some really old hippies and really young teenagers, body parts that would have been better covered, clothes or lack thereof, tiny babies carried on daddys' backs, barefooted folks (oh my!), and anything else you could possibly imagine. OH and I used a porta-potty and sat on the ground! Quite something for me! My list of the most viewed wardrobe pieces and accessories include boots - any kind from muck boots to combat boots, hair bands of ribbons, flowers, kerchiefs, etc., worn wrapped around the head "hippie" style, anything that could reveal too much skin, hats, and TATTOOS! Lots of tattoos! Huge tattoos! Arms covered in tattoos, backs covered in tattoos, legs and ankles covered in tattoos, and the list goes on! The "people watching" was worth the price of admission! And it's VERY expensive to go (glad I wasn't paying!) I'm still smiling because we had a great time! Laughing is one of the things that makes your heart happy and Handsome fella' and I always laugh together. And yesterday was full of laughs. Oh, and the music was great too. (Unfortunately, I was not familiar with many of the entertainers but liked the sounds, most of them. The closing act last night was Jack White and I got excited because I thought it was Jack Black and I knew of him!!! (My grandchildren just groaned!!!!)
So that was my week! The good and the bad, the old and the new, the laughter and the tears, remembering the past and making new memories. At least my life is never boring!
Love to you all for being a part of my life! xxoo
Prayer requests - Friends Rick and Barbara still battling health issues, friend MG who will have surgery at the end of the month, TR Baker, Danielle, Natalie, Oliver and new baby - lots of new experiences for all of them, friend CH has sold her home and now faces the "where to go" decision, and pray for a great week for yourselves!
Had a great experience at church only made greater by having lunch with the Louisville Kirkland gang! WOW! Reed has grown so much and MH is so beautiful...and a runner! She has just finished running her second 5K and finished in 43 minutes!!!! And her running mate is her grandmother!!!! Is that exciting or what????
First thing Monday morning, I went to a new dentist. It's so hard to change doctors and since my former dentist was no longer practicing but teaching, I had to start over! On the recommendation of Handsome fella', I met Dr. David Schaefer and his able Hygienist, Missy. Great office and great people. Mark that off my list!
Monday I was also determined to complete my office area. Found the perfect shelves and got them into my car then into the house! Not an easy task. They had to be assembled but the box said no tools needed! (In the past four years I have discovered that anytime the assembly instructions are written in four languages there's probably gonna' be an error or two! Yes, that applies to these shelves!) The first giant task was getting them out of the box. Now I'm a reasonably intelligent person with a reasonable amount of strength. Good grief! I finally got one set out of the box and completed the first step. After that it was an uphill battle. I finally gave up and decided to wait until tomorrow so I could mentally prepare for what appeared was going to be a super frustration for me. Wait...someone's knocking on my front door. Knight in shining armor arrives...AKA Handsome fella'!!!!! So Monday ended much, much better than I expected. Bookshelves assembled and placed in office! My hero!!!
Tuesday began with organizing my office with the new shelves. Got that done in short order and moved onto my next task, emptying and organizing 6 trunk/tubs of winter clothes, boots, coats and personal stuff! Got all that hung in the guest room walk-in closet and moved the empty tubs to the garage. Which brings me to my next task...organizing the garage. You'd think if a person moved three times in four years they would be able to manage their personal belongings. I swear that stuff reproduces during the night. After downsizing, dividing (TR Baker into his own home), giving away, throwing away, and moving from 5 bedrooms to two, there was a huge amount of stuff I didn't even move. And some of the stuff I did move was for my sisters and daughter Libby. So how come, after moving into this town home did I still have too much stuff???? The garage was full of furniture and boxes I simply could not fit inside. And I wanted to be able to put my car in the garage. I did a pretty good job of labeling my boxes so I was primarily looking for a blender, two small lamps, a few more pots and pans, framed photos, book ends, and the ever-popular toaster. I found it all, emptied several boxes and consolidated several more, moved a few things around and still not room for my car! I took empty boxes to the dumpster/compactor and kept stacking until all I was left with was two dining room chairs (cannot fit them into the dining room!). So I hammered a few nails into the garage wall and hung the chairs. Also, since HC Baker died, I have moved financial/tax records from as far back as 2006 and I was tired of it. I looked on-line and the IRS said keeping 4-5 years of "stuff" was sufficient. BTW, the IRS keeps seven years so why should I? Did you know you could take this kind of stuff to the FedEx (sorry TR Baker) store, pay them 79 cents a pound and they will shred it? So I loaded the car with 2006/7/8/9 tax, etc. records, plus two additional boxes labeled HC's miscellaneous files and took them to the shredder. I should tell you that was an incredible "freeing" experience for me. I started to go through each box before I took them but decided NO! I'm done with them. The car is in the garage!!!!! Go Me!
Now, what should have taken me a few hours became two days. I did not go through the tax and file boxes but I did come across two other boxes I have moved three times in the past four years. Both boxes were not cardboard like the bankers boxes but leather and felt lined. One box contained all the cards and memories of HC Baker's illnesses and surgeries and the other all the memories of his death. After quite a few deep breaths, I decided I would read everything one more time then they would be discarded. And I didn't call my children. This is not their burden, it's mine. So I began. Oh my, what wonderful, fabulous, faithful friends HC Baker had and I have. So many cards when he was ill...in Louisville and at the Mayo Clinic. I was able to picture their faces as I read the messages from around the world. Cards, letters, e-mails, the responses to the on-line updates while at Mayo, pizza boxes signed by all who were in attendance that day, the huge envelope of cards made by the youth. I remember the day we received that envelope and how HC Baker and I both cried over each fun drawing and comment from those precious teenagers who meant so much to him for so many years. And I remembered the phone calls to me while we were at Mayo. So many times I could not talk but cried while those on the other end just held me in their hearts so many miles away. And then the cards and conversations when we arrived back home. We'd made it! So I finished that box and dumped all of it in a bag to be discarded. Box #2...A.D. I didn't know if I could do this today but told myself YES I CAN! It's one more box. And interesting to note, both dogs sat right at my feet the whole time. The cards and letters again from around the world from people I knew and loved and people I had no idea who they were. People HC Baker had met along the way. Such beautiful messages in cards and letters, dear friends who had Catholic masses said for him, donations made to the HC Baker Children and Youth Memorial fund and Kentucky Habitat for Humanity, and flowers. I did keep the guest book from the visitation and memorial service, so grateful for all those who came. Let me say again how grateful I was and continue to be for the staff at St. Matthews Baptist Church who held me and all the details together. And to Mark at Clifton Pizza for his special gift of the lunch. It could not have been more perfect. So many of the cards and memories especially touched my heart as they were sent from dear friends who have since joined HC Baker on the streets paved in gold. OK, I did it! Hard work and the physical reminders are gone but the memories will last forever.
The last thing of note on Wednesday was a posting on FB from TR Baker. Many of you saw it and have expressed to TR Baker and me your joy and support. TR Baker has had a difficult time in the past four years but he has come through it all and is now seeing the sunshine of life. About a year ago he met Danielle and when I announced to him I was selling our grey home and moving back to Louisville, he decided to stay up north and begin to share a home with Danielle and her two children, Natalie and Oliver. I have been so proud of TR Baker and his efforts to make a home for himself and his new family. He has worked for UPS for 14 years and has been offered a full time position of driving for them. He leaves today for a week of training. Please pray for him as "anxiety" is his other middle name! And then the best news is he and Danielle are expecting a precious baby. They are both thrilled and on Friday, he heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time. He said it was awesome! So I gained two more grandchildren with Natalie and Oliver and now will add another! That equals 9 grandchildren for me!!!! How blessed am I? Can't wait for another baby to hold!
*Note - Did I tell you Libby is getting married on August 30? So I'm gaining a new son-in-law too and his name is Tim! Blessings continue!
OK, it's Thursday now. Spent most of the day completing the tasks I began earlier this week. And then got ready to attend the St. Matthews Baptist Church Women's Summer Pot Luck Supper. I love "pot luck" meals. You can taste some amazing things! Fabulous salads, delicious corn pudding, enchilada pie, CANDY BAR CAKE!!!!!, fresh blackberry cobbler and on and on! YUMMY! A cookbook is being prepared with all the recipes. And the best part was seeing so many friends I had not had the opportunity to be with in some time. I saw Madeline and her incredible daughter Sam. Sat next to new friend Pat and a friend of many years, Debbie and her wonderful daughter Amanda! Missed all of them so much! Fabulous evening! Thank you to Cinda and her great team! I love you all!
(I know this is long, but it was a very "releasing" and "revealing" week!)
