...also known as "Grammie does Paree!"
After months of talking about it....it is finally here: I'm leaving for Paris Thursday morning!
I am "semi" packed even though I keep taking things out and adding other things in. I found out today that the weather is going to be a bit chilly....lows 18 degrees and highs in the low 20's-30's. The keyword here is "layering"...and, that includes long underwear!
I will try and blog while there....so, hang on...it's going to be quite a ride!
xoxo
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Yesterday I watched my oldest grandson, Owen, do his homework....
...without leaving the comforts of my home. Watching him fill in the spaces on his Kindergarten homework (!) was quite fun. I marveled at how bright he was as he wrote his numbers on the sheet.
I also got to chat with my granddaughter, Audrey, as she ate her dinner....even getting a view of what was in her mouth as she moved in for a close-up! That was a little more than I bargained for....but, funny, nonetheless. The day before she was showing me the "princess" dress that she had on and even did a couple of swirls around the kitchen to show it off.
This is all thanks to Skype and Facetime.
I also love my chats with Celia as she sits in front of the computer and discusses her world with giggles and silliness interspersed. She also loves to show me her outfits including her newest pair of shoes....the latest ones being her bright, red Maryjanes.
When he is awake, I get to smile at Dylan as he flirts right back with me. He still isn't quite sure how Grammie gets into that little box on the screen....but, he seems to enjoy it. I imagine that he presumes that I live in there?! And, while I wasn't there for the actual first time....I did get to see some of his very first steps online.
Of course nothing takes the place of being there in person....having the opportunity to hold them in my arms and cuddle with them....sharing up close and personal moments with them....but, I am so grateful to the brilliant minds who have made this technology available to grandparents all over the world who live far away from their grandchildren.
I remember seeing futuristic scenes years ago about actually getting to see the person that one was talking to and I can recall wondering if that would ever really occur in my lifetime.
Now I wonder, can "smell-a-vision" be far behind? Or "hug-a-vision".....or.....
: )
I also got to chat with my granddaughter, Audrey, as she ate her dinner....even getting a view of what was in her mouth as she moved in for a close-up! That was a little more than I bargained for....but, funny, nonetheless. The day before she was showing me the "princess" dress that she had on and even did a couple of swirls around the kitchen to show it off.
This is all thanks to Skype and Facetime.
I also love my chats with Celia as she sits in front of the computer and discusses her world with giggles and silliness interspersed. She also loves to show me her outfits including her newest pair of shoes....the latest ones being her bright, red Maryjanes.
When he is awake, I get to smile at Dylan as he flirts right back with me. He still isn't quite sure how Grammie gets into that little box on the screen....but, he seems to enjoy it. I imagine that he presumes that I live in there?! And, while I wasn't there for the actual first time....I did get to see some of his very first steps online.
Of course nothing takes the place of being there in person....having the opportunity to hold them in my arms and cuddle with them....sharing up close and personal moments with them....but, I am so grateful to the brilliant minds who have made this technology available to grandparents all over the world who live far away from their grandchildren.
I remember seeing futuristic scenes years ago about actually getting to see the person that one was talking to and I can recall wondering if that would ever really occur in my lifetime.
Now I wonder, can "smell-a-vision" be far behind? Or "hug-a-vision".....or.....
: )
Saturday, January 14, 2012
5:00 a.m.?!?!
Several weeks ago, when Dave told me that he needed to be at the airport by 5:30 in the morning to catch a flight, I smugly smiled.
"Right!'" I said, laughing.
But, he was serious....so, off we went today in the early morning darkness....as I drove him there so that he could fly home for the long weekend to check on his 90 yr. old mom.
There aren't a whole lot of cars out that time of the day.... and I must say that the lights of the city hide a lot of the not-so-pretty sites....so, it was actually a nice drive....bleary eyes and all.
