TO DO OR NOT TO DO..........

Some days I think my faith is about as large as a mustard seed.......FAITH my house will sell soon seems to be on my mind constantly!!!!!  Have faith Betty they keep saying......the right person just hasn't come along?

I have always been a list maker.......you might say I have "to-do-list-itis".......but I was reading as much as we may resent these scribbled tallies,.....that they are actually good for the brain.......and that making plans on how to handle these tasks helps reduce that anxiety and clear the mind......BUT no matter how organized, clever, and user-friendly your to-do list is, its ultimate success depends on its creator......YOU!  In your to-do list you should also include some down time for you.......this is very important......If you are a good list maker you won't go to bed trying to remember all the things you need to do and toss and turn.....you will know they are on a little piece a paper waiting for you the next day.......If it makes you feel better put most important ones first....doctor appointments, paying bills or mailing a thank-you note......some items linger on the list not because they are difficult or off-putting but because they are just not that important!.......and won't make much difference in your life when they get done...If you see some things being transfered from list to list....week after week....... and you can't let go of it......start another list......'MAYBE SOMEDAY"  it can sit there happily while you get the meaningful things done......OR NOT!  Tomorrows list for me already has......Doctor appointment, mail monthly bills and meet Annie and Karrie......and if I get time go to Home Depot....oh yes......... I  promised Pam and Rob and I would go in and feed their gold fish.....see it never ends!

MAKE THE ORDINARY COME ALIVE.......

With every child's graduation, job, engagement. etc........each parent has an expectation of that child......to be as good......or better in everything than they were!    Do not ask your children to strive for extra ordinary lives......Such striving may seem admirable, but it is a way of foolishness.......Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life....Show them the joy of tasting a ripe tomato, pear or big red apple.  Show them how to cry when pets and people die.....Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand and make the ordinary come alive for them......The extra-ordinary will take care of itself.......Let go and let God.

Spent the morning playing and feeding and rocking to sleep my precious little great-grandson.....four months and getting cutter every day.......Couldn't stand it any longer and had to go out and buy flowers for my pots on the porch and patio......suppose to be 80 degrees tomorrow. Let every day be the day your life really began!

UPSIDE TO HOUSEWORK........

  Have you noticed that?  No body drops by right after you dust or clean the kitchen....only when you have left clothes and books all around.  Cleaning the house doesn't rank too highly on most women's' list of favorite things to do........however, it is usually on their to-do lists over and over again till the years end.    So what can we women do to turn cleaning time into meaningful time?......I think we need to turn it into thanksgiving time all year around.......for instance as you fill or empty the dishwasher......thank God for the meals you have eaten and the fun people who have shared them with you......Doing laundry......thank God for your washer and dryer and the clothes you have to wear.   Think back how you mother had to do your laundry....hanging the babies diapers out on a clothes line to dry in freezing weather where they became stiff before you got them up. Oh yes, even scrubbing toilets is cause for thanks when you sing the praises of indoor plumbing.....I learned about outdoor plumbing when I was a little girl!!!!  I am very thankful for my new little home and all the wonderful gadgets that make living now days so easy.

I guess if we take care of our homes is one way to thank God for providing us with one of his gifts........Remember to say thanks to him in all your prayers.  Been a long quiet weekend other than taking food in to my dear friend whose husband just died and let her know I am there for her.  It has been cold and rainy all weekend and there is a big mud puddle by the house......will be so happy to get some lawn put in there.  I seem to hurt everywhere in this cold weather!

CONSOLATION IS GOLDEN.......

  Today has been a sad day......my dear friend Patty's husband died last night.....he has been very ill .......but you are never ready for it.   Patty and Vern were neighbors why back when I was married and I have been single almost 29 years.....we raised our kids together......and have stayed dear friends over these many years.