Friday morning - Oh my! Went downstairs and stepped on carpet that squished under my feet! Not a good start! Called the maintenance number immediately and 5 minutes later someone is knocking at my door. (This happened once before right after I moved in and it was the furnace/ac unit with a clogged pipe.) This squishy carpet is on the other side of the dining room, far away from the furnace/ac unit. What now??????? BTW, I'm not happy! It appears the townhouse next door had a water line break and it came over to my place. Whatever...JUST FIX IT!!!!! So it began with the removal of the carpet padding, mopping up, water extraction from carpet, and huge fan under the carpet to dry it all. I hate messes and just when I was about to have everything in order! And I have Handsome fella' coming for dinner. It is what it is! They will be back Monday morning to complete the task. So, since I am not happy (that my friends is an understatement!), I asked if the "guys" could make time that day to hang my wall art. Why yes, we can certainly do that! (Funny how things happen!) Anyway, I have this very tall and dimly lit stairwell. Several weeks ago I asked them to move the dining room light fixture (a brushed nickel drop light that did not allow my dining room table and china cabinet to be placed as I wanted them in the dining room) to the stairwell and move the basic ceiling light from the stairwell to the dining room. They did that and then I proceeded to create a wall hanging. The center piece is old fabric from things I've made over the years, pieced together with other "things" that make me smile. One of my favorite add-ons is two pink rubber breast cancer bracelets to remind me of my dear friends Joyce and Cinda as they prepare for their third 3-day, 60 mile walk this year in Philadelphia. I think and pray for them each time I go up and down the stairs! On each side of this fabric collage is a sari HC Baker brought me from India. So the maintenance guys brought one of those very cool ladders that allow you to make the legs adjust to the height you need, and they proceeded to hang the rod to hold my wall art. They got everything up and hanging and OH MY GOODNESS, it looks FABULOUS! I wish all of you could see it! I'm very happy and it made me forget my dining room looked like crap! So my dinner was successful and Handsome fella' enjoyed it! (Fresh tomato and cottage cheese, country ham, lima beans, new potatoes, fresh peach cobbler and peach ice cream! Delicious!)
So now it's Saturday! You're gonna' love this day! Handsome fella' calls and asks what are my plans for the day. I don't really have any so I'm open to suggestions. He asks if I'd like to go to the Forecastle Music Festival. I've heard so much about it over the years and never attended so yes, I'd like to go. (He'd never been either.) So off we went. I'm smiling as I write this because I have NEVER in my life seen so many "sights". There were very creative costumes, some really old hippies and really young teenagers, body parts that would have been better covered, clothes or lack thereof, tiny babies carried on daddys' backs, barefooted folks (oh my!), and anything else you could possibly imagine. OH and I used a porta-potty and sat on the ground! Quite something for me! My list of the most viewed wardrobe pieces and accessories include boots - any kind from muck boots to combat boots, hair bands of ribbons, flowers, kerchiefs, etc., worn wrapped around the head "hippie" style, anything that could reveal too much skin, hats, and TATTOOS! Lots of tattoos! Huge tattoos! Arms covered in tattoos, backs covered in tattoos, legs and ankles covered in tattoos, and the list goes on! The "people watching" was worth the price of admission! And it's VERY expensive to go (glad I wasn't paying!) I'm still smiling because we had a great time! Laughing is one of the things that makes your heart happy and Handsome fella' and I always laugh together. And yesterday was full of laughs. Oh, and the music was great too. (Unfortunately, I was not familiar with many of the entertainers but liked the sounds, most of them. The closing act last night was Jack White and I got excited because I thought it was Jack Black and I knew of him!!! (My grandchildren just groaned!!!!)
So that was my week! The good and the bad, the old and the new, the laughter and the tears, remembering the past and making new memories. At least my life is never boring!
Love to you all for being a part of my life! xxoo
Prayer requests - Friends Rick and Barbara still battling health issues, friend MG who will have surgery at the end of the month, TR Baker, Danielle, Natalie, Oliver and new baby - lots of new experiences for all of them, friend CH has sold her home and now faces the "where to go" decision, and pray for a great week for yourselves!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Collecting Coupons!!!!
I admit several times over my "home making" years I have tried the "coupon" thing! One time I even bought a colorful little hand held file for organizing them. It just never worked out for me. I'd be at the grocery and the coupons were home OR I'd have them with me, find the appropriate one only to realize at the check-out, my coupon had expired! Most often I'd just forget.
So here I am now, a poor widow woman on a fixed income! I was determined to make this "coupon" thing work. First of all I had no idea you got so many coupons in the mail. I must get these insert type things several times a week. Don't believe I got them at my p.o. box up north. The Postmistress must have "cleansed" my daily deliveries. Anyway, I decided to go for it all! I read EVERY piece of paper and cut-out (most often tear a straight edge along the kitchen counter) every coupon that could possibly benefit me. Not only am I watching for grocery store coupons, but restaurants, oil changes for my car, and waiting hopefully for shoe store coupons!!!!
So last week I find three coupons for various dinner/entree/dollar off deals at Bob Evans. Well today, Handsome Fella' asked me out for breakfast. Once we were in the car and on our way, I suggest to him we go to Bob Evans because I have a coupon. FYI...I checked before I left my place to make sure it had not expired. It's good until July 31!!!! I've got this! The coupon reads buy one entree and get one free!!!! Handsome Fella' laughs and tells me Bob Evans is fine. We had a delicious breakfast and as always, great conversation. Time to pay the bill. I get the coupon out and am so proud of myself that I actually remembered to bring it! NOTE - Handsome Fella' has never had any experience with any kind of coupon and has NEVER needed (or wanted) to use a coupon! He leaves to pay the bill and comes back a few minutes with the coupon. He points out to me that under the expiration date is a "condition" that this coupon is not to be used on Sundays!!!! He said it's bad enough he offered the coupon but then to be told they couldn't accept it was a double "wammy"! Now everyone behind him in line is questioning his intelligence! I burst out laughing and so did he.
Just when I thought I was so smart, helpful and working hard to watch my budget, I discovered there's more to a coupon than an expiration date! Doubtful I'll be able to share another coupon "windfall" with Handsome Fella'!!!
Laugh every day! xxoo
So here I am now, a poor widow woman on a fixed income! I was determined to make this "coupon" thing work. First of all I had no idea you got so many coupons in the mail. I must get these insert type things several times a week. Don't believe I got them at my p.o. box up north. The Postmistress must have "cleansed" my daily deliveries. Anyway, I decided to go for it all! I read EVERY piece of paper and cut-out (most often tear a straight edge along the kitchen counter) every coupon that could possibly benefit me. Not only am I watching for grocery store coupons, but restaurants, oil changes for my car, and waiting hopefully for shoe store coupons!!!!
So last week I find three coupons for various dinner/entree/dollar off deals at Bob Evans. Well today, Handsome Fella' asked me out for breakfast. Once we were in the car and on our way, I suggest to him we go to Bob Evans because I have a coupon. FYI...I checked before I left my place to make sure it had not expired. It's good until July 31!!!! I've got this! The coupon reads buy one entree and get one free!!!! Handsome Fella' laughs and tells me Bob Evans is fine. We had a delicious breakfast and as always, great conversation. Time to pay the bill. I get the coupon out and am so proud of myself that I actually remembered to bring it! NOTE - Handsome Fella' has never had any experience with any kind of coupon and has NEVER needed (or wanted) to use a coupon! He leaves to pay the bill and comes back a few minutes with the coupon. He points out to me that under the expiration date is a "condition" that this coupon is not to be used on Sundays!!!! He said it's bad enough he offered the coupon but then to be told they couldn't accept it was a double "wammy"! Now everyone behind him in line is questioning his intelligence! I burst out laughing and so did he.
Just when I thought I was so smart, helpful and working hard to watch my budget, I discovered there's more to a coupon than an expiration date! Doubtful I'll be able to share another coupon "windfall" with Handsome Fella'!!!
Laugh every day! xxoo
Monday, June 30, 2014
A Two Week Anniversary Celebration!!!!
Two weeks ago today the temperature rose to the highest of the summer...95! And it was my moving day! This time then, the movers were gone and I sat down on my new living room floor and cried. Not sure why, but I did. Maybe it was because I was overheated, confused, concerned, overwhelmed, or just plain tired. And my dogs looked at me as if to say, "Where have you taken us now?". Well, this is our home for the next 12 months (at least that's the plan!).
We are in a town home in the Hurstbourne Lane and Plainview neighborhood, a new neighborhood to me. Haven't been a "renter" in quite some time. A few of my worst moments in the first few days included water all over the laundry room floor coming from my brand new washer on it's "test" run, very early one morning barefooted, I stepped down the bottom step to the living room and my feet "squished" on the carpet, the alarm pushed it's own panic button while I was in the shower (what a sound that was!), cannot, repeat, cannot get the upstairs TV to work and the workman was here as well as the salesman who sold me the service (???????), and all by myself I, Jo Ann Baker, killed a gigantic spider AND picked its' remains up from the floor using nearly an entire roll of paper towels!!!!!!
