Monday Musings

I am going to New York!!!!!! (as long as nothing happens between now and October).
Dianne wants to go to New York for her birthday in October (the big ??) and so off we go! Now I need to get a part-time job to pay for the trip. I am really excited. Joyce C. may go with us also. We are going to stay at the W in Times Square, arrive on Friday and depart on Monday in October --- a gift to me for my birthday, too!
I am "out of sorts" today after missing church yesterday due to a stomach bug. Just can't get the week right without church on Sunday. Missed Linda's class, too. Now today I am having muscle spasms in my neck and shoulder, UGH!
Pam, Troy, Kyle and Garrett will be coming in late Friday night ---- Pam was coming to surprise Emily for her birthday Monday (since Liz, Laff and Susan will be in DC) but now Kyle and Garrett are going with them so Pam and Troy are meeting Liz here -- still a surprise for Emily, I hope, that Pam is going to stay a few days for her birthday. Then Pam, Emily and I are going to go eat, maybe pedicures or something.
At least I got my house cleaned Saturday and started smocking on a daygown (not for Emily or Susan). And then started reading another book last night, too.
FORGIVEN, by Karen Kingsbury.

Until next time. . . . .For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers, through it once a day. for poise, walk with the knowledge that you'll never walk alone.

Monday Musings

Let's see.... I finished sweet little Luke's quilt!!! Yes, in time for his first birthday this week. I hope Misty likes it, I think she will.

Emily called me Saturday with a special request from herself and Susan. They want me to start making them some baby clothes - smocked and heirloom sewing like they had when they were little that I made. They also want some for when their children are older. They want some "special" things for Christmas and Easter and special occasions like they had. I must make some for girls and boys. I truly love these two nieces and would grant their every wish and definitely want to make their babies something special from their great-aunt Gayle. And I suppose I am glad they want me to do this before I am too old to do all this tedious handwork (ugh!!!). What really gets me is neither one of them is even dating someone right now. But I am sure when I get the time and money (yeah right) I will smock each of them a daygown for their future baby. You gotta love 'em no matter what.

I have now started Fame, by Karen Kingsbury.

I mean seriously when I finish all these series I cannot read another series. I simply cannot stop. But these have been so good. Tonight is time to really clean house before reading anything, however. Time change meant comonig to work in the dark this morning. It should not last longer, however.

Monday Musings

Let's see .... Saturday was Ladies Brunch at the home of Carole Terry. The food was delicious of course but I think the best part was the fellowship with the ladies and meeting some new ones from church and finding out what is planned for the ladies for 2009. Some very exciting things happening. One of those happens every Sunday morning for the next 13 weeks. A new ladies Bible class during Sunday School taught by Linda Cottrell. "The Road to Forgiveness". One lesson and I can't wait until next week. I have always wanted to attend a ladies Bible class but they usually have them during a weekday morning and when you work you are unable to attend. This is great! And the topic is one that is awesome and Linda is a wonderful teacher. Then last night I had the nursery and sweet little Hannah was in there --- what can I say --- she is absolutely wonderful. She has a pretend imagination that is so heartwarming and real and she can play by herself. She is so smart! Two and a half and knows all her letters, her colors, numbers. And Mindy I am not just saying this in case you are reading this, it is true.

SNOW --- we had snow yesterday!! and yes quite a bit this time. Emily had about six inches at her house. Franklin had more that Centerville for once!

Saturday I worked a lot of Luke's quilt ( I did not have anything to read) which brings me to .....
REUNION, by Karen Kingsbury.

In the meantime. . . . . . .Faith is like a wheelbarrow -- you've got to put some push behind it to make it work.

Finally Friday

Yes, today is finally Friday. The end of February already. Tomorrow is the Ladie's Brunch at Carole Terry's house. It is always refreshing to get together for fellowship with Christian ladies.
I had the first part of a crown started yesterday and I still have a headache probably referred pain from TMJ referred from having my mouth open so wide so long. Also a little soreness today, But it will be fine.

I am half way finished with book #10 REJOICE, by Karen Kingsbury.
These books by Kingsbury are so good. Where have I been? They are so --- I don't know. They have some drama, some romance, some mystery and certainly quote some scripture and it all follows this big loving family that has it problems - no it is not perfect. But they all come back to one thing --- their FAITH. These books have certainly made me think and appreciate and think and read my Bible more.

I did go to Dickson Monday night and spent some time with Carolyn, Russell and Marie. My heart just breaks for Carolyn who has never really been able to grieve over the loss of Danny due to caring for Marie and Russell. Yet she wouldn't have it any other way either. She appreciates the visits so much -- even for short times.

