Yep That's It!!!!

This is what I spent the better part of the last 3 weeks looking like!!! On 12/27, if you read my blog, you will recall that I visited minor emergency for a headache that was MAJOR!!!! That was followed by a visit to Dr., meds, and then last Sunday, 1-6, another trip to minor emergency, where they determined I needed a CAT scan and sent me to ER.

After spending 4 hours in ER, hooked up to IV's (I HATE shots & IVs!!!!!), was sent home and advised to see Dr. No CAT scan--said they didn't do them for that type of headache (what the one that hurts in the head?????) So, Tues, went to Dr, and was sent for MRI. Guess what??? They actually found a small, small brain--hee hee hee. No, after all was said & done (and MRI normal), it was determined I had a "cluster" headache that caused a migraine. Have struggled with migraines all my life, but never medicated for such. And, believe me---a cluster induced migraine will send you looking for a steel wall to slam your head into!!! It has left me confused, jittery, sore, and wiped out! But, now that I'm on meds, the head doesn't hurt. Ya know, when I feel even a remote sign of discomfort in the head, I start getting palpitations! I don't ever want to feel that way again. I was telling my dear one last night, I feel so good!!! I don't think I realized how much it had taken out of me. But, life is GOOD!!!!

And, during all of this my prayer life took a turn for the more active!!! I kept asking God "please give me my miracle, and let my headache stop", but of course, in His wisdom, He knew that if the pain just "spontaneously" left, I wouldn't have followed up with treatment, and by golly, isn't that why he gave some the ability to be Drs????? I also discovered I am, again, anemic!!! If I don't take my iron pills, and have bloodwork done again in 4-6 weeks, I'm in deep do do with Dr.!

So, now that you have a glimpse into my life of excitement-------I am sooo excited!!! I got the bid to cater the Chamber banquet!!! It's a bit smaller crowd than in past years--only about 175, but I'm back in the saddle!!!

And, now that I feel good again, I'm going to actually enjoy this weekend by finishing some projects!!!

Well, it's late, but wanted to check in with all my blog homeys!!! Have a great sleep tonight!

Hugs to all.

Baking Muffins

It's 12:15 am & I'm baking muffins---what do you do when you can't sleep????? Watch TV? Read? I bake!!! Tonight it's Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Muffins!!! They'll be all ready for breakfast when we get up.

Speaking of getting up---for the second time in the past 4 days, our phone line (which is currently not working on our end), has placed a "hang up" call to 911! Both times at midnight!!! And both times, we have been awakened by a police banging on the door, wondering if we were all right! Now, while this is comforting knowing the local police are efficient, it's also rather aggravating---Peter & the Wolfe aggravating!!! Next time, if we SHOULD have to call 911, they may not arrive!!! The first night we accused the dog & cat of playing with the phone (ha ha), but I was actually awake tonight and can confirm the animals were asleep!

Had the kids over for burgers & fried potatoes tonight. Hank is just getting too cute, and now he has started calling me "ya ya". That kid can have whatever he wants when he looks at me with those big blue eyes, grins and says "ya ya". Boy, does he have me wrapped.

Speaking of ya ya---I watched "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" this afternoon---love, love that movie!!! Anyhoo--I did notice that when a cousin comes in and sees the grandmother, she says "Hi ya ya". Told you I knew it was Greek for grandmother!!!

I found this little quiz a few months back, looking at a journaling website, and now, let's play along!! I'll answer the bold questions, and you let me know if you answered. I'll visit your blog & read your responses---K??? What better do I have to do at 12:15 am?????

I love the smell of fresh cut grass, powered babies, the after-smell of rain.

I love the sound of my kids voices, Christmas music, old hymns, my husband's laugh, Broadway musicals

I love the taste of Orange Spice Hot Tea, gravy, bread, Dole Orange Pineapple Banana juice

I love the sight of my kids cars pulling in the drive, snow, Friday on the calendar

I love the feel of towels fresh from the dryer, my husband's arms around me, Hank's little hand on my cheek, a bright sunny day

Ok--muffins are done and lookin good!!! Gotta catch some shut eye! Have a great Sunday.

