Life and Death and Deep Thoughts

I've been thinking deeply about this stuff lately.  Probably because of all the events of the last two months.


First, our good friend Jeff Rader committed suicide. Absolutely no-one had a clue that this was about to happen.  He dearly loved his wife and family, he had a good business and hundreds and hundreds of friends who came to his service.  Many people spoke about his generosity, love of family, his ability to make and keep friends and on and on and on about how wonderful he was.  Such a puzzle - to this day.  I think there had to be something or some illness that allowed him to do this.  It shall remain a mystery.  He was a good man - gave wonderful hugs and looked in your eyes when he talked to you.  RIP Mystery Man.




Of course, finding Tony Luzio was another tug and pull on the emotions for everyone involved.  His mom said it was like living it all over again.  Now, though, they feel like they have closure. 


Then not long after that our little Reilly passed away in his sleep. We all knew that he wouldn't have a long life and would not get much better but it was still a shock.  They had been back to Ohio exactly one year the day he passed. That had to be a blessing because we all got to hang out with him, see the little bit of progress he made, saw him go to kindergarten and have his first school pictures taken and he even had a HUGE smile.  He smiled occasionally but that was a sweet sincere smile. 


These really aren't  sad depressing feeling that I'm experiencing. Well, maybe a little sad.  But it is just that reminder of how life makes no promises and the importance of living it fully, enjoying everyday, accepting each and every person we come into contact with.


All these feelings came about walking on the beach, watching people, enjoying the roar, the birds and the beautiful sunshine.  We do have a lot to be thankful for.


Much love to my sweet sisters.


Lizzie, The Searcher

Back again?

I was talking to one of my young quilting friends who has a blog and told her about our very neglected sisters blog and she thought we should keep it up if only for little short messages.  Although I don't have very much inspiring to say this morning I decided to add just a few lines to tell you that each morning I say a prayer for you and I love you very much. I am so looking forward to seeing you next week.

Weather Related....

Can't believe we had snow again yesterday and another freeze warning tonight.  WTF???

We are heading south again about May 12 for a couple of weeks. Not sure where yet - maybe to the Gulf coast near Alabama.  If we get one more threat of snow we may take off before then! 

Where are you Susie?  Snowed in? 

Enjoy the pics....

The gal in the ortho shoes is Lori, moccasin Girl is Susie - I took the picture!

 

 

Emotions

This morning I checked in at our sometimes much neglected blog.  As I looked at the last few pictures  of Mom and the three of us minus Searcher, the tears just started falling.  I used to blame tears to PMS, but now I guess it is just old age. Each week when I visit the nursing home I see people sitting in their wheelchairs with tears streaming down their faces. Do they see pictures of their loved ones who have gone before them in their minds and weep for them?  Perhaps I should start stocking up on Kleenex for the future or have lots of long sleeve shirts I can wipe my eyes and nose on.  Will the two of you come to visit?  By then Liz should be able to drive the RV and you could just park it in the parking lot of the "home" and spend a week or a long weekend. I hope I will recognize you when you come. It would seem such a waste of time if you drove all that way and I would wonder who you were. Oh, how the mind wanders. I may be closer than I think to such musings. If Earl read my thoughts he might start making preparations for the psychiatric ward.

After my tears dried up from some of the nonsense I wrote I also looked at the funny pictures and posts. I am so thankful I have such sweet and nutty sisters. I love you both very much.

Happy Birthday Sweet Diane

I miss you little sissy.  Hope you are reading the blog and Facebook. I'm checking in with Bob often.  He's doing ok - misses you so much.  Isn't it a hoot that he's on Facebook and sends text messages??Who would have thought.
Lonely without you.
The Searcher

Sisters

Like you two, I'm sure you're spending a lot of time thinking of our sweet Diane.  Oh, how I miss her and I believe if she were still here she would just have to wear her trademark hat - healthy or not.

You two also look so sweet and mysterious in this picture.  I miss you girlies.

Lots of love coming your way!

Birthday girl....

One of my favorite memories of mom is when she would be getting ready for work and run around the house adorned only in her slip, hose and curlers. Oh how I loved her scent of powder and freshly laundered clothes. Call me strange, but it still makes me all warm inside when I think about those days.