Now for a few of my better moments! I have been to the grocery store twice (Kroger and Lucky's), prepared two delicious dinners for a very appreciative and hungry handsome fella', decorated a fabulous bedroom for myself (first time to create a bedroom with only ME in mind), have my furniture reasonably situated and pictures hanging on the walls, started on a huge wall hanging for the stairwell, preparing to paint a pretty large painting for the dining room, had a few family and friends over to "see" my nearly finished place, been out to dinner at some wonderful, local restaurants in the Nulu area courtesy of handsome fella', hugged and been hugged by lots of friends I had not seen in some time, and last Saturday night, sang My Old Kentucky Home on the stage of the Stephen Foster Story with the cast!!!! I've had two very exciting weeks.
And the excitement is not over yet! Libby is getting married!!!!!! She and Tim have been together for some time and live on a farm in Georgetown, IN. They will be married on the farm Labor Day weekend...with the horses, pigmy donkeys, and dogs! It will be interesting to see how many of the animals will be wearing flowers!
Tomorrow is July 1st! Hard to believe June is very nearly over. If you're still trying to decide what to do this summer, you'd better hurry up!!!! By the way, Larnelle Harris is performing tomorrow night (July 1) at St. Matthews Baptist Church! Tickets are still available. It's sure to be a wonderful evening.
Happy Summer and much love to all of you! xxoo
Just learned today, a sweet friend of mine lost her husband today after he suffered a stroke several weeks ago. Please pray for Jeanine. And thank you for your prayers for my dear friend Barbara and her husband Rick. Rick is in remission but having a few heart rhythm problems. Barbara is working toward the end of her 100 days (Aug 8) and doing well. And my wonderful friend Christy...SOLD HER HOUSE!!!!!!
Always pray! God always listens!
And yes, I want to spend the rest of my life laughing!!!!
We are in a town home in the Hurstbourne Lane and Plainview neighborhood, a new neighborhood to me. Haven't been a "renter" in quite some time. A few of my worst moments in the first few days included water all over the laundry room floor coming from my brand new washer on it's "test" run, very early one morning barefooted, I stepped down the bottom step to the living room and my feet "squished" on the carpet, the alarm pushed it's own panic button while I was in the shower (what a sound that was!), cannot, repeat, cannot get the upstairs TV to work and the workman was here as well as the salesman who sold me the service (???????), and all by myself I, Jo Ann Baker, killed a gigantic spider AND picked its' remains up from the floor using nearly an entire roll of paper towels!!!!!!
Now for a few of my better moments! I have been to the grocery store twice (Kroger and Lucky's), prepared two delicious dinners for a very appreciative and hungry handsome fella', decorated a fabulous bedroom for myself (first time to create a bedroom with only ME in mind), have my furniture reasonably situated and pictures hanging on the walls, started on a huge wall hanging for the stairwell, preparing to paint a pretty large painting for the dining room, had a few family and friends over to "see" my nearly finished place, been out to dinner at some wonderful, local restaurants in the Nulu area courtesy of handsome fella', hugged and been hugged by lots of friends I had not seen in some time, and last Saturday night, sang My Old Kentucky Home on the stage of the Stephen Foster Story with the cast!!!! I've had two very exciting weeks.
And the excitement is not over yet! Libby is getting married!!!!!! She and Tim have been together for some time and live on a farm in Georgetown, IN. They will be married on the farm Labor Day weekend...with the horses, pigmy donkeys, and dogs! It will be interesting to see how many of the animals will be wearing flowers!
Tomorrow is July 1st! Hard to believe June is very nearly over. If you're still trying to decide what to do this summer, you'd better hurry up!!!! By the way, Larnelle Harris is performing tomorrow night (July 1) at St. Matthews Baptist Church! Tickets are still available. It's sure to be a wonderful evening.
Happy Summer and much love to all of you! xxoo
Just learned today, a sweet friend of mine lost her husband today after he suffered a stroke several weeks ago. Please pray for Jeanine. And thank you for your prayers for my dear friend Barbara and her husband Rick. Rick is in remission but having a few heart rhythm problems. Barbara is working toward the end of her 100 days (Aug 8) and doing well. And my wonderful friend Christy...SOLD HER HOUSE!!!!!!
Always pray! God always listens!
And yes, I want to spend the rest of my life laughing!!!!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
A letter to HC Baker...
Dear HC Baker,
I hate this day. It's been four years. When I remember this day I struggle with everything that came before the storm. I remember I worked that day. I was trying to get ten hours of work crammed into five so I could leave and get home and we could drive to Michigan. I knew you were probably already home, packed and waiting patiently for me. You always had to wait for me. You also knew there was a good chance I hadn't packed yet. So that would be another delay to our departure.
I do remember we were excited to get away. The preceding year had been a rough one and even though we had actually spent more time together than normal, those hours were spent in hospitals. As difficult as that time was, the rejoicing moments as well as the frustrating, frightening, and heartbreaking moments were finally tender memories.
I finally made it home, packed, straightened the house, left directions for those who would come and attend the house in our absence (TR Baker), and then off we went. Who knew?
What did we talk about during the drive? Did I tell you I loved you? Did we laugh (probably)? Did I reach over and touch you? After the accident and the car had come to rest, were you already gone from me? Did you hear me shouting your name? I do remember I did touch your leg, actually shook it, trying to get you to look at me even though I couldn't see your face. Did you hurt for me knowing you were leaving me alone? Did any of it make any difference to you anymore? Had you already seen the face of God? I wonder these things.
I miss your smile. I miss your hugs, you were famous for them. Hey, by the way, there's a new kid at church and his name is Jeremy. You'd like him and he gives an HC Baker kind of hug. I saw him last night and got one. It reminded me of you.
I want you to know my faith is much stronger. Can't imagine how I would have survived this without it. This time four years ago we were just about to leave Louisville, together, the two of us. And I came back alone. I'll be up all night tonight. I haven't slept this night in four years. It'd be nice if you could let me know you're happy and also, I'd like to know you think I'm doing OK.
I miss you. Forever loved,
JB
I hate this day. It's been four years. When I remember this day I struggle with everything that came before the storm. I remember I worked that day. I was trying to get ten hours of work crammed into five so I could leave and get home and we could drive to Michigan. I knew you were probably already home, packed and waiting patiently for me. You always had to wait for me. You also knew there was a good chance I hadn't packed yet. So that would be another delay to our departure.
I do remember we were excited to get away. The preceding year had been a rough one and even though we had actually spent more time together than normal, those hours were spent in hospitals. As difficult as that time was, the rejoicing moments as well as the frustrating, frightening, and heartbreaking moments were finally tender memories.
I finally made it home, packed, straightened the house, left directions for those who would come and attend the house in our absence (TR Baker), and then off we went. Who knew?
What did we talk about during the drive? Did I tell you I loved you? Did we laugh (probably)? Did I reach over and touch you? After the accident and the car had come to rest, were you already gone from me? Did you hear me shouting your name? I do remember I did touch your leg, actually shook it, trying to get you to look at me even though I couldn't see your face. Did you hurt for me knowing you were leaving me alone? Did any of it make any difference to you anymore? Had you already seen the face of God? I wonder these things.
I miss your smile. I miss your hugs, you were famous for them. Hey, by the way, there's a new kid at church and his name is Jeremy. You'd like him and he gives an HC Baker kind of hug. I saw him last night and got one. It reminded me of you.
I want you to know my faith is much stronger. Can't imagine how I would have survived this without it. This time four years ago we were just about to leave Louisville, together, the two of us. And I came back alone. I'll be up all night tonight. I haven't slept this night in four years. It'd be nice if you could let me know you're happy and also, I'd like to know you think I'm doing OK.
I miss you. Forever loved,
JB
Monday, June 2, 2014
Another Birthday!
I have a friend I call DB and she celebrates her birthday for a month! I've always enjoyed celebrating my birthday every day of the week preceding. Each day or evening HC Baker presented me with something wonderful to do. Maybe it was a meal at a special restaurant, an event we would attend, or being with friends and family! Since he died my birthday has always been a struggle. I've tried to entertain myself, get my "social" calendar filled, have my own party (often ended up being the "pity" type), go to dinner at wonderful places or more often, buy shoes.
So here I am waiting to move into my own home. My "stuff" is stored and I have my personal belongings thrown everywhere. My wonderful sister Linda and dear friend CH have opened their homes to me and been so gracious. I am so blessed by my friends and family. And so many of you sent me birthday greetings. As I read each one, I could see your face and remember times we have laughed together. Thank you to all of you who thought of me today. Friends and family are the two most important things we have. A very dear friend of mine reminds me that all we'll leave behind is memories so we need to be making the best ones we can.
I can definitely say this year's birthday was the best one I've had in many years. Something exciting and wonderful happened every day. I met with friends, talked with friends, had dinner with friends and totally enjoyed life. I had never been to the U of L Patterson baseball stadium so I went to all the regional games, Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!!!! And to make things interesting we had to evacuate the stadium several times due to weather, quite a few rain delays, and clear the stadium after each game even though we had tickets for the next game in the same seats! And I had the privilege of sitting next to my wonderful friend RB, a former baseball star! I was kept very well-informed about all the actions on the field. And tonight pitching in the game for U of L was Josh Rogers, the freshman grandson of a great friend! How much more exciting could it get?