When I returned home, I quickly put my pink polka dotted pj's (Dave calls me "Dottie" when I wear them!!) back on and proceeded to fall back asleep until 9:30! I was shocked in that I rarely sleep that late....but, now I should be able to go through my day with a little more clarity. : )
***************************************************
So, the Paris trip is now only 19 days away! I am such a novice with this kind of travel so I am filled with a million questions. Besides the changing into my pajamas one (!), I am wondering about important things like; "How does one say 'where is the nearest bathroom' in French?" and "May I have some more croissants, please?"
**************************************************
When the kids/grandkids were all here for Thanksgiving, my son, Adam, was sporting a (sort of) mustache that he was growing as part of the "Movember Men's Cancer Awareness" project. All men are asked to grow some hair above their lip for the entire month of November. This started in Australia where mustaches are known as "Mo's"...thus the name, "Movember".
Anyway, when my other son planned to have a photographer come to the house to take some family photos, Adam wasn't sure about having his photo taken while sporting this (sort of) mustache.....soooooo, one of my daughter-in-law's decided that we should all have a mustache and purchased several fake ones for the rest of the group.
This made for some interesting (and, hairy) family shots.
Enjoy!
(Adam and his group)
(Are we finished with these photos yet?)
"Right!'" I said, laughing.
But, he was serious....so, off we went today in the early morning darkness....as I drove him there so that he could fly home for the long weekend to check on his 90 yr. old mom.
There aren't a whole lot of cars out that time of the day.... and I must say that the lights of the city hide a lot of the not-so-pretty sites....so, it was actually a nice drive....bleary eyes and all.
When I returned home, I quickly put my pink polka dotted pj's (Dave calls me "Dottie" when I wear them!!) back on and proceeded to fall back asleep until 9:30! I was shocked in that I rarely sleep that late....but, now I should be able to go through my day with a little more clarity. : )
***************************************************
So, the Paris trip is now only 19 days away! I am such a novice with this kind of travel so I am filled with a million questions. Besides the changing into my pajamas one (!), I am wondering about important things like; "How does one say 'where is the nearest bathroom' in French?" and "May I have some more croissants, please?"
**************************************************
When the kids/grandkids were all here for Thanksgiving, my son, Adam, was sporting a (sort of) mustache that he was growing as part of the "Movember Men's Cancer Awareness" project. All men are asked to grow some hair above their lip for the entire month of November. This started in Australia where mustaches are known as "Mo's"...thus the name, "Movember".
Anyway, when my other son planned to have a photographer come to the house to take some family photos, Adam wasn't sure about having his photo taken while sporting this (sort of) mustache.....soooooo, one of my daughter-in-law's decided that we should all have a mustache and purchased several fake ones for the rest of the group.
This made for some interesting (and, hairy) family shots.
Enjoy!
(Jeffrey, Celia, Janet, Dylan, Audrey, Adam, Owen, Jenny--
Dave, me,and, my sister, Marsha)
Friday, January 13, 2012
"Do we change into our pajamas on the flight to France?"
I asked, very seriously.
After all, I was told that we would be (trying) to fall asleep on our nine hour flight....so, I figured that we must be changing into pj's.
Not true....I quickly learned.
Well, it might have made for an interesting flight....don't ya think?
**************************************************
"I can see clearly now....."
Yep. I had my windows cleaned inside and out the other day. Other than the fact that the workers did not speak much English, they did a very good job. I can't remember the last time that I had this done!
They had to remove the storm windows, clean them, and then put everything back in place. It was hard work....but the results were well worth the expense.
*************************************************
"Roll Tide" seemed to be the phrase of the day this past week when Alabama played LSU for the football national title.
Now, I am not saying that I live in the "Football Capital" of the world....but, everywhere I went, the color red was being displayed...on clothing, on cars....etc. etc.
Everyone that you passed on the street or in stores was decked out in "Alabama attire"...and, of course, one did not walk by someone without muttering "Roll Tide!" followed by a fist pump.
Luckily, no one knew that I was actually a University of Florida alum.
(Go Gators?)
************************************************
We are having a bit of a cold spell right now....and, I love it. There is something so invigorating about the crisp air that comes with the cold fronts heading down from the north.