Love you girls!

Happy Birthday Mom

I wish you were here to celebrate your 90th birthday.  Do I have that right?  I should go and look it up, but I doubt you care if I am off by a year - or two  How time flies when one reaches 70.  I hope you, dad, Jimmy and Diane have a big cake.  Take a picture.  I would love to see the four of you together and any other family members hovering around. I just wanted to say happy birthday and thank you for all you did in our lives.  These pictures are fun ones.  You could always make us smile. I love you Mom.

Good Morning Sisters!

It's early...... 5:22am.  I've been up since 4am.  Just couldn't sleep. Of course, Danny Boy was restless - worried about the awning since it's raining and blowing. Just decided to get up and see what I could get into. It'll be early bedtime tonight!

Late yesterday we went to the Anna Maria Island pier and did some people watching and ate  ice cream (less the sprinkles, of course)! Yummm.  We took the dog and he got so so so much attention.  We saw lots of very interesting people - like these broads below.

 

 

 



A couple of days ago, I went to a craft bazaar with the lady across the road from us.  As we were getting ready to leave I stopped at the very last table. The gal had OSU stuff so I asked if she was from Ohio.  She said she lived in Canton now (except for winters) but grew up in German Village and went to St Mary's. As it turned out she is Margie Dunn's sister-in-law and I remembered her from the old neighborhood.  Isn't that weird?! 

We're still having a really good time. We wish we were in a different park though.  This park is not bad but most people are really old. Don't get me wrong, I do like old people but it feels a little like a nursing home or maybe an assisted living 'resort.'  Most of the people are permanent residents living in these cute little mobile home thingys - with about 10% being RVs of all sorts.  Yesterday one of the permanent residents got a little confused about reverse - he backed his car into his across-the-street neighbor's front porch - nearly knocked it off and about gave the old lady living there a heart attack.  That got everyone in a tizzy!  You would have thought someone had been murdered.  That's all everyone talked about all day yesterday.  Oh well, you gotta get your excitement somewhere!

It's raining today - but 77 degrees - so we'll have to get creative about what we get into.

Talk to you girls soon. 

Old People Everywhere....

Well, one thing for certain - Florida is full of old people - some VERY old!

AND SISTERS......


We are having a wonderful time but I wish you girls were here to people watch with me.  There are all kinds, shapes, nationalities and mindsets.  Bicycles everywhere (of course, we have ours too and mine even has a horn to blast at the slowpokes!) 

It's kind of cliquish here, too. We went to the ice cream social last night (bring your own bowl and ice cream costs 50 cents a dip! Such a deal). But people looked at us funny - like we were aliens - maybe because we look so darn young?!  We had to hurry and eat and help clean up because we were running into Hymn Time! We might try our luck at bingo tonight - right up my alley, for sure!!

Where are you girls?  Can't you participate? Do I have to give you a guilt trip like Lori always does to us, Susie?

Bye for now - love you.

Happy Trails Sisters!

Well, we are on our way to Florida this morning. We left late on Wednesday and only drove 250 miles. We stopped in Renfro Valley KY the first night and we were the only RV in this entire HUGE RV park! That was weird. Renfro Valley is quite an interesting place - big music center and lots of concerts throughout the year (the warm part of the year, that is).  I bet Randy has some background/interesting stories about Renfro Valley?!

Last night we stayed in Perry TN (30 miles south of Macon).  It is a beautiful park with lots of trees, a couple of ponds, nice facilities and free WIFI and cable.  The only problem with this place is that it rained the entire time we were there. 

So now we are headed south again on I75 with our final destination at Palmetto FL.  It's rainy but promises to warm up later today.  I can't wait to get settled for a month so we can put things in their proper places.

Well, I started a blog about our adventures but I can't find it at the moment.  I'll share when I do. Of course, that's just what we all need - another blog to follow!

I love you sisters! 

Happy Trails to you both - until we meet again!

Total Frustration!

Hi Girls!
Just a short note to tell you how frustrated I am with Lori's Christmas present (last Christmas - I'm not that organized to be worrying about next). 