This morning I went to church!!!! It's been on my "to do" list since I came back to Louisville but I must admit, I was struggling with it. So today, on Youth Sunday, I went. My dear friend Christy went with me. (I needed support!) What a service, and how wonderful it was to see so many friends, young and not so young!!!!!! And I love looking at those young faces and seeing such bright futures written in their smiles. The message was brought to us by two seniors, Hannah and William! WOW! And if you see any of it on TV, I'm sure I'm in the "selfie" William captured! Inspiring message, beautiful music, and the message of HOPE! Exactly what each of us needed to hear!
I've had lots of questions about my dear friend RB. Here's what you need to know. RB and I dated forty plus years ago. Then I married and so did he. As you all know, nearly four years ago, HC Baker died. Nearly two year ago, RB's wife died. Quite by accident, we re-connected and here's what I've discovered. This "widow/widower" thing sucks. And it's hard for many to be able to relate to the feelings of the heart when you've lost your best friend. But what is a blessing is to find someone who understands exactly what you're feeling. Everyone grieves at their own pace, in their own way. Being able to share those feelings eases your burden. And RB and I can talk freely about our spouses. We each spent quite a few years living with someone we loved unconditionally. So now we each have found someone else we can talk to about all those emotions. And boy, it can get very emotional. We're not afraid to enjoy our memories with each other. We can cry with each other. We can understand what the other person feels. And we can laugh! That's what we spend a lot of time doing and laughing is so very good for you. We each have 3 adult children, two daughters and one son, and incredible grandchildren. We talk about them a lot! (If they read this, I can hear a very loud groan from each of them. Then the phone will ring and they will want to know what we said about them! Neither of us will ever tell!) His friendship is very dear to me. So here it is...We're friends writing the next chapter of our lives.
My 67th birthday has been nearly perfect. The only thing I would have wished for was to have all my children and grandchildren with me. And we could have made more wonderful memories!
Today I thank all of you who embraced me, shared your hearts with me and sent your smiles. xxoo
So here I am waiting to move into my own home. My "stuff" is stored and I have my personal belongings thrown everywhere. My wonderful sister Linda and dear friend CH have opened their homes to me and been so gracious. I am so blessed by my friends and family. And so many of you sent me birthday greetings. As I read each one, I could see your face and remember times we have laughed together. Thank you to all of you who thought of me today. Friends and family are the two most important things we have. A very dear friend of mine reminds me that all we'll leave behind is memories so we need to be making the best ones we can.
I can definitely say this year's birthday was the best one I've had in many years. Something exciting and wonderful happened every day. I met with friends, talked with friends, had dinner with friends and totally enjoyed life. I had never been to the U of L Patterson baseball stadium so I went to all the regional games, Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!!!! And to make things interesting we had to evacuate the stadium several times due to weather, quite a few rain delays, and clear the stadium after each game even though we had tickets for the next game in the same seats! And I had the privilege of sitting next to my wonderful friend RB, a former baseball star! I was kept very well-informed about all the actions on the field. And tonight pitching in the game for U of L was Josh Rogers, the freshman grandson of a great friend! How much more exciting could it get?
This morning I went to church!!!! It's been on my "to do" list since I came back to Louisville but I must admit, I was struggling with it. So today, on Youth Sunday, I went. My dear friend Christy went with me. (I needed support!) What a service, and how wonderful it was to see so many friends, young and not so young!!!!!! And I love looking at those young faces and seeing such bright futures written in their smiles. The message was brought to us by two seniors, Hannah and William! WOW! And if you see any of it on TV, I'm sure I'm in the "selfie" William captured! Inspiring message, beautiful music, and the message of HOPE! Exactly what each of us needed to hear!
I've had lots of questions about my dear friend RB. Here's what you need to know. RB and I dated forty plus years ago. Then I married and so did he. As you all know, nearly four years ago, HC Baker died. Nearly two year ago, RB's wife died. Quite by accident, we re-connected and here's what I've discovered. This "widow/widower" thing sucks. And it's hard for many to be able to relate to the feelings of the heart when you've lost your best friend. But what is a blessing is to find someone who understands exactly what you're feeling. Everyone grieves at their own pace, in their own way. Being able to share those feelings eases your burden. And RB and I can talk freely about our spouses. We each spent quite a few years living with someone we loved unconditionally. So now we each have found someone else we can talk to about all those emotions. And boy, it can get very emotional. We're not afraid to enjoy our memories with each other. We can cry with each other. We can understand what the other person feels. And we can laugh! That's what we spend a lot of time doing and laughing is so very good for you. We each have 3 adult children, two daughters and one son, and incredible grandchildren. We talk about them a lot! (If they read this, I can hear a very loud groan from each of them. Then the phone will ring and they will want to know what we said about them! Neither of us will ever tell!) His friendship is very dear to me. So here it is...We're friends writing the next chapter of our lives.
My 67th birthday has been nearly perfect. The only thing I would have wished for was to have all my children and grandchildren with me. And we could have made more wonderful memories!
Today I thank all of you who embraced me, shared your hearts with me and sent your smiles. xxoo
Thursday, May 22, 2014
It's been FIVE weeks today!
My goodness! Yes, five weeks ago today the movers came and emptied the big grey house. Since then I have been on a roller coaster like no other. How many ups and downs can one person endure? Well, the answer is plenty.
My household "stuff" is in storage and my personal things are with me. I finally found a box full of my handbags. When the movers brought my things to Louisville and transferred them to another trailer, I kept watching for my box of hats. Never found them, so I guess they are with the pots and pans! Living out of cardboard boxes, file boxes, shopping bags, rubbermaid trunks, and suitcases is not easy. Right now my shoes are in the garage. At least I know where they are, right?
My first two and a half weeks in Louisville were spent at my dear friend Christy's. We had a wonderful time being room mates. Each day when one of us returned to her home, we'd open the door and shout, "Honey, I'm home!" She took me to the new (to me) COSTCO. What a trip. Then one day I went to the local Kroger store for her. Now that was an experience. I was use to being the only person on an aisle at Ken's Village Market. Not so at the Kroger store. And those people can be dangerous. Lots of carts on the same aisle at the same time. You gotta' watch out and often get out of the way! I'm going to have to time my grocery shopping better...maybe at 2am????
I had a wonderful Derby. It had been several years since I was able to enjoy any of the city-wide festivities. Once Derby was over, I moved to my sister Linda and her husband Bill's home. (Couldn't come before because my bed was being used by a Derby guest!) So now I'm here, and my stuff is everywhere.
Of course, I want to purchase a home and have looked at quite a few. Rather than rush into buying something, I have signed a lease to rent a town home. It's really quite nice with two bedrooms and two and a half baths AND an attached garage!!!! The idea of a garage is great because if I can't get all my "stuff" in the town home, I can store it in the garage. The good news is at least it will all be together once I do find a home. The bad news is I'll be moving again within 12-24 months. I'm kinda tired of moving but I feel I've made the right decision. I am blessed by good advice and direction from my friends and family.
Last weekend I flew back to Topinabee to see Gracie's ballet recital. I'm sure most of you saw the photos I posted on FB. It was a terrific trip. Emily and Garrett were both sick, so I stayed with my dear friend Kathy. Her home is so lovely, full of beautiful antiques. On Friday night, my up north Thursday dinner group had a going away dinner for me. They have all been good friends to me. I got terrific cards and great gifts. My friend Beverly made me FIVE beautifully decorated Derby hats. I'm set! How kind they were to me. It was a joy to see them again. On Saturday and Sunday, we had the recitals. Sunday was my day to stay backstage with Gracie and help with her five costume changes. She had decided earlier in the year this would be the last year she would need backstage help. Needless to say, I was thrilled to have that opportunity. Sunday night, Emily cooked a wonderful dinner for her family and TR Baker's family who drove over from Petoskey. We had a great evening. I believe any mother's favorite moments are spent when her entire family is together. We missed Libby and her gang, but they were in my heart. Arrived home safely with a full heart and many new and very special memories.
So what now? I will move into my town home mid-June. I'm looking for a job and have spoken with several people about possibilities. I'm looking to work in a position where I will be meeting and building relationships with other people...possibly selling (what I've always done). But I'm open to anything and everything if you know of an opening. I want to be passionate about what I do, I want to love what I sell, and I want to meet new people and face new challenges.
I'm having fun seeing my home city again and all the changes that have taken place in my absence. I have a dear special friend who entertains me with these tours and often dinner and most importantly, laughter!
Love to you all, thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Please remember all our military personnel and their families this weekend, those who have gone before us, those who serve us now and those who will soon join.
xxoo
My household "stuff" is in storage and my personal things are with me. I finally found a box full of my handbags. When the movers brought my things to Louisville and transferred them to another trailer, I kept watching for my box of hats. Never found them, so I guess they are with the pots and pans! Living out of cardboard boxes, file boxes, shopping bags, rubbermaid trunks, and suitcases is not easy. Right now my shoes are in the garage. At least I know where they are, right?