Patty and Ruth ......another friend from the old neighborhood.......came by this afternoon.  You could tell she was hurting and it's bad when there is nothing you can do to fix it.  Words feel inadequate.  Consoling others through what feels inconsolable is hard.......I remember my divorce......and the pain of losing someone......But I also remember that consolation is one of the greatest gifts you can get from a friend.   When I struggle in these times I try to remember the Golden Rule of ...."Do unto others what you would have them do unto you".......  If I were Patty what would I need at this time.....what would bring me comfort......what would I need to hear?   God can turn the little things you do into something more significant than you will ever know.

 

 

A LEGACY OF LOVE......

 Think about this......you are walking through life on the sands of time......each step you take leaves a footprint, making a path for those who come after you to follow......You never know when these footprints will stop and you will be walking on a heavenly shore......At any moment you will leave behind property, possessions  and perhaps a short or long "bucket list."......But your footprints will remain a legacy

 of how you lived your life on earth. You only hope they will leave a path worth following.  Day after day you can work hard to make a name for yourself, to accumulate things of value so you can leave a substantial inheritance behind.....but in the long run, the legacy of your love has the power to outlast and outshine them all.  Keep in mind that what you choose to do today is what forms those indelible footsteps......Your words, your generosity, your attentiveness, your compassion, your faith.....if those you love followed you lead, would you rejoice in where your footsteps led them????  I have tried to do my best and have no regrets.....oh maybe a couple of little ones, but I have and am trying to be....."the best of the best."
      Shirley and I went to see the MONKEYS"......A Disney Documentary which was wonderful........ then stopped for lunch.  My knees are much better....thank goodness!

IT IS HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS..........

   I Try not to be one of these people.....to many nights I have awakened to go to the bathroom at 3 or 4 and laid there crying about what I have put my children through saying ...."yes" to moving from my condo........I am still stressed about my condo not being sold and the money I owe the loan company and kids.....and all the extra costs they forgot to mention.........my dearest and closest friend came by today and with all my stress I am just thankful I am not in her shoes......a husband who any day could die......he is starving himself to death......... and the prospects of living in a homeless center,,,,,,.I would gladly help her.....but I can't take on two grown sons, a daughter and a grand-daughter ......who have all been crammed together in this little apartment they won't be able to keep when her husband dies....much less pay the humongous doctor bills.......so as I quietly cry in the middle of the night......I don't have to face any of this!!!!  Like the flu which is very contagious......there are things equally contagious. if not more so, and that is the influence of the friend who makes you feel good. When you leave this friend you feel lighthearted and motivated to do your best and to try new things because you believe you can!

Today was a catch up day.....laundry, etc AND they put grass in the back of my place so now I can take the dog out back to do her business......so much better.....I know with patience it will all come together but......WHO HAS PATIENCE?

BEEN AN EVENTFUL DAY......

 

Hummmmm..........I wonder what is up with these two.......They seem to be spending a lot of time together?????

My knee is getting better thanks to the ice machine.....did get some chores done today .....like going to the bank and paying my first loan payment and collecting my mail from two boxes and mailing some thank-you notes.  I met the man who bought the place next door on the left....he is single......but getting married next month.....to a hospice worker.....sounds like it should be spelled like that!  Real convenient for an old 83 year old next door!!!  Poured side walks and drive ways next door so getting closer......but still no grass around the back and side.

Finally got all the windows covered.......I am drawn to materials and textures and they show me how to move through my space.......It seems the way the designers speak without words....through brass and leather and silk and linen and crystal to make people feel comfortable in their homes.......Think about this......only with big windows or sky lights can you decorate with the sun, moon, air and clouds??????

And life goes on.........

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNEDY......

Take a look at my birthday breakfast......I'm glad I just ordered the short stack????   Such a great weekend of celebrations and today my next to youngest grandson turns 17......I understand he is loving it.......he has really grown up this last year.......learned to drive and drives himself to work and school and church.  Has a little job in the Dinosaur Museum in his town of Vernal.......Just took a darling girl to the Junior Prom......and most of all........ loves his gram........HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN!

 

  My cute grandson....Richie...... put this happy birthday picture on face book for me....he is in a couple of them and I hope he remembers the fun we had when he was little!