Last Night of 2007

Well, here it is, the last evening of 2007! And what are you doing?

We decided to just stay at home & "veg" out this New Year's Eve. After all the hustle & hurry of "the storm" and Christmas, and all the rescheduled catering events that took place this Fri - Sun, we are POOPED!!! Just can't head out to one more place!!!

Saturday evening my sis & I catered an event about 40 minutes away. All went very well, but for the past 2 1/2 weeks I have had this horrid headache--a migraine that just would NOT stop. It would get a little more bearable, I'd sleep maybe 3 hours at one time, and on Saturday it just began to get progressively worse.

Now, I'm not one to go to the Dr. I grew up going each & every time I sneezed, (mom always worked for Drs), and I just HATE going. But sis insisted we stop by minor emergency on the way home. She said it was just stupid to try to live with this pain, and that maybe there was some infection there. Ok, I let her take me---the Dr was a bit surprised at the intensity I described, and also at the idea of dealing with this for the long term. After a lecture (during which my head was bursting) about getting blood work done & seeing my primary care DR, he finally got around to the good stuff!!! A shot in the hiney of pain med, some dissolving tabs for the onset of migraine, and an Rx for both pain & the migraine pills. He said I would begin to feel better within 20 minutes. So, on the way home, I was griping & groaning about how that didn't do any good, when LO & BEHOLD, the world became a much better place! That old pain shot began to sink in!!! Oh was I excited!!! I just kept telling sis, "I'm gonna sleep tonight--ALL NIGHT LONG!" You just can not imagine the thrill of that thought unless you have gone through this!!! I just smiled and smiled all the way home, I felt GOOD!!!!!

Well, next morning I got up, and whoops! Here comes the pain again! So I tried one of the "dissolving delights" and GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY!!!!! This stuff works!!! My headache is officially gone!!! I can't believe it took me this long to wake up & smell the roses!!!

So, today sis, niece & I headed for Edmond, and had a terrific lunch at a place named "501"---yummy to the tummy!!! It was super--we had dessert too!!!! Man that place was heaven!!! Then we shopped for a couple of hours. Spent some moolah!! Got a new purse, necklace, B & B hair products----needless to say, we had a super fantastic time!!!

And so, blogger friends, I wish for you a restful, peaceful New Year. Make it great in 08---(OMG that is sooooooo cheesy!!!!). Hugs to you all---I look forward to developing the new friendships I have made on this cyber town, and to meeting new friends!!! Have a terrific week!

Post Christmas Day!

I wonder if that really is a term? "Post Christmas"???? Well, it's after (post) and I'm posting!!! hee hee hee So this must be "Post Christmas"!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We spent the major portion of each day EATING!!!!! I'm going to look like Santa's Wife!!! Better just move on up to the North Pole--at least there the clothes cover the lumps!!! We had dinner Sunday at the in-laws, Christmas Eve after service at Lonestar Steak House, brunch here on Christmas Day, and dinner at sis's that evening!!!! Usually I cook on Christmas Eve and everyone comes here after the service, but I have fought a Killer Migraine for the past week, so we all opted to eat out. Have to share a recipe I found for brunch---yummy---it's called

"Orange Marmalade French Toast"

24 slices of sourdough bread, buttered

1 12 ounce jar orange marmalade

6 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup milk

Layer 12 slices bread (butter side down) in sprayed baking dish. Spoon marmalade on top & spread. Top with 12 slices bread (butter side up). Combine remaining ingredients, pour over bread, cover & refrigerate at least 8 hours. Top with pecans or walnuts, bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

I think you could use other jams, preserves, etc and it would be just as heavenly!!!