My first two and a half weeks in Louisville were spent at my dear friend Christy's. We had a wonderful time being room mates. Each day when one of us returned to her home, we'd open the door and shout, "Honey, I'm home!" She took me to the new (to me) COSTCO. What a trip. Then one day I went to the local Kroger store for her. Now that was an experience. I was use to being the only person on an aisle at Ken's Village Market. Not so at the Kroger store. And those people can be dangerous. Lots of carts on the same aisle at the same time. You gotta' watch out and often get out of the way! I'm going to have to time my grocery shopping better...maybe at 2am????
I had a wonderful Derby. It had been several years since I was able to enjoy any of the city-wide festivities. Once Derby was over, I moved to my sister Linda and her husband Bill's home. (Couldn't come before because my bed was being used by a Derby guest!) So now I'm here, and my stuff is everywhere.
Of course, I want to purchase a home and have looked at quite a few. Rather than rush into buying something, I have signed a lease to rent a town home. It's really quite nice with two bedrooms and two and a half baths AND an attached garage!!!! The idea of a garage is great because if I can't get all my "stuff" in the town home, I can store it in the garage. The good news is at least it will all be together once I do find a home. The bad news is I'll be moving again within 12-24 months. I'm kinda tired of moving but I feel I've made the right decision. I am blessed by good advice and direction from my friends and family.
Last weekend I flew back to Topinabee to see Gracie's ballet recital. I'm sure most of you saw the photos I posted on FB. It was a terrific trip. Emily and Garrett were both sick, so I stayed with my dear friend Kathy. Her home is so lovely, full of beautiful antiques. On Friday night, my up north Thursday dinner group had a going away dinner for me. They have all been good friends to me. I got terrific cards and great gifts. My friend Beverly made me FIVE beautifully decorated Derby hats. I'm set! How kind they were to me. It was a joy to see them again. On Saturday and Sunday, we had the recitals. Sunday was my day to stay backstage with Gracie and help with her five costume changes. She had decided earlier in the year this would be the last year she would need backstage help. Needless to say, I was thrilled to have that opportunity. Sunday night, Emily cooked a wonderful dinner for her family and TR Baker's family who drove over from Petoskey. We had a great evening. I believe any mother's favorite moments are spent when her entire family is together. We missed Libby and her gang, but they were in my heart. Arrived home safely with a full heart and many new and very special memories.
So what now? I will move into my town home mid-June. I'm looking for a job and have spoken with several people about possibilities. I'm looking to work in a position where I will be meeting and building relationships with other people...possibly selling (what I've always done). But I'm open to anything and everything if you know of an opening. I want to be passionate about what I do, I want to love what I sell, and I want to meet new people and face new challenges.
I'm having fun seeing my home city again and all the changes that have taken place in my absence. I have a dear special friend who entertains me with these tours and often dinner and most importantly, laughter!
Love to you all, thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Please remember all our military personnel and their families this weekend, those who have gone before us, those who serve us now and those who will soon join.
xxoo
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
All's well that ends well...I think!
First of all, Maggie's surgery went very well and she is back with Nutty and me. She's still a little unsure of her footing but was starving and ate what little I was told to give her. They sent the tumor off (where exactly is "off"?) and we'll hear in a few days. I also have some pain pills for her. (What happens if people take doggie pain pills?)
Now back to the scene of the crime!
Last Thursday I survived yet another move BACK to Louisville, Kentucky, just in time for all the Derby festivities. The movers arrived at 11:30am and finished around 5:30. I made a bee-line for the kennel where the girls had spent the night, loaded them up, and headed south. Got on the road close to 6pm and arrived at Hotel Christy at 2:15am. When I arrived I was wearing a turtleneck, fleece vest, wool socks, my boots and had a coat on the seat beside me. WHEW! Came out of that fast! It was a fabulous experience! No snow, warm temperatures, trees budding (in the few short days I've been here, they now have leaves), blooming flowers everywhere, dogwoods and red buds absolutely glorious. I have been sitting out by the pool!!!!! Can you believe it? There were a few difficult good-byes on moving day, especially TR Baker and Brett. I seriously miss them but know they are both strong men and can survive without me! Ha! Ha!
So here I am. I "lazed" away Friday and most of Saturday. Spent some time with my sister Linda and husband Bill and then had dinner at daughter Libby's home to celebrate my oldest grandson, Daniel's birthday. He is now 23! How did that happen? Sunday I planned to attend the SONrise service at my church and actually got up to go. Realized I just was not ready for that. I had my own SONrise service out by the pool with the dogs and watched the sun rise. Spent quite some time thanking God for so much! I know all of you did too. We are all very blessed. Enjoyed Sunday brunch with Christy and her family. Food and fellowship top notch. Then Sunday night joined sisters Linda and Mary for dinner.
Monday began the errand day. I took the dogs to our new Vet, Dr. Mary, because I saw that Maggie was growing something under her right front leg. Dr. Mary said it needed to come off as quickly as possible. She couldn't do it on Tuesday but could on Wednesday. Oh my! So I put that on my calendar. Got a lot of running done on Monday. Also found and tried out a close-by doggie daycare. Not sure my girls liked it but the people were so lovely and received their new guests with open arms. When I went to pick them up I was told they behaved so well and enjoyed playing with the other doggies. I kinda doubt that but appreciated the compliments.
So Tuesday arrives with my moving truck from Michigan. Since I don't have a home yet, the movers had to "move" my things from one trailer to another where they will be stored until my next homecoming! Honestly, yesterday went on all too long! And I was able to grab a few things off the moving truck and transfer to my car for spring use. By the time I got home I was too tired to bring them into Christy's home (plus my "suite" looks as if a tornado ran through it!). So this morning my car was still full of my "stuff".
Maggie had to be at the surgery office by 8am and could not eat anything for breakfast. Nutty was going to doggie daycare and needed to eat breakfast. So after I dropped off Maggie, I went to drop off Nutty. Before I took her in, I parked over near the grassy area, took out her food bowl and fed her. Also, since it was a little cool today and I was actually working today, I needed some sort of a jacket. So while Nutty ate her breakfast, I was rummaging through the back of my car looking for a vest or jacket. I was startled when a lovely older woman came up to me and asked if I was alright. I turned to her and said yes I was fine. How was she? She then asked me if I was really alright. Then it dawned on me, she thought I was a homeless person. I laughed and explained why my dog was eating her breakfast in a parking lot and she laughed and said she was so relieved. So started my morning! I went on to work. The vet called to tell me Maggie was out of surgery and doing fine. I told them I would pick her up around 5pm. So my workday continued - such a lovely day to be out! Then around 4:30 I decided it was time for me to head out and get Maggie. I cut across Goose Creek Road to Hwy 22. Did not realize the speed limit was 35!!!!!!! I was pulled over by a policeman and told I was going 47. He asked for my license and proof of insurance. I had both! I told him I had just moved here last Thursday and my dog had surgery, and no, I didn't know the speed limit was 35 and I was very sorry. He said I had 30 days to get a Kentucky license. I said I know. He asked what my new address was and I told him I didn't have an address just yet and was staying with my sister (didn't want to involve my friend Christy). He said why don't you write down your sister's address, so I did. Then he went back to his car. I hollared at him to ask if this would take very long because I had to pick up my dog. He didn't answer! He came back to my car later and asked if he could ask me a question. I said of course (can you say "no" to a police officer?) and he asked me if I was living in my car. Lord help me!
So in the same day...
Twice mistaken for homeless (I didn't look all that bad!)
$158 speeding ticket (35mph is too slow)
Maggie's surgery - PRICELESS!
Tomorrow is another day! Ain't that grand!
Love each and every one of you! You fill my heart!
xxoo
Now back to the scene of the crime!
Last Thursday I survived yet another move BACK to Louisville, Kentucky, just in time for all the Derby festivities. The movers arrived at 11:30am and finished around 5:30. I made a bee-line for the kennel where the girls had spent the night, loaded them up, and headed south. Got on the road close to 6pm and arrived at Hotel Christy at 2:15am. When I arrived I was wearing a turtleneck, fleece vest, wool socks, my boots and had a coat on the seat beside me. WHEW! Came out of that fast! It was a fabulous experience! No snow, warm temperatures, trees budding (in the few short days I've been here, they now have leaves), blooming flowers everywhere, dogwoods and red buds absolutely glorious. I have been sitting out by the pool!!!!! Can you believe it? There were a few difficult good-byes on moving day, especially TR Baker and Brett. I seriously miss them but know they are both strong men and can survive without me! Ha! Ha!
So here I am. I "lazed" away Friday and most of Saturday. Spent some time with my sister Linda and husband Bill and then had dinner at daughter Libby's home to celebrate my oldest grandson, Daniel's birthday. He is now 23! How did that happen? Sunday I planned to attend the SONrise service at my church and actually got up to go. Realized I just was not ready for that. I had my own SONrise service out by the pool with the dogs and watched the sun rise. Spent quite some time thanking God for so much! I know all of you did too. We are all very blessed. Enjoyed Sunday brunch with Christy and her family. Food and fellowship top notch. Then Sunday night joined sisters Linda and Mary for dinner.
