BUCKET LIST

Wow I don't know what to list in here.
1. Go visit my family in the old country.
2. Win the lottery
3.
An unrealistic item would be a time machine. I would love to go back in time and find out about my family. Take a camera, digital, and then everyone would think, WHAT?!?

I think that my only goal that I have not achieved in life is to go visit my family in the old country. I want to visit Ferndale where my grandmother was born. Go to Montgomeryshire to visit where grandpa is from. See the parishes where my family attended worship. Try to find out where the butcher shop was in Aberdare.
I am basically satisfied with my life.

The things I have achieved:
1. graduated from high school
2. graduated from college
3. married the love of my life
4. have great children
5. have great grandchildren
6. traveled all over
7. retired
8. feel like I am the richest person in the world with my wonderful family and friends

How old does a baby need.....

http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/baby/swimming/swimming_lessons.asp

Here is an article about babies learning to swim. My children all learned very young.

Miss Ashley

Tomorrow is my Miss Ashley's birthday. I sure hope she comes by to see her grandma so she can get her birthday gift. Love you Missy.

Katelyn...

I am making Katelyn a dress for Christmas. Knitting... yeah. I love making homemade presents. This was something I had my children do each Christmas.
They purchased gifts also, but I so wanted them to understand that a gift made with your own two hands and the love and thought was priceless.
I really don't enjoy shopping. It is hard to shop when there are so many people and you think, After Christmas this will be really cheap..... (Remember to get gift receipts for each gift.)
 I have some coupons I may decide to use.
Katelyn will be here for Christmas. This will probably be the last Christmas that Lara and Chris spend with us.
It is so sad in some ways. I love having all my family here for Christmas. I digress. However, all of my grandchildren have spent their first Christmas at my home. Katelyn is too. Santa chimney is ready for the Santa lists. Rachel and Ashley started this many Christmas ago. Austin and Devon have enjoyed it also.
Now Katelyn will at Thanksgiving in a few years.
Have fun at Christmas. Remember that this is Jesus' birthday and that he is giving the gift of sharing, sharing his special day with every individual that believes.

GET THE 700 CLUB OFF THE AIR

Every time the idiots that are on the 700 Club come on, I run hard to change the channel. The idiots open their mouths and PUKE rolls out.
I am a registered Republican... However I think they are acting like idiots.... Of course if you look into the background of the 700 Club founder you will see how much money he has SUCKED out of the people who want to listen to him. He needs to shut up.... Religion and GOVERNMENT should not be mixed. I absolutely HATE this man. Hate is a harsh world. But this man makes me hate REPUBLICANS more than I already do.
I think because of him I will most definitely vote for a DEMOCRAT this next election.... obviously the REPUBLICANS are acting like a bunch of spoiled rich kids.... wait that is what congress is ..... SPOILED RICH KIDS THAT ARE IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!
By the way check out the grades they made in school.... UGH~ I think congress is the only thing those RICH Kids can do.

Quickly Approaching...

Christmas is quickly approaching. The end of 2011 is not far away.
This time last year my mother was ill. Not enough yet to be in the hospital, but very close. She almost died Christmas Eve. Thank goodness for medical science she survived. All it was --- her gall bladder. However because of medical mess-up she almost died. For some reason when they give her IVs they fill the cavity around her heart with fluid. Now we have to deal with the after effects of congestive heart failure.
This year we plan to celebrate with her still being here. She seems to be in Okay health, however there are times when I worry about her.
I still need to do Christmas shopping. Retirement has made it so that I seem to think I have a lot of time. Housework is completed quickly, then the rest of the day comes. I crochet. I have crochet many hats for the fellows at the mission, the homeless. Hopefully they will help keep their heads warm.
Next year I think my daughter and I may make lots of cards for the fellows at the VA. Maybe we will make some for them for Valentine Day. Who knows. I need to win the lottery so that I can do all of these things.

Christmas... a time of true giving.

Christmas... a time of true giving.

