When I woke up this morning, out the window I saw WATER!!!!!!!!!!! The ice on the lake is melting! I was concerned it was never going to happen! It's not melted completely but I saw ripples! To some of you this might seem like nothing, but in northern Michigan, the winter of 2013 has gone on way too long. (We had snow flurries yesterday, and I still have piles of snow encircling my driveway where my son-in-law, Brett, plowed this winter.) I saw my doctor on Wednesday to get him to refill a prescription and he asked how I was. I told him I wasn't sure, but thought I might be suffering from depression. He asked why and I said cold, snow, ice, gray days...need I go on? He said it wasn't depression because everyone was experiencing it! When everyone has it, it doesn't count as depression! I said OK and today there are ripples!! I'm finally thinking we might have spring! Praise the Lord!
April is a very "birthday" month for my family. Daughters, Emily and Libby both had birthdays. Emily was 43 and Libby was 44 (I kinda' got confused on that one!). My oldest grandson, Daniel, celebrated his 22 birthday, youngest grandson Garrett turned 15 (he's driving), and today my youngest granddaughter, Gracie is 11! And just around the calendar, on May 2, my sister Mary has a birthday (I can't say her number of years!!!) and on May 4, son-in-law, Brett celebrates! WHEW! It's like ripples!!
I've had workers here most of the month. First of all the plumber came. We have been struggling with an upstairs toilet and I wanted it checked-out. The plumber brought me the top of the tank and asked me to read the number on the underside. It was 1947...the year the toilet was installed!!!!! Holy cow! He said he thought it would be a good idea to replace it. I agreed! Later I asked myself how much could a toilet cost? Got the bill. Two Holy Cows!!!!! Next came the window people. I am slowly replacing the windows (can't afford to replace all at once), so I started last summer in the kitchen and continued with the back of the house on the main floor. They do tell you how much it will be so that came as no surprise. They look wonderful and they open!!!! Most of the windows in the house open...with a struggle and are held open with a stick! I'm working to get away from that. So far so good! Today the electrician is here. I need more outlets inside and outside, a ceiling fan installed, and new outdoor lamps. TR and Brett are great at helping me, but the house is very old and re-wiring is often the solution to the problem. Hence, the professionals! Don't want any electrical ripples!!
TR Baker and I also "re-did" the two second floor back bedrooms. TR removed the last of the old wall to wall carpet. Finally, there is no old carpet in the house! Hip Hip Hooray! The painting is complete and I'm just about to add the finishing touches. Finally, every room in the house has been "lifted", released, refreshed, and rippled!!
We're getting ready for our 3rd Northern Michigan Derby Party! The invitations have been sent and so far only 2 "regrets"! Oh my! I've started the baking part of the menu and will begin the cooking part next week! Who do you think will win? Will Pitino's horse give him the big sweep? Any insider info out there? Any ripples!!
Even though we have been busy this month with birthdays and renovations, we couldn't help ourselves and remained glued to the TV during the horrific events in Boston and West, Texas. So much suffering and heartache. Every corner of our country has been hurt and yet remained steadfast in their desire to overcome this adversity and their own personal struggles. Lives changed forever. As all of us continue to pray for our country and those affected by these tragedies, let's pray that our caring hearts will have that "ripple" effect on people and cities as they come face to face with their new lives and surroundings.
Happy Spring, Happy Derby, Happy Life! xxoo
Friday, April 26, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
My Easter!
I hope and pray everyone had a Blessed Easter. There's always that discussion about which celebration is more important - Christmas, Christ's birth when wonderful gifts were given to Him or Easter, Christ's death when He gave a wonderful gift to each of us. You decide.
My Easter started with my own personal sunrise service. Emily, Brett and the children left Sunday morning at 7am (out of Detroit) for Arizona to visit Brett's family. When they are gone, I am the goat feeder! So as they boarded the plane, I was driving to their farm. There was a very heavy fog and the daylight was barely peeking through. As I got close to the pen, I saw the five goats standing right at the gate waiting for me. There was also a rabbit sitting on the hay cage (I call it). I think he was on his way home after a very busy night and needed to stop for a snack. (For any little eyes) The air was so peaceful, the goats were quiet and calm, and together we thanked God for His incredible gift to us. We all have more than we need and are guaranteed even more after death. Blessings abound!
A dear "up-north" friend, Kathy, invited me to attend her church with her for Easter Sunday morning. So there I was at the Oden Community Church. There were 22 of us (includes 3 visitors) and we sang the Easter hymns we all love so much - Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Because He Lives, Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, and He Lives. Pastor Marv's message focused on the "doubting" Thomas in all of us. I'm so used to "big" church, I had forgotten many of the "little" touches of small church. Early in the service a man in the congregation got up and walked to the pulpit. He told everyone who was in need of prayers, some due to illness, family problems, and "just plain needed hope". He mentioned a man named Raoul who is in Syria and asked that we pray that he would find a way to escape. Once he competed his list, he asked if there were any last minute requests he was unaware of. Something else that touched my heart, just before the offering was collected, Pastor Marv told the visitors that just because the offering plate came to you, don't feel obligated to make a contribution. "We're just glad you're here." (I did and I was!) The entire service reminded me that on any given morning, so many different groups of people gather together to praise the Lord! Amen and Amen!