 

"Grow old along with me!...The best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first was made."

Robert Browning

 

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN......

When turning 83 can be as great as this weekend was I hope I have some more Birthdays.......Sherrie asked Ken what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said  go to grandma's in Salt Lake......so they came to town Friday, we went out to dinner and a movie and Sherrie helped me do so many things......which is all grammie's ask.  We had red birthday cake and you can see Ken and I sharing the candles.......Nicci put a fun collage together of the wonderful times we shared and called from Minnesota. Will texted me and Tiffany called on the way home from St. George.  Alex and Ken texted me a greetings and Brayden .....on a mission........ sent me a birthday card.  Richie .......working in Montana.....made a cute collage and posted on face book and Annie and Scott wished me happy birthday when we went to dinner Saturday night.  Sunday morning Pam and Rob picked me up for an early breakfast and we went to a movie.......such a great family.  Had about 30 birthday wishes on face book from friends, nieces and nephews.........I hope over the past 83 years I have earned all this love. A little excitement like Sherrie's dogs tripping my new security system and getting a call from the police while we were in the movie....and last night my knee swelled up like a cantaloupe and I spent a long sleepless night.........went early and had a basil carcinoma removed from my arm and went into instant care to see if I had blood clots or anything in my knee and leg......doctor said it was just my arthritis flaring up......much better this evening after keeping my leg elevated and iced today.  I am hoping for a good nights sleep tonight!!!!! Need to recuperate from a wonderful birthday.

 

JUST SOME THOUGHTS......

 

MY MIND SOMETIMES WANDERS.....IN FACT IT SOMETIMES  LEAVES COMPLETELY!

 

THE NICE PART ABOUT LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN,.....WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING.....SOMEONE ELSE ALWAYS DOES.......MRS BURNHAM, MRS JENSEN,MRS ELLIOTT???

 

AMAZING ISN'T IT...YOU HANG SOMETHING IN YOUR CLOSET FOR AWHILE AND IT SHRINKS TWO SIZES........

 

JUST WHEN I WAS GETTING USE TO YESTERDAY......ALONG CAME TODAY......WHAT ABOUT TOMORROW?

 

REAL HAPPINESS IS NOT HAVING WHAT YOU WANT.....BUT WANTING WHAT YOU HAVE!

 

DIPLOMACY AND PUBLIC RELATION SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT IN ANYJOB...."ESPECIALLY THIS ONE"......CALLED LIFE!

 

I AM NOBODY.......NOBODY IS PERFECT........THEREFORE I AM PERFECT!!!!!

 

HANDLE STREEFUL SITUATIONS LIKE A DOG.......PEE ON IT AND WALK AWAY!

 

NOW THAT I AM OLDER......I THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT THAT I SEEMED TO HAVE MORE PATIENCE.....TURNS OUT.......I JUST DON'T GIVE A SHIT.....

 

GUESS THAT IS ENOUGH THINKING FOR ONE DAY.......TIME TO WALK THE DOG AND GO TO BED......

April 15th and Snowed all Night!

         
          The biggest snow storm all winter hit us last night.....really needed the moisture and Gigi was happy rolling in it......but not my idea of  Spring!  The snow has turned to rain this afternoon which is more like April showers...... Robbie met me at Home Depot and we ordered the shades for my French doors, things are moving along.......I hope I keep at it till it is done, but sure am tired........Robbie and I are off to a movie tonight as Pam has to work and doesn't always like the kind of movies Robbie and I do.
          There is a tale about four people/.....Everybody...Anybody.....Somebody.... and Nobody.  There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it.  Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.    Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.  Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.  Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.  It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when actually Nobody asked Anybody!!!!......Oh yes, enough nonsense for today.

ANGELS KNOW........