Our children growing up had the fortunate experience of helping the less fortunate. We weren't rich by any means, however we did make room in our small budget to help others.
Each Christmas the kids would get a family from a list at our local Salvation Army. We would go purchase presents for them. (We always tried to find a family with the same composition as ours or at least close to ours.) The kids loved shopping for the families. We would get to deliver the gifts. Leaving them on the front porch, knocking and running to the car that was running with the doors open. One family heard us, opened the door, invited the kids and us in, lugging in their ten 30 gallon bags of goodies for the family, (I am not kidding how many bags they had.) Bags with coats for each child, underwear, socks, jeans, shirts and toys... And a Christmas meal fixings. The smiles.... This family was living in only one room of the house. They couldn't afford to heat the house... a small space heater sat in the living room. My kids were in shock and awe....They have never forgotten that family...
Also each year our children would get names off  the tree in the mall. They would purchase a gift, wrap it, label it and give it to the person at the desk. That always made them feel so good about themselves.
Our children would go through their toys and the ones that where really good and that they did not play with would be given to the local women's shelter for the children there to have to play with.
I am so proud of my children. They are adults now, however they still carry on the tradition of helping others. Even if their budgets are a little tight.
Find a family. Give some love. Secret Santa is fun to play. Don't expect a thank you as this way the families don't know who you are.

In my area....

Anyone looking for a place to can, cook for a large party, etc. Here is a website to check out.
http://mycooksworkshop.com/

Thanksgiving

Wow am I tired. I have cooked and baked for 2 weeks. We had a house full of family. Two really new babies and more.... It was such a great day.
Mom was here... her 93rd Thanksgiving. She was so kind as to allow me to use refrig space for food....
Another year.... -

Christmas

Have we lost the spirit of Christmas? When I was a child we received a few gifts from Santa and one or two gifts from our parents, which always knew Santa was bringing something with batteries, which they wrapped and put under the tree...
Today it is like how many more things can we get them?
Our youngest daughter does not want Christmas to be that way. She and her husband want a gift or two for their daughter from others, nothing big, but thoughtful.
I don't think a bag of cotton candy from Walmart and a package of gum is a true Christmas gift. I have always tried to do more for the granddaughters whose father truly believes he has given them a great gift of cotton candy and gum. But that is another post.
Just what is the true meaning of Christmas? It is Jesus' birthday. I have explained to my children more than once, that Santa brings gifts to you because Jesus is willing to share his birthday with you. Even though he is not a "living" person as we know it, he lives inside of you. So giving is the important part of Christmas, not getting.
I want to celebrate Christmas in July, not December. I will have a tree at the traditional time, however the weather is bad and it is not always easy getting to the house for the kids. It makes so much more sense to celebrate it when we all get together in July. If we aren't all going to church as a family on Christmas Eve, it just doesn't seem fitting. (Two of my granddaughters only get to go to their Church every other Christmas.)
I have one daughter who doesn't want this. I say they are already getting enough at Christmas, why not spread it out. Besides the stores will have Christmas stuff out already in July. I guess it really doesn't matter when you celebrate it. It is all about Commercialism and business getting rich from communist made, slave workers made, lead ridden goods from China... and that is another post.
Celebrate Christmas with the true spirit. Remember it is not the price of a present or how many presents, it is the feelings of giving and caring. It really doesn't need to be celebrated only on Christmas Eve and day, but all year long.
Remember that CHRIST is the REASON for the SEASON!

Black Friday

I was just reading an article about a young man upset because he has to go to work at 11 pm on Thanksgiving... When I was much younger you did not see Christmas or Black Friday merchandise out until Black Friday.

I worked for a department store. On Thanksgiving evening we would go in for a few hours and get the store ready for the next morning. Stores opened at 7 am that day. Today the Christmas trees are up in the stores before Halloween.
The spirit of Christmas is not the same. It is all about retail and making the rich richer.

I am hand making small personal gifts for each of my children and grandchildren. I just think Christmas is out of hand.
I had one daughter tell me they still had $1000 a piece to spend on their two children.... What? I know they have already spent well over $500  a piece on the them. Christmas .... well that is another blog post.

crochet anyone

I have gotten in the mood to crochet. I am participating in a group of others that are crocheting. I have made 3 stocking type caps and  3 doilies.  I am working on a granny square afghan.

Payton Manning.....

Okay so they may release Payton because his neck doesn't seem to be healing... well treat him for holding babies wrong neck pain.... Treatments aren't working so see how much he is holding his twins. Holding them can cause neck pain that is unexplained.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=dw-wetzel-peyton_manning_no_real_progress_110311

Congress take notice...

Congress take notice, Americans are tired of you and your fringe benefits.  Hereis what is circulating on FB....

 David Howerton
No longer "an interesting idea" -- time for this to be our ACTION PLAN: *Congressional Reform Act of 2011* 1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office. 2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose. 3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do. 4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%. 5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people. 6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people. 7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work. If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Maybe it is time. THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!! If you agree with the above, pass it on.