I have had this item since last summer.  I misplaced it since we can't seem to stop moving!  I found it and needed one other item to go with it - which took me a very long time to find.  Well, I thought Gordo could bring it on the plane and that didn't work. So I finally have it all together and I mailed it two days ago - felt so good about something to cross off my list.  Yesterday the mailman rang the door bell and left a package for me!  It happened to be Lori's present - which I had addressed to ME!!!! 

So today I'm trying to print a new label and there is some problem with the PO website - I've tried 5 times.  So, for today, I give up.

Merry Christmas Lori.  You are going to love this if I can ever get it to you .  I may have to deliver it.

Weather Related

Just so sick of the snow!  I know you two are also.
I'm really dreaming of our trip to Anguilla and found this really cool blog and website "My Anguilla Experience."  It's written by a local who grew up there and is just full of good information and absolutely beautiful pictures!  Like this:

 

 

Can't you just feel it??  The sun, the breeze, the sand and all that crap? Lori, you could feel that right now at Atlantic Beach.  Who knows, I may just decide to stay there. That would be interesting, right?

Stay warm sweet sisters!
Lots of Lovin'
The Searcher

We Are Blessed

I say that because we have partners we know love and care for us. After I started this post I wondered where all this was coming from? Mushy gushy?  No, not really. I guess it just came to me as I was reflecting this morning about the great day Earl and I shared yesterday and then I started thinking of you and Dan and you and Randy which made me think how blessed we all are to have such great guys. 

A few days ago my reflections were not so warm and fuzzy. I had been cooped up in the house with a bear who was unable to get to play golf and was being fed by about10 hours a day of  FOX news and negativity. How many times can one listen to the same crap hour after hour?   Very dark thoughts on my part. I spent most of the time in my little sewing cave.  Now that most of the snow has melted and the sun has peeked through a few times life is returning to normal. 

That is it for me. I guess I just wanted to say I am happy for us we have men in our lives who love us and to share the snowy days with as well as the sunshiny days. 

I love you bunches. Lori

Pictures

So many memories are evoked by looking at pictures. The first picture of Mom and Dad  in front of the Christmas tree was taken while Earl and I were in  California waiting for Gordon to be born.  I was so homesick for all of you back in Ohio. That must have been a very short tree for it to be blocked out by Mom who was so short herself.  What do you remember of that Christmas?  Dd you miss me at all?  Probably not. Liz was glad I was gone so she could have my room and Susie wondered why her Aunt didn't  visit anymore.

Six months later Mom and Dad drove to California and surprised us. What a surprise!  Nannie  must have taken care of you during that time. Was Jimmy in the Army then or in jail?   What do you remember about that time?

A little Late....

Sorry I haven't checked our blog in a few days, but here are a few pics I have of mom and dad to share.

Enjoy!

I sure do miss them both.

Good Morning Sisters

Just  wanted to say 'hey' and wish you both a wonderful day!  I am concentrating on making it the best day possible - good thoughts, good attitudes, lots of laughs, lots of compassion, lots of BS if necessary!

Heat wave today! Yippee - close to 40 degrees forecasted.

Snow and Ice

I know, you are thinking what is the big deal?  You have it all the time. Well, the big deal is that it seldom happens here. I just looked at the temps in Columbus so our 19 degrees does seem better than 6 degrees.  We didn't get as much snow as predicted, but the sleet and snow mix and low temps have made it treacherous for driving. We don't have many children living in our neighborhood so I guess we won't see many snowmen or much sledding unless some of the senior neighbors decide to get out and break a few bones. This senior will stay in today and read or sew or play games on the computer.

Wasn't today Mom and Dad's anniversary? Nannie's Birthday?

If so, I expect to see a picture by the end of the day, Ms. SusieSissy!

Grrrrr!

I was trying to  comment more on your post, Lizzie, but it kept freezing up on me. Mostly, the only thing I wanted to say was I am sorry my sisters are having to experience all this global warming effect. Right. Yes, we are pretty cold for us, but nothing like you are experiencing. We are supposed to get accumulated snow tomorrow night and Wednesday so if it happens I will take a picture (like you haven't already seen enough of that stuff) and whine.