Unfortunately, my son and family in Minnesota are having temps in the single digits.
Not so invigorating for them. : O
***********************************************
Have a nice weekend, all.....and, stay warm.
After all, I was told that we would be (trying) to fall asleep on our nine hour flight....so, I figured that we must be changing into pj's.
Not true....I quickly learned.
Well, it might have made for an interesting flight....don't ya think?
**************************************************
"I can see clearly now....."
Yep. I had my windows cleaned inside and out the other day. Other than the fact that the workers did not speak much English, they did a very good job. I can't remember the last time that I had this done!
They had to remove the storm windows, clean them, and then put everything back in place. It was hard work....but the results were well worth the expense.
*************************************************
"Roll Tide" seemed to be the phrase of the day this past week when Alabama played LSU for the football national title.
Now, I am not saying that I live in the "Football Capital" of the world....but, everywhere I went, the color red was being displayed...on clothing, on cars....etc. etc.
Everyone that you passed on the street or in stores was decked out in "Alabama attire"...and, of course, one did not walk by someone without muttering "Roll Tide!" followed by a fist pump.
Luckily, no one knew that I was actually a University of Florida alum.
(Go Gators?)
************************************************
We are having a bit of a cold spell right now....and, I love it. There is something so invigorating about the crisp air that comes with the cold fronts heading down from the north.
Unfortunately, my son and family in Minnesota are having temps in the single digits.
Not so invigorating for them. : O
***********************************************
Have a nice weekend, all.....and, stay warm.
Friday, January 06, 2012
Life 101
The older I get, the more that I am reminded that I must appreciate every single moment....because things can change at any time...and, lately they have been.
Without recounting all of the difficult and challenging things that have come to be, I will say that all of them involve health issues....not with me, but with people I love....including a "way too quick" loss of a friend. The latter has left a pall over much of my community....and, hardly a day goes by that her name is not mentioned and that her family is not thought of.
My unusually upbeat Mom has had to deal with loss at the home several times already....most recently, the sudden, and unexpected, passing of a dear friend who was one of the "group" that eat together every day....and, this stress and anxiety put her in the hospital for tests all day yesterday. Thank God, she tested out fine and is back home and doing well today.
Dave's 90 year old mom is also going through her own challenges right now ....and dealing with it long distance has been extremely difficult on him.
So, the fact is that "Life Happens". The question is, how do we get through these times and remain positive and joyous? How do we not feel the weight of the sadness on us daily while we go about our usual routines?
I guess that we must learn to compartmentalize....to take the things that concern us and make us sad and allow ourselves to grieve....but, to also find a way to heal and look at all of the wonderful things that come our way. We can carry the memories that make us smile and reach for them when we are at our lowest.
None of this is easy, but a necessary part of moving on with our lives....
As we age, we find that our friendships become even more important than every before. A quick call to a dear friend who listens to my deepest feelings and allows me to talk about it certainly helps to remind me that I am not alone on this journey.
Family, of course, is the antidote to so much of life's trials. A quick Skype with my adorable grandchildren can bring me right back to gratefulness for what I have instead of what I have lost.
With that in mind, I think that I am going to end this very introspective (sorry) post with some recent joyous photos of my four loves....I hope that they put a smile on your face, too.
xoxo
Grammie
Without recounting all of the difficult and challenging things that have come to be, I will say that all of them involve health issues....not with me, but with people I love....including a "way too quick" loss of a friend. The latter has left a pall over much of my community....and, hardly a day goes by that her name is not mentioned and that her family is not thought of.
My unusually upbeat Mom has had to deal with loss at the home several times already....most recently, the sudden, and unexpected, passing of a dear friend who was one of the "group" that eat together every day....and, this stress and anxiety put her in the hospital for tests all day yesterday. Thank God, she tested out fine and is back home and doing well today.
Dave's 90 year old mom is also going through her own challenges right now ....and dealing with it long distance has been extremely difficult on him.