Human Trafficking

I just watched a show on CNN. It was about human trafficking. Please go to this website and watch the videos and read the stories.
Boycott the products being made by these "slaves"! Guess what, you may have some of them right now in your home. How many American companies are "supporting slavery" by having their products made in these countries that use "slaves"!
Please check it out.

http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/07/u-s-human-trafficking-czar-on-how-consumers-can-combat-slavery/

Been a Cooking

Rachel has been spending time with grandpa and me. We have been baking and cooking for her school parties. I called her just a few minutes ago and most of the food is gone. She said some of the others said they would bring things tomorrow.
I plan to bake more cupcakes and cookies, so I will send them to school for them later this week.
I love Halloween. I love Thanksgiving and I really LOVE Christmas.

Devon the Skeleton Man

Devon the Skeleton Man

We are not sure why this little guy loves skeletons so much, but the more the happier.

Some catch up pictues

The grandsons, their parents, grandpa and I went to the UAW picnic last weekend. Here are some of our pictures from there. Devon got up enough courage to ride the pony.... He didn't want to ride again as he believes horses are going to buck him off. (Video games....UGHHHHH)



The next day the boys, their mother, grandpa and I went to visit their brand new cousin. Austin absolutely loves babies. Devon is afraid of babies and we all loved on her a bunch.

Katelyn

I have spent most of the week with my daughter, her husband and my new grandbaby, Katelyn. We made applesauce and apple butter to can. Christopher and I went to the orchard and picked 2 bushels of apples, which Christopher is going to cook-up himself this week. We had so much fun canning. I am sooooo glad I have a son-in-law that loves to can as much as I do.
Oh we did make a mess of the kitchen for a little while, but we cleaned our messes.
Hope all the nurses enjoy their gifts from Christopher, Lara Ann and Katelyn.

Baby No Name

Well the baby has arrived. We are just calling her Baby No Name since they haven't thought of a name yet. Waiting...... Can't post pictures yet as I want them to post first... sorry

Saw Oliver

I was at the gas station today. I had gone inside to pay. Just as I reached my car I hear, "Mrs. Hall. Mrs. Hall." I turned around and it was Oliver. He and his mother had just pulled in. We chatted for a while. Hope his school year will be great for him.

thought I would post

SHARED FROM A FRIEND IT WAS TOO MEANINGFUL NOT TO PASS ALONG .......When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his Biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits." Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your momma put in a long hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides... a burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!" You know, life is full of imperfect things... and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults and choosing to celebrate each others differences, is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. So...please pass me a biscuit. And yes, the burned one will do just fine! And please pass this along to someone who has enriched your life... I just did! Life is too short to wake up with regrets... Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don't. ENJOY LIFE NOW - IT HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE

can't live on $600,000 ....

A congressman said he could not afford to feed his family on $600,000.00 a year if he had to pay more taxes????? I want to ask him.... HOW DOES A SINGLE PARENT OR EVEN A MARRIED COUPLE FEED THEIR FAMILY ON $20,000 or less per year,... I do believe I could live very well on $600,000.00 and pay more taxes than I was. .. Give up first class travel... give up $10,000.00 hair appoints per week... (My stylist cuts mine, washes it and styles it for $30.00... And I bet they are as good as yours!) ... Stop paying thousands of dollars for shoes.... oh my I really could help your family live on a lot less!

Getting old

A friend posted this on fb. I think it is great.

It sucks getting old ... If my body was a car, I would be thinking of trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps, dents, scratches, and my paint job is getting dull. My headlights are out of focus. My traction is not as graceful as it once was. My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to reach maximum speed. But the worst is...every time I sneeze, cough, or sputter either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires!

People ask....

People ask me if I am enjoying my retirement. Well yes and no... I enjoy the thought of not having to make that 30 minute drive in ice and snow this winter... however I do miss the students.
Today I looked through some of my new magazines. I saw things and the first thing I thought about was making some for my students or the students and I making some.
It is so different. I spent most of my life working... teaching... and I do miss it~ not enough to go back and do it some more however.

We are back

We are back home again. Went to Tennessee and North Carolina. While there we took our son to doctor appointments and to have his surgery. I also went and did genealogy. I spent 3 days searching and hunting. I finally got things going... then I put it together and more research and more putting together. ... Need to go back as I now have more things to put in place... I love it when things start making sense.

Ollie Jane Breeden (Russell) Hall Young

Ollie Jane Breeden (Russell) Hall Young

I have finally found information about you. I have found who your biological father was. I have the marriage information for your mother and father. I have the marriage information about your mother and step-father's marriage. I have found you in the census. I feel good.
Isn't it great when you have success?
Anyone else looking for information about her, contact me.

hello

hello, such a simple word. A word many use to greet others. This word I am using to great you and to see if I can post using IE

foot and ankle amputation

Our son had his foot and ankle amputated yesterday. It has been two years since the drunk driver hit him on his motorcycle. He has been dealing with pain and the inability to earn an income for the past 2 years. He was ready. He is in good spirits and already planning his recovery and getting back to work.