We had Chicken Piccata for Christmas dinner. Always made by my brother in law---yummy! This year we added a baked turkey & dressing cause some of the grown "kids" are PICKY!!!! But, it's Christmas, and one should have what they want to eat on Christmas. Dinner at inlaws always consists of teryaki steak & fried rice, with a variety of sides. Now you can understand why I'm getting "lumpy"!!!

Have to say, watching a child open presents is magical!!! Hank loved opening his presents, and playing with all of them at once. He got some John Deere tractors which proved to be his favorites!!! He loves to line them all up and then take them "out in the field" one by one. He also found a balloon he had a blast bouncing around. I'm posting a picture (don't know where this one will fall on this post!!!)--it's Hank and his cousin, Michael. Michael was in his "pack-n-play" and it struck me that Hank was explaining how big boys don't have to be in those anymore!!! Another pic is of the cousins watching a top. My mother in law finds the best toys!!! This one has a train that rotates and makes train noises as it spins. Everyone, adults & kids, was mesmerized by this!!! The other winner was a "Curious George Jack in the Box"!!! I chose this one---yoo hoo, winner!!! Both little cousins got one, and my 29 year old son liked it soooo much, that instead of Santa bringing one to Hank, he brought one to my son!!! And son loved it!!!! Christmas does bring out the children in our family!!! And, I think we should all get some kind of toy, regardless of age!!!

Well, better run for now. This house isn't going to organize itself. And, Pushing Daisies is on. Does anyone else like this show??? I find it fun! But then, I have a strange sense of humor! My hubby doesn't like it at all, but then, some people just don't "get it"!!! I like it.

Have a restful night! The Christmas push is over for a year. We can all go back to laziness!!!!!

Dog Tired!

Bet you thought this was my furry friend, right? Actually, it's a photo of ME this evening!!!! Ok, so it isn't actually me---but it's actually how I feel! Anyone want to take a long winter's nap with me????

After the ice storm & no power for a week, which of course, set everyone here back that week on Christmas prep, I was informed the church would go through with the weekly dinner--just happened to also be the "Christmas Dinner" for church family. Rush, rush, rush to purchase & prepare the food for over 200 people! Then, as we had the Baptist Disaster Relief Crew here working on the trees in town, and as they were staying at our church, and as we were responsible for feeding them, I helped 3 nights with the evening meal. After working all day!! Then, Friday, my kids came home for the weekend--which I wouldn't trade for all the tea in China, and they just left. We had the big celebration at my in-laws today. That plus, it snowed again yesterday & was colder than the artic here!!! Plus, I had a killer migraine Wed through Sat. One of those where you see double, the affected side eye tears constantly, nausea sets in, and I slept for 4 hours over 72 hours!!! No, I'm not complaining--so many have worse stories, I'm just explaining why I feel like Abby right now!!!

I have learned a few life lessons over the past 2 weeks: mainly that in times of disaster, discomfort, or distress, true personality traits manifest themselves! I have learned that there are quite a number of persons I don't want to be stranded with on a desert or artic island! I have learned that complaining only serves to make us "unattractive" to those around. I have learned that there are some who are so abused in their workplace by the general public it is alarming.

Case in point--my good friend L works for a local utility company. She doesn't usually take calls, but was called in to work as the storm qualified as a disaster. L worked over 73 hours last week---missed her son's birthday completely. When I saw her, she looked like she was on the verge of a nervous collapse. She related story after story of people calling in and complaining that someone out there should "just flip that switch" to restore the 5000 homes without power. Yes friends, there is a big switch that utility companies flip off and on in dire weather for our inconvenience!!! And the "flippers" sit around playing cards, drinking hot cocoa, while the residents suffer. Mean times we live in--ha ha ha. L also told of call after call that let her know, in straight talk, that her job was on the line; they "knew" a board member who they would turn her in to for her inability to control nature, and that those who have been utility members for long periods of time expect to have their power restored PRONTO---doesn't matter where they live in relation to downed generators, power stations, etc.; their longevity of account awarded them top of the list, priority service. And, not one person, no, not one, ever thanked the men & women who worked hour after hour, day after day, missing their own meals, families, health, for keeping the phone operable, answerable, etc. No, the common thought for these persons is "well, that's their job!" Yes, I agree, that is their job, but no one signs on for the worst part of any job. And, after all, we can't all have the SAME job, right? Someone has to fill those positions. Sometime we take jobs because we have a desire to work within the confines of the convenience of the location, hours, etc. We don't all have the "choose or leave" benefit.

