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---

The Big Chill!

Storm of the decade, right here in my front yard!!! The first picture is my car sitting beside evergreen trees that lined our yard on the north. Second is Queenie P's house--see all the broken limbs? Next is Queenie's next door neighbor--no difference! The fourth picture is of our back yard & a car we had parked waiting for spring to sell--ok, I won't tell you that I TOLD him we should go ahead & get rid of it!!! The next picture is my pretty redbud trees, the ones I love to watch bloom in the spring. And the next picture is looking out my front towards a neighbor's home. Every stinkin tree in my yard is broken, along with every stinkin tree in the neighborhood! But, you know what? No homes were damaged on the block. And I did hear about tree limbs crashing into kitchens, dens, etc. So we were indeed fortunate!

The town is still mostly without electric. Did I mention my parents are here? They don't have electric as the meter box was torn down by limbs, the limbs have to be removed & box reattached before they can be reconnected! Now, have I mentioned the patience my mother has????? She is certain this is a direct insult to her personally! She keeps wanting my dad to call city hall & find out exactly when they will have her electric on---and she wants an electrician NOW (doesn't everyone in town????), AND FIND SOMEONE TODAY to take those limbs down!!! Forget that people have been called in from other towns to help city & rural electric with restoration---forget that the Baptist Relief team is here volunteering their services & 2000 people are begging!!! Forget that no one else has their Christmas shopping done, decorations up, etc., etc., etc., NO this is a problem designed to make HER mad---and we all get to listen to this on a MOMENT BY MOMENT BASIS!!!!! There isn't enough Lexapro in the world to make us calm!!! But we are all biting our tongues, enduring headaches, etc.!!!!!

On the other hand!!! My kids (especially daughter with 20 month old son who is 1 1/2 hours from home) are patiently waiting for nature take it's course, and people to work at their own break neck pace. They are so gracious and good to have around!

Well, don't I sound like a pleasant person????? Well, let me tell you, Queenie P has her story too-----I hope she doesn't disable her hubby before power is back on!!! She just might. Especially if she has to attend her son's college graduation after showering at the university!!! Which is what her hubby suggested!! Don't you just feel the love and goodwill flowing around here???? Does the term "cabin fever" bring to mind any images????

Ok, well now it's time for me to fix supper--I'm going to fill their bellies with chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes & gravy, rolls, etc. Maybe that will soothe some ragged nerves!!!

You all just keep those good thoughts headed this way!!!

From the North Pole, Oklahoma, I'll see ya later!!!

BRRRRRRR

It has been COLD and ICY here in Oklahoma!!! And, lo and behold, my little town was on the new as having received the "brunt" of the ice storm!!!


We lost power Sunday morning around 2 am and just got it back this afternoon (Wednesday) around 2 pm. Hubby bought a generator Sunday morning first thing, so we had "limited" electric, and we have a gas water heater and stove/oven, so we had hot water, and the ability to cook. We were living the high life compared to neighbors, including Queenie P!!!


Our town looks like a war zone--hopefully I can take some pics this evening and post them, I just wanted to communicate with all my blog buddies! Every tree in this town has been affected. Either completely obliterated, or damaged; limbs down everywhere! Power lines have "leaf chandeliers" hanging from them, roads are blocked by fallen limbs, houses have damage from the limbs--we have a car sitting in the backyard that has limbs all over it. It's just rather, no it's not rather--it's just REALLY sad. Our trees will never look the same, and so many were old, stately trees.


Well, I'll sign off for now & post more later.

Friday, Family & Fun!

Ok, so it's Friday----thank goodness!!! I made it through an exceptionally booked week!!! I know I've said that before, but this really took the cake. I won't even tell you my schedule, suffice to say it began hosting a meeting on Monday night, something every stinkin evening, and ended with a family dinner at home tonight.

But, the dinner tonight was in honor of my son's birthday---never a better reason to host than that. Had both sets of grandparents here, daughter, son-in-law and grandson, sis & her hubby & two kids, plus niece's new "boyfriend". We had beans & cornbread, ham, green beans w/new potatoes, cranberry salad, coleslaw, sweet potatoes, key lime pie, & brownies. Now, lest you think I really am superwoman, let me just add that some (most) of the menu was left from dinners I had cooked previously this week!!!

So I want to share the joy with you, so I'm posting some family pics--not to brag, but to show how fun it is when we all get together. I'm trying to post between paragraphs, but it may not work for me. Be patient!!

Well, better luck next time--the first pic is of son (left), niece & nephew.

The second pic is of son, son-in-law & daughter (making silly face).

The third pic is of son & his mom---ME!


It's amazing to think I have a child 29 YEARS OLD!!!! Doesn't seem that long ago that I was 29---and he was just 5!!!

I am extremely proud of both kids, and son-in-law---they are such good kids. They may never be wealthy, live in elaborate homes, drive top of the line cars, or have American Express Gold Cards, but they are fair, kind, decent, hard working, loving people. Can't ask for more. Wouldn't want to.

So, as you can imagine, I am bone tired, so I'm signing off for now. Did you by chance notice my tree has lights, and nothing else!!!!???? Gotta fix that!!!

Sweet Dreams all.

I'd Share!!!

So the picture isn't so great, BUT, thanks to those dear blog friends who posted comments to my whining!!! Just knowing someone took the time to read and then reply makes me feel so good!!!

And what a difference a day makes---funny how things always work out; we still love, laugh and live; we forget what was hurtful and look ahead; we want to have the good in life, so we ignore the stupid!!!

Blogging has put me in contact with new friends, and tho we haven't personally met, I feel a kinship with you guys!!! Well, all but Penny, and I have met her, and I do love her !!! More than a kinship, more like a "soulship" (love to make up words)

However, Phyliss---we will definitely have to take you with us to eat one of these days!!!

And, Kari, I'm not toooooo far from Texas that a road trip might be in order for me & Queenie P one of these days---after all, she has a son in Dallas & I have a dear cuz in Houston!!!

Anyhoo---life really is good. Hard sometimes, but good---there's always someone else with more problems, troubles, pouts than me. And usually those people come into my line of sight when I'm having a pity party!!!

So, dear blog friends, thanks sooooo much-------you make me smile & shine!

And, I would share my ice cream with you!!!