Monday began the errand day. I took the dogs to our new Vet, Dr. Mary, because I saw that Maggie was growing something under her right front leg. Dr. Mary said it needed to come off as quickly as possible. She couldn't do it on Tuesday but could on Wednesday. Oh my! So I put that on my calendar. Got a lot of running done on Monday. Also found and tried out a close-by doggie daycare. Not sure my girls liked it but the people were so lovely and received their new guests with open arms. When I went to pick them up I was told they behaved so well and enjoyed playing with the other doggies. I kinda doubt that but appreciated the compliments.
So Tuesday arrives with my moving truck from Michigan. Since I don't have a home yet, the movers had to "move" my things from one trailer to another where they will be stored until my next homecoming! Honestly, yesterday went on all too long! And I was able to grab a few things off the moving truck and transfer to my car for spring use. By the time I got home I was too tired to bring them into Christy's home (plus my "suite" looks as if a tornado ran through it!). So this morning my car was still full of my "stuff".
Maggie had to be at the surgery office by 8am and could not eat anything for breakfast. Nutty was going to doggie daycare and needed to eat breakfast. So after I dropped off Maggie, I went to drop off Nutty. Before I took her in, I parked over near the grassy area, took out her food bowl and fed her. Also, since it was a little cool today and I was actually working today, I needed some sort of a jacket. So while Nutty ate her breakfast, I was rummaging through the back of my car looking for a vest or jacket. I was startled when a lovely older woman came up to me and asked if I was alright. I turned to her and said yes I was fine. How was she? She then asked me if I was really alright. Then it dawned on me, she thought I was a homeless person. I laughed and explained why my dog was eating her breakfast in a parking lot and she laughed and said she was so relieved. So started my morning! I went on to work. The vet called to tell me Maggie was out of surgery and doing fine. I told them I would pick her up around 5pm. So my workday continued - such a lovely day to be out! Then around 4:30 I decided it was time for me to head out and get Maggie. I cut across Goose Creek Road to Hwy 22. Did not realize the speed limit was 35!!!!!!! I was pulled over by a policeman and told I was going 47. He asked for my license and proof of insurance. I had both! I told him I had just moved here last Thursday and my dog had surgery, and no, I didn't know the speed limit was 35 and I was very sorry. He said I had 30 days to get a Kentucky license. I said I know. He asked what my new address was and I told him I didn't have an address just yet and was staying with my sister (didn't want to involve my friend Christy). He said why don't you write down your sister's address, so I did. Then he went back to his car. I hollared at him to ask if this would take very long because I had to pick up my dog. He didn't answer! He came back to my car later and asked if he could ask me a question. I said of course (can you say "no" to a police officer?) and he asked me if I was living in my car. Lord help me!
So in the same day...
Twice mistaken for homeless (I didn't look all that bad!)
$158 speeding ticket (35mph is too slow)
Maggie's surgery - PRICELESS!
Tomorrow is another day! Ain't that grand!
Love each and every one of you! You fill my heart!
xxoo
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
WOW!
I really don't know where to begin.
After a really quick trip to Louisville, here I sit wondering exactly what to do. I went to Louisville to see for the first time in person a house I was very interested it buying. At first sight I really loved the outside look of it and upon entering, loved the way it felt to me. Yes it needed LOTS of help, but I knew I was up to the task. An inspector arrived, and we began a walk-thru. When we went to the basement the nightmare began. There was water leaking from the wall, running down the wall, and heading for an open hole in the concrete floor. (I think it's time to tell you I really don't do basements even when they look great!) In addition to that, the furnace had not been serviced since 1999 AND a "bug" man arrived and was finding termite damage (no evidence of current termites - REALLY?????) in the floor joists and the main beam! HELP!!!! Let me out of here. I was told all this was certainly repairable. Believe it or not, after several more hours I decided I would buy this house. It had a great location, was the perfect size for me and I loved what I knew it could become.
I spent the next 24 hours working on solutions to these problems, met with the mortgage person, made the decision and headed back to Topinabee. Just a little north of Fort Wayne my conscience got the better of me and I got off the interstate, pulled into a gas station and listened to my brain. I had two men (HC Baker and a dear friend) screaming at me to think about what I was doing. Was this right for me? Was this the best investment of my money? Could there be another house out there that was a better fit with fewer problems? AND...SLOW DOWN!!!!!! So I made a call, sent a text or two and instantly felt better. I'm walking away from that house.
I think I was trying to make this fit to simplify my situation. I wanted to have my movers empty my home, drive my things south, then deliver them to my new home. Simple, yes! The right thing for me, no!
So...here I am this morning. I'm packing up my home. TR Baker will move the last of his things this weekend. My movers will come Thursday, 4/17 at 8am and load my belongings. They will deliver them to storage on Tuesday, 4/22. They've been stored before and will survive storage again.
I will sign the "selling" paperwork next Wednesday, move out on Thursday, clean out the door, spend the night with Emily, and drive south with Nutty and Maggie on Friday. This has all happened so fast. I'll stay with my dear friend Christy until after Derby (sister Linda's home is full of photographers in for Derby). I need to think and pray about my next interim address. I do have options and am grateful. I hope within 1-3 months I will find the perfect home for me.
I am eager to return to Louisville and see and hug all of you. I have been so blessed by your support and prayers. I'm grateful I do have options and especially grateful for the voices in my head!
And yes, I still have LOTS of snow on the ground but tomorrow (Wednesday) the temperature might reach 50!!!!!! There will be some serious melting going on!
Gotta' go! More boxes to fill! Happy Spring, Happy Tuesday, Happy Life! xxoo
After a really quick trip to Louisville, here I sit wondering exactly what to do. I went to Louisville to see for the first time in person a house I was very interested it buying. At first sight I really loved the outside look of it and upon entering, loved the way it felt to me. Yes it needed LOTS of help, but I knew I was up to the task. An inspector arrived, and we began a walk-thru. When we went to the basement the nightmare began. There was water leaking from the wall, running down the wall, and heading for an open hole in the concrete floor. (I think it's time to tell you I really don't do basements even when they look great!) In addition to that, the furnace had not been serviced since 1999 AND a "bug" man arrived and was finding termite damage (no evidence of current termites - REALLY?????) in the floor joists and the main beam! HELP!!!! Let me out of here. I was told all this was certainly repairable. Believe it or not, after several more hours I decided I would buy this house. It had a great location, was the perfect size for me and I loved what I knew it could become.
I spent the next 24 hours working on solutions to these problems, met with the mortgage person, made the decision and headed back to Topinabee. Just a little north of Fort Wayne my conscience got the better of me and I got off the interstate, pulled into a gas station and listened to my brain. I had two men (HC Baker and a dear friend) screaming at me to think about what I was doing. Was this right for me? Was this the best investment of my money? Could there be another house out there that was a better fit with fewer problems? AND...SLOW DOWN!!!!!! So I made a call, sent a text or two and instantly felt better. I'm walking away from that house.
I think I was trying to make this fit to simplify my situation. I wanted to have my movers empty my home, drive my things south, then deliver them to my new home. Simple, yes! The right thing for me, no!
So...here I am this morning. I'm packing up my home. TR Baker will move the last of his things this weekend. My movers will come Thursday, 4/17 at 8am and load my belongings. They will deliver them to storage on Tuesday, 4/22. They've been stored before and will survive storage again.
I will sign the "selling" paperwork next Wednesday, move out on Thursday, clean out the door, spend the night with Emily, and drive south with Nutty and Maggie on Friday. This has all happened so fast. I'll stay with my dear friend Christy until after Derby (sister Linda's home is full of photographers in for Derby). I need to think and pray about my next interim address. I do have options and am grateful. I hope within 1-3 months I will find the perfect home for me.
I am eager to return to Louisville and see and hug all of you. I have been so blessed by your support and prayers. I'm grateful I do have options and especially grateful for the voices in my head!
And yes, I still have LOTS of snow on the ground but tomorrow (Wednesday) the temperature might reach 50!!!!!! There will be some serious melting going on!
Gotta' go! More boxes to fill! Happy Spring, Happy Tuesday, Happy Life! xxoo
Sunday, March 30, 2014
A Very Difficult Task
As most of you know, I'm moving...again! In the past three and a half years I have sold four homes. That's hard for even me to believe. Now all I have to do is find another home. I'll leave here early Tuesday morning with the dogs and drive to Louisville. On Wednesday at 10am I will see this home I have written a contract on for the first time. At 11am I'll do a walk-thru with an inspector to verify my choice. I have my fingers crossed all will go well. I'll complete a few other chores and return home on Friday. A very short trip but a necessary one.