By mid-afternoon the snow had begun. Yes...snow. And also by mid-afternoon, the cable tv and internet "went out". OH NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! University of Michigan vs Florida and U of L vs Duke! TR Baker was beside himself. He called the customer service number and spoke with a woman who said she was aware and that the whole area was "out"! She had no idea when service would be restored. TR Baker immediately decided he would go to Breakers, our neighborhood bar and grill! And guess what? It's Easter Sunday, and it was closed. He drove into Indian River to the Brass Rail, another local haunt. Closed!!!!!! How can this happen???????? I turned on the radio and found the game so we could at least listen to it. And then we heard it, the accident that rocked the Center. Oh my goodness. How can THAT happen????????
TR Baker and I left to go to my friend Kathy's home. She had invited us to join her family for Easter dinner. TR Baker is friends with her son and his family (Matt, Angie, and Cole and Cassidy) and her daughter and her family (Samantha, Dan and Norah). On the drive to dinner TR Baker said it was over, the team was too upset to come back and defeat Duke. I told him U of L would get into the locker room for the half and the coaches and players would pray and clam each other down and would come back and defeat Duke. Just believe! (My own Doubting Thomas!) And I hoped the family dinner experience would ease TR Baker's "pain". When we arrived we discovered Kathy has satellite TV! TR Baker was able to see the second half and HUGE win! Kathy's dinner was delicious and the family time was incredibly special for TR Baker and me. In the meantime, Emily and her family arrived safely in AZ, Libby and her family had a special day and TR Baker and I are blessed with wonderful friends.
So here I am on Monday morning. Internet is back up, don't know about the TV as I haven't turned it on, the goats have been fed their breakfast, and it's still snowing! Happy April and I wish I was "fooling" you, but I'm not.
Requesting prayers this morning for "Munner" in Henderson, KY, Kevin Ware in Indianapolis, Sue in Atlanta, and Raoul in Syria.
Christ is risen...He is risen indeed! xxoo
My Easter started with my own personal sunrise service. Emily, Brett and the children left Sunday morning at 7am (out of Detroit) for Arizona to visit Brett's family. When they are gone, I am the goat feeder! So as they boarded the plane, I was driving to their farm. There was a very heavy fog and the daylight was barely peeking through. As I got close to the pen, I saw the five goats standing right at the gate waiting for me. There was also a rabbit sitting on the hay cage (I call it). I think he was on his way home after a very busy night and needed to stop for a snack. (For any little eyes) The air was so peaceful, the goats were quiet and calm, and together we thanked God for His incredible gift to us. We all have more than we need and are guaranteed even more after death. Blessings abound!
A dear "up-north" friend, Kathy, invited me to attend her church with her for Easter Sunday morning. So there I was at the Oden Community Church. There were 22 of us (includes 3 visitors) and we sang the Easter hymns we all love so much - Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Because He Lives, Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, and He Lives. Pastor Marv's message focused on the "doubting" Thomas in all of us. I'm so used to "big" church, I had forgotten many of the "little" touches of small church. Early in the service a man in the congregation got up and walked to the pulpit. He told everyone who was in need of prayers, some due to illness, family problems, and "just plain needed hope". He mentioned a man named Raoul who is in Syria and asked that we pray that he would find a way to escape. Once he competed his list, he asked if there were any last minute requests he was unaware of. Something else that touched my heart, just before the offering was collected, Pastor Marv told the visitors that just because the offering plate came to you, don't feel obligated to make a contribution. "We're just glad you're here." (I did and I was!) The entire service reminded me that on any given morning, so many different groups of people gather together to praise the Lord! Amen and Amen!
By mid-afternoon the snow had begun. Yes...snow. And also by mid-afternoon, the cable tv and internet "went out". OH NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! University of Michigan vs Florida and U of L vs Duke! TR Baker was beside himself. He called the customer service number and spoke with a woman who said she was aware and that the whole area was "out"! She had no idea when service would be restored. TR Baker immediately decided he would go to Breakers, our neighborhood bar and grill! And guess what? It's Easter Sunday, and it was closed. He drove into Indian River to the Brass Rail, another local haunt. Closed!!!!!! How can this happen???????? I turned on the radio and found the game so we could at least listen to it. And then we heard it, the accident that rocked the Center. Oh my goodness. How can THAT happen????????
