New Year Resolutions??

I know, I know...you don't make them because you don't keep them. Well, I do make them and don't always keep them, but I do look at them from time to time so see what I am not keeping. However, at the moment I can't find last years. Hmmm. How will I know if I am making the same ones?? I WILLl make my list before the ball drops.

The resolution thing is one more way I miss you Diane. You too made resolutions and we would laugh at ourselves for some of the silly things we would write down that we were going to do. I just looked back over some of the posts of the past few years to see if I could find any posts about resolutions, but couldn't. The trip down memory lane was hard Diane...seeing your words brings on the tears for the absence of you in our lives.

Angie wrote a beautiful email to me about Christmas eve without you. I do believe she has inherited your gift of words. She is so articulate. I felt as though I could have been there observing what was happening. Your presence was not there, but your spirit lives on in the traditions you began.

I guess I have strayed some from the resolution title and now I must get on with my day. One of my resolutions is to post something at least weekly. There, I have said it so you will know if I don't do it unless no one ever reads this except you, Diane.

My heart is all swolled up with love for each of you and pray your 2012 will be filled with much happiness.

Now go make your resolutions and post them here.

This and That

Well, here we go again. No one posting anything, me included. Believe me, I understand with everything that is going on in everyone's life. Somehow, I keep being drawn back to this means of communication, even it is just for me and my need to express what I am feeling at the moment. Not that any of it is very profound. I find as I get older (and I am old) I don't always share my feelings with a lot of people as I have this fear of really exposing how old I am in my thinking. I feel with you, my sisters, I can be myself and if you think I am getting ancient in my thoughts I can be comfortable with that.

Geez, what was that all about? Maybe it is the after effects of the Nyquil I took before going to bed. It always does leave me feeling a bit groggy in the morning, but sure helps with sleeping. I always have such weird dreams when I take that stuff though. I won't bore you with those. Other people never seem to appreciate someone else's dreams.

Now that I have started this I don't know where I was going with it. Besides Earl is now up and talking to me, interrupting my feeble thoughts.

I guess what drew me to the blog this morning was I was purging some of the stuff in files on my computer I had been saving. I came across an article that Diane had forwarded to me. It seems every day Diane is popping up everywhere. Sometimes it makes me sad and other times it makes me smile at her unique sense of humor and thought processes. Gosh, how I miss her and her presence in my life even when I hadn't been in touch with her as often as I wish I had been while I had the chance.

Hey girls, another time. I am getting weepy and Earl is going to be asking me why the tears. Sorry to end this on a down note. Next time I will conjure up the sillies.

Love you both very much.

Lori

Tired...very tired

As I mentioned before Barb was coming for a visit and has been here now four days. She wears me out with her constant asking me questions and wanting to discuss every word spoken by anyone in detail. How is it that you can have a friend you really care about, but just want her to shut the you know what up? We have been friends for 56 years and have great memories and lots of fun together most of the time. She knows she gets under my skin about the questions and just keeps it up - seemingly getting great pleasure from it. Yesterday we went to lunch with Irmgard and she was not like that at all. I wonder if Irmgard would spend the next three days with us? We are going to the beach today to walk. It is supposed to be 82 degrees today.

We are getting ready for our trip to SD and excited about getting out of Dodge. Earl and I haven't really gone on any extended trips for a long, long time. I appreciate your suggestions Susie. This weekend I need to find my flannel pj's and a few warm sweaters. Daytime temps don't seem so bad, but the nights are into to 30's. Big difference from here.

I am excited that we are going to see Angie and Ben tomorrow. They are going to be inspecting a tower at Cherry Point. They are working with a crew from California that they are training to inspect the towers at the military bases. They have been in South Carolina at Paris Island the past few days. On Friday they will inspect a tower at Cherry Point and then Saturday they will inspect one at Quantico in Virginia.

That is all I have to say this morning. Hoping for some feedback.

Love you much sisters.

Alone Again

Ok, where are you girls? It is hard to just yack away with no one listening. Sort of like when Earl is watching TV and I am talking to him.

Barb will be here Saturday for a week. Guess I already mentioned that. Something I don't know if I mentioned or not is that Earl and I are going on a road trip - a real long one on October 17th. We will leave after my doctor's appointment about noon and head for Crazy Horse, SD. We have been talking about taking some type of a trip for a long time, but now we are going to do it. Earl has wanted to go see this monument in the works of Crazy Horse. I am going to research places along the way to see if there are things that would be interesting to see. I am also going to get some warm clothes out to go on this trip. We had planned on going to Denver after SD, but Troy will be working till the 26th. Guess we will have to save that trip for another time. Troy may come home for a few days after we get home.

Gordon said he is coming home for Christmas. We are excited about that.

Well, I am excited about going to bed so goodnight.

I love you phantom sisters.

Is It October Already????

Ok, where did September go? Did we skip it this year? Time goes by so quickly for me lately. I know, that is what happens when one gets to be advanced in age - racing toward the finish line. What a thought! Give me back September if it really happened.

So, what is happening in your lives? I know Lizzie is soon to be part time if not already and has moved into her lovely new digs and Susie is going to Curves, playing games on Facebook, beating me at Scrabble and taking pictures of beautiful grandchildren because I saw them right here on this Sister space. What else is happening?

My life? Well, a lot of it the same. Church, Mah Jongg, Bowling, Volunteering, sewing, visiting my future at the old folks homes. We did go to the Seafood Festival in Morehead this past Sunday. Thousands of people come from all over the state for this big ole stinking event. All that seafood frying in that grease has got to stink. We go every year and never buy any seafood from the many groups that are raising money for their organizations. But then I am not crazy about a lot of the fish. There are also over a hundred vendors selling all sorts of things that I don't need, but fun to look at.

October is the month for festivals here in our area. Coming up is the Mullet Festival, Mum Festival and the Chili Festival. They are all about the same except for the food and entertainment.

Barb is arriving Saturday so I have been trying to think of some things to keep us out of Earl's hair - imaginary hair, that is. The weather looks pretty good so the beach will be someplace we will go to often. Maybe go to Raleigh one day to the museums. We'll see. Any ideas?

That is it for another exciting post. I expect to see some words from you two soon.

Much love,

Lori

Cutie Petuties

Well, I had a fun day today with Elizabeth and George! Mel, Kelly and Megan were in a fashion show today and I had the opportunity to watch the kids. I had a fantastic time with them and it was a beautiful day to play outside. I will post more pics on Flickr later but just wanted to share a few with you two for now.

Melanie and I have been going to Curves together and I lost a pound and a half in one week! We have been trying to get Kelly to go with us but I guess she isn't too interested right now. She is loving being home with the kids so that's okay with me.

Not much else new here, feeling stronger every day and thankful for that.

I hope you are doing better Liz. We need to get together soon, I'd love to see your new place.

Keep the blogs coming Lori, I don't always post or comment, but I do enjoy hearing from you.

I think I'll relax some, maybe play a stupid game and then hit the sheets. Those grand babies wore me out!

Love you both bunches...

Trying Again

Well, Lori, thanks for cheering us all up with the nursing home musings! You are a wonderful volunteer and good friend to those people and I'm way proud of you for your faithfulness in visiting them. You do need to also find a young group to even things out a bit. How about an afterschool or daycare setting where you can go and get a happy upbeat fix?

I went to doc this morning and, just as was suspected/expected, he wants me to go for a CT scan. I'm waiting on them to get back to me to tell me when. I have rx for two different antibiotics so I'll start those today. Hopefully, today.

Our big furniture gets moved in on Monday and the place is looking (and smelling) really good. The carpet was installed and Dan has been hanging our plantation blinds - 15 of them all together. He just keeps going and going and going! It's amazing, isn't it?

Susie - what's up with you?