Until next time .....What really matters is what happens in us, not to us.

Wednesday Wisdom

I took a personal day from work today and did not work. I had some things I needed to take care of and Liz came to go to the doctor and so I spent most of the day with her. It was a good day. She did bring me Emily's old entertainment center so I can have my TV moved from over the fireplace (it was really causing some neck pain). However, this is down rather low!! We will see how it goes.
I just finished a great little book that Emily gave me some time ago....All That Matters, by Jan Goldstein.
Now from the library I have the third in the Redemption series so on to my next one .. ..
Return, by Karen Kingsbury.
I have always enjoyed reading but for some reason the last year or so that is all I want to do in my free time. Is that bad? I love to make quilts, I love to cross-stitch, I love to smock, I love to scrapbook ---but when I start a series of books I just have to read them all.

Until next time . . . . . .It's the thinking about the load that makes you tired.

Monday Musings

Okay it is cold again!!! Everyone (well a lot of people) are off work today for President's Day but I'm at work!!! (at lunch right now). But I am thankful that I have a job, a job that I enjoy, a job with good benefits, good co-workers, close to home.
What has been happening--- Saturday we went to Emily's for Liz's birthday (Feb 13th). Laff grilled hamburgers and they were so good. Emily baked her a caked shaped like a heart. Liz scared me about an hour ago telling me about Emily having a spinout in the median on 40 last night -- but she is okay, car is okay. Em is just upset because Amanda and her kids were in the car with her. There was a mattress in the road and everyone was swerving to miss it. A good day yesterday with the Chadwells. I am going to teach Jeanna's Wednesday night class for three weeks in March so she can attend a special class at church.

Until next time..... There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart, pursue those.

I know I said . . . . .

I know I said I was going to slow down on reading but when you get into a series -well.. you just keep going. Now I am going to start #7 REMEMBER by Karen Kingsbury.
But I am goingto stand by my guns and read at lunch, free moments away from baby Luke's quilt (must be finished by March 1) Time to go home, go walk, work on the quilt, get in a little reading.
Until next time...... Count your blessings. God is good.

Monday Musings

Let's see. What has been going on. Thanks to Mindy reminding us on her blog site about the triple coupons at Harris Teeter I went -- bought only what I had coupons for which was a lot of cleaning supplies --75 cents off tripled!!!! Tea, cleaning supplies, frozen items, batteries -- my total was $62.10 -- with my coupons and VIC savings --- I spent less than $20.00 !!!.
I missed our edification team meeing last night at church. I was with Emily and then had to take her back to Chapel Hill.

I had lunch with Liz today and I paid --- well, she had a coupon for buy one get one free and this time I let her have the free one and I used my A T & T rebate card.

I am going to walk as soon as I leave work and then I think Dianne wants to walk later so I will go back with her.

Until next time. . . . the best cure for shaking knees is to kneel on them.

Wednesday Wisdomless

Wisdomless, is that a word? Good thing I am not playing scrabble. I am at home today, just could not push myself again. Maybe a day at home will help get over this whatever is going on in the nose and head. Last night was having chills and night sweats. I got up at regular time thought I could make it and then decided - no - called in and left messages. Later this morning DL called to check on me, bless her. I feel so bad missing work. I think being out of the germs from the ENT office is making me sick!!!! Jeanna called this morning about Walt and he is sick and she couldn't get him in to see Dr. Mullins, I really wish I could help get him in but I can't.



Have I said how fortunate I am to have the wonderful family I have. I mean the nieces and nephew I have. Everyone knows how I feel about my sister- enough can't be said. Actually the same about Penny, Pam, Norman, Emily and Susan. Kyle and Garrett, too. Each one of them is special in their own way. Each one of them has touched me in a different way and means something different and I love each of them very very much. I am sure this is what every mother must feel. Of course, they tell me they have my room picked out at the nursing home. Luv um anyway.

Sunday Specials

I am sitting here trying to relax and bring down my blood pressure and stop the headache. I really hope all of this is just due to some allergy/sinus problems. My head was hurting so bad I did not go to church, finally made it in the shower and the hot water helped for a short while. Can't take a decongestant - will raise the BP. Can't say I am sick, just misesrable. I am trying to decide whether to go to the Chadwells for lunch or not - Kacy and Brian's birthday lunch today but sometimes it can get pretty noisy, too. Enough for me.
Russell is having back surgery Tuesday and special prayers for him. For Carolyn as she deals with this and also Marie.