TR Baker and I left to go to my friend Kathy's home. She had invited us to join her family for Easter dinner. TR Baker is friends with her son and his family (Matt, Angie, and Cole and Cassidy) and her daughter and her family (Samantha, Dan and Norah). On the drive to dinner TR Baker said it was over, the team was too upset to come back and defeat Duke. I told him U of L would get into the locker room for the half and the coaches and players would pray and clam each other down and would come back and defeat Duke. Just believe! (My own Doubting Thomas!) And I hoped the family dinner experience would ease TR Baker's "pain". When we arrived we discovered Kathy has satellite TV! TR Baker was able to see the second half and HUGE win! Kathy's dinner was delicious and the family time was incredibly special for TR Baker and me. In the meantime, Emily and her family arrived safely in AZ, Libby and her family had a special day and TR Baker and I are blessed with wonderful friends.
So here I am on Monday morning. Internet is back up, don't know about the TV as I haven't turned it on, the goats have been fed their breakfast, and it's still snowing! Happy April and I wish I was "fooling" you, but I'm not.
Requesting prayers this morning for "Munner" in Henderson, KY, Kevin Ware in Indianapolis, Sue in Atlanta, and Raoul in Syria.
Christ is risen...He is risen indeed! xxoo
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Will it ever end?
I think sometime last week I made mention of the fact that the temperatures were warming up a bit and the big melt had begun. WRONG! It seems as if old man winter just can't let go. We woke up Sunday morning to about 6 inches of new "powder". And that's just what is looked like...powder. The sun was shining and seeing the falling tiny flakes sparkling was so beautiful. And when you picked up a handful, it fell through your fingers just like powder. It really was lovely to see and for a moment I almost forgot it was more SNOW! Well, yesterday evening it started again. The forecast says it will snow through Wednesday with the possible accumulation of another 6-8 inches. ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!!
January of 2011, I arrived in Michigan with one pair of really pretty boots. To date, I have no idea where they are. But I do know where my 2 pair of "good to 40 below zero" snow boots are as well as my 2 pair of rubber "muck"/rain boots. What does that tell you about my life? And where are they? Inside the back door because Lord knows, you can't possibly go out without putting a pair on your feet, that is if you want to avoid an accident. (I try to not say the word "fall" out loud for fear I'll be jinxed. Isn't it funny how slipping and breaking a bone never enters your mind until you reach a certain age? I don't say that "age" out loud either!)
Here's another sign winter has gone on too long. For the past 5 or 6 years, in early fall I order a case of my favorite tea bags (because you can't buy them in a store anymore...go figure!). A case includes nearly 200 tea bags and lasts me ALL winter. I have ONE left!!!!!! I have searched every handbag, coat pocket, piece of luggage I have used this winter, the car console, anywhere I could have possibly "stashed" a tea bag! TO NO AVAIL!!!!! I can't decide if I should just use it up today and be done with it or wait until tomorrow and drink it to celebrate the first day of SPRING!!!!! This winter is going to reduce me to LIPTON!!!!!! OH NOOOOOOOOOO!
Just spoke with my sister Linda and she told me the high in Louisville today was ONLY going to be about 48 and possibly waking up to a bit of snow tomorrow morning. Boo Hoo! And I'm tired of hearing about Rusty at the Taj Mahal!!!!! I hope it's hot and you are sweating! I can barely get out of the driveway! If you don't hear from me in a few days, send out the St. Bernard and "he" better be packin' the good stuff!
xxoo
January of 2011, I arrived in Michigan with one pair of really pretty boots. To date, I have no idea where they are. But I do know where my 2 pair of "good to 40 below zero" snow boots are as well as my 2 pair of rubber "muck"/rain boots. What does that tell you about my life? And where are they? Inside the back door because Lord knows, you can't possibly go out without putting a pair on your feet, that is if you want to avoid an accident. (I try to not say the word "fall" out loud for fear I'll be jinxed. Isn't it funny how slipping and breaking a bone never enters your mind until you reach a certain age? I don't say that "age" out loud either!)
Here's another sign winter has gone on too long. For the past 5 or 6 years, in early fall I order a case of my favorite tea bags (because you can't buy them in a store anymore...go figure!). A case includes nearly 200 tea bags and lasts me ALL winter. I have ONE left!!!!!! I have searched every handbag, coat pocket, piece of luggage I have used this winter, the car console, anywhere I could have possibly "stashed" a tea bag! TO NO AVAIL!!!!! I can't decide if I should just use it up today and be done with it or wait until tomorrow and drink it to celebrate the first day of SPRING!!!!! This winter is going to reduce me to LIPTON!!!!!! OH NOOOOOOOOOO!
Just spoke with my sister Linda and she told me the high in Louisville today was ONLY going to be about 48 and possibly waking up to a bit of snow tomorrow morning. Boo Hoo! And I'm tired of hearing about Rusty at the Taj Mahal!!!!! I hope it's hot and you are sweating! I can barely get out of the driveway! If you don't hear from me in a few days, send out the St. Bernard and "he" better be packin' the good stuff!
xxoo
Monday, March 11, 2013
4 days left...