I'm at work but I've wanted to add notes and musings but was so frustrated yesterday with the Blogger that I finally gave up. Not sure what the major problem seems to be - couldn't be me!
Love and hugs to you both.
Lizzie - ever searching

4th time is a charm

This will be the 4th attempt at posting and if doesn't work - I quit!

Musings

Yesterday I took communion to the nursing home and to another lady in town. While I was at the nursing home I talked to a few of the residents (prisoners) as they sat in their doorways in their wheelchairs just waiting for someone to recognize them. It truly tugs at my heart. Every once in awhile, like yesterday, someone will say "I am just here visiting and will be leaving soon". Yeah, but how will they be leaving? In that big black vehicle probably. There is a man there who is there because he can't stay at home alone because of a large tumor on his neck. He sometimes just passes out and falls down. Anyway, he is a very handsome man of probably 50 something. Mentally he is with it and I always chat with him a few minutes before I leave. Who doesn't like talking to good looking men? He has a great attitude for being there with so many who must seem zombie like to him. He passes his time reading, watching TV and sometimes going out to smoke a cigarette. What an existence! I inadvertently ask him "what's new". As soon as I said it I wanted to bring back the words. How stupid to ask such a question. He didn't flinch and said "well, Mr. Blake, in the room next to me died last night". Then he told me about a couple rooms on one of the wings that they move people in that are dying. Geez...I left very heavy of heart thinking how long will it be before someone will be bringing me communion in a place like that. I will go kicking, biting and screaming. That is for sure. Don't let them do that to me, sisters.

Well now, isn't this a cheery little missive? Sorry...I won't continue with telling you about the other woman I visit. However, she is very amusing. Just can't think of anything funny she said at the moment. She does think that the Muslims are going to take her house because she is a woman so she might put her house in her son-in-laws name so she will still have a place to live. I have got to find some younger friends!

I better shower and get ready to go step back to 1770 at the Tryon Palace and their fancy clothes.

Love youse girlies

I don't know why either

I don't know why I can't comment!
I'm trying this way to see how it works.
I'm at work - it's crazy busy as usual and my part time gig keeps getting pushed out farther and farther. It will happen but it's just taking so long to get here.
I'm feeling some better - like I told Becky, I know I'm getting old when I start telling people about my BMs! I had two today so that made me happy. I still don't feel right but I'll go to the doc on Friday and see what's going on.
Sorry this isn't long but I wanted you girls to know I'm thinking of you fondly.
Lots of love,
The Searcher

Hello Again....

I know I said I wasn't going to write anymore, but here I am. I did enjoy your email in response to the blog Lizzie. Thank you. I am not sure why you have problems posting and commenting. I hope you are feeling better Liz. Did you go to the doctor? Did they do an MRI? It is terrible feeling bad when you have so much to do. Let me know how you are.

There isn't much new going on here in NC or our little world. Earl broke a tooth this past weekend and has been stewing about that since the weekend. He went to the dentist Monday and was scheduled to have it pulled yesterday. Of course the dentist wanted to do some procedures that would have cost about $3500.00. Well, he went yesterday for the extraction and when he got there he talked to the hygentist (sp?) and told her he had decided not to do anything about it at all because it didn't hurt. When it started hurting he would be back. And then he would decide what to do about it. He said it wasn't the cost or the fear of pain. His reasoning was he was 70 years old. Why spend $3500.00 on his mouth when he didn't know how much longer he had to live and besides we could have some fun with that money. Personally, I would have had it done, but it is his mouth. You only see that space when he smiles BIG and as you all know he doesn't smile big. LOL

As for myself I haven't been doing anything different lately - just bowling, playing Mah Jongg and sewing. Stuff like that. Enjoying it all. I have been sewing so much in the evenings that I haven't done much reading. In fact I was reading Folly's Island - an e-book from the library and it disappeared after the 2 week borrowing time. Damn. I will have to put it on reserve and probably have to wait to finish it. I do love being able to read the books on my reader for free.

That is it for me. I am having lunch today with Therese Schwarz to catch up. We haven't talked in months and months.

Hope all is going good with my beautiful sisters. I love you!!

Lori

The End For Now

I was hoping to jump start our blog again, but it just isn't happening. I know everyone doesn't have the time I have to drone on endlessly about not much of anything sometimes but I was hoping that I might hear in the comments a few sentences about your lives at the moment or "you are a boring old woman stop writing" to know someone is out there. No, I am not having a pity party. I am just missing the communication.

I probably will continue with the blog some, but not if no one else is writing anything.

Love you bunches Sisters,

Lori

Hello Out There

Another day has come and gone. Now where exactly do those days go? Never questioned that before, but it seems lately I question a lot of things. I am a little crunched for time this morning so I won't go there.

Yesterday seems a blur right now. What I remember most about it was visiting my friend Jean in Morehead at the nursing home. She has regained her sense of humor. A very funny lady. She kept Sandy and I laughing almost the whole time we were there. She was looking forward to a visit from her great grandson today.

Every Wednesday night Barb and I have a video chat date on the computer at 9:00 p.m. Sometimes we are so silly I have to take a Tylenol PM to get wound down and go to sleep. We will see how fun it will be when she is here for a week in October. LOL Earl said he thought he might have to take a trip to Florida that week to see some of his old bowling buddies.

I also talked to Sarah for a little while. She was making baby food for Camden. What a good little mommy she is!

Today I am going to the Tryon Palace for a little while, a doctor's appointment and then to Greenville to get my/formerly Bobbie's sewing machine that had a serious illness - a $425.00 illness with no insurance. I shouldn't complain because this fancy expensive machine did not cost me anything till now, but gosh I probably could have purchased a very nice new machine for much less that did all the things that I ever needed it for. If it breaks again I will seriously decide a different plan. I might have to take a hammer to it.

Hope all is well with you girls and you know I love you bunches and bunches - even more!

Lori

Day 6...

and only one comment. Oh well, I said I was just using this as my journal and one doesn't have to be exciting or witty in a journal because who reads it?

Yesterday I went to lunch in Beaufort with Irmgard, Penny and Fr. Dan. Boring! And the food was really overpriced. I am not particularly cheap when it comes to eating out, but come on - $12.00 for a salad with only greens, 2 or three walnuts, a few craisins and a little dab of goat cheese. Geez. And I fear I am becoming an old crotchety snob. I was so bored listening to Irmgard telling the same stories to Fr. Dan that she has already told to me - some twice. Am I bad? I could have stayed home and had a bologna sandwich and watched the news. At least I would have heard something new.

I had a pleasant phone call from Kelly. She sounded so happy about being home with the children and how she has fallen in love with John again. How sweet. She said the medicine has helped her anxiety so much. I am happy for her. I need to call Melanie and Sarah and catch up with what is going on in their little worlds.

That is about all I have to say for now. Earl and I just got back from walking a little while ago and now I need to get showered and off to Morehead City to see my friend who was just transferred to Harbor View Nursing Home from the hospital in Greenville. She was in the hospital for 108 days. So many complications with her surgery. Now she is at the nursing home to build up her strength so she can return home. I talked to her last night and she is so happy to be out of the hospital.

Love to my sisters

Wouldn't Diane be Proud?

Hmmmmmm

Where are you sisters? Am I boring you to death that you can't even think of a comment? Please tell me you are reading or tell me to stop. Of course you probably know I will not continue with this drivel very long. My longevity in these types of endeavors usually wanes after a few days. I must say I getting a sore arm for patting myself on the back for sticking with it this long.

Nothing much to report from this end. Aren't you glad? Yesterday I stayed home all day and did domestic things. Did laundry, cleaned a little and sewed. That is about it.

This morning I am trying to talk myself into either going to the gym or walking. Neither one is appealing to me. Lately I have found more excuses to stay away from the gym. I should go walking while it is still in the 60's. I am so looking forward to the cooler weather. Has it started for you? Gordon called last night and said he took down his pool and put it away.