So, the fact is that "Life Happens". The question is, how do we get through these times and remain positive and joyous? How do we not feel the weight of the sadness on us daily while we go about our usual routines?
I guess that we must learn to compartmentalize....to take the things that concern us and make us sad and allow ourselves to grieve....but, to also find a way to heal and look at all of the wonderful things that come our way. We can carry the memories that make us smile and reach for them when we are at our lowest.
None of this is easy, but a necessary part of moving on with our lives....
As we age, we find that our friendships become even more important than every before. A quick call to a dear friend who listens to my deepest feelings and allows me to talk about it certainly helps to remind me that I am not alone on this journey.
Family, of course, is the antidote to so much of life's trials. A quick Skype with my adorable grandchildren can bring me right back to gratefulness for what I have instead of what I have lost.
With that in mind, I think that I am going to end this very introspective (sorry) post with some recent joyous photos of my four loves....I hope that they put a smile on your face, too.
Grammie
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Having my teeth brushed with cookie dough?
Not a typo....I promise.
I went for my 6 month dental cleaning appointment yesterday. When the hygienist began to "polish" my teeth at the end....I couldn't believe the taste in my mouth from the toothpaste she was using on me.
"At sss isss (what is this) ",I mumbled with a mouth full of this sweet tasting stuff that was pretty awful.
"Isn't it great? she answered enthusiastically, "it is our new cookie dough flavored toothpaste! I had to choose between this one and the chocolate chip cookie flavor."
You have got to be kidding me....I couldn't wait to get this taste out of my mouth.
What happened to good ole minty toothpaste?
Blech....
I went for my 6 month dental cleaning appointment yesterday. When the hygienist began to "polish" my teeth at the end....I couldn't believe the taste in my mouth from the toothpaste she was using on me.
"At sss isss (what is this) ",I mumbled with a mouth full of this sweet tasting stuff that was pretty awful.
"Isn't it great? she answered enthusiastically, "it is our new cookie dough flavored toothpaste! I had to choose between this one and the chocolate chip cookie flavor."
You have got to be kidding me....I couldn't wait to get this taste out of my mouth.
What happened to good ole minty toothpaste?
Blech....
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2012
This about sums it up...
Wishing all of my fellow bloggers a "memorable" New Year's Eve and an extraordinarily joyous and healthy and peaceful 2012.
xoxo
Grammie
Friday, December 09, 2011
Did you ever read the book....
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day ?
It was one of my kid's very favorite books.
Well, today proved to be "Grammie and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"!
I'm still not feeling well, had a bit of an unsettling conversation on the phone earlier, AND, to top it all off....my bathroom flooded (AGAIN) downstairs!!!
Fifty sopping wet towels later....and an expensive call to a late night plumber....and, we will hopefully find out the cause of this mess.
AAAACK!
Thursday, December 08, 2011
I should have known it would hit me sooner or later...
Coughing. Sneezing. Scratchy throat. Tiredness. Watery eyes. General malaise.
Many of my friends and much of the community have come down with these miserable symptoms....so, I knew that my time would come.
And, it has.
Ah-choo... : (
Many of my friends and much of the community have come down with these miserable symptoms....so, I knew that my time would come.
And, it has.
Ah-choo... : (
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
It seemed like a good idea at the time...
When the cold rain stopped this morning, I decided to "kill two birds with one stone" and do my walk and get to the grocery store in one fell swoop.
I grabbed two of my "environmentally friendly" Publix bags, put in a bottled water, my cell phone and, the all important credit card and was on my way.
The store is only a little over 2 miles both ways from my home....and, I have done this before....so I was very comfortable with it.
My neighbor passed me in his car and tried to talk me into letting him drive me to the store. "No, thanks," I replied, "this is my morning exercise!".
About halfway there, a friend pulled over, asked me if I needed a ride....when I said "no" she pulled into a driveway and we had a nice chat for a while....After that, I reached into one of the bags, pulled out my cell phone, and made a call to Mom.
Arriving at Publix, I went to the aisles that had the few things that I needed and headed to the check-out.