What an interesting day this has been in the "tip of the mitt" (where I live)! I believe the temperature got up to 40 today so the big, no - huge, no - gigantic melt is in full swing! I have heard several incredibly loud crashes today only to discover it's the ice melting off the roof and sliding down to the ground. God forbid you would be under the big slide because I honestly believe some of those chunks would kill you if they hit you on the head! Because we've had so much snow and cold, the ice fishing on the lake has been a very popular activity this winter. However, all ice shanties (I call them outhouses 'cause that's what they look like!) must be off the lake by March 15th. So, 4 more days! I went to Cheboygan this morning and the ice on the lake looked like standing water. OK you fishing people, be careful. I guess we won't see any more pick-up trucks out on the ice.
No school today in Cheboygan just as Brett predicted. We'll see what happens tomorrow. (There is snow forecasted for Wednesday.) Since school was cancelled, Gracie came over to play this afternoon. We had a wonderful time as always but the part of this visit that totally "freaked me out" was the person driving the car to bring her over...GARRETT!!!!!!! He has been taking driver training in school and is allowed to drive with a licensed driver in the car, but I wasn't prepared to see it!!!! Oh my gosh! My life is flying by way too fast!
For any of you who do not know, I have been going to yoga classes since November. I go twice a week and it has been very different for me. I'm a person who normally goes at a pace of about 100 miles an hour...(OK, so maybe my limit has changed to 85 in the past few years) but anyway, I'm a doer, a go-er, someone who loves to be first in line and works hard to get there. So, yoga. It's quiet, slow, very meditative, and a lot of other words that don't apply to me. But I go. The instructor is Lisa and she is awesome. She says yoga is a state of mind and you are experiencing yoga just by showing up. If all you do is walk in the door and sit on your mat, it's yoga. She's very patient with me and doesn't hollar at me when I "break" the mood/movement. This usually happens when she says something very thought-provoking and inspiring. (She does that alot but sometimes it stimulates my thoughts more than she would probably like.) Like today. During a particularly difficult body twist (thought I was going to die), she said "point your breast toward heaven". Hmm!? I had to stop and look at her and tell her it's been a number of years since either of my breasts pointed toward heaven. They more recently appeared to feel more in touch with hell! Class ended! Gotta' love yoga!
Celebrated long distance today with Sam and the completion of the adoption process. Katlin and Lexi are truly at home now. Congratulations to all of them (Miss Madeline included!). Also got a call from dear friend Jack today telling me HC Baker was represented at the youth fundraiser last night. He would have loved that! And had no idea one of my favorite families is back at SMBC. Love all those "H" kids and their Mom and Dad!
God is good! xxoo
No school today in Cheboygan just as Brett predicted. We'll see what happens tomorrow. (There is snow forecasted for Wednesday.) Since school was cancelled, Gracie came over to play this afternoon. We had a wonderful time as always but the part of this visit that totally "freaked me out" was the person driving the car to bring her over...GARRETT!!!!!!! He has been taking driver training in school and is allowed to drive with a licensed driver in the car, but I wasn't prepared to see it!!!! Oh my gosh! My life is flying by way too fast!
For any of you who do not know, I have been going to yoga classes since November. I go twice a week and it has been very different for me. I'm a person who normally goes at a pace of about 100 miles an hour...(OK, so maybe my limit has changed to 85 in the past few years) but anyway, I'm a doer, a go-er, someone who loves to be first in line and works hard to get there. So, yoga. It's quiet, slow, very meditative, and a lot of other words that don't apply to me. But I go. The instructor is Lisa and she is awesome. She says yoga is a state of mind and you are experiencing yoga just by showing up. If all you do is walk in the door and sit on your mat, it's yoga. She's very patient with me and doesn't hollar at me when I "break" the mood/movement. This usually happens when she says something very thought-provoking and inspiring. (She does that alot but sometimes it stimulates my thoughts more than she would probably like.) Like today. During a particularly difficult body twist (thought I was going to die), she said "point your breast toward heaven". Hmm!? I had to stop and look at her and tell her it's been a number of years since either of my breasts pointed toward heaven. They more recently appeared to feel more in touch with hell! Class ended! Gotta' love yoga!
Celebrated long distance today with Sam and the completion of the adoption process. Katlin and Lexi are truly at home now. Congratulations to all of them (Miss Madeline included!). Also got a call from dear friend Jack today telling me HC Baker was represented at the youth fundraiser last night. He would have loved that! And had no idea one of my favorite families is back at SMBC. Love all those "H" kids and their Mom and Dad!
God is good! xxoo
Sunday, March 10, 2013
A Gray Weekend...