Today I am going to lunch in Beaufort and am driving Irmgard and Penny so that should motivate me to go out and clean the car.

Since I am talking about the weather that is a good sign I have run out of words for now. Am hoping to see some from you girls.

Love you!

Lori

Sunday Adventure

Earl usually plays golf on Sunday afternoons and I usually hang out at home reading, sewing or sometimes going to a movie with Irmgard if there is anything we want to see and can get in for 6 bucks. There are advantages, although small, for being old. Yesterday was different because there was a tournament being played on base that Earl didn't want to play in so we decided we would go "somewhere". You know like old people do. The "Sunday drive" where other cars drive by saluting you with their special finger as we gawk at the surrounding countryside. We had a specific destination in mind because I had looked up on the computer "Happenings in Eastern NC". As luck would have it there was one about 50 miles away in Ayden - The Ayden Collard Festival. Felt like this was just something we must be a part of. Rides, crafts, eating contest. Can you imagine a contest to see who could eat the most collards? We couldn't so we headed out for this exciting event. We arrived after about an hour drive only to find the big festival was yesterday. Only the remnants of carnival rides remained that hadn't been hauled away yet. Now since I was the one that had found this already happened event do you think Earl was going to not mess with me about it? On the way back to Havelock he said things like "did you get any good pictures of the eating contest?, be sure and put this on our calendar for next year a day late, what did you like best about the festival?" and on and on. I was not wrong about the date I read. It was wrong on the computer. When we got home I looked on the website and sure enough they had put the date as September 11th. When I told Earl he said "what year?". Turd! Oh well, something new for him to tease me about.

Before going out on our adventure I had printed a coupon from Michael's email I received for 50% off a regular priced item and put it in my purse. I have had my eye on a light box to trace these designs I need for this damn Christmas quilt that I inherited from Bobbie. The light boxes are $100.00. I was hoping it wasn't one of the items that was excluded. It wasn't so at least the whole trip wasn't a bust - at least for me. Or Earl either. We went in TJ Max and he bought a $7.00 baseball hat. What more does he want??

That's it for me this morning. I have a bunch of things to do today. I am SURE you just can't wait to hear about them tomorrow.

Love you Sistas

Forgiveness

Before going any farther in my musings let me say this is not religious in of itself, but something in the gospel reading and sermon started me thinking about if there was someone I needed to forgive and I couldn't think of anyone right off hand. Someone ask Jesus how many times you should forgive someone and he said seventy times seventy. Well, in nearly 50 years of marriage I have probably done that with my beloved at least two rounds. Joking...maybe not. But...thinking of other people in my life I couldn't think of anyone I needed to forgive. Of course there are times I feel slighted, but who doesn't? Perhaps my memory is short (we know that) and I just forget and that is truly a gift for the next time I meet up with the person who has said I looked like I had gained weight or they thought I should do something about that big mole on my nose or even that I may consider a facelift, I don't even remember they said those hurtful things. I am finding at this time in my life that my life is getting shorter so why waste time on crap like that. Not too many things penetrate my thick skin. It is getting thicker all the time, especially my ugly feet. Oops, now I will have to forgive myself.

I know some of this is silly, but all these weird things often swirl around in my head when a word or phrase triggers them.

I was also going to talk about death, but I will leave that for another morbid post. Lord, I think I am around too many old people. And now I am one of them.

Picture

When I checked the blog this morning I was looking at the picture of us all and remembering when the four of you came to visit. How long ago was that??? Don't we all look young? Well, I guess we were. Now there are only 3 of us left from the picture. I sure miss Diane and Mom. Where are they and what are they doing? Are they looking down at us and wondering about some of the choices we make and proud of us when we make the right ones? Both of them were so nonjudgemental, weren't they? One time I was talking to Gordon and said I wondered what had been done with Diane's ashes and Gordon said he saw another bag next to Mom's in the "girls room".

Earl is ready to out and walk so I will stop this musing for the moment.

Hope all have a wonderful weekend and could we chat in real time?

Love youse girlies.

Lori

Week in Review

Since no one seems to be blogging these days I thought I would just use this as my journal and if one of my sisters happens to check to see if one or the other has added something, they can read the nonsense I have written and think Jeez, can't she come up with something better than that to write about? Well, I can't so I will just chronicle a little about what has been happening in my little world.

I have been trying to get these quilt tops finished for Maw Maw Diane's girls. I have three tops finished and need to cut the pieces out for Ally's. They are all very scrappy and bright because Diane gave me a variety of pieces of fabric - none of them too large so I had to use some of the fabric I had and buy a little too. I am going to put labels on the back telling them that much of the fabric had been Diane's and she had wanted to make them for each of them herself, but since she couldn't I said I would. Well, I won't put all that on a label. I will probably write each of them a note.

I love quilting. I didn't think I would like it so much, but making a quilt is somewhat like a puzzle. I enjoy the quilt guild I am in too. All the ladies are so much fun. Our 2 day summer retreat went well. I was one of the coordinators but the other two ladies did most of it. i told them I would be glad to be on that committee and do what I did this year! The winter retreat in February is Thursday - Sunday at the beach. There is a nice facility there. I went this past February. The food was great and the weather was nice enough to get in a few walks on the beach.

Lots of people here are still cleaning up after Hurricane Irene. So much damage. Earl and I spent a couple days helping some friends who live on a canal. The storm surge landed 5 inches of water in their house and 45 inches in their garage. They had to replace their appliances and of course take out all their carpet. The water did so much damage. Luckily their RV was in Wilmington being repaired when Irene visited here so they were able to get it a few days after the hurricane and are living in it outside their home. Wallboard has to be replaced, new carpet, etc. It is a beautiful home that David built himself. Needless to say they are disappointed over all this, but realize there are so many others that lost their whole house. I sure hope Maria does not take the same track as Irene did.

I am still mad at Irene for taking away our sisters get away. Guess it should not be rescheduled until after the hurricane season.

My Mah Jongg friend, Jean, has been in the hospital for 106 days in Greenville (50 miles from here). She had a re-occurence of cancer of her stomach, had surgery and then got an infection in her wound and other complications. Tonight when I spoke to her she said finally she would be able to leave the hospital and go to a nursing facility in Morehead City.

I am enjoying getting e-books from the Columbus Library on Gordon's library card. But...I had two books on hold and I got one Thursday and another yesterday. Now I am going to have to read at least 50 pages a day before they disappear. How am I going to do that and do all the other things I want to do.

I could continue with this drivel, but I am going to try to read at least an hour before I go to bed.

If my sweet sisters happens to look at this blog I apologize for the boring stuff, but know I love you girls so much.

Old Photo...

I was surfing facebook and came across a page called Southside Columbus Alumni and to much my surprise was a photo of Diane's 1st Communion. Wow, so cool. Another collection to our family album. I was thinking, maybe I or we should start a blog for the Family and put old family photos and memoirs on it so everyone can enjoy a bit of our nostalgia. I have lots and I'm sure you two may have some things to add. Just a thought.

Liz, are you all settled in now? I love the condo, everything looks bright and shiny. Are you two enjoying your downtime?

I miss you already Lori. I'm ready for a girls weekend again! It has been awhile and we could all use the quality time together. Let's try and plan something before winter.

I need to get off here and finish packing the camper for the weekend. We are going to Hargus Lake and taking the kayaks and bicycles. If you and Danny Boy get bored...come on down! You and Earl can come too Lori.

Love you two!

Missing Diane

Diane keeps popping up in my brain and memories. Wow, I sure do miss her. Here is a quote that I came across today: "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Speaking on this subject, one of the guys who reports to my boss lost his wife to cancer this past weekend. She was only 43 years and has young children. Her situation ended very much like Diane's - cancer went to liver, hospice involved, family with her when she passed. So sad, isn't it? I HATE cancer. There must be something we can do?!