I have started book #6 Redemption, by Karen Kingsbury.

Until next time.......Some people are like blisters. They never appear until the work is done.

On another note....

What am I reading at bedtime now? My Bible. I have had a Bible upstairs in my room for always -- for reference and reading, etc. Liz gave me this Bible for my birthday in 1973!!! It has lots of notes in it, and of course births and deaths, etc. Then Laff (brother-in-law) gave me a study Bible probably five years ago which I always have with me for church, study, etc with tons of notes in it. How do you combine all those notes. Anyway back to the point --- the books I have been reading lately have all been Christian based and really make you get your Bible when they make a reference to a scripture. So, since I didn't have a "book" upstairs to read the other night I picked up my Bible opened it to John and started reading. Yes, I have read the Bible through before, but you always learn something else, understand something a little better, always have another question. My only thing is I have New American Standard and New King James Version and I am always wanting to have them side by side to "help me understand" a verse a little more. Then I will usually call Susan, Liz, Emily, Laff or Dianne for their opinion.

Rain, sleet and snow this morning!!! Now it is all gone.

Until next time.... Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.

Wednesday Wisdom

I have read this many times and always appreciate it and just this week it was emailed to me again and is perfect for Wednesday Wisdom.

Maya Angelou's A Woman Should Have.. . .

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE..enough money within her control to move out and rent a a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE..something perfect to wear if her employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE..a youth she's content to leave behind...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE..a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it her old age...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE..a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE..one friend who always makes her laugh.. and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE..a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE..eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE..a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY SHOULD KNOW..how to fall in love without losing herself...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..when to work harder.. and when to walk away...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips or the nature of her parents...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..that her childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..how to live alone, even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..where to go - be it her best friend's kitchen table or a charming Inn in the woods when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..what she can and can't accomplish in a day, a month and a year...

Until next time..... ( I think the above says it all)

Sunday Specials

Where to start. First of all this blog site is just me thinking with my fingers. I think I have said before I have always (off and on) kept a journal and this is an easier way for that. If anyone reads this and cares that is my case. Eventually I will add pictures of family and friends so that I will have them right here with me.
Yes, as stated before I got the boot off, that was nice. However, then on Thursday had some discomfort in the hip and leg, but then on Friday on a scale of 1-10 --- the pain was a 9.5!!! I did go see Dr. White and we discussed several options -- sciatica, bursitis -- he was concerned about a possible ruptured disc because of the tingling and numbness down my leg but after the examination decided it was probably a bulging disc. Treated with steroid shot and Medrol Dose pack. By Saturday it was much better ---then --I fell in the floor on Saturday! Fortunately I fell onto a cushion and a large piece of foam (I was cutting a new cushion for a chair). the pain is no worse. Actually I am doing great. No two mile walking for about a week or so, however. I will now be wearing a pair of good support sneakers with dressy clothes to work, but if that is what it takes, so be it. I can do that.
BOOKS --- #5 SUNSET by Karen Kingsbury
Now I need to go back and start at the beginning of the Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury. But first I have some quilting and Bible reading to. Reading those the Sunset Series really made me stop and get out my Bible and think about things. That is good!!!!

Until next time . . . . . . . We tire of the pleasures we take, but never of those we give.

Wednesday Wisdom- not

Hooray! I got the boot off today. I did tell the doctor about the pain on Saturday/Sunday, neither of us could decicde the cause. He did not mention physical therapy (?). Checkin on a night splint -- I can get one there but they are very costly and he suggested ordering one online. And to return to see him if I have any problems. Yes, I can start walking with good shoes and stretching before and after.

Then I get home and the dead bolt lock will not unlock. I go around the house and come in the back door. I finally get the dead bolt open from the inside and open and close it a few times and then suddenly it will not open again. Soooo--- I go out the back door, around the house to the front door and use the key and finally get it unlocked that way this time. Interesting!! I did call my landlord (aka Dr. Mullins and Betty). I leave a message that it is not an emergency, however. But I did have to hurry and straighten the house in case they come by tomorrow. And, I missed church again tonight. Missed hearing Brad Harrub's lesson.

I am reading I love me, I love me not and as I have said before it is really good. I only get to read it like at the doctor's office or a minute here or there. And then about an hour before I go to bed I will read in my other book, not tonight -- time for bed.
Poor Emily --- Callie (cat) had surgery today and Emily will stay up all night worried about her, holding her.

Until next time. . . . . .. A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.