Love you much, Sisters. Stay warm.

Lori

Mindfulness

I ain't got it, but I got distractiveness if that is even a word. Because I wasn't mindful of putting my mail in my tote bag I usually carry for just that purpose I am now distracted. I have been looking everywhere in the house and car for the electric bill that I know came because I remember the amount due except for the cents. I remember opening it at the post office and sticking it in a magazine that came the same day of course which I can't find.  Could I have thrown it away with the other junk that came that day?   I am just going to have to look up the address and write a check for a dollar more than the bill was to cover the cents I don't remember. Lately I have done all kinds of things like that. Lizzie, if you are Searcher I am Searcher the Elder. So very, very frustrating. So much time wasted searching while I could be doing something I like to do.

Junk, clutter and unnecessary stuff

How in the world did we (me) accumulate so much darn junk?!

"DE cluttering will calm your spirit, clear your mind and increase your ability to enjoy your current situation, your family and relationships—your life!"  (This is a quote from today's 'Everyday Cheapskate' newsletter)  Sign me up for a calm spirit and clear mind!!!

We spent the last couple of days trying to find space for all this crap we have accumulated and continue to hold onto  As it feels good to find a place for it all (and we do have plenty of storage), I find myself wondering why, why, why do I keep it? We've moved boxes and never took their contents out!  Is it to store it, to have 'things' that I may some day need?  Does it comfort me?  Sounds like I grew up in the great Depression, doesn't it?  My friend, Paula, used to tease me because of the 'stuff' I would keep in my desk.  She lovingly called me a hoarder. While I know I'm not that I do know I have a hard time letting go of 'things.'  I also know my life feels much better when I'm organized so I bet I would be on top of the world if I got rid of more JUNK!  I do long for a simpler life.  

Ok - since it's on everyone's mind, lets say a few words about the weather. Today I hear that darn wind blowing around our condo (we are now in the end unit with openness all around).  It just sounds so darn cold - and, of course, it is - with a wind chill of -15 degrees. Yesterday was warm - in the high 20s so I went on a walk with Dan and Riley - all around the park. It was absolutely beautiful and that was a big big thing because I HATE the cold.  As I often say, it is what it is so I need to get over it!  Of course, I doubt that I'll go walking today. We have a beautiful view out the back of our condo and the old lady next door feeds the birds so there are some good things to enjoy.  I imagine you, Susie, can give us a lesson on cold chill! Of course, Lori, you can too because I'm sure it feels equally as cold and bitter - just in different degrees and comfort levels.  It has been an amazing winter, hasn't it? 

I'm on my way to find a whole bunch of 'stuff' to give, sell or use and I know I will be successful. I'll be so darn happy and at peace before long you two will be so jealous!  Like so many things, organization always reminds me of Diane - she was always striving to find ways to organize her 'stuff' and she did a pretty good job of it.  Wish she were here to guide me. :-(

Love you sisters!

BTW. I loved the video of Diane!

Another day, another windchill.

Good morning sisters. I'm still sitting in bed looking out the window and thinking how sick I am of this weather. I should not be complaining because we are going to Anguilla in about 12 days. It will be warm and tropical and heavenly! 6 days of warmth - wow!!!

Susie - don't forget that we talked about a road trip in March or April. It depends on how expensive our Anguilla trip is. We don't have to pay for our lodging but everything else is super expensive. Lori, of course you and Earl are invited but I think I know the answer to that.

Well I like the recent contributions to the blog.

Ok, I keep getting interrupted!!  I will be back later - hopefully. Aiden is spending the night tonight so who knows when I will back to this.

Love you both.

Not Alone Anymore

I felt like doing a happy dance yesterday when I saw that you too, Susie, chimed in and added a post. I would have continued blathering on about this and that if no one added more to this little blog, but it feels good to know we are connected from time to time here in cyber world. I promise not to whine when I am the only one talking. You should know by now I have this need to express myself any way I can.  Thank you sisters for joining me.