Sorry to bring you down - just venting a little.

I love you girls.

The Searcher

doesn't work Susie

It doesn't take me back to the log in screen. I'll keep messing with it.

We're just sitting on the porch - it's a great morning but we're missing our Sunday Dispatch - one of our traditions every Sunday.

Aiden spent the night with us and we're taking him home about the time of his birthday party - what's left of it! Since George has pink eye and they are all feeling puney, that cuts out a bunch of people. I'm thinking Mel won't come if Kelly doesn't come so there goes a few more!

Dan (and me too) is having a time adjusting to nothing to do - no big projects, that is. I think since we've been busting our butts for the last 5 years on one project or another, it seems weird. I don't mind it near as much as he does. He still does the stock market and all his dometic duties but I'm thinking he needs to find something to do with himself. Maybe a part time job would work! I really don't care about that though - if he works or not. He's still contributing.

I'm still working full time and until we figure out another house (or not) I'm afraid to cut my hours since we may need to get a little mortgage if we can't find something to pay cash for. I want so much to work fewer hours and days so I'm looking intently for a nice little not much work required house. We've looked at a few. One we looked at was SOOOOO much work we both knew right away it wasn't for us! Yippeee.

Ok, Aiden is up and ready to talk my ear off. I'll talk with you girlies later.

Lots of lovin!
The Searcher Sister

Scarry, scarry thought!

Since Diane created and owns this blog, what is going to happen to it if her account gets shut down?! Will we be able to continue???? I would hate to lose all these wonderful words. Would one of you figure it out? It makes me so sad thinking about those possibilities.
In the meantime, maybe we should start another blog.
I love you two Sissies! I have to work my big fat butt off today so i'm outa here!

comments

I still can not comment on anyones post, so I guess I'll just make a new post whenever I want to comment.
Glad to here that you are all in your new place and getting settled in Liz. I'd love to see pics.

I may not make it to Aiden's B-Day Party, but will send my love with the girls. I have a gazillion things to do here while Randy is home and in the mood to help me.

I looked up reviews of the Lincoln Lawyer and it does sound like a very good book. Something I'd like to read, I'll try and find it this week when I'm out and about.
Well, I hope this comment posts...

Love you both

Hello Out There!

Well, things have settled a little here and thought I'd snatch a few minutes to try this darn blog again.
We're all moved in and most of the boxes that are in the townhouse are put away. the garage, on the other hand, is still packed full! I'll take some pictures soon and send them to you. Now that we've put things away the townhouse doesn't seem so bad.
We were going to go to the auction today but the house we were interested in was cancelled at the last minute. We'll just keep watching and take our time. I really liked the house - it didn't need much work - but it was located in a very congested area.
Are either of you coming to Sarah's on Sunday for Aiden's birthday party? I do know you can't this year - there's always next year....... or when he graduates from high school! HaHaHaHa
This Lincoln Lawyer book is quite good - Susie you should get reading on it and you can join in on this engaging conversation that Lori and I are having about it. Lori, you'll be surprised at some of the things that are about to happen! My, my, my......
Ok, now I feel better that I've commented here. Of course, the real test will be if I am able to post it.
Talk to you both soon.
The Searcher

Hello, Hello.....

Anybody out there?

Sorry both of you did not guess correctly so no prizes. boo hoo. I did get a prize though. One of my subjects sent me a small statue of the Queen of England that waves her hand when she is placed in the sun. My own solar version is in the making and I will be sure to make certain my closest subjects will have one. You can choose from two different versions - one with a pink bikini or one with a purple bikini. Give me your choices for I am sure they will go fast once they are on the market.

Earl went to Washington, D.C.on Thursday for the Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride thing. Tonight when he called he told me to go write on the calendar in large letters - NEVER, EVER, EVER GO TO D.C. again for the Rolling Thunder ride. I will be much relieved when he gets home because he rode his motorcycle by himself.

I have had 4 days of solitude here at home. Well, I actually have been on the go except for today. There was a picnic Thursday night at the Tryon Palace for the Volunteers and staff and their families. It was fun and the evening was pleasant with the wind off the river.

Friday night I went to a play in New Bern written by and produced by teenagers. It was called 13 the Musical. Well done and very funny. Such talent these young people have.

Yesterday a friend and I went to Washington, NC and browsed the cute shops and had lunch. Then in the evening I went to Church and took a pizza to Irmgards. We watched a movie - It's Complicated. Very funny.

So, today I stayed home all day and caught up reading the newspapers for the past 4 days, got my ironing caught up, read and sewed on a quilt wall hanging I am working on. Now I am going to go to bed. Sorry this is boring stuff. Just had a need to connect with some words sent out to you. I miss you girls.

BTW the one both of you missed was the shirt that was Barb's daughter, Kim. At least I got some responses from you two with that silliness. Still don't know why you can't comment. I can or at least I think I can. You will have to post something so I can find out for sure.

Love you,

Queen Loretta Maye

Guess Who...

Liz, if #2 is Ben, where is his goatee?

I say #2 is Lori or Barb.

And I have no control over the commenting problem, the blogger techies said they are aware of the problem and are looking for a solution.

Another thing....

If you click on the "Sign In" button up above, it takes me back to "My Account" which I am already signed into. Susie, I thought you'd have this figured out by now!

I can't comment either!!! Only Post

Ok here are my anwers on the pics:
#1 is Earl
#2 is Ben
#3 is Troy
#4 is Gordo (of course!)
# 5 is me (no duh)

I'll add a new post here soon. You go ahead and get my prize in the mail though, Lori.

RE: Commenting

I am signed in but I can not comment... and can I please have a bobbie prize at least?

Tutorial for Commenting

Susie, after many lost comments I finally figured out that first you must sign in at the top right hand corner of the blog before trying to comment on a post. Still sometimes I forget.

You got all of them right except one. Sorry, no prize.

Love ya!

My Answer is...

Earl
Laurie
Troy
duh, Gordon
Liz

I could not comment on your post Lori.

Guess Who

A little silliness for you.....I know, I know it surprises you that I am silly!

Can you guess who these pictures are from the cropped versions. There is a prize if you get all of them correct.

Ramblings of This and That

All is quiet this morning. Earl is still snuggled in his bed and the bird hasn't started his incessant noise. I was going to sew this morning or read or catch up on some shows I have recorded and then I decided to take advantage of this time and add something to "Sisters". I keep looking each day hoping to see some new words. I know there is a lot going on in everyone's life and....sometimes a person has to be in the mood to write something. Now that I am sitting here I don't know if I am in the mood or not, but here goes.

Alright, the things I have been thinking about might seem a bit morbid and some silly, but I want to clarify that I am not depressed so don't go calling Earl and telling him I need counseling or a need to start checking out the local "homes" for me. I am no different than usual. Well, that might not necessarily be a good thing. At any rate I have been thinking of what the future might have in store for me. I haven't actually been dwelling on it, but lately I have been getting glimpses of what it could be like by things that have happened to me and observing friends my age.

To be continued...

As you may have guessed, Earl decided to get up and cook breakfast. While I was doing the dishes a golfing buddy of Earl's called and said he had a 10 o'clock tee time. Yes! At least four more hours of quiet. No TV, projects I don't want to do with the man or anything else. Pure me time and you know it is all about me.

Back to my ponderings and thoughts of what the future may bring.

So, did the Rapture happen and we were all left behind to sink into the abyss at some point? I enjoyed Gordon's silliness about it all. He often cracks me up with his sense of humor. I called and left him a message yesterday, but he didn't return my call. Maybe he was taken up with all the other rapturous people. Do you think he has been going to Church on the side and not telling his old mother?