A very painful Sunday

I did not get to church this morning or tonight due to a very painful leg. It has really knocked me down this time. And I don't know why! I was wearing the boot yesterday, did a couple of errands, went to the mall (certainly no more walking than during the holidays). The pain started about 3:00 and only abated after taking a very strong pain pill. Stretching is somewhat painful, but the pain is bearable now. And to think, I go back to the doctor on Wednesday. I hope there is no pain so I can say "No pain today". And of course my week is certainly going to be off since I did not go to church today. I did read and study some, however. I a reading "I love me, I love me not". Very good. This book is about self-esteem. It is so for me! I really have to forgive myself and like myself, be happy with myself to gain self-esteem. The things that make me unhappy with myself are all things that I personally can do something about --I alone must make that commitment and follow through. I am so truly blessed in so many ways and each and every day I try to count so many of those and thank the Lord for those blessings.

I also finished "The Forbidden" by Beverly Lewis today. So now on to the last in that series and #4 for 2009 The Longing by Bevely Lewis
Tomorrow I am taking a day of vacation to meet Liz in Dickson to visit the aunts. I haven't been down there in awhile and certainly need to check in on them.
Until next time. . . . . . .A pessimist talks about the noise when opportunity knocks.

Wednesday Wisdom

Last night I finished The Parting. I have ordered two books from 21st Century Christian --- I Love Me, I Love Me Not . This one is about self esteem. The second one is Time Management for the Christian Woman. They are both actually for study groups, but can't I be a stuy group of one and always bounce my ideas off Liz, Emily, Susan, Dianne and others. Do I start one of these or go to Book 2 in the series. Such decisions. I have got to get back on track with working on Luke's quilt and only reading about an hour before bedtime. My downfall is once I start a book I cannot put it down until it is finished. Lunch break is about over and after all I did bring a book #2 with me and also my order with 21st Century was delivered this morning!!!! And my decision is .... for the next fifteen minutes I am going to read #3 for 2009 The Forbidden by Beverly Lewis

Until next time . . . . . .The best way to have the last word is to apologize.

Monday Musings

Wow, is it cold outside and suppose to be colder later in the week. A lot of thoughts going on, just rambling. Had a good weekend --- stayed in Saturday, cleaned, did laundry, worked on Luke's quilt and read. Kyle turned 15!!! They had a lot of ice in Columbus so Pam said he would have to wait a day or two to celebrate. Sunday, went to church- always uplifting. Which brings me to think. What do peolpe do on Sunday who do not go to church? I know there was a time between Millview and Southern Hills that I was "finding excuses" not to go and it was so boring and I knew right then that wasn't for me. That was not the way "I was raised". That was not the way I believed. Now there are people who are physicially not able to go and for one reason or another someone does not attend and I think the Lord knows what is in their heart. But for me --- I need that dose of Sunday. It truly just starts your week off right. Last night we had our monthly edification meeting -- just a short eat, get your assignment, get a little pep talk from Chris and that is it. Takes no time at all. And really good fellowship with Christians, too!!!
Back on SBD today --- doing good. One meal at a time.

Until next time. . . . . The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor touched, but are felt in the heart.

Book #2

Last night I finished Someday. I really need to be quilting on sweet baby Luke's quilt, but it is hard to see at night (good excuse). So here is my plan. Until too dark, or actually that I am having trouble seeing to quilt and on Saturdays I will quilt. I will read only on my lunch hour and for an hour at bedtime. It is just so hard to put down a book once I start reading it. Okay -- I am staring the first book in another series until Sunrise (the last one in that series) is available at the library. Book #2 The Parting, by Beverly Lewis.

Until next time. . . . . .Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.
(after all it is dark and I need to read)

New Book

I finished Someday last night and even though I would like to go right into Sunrise it is not available at the library yet. So I am going to start my second book for 2009 the first in another series by Beverly Lewis --- #2 --- The Parting, by Beverly Lewis.


I have got to only read at night after dark and at lunch

Just checking in

Just talked to Liz -- Laff passed through the stress test fine, the cardiologist will call them later with the full results. Stretching my leg really feels good -- I just have to remember not to over do it now.

Until next time. . . . are your troubles causing you to lose your religion or use your religion?