I slept a little too long this morning so no time to chat here. Mah Jongg friends are waiting to take my money.   I love you Sissies more than you know.

How Long is Winter?

I know, every year I seem to go through the same thing, anticipating the warmer weather and sunshine. I have been going through photos on my Flickr and reminiscing about better days past and better days to come. Oh, how I miss the sun on my back and the warm gentle winds. Randy and I are usually planning a vacation south around now, but none have been mentioned. I guess that means Spring will be even more appreciated when it gets here. So Please Hurry Up!

I too have had some unexplained computer glitch crap going on. First my Gmail froze up, so I tried to  get it on my widows live mail, couldn't remember my password, I keep a copy of all my passwords in a secret place so I had to remember where. Ok, found it!  I must not have updated it for quite awhile.... not good. Well I got through all that and retrieved my messages, so on to Flickr I go. Couldn't get on the darned thing either. I had to log in (which I haven't had to do for probably 6 months) and the yahoo password was incorrect. Back to the PW list... of course it was wrong. Well, I signed out of Randy's yahoo and then tried Flickr. OMG! I signed him up for a Flickr account by mistake. I still don't know my yahoo PW and it's making me crazy, so I signed in under my Facebook account. This is sorta scary stuff if you think about it. Today Randy's yahoo froze up. Whaaat? Seems it was just a momentary glitch with yahoo. Phew.

 Anyway, I found this photo of all us girls, I think it may be the last one of us sisters together. I know you have probably seen it but just wanted to document it here since this blog has kept us all in touch for the last 6 years.

I sure wish you girls still posted on Flickr, I miss seeing what goes on in your lives. I often go back to remember dates, places I've been and to just reflect on the past. Good stuff.

Nothing too exciting here, just biding my time for better weather. Look out then! We have a cruise with some fellow sailors in July. There will be 5 of us travelling together on our own boats. We will be sailing to Presque Isle for about a week. I have been making a list of our provisions to take and finding recipes appropriate for the trip. There are a few reciprocating yacht clubs there that we can dock at for a small fee or we can anchor off of the island. We will probably do both. It is about a 50 mile trip which will take a full day under sail from dawn to dusk. We have room for 2-4 more if anyone is interested....

I love reading all of your posts and thoughts, I Miss you sisters!

Quote of the Day: Confucius Say: "Man who abuse his computer get bad bytes!"

Love you!

Now I remember.....

What I commented about your post I wrote last night that was thrown to the wind was I thought it was sweet you have journaled about Sarah to give to her someday. I wish I would have done that for my children so one day after I am "gone" they could read some of the things I thought about them as they went throughout their lives. It is true journaling should be only for the person writing it, but perhaps what you are doing could be called something else. Maybe a record of Sarah's life.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

I will continue my thoughts about the password thing that I had to add three comments on Lizzie's post, for what I wrote.  It seems to me we live in a paranoid society these days. I guess it isn't paranoia so much as protecting our stuff - information about us, our money, our thoughts. A lot to keep up with so many passwords that lead to frustration to our feeble memories when we cannot remember them and then we have to change the password because we can't find the damn paper or notebook we wrote it down on because we hid that too in case some bandit broke in and stole our passwords to order electronic stuff from Target. Then.....when  I find the password info hidden in the freezer the password I needed wasn't on there!  Geez. Now I change the password, write it down, put the info back in the freezer behind the ground beef from 2009, go back to the computer's website to order and find out the item I am trying to order has been discontinued. What the hell?  PayPal and cash must be the answer. At least locally.

After that rant I cannot remember what I originally thought I might miscellany about.  Originally I hadn't meant to carry the password thing that far.

This morning in my reading for my prayer time it was about jealousy. I tried to think of who or what I was jealous of or about. Is envy and jealousy the same? I even went so far as to look up the meaning of both. They seemed pretty much the same, but I still can't figure out if I am jealous of anyone but sometimes I feel envious maybe. Not so much of material things as attributes I don't have. Like focus to follow through with something I think I want to do. I am not going to go on with these thoughts (see what I mean?) because I see I am making less sense than ever. I am envious of those who can express themselves clearly.