I do hope our winter is nearly over. Saturday's high was 38 and for those of you thinking "big deal", it was! Everything has started to melt and so far my new (last fall) gutters have held! Snow and especially ice are the reasons you don't see gutters on homes up here. Once the ice freezes, the weight of it just rips the gutters right off the house. Our neighbors on the right have a pretty good length of gutter swinging right now outside their front porch. So now my driveway is beginning to melt. I am seeing the ground for the first time since January 2. The other "shoe" is that I have an ice skating rink outside my back door! And by the way, tomorrow we are expecting possibly 6-8 inches of new snow. Son-in-law Brett says schools will be cancelled tomorrow due to ice. Once the temps drop tonight, look out! All that melted snow will freeze on the roads. Spring, oh spring!!!!!! Where are you?
Yesterday (Saturday), TR Baker and I drove to Gaylord, about 35 miles south. The main reason we went was to go to a Taco Bell and try the cool ranch doritos taco shells. (TR's reason!) OK, we tried them. TR Baker thought they were great and I had one and thought...it's a taco. Then to add the icing on that cake, we went to Tim Horton's and got a few (12) donuts!!!!!! The good news was we then went grocery shopping at Meijers and did NOT over buy! Made it home in time to watch U of L beat Notre Dame and learn that UK had beat Georgia! What a day!
Woke up today to more rain and melting snow. JOY! But today also included a bit of culture. Cheboygan High School was performing "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Opera House and Gracie and I went. It's been a long time since I had seen a high school musical production and the students did a fine job. Gracie was not familiar with the story so I explained parts of it to her as it progressed. Arranged marriages, Jewish traditions, the wedding under a canopy, the stomping of the wine glass, marrying outside your religion, and having to leave your "homeland". She was most interested in the arranged marriages and marrying outside your religion. Her questions included what if you don't love the person your parents want you to marry and if you go to church, what difference does it make what your husband believes. I told her to talk to her parents about it! (Passed that buck!)
Was saddened this weekend to learn Malcolm's precious dog Daisy passed away. I did not know Daisy but her photos looked exactly like our Lady who died in the accident. But I am excited to remember tomorrow is the official "adoption" day for Sam and her precious girls. It's been a long wait, and it will be bittersweet without Abe, but even though I am 600 miles away, I know I will feel the love coming from Richmond, KY.
Sending love to each of you during this Lenten season. What would we do without our Lord and Savior? xxoo
Yesterday (Saturday), TR Baker and I drove to Gaylord, about 35 miles south. The main reason we went was to go to a Taco Bell and try the cool ranch doritos taco shells. (TR's reason!) OK, we tried them. TR Baker thought they were great and I had one and thought...it's a taco. Then to add the icing on that cake, we went to Tim Horton's and got a few (12) donuts!!!!!! The good news was we then went grocery shopping at Meijers and did NOT over buy! Made it home in time to watch U of L beat Notre Dame and learn that UK had beat Georgia! What a day!
Woke up today to more rain and melting snow. JOY! But today also included a bit of culture. Cheboygan High School was performing "Fiddler on the Roof" at the Opera House and Gracie and I went. It's been a long time since I had seen a high school musical production and the students did a fine job. Gracie was not familiar with the story so I explained parts of it to her as it progressed. Arranged marriages, Jewish traditions, the wedding under a canopy, the stomping of the wine glass, marrying outside your religion, and having to leave your "homeland". She was most interested in the arranged marriages and marrying outside your religion. Her questions included what if you don't love the person your parents want you to marry and if you go to church, what difference does it make what your husband believes. I told her to talk to her parents about it! (Passed that buck!)
Was saddened this weekend to learn Malcolm's precious dog Daisy passed away. I did not know Daisy but her photos looked exactly like our Lady who died in the accident. But I am excited to remember tomorrow is the official "adoption" day for Sam and her precious girls. It's been a long wait, and it will be bittersweet without Abe, but even though I am 600 miles away, I know I will feel the love coming from Richmond, KY.
Sending love to each of you during this Lenten season. What would we do without our Lord and Savior? xxoo
Saturday, March 2, 2013
This and That...
1. BACON!!!!!!
How is it that bacon is so bad for you but tastes so delicious? And for those of you who know why it's bad, I'm not really looking for an explanation. I WOULD love for someone to say to me, "Oh it's not really bad for you. Eat all you want" and mean it! My son has invited me to someone else's dinner party tonight. I was pleased and also had the opportunity to see the hostess and tell her and she welcomed me also (thank you Ms. Sam!). My son also told me he was to bring cole slaw and a side dish. I have NEVER in my life made cole slaw so TR Baker contacted another wonderful friend (Ms. Shannon) and got her recipe. Fingers crossed!!!! The side dish we chose to make is shrimp and grits. Hence the bacon. I always top my shrimp and grits with diced green onions and crumbled bacon. I know you can buy fake bacon, already cooked bacon, REAL bacon bits, fake bacon bits, and on and on. But you just can't beat the ever-popular bacon "fried up in a pan"! Which brings me to my other question about bacon. Why do we cook something that makes such an awful mess? While frying, your hands are all greasy. After frying, your stove top is a disaster and you have to nearly clean the whole kitchen. You have to hot soapy-wash the fan filters to get rid of the odor. (How can it smell so good while frying yet leave the worst stinky smell behind?) Well, I've had two pieces and am waiting for it to cool enough so I can ziplock bag it and hide it from myself in the fridge!!!!! Don't you just LOVE bacon?