Yesterday was a busy day for me. I met with my mover and showed him what he will move. He moved me from Louisville up north and was the only person I would call to move me again. I trust him and his company with my personal belongings. And he is completely accommodating. He will get me where I want to be when I want to be there. Wouldn't it great to move from this home to the next with no storage issues? He also brought me lots of boxes, packing paper and tape. That's one problem solved. I also spoke with son-in-law Brett who told me the closing on this home will probably occur sooner rather than later. It could happen within 2-3 weeks. WOW! I'd better get packing! And TR Baker's friend, Danielle, moved from Traverse City to Petoskey into the home they will share. TR Baker will move next weekend. Things are happening pretty fast here and my heart is beginning to ache with the sadness and happiness of the future.
When I decided to sell my home, I spoke with all three children and asked them about their Dad's ashes. (They have been a guest on the bookshelf in the den since I moved into this home.) There were some conflicting responses. I decided to divide the ashes so that each child could have a part of their Dad. HC Baker loved wooden boxes. Over the years he had come into possession of quite a few. When he died I gave each grandchild one of the boxes filled with a few of their grandfather's special belongings. I kept three of the boxes that were special to me because I had given all three to him over the years. Now I needed a day alone, certain I would not be disturbed, and I chose today.
I gathered all three boxes and the original box holding HC Baker and brought them into the kitchen. I also got four heavy duty zip-lock bags. Now all I had to do was cut open the original bag and divide the ashes. Oh my. It took me quite a while to make that cut. I had no idea what these ashes would be like and how I was going to divide them. I got a measuring cup. At first the ashes were hard like they had become solid again. (I'm sure there's a wonderful analogy there but it's not in me today.) I got a spoon and began to loosen them. Slowly I filled each bag until it appeared everyone had the same amount, and then I placed each bag in their box. Next I went to my box of very personal memories of our life together and began to select HC Baker "stuff". I choose things he had written (all of us always teased him about his handwriting - very easy to identify), articles he had saved he enjoyed reading and re-reading, and photos of him. I arranged three groups of things, each one specifically and lovingly selected for them. I added "their" stack to their box plus a photo of HC Baker and me and closed each box. Done. I had no idea this task would be so difficult.
I heard from a dear friend today who said to tell HC Baker he's got my back! Grateful...
Yesterday was a busy day for me. I met with my mover and showed him what he will move. He moved me from Louisville up north and was the only person I would call to move me again. I trust him and his company with my personal belongings. And he is completely accommodating. He will get me where I want to be when I want to be there. Wouldn't it great to move from this home to the next with no storage issues? He also brought me lots of boxes, packing paper and tape. That's one problem solved. I also spoke with son-in-law Brett who told me the closing on this home will probably occur sooner rather than later. It could happen within 2-3 weeks. WOW! I'd better get packing! And TR Baker's friend, Danielle, moved from Traverse City to Petoskey into the home they will share. TR Baker will move next weekend. Things are happening pretty fast here and my heart is beginning to ache with the sadness and happiness of the future.
When I decided to sell my home, I spoke with all three children and asked them about their Dad's ashes. (They have been a guest on the bookshelf in the den since I moved into this home.) There were some conflicting responses. I decided to divide the ashes so that each child could have a part of their Dad. HC Baker loved wooden boxes. Over the years he had come into possession of quite a few. When he died I gave each grandchild one of the boxes filled with a few of their grandfather's special belongings. I kept three of the boxes that were special to me because I had given all three to him over the years. Now I needed a day alone, certain I would not be disturbed, and I chose today.
I gathered all three boxes and the original box holding HC Baker and brought them into the kitchen. I also got four heavy duty zip-lock bags. Now all I had to do was cut open the original bag and divide the ashes. Oh my. It took me quite a while to make that cut. I had no idea what these ashes would be like and how I was going to divide them. I got a measuring cup. At first the ashes were hard like they had become solid again. (I'm sure there's a wonderful analogy there but it's not in me today.) I got a spoon and began to loosen them. Slowly I filled each bag until it appeared everyone had the same amount, and then I placed each bag in their box. Next I went to my box of very personal memories of our life together and began to select HC Baker "stuff". I choose things he had written (all of us always teased him about his handwriting - very easy to identify), articles he had saved he enjoyed reading and re-reading, and photos of him. I arranged three groups of things, each one specifically and lovingly selected for them. I added "their" stack to their box plus a photo of HC Baker and me and closed each box. Done. I had no idea this task would be so difficult.
I heard from a dear friend today who said to tell HC Baker he's got my back! Grateful...
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
I have lost my mind!!!!!! (Have I used this title before?)
Well, this time it's absolutely true! Without a doubt, I know it!
The people who bought my home placed an offer on it before they had even seen it. I thought that was the craziest thing I had ever heard. Why would anyone do that? Are they nuts? What kind of people are they?
Guess what? I have just done the same thing!!!! And I promised myself I was going to proceed with caution on my next home purchase. (I do have a reputation for impulse buying!) "Take your time and find the perfect home," said Jo Ann. Apparently Jo Ann wasn't listening.
Today my friend and my real estate friend were riding around "looking" and found what they have described to me as a home with my name written all over it! They looked at it, photographed it, sent the photos to me, and told me I had to make an offer...TODAY! It's being sold "as is" in an estate that needs to be settled. I listened to them and looked at the photos. WOW! It looks wonderful! The kitchen and master bath have been completely remodeled to perfection, and those are the most expensive rooms to re-do. I called my sister and told her to get in her car and go have a look. I told her the home was unoccupied and to pull in the driveway, get out and walk around. Look in the windows and tell me what you see. She called back and said it looks terrific. Her husband said so too. Great house they said.
So here I sit, waiting for a contract to be e-mailed to me. I'll need to print it, sign it, scan it (never done that before), and e-mail it back. Also need to scan a copy of a check as my deposit. Can this be happening to me? If HC Baker were buried in the ground, he would not be rolling over in his grave but jumping up through the dirt! He is, however, still in his box on a shelf in the den. Should I go and tell him what I've done? I sure could use his "smarts" right about now. He was always able to help me through these crazy situations I seemed to attract. He was the person who "fixed" my problems and made everything OK. (I'm sure there were MANY times all he wanted to do was strangle me.) Well, I'm on my own now and hope and pray I'm making the right decision. If it's meant to be, it will happen. I will then be able to cross the fourth goal off my list for 2014 - find a home in Louisville.
So here's my plan. I will get in my car on Sunday or Monday, drive to Louisville, look at this home with an inspector, decide if it's for me, then drive back on Thursday. I haven't told Nutty or Maggie yet, but they love a road trip! And they should be able to get a "wiff" of their possible new home don't you think?
Someone told me tonight they thought my life was so exciting. Is it or have I lost my mind?
xxoo
The people who bought my home placed an offer on it before they had even seen it. I thought that was the craziest thing I had ever heard. Why would anyone do that? Are they nuts? What kind of people are they?
Guess what? I have just done the same thing!!!! And I promised myself I was going to proceed with caution on my next home purchase. (I do have a reputation for impulse buying!) "Take your time and find the perfect home," said Jo Ann. Apparently Jo Ann wasn't listening.
Today my friend and my real estate friend were riding around "looking" and found what they have described to me as a home with my name written all over it! They looked at it, photographed it, sent the photos to me, and told me I had to make an offer...TODAY! It's being sold "as is" in an estate that needs to be settled. I listened to them and looked at the photos. WOW! It looks wonderful! The kitchen and master bath have been completely remodeled to perfection, and those are the most expensive rooms to re-do. I called my sister and told her to get in her car and go have a look. I told her the home was unoccupied and to pull in the driveway, get out and walk around. Look in the windows and tell me what you see. She called back and said it looks terrific. Her husband said so too. Great house they said.
So here I sit, waiting for a contract to be e-mailed to me. I'll need to print it, sign it, scan it (never done that before), and e-mail it back. Also need to scan a copy of a check as my deposit. Can this be happening to me? If HC Baker were buried in the ground, he would not be rolling over in his grave but jumping up through the dirt! He is, however, still in his box on a shelf in the den. Should I go and tell him what I've done? I sure could use his "smarts" right about now. He was always able to help me through these crazy situations I seemed to attract. He was the person who "fixed" my problems and made everything OK. (I'm sure there were MANY times all he wanted to do was strangle me.) Well, I'm on my own now and hope and pray I'm making the right decision. If it's meant to be, it will happen. I will then be able to cross the fourth goal off my list for 2014 - find a home in Louisville.
So here's my plan. I will get in my car on Sunday or Monday, drive to Louisville, look at this home with an inspector, decide if it's for me, then drive back on Thursday. I haven't told Nutty or Maggie yet, but they love a road trip! And they should be able to get a "wiff" of their possible new home don't you think?
Someone told me tonight they thought my life was so exciting. Is it or have I lost my mind?
xxoo
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Let me say this again!