I called the Tryon  Palace and said I wasn't coming today. I am feeling a bit puny, but the truth is I just want to stay home in my nice warm house and sew or play games or nothing but staring out the window at the bright. blue sky and daydream. What a lazy bum I am.

Lizzie, the squirrel picture is really cute. They are entertaining,  but can be annoying and destructive. What are you going to do about them running around in the attic?

I have been up for a longtime so I am either going to go back to bed for a little while and try to get rid of my headache or play my games.  What do you think I will do?

Passwords and Squirrels

That subject is exactly what is frustrating me today! 

I had a nice safe password system worked out for everywhere I log in with a slight variation of each one.  Well, after the Target scare, my trusty password with T at the end, caused me to frantically change it.  Then there was a FB thing that freaked me a little so I changed that one. So today when I tried to log in here I had a brain fart with the password and I got a hint from whomever (Google?) that I changed my password 12 days ago!  How nice of them!  It's all about the electronics sucking us in in so many different ways!!!

Now to those damn squirrels.  You two me might remember that not long ago I posted a sweet picture of a squirrel hanging on the bird feeder.  Such a cute little innocent looking critter, right?!  Well, since we have moved we have had squirrels in the attic and we've paid the critter control thief about $300 to take care of the problem.  Much to our dismay, as I am sitting here this morning looking out at the snow covered woods behind us (home of hundreds of squirrels, I'm sure), I hear little scampering going on above my head in the attic!  My frustration is more with the condo association because they didn't get out here to cover the hole. 

Lessons from these issues???
My pat answer is usually "Go with the flow, girl" and I seem to have a hard time with that after a while.  The password thing is very necessary so I say "get over it, girl" and move on and don't waste energy fretting. 

The squirrel thing - well, they are cute and fun to watch and great entertainment as I sit in my rocker - just rocking, knitting, twiddling my thumbs like an old lady in a condo should do!


So I have just this moment decided, just for today, I'm going to celebrate passwords and squirrels - especially since there are people out there worried about how to feed their families and keep them warm (and they might like to have one of those squirrels to eat and make gravy with). There are people with no  need for passwords who do not own one electronic gadget and have to do their business by phone or, God forbid, ride the bus somewhere to pay their bills and take their 6 kid with them.  Honestly, we are blessed beyond comprehension, girlies!

So, Yes, today I will celebrate Squirrels and Passwords.  Let's make it National Squirrel & Password Day!

Thanks for allowing me to put it in writing and for causing me to realize how trivial my complaining is!  I feel like a partially new person.

Love all you sisters!

Security or Adventure?

I love my Q & A Journal because it gives me a title for my blog entry and reflective  moments. Sometimes I want security and sometimes I look for adventure.  Like this morning.  I am canceling my dermatology appt because I want to feel secure and warm in my chair with my iPad on my lap while I am wrapped up in my Snuggie instead of seeking the adventure of sliding around on the icy roads.  Adventure can wait for another day. I know, I know.  You all go out on the roads in any type of weather and this wimpy old lady won't even drive to New Bern with a little ice on the roads. I realize your furnaces are running twice as hard as ours. You are a stalwart bunch. Us southern folk's blood has thinned so much that our 25 degrees feels like your 1 degree. Honest.

Lizzie, I was so happy to see your post this morning. Thanks for joining me. I feel less lonesome writing here. I don't know what draws me to journaling, but I have done it most of my adult life - and that is a long time!  A few years ago when I was making a stab at cleaning closets I came across a box Where I had stored some of my past journals. Well, I read some and thought certainly I could not have written those words. What a whiny baby I was and what I wrote about some of the people in my life!!!  I took all of the journals to the dump and put them in the recycle bin. I don't even care if strangers would find them and read them (I don't think in included last names)  but I wouldn't want my family remembering me in the light of some of the words I wrote.

I am glad you are getting settled into your new place. How nice you had such good help. When you told me about Gordon helping so much it made my heart swell up with pride. He has grown up to be a very giving and generous man. When I mentioned to him how much you appreciated his help he said it nothing.  Humble too?  Mothers are such braggers.