Of course, I got a few more things than I thought I would....so, as the gal began to check out my groceries, I became a little worried about carrying all of this stuff home.
Well, it wasn't really an issue, because when I went to get my credit card out....it wasn't there!!!! What?!?!
I was positive that it was in there when I left the house. A search of the store ensued by me and the bagger.
No luck.
So, I left the groceries there and headed back home to trace my steps and see if I could find my missing credit card....or, at the very least, go home, get money and head back to the store in my car.
Aha! About halfway between the store and my house, I found it lying on the wet sidewalk! I realized that I had probably dropped it when I reached in for my phone...
Back to the grocery I went...eager to pay for my "saved" groceries and get this whole thing over with.
Finally, lugging my (very) heavy bags, I began the trek home again. At this point, I was quite tired and was hopeful that I would now get an offer for a ride home.
It was not to be.
Like I said, it seemed like a good idea at the time.... : O
I grabbed two of my "environmentally friendly" Publix bags, put in a bottled water, my cell phone and, the all important credit card and was on my way.
The store is only a little over 2 miles both ways from my home....and, I have done this before....so I was very comfortable with it.
My neighbor passed me in his car and tried to talk me into letting him drive me to the store. "No, thanks," I replied, "this is my morning exercise!".
About halfway there, a friend pulled over, asked me if I needed a ride....when I said "no" she pulled into a driveway and we had a nice chat for a while....After that, I reached into one of the bags, pulled out my cell phone, and made a call to Mom.
Arriving at Publix, I went to the aisles that had the few things that I needed and headed to the check-out.
Of course, I got a few more things than I thought I would....so, as the gal began to check out my groceries, I became a little worried about carrying all of this stuff home.
Well, it wasn't really an issue, because when I went to get my credit card out....it wasn't there!!!! What?!?!
I was positive that it was in there when I left the house. A search of the store ensued by me and the bagger.
No luck.
So, I left the groceries there and headed back home to trace my steps and see if I could find my missing credit card....or, at the very least, go home, get money and head back to the store in my car.
Aha! About halfway between the store and my house, I found it lying on the wet sidewalk! I realized that I had probably dropped it when I reached in for my phone...
Back to the grocery I went...eager to pay for my "saved" groceries and get this whole thing over with.
Finally, lugging my (very) heavy bags, I began the trek home again. At this point, I was quite tired and was hopeful that I would now get an offer for a ride home.
It was not to be.
Like I said, it seemed like a good idea at the time.... : O
Saturday, December 03, 2011
There was more than one turkey neck for T'giving!
Ugh.
I have inherited (always blame genetics!) the beginnings of, for lack of a better description, what I call a "turkey neck".
It is showing up more and more these days and is especially prominent in candid photos. Oh, how I ahbor those photos taken when I am not aware of it.
Candid shots do not give me enough time to "get into position". By that I mean pulling my head slightly upwards and out to stretch the area under my chin. When standing, I can also lean a bit forward....but, have found that this can look awkward in group shots! I have also been told that one can press the tongue up to the top of your mouth to tighten the neck area.
But, in actuality, the very best thing to do is to have the photographer get above you....WAY above you when taking the picture. It is amazing to see the difference that this can make.
For example, with my begging prompting, my dear daughter-in-law actually stood up on a stool to take this photo of me and my sons.
Ah.....another thing to add to the joys of aging!!
I have inherited (always blame genetics!) the beginnings of, for lack of a better description, what I call a "turkey neck".
It is showing up more and more these days and is especially prominent in candid photos. Oh, how I ahbor those photos taken when I am not aware of it.
Candid shots do not give me enough time to "get into position". By that I mean pulling my head slightly upwards and out to stretch the area under my chin. When standing, I can also lean a bit forward....but, have found that this can look awkward in group shots! I have also been told that one can press the tongue up to the top of your mouth to tighten the neck area.
But, in actuality, the very best thing to do is to have the photographer get above you....WAY above you when taking the picture. It is amazing to see the difference that this can make.