2. MARCH - Already?
Didn't we just celebrate New Year's Eve? Yesterday was March first. Someone posted a photo on FB yesterday showing tiny purple crocuses poking their beautiful heads up through the snow. My heart warmed for a half a second until I realized they sure weren't poking their heads up through the snow in my neighborhood! They won't be able to blink their eyes in this snow until June, that is if they survived and this snow has melted. The good news is the TV weather people have not forecasted any large accumulation this week and by Friday, the temperature is supposed to reach 35!!!!!! Now that's good news.
3. GRACIE -
Gracie and her Dad have gone to Mt. Pleasant, MI, today. Gracie's 5th grade basketball team won the district and today and tomorrow in Mt. Pleasant, is the regional tournament. (Needless to say, I have not been invited back to see a game since I spoke my mind to that stupid woman who was screaming at my granddaughter and accusing me of not knowing anything about basketball! You've probably forgotten that silly episode, sorry to mention it again!) Anyway, today and tomorrow, Gracie will be playing the big dogs...from Detroit area. Oh my! Say a prayer for them for safe travels and safe games. Please and thank you! (Emily and Garrett have stayed behind to run the store!)
4. MY GRATEFUL JAR
Remember at the first of the year I talked about my grateful jar. It is an old Ball canning jar and it sits in my kitchen window. Well, Gracie and I are the only ones adding to it. I've already had to empty the contents into a shoe box (my grateful storage facility!). When Gracie comes over, the first thing she does after arriving is to write she "got to come to Jo's" on a tiny piece of paper and puts it in the jar. Do you wonder why I love this child? Did you "do" a grateful jar? How's it comin'?
Time to hot soapy-wash the fan filters. Gotta' go! Stay warm! OOPS! Is it already warm where you are? Don't tell me! I can't stand it! Stay LOVED! xxoo
How is it that bacon is so bad for you but tastes so delicious? And for those of you who know why it's bad, I'm not really looking for an explanation. I WOULD love for someone to say to me, "Oh it's not really bad for you. Eat all you want" and mean it! My son has invited me to someone else's dinner party tonight. I was pleased and also had the opportunity to see the hostess and tell her and she welcomed me also (thank you Ms. Sam!). My son also told me he was to bring cole slaw and a side dish. I have NEVER in my life made cole slaw so TR Baker contacted another wonderful friend (Ms. Shannon) and got her recipe. Fingers crossed!!!! The side dish we chose to make is shrimp and grits. Hence the bacon. I always top my shrimp and grits with diced green onions and crumbled bacon. I know you can buy fake bacon, already cooked bacon, REAL bacon bits, fake bacon bits, and on and on. But you just can't beat the ever-popular bacon "fried up in a pan"! Which brings me to my other question about bacon. Why do we cook something that makes such an awful mess? While frying, your hands are all greasy. After frying, your stove top is a disaster and you have to nearly clean the whole kitchen. You have to hot soapy-wash the fan filters to get rid of the odor. (How can it smell so good while frying yet leave the worst stinky smell behind?) Well, I've had two pieces and am waiting for it to cool enough so I can ziplock bag it and hide it from myself in the fridge!!!!! Don't you just LOVE bacon?
2. MARCH - Already?
Didn't we just celebrate New Year's Eve? Yesterday was March first. Someone posted a photo on FB yesterday showing tiny purple crocuses poking their beautiful heads up through the snow. My heart warmed for a half a second until I realized they sure weren't poking their heads up through the snow in my neighborhood! They won't be able to blink their eyes in this snow until June, that is if they survived and this snow has melted. The good news is the TV weather people have not forecasted any large accumulation this week and by Friday, the temperature is supposed to reach 35!!!!!! Now that's good news.
3. GRACIE -
Gracie and her Dad have gone to Mt. Pleasant, MI, today. Gracie's 5th grade basketball team won the district and today and tomorrow in Mt. Pleasant, is the regional tournament. (Needless to say, I have not been invited back to see a game since I spoke my mind to that stupid woman who was screaming at my granddaughter and accusing me of not knowing anything about basketball! You've probably forgotten that silly episode, sorry to mention it again!) Anyway, today and tomorrow, Gracie will be playing the big dogs...from Detroit area. Oh my! Say a prayer for them for safe travels and safe games. Please and thank you! (Emily and Garrett have stayed behind to run the store!)