Do you ever think of what it will be like to die? Does it frighten you? I am not afraid, but I wonder how I would feel when I knew it was inevitable. The hours I sat with Diane when she could not communicate except with her eyes and her tears I would wonder what was going through her mind. Was she reliving her life like a movie or wondering what life would be like for Bob, her children and grandchildren, her sisters and friends after she slipped off into death? I can't even say the hereafter because it truly is an unknown. I know what I want to believe and most of the time do, but still no one knows for sure. Even if she could have answered those questions for me I doubt she would have as she was the keeper of many of her private feelings.

Geez, I shouldn't have started down this road. Really, I am just wondering and not terribly upset or depressed or any bad thing. One of the women I play Mah Jongg with my age who has had a recurrence of her cancer has been given a prognosis of a possible 1-4 years life expectancy. She has a very unhappy home life with little support from family. Very sad. What would I do with that diagnosis? I think it is important not to wait for such news, but to try to do the things we enjoy now and not put off because there will be a better time so here are some of the things I am going to do now - love Earl, Gordon and Troy, my sisters and their families unconditionally, live without worry of what others think of me or my shenanigans, laugh at myself for some of these foolish things I say and do, appreciate something about each person that comes into my life and look for only the positive in each person. Now that sounds pretty lofty, huh? Some of it very difficult to do too. Well, it is and I think I am going to have to print out that part of this post and tape it to my mirror so it will be the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing at night to see how I have done. I would give you a report later, but might not have much to report.

In the meantime, I am missing you two. It was wonderful being with you all last weekend and wish we could spend more time together. I love you. Now off to the sewing room and then to my book The Lincoln Lawyer.

Please chime in soon when you can.

Again, much love and cyber hugs.

Lori

Happy Mother's Day Mom

I love this sweet picture of you Mom and I wish I could send you flowers or a card. I do send you my love and thoughts and prayers.

I miss our sweet Diane too and I know her children are missing her on this first Mother's Day without her.

This evening I am a blubbering mess. I have such a heaviness in my heart of profound sadness. Most of the time I can shake it and I know I will, but it overtakes me sometimes when I least expect it. Grief is a thief that robs one of lightheartedness and energy. Tomorrow will bring a new perspective.

To lighten up this moment I will include a couple silly pictures of me. They will probably make me laugh too. The one is of me f

rom the fashion show at the Tryon Palace. Such a big hat for such a little head.

Now the picture to the right is silly OLD me yesterday with another big hat on my little head. That was taken at the mexican restaurant where we had out bowling banquet. One of my team members brought a cake that we shared with the rest of the league that wanted a piece.

I had a very nice birthday with many good wishes and Earl and I went out to eat at Out Back.

So when is anyone else going to chime in? I know you are busy, busy with garage sale and house selling and your hundred other duties Liz, but it is your turn when you get a chance.

BTW the book Cutting For Stone is very good. When can we discuss it? If it isn't before too long I will forget what I have written. LOL How about you Susie? Are you reading anything good? It would be fun if we could all read the same book and discuss it on the blog. Maybe a silly one.

Ok, that is it for me. It is 11 p.m. and I should be in bed. I am 70 after all. Gawd! That sounds sooooo old.

I love you sisters.....

Critters II

First off the little turtle on the right in your photos Lori is a box turtle and I believe the one on the left is a snapping turtle from your description and pic.
I too saw some critters on my bike ride this morning about a mile from the house... there were 3 deer together on the creek bank. They are so used to people and town living that they were not even phased that we were there ooohing and aaahing and talking about them. Amazing. I believe that we see almost as many deer here in town as we did at the farm house. Of course we do live right next to Mt Pleasant, but it still seems strange to see them that close and not frightened.


I have been having some very clumsy moments lately...
Yesterday I was putting up some curtain rods while standing on the bed and I fell off the darn bed hit my left leg on a chair and have the biggest bruise I think I've ever had.
Today, I was coming back from my bike ride and was trying to lift myself off the seat to avoid the bump in my drive, accidently hit the front brakes and bam... down I went. Now my right hand and elbow are all bruised. I would never have believed that I'd ever be so accident prone or clumsy. I was never clumsy or fell down until you all started it. It must be contagious or something.

I made a big ass turkey this weekend and had the family over Mel's, Kel's, and Corinne's. Something I think we all needed. We all have had some very sad, trying, crazy times lately.



After dinner, Kelly was cleaning up the kitchen while Mel was helping George use the potty and when Mel came out of the bathroom she told Kelly that was the first time she'd ever seen Kelly clean up the kitchen by herself at moms house and when they were kids it was always Kelly who was in the bathroom when it was time to clean up. Well, I just laughed and said "I used to pull that same trick growing up at home, just ask Aunt Diane." then I cried.


Wow, talk about mood swings. Diane being gone from us is still very painful and probably always will be. So many things remind me of Diane everyday, luckily alot of those are good thoughts but the melancholy still creeps in...

Thanks for the phone call Lizzie, sorry we couldn't talk longer. We'll have to try and catch up soon.


All in all this last week went quite well, we spent a nice anniversary at home had family over and some beautiful weather to boot. Life is good.

I love you sisters

Critters

These are pictures I took with my phone of two turtles on my morning walk. Now, I am not sure how I did it, but the one on the left was huge - at least 10 inches from the front to the back of its shell and the pretty brown and gold one was teeny. My photography sucks is probably how I did it. And I got real real close to the little one to take its picture. I was going to write a little story about how the big one (the Mama Turtle) that doesn't look big was near my house and the little one was about a mile away. Then I noticed they didn't look anything alike, but then humans don't aways look like their parents, but usually they are about the same color if they are biological children. So maybe Goldie was adopted. And how did she (I didn't really check to see what sex it was, but Goldie is more of a female name) get so far away from her mother. Did she run away on her little itty bitty feet or did she float that far in one of the ditches that is filled with rain water? Or....did Mama Turtle abandon little Goldie for a carefree life of swamping?

Then this afternoon I had to take Cali for her yearly vaccination. While I was waiting my turn in the Cat Waiting area in the Dog Waiting area my ears were subjected to an older (even older than me) couple's conversation to and about Speedy and Taz, their two little dogs. The woman didn't say much of anything except uh huh and yeah, but the man human kept talking to these dogs like they could understand. One of the things he said was "Speedy, did you know yesterday I saw a puppy that looked just like you when you were a puppy? Did you? What do you think of that?" Speedy either spoke so low I couldn't hear or he didn't answer. Now, if Speedy really answered that would something to call the TV station about so everyone could hear Speedy talk on the local evening news. Maybe he has to talk to the dogs if all his wife says is uh huh and yeah.

That is all the nonsense I can think of at the moment.

Love to you sisters.

Jamie

Jamie happens to be my new boyfriend. He is a very handsome 8 year old with dark brown hair, brown eyes and the longest eyelashes I have ever seen. Yes, I am smitten. He moved into to neighborhood and he and a little girl that lives nearby knocked on my door one day to introduce himself and see if I had any kids that might like to come out and ride bikes with them. I said no, but told him I knew who his mother, father and grandmother were from bowling. The next time he came by I wasn't home and he ask Earl "is the old lady that lives here home?". Well, of course you know that cracked Earl up. Not me so much when Earl told me, but pleased Jamie wanted to say hello.

At first Jamie's visits were every few days, but now it has become almost a daily thing. He is so adorable and says the funniest things. Saturday he came by and I told him I was sorry, but I was getting ready to go to Church and he said that was OK he would come back on Sunday. True to his word here he comes. I had the same dress on that I wear around the house and he commented he had seen me wear that yesterday. And then he said incredulously "did you wear that to Church???" Guess he doesn't think much of the dress. I said no, I just wear this when I am at home and he said "that's good". Kids are so honest. Much more than adults.

Anyway, I am enjoying our daily chats, even if at times some of the comments are a blow to my ego.

I agree...

We must keep our words going. If only a bit at a time. Seems earlier today I had thought about our blog and in my head formulated some thoughts, but now they are not there. I feel sure Diane would want us to continue talking as if she were a part of it. Perhaps that is how we should write - just as if she was going to read them and chime in with words of wisdom. How we all miss her words.