I digress. Anyhooo---thanks to all those who worked so diligently.

I have also learned that we are such spoiled whiny babies! In this day and age, there are still locations in America and abroad, where utilities are a luxury item-either because of location or lot in life. And I have learned that in the cold, quiet hours of darkness, families can enjoy one another, look at life's journeys with bitterness or with anticipation. I choose anticipation.

I have learned that this was a short time of discomfort, and that there are thousands upon thousands who would trade this small window of discomfort for the pain of watching a child, spouse, mother, father, etc., suffer with physical and/or mental health. Perhaps they would trade this time of ours for the unemployment that is hung around their necks like an albatross; or maybe they would trade for time given back with a lost loved one. In the big picture of life, this was just a pimple---not a tumor!

Ok, enough already!!! Good grief Charlie Brown, is life all gloom with you???? Not at all. I have had a wonderful day with family, exchanging food & small gifts; watching our children's children learn to play together ( they are 21 months, 12 months & 6 months). I have been blessed to sit and watch my kids, nieces & nephews eat, drink and be happy. And I was blessed to sit through a morning sermon reminding me that faith is a day to day life, hope is the future hope I have that God is in control, my church is a place of refuge and solice, and my heart can be warmed by the knowledge of the enormity given me at that manger so many thousands of years ago. Sometimes I just have to be reminded.

Merry Christmas to all--may God bless you as you meet the day with whatever challenges or rejoices you face. And may He bless you with his steadfast presence in the coming year.

Fa La La La La, La La La La

What is your favorite Christmas song & why?


Ever asked that question? Well, now you can answer the question!


I think my favorite is "Christmas Time Is Here" from A Charlie Brown Christmas. I know, I know, it's not a carol, but it just takes me back in time: My brother & I sitting in front of the TV, watching Charlie Brown, Mom in the kitchen stirring homemade fudge, Dad asleep on the sofa. The Christmas tree lights were on & presents were wrapped. My brother & I could get sooooo excited about Christmas. After all, we got to go to Mom's parents, see my aunt & uncle & their 6 children, then go to Dad's parents, see my other aunt & uncle & their 3 girls!!! We were soooo lucky that both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, & cousins lived no longer than an hour's drive away.


I don't remember the gifts, just that we had so much fun!!! The houses were always too small to accomodate the number that showed, but we sat up tables in the bedrooms, the dining room, and ate, laughed, teased the younger cousins, sang songs, and enjoyed Christmas.


My Dad's mom would make us homemade hot cocoa, and we would swear it was heavenly!!! My Mom's dad was the piemaker in the family. In fact, when he was a young man in the early 30's, he worked as a pie maker at a hotel. He made the best cream pies & the best meringue topping!!! Grandmother never attempted to make a pie---why should she? And would she dare make one that was even close to being as good as Grandpa's & steal his glory? I think not!!!


My Dad's father was quite older when Dad was born (close to 40), so he was "old" when Dad was growing up!!! And, he had been in WWI, where he suffered some type of "gassing" that permanently damaged his lungs. SO, he was basically an invalid the time I knew him. My cousin, Susan, & I would read him the Christmas story from the Bible in the evening. We were probably around 10 & 12 at the time. He loved to have us read him the Bible when he was trying to fall asleep, so we'd start, think he was sound asleep, start to tiptoe out of the room, and we'd hear "Read one more chapter". It seemed like we read for hours & hours, but it only really worked out to around 1/2 hour. Anyway, I learned later that this was his way of teaching us Bible stories & passages. He knew we'd remember better if we read it with our own two eyes than if he told us. Sadly, Grandpa passed on when I was 13. And, he was in his 80's!!!! I didn't really have that many Christmases with him--I'm glad I spent that time with him.