It came to my attention this weekend that there are some people "out there" who believe I made a mistake moving to northern Michigan. I did NOT!!!! I have absolutely NO REGRETS! After I accidentally sold my Louisville home at the yard sale, I realized my life was different now. I was a widow in search of a new life. When you spend all your life in your own personal "rut", anything new presents new challenges, new thoughts, new wonders. I did look at possible homes in Louisville but felt I was not ready to make that kind of decision. Where could I go? I still had a home in northern Michigan and I loved my blue cottage. HC Baker and I had created wonderful memories there. AND I had grandchildren close by. G & G are my two youngest grandchildren and I had missed lots of their lives. This was my opportunity to catch up on those moments and I decided to take it! So, I stored my personal household belongings and headed north. These last three and a half years have been so special to me. I have witnessed G & G growing up to be delightful persons - full of energy, brains, personality and love. I have grown closer to Emily and Brett and seen the gifts they have to give their family and others. It has been a wonderful blessing to me. I'm so happy I came. I've made new memories and new friends. All of this helped me to transition into my new life as a widow. I have not been alone. I have been surrounded by family. And TR Baker came to live with me. We have both grown in our hearts to be better people. So...I did NOT make a mistake. I simply started a journey, a new chapter in my life.
Now, that being said, it's not all been perfect. There have been plenty of ups and downs. And I survived them all. Right now my plate is very full and there is a bit of a struggle happening in my heart. As I prepare to move, TR Baker has chosen to remain here. He loves it up north and has found a lovely lady and her family, lots of new friends, and he enjoys his work. I'm so happy for him and hope and pray his life continues to bloom. He will move to Petoskey (where he works) in the next few weeks and share a home with his new family. He and I have talked about this move and what he will take with him out of the home we have shared. I have decided I am not going to move anything I will not use. I'm tired of lugging around all this baggage I have! Plus TR Baker and I have continued to "house" all the things he chose of his father's. He will take all of that and begin to build his memories in his new home. His lady will move to their new home next weekend and once she is settled there, he will begin his move. I'm excited for both of them but realize his move from this home will be difficult for me. There's such comfort in not being alone, yet that's exactly what I'll be...again.
Alone. What a word. I have thought and thought and thought about that word. It's just a word. It doesn't have to describe a life. A life is what you make it. You can live your life alone OR you can fill your life with wonderful things! For me those wonderful things include my family. Jeeze Louise...they have stood by me and loved me through all of this (while some of them have had their own serious concerns). Another wonderful thing I have is my friends - the absolute best in the world! One dear friend is my Saturday night date. She calls me every Saturday night and we have a date on the phone. Most often, we surf the internet together deciding what we'll buy or sign up for, or telling each other what we figured out the previous week! And we laugh, usually at each other! My friends pray for me and I pray for them. We all support each other every way we can. Another wonderful thing in my life is my church, and I will be so happy to return to that community. I've missed my church and the wonderful body of believers who lift you up with their love and support.
So yes, I will be by myself, but I won't be alone. The Lord is ALWAYS with me. He keeps me grounded and focused. Whatever comes my way, He is there with me to see me through. And He will, of that I have no doubt. Trust and Obey...
My sermon for the day! Happy Sunday!
Now, that being said, it's not all been perfect. There have been plenty of ups and downs. And I survived them all. Right now my plate is very full and there is a bit of a struggle happening in my heart. As I prepare to move, TR Baker has chosen to remain here. He loves it up north and has found a lovely lady and her family, lots of new friends, and he enjoys his work. I'm so happy for him and hope and pray his life continues to bloom. He will move to Petoskey (where he works) in the next few weeks and share a home with his new family. He and I have talked about this move and what he will take with him out of the home we have shared. I have decided I am not going to move anything I will not use. I'm tired of lugging around all this baggage I have! Plus TR Baker and I have continued to "house" all the things he chose of his father's. He will take all of that and begin to build his memories in his new home. His lady will move to their new home next weekend and once she is settled there, he will begin his move. I'm excited for both of them but realize his move from this home will be difficult for me. There's such comfort in not being alone, yet that's exactly what I'll be...again.
Alone. What a word. I have thought and thought and thought about that word. It's just a word. It doesn't have to describe a life. A life is what you make it. You can live your life alone OR you can fill your life with wonderful things! For me those wonderful things include my family. Jeeze Louise...they have stood by me and loved me through all of this (while some of them have had their own serious concerns). Another wonderful thing I have is my friends - the absolute best in the world! One dear friend is my Saturday night date. She calls me every Saturday night and we have a date on the phone. Most often, we surf the internet together deciding what we'll buy or sign up for, or telling each other what we figured out the previous week! And we laugh, usually at each other! My friends pray for me and I pray for them. We all support each other every way we can. Another wonderful thing in my life is my church, and I will be so happy to return to that community. I've missed my church and the wonderful body of believers who lift you up with their love and support.
So yes, I will be by myself, but I won't be alone. The Lord is ALWAYS with me. He keeps me grounded and focused. Whatever comes my way, He is there with me to see me through. And He will, of that I have no doubt. Trust and Obey...
My sermon for the day! Happy Sunday!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Just when you thought you were doin' OK!
Soon to be four years ago, HC Baker died and my heart was broken into a million pieces. Quite honestly, I didn't think it would ever heal. Plenty of days it seems like yesterday and other days it seems like forever. I decided then, I would create an invisible shell that would surround my body to protect me from any future heartache. Then I went on about my business. I sold a couple of houses, made a significant move, sold another house, bought an old house, spent nine months renovating it, lived in it for three years and now I have sold it! Time to move again!
All during this time I hated that invisible shell. At first it became my friend because it seemed to be working. Bad things just seemed to bounce off me, or more accurately, I avoided bad things. I focused only on good things and the shell began to disappear. I found I was returning to some of my former self. I ventured out more, made new friends, saw some of the world, learned quite a few lessons, and gained a new comfort to my life. In the past year I decided to try a few new things, open myself up to a new beginning, see what else is out there. I used to be brave and wanted to be brave again. I wanted to give something...not sure what, but I just knew there were new experiences and renewed experiences waiting for me, looking for me. Thinking about it was exciting. Last fall I began to search for hidden opportunities. Nothing life-changing but within my comfort zone. I can do this now. The shell was gone. My heart said step out there, try this. You'll be safe.
Now here's where it gets interesting. You know that saying about men having two brains (not intending to offend anyone)? Well, last weekend I discovered I have two brains. I have the one in my head and the one in my heart. And I discovered they don't always blend their thoughts together. How is it my "head" brain sees so clearly and my "heart" brain wears rose-colored glasses? Or is it the reverse? Curious! After what I thought was a great deal of mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation, I had the rug pulled out from under me! Thought I was prepared, but obviously missed some very significant signals.
I've read quite a few of the "grieving" books out there and didn't finish any of them! They didn't sound like me and what I was experiencing. What I want is a rule book. How do you "play" this new life? How do you trust this new life? Where can you find this new life? I'm still new to this and did warn myself I could stumble and fall, but I had hope. Hope is a part of that "heart" brain thing.
So here's what I've decided. Right now, I have an incredibly full plate. The house has sold and will close in 30-45 days. After that, I have ten days to vacate. I have to get straight with the movers, get packed, find a new home for me and Nutty and Maggie, and get all the details of this home settled so I can make a new home and start again. I'm hoping to find the excitement in that!
And the shell is back!
All during this time I hated that invisible shell. At first it became my friend because it seemed to be working. Bad things just seemed to bounce off me, or more accurately, I avoided bad things. I focused only on good things and the shell began to disappear. I found I was returning to some of my former self. I ventured out more, made new friends, saw some of the world, learned quite a few lessons, and gained a new comfort to my life. In the past year I decided to try a few new things, open myself up to a new beginning, see what else is out there. I used to be brave and wanted to be brave again. I wanted to give something...not sure what, but I just knew there were new experiences and renewed experiences waiting for me, looking for me. Thinking about it was exciting. Last fall I began to search for hidden opportunities. Nothing life-changing but within my comfort zone. I can do this now. The shell was gone. My heart said step out there, try this. You'll be safe.
Now here's where it gets interesting. You know that saying about men having two brains (not intending to offend anyone)? Well, last weekend I discovered I have two brains. I have the one in my head and the one in my heart. And I discovered they don't always blend their thoughts together. How is it my "head" brain sees so clearly and my "heart" brain wears rose-colored glasses? Or is it the reverse? Curious! After what I thought was a great deal of mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation, I had the rug pulled out from under me! Thought I was prepared, but obviously missed some very significant signals.
I've read quite a few of the "grieving" books out there and didn't finish any of them! They didn't sound like me and what I was experiencing. What I want is a rule book. How do you "play" this new life? How do you trust this new life? Where can you find this new life? I'm still new to this and did warn myself I could stumble and fall, but I had hope. Hope is a part of that "heart" brain thing.
So here's what I've decided. Right now, I have an incredibly full plate. The house has sold and will close in 30-45 days. After that, I have ten days to vacate. I have to get straight with the movers, get packed, find a new home for me and Nutty and Maggie, and get all the details of this home settled so I can make a new home and start again. I'm hoping to find the excitement in that!
And the shell is back!
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