You know, the words by emails, blogs and occasional phone calls were what she gave us and maybe she couldn't give us anymore than that - like attending get togethers, joining us on our overnight, etc. It just didn't seem to be in her makeup to be able to do those things. It was almost like there was a huge tether that kept her near her family. I know she loved and loves us, but sometimes we expected too much of her. I miss you so much Diane.

So what have you been doing girls? I know you are busy keeping your house neat and tidy for prospective buyers, Liz and you have probably been busy decorating your new abode Susie, but that can only take so many hours a day. I have been doing some of the same ole same ole - visiting the nursing home, bowling, playing Mah Jongg and actually working in the yard. That is my least favorite thing to do. In fact I just came in and am cooling down before I take my shower.

I did go on the New Bern Historical Homes Tour a few weeks ago. My goodness there were some beautiful homes that people allowed us to glimpse. I hope my drool didn't damage any of that fine furniture.

It was wonderful having Troy home for a week. The circumstances were not the best but we enjoyed having him with us for the time. He will be meeting us in Columbus for the Race for the Cure Walk. He said if he could get a flight into New Bern he might come here and ride to Ohio with us. I think he is going to have a rocky time getting things settled in Denver. He and Bobbie seem to have agreed on a settlement, but the papers have to be drawn up and signed. It is certainly generous on his part.

I have been writing thank you notes for the many condolence cards I have received and some of the ones I agreed to write from the visitation. I just get so sad when I start thinking of everything and end up boo hooing. I think I am getting better then it starts again.

You had some good ideas, Liz. I am going to contact the Hope Lodge in Greenville and see what needs they might have. I think I am going to contact Hospice too.

That is about all I can report of my exciting life. Now let me hear about yours. I love you two so much.

Lori

I keep looking for words from my sisters

I know that this now seems like 'sacred ground' because our inspiration isn't writing to us any more. I look almost every day and think I'll add a post but I am timid about doing so. I also start reading old blogs and that stymies me a little bit more.
Lori, you and I talked about the feeling that we should be doing 'something' in Diane's memory but not sure what. Is there something we can do as the "Sisters of High Hopes" in Diane's memory? What about something along the lines of support to people fighting cancer? Scarves for bald heads? Little quilts for laps or beds? Reading to or writing for someone? volunteering with Hospice? at a hospital? Any ideas? I know Diane told me more than once that when she got strong she wanted to volunteer somehow.

Well, it's something to think about for sure.

I love you girls and I can't imagine my life without you (as I was never able to imagine life without Diane).

Looking forward to getting this blog rolling again. Diane would expect it of us, I'm sure!

Happy Birthday Diane

RIP special soul.

Goodbye Sweet Diane

We are getting ready to head to the funeral home to bid your farewell in just a short while. It's hard to believe that we are at this bend in the road. Thank goodness the road of memories will takes us on and on and on. I can't image this blog without your sweet words and profound thoughts but thankfully we can go back and read and re-read and remember your sweetness. You will forever be in my thoughts

Oh Happy Day!

Seems like not so long ago.. good time... happy day.

Just a reminder of my sweet, crazy, fun, loving and hopeful sisters.

Oh how my emotions are flowing. Thinking of you Diane and how vibrant and full of life you have been and how everything is ever changing never to be the same... so sad.

This is how I want to remember you and all of us.

I love you all so much

I just wish I could die

Besides the word "OK," the above are the only words our sister said today. It was amid tears and frustration and probably pain. In the moment the words were real and heartfelt and I couldn't help but agree and cry with her. I wish she could just peacefully pass onto whatever else there is. I H A T E seeing her like this in that little room with all the reminders of her life.
- Bob sitting in that black chair in the other room and that annoying bird hollering her stuff.

I'll miss her terribly but I want her to go peacefully - now.

My heart is so heavy

Like my other sisters, my thoughts are with our struggling sister. I wake up thinking about her and go to sleep thinking about her. We all knew that we would face this day soon, but it is almost unbearable to do so.

When I think I may never have any kind of conversation with her again - silly,serious, disrespectful, sacrilegious........ my heart breaks in a million pieces and the tears flow.

Words are not to be found at this moment. I can't imagine my life without her. It is so unfair - so, so, so unfair.

I love and cherish you my other sisters.

The Sad Searcher

Wish I had deep meaningful words to share

Hi Sisters -
I'm missing the connection.
Love to each of you.
The Searcher Sister

Ahhh Sunny Beaches...

This photo was taken in Miami at South Beach last Wednesday morning. There wasn't very many people on the beach that day, but there was a few topless ones. Wow, have times changed! Randy's friend Cindy was taking some pictures of birds and didn't realize that she was also aiming her camera right toward a topless sunbather. LOL.

Our trip was great, we were all over Florida... we drove through the swamplands and hit alot of beaches. Went to Vero Beach, Miami, Fort Meyers, Tarpon Springs, St. Augustine and over near Orlando for a few days so Mel could visit with her friend.

Aren't you girls glad we brought home some nice warm weather from our trip?

We all got to see most of our Florida friends. Helen had a big whoop-dee-doo for us at her place. I will post some pics on Facebook and Flickr soon.

I have been crazy busy here getting ready for a few upcoming events.

Rick was kicked out of the group home for being disruptive and will be moving back here at the end of the month. Ohhh boy.

On the brighter side... I have my reversal surgery scheduled for March the 8th. Yippie! I will be in the hospital for 4-5 days. The surgeon said that the healing process should be alot easier for me this time since there is no infection or bad stuff in there.

Love the Valentines pic of you Liz. Dan is such a sweetie!

Lori, why don't you bring some of those costumes with you and we can all dress up and go out to eat. That would be fun!

Haven't heard nearly a peep from you Diane. Hope all is okay with you...

I love you girlies and hope to get together real soon!

Keeping the blog fresh - it's all about me!

See the flowers Danny Boy sent me for Valentine's Day. I'm sitting at my desk and my partner in crime, Paula, took the picture. I'll put a picture of her on here next time.

I know the blogs have been pretty shallow lately. I can't get into my deep thinking self right now but I do feel something more meaningful brewing deep inside.

Lots of love.

Lizzie

Confucius Say...

Confucius Say...

Man who sit on tack get point!

Man who jump off cliff, jump to conclusion!

He who think only of number one must remember this number is next to nothing.

Man who put head on railroad track to listen for train likely to end up with splitting headache.

Man who eat photo of father, soon spitting-image of father.

Man who fall in vat of molten glass make spectacle of self.

Man who cut self while shaving, lose face.

Woman who puts detergent on top shelf, jump for Joy.

He who has a sharp tongue cuts own throat.

Man who run in front of car get tired.

Man who run behind car get exhausted.

Man with one chopstick go hungry.

War does not determine who is right,war determine who is left.

Woman who live in glass house should change clothes in basement.

A bird in hand makes hard to blow nose.

He who stick head in open window get pane in neck.

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like bananas.

To make egg roll, push it.

Man who wish to make headlines should sleep on corduroy pillow.

Yearly exam

Fashion Show

I am moving up the costume chain. I started as a kitchen servant..moved on to a house servant and now I am a shop

owner of a milliner shop. Wish you could see the details of the cap I am wearing. If you could you would wonder if I ever got any business! It reminds me of something Martha Washington would have worn. The show was fun. Of course I was the oldest lady in a group of some very young interpreters. They are always very kind to me. I can only imagine what they say when I am not around. But then, I am of an age that I don't much worry about what people say about me.

The other picture is of me and another matronly lady that works at the palace, She has a sailing ship on top of her head. I guess during that time period women wore all kinds of strange things worked into their hairdos. The woman in the picture with me is one of the funniest women I have ever known.