Bummer

BUMMER! Still in the boot. Two more weeks and a change in medication. But I can stretch it three times a day now (maybe this is the reason for the recent pain even while in the boot). Dr. Deeter is great, so funny. Seems to read right thru me! I told him I had practiced all day, "doing fine, no problems". Then he touches a couple of spots that, well, I reacted to without knowing it. The truth often hurts, right. He just laughed. He did give me a choice, but his recommendation was the boot for two weeks with periods at home out of it (I may be at home a lot for two weeks)!!!! Two weeks is better than what surgery would entail, however. A special prayer for my one and only brother-in-law tonight as he has a stress test tomorrow. Wow, can't believe Kyle will be 15 on Saturday -- need to get him a card in the mail.
Until next time. . . . . . .The world is composed of takers and givers. The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better.

Book Lists

Okay, my first book to read for 2009 is the third in Karen Kingsbury's Sunrise series, Someday.
Then I am going to read three books brought to me by Judy P from church by Beverly Lewis.
Then I need to go back and start with the Kingsbury Redemption series that really goes before the Sunrise series. Redemption, Remember, Return, Rejoice, Reunion. And I am sure Jan Karon or Debbie Macomber will come up with a new one in there also. Jeanna, Judy, Mindy, Becky, NanNan (Jeanna's Mom) and I rotate books around at church. We seem to like a lot of the same authors, Jan Karon, Debbie Macomber, Richard Paul Evans, Nicholas Sparks and we read one by Charles Martin that we all cried about (Mindy read it during postpartum time-not good for crying). So --- book #1 for 2009 --- Someday, by Karen Kingsbury.
Until next time . . . . . Pray for our leaders.

A very good day

Yesterday was great. Danny's sermon was soooo good. He gave us as a church five challenges for the new year (not resolutions, but challenges) to help us grow spiritually as indiviuals and as a church for 2009. More on that later. Last night after services was the kick-off for our edification team meetings. I am on Chris and Mindy Doughtie's team. They are such a wonderful couple. And Chris is being named a Deacon next week. I am so proud of him. I think he will be a great contribution to the organization. I was talking to Mindy last night and told her that his parents must be so proud of him and she told me that they were not even members of the church which made me even more proud of him. They have two children, Hannah, a very delightful, wonderful two year old and Justus, a stunning little four month old. You go Chris. God Bless this wonderful family.
Challenges: 1) Faithful to the Lord at all times in all ways. Rev 2:10. We must be faithful to attend every service. We must work in every way we can to bring people to Christ. 2) Keep Christ's church pure. The doctrine, teaching and practice 1 Tim 4:1-5 2 Tim 4-1-4. And yes keep ourselves pure. I Thes 5:22. 3) Get every member involved in Christ's work. Mt 5:13-16, 13:33. 4) To be evangelistic. Mt 28: 18-20 Mk. 16:15-16 Lk 24:47 (Danny does not think we at SH do enough evangelistic work! BIG challenge). 5) Grow spiritually. Eph4: 13-1 and 2 Pet 3:18. I certainly need this one, no --- I need them all and will work toward the challenge.

I go back to Dr. Deeter tomorrow and hopefully this boot will come off and I can start walking. I haven't done too well with SBD over the weekend but I am trying to get back to it.

Until next time. . . . . . don't try to put a question mark where God has put a period.

New Year

Okay, here it is 2009. Like I said not really into making New Year's Resolutions, just live each day to it's fullest as best I can. I spent the first day of 2009 with family and friends shopping. I got very tired, or at least my leg did dragging around this boot. Not to complain it should be off in four more days.

Eleven years ago today we were planning my father's funeral -- he died on January 1, 1998. It is just as real today as it was then. I know he is in a better place and my goal is to be a good person and see him someday.

Now, last night I finally was able to redeem my iTunes gift card on line and downloaded a bunch of songs. Simple enough. Even bought a wall adapter to charge my iPod shuffle. Easy. I am coming up in the world of technology!!! Not bad. Then ---- I was ready to load the songs on the iPod. Could not and still cannot find the iPod link on my computer. It was there. It "synched", loaded the serial number, everything. Now it is gone. What I have done???? I have got four days to figure this out (get the boot off the foot and I can start walking and need the iPod!)

Another call to Norman tonight? Or maybe Emily can come by this weekend. I did talk to her and she described "soemthing" to me that may be my iPod on the computer. Am I too old for this? Fortunately, I have very young, intelligent nieces and a nephew who hopefully can get me through this.


On another note: started modified South Beach again this morning. I am doing real life also. Doing well so far.

Unitl next time. .......... most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.

Okay, I had to add this --- I am soooo excited I am sitting here listening to my iPod that I loaded the music on. Yes, just a few songs but I did it. Now Emily or Susan will have to add the others I want on it, but did I say --- I did it!!! Watch out, one day there may be pictures on my blog site.