For example, with my
Ah.....another thing to add to the joys of aging!!
Friday, December 02, 2011
Dried peas, cars, doll shoes, and wooden pieces...
As I continue to clean up the house since the "
Grandchildren Invasion" : ) I am finding interesting things in unseen places.
Pushing the mop under a cabinet in the great room, a little toy car came sliding out.
While vacuuming, I came upon a multitude of dried peas....and, even a few "petrified" carrot cubes...
Several wooden pieces from the "dress up the wooden doll" kits were treasures waiting to be found.
Speaking of dolls....I have now collected several sets of "Barbie" shoes. Not sure what to do with them....but, they are awfully cute!
All of these remnants brought a smile to my face as I continue to think about the wonderful time I had with the kiddos in my home for Thanksgiving....and these beautiful faces that I love so much were well worth the occasional surprises found on the floor... : ]
Pushing the mop under a cabinet in the great room, a little toy car came sliding out.
While vacuuming, I came upon a multitude of dried peas....and, even a few "petrified" carrot cubes...
Several wooden pieces from the "dress up the wooden doll" kits were treasures waiting to be found.
Speaking of dolls....I have now collected several sets of "Barbie" shoes. Not sure what to do with them....but, they are awfully cute!
All of these remnants brought a smile to my face as I continue to think about the wonderful time I had with the kiddos in my home for Thanksgiving....and these beautiful faces that I love so much were well worth the occasional surprises found on the floor... : ]
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
All hooked up for the next 24 hours!?!
My cardiologist thinks that I might have "white coat hypertension" where my blood pressure is only high when a doctor is taking it. Because of that, he feels that I might be actually taking more bp medicine than I should. Nothing would please me more than to take less meds...and, I am hopeful that this will be the case.
So, since 9:30 this morning I have been wearing a 24 hr. bp machine. This basically is a bp cuff that stays on my arm always and tubing that goes from the cuff to a box that is tethered around my waist with a strap.
Every twenty-five minutes or so the machine is activated and the cuff tightens around my arm and my bp is taken and recorded. I am forewarned of this by a beeping sound that comes from the box around my waist.
Not only have I had this on all day, but I must sleep with it all night. After midnight the time span will change to every hour. I cannot imagine getting much sleep as the squeezing of the cuff is quite uncomfortable and my arm has gotten very sore. Then there is the lovely beeping sound that will occur every hour.
"Can I take something to help me sleep through all of this?" I asked the nurse today. Of course the answer was a definite "no" in that it might affect my pressure reading.
...should be an interesting night. : O
So, since 9:30 this morning I have been wearing a 24 hr. bp machine. This basically is a bp cuff that stays on my arm always and tubing that goes from the cuff to a box that is tethered around my waist with a strap.
Every twenty-five minutes or so the machine is activated and the cuff tightens around my arm and my bp is taken and recorded. I am forewarned of this by a beeping sound that comes from the box around my waist.
Not only have I had this on all day, but I must sleep with it all night. After midnight the time span will change to every hour. I cannot imagine getting much sleep as the squeezing of the cuff is quite uncomfortable and my arm has gotten very sore. Then there is the lovely beeping sound that will occur every hour.
"Can I take something to help me sleep through all of this?" I asked the nurse today. Of course the answer was a definite "no" in that it might affect my pressure reading.
...should be an interesting night. : O
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
I was doing okay until I began to eat the rest of the M & M's....
(The empty M & M jar....)
The family is gone.
The house is quiet.
The sheets and towels are washed and put away.
Toys are stored in the attic until next time.
The card games are back in the closet.
Borrowed baby items are being returned.
Floors are vacuumed and mopped.
Bags of garbage are put out.
The last remnants of turkey are eaten.
Missing the kids and grandkids....
....and I find myself eating way too many M & M's to fill the empty space...
*groan*
Saturday, November 19, 2011
There's only one thing that can get me out of this "funk" right now....