Our quilt guild meeting was last night.  I always get so inspired when others show the quilts they have made. Now that I have cancelled my appointment for today I can work on my own projects. I probably should work on my list first, but then I might not have any sewing time?  Then there is the computer, game time and eating time, etc.  Oh, the choices I have to make today. I hope all your choices are good and productive ones. Right now I am going to catch up on my word games. Is that a good one or productive?  You tell me.

See you all tomorrow sweet sisters.

Grudges

Well Lori, I've been reading your posts. You are such a trooper! I can't promise that I will write as much as you have but I'll give it my best shot.

The Q and A journal today asks about grudges. I don't think I am guilty of holding grudges. I don't think so anyway. I know there are some things that are painful but I don't consider that a grudge. Maybe these are things we file away and react to that person or thing at a later time and that could be considered a grudge?

We are getting settled into our new place slowly but surely. I say this every time but I mean it this time! I am not moving again unless it is to the nursing home or to the funeral home. Mark my words! I don't know how we would've done it without Susie, Randy and Gordon's help.  Gordon spent two days here moving boxes putting together things and just moving nonstop both days. Grudges come to mind right now. I guess I have a grudge against me for things that I have hung onto and moved three times or more!  How two people could have so much stuff is beyond my comprehension.

Lori, regarding this blog, I feel like it's a look into your daily journal. I'm proud of you for sticking with it and I'm sure Diane is too. I don't know if I will be as faithful. Obviously I haven't been and it's not such a burning desire to me. So I love love love reading your thoughts and make no promise that I will be so involved. Just sayin'.

Since I read all your entries Lori, I will make a few comments here. I had to take notes so my feeble brain would remember!

I find the aging process just a little bit scary sometimes. But, it is what it is and we just have to keep moving forward (duh) I guess. I'm trying to get healthy stay healthy be strong and all that crap! Speaking of crap, I don't look forward to collecting anyone's poop but I know I could rally around the idea and do what needed to be done. Wouldn't be my favorite thing and I hope that it never happens. Please don't let it happen sisters!
As I sit here and watch the wind blow the snow off the roof in front of my window, I want to remind you, Lori, that you cannot speak to us about the cold. Susie has it worse than me.  I will probably hold a grudge if I hear you say it again!
I also have a problem with the electronics hogging up all my time, energy and interest! I try to set a timeframe to play but am not successful most of the time.  I love the games but I have always been terrible with timed situations. I sort of panic or some weird thing. If I had all day to come up words obviously I would come up with tons of really cool words - without even looking in the dictionary!
I do find if I play games or play on the computer too late then I cannot sleep. I have enough issues wish sleep so I have to shut it down by 830 or I won't sleep.
Lists.  Now you were talking right up my alley! I do make lists. I carry a little tablet around - always have my list of things to do, places to stop, numbers and models of things, etc.  I used to keep lists on my iPhone but haven't kept up with that very well lately. Sometimes it's easier to look at my little trusty notebook. Bottom line is I love my lists. It seems the only way I can accomplish things and it makes me feel very very good when I do accomplish things!
I love you my sweet Sissy girls!

Lists

Do you make lists?  If you do, how often do you follow the list? Or does just writing down the things you want to accomplish help you stick to the plan in your head.?  I wish someone was out there to answer some of my inane questions. I am lonesome.

Winter Blahs

Does anyone else have the winter blahs?  Why am I asking a question when there is no one to answer me?? I thought for sure at least one of my sisters would put their two cents on this blog. Maybe I am asking these questions to Diane. Oh, she can't answer me. Damnit. I bet she would though if she could. This is her baby and her baby needs some attention right now!!

Old Things

The question in my Q and A journal today was "what is the oldest thing you are wearing today?"  At first I wrote that I had on a sweatshirt I had embroidered 10 years ago. After I thought about it a little more I decided it was really my skin. Now, I know I have dwelt a lot on getting old and all, but it is right in front of me when I look in the mirror. You can be honest, sisters. If Mom were still alive would people ask if we were sisters?  That happens!  As we age our appearances sort of merge into the previous generation. I seemed to have merged all of  a sudden.  I got a very short haircut yesterday and now I am looking more like a 70 year old man.  I could say more, but I have talked this old thing to death. Death??? Oh no! Not death!