4. MY GRATEFUL JAR
Remember at the first of the year I talked about my grateful jar. It is an old Ball canning jar and it sits in my kitchen window. Well, Gracie and I are the only ones adding to it. I've already had to empty the contents into a shoe box (my grateful storage facility!). When Gracie comes over, the first thing she does after arriving is to write she "got to come to Jo's" on a tiny piece of paper and puts it in the jar. Do you wonder why I love this child? Did you "do" a grateful jar? How's it comin'?
Time to hot soapy-wash the fan filters. Gotta' go! Stay warm! OOPS! Is it already warm where you are? Don't tell me! I can't stand it! Stay LOVED! xxoo
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
It's been a while...
I honestly believe February 2013 has been one of the most emotional months of my life. The shortest month and the most roller-coaster rides. So much has happened, I only hope I can remember most of it so I can tell you about it.
The 2 top events -
On February 9, my baby child, TR Baker, turned 35 years old. WHAT??????
And then...
On February 12, my grand-twins, Hannah and Isaac, turned 21 years old. REALLY????????
I must be honest with you and say I could hardly wrap my brain around either one of these events. Needless to say, I remember all of the births (one a bit more than the others!), and when I gave way to the memories, there was HC Baker right in the middle of it all. DANG! So then I had to get angry with him all over again. How long will this last? I have read and been told and said myself, as time passes, it will get easier. How much time? Easier how? Everything about me still includes him. Soon it will be 3 years. Sam, an incredibly sweet young friend who recently lost her husband questioned me about her "grief brain", and how it causes her to forget the most mundane events of her life...forgetting to lock the front door, leaving the garage door up while she's at work, etc. I love that phrase, "grief brain". She wanted to know if I had the same experiences. I'm sure I did and as it was happening, I just labeled it "sorrow". I like "grief brain" better. So how long does it last? I don't know but I do know activity is the key to opening the "relief brain". And the first step toward "relief brain" is prayer. So I pray. I pray for people, places and things. The people part is easy and so is the place part. The "things" I pray for is my special guide to filling my days with activities. Many of you who know me know that I hate to sweat! But I look for activities that will make me sweat. I want to be so tired at night that I fall into bed and immediately fall asleep. The old "head hits the pillow" thing. I'm still praying... Enough of that!
Early this month I received a facebook message from a dear friend in Florida telling me he had experienced another heart attack and was in the hospital awaiting by-pass surgery. I "set" to prayin' immediately and not 24 hours later I answered my phone and heard Denise's sweet voice. I immediately asked her why she was calling me. No hello, how are you, or anything. Just what's wrong? She told me my wonderful friend, Ray, was at Jewish hospital awaiting open-heart surgery. Oh my gosh. I prayed for days for these two excellent Christian men and all the doctors and nurses caring for them. I'm happy to say they are both doing very well, still recovering but getting stronger every day. Love that Kelly Clarkson song, "what doesn't kill you makes you STRONGER!!!!!!! That applies to so much of life, doesn't it?
It has been a month of sadness for many as they lost their loved ones. Still praying for Ray-Jean. And many others who have been ill (precious Devin) or recovering from surgeries other than heart type (Miss Linda). Here in Michigan, the flu has run rampant through town, schools, and anywhere it could release its' germs...one or many. One advantage I have in northern Michigan is that the weather is so cold many of those germs end up on the sick room floor!
Which brings me to the weather. I have NEVER seen so much snow. It snows every day and every night. Mind you, it's been great for the tourist trade and winter festivals but hear me when I say, (and this is NOT a complaint), enough already!!!!! Between son-in-law Brett and TR Baker, they have kept Mr. Snow away from the door by a few feet, but only a few feet. Soon I'll be walking through a tunnel to get to the car. And under all this snow is ice. Schools are NEVER closed up here for snow and this winter they have missed 6 days. That's really something. The good news is the snow will really help with the drought and the water levels in the Great Lakes. The bad news has been for Nutty (you remember my dog), having not so long legs has kept her scrambling for a place to "potty"! And for heaven's sake, don't eat the yellow snow!!!!!!
Was super blessed this month to see a few wonderful old friends. And laughed and laughed. Barb and Rick, Charlotte and Tom, Christy, Bonnie and Patsy, Ashley...thank you for your friendship. It truly blesses my life. And so looking forward to summer visitors already on my calendar...Lou, Jack and Anita and Trey, Michelle and Christian. If you plan to come up this summer (have no idea when it will arrive, hopefully by July 4th!!!), let me know so I can reserve a bed for you! Food and fun aplenty!
Sad news - Downton Abby, Season 3 is over and Matthew had died!!!!!!! Hope I'm not a spoiler for anyone but if you haven't seen it yet or don't know about it, you're not really a fan!
Good news - Was excited to watch the Oscars because for the first time in years, I had seen 4 of the nominated movies. Great wins for all and especially Miss Lawrence, a Louisville native!!!!! Here! Here!
I finally saw Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and loved it! Can't wait to see Quartet!