....and, that is KIDS and GRANDKIDS!!!!!! : )
The first of the gang will be arriving in about 30 minutes and I can't wait!!!! They left 20 degrees and snowy Minneapolis tonight and will be pleased to "thaw" out here in mild Birmingham where temps are hovering around 56 degrees.
I know that they will be sleepy (they land at 10 p.m.!) but, hopefully I can sneak a couple of good hugs in before they head to bed....
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....I needed this.
The first of the gang will be arriving in about 30 minutes and I can't wait!!!! They left 20 degrees and snowy Minneapolis tonight and will be pleased to "thaw" out here in mild Birmingham where temps are hovering around 56 degrees.
I know that they will be sleepy (they land at 10 p.m.!) but, hopefully I can sneak a couple of good hugs in before they head to bed....
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....I needed this.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Making sense out of confusion...
Without even getting out of bed this morning, I grabbed my iPad and immediately went to the obituary page online.
I looked in disbelief as a beautiful picture of my friend popped up on the screen. "This is real..." I muttered to myself, as I read through the short synopsis of her life...
Being out of town and hearing the horrific news, the nightmarish past days...the prayer services...the complete shock of seeing my usually ebullient friend lying silently in a hospital bed...the stories of friendships past and present being told...feeling hopeful that she would make it through this sudden illness...and then, the "telling" MRI letting us know the grim news.
Feeling helpless while trying to make sense of a life taken too soon and so suddenly.
Rest in peace, dear Gail.
You are loved....and you will be missed.
I looked in disbelief as a beautiful picture of my friend popped up on the screen. "This is real..." I muttered to myself, as I read through the short synopsis of her life...
Being out of town and hearing the horrific news, the nightmarish past days...the prayer services...the complete shock of seeing my usually ebullient friend lying silently in a hospital bed...the stories of friendships past and present being told...feeling hopeful that she would make it through this sudden illness...and then, the "telling" MRI letting us know the grim news.
Feeling helpless while trying to make sense of a life taken too soon and so suddenly.
Rest in peace, dear Gail.
You are loved....and you will be missed.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
I am still not believing that this is real....
....my friend Gail passed away this morning after being in a coma for the past week and a half from spinal meningitis.
It still feels surreal and so very sad.
: (
It still feels surreal and so very sad.
: (
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Four girls and a Mom....
What a wonderful five days I just had with my family. My three sisters and I planned a surprise 89th birthday celebration for Mom down in Florida. It was joyous to see her surrounded by all of the people in her life....and, to see how beloved she is.
By the time that I got ready to fly home we had lit candles on more than three different cakes and sung "Happy Birthday" at least that many times!
We were all stuffed and pooped, but smiling.... : )
***************************************************************************
Smiling, that is, until I returned back home....
Unfortunately, while I was away this past week, I received some tragic news about a local girlfriend of mine.
It seems that what started as a sinus infection ended up becoming spinal meningitis....the bacterial kind, which is the most dangerous type to have. Once she got to the emergency room, she was in a coma....and, today, nine days later.....she remains that way.
It was surreal as I walked into her room in the intensive care unit with her husband. This friend is generally very talkative and colorful....and, there she was....silent. I spoke to her and stroked her arm, hoping that she might miraculously open her eyes and smile. Of course, nothing of the kind happened, and I left there with a heavy heart.
So, now it is a horrific waiting game for my friend's family as they sit vigil at the hospital hoping and praying for her to come out of the coma and be alright. I can't even begin to imagine how very difficult this must be for them all...
The friends have organized a weekly prayer group as well as a system of bringing food to the family. There is such a feeling of helplessness, that anything that we can do seems to help us get through this time.
If you have an extra moment during your day, please say a prayer for my friend, Gail.
Thanks...
Friday, October 14, 2011
Back again?
It is hard to stay away from posting....even though I haven't had much time to just sit and type my thoughts out lately....Today seems like a "calmer" day.....so, I think that I will go ahead and write!
One question that I have for myself is; "Why aren't I finding enough time to do all of the things that I love?"