I sent an angel to watch over you last night, but it came back and asked......'WHY".....The Angel said "angel don't watch over angels.!"  Twenty angels are in your world.....ten are sleeping, nine of  them are playing and one of them is reading this message!!  I so know each of us have our angels watching over us and we need to tune in to their help....I sure do. I enjoyed the movie Cinderella and love the advice her mother gave her before she died......'Have courage and be kind".....that doesn't seem so hard to do.  We never know what people are experiencing emotionally and the battles they face......seems now days every one has their own cross to bear. My dear, dear friend and old neighbor Patty came over this afternoon and said she is watching her husband die every day.......They have no savings, no real income and can barely afford the place they live......the funeral will be a big expense.  She has three grown children and a grand child living with them who are a great help with her husband and are all living on the government food stamps but I don't know what she will do when Vern dies.....all I can do is be there for her and listen when she needs support and be thankful I am where I am....I worry about all of them.
         As I sit here at my desk looking out the window I am watching it SNOW......the roads are bare but the grass is white, we really need it and the wind was terrible today, especially bad with all the dust from the building on my street.  I am still trying to get use to the new house.........
     

I MUST JOIN SIBLINGS WEEK........

 

Here you see me with three of my wonderful siblings.......my little brother (the baby of the family was not there)...... I am the oldest of my five siblings.......I am in the stripped shirt, then Jo , Dixie and Leslie.  Jo and Dixie are gone now, and just Leslie and I are left......and I don't know what I would do without her.....she is my go-to whenever I have a problem and always listens with a patient ear.....Thank you Les for always being there for me.  I am 11 years older than she and it took awhile before we started to really know each other, but have had some wonderful trips together around the world, and we talk a couple of times a week......I need her!.  There is nothing that can take the place of family and  to have a sister or two is more than a blessing in your life. Sisters don't always agree or see eye to eye but you know they always have your back!

Been an interesting day......the man under contract to buy my condo backed out......but I just said ",suck it up cup-cake he didn't deserve it.".....THE reason.....it would take too much money to remodel it.....HELLO......we just put 40 thousand in it to sell it!  New doors, windows, carpet through out. Remodeled the bathrooms and painted everything and updated the fireplaces, and light fixtures......He wanted it for nothing and now I have a feeling someone will love it like I did and pay more for it.......THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON.......JUST BELIEVE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY TWINS........

These precious twin girls turned 46 today........I am such a lucky mother and they have been such a joy and a pleasure the past 46 years.  Talked to Sherrie this morning and she had a full day planned to celebrate......but never could get Karrie in Baer Lake.....I hate texting.......I needed to talk to her and wish her Happy Birthday......it has been a sad day.  I tried to get my sister.....who is my comforter, but guess she is working.   Oh well, this too will pass!......OR NOT!
               "Some thoughts of the day".......By the time we reach greener pastures in life......we can't climb the fence.
               Maturity is the time of life when, if you had the time, you would have the time of your life!
                I try not look at old age as I am getting older....I look at it as I'm getting better and more discounts.
               Nobody's old anymore....we've just been around for a looooooong time!
                I look at it as "your only old once!"
               I'm not over the hill yet, but I'm probably high enough to start getting nosebleed!
               You know your getting older when the free insurance company calendar starts coming to you one month at a time?
               The best thing about getting old is that all those things you couldn't have when you were young.....you no longer want......
                It is still nice to be here after another birthday.....in fact it's nice to be anywhere!

 

THE WHY'S IN MY LIFE.......

Can't believe I have been in my new home two weeks ago today......it is looking good and I am so tired I can hardly move.......As I wade through all my clothes and things getting settled I ask myself "WHY"......why do I have so many shoes?  Why do I have so many coats?  Why do I have so many watches?  I just thought I was greedy or had a fetish, but as I think back on my life......I think it is deeper and much more a part of me.