Thief

Yes, there is a thief in the house. It is electronics. It is everywhere sucking every bit of good intentions of accomplishing things on my to do list.  It steals focus, time and lord only knows what else. I would put a moratorium on it, but my eyes and ear would miss it.  If I didn't have all those distractions it brings into my life what in the world would I do with the extra time available? Clean?  He'll no.  I guess I am just going to live with the curse electronics brings.

January 15th Already?

I have heard the expression about time flying and when a person gets older (that's me) it zooms by.  Closer and closer to dooms day without accomplishing a lot of things I would like to accomplish. No, I am not being maudlin. Just wondering about the future and what it has in store for me. In the meantime I am going to try to just enjoy the moment. There are so many good things about my life.

I just looked at my 2014 resolutions. Hmm....I better get started.

Time for Bed

I should be going to bed, but here I sit looking around on the  iPad and playing games. The only redeeming thing about the games is perhaps they will stave off the dementia a little longer. I do love playing the games. At least the word games. If I played Candy Crush or Running with Friends I doubt I would ever leave the iPad. I would probably strap it around my waist or neck just waiting for someone to make a move so I could play some more.

I wonder too if you two will ever look at this blog again or write anything on it. If I keep writing there will be so much to read you won't even bother.

I volunteered at the Tryon Palace today for a few hours but my buddy Judy wasn't there. She is off to Arkansas to go to a funeral so I didn't stay too long. Now that the Christmas Candlelight is over there isn't much to do in the way of sewing.

I just heard an alert that you played Scramble Lizzie so I am going to play and then go to bed.

I love you Sisters,

Lori

Morning seems to be the time my thoughts turn to this little blog. I wonder if Diane made this a private blog or if other people could stumble upon it and wonder who the hell this person is that is writing such nonsense.

This morning my thoughts have been drifting to the aging process. Often after taking communion to the nursing home and shut ins I begin wondering what I will be like when I am 80, 85, or even 75.  As I was leaving one lady yesterday she got up to go to the bathroom and was pooping as she walked. She was yelling to Robert, her son-in-law to get something to catch it and he was saying "oh God, oh God". That is when I scurried out the door.   In one sense it was comical, but for her it must have been humiliating. She is 80. When I am 80 will I lose control of my bodily functions and who will be there to catch  my poop?  Will you Liz and Susie?  I sure as hell know Gordon and Troy do not have the stomach for it. I suppose they could hire someone to do it.

I was going to whine a bit about how cold it is this morning, but I just looked at the temperatures in Ohio.  Our 19 degrees might sound like a heat wave compared to your -6 degrees. Brr. With your wind chill factored in you could get frost bite in a matter of minutes. I hope you two are warm today. I love you both very much.

A New Year

At the moment I am the only one that has any desire to post anything on this blog. I wonder if Diane would be sad we have let this lay dormant for all this time. The last post was in March of 2013. I think I will try to post to this from time to time. No promises for more than that. I purchased a Journal last year for my iPad and sporadically write something in it. I am more faithful to the Q and A little 5 year journal given to me that only requires a sentence or two. Today the sentence to complete was - Today was tough because ________.   I don't know the answer to that yet because it is rather early in the day.

So...New Year's Resolutions. Yes, I make them every year and no, I do not keep many of them. Diane and it used to talk about them each January. I wish she was here so we could continue our discussions and I could be inspired by her words. I miss her so much. My feeling about resolutions is they are intentions to work on. If they are not kept exactly as intended they are reminders to reevaluate and  try again or dump them altogether if they are unattainable. My number of my resolutions each year has diminished.  This year I am trying to focus on monthly goals. Already I am slipping in that intention too. Hmmm. Enough said.

This past year has been pretty good for the most part. I went to Ohio a couple time. We had visits from Troy and Carol, Gordon and Liz and Dan. My life is filled with so many good activities. I feel very blessed.

No more time to reminisce at the moment.  I am off for many activities and to find out what the toughest part of my day will be.   I hope it doesn't hurt. I hate pain.