I'm not sure that I can actually answer that definitively as I try to figure it all out....but, I do know that there just never seems to be enough hours (or energy!!) in a day lately.
Magazines and other reading materials are continuing to pile up. If it is real quiet I can hear them calling out; "Read me! Read me!".
My desk in the office is overrun with papers, papers, and more papers. I have my bin where I place "all- things-important-enough-to-not-throw-out" but to read later. And, then there is the large plastic box that I keep in the hallway closet that is filled to the top with "important-stuff-that-I-might-need-for-tax-purposes".
Finally, there are the little piles that line the width and length of my rather large desk area. Even my printer has a stack of printed items awaiting my perusal.
Down in the dungeon (pottery studio) I have several bags of clay waiting to be created into something interesting....as well as many dried pieces awaiting my painting skills.
My closet is still filled with many of my summer things as I stuffed some fall and winter wear in there, but haven't removed all traces of the lightweight clothing.
Dust is forming on all surfaces around the house as my cleaning efforts have also gone by the wayside. When it gets really bad, I grab a roll of paper towels and some Windex and go to town....but not often enough, I guess. And, of course, the darn dust always seems to return shortly after it has been cleaned.
Some of my computer games have even been ignored. Horrors! (ha ha) I know that my turns on "Hanging With Friends" and "Words With Friends" are way overdue. If I don't take my turn soon, the "friends" may give up on me!
So, here I sit.....lamenting my lack of time organization.....but, the sun is out, it is a beautiful Friday morning....and I am going to put on my shoes and take a nice, long walk instead of dealing with all of the above for right now.....
*sigh*
One question that I have for myself is; "Why aren't I finding enough time to do all of the things that I love?"
I'm not sure that I can actually answer that definitively as I try to figure it all out....but, I do know that there just never seems to be enough hours (or energy!!) in a day lately.
Magazines and other reading materials are continuing to pile up. If it is real quiet I can hear them calling out; "Read me! Read me!".
My desk in the office is overrun with papers, papers, and more papers. I have my bin where I place "all- things-important-enough-to-not-throw-out" but to read later. And, then there is the large plastic box that I keep in the hallway closet that is filled to the top with "important-stuff-that-I-might-need-for-tax-purposes".
Finally, there are the little piles that line the width and length of my rather large desk area. Even my printer has a stack of printed items awaiting my perusal.
Down in the dungeon (pottery studio) I have several bags of clay waiting to be created into something interesting....as well as many dried pieces awaiting my painting skills.
My closet is still filled with many of my summer things as I stuffed some fall and winter wear in there, but haven't removed all traces of the lightweight clothing.
Dust is forming on all surfaces around the house as my cleaning efforts have also gone by the wayside. When it gets really bad, I grab a roll of paper towels and some Windex and go to town....but not often enough, I guess. And, of course, the darn dust always seems to return shortly after it has been cleaned.
Some of my computer games have even been ignored. Horrors! (ha ha) I know that my turns on "Hanging With Friends" and "Words With Friends" are way overdue. If I don't take my turn soon, the "friends" may give up on me!
So, here I sit.....lamenting my lack of time organization.....but, the sun is out, it is a beautiful Friday morning....and I am going to put on my shoes and take a nice, long walk instead of dealing with all of the above for right now.....
*sigh*
Saturday, October 08, 2011
M.I.A.?
It seems that my blogging has taken a back seat to the rest of the craziness that is my life lately.
I miss the daily recounting of what is going on....but, haven't seemed to be available to sit and post like I used to.
No special reason or excuse....but, wanted to let any of you who actually read my thoughts (!) that I will still be blogging....but, it will be erratic at best.
So, please hang in there with me and forgive me for these lapses as they occur.
I shall return. : )
xoxo
I miss the daily recounting of what is going on....but, haven't seemed to be available to sit and post like I used to.
No special reason or excuse....but, wanted to let any of you who actually read my thoughts (!) that I will still be blogging....but, it will be erratic at best.
So, please hang in there with me and forgive me for these lapses as they occur.
I shall return. : )
xoxo
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