My first wrist watch was from my parents when I graduated from High School when I was 18 years old.   I t was a beautiful rose gold with two red rubies on each side of it.....quite "elegant"......I was proud of it and still have it. Watches were expensive in those days (1950).....and there really didn't seem a need for one I guess.  Now days they are a dime a dozen and everyone has several.  I am glad I had to wait until I was 18......I really appreciated it and did not take it for granite.  Several of my friends had a watch, but not the majority of kids.. I love watches, in all their bright colors and funky styles....Of course, I am more aware of time and how important the minutes and hours left in my life are....I will always remember the thrill of owning my first watch from my parents....It was very special as a first time watch or anything should be when your 18.

And the whys of shoes.....well, growing up during war time each person was allotted one shoe stamp every six months and you had one pair of shoes and one only!!!!! Mine were usually saddle shoes or loafers and you polished them up for Sunday school and ......that was that.  And as for the coats......you had one....and it was usually a hand down or sometimes  were made by my mother.....not to exciting.......I guess that taught me it's not what you have in your life.....but who you have in your life.....that counts most!

Tending the Pannier's dogs this weekend while they are in Moab.

ANCHORS........

I am so excited .....KENNEDY ask Porsha to go to the prom.....he is going to be 17 in a few days and as far as I was concerned didn't know girls existed on the planet!  The other boys liked girls a little younger.....but no two of my grandchildren are alike and very special in their own way. Love Porsh also, have known her since she was a beautiful baby and she still is a beautiful girl.

My kids in town are off on trips this weekend.....Kar and Sher have a birthday Sunday......The Cooks are in Bear Lake and the Panniers are in Moab doing the razor thing and I am baby sitting their house and two dogs.......Things keep moving along here at the new house.  Today I got green grass around my cute new tree......which will please GIGI, still dug up around the back and side to put in sprinkler system.  Every time I look at the cute tree I promise myself to have a good day......it is my anchor.  I think we all need anchors in our life and I may have journaled this before but love the story about a rock;.......This man carried a small smooth rock in his pocket each day.......One night the was emptying his pants pockets for the evening and laid a rock out with his car keys and wallet.....A visiting friend from Africa noticed his rock and asked him about it.  He told him it was a "gratitude rock"......Each evening when he laid it out he acknowledged all the things he was grateful for that day......In the morning when he put his rock , wallet and keys back into the pocket of that days trousers he acknowledged and was grateful for another beautiful day of life.......The little rock was his anchor. Oh yes, when the man got home to Africa he wrote his friend and asked him to send him a few "gratitude rocks' to sell to his friends in Africa......I am sure he is a rich man today.......and is greatful!!!!!

THE FAMILY TREE.......

 

April is a big family month......I was born in April, I had the twins.....Sherrie and Karrie....In April and Sherrie had Kennedy in April..... my little brother Jim was born in April.so my family tree grew a lot in the month of April.......It would have also been my 59th wedding anniversary.  A Family Tree is so important to a person and on first thought you think ......when someone dies.....there goes one of the branches but I like the thought .......'Death ends a life.....not a relationship."  Such a comforting thought......

FAMILY TREE

There's love within our Family Tree and happiness abounds,

It's roots are deeply planted in rich and fertile ground.

We enjoy the rays of sunlight and endure the winds and rain,

And when a leaf falls from our tree, together we share the pain.

God gave us earthly families and never did intend,

That bonds of love built on earth, upon our death would end.

For when our life is over and from earth our souls will flee,

One by one, leaf by leaf  he'll rejoin our family tree.

TO MANY CHANGES......

 

Some how I will make the best of the worst when I get old....OLD?  I will be 83 in about 10 days but not sure if that is really old or not......I think it is and my friends and I are all dealing with the sadness of the eighties,  I belong to a bridge club that we have been together 50 some years.......of the eight of us Toby has Macaulay degeneration and almost blind.......Micky is in the first stages of Alshimers......Bonnie died 6 weeks ago with stage 4 lung cancer, Pat and Bev have Afib and have to keep having their hearts reset and yesterday Barbara called and said she just found out she has ALS, or Lou Garrick disease......Oh, and the newest member of the club just turned 90.......and would you believe Bev is the healthiest one of the group!!!!  Well.....I guess I better starting planning for the day I get old and get some popular ailment!  I know if you live long enough it is going to catch up with you.......