That is all for now girlies...Earl is wanting me to go for a walk with him. Love you all.

Lori

Hello Sisters

Just thinking about each of you - missing each of you and wondering what's going on with each of you. Eachy peachy!

Regarding little Reilly - late today or tomorrow they are going to remove the breathing tube to see if he can breathe on his own. We've had a lot of conflicting info lately so I'm not sure exactly what happens next. Dan thinks - if it's the same now as when the docs first talked to them - that if he cannot breathe, they will have to decide on next steps. If he needs permanent help to breathe, he will also need to keep the feeding tube, etc. and he will not have much of a life. This may be where they have to make that serious decision. It's still such a heartbreak for everyone.

I really am missing you girls. WHERE ARE you SUSAN? Can't you just give us a word or two? Hope you are having a nice time in warm weather. I've just lost track of time as to when you went and when you are coming home. Lori's out quilting something, I know. And you, sweet little Di, are working your way out of that darn chemo funk!

On Monday, Sarah will be 39 weeks and the doc said they will not let her go beyond 41 weeks and that if they get there and she hasn't gone into labor she really needs to have a c-section. Time will tell - can't do much about that, can we?

Talk to you all later.
Sending love.
The Searcher

First Quilt

This is my first effort at making a quilt. I really enjoyed it. Of course it is a very basic one. I just stitched in the ditch so it is more of a baby comforter than anything. I find I loved the mechanics of it. Almost like a puzzle. The pattern of the fabric is hard to see, but it is bears. It really isn't orange. It is a fuschia or something like that.

I am looking for some sort of design to make for a wall hanging over my bed. I would like to make it in blues and yellows and white, but haven't found a design I like or the ones I like look a bit too complicated for me.

I have been reading a book called Quilting by Hand. I would like to have a carry along hand quilting project to do, but then again I just can't decide on what.

This is a busy week for this old retired lady. Tomorrow a couple of the Mah Jongg ladies are going to go to someone's house and teach them the basics of Mah Jongg. Thursday I am at the Tryon Palace from 9-4 and then a rehearsal for the fashion show that is Friday night. Then Saturday and Sunday there is something going on at Church I am supposed to help with.

Next weekend I am going to a quilting retreat for Friday, Sat and Sunday. I am looking forward to that. It is at the beach at a retreat center. There will be a few classes too.

What are the rest of you girlies doing? I am looking forward to seeing you all in a few weeks.

Love you,

Lori

Memories

Just a minute for a chuckle

I really don't have any chuckles. Anyone heard any good ones lately?

I thought we needed a fresh picture on the blog.

Love you girls......

Sad news

Dan just called me this morning and, after last nights MRI, they are certain there is brain damage. They are waiting now for neurogoly team to meet with them. As you can imagine, the news is devastating to everyone.

Here is what happened. Ashley had taken Reilly on the 4-wheeler and they had just left the house. Reilly was in his seat belt on the seat next to her. She got out and walked toward the back of the 4-wheeler to adjust something and in that split second, he reached over and started messing with the control and the 4-wheeler started rolling. She saw him do it and was rushing back to the driver's seat. Ashley grabbed onto the bumper and tried and tried to stop it but wasn't able to, of course. There was a little ravine and the front wheel went in that and caused it to tip. Obviously, Ashley (and Sean), but especially Ashley is a total wreck. It's such a tragedy and the whole family is shaken to the core. Dan and his ex, along with the other kids are there and that seems to be helping.

As we all know, life can change in a flash - and it has.

I love you my sweet sisters.

Telling Stories

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvN4cWE7Urs



Diane stirred up some lost memories inside me with her post on Facebook about telling stories. The photo above is around the time I was the biggest liar ever. It's around the time I started public school.


My teacher asked the class what everyone did for Easter vacation and I proudly raised my hand and told the classroom that our family traveled back home to Hawaii for a visit with our grandmother there and we may be moving back after the school year ended. I was an instant hit with the kids! All the questions and excitement from them only fueled ideas for more stories.


An example of a few:

Dad owned the cab company and mom was a nurse.

Lori was an actress.

I traveled with Nanny to far away places and so on...



The one that broke my back was when I told the teacher "it's my birthday tomorrow" (when it wasn't). The next day she had a party for me in class. All the kids made me a birthday card and sang to me. The only thing I could think of at the time was OMG what am I going to do with all of these birthday cards? I can't take them home! But, I did. I snuck them into my room and looked over them and cried. That is what broke me.

Sing

I remember when I was in the second grade at Saint Mary's, my teacher was Sister Agnes Claire. She was probably the kindest and best teacher I ever have had. Iwill never forget her.

In contrast, when I was honored to be in the children's choir, the director Sister Theresa noticed I may have musical potential and blessed me with private lessons.

She was small, thin and quite intense. I was painfully shy and she frightened me as I stood next to her trembling while she pounded (tortured) the piano keys with her bony fingers.

My stomach ached so that I barely could barely breathe. Suddenly she slammed her hands down and through tightly clenched tiny teeth sternly demanded I project my voice.

I became hopelessly mute. She gave up in exasperation and sent me away after only ten minutes of lesson. Fine, I was relieved to be free of this most unwelcome obligation.

When she saw me after that in the hall or playground, she would display a look of pity mingled with disdain. Perhaps Sister Theresa meant well. That I will never know or dwell on though I will not forget her either.


We all have our bumps in the road and it would be foolish to think it should be a frivoulos carefree existence all the time. Otherwise how would we know the difference?

Over time I realized that before confidence is carelessly scared away at a young age, everyone can naturally sing. I learned mostly from the grandkids that we can be silly and foolish, do the Maw Maw dance, embarrass our kids, have fun and do what we want to do with optimism and humor.

It is our choice as to how we will react to the piper. For the most part I choose a happy tune whenever it seems to fit the moment.

You can't make people do what YOU (or me, us, etc.) 'expect' them to do

That is a very simple statement, isn't it. I've been replaying that in my head since last week. I was on the treadmill in the fitness center here at work and the only tv choice I had was the one with Dr. Drew (who I'm starting to really like) and he was dealing with someone who had a drug/alchol problem. The guy kept making excuses - his parents did not do or give him this, his friends didn't keep their word, his girlfried didn't undstand him, his father hated him, etc., etc., etc. So Dr. Drew said that simple statement to the guy (and to me).
It immediately caused the light bulb to come on in my head. Sarah and I have been dealing with what I think is some big time drama. (The baby is ok, Aiden is ok, she and Paul are ok so it isn't that kind of stuff.) It is the painful familiar to me and Sarah type of 'stuff.' It involves lies and deceit and me being in the middle of this drama - with other people involved. So when good old Dr.Drew said this simple statement (one that could easily have been missed by the average viewer) it reminded me that Sarah is probably never going to do what I expect her to do - it's my expectation - not hers. Duh, Liz. The stubborn control freak in me doesn't help either. My concern for doing the right thing, always being honest and transparent is just that - mine.
I know (as you all have witnessed), I've spent a lot of years trying to MAKE Sarah do what I expect. I'd like to think I was right but wish that somewhere along the line I would have realized that life doesn't work that way.
Sarah and I have made lots of progress lately. I've seen a new maturity in her the last couple of years and I'm working hard on not being in her face about the things that I expect of her.
I wish I could share the drama -not that it is the important thing here - but it would help you understand why it is painful. It certainly isn't the end of the world and not one that would make me desert her. It does make me want to pull back though and not do anything with or for her.
But.......... back to the expectation reminder.
Thanks sisters, I just needed to get this off my chest even though it's a bit disjointed. Dan is ok to talk to about this but he sure doesn't 'get it' like the sisters.
Sending love and hugs,
The Searcher

Resolve

Looks like Liz broke the silence and woke up the sleeping blog.

I will not entertain the words "give up." However, when does one make the decision to "let go"? What does that really mean? A better chance for more quality of life?