That about sums up my February. Looking forward to March and maybe, just maybe, I'll see my driveway or wonders of all, some grass! (Sidebar: That midwestern snow mess should arrive in our neck of the woods starting tonight - possible 6 more inches!!!!)
Sorry for the lack of writing this month. Don't really know why. Trying to understand my life. March WILL be better...I just know it!
xxoo
The 2 top events -
On February 9, my baby child, TR Baker, turned 35 years old. WHAT??????
And then...
On February 12, my grand-twins, Hannah and Isaac, turned 21 years old. REALLY????????
I must be honest with you and say I could hardly wrap my brain around either one of these events. Needless to say, I remember all of the births (one a bit more than the others!), and when I gave way to the memories, there was HC Baker right in the middle of it all. DANG! So then I had to get angry with him all over again. How long will this last? I have read and been told and said myself, as time passes, it will get easier. How much time? Easier how? Everything about me still includes him. Soon it will be 3 years. Sam, an incredibly sweet young friend who recently lost her husband questioned me about her "grief brain", and how it causes her to forget the most mundane events of her life...forgetting to lock the front door, leaving the garage door up while she's at work, etc. I love that phrase, "grief brain". She wanted to know if I had the same experiences. I'm sure I did and as it was happening, I just labeled it "sorrow". I like "grief brain" better. So how long does it last? I don't know but I do know activity is the key to opening the "relief brain". And the first step toward "relief brain" is prayer. So I pray. I pray for people, places and things. The people part is easy and so is the place part. The "things" I pray for is my special guide to filling my days with activities. Many of you who know me know that I hate to sweat! But I look for activities that will make me sweat. I want to be so tired at night that I fall into bed and immediately fall asleep. The old "head hits the pillow" thing. I'm still praying... Enough of that!
Early this month I received a facebook message from a dear friend in Florida telling me he had experienced another heart attack and was in the hospital awaiting by-pass surgery. I "set" to prayin' immediately and not 24 hours later I answered my phone and heard Denise's sweet voice. I immediately asked her why she was calling me. No hello, how are you, or anything. Just what's wrong? She told me my wonderful friend, Ray, was at Jewish hospital awaiting open-heart surgery. Oh my gosh. I prayed for days for these two excellent Christian men and all the doctors and nurses caring for them. I'm happy to say they are both doing very well, still recovering but getting stronger every day. Love that Kelly Clarkson song, "what doesn't kill you makes you STRONGER!!!!!!! That applies to so much of life, doesn't it?
It has been a month of sadness for many as they lost their loved ones. Still praying for Ray-Jean. And many others who have been ill (precious Devin) or recovering from surgeries other than heart type (Miss Linda). Here in Michigan, the flu has run rampant through town, schools, and anywhere it could release its' germs...one or many. One advantage I have in northern Michigan is that the weather is so cold many of those germs end up on the sick room floor!
Which brings me to the weather. I have NEVER seen so much snow. It snows every day and every night. Mind you, it's been great for the tourist trade and winter festivals but hear me when I say, (and this is NOT a complaint), enough already!!!!! Between son-in-law Brett and TR Baker, they have kept Mr. Snow away from the door by a few feet, but only a few feet. Soon I'll be walking through a tunnel to get to the car. And under all this snow is ice. Schools are NEVER closed up here for snow and this winter they have missed 6 days. That's really something. The good news is the snow will really help with the drought and the water levels in the Great Lakes. The bad news has been for Nutty (you remember my dog), having not so long legs has kept her scrambling for a place to "potty"! And for heaven's sake, don't eat the yellow snow!!!!!!
Was super blessed this month to see a few wonderful old friends. And laughed and laughed. Barb and Rick, Charlotte and Tom, Christy, Bonnie and Patsy, Ashley...thank you for your friendship. It truly blesses my life. And so looking forward to summer visitors already on my calendar...Lou, Jack and Anita and Trey, Michelle and Christian. If you plan to come up this summer (have no idea when it will arrive, hopefully by July 4th!!!), let me know so I can reserve a bed for you! Food and fun aplenty!
Sad news - Downton Abby, Season 3 is over and Matthew had died!!!!!!! Hope I'm not a spoiler for anyone but if you haven't seen it yet or don't know about it, you're not really a fan!
Good news - Was excited to watch the Oscars because for the first time in years, I had seen 4 of the nominated movies. Great wins for all and especially Miss Lawrence, a Louisville native!!!!! Here! Here!
I finally saw Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and loved it! Can't wait to see Quartet!
That about sums up my February. Looking forward to March and maybe, just maybe, I'll see my driveway or wonders of all, some grass! (Sidebar: That midwestern snow mess should arrive in our neck of the woods starting tonight - possible 6 more inches!!!!)
Sorry for the lack of writing this month. Don't really know why. Trying to understand my life. March WILL be better...I just know it!
xxoo
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