A WELL CONNECTED LIFE......

I  really find a positive start each morning helps make your day go better......oh yes, and for me a good cup of coffee helps!

Through all the hectic move......moving out......staying with Panniers .......and moving into new place.......my friends have been there and to keep me going....it is important to stay in touch with people in your life.  When you keep in touch with people, you are doing yourself a big favor. No matter what way you choose to do it.....pick up a pen, or a phone, tap on a keyboard or visit in person, your willingness to share your stories, thoughts, and experiences with others relieves stress, invites moral support and encouragement.  I also know the importance of staying connected with God and sharing your ups And downs with him. 

It is a cold rainy day but the yard crew is putting in the sprinkler system in my yard.....yea, Gigi and I both will be happy to see green grass instead of dirt all Around.......and I have a cute little tree in my front yard they planted yesterday......and it is blooming petty pink flowers......it is all coming together.

DAY AFTER CONTINUED?????

DAY AFTER EASTER........

 

                         As I viewed this picture the day after Easter.......I wondered how any of us single can ever enjoy Easter Egg Day again????/  How would you feel gathered around one of yours......knowing you could be next????  As for me.....I didn't eat a single egg on Easter so I have a clear conscious!
                         As I embark on a new month.... new home and a new surroundings......I think to myself.....if only every change in my life was as easy as changing your clothes how nice that would be....but putting on things like a brand-new age, address, occupation can leave you feeling anxious even if you consider the change a positive one.....like leaving three flights of stairs behind for one level......there is comfort in what is familiar.......but you learn as you grow older that change is inevitable, so it's good to learn how to embrace it with open arms.   In life.... growth is an integral part of life and growth is change.  God has something for you to learn , some new direction for you to grow every time change enters your life.  I guess the sooner you embrace the change you face, the sooner it will change yet again....from new to familiar, from complication to transformation!
                

HAPPY EASTER 2015

Thinking of all my family this beautiful Easter morning.......all out of town but in my heart.  It is sunny, but cold .......and many people from out of town are enjoying conference this week end......A wonderful Easter a few years back I was with my sister and very good friends going to church in Beijing, China......ahhhh, thank goodness for memories.......This Easter Sunday I am enjoying it with Kennedy.......going out to dinner this afternoon. 

Richard called from Las Vegas and he and Tiffany talked me through a "Doc Sign" on email.......had to get my acceptance of the buyers counter offer for my house in by four and I had to sign it.!!!!!  STRESSSSSSS.  What a great family.

As I think back over the last week......it is a real balancing act and my mind runs from one thing to another.  Have you ever watched a juggler on TV place an overabundance of plates on wooden dowels, balancing them on his feet, nose, chin, forehead.....you name it.  Then he sets them all spinning?   I can't help but feel this is a metaphor of my life this week.  Trying to balance all my responsibilities and keep everyone happy and moving along and not crashing myself......isn't as entertaining as it looks on TV or as easy.  Seems I have done a lot of praying lately.......I know with his help he will help me sort out the plates that need done first and get through these next hectic days.

So HAPPY EASTER TO EVERY ONE!

ONE WHOLE WEEK.........

Well.......I wasn't sure It would ever happen......but my wonderful family gathered round and moved me in last Saturday! TV hooked up Monday and window coverings Tuesday and new washer and dryer hooked up.....now waiting for grass and electric fence for dog.....Life is good especially when Rich called last night and said he was writing up an offer for my condo!!!!  Kennedy has been staying with me all week while his parents are in Hawaii and has been a life saver.......lifting heaving things and moving them and doing so much for me......we are off to a movie and dinner today.  Panniers are in St. George for Easter, the Christensons in Hawaii and the Cooks in Las Vegas.........glad I have Kenny here to celebrate with me. I love, love, love the place but have so many things to do to get hooked up and life moving on that I do wish there were more hours  in the day........and OH YES.......bread didn't make you fat.