I have not lost optimism as it seems I could go on for months or even years as nobody knows for certain. This chemo cloud I exist in now is not working for me. Yet to not continue treatments frays at the edges of my mind to suggest one more effort.

I do not mean to be dramatic or morbid. What else to do with these questions? They need to be asked and not swept under the rug even though there is no clear answer.

At this moment my resolve is in question. These words seem meaningless.

I love you all and wish you well.

Just thinking about my sisters

Hi Girls! Just thinking of each of you - imagining each of you and your sweet faces and voices. I hope you are all sassy, safe and serene! I love you tons!
The Searcher

Moments

Yum!

It was spaghetti night last night. The whole house was infused with the aroma of fresh garlic, onion, basil, tomato sauce and garlic bread. You would be lucky to have been here at Bob's Bistro But this is not really about spaghetti.

This is about a splendidly simple good and kind man. He takes such care in all he does. As I watched him standing at the counter chopping each vegetable just so it struck me as if were in some deep profound culinary dream. I must have been starving!

I often wonder why I draw on such seemingly insignificant moments in my life and put them out there for the world to see. I do think we all have these warm simple moments though and should recognize them. Most often they slip away with the vapors of the boiling pot. Maybe my uncomplicated life brings a keen insight into these moments.

We all also have those frustrating and annoying moments with those we love as well. I may notice and dwell on that another day.

Snow Bird

Anne Murray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVNj9Pl-i7I

I used to love to take Zach and Ginger to the woods after a fresh deep snow just after it turned dark. There would be no footsteps but ours. There would be little sound under our feet. I often wondered if curious wildlife was observing us. Once an owl swooped down to the creek and it was one of the most awesome experiences.

We would walk deep into the woods as far as we could physically go by the light of the moon glowing over the crystaline snow. At other times without the snow as and ol Sol as our guide and comfort, I would never venture even to the very edge of the woods.

I miss those times.

My Sweet Little Man

I'm missing my little friend - haven't seen him for a couple of weeks. This is a picture I took at Christmas time with his cat, Ashton. It's hard to believe he's 5 1/2 years old now, isn't it? It'll be interesting to see how he does with a new little brother. I sure wish he wasn't so far away. Miss him terribly.

That being said, here's an interesting picture of Sarah - 8 months along:

Thank you Lori for calling her!

I like the pic of you, Loretta, in your costume - Dan said you look like a Quaker - like he knows what one looks like.

Susie - don't forget to get that big fat book I gave Mel to give to you - it has tons of info.

Hi Di - hope you're feeling better each day.

It's been a wild week at work and I'm only half way through it. Yikes.

Love you all my sweet sisters.

The Searcher

Cute

Aren't they pretty!?

Need a laugh??

Hello Sisters,

I enjoyed your post the other day Lizzie. I was going to respond, but thought I would post something instead. For some reason I could not figure out how to put this picture on the blog and I knew it had been awhile since you all had something to laugh at me about. Well, I messed around with it for so long I just gave up. I am sooooo computer challenged sometimes. I know I had posted a picture before so don't know what the was the problem.

I am a different kind of servant in this picture from another time period - 1803 instead of 1770. There was an event called 12th Night at the Tryon Palace and I helped serve cake and wassail after the 12th Night party. It was fun because my volunteer cohort did it too. We are going to be in a fashion show in February, but will wear fancy dresses that belong to the palace. Perhaps I will send you another picture then. I do have to wear a wig for that event. I wonder why?? I could have had to have my hair chopped off when I got head lice or it caught on fire when I got too close to the hearth. What do you think?

We have had some of your nasty cold weather accompanied by snow and sleet and cold rain. Yesterday we had 4 inches of snow and Earl is somewhat surly because he has been stuck in the house all weekend and then Monday too. Grumpy might be a better word for his condition, but no mind. He will get over it when the weather warms up - if it ever does.

I had a physical fitness evaluation at the gym and the results weren't pretty except my resting heart rate and cardiovascular fitness which I scored excellent on. Oh yes, also my bicep strength. Not sure how I pulled that off. I am not aware of any strength building in my biceps unless it is the lifting of heavy food on my fork. That could be it. My BMI was REALLY high and my flexibility very, very low so I am a strange mix. Overall, I only scored Fair which is slightly above Needs Work. Tomorrow the trainer is supposed to give me a program to follow. Then I can have something to whine about when I get really sore. I know how you all love to hear me whine! Maybe I will be able to enter the Senior Citizen Body Building Contest. Another mental picture for you girls.

I have started working on a baby quilt for Sarah's baby. It will be my first pieced quilt. I wish I would have started this quilting business years ago so each of my great nieces and nephews would have one.

I am also working on making some stays, Those are those things like Scarlet O'Hara wore in Gone with the Wind and was cinched up to have a 12 inch or less waist. Not sure about that measurement. Once completed my waist might get to be 28 inches. And my boobs will rise to meet my chin - the bottom chin. Judy, my palace volunteer friend is making some too. Laura said we had to wear them when we are in the fashion show. Laura is showing us how to make them. Not my favorite type of sewing, but interesting.

I chatted with Sarah a little while yesterday and she said she had such a nice time at her shower and received many nice things for Camden. I imagine she is getting nervous as her due date gets nearer. She said she has decided to try to have him naturally. Ouch!

So, did you have a little overnight at your house Lizzie? I am missing all the fun. Darn.

I hope your fuzziness is becoming less fuzzy Diane. Am missing your thought provoking posts.

How about you Susie? Are you getting stronger and feeling good? You looked good in the pictures I saw on Facebook.

That's it girls. Sorry I don't have anything more interesting to report.

Love you all bunches.

Lori

Hello Sisters

I've been looking everyday to see if anyone has anything to say. I won't babble on and on - just hoping to have a word from one of you. I think that you, Diane, are still working through the fuzziness of your recent treatment. I saw Susie yesterday at the shower - that was fun! Sarah got a lot of nice things - so sweet! I saw from my phone history at work that Lori called me today - such a wild and crazy day - hardly had time to pee. Sorry I missed you!
Hope you are all happy and safe.
Lots of love,
The Searcher

Just a word or two

Hi Sisters!
Just sitting her contemplating my navel and it made me think of all of you and our recent belly button conversation. Not really, but that just rolled out through my thought process.
Dan is on his way to Athens, Alabama with a long time friend - whose name happens to be Dan, also. The other Dan bought a vintage car on eBay and they are on their way to pick it up. Dan collects cars and he has this long trailer that they are pulling. Ok, I know, who cares about the double Dans and their extra long trailer!
It seems odd that he's not here but it's kind of nice, too, just hanging out in my jammies and with the dog. I'm even taking the day off tomorrow to really get a good dose of 'me time.'
I'm frustrated with my condo tenants who are moving out today. We are to meet tomorrow but they aren't answering their cell phones or even my texts. Dan's kids are just like that - you call, text, call again, leave messages, etc. and they still don't respond. Very rude, don't you think?! I have someone who wants to look at the place tomorrow. I've had a bunch of losers respond to my ad and I want to take advantage of this one that seems like a good one.
We may be having a slumber party here Saturday night - Mel said she (and whoever else comes with her) may come Saturday night and spend the night and then we'll all go to Sarah's baby shower on Sunday. That should be fun so 'ya all come' and join in.
We're really close to getting our house ont he market. Probably the end of this month or first part of February. Still have a few things to do but nothing major. We sure have a lot of junk to still get rid of though.
This is just a rambling post - not-too-newsy news. But, like I said, I was thinking of each of you and about your unique differences and your unique wonderful characteristics. I hope we'll be able to do our little sisters get together this spring - all of us all together.
Ok, time for me to go to bed. Oh, wait, Ihave to take that doggone dog out to pee! I knew I'd miss Dan a bunch.
Lots of love,
The Searcher