My Mom's dad, in addition to being a fabulous pie maker, was quite the story teller. He'd sit us kids (6 cousins & 3 in my family), down, and tell us stories about his childhood, his work, his brothers, anything he felt like at the moment. Sometimes he ventured a bit too far for our parents liking when he told of getting inebriated & making a bad choice!!! But we hung on every word. We loved hearing Grandpa's booming voice and deep, jolly laugh. This grandfather passed on when I was 19--he was only 62.


Both grandmothers lived well into their 80's and enjoyed many, many Christmases with us. Sometimes they all came over & watched Charlie Brown with us. Maybe that's why I love that song so much--it takes me back to a safe time, a time when I wasn't so burdened with my own decisions, cause they were all made for me with love. A time when we didn't care what was in the package, we were more excited about seeing the cousins. A time when manners were expected, but table settings weren't. A time when all the love that filled the room couldn't be contained--it trickled home with you.

"Christmas time is here, Happiness and cheer.
Fun for all that children call, Their favorite time of year

Snowflakes in the air, Carols everywhere,
Olden times and ancient rhymes, Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air, Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside, And joyful memories there

Christmas time is here, We'll be drawing near
Oh that we could always see, Such spirit through the year"


Merry Christmas!!!

Saturday, December 15

My Hank! He just makes my heart swell--I can't imagine life before he came and brought us joy! Read on below!!!

It's just been a perfect "Mayberry" week around here! All the family together, nowhere to go, watching Christmas DVD's, home cooking every night---the only downside has been the ice storm, and all the unfortunate without power. Other than that little bit of discomfort, (!!!), I have had the best time.

I've had my parents here (questionable in the comfortable area, but fun), my kids, and grandson, and we have just felt save with each other in sight.

Mom & Dad returned to their home, with generator power, yesterday. Today, after spending the day baking cookies all afternoon with daughter & sis, my son came in, received a call: his electric is back on, and out he went. (I can't believe he didn't want to stay just one more night!!!). Then daughter received a call from her area, and their electric is on. They started packing up like hummingbirds on crack, and are leaving in the morning. AND THEY ARE TAKING THE SWEETEST KID IN THE WORLD WITH THEM!!!!!~

Do any of the rest of you get this "sad from the bottom of your heart" feeling when your kids leave? Am I just emotionally sensitive? Already I am missing them!! And I'll see them next Sunday!!

But, you know, I always got terribly sad when they would leave for college after a weekend at home. Many times I just had to cry for a while, and feel my heart ache.

I really, really like my kids within sight! If we could afford to live like the Ewings on the old Dallas show, I would do it in a minute. Wish I had the land and all the house "wings" for us to just stay together. Aren't I silly?????

But, just look at that sweet cherub in the first two pictures---now you know why I'm so smitten. And why I can hardly stand the thought of being away from him--even for a week!!!

Well, anyhoo--I am just rambling. Truly tho, family is the most important possession in my life. And I guess it has gotten more valuable as I get older and realize just how much is invested in a family.

Ok, on to Christmas decorating & present wrapping this next week. I think I'm finished with all shopping except for one person---I'll wrap that up and have time to sit back and enjoy. Sometimes I think, when I traveling life too quickly, the good Lord slows me down in the most interesting ways. I've had time to get my cards out, get my baking done, get my shopping done, & now I have time to get the presents wrapped, the decorations finished, and even have time to go eat out and relax with hubby this week!!!

Well, friends, I'm tired tonight, so I'll sign off and get some sleep. Have a wonderful tomorrow---