7.20

$7.20 is all my daughter's ex-husband provides for his children per day... What a deadbeat. He has all his toys and plenty of money, but his children aren't worth more than the price of a meal at McDonald's each day.

My opinion...

My opinion on granola bars. I was just reading about granola bar ratings. It seems that Quaker Oats is not even in the running any more. Write them and tell them you want the old bars back. Stop short-changing people. I am willing to pay a little more to have the old Quaker Oats back!

I really...

I really don't like google. I don't know why it is forcing me to use google chrome. I want to have my choice in this... not someone else telling which to use.... I may just quit blogging if I have to keep using google!

Hey it finally posted...

I am going to see if this will let me post from Internet Explorer. I use Google Chrome last time.
Guess not. So now I have to switch again.

blogger not posting

It seems that blogger is not posting posts. I am not sure why. I do not know how to get hold of the people. I will try again later to post my posts. I have like 4 that have not posted.

Today: 9/10/2011

Today is the 253 day of 2011. I have only posted 129 blog posts. I am way behind what I wanted to do. I have been on three vacations, so I guess I slacked off. I need to post 125 more posts not counting this one. Well folks get ready. Not sure what all I will post about but I plan to start making up for slacking off.

Productive searching

I feel really good. I have discovered the father of my husbands grandmother. This led to much more discovery. Wow so much to digest. I need to call my husband's oldest brother and share the news with him.

A recipe site....

A member of a recipe site has visited here. Wow... their site is http://www.betterrecipes.com/

Think about this

From my friend Tommy K Kirkpatrick:
‎~ Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come & sit softly on your shoulder.

S'more cookies

S'more cookies Heavenly... Oh these cookies are so good. I know the gals at the circle meeting will be liking these.

Follow me and I will send the recipe to you in an email... OOOHhh Sooo Good.

Next batch...

I am debating on the next type of cookie to make. I think it will be minty.
Catch me later when I have finished this batch....

OOOOhhh soooo good.

Key lime cookies

Key lime cookies... turned out great. Love the flavor... Taking them to my mom so she can use them at circle meeting tomorrow at church.... If you want the recipe... be a follower and sent me a message.

Cookies

Baking some new types of cookies today along with a good ole stand-by. I am going to practice a new decorating skill today....

Off to the grocery store.

Tea Party...

See what all those ignorant tea party politicians have done to the USA... So have all the other congressmen... IF THEY THINK I WILL VOTE AGAIN FOR THE SAME PERSON, IF THEY GOT IN OFFICE LAST TIME, THINK AGAIN...
I think there should be a choice... NON OF THE ABOVE!

Took the girls...

Took the two girls shopping today ~ shoes for school. Quick hundred spent. We went to Garfield's for lunch... quick fifty... then we went out to the car... Lucky for me Kristina, their mom, decided to meet us for lunch... My car had ZERO power... no Onstar to call for help, left my cell at home. Couldn't get the key out... the car was dead... Kristina called Onstar for me from her car..., after all I have 100000 miles bumper to bumper coverage and free towing to the shop, they sent for a tow truck. 45 minutes later, in the 100 degree weather, the truck arrives... it's a flat bed... There is no way he can get my car on that truck without ruining my transmission. I asked if he could see if it may be the battery... Hopeful thinking... Well it was the battery. Thank goodness I was right out side of Sears. 150 dollars spent on a new battery.... Ugh new shoes turned out to cost more than expected!

Baby Shower plans going...

Baby shower plans are going right as planned. My younger sister is in her forging gear... she loves planning parties and having parties. So sis you go for it.
We went shopping yesterday and accomplished quit a bit of the party things. Still a few finishing touches other than baking and cooking.

School supplies

I was going through things I had from school. I decided I would hand them out to the neighborhood kids ~ first come first serve. Had almost enough for them all.
I have an idea... Being a teacher for 30+ years, I found that supply lists were created by teachers in hope that students would arrive at school with everything they needed for the school year; however many times the students seemed to lack enough supplies. Many times students couldn't afford what was on the list or at least all of it. Many times there are more than one child coming from a home. Teachers, out of their own pockets, spend money on student supplies so NO student has to go without.
Here's your part, go to your local school and ask what supplies are needed. Get a group of people together and gather those supplies. Pass them out at no cost to students when they come to register. Remember this would be on a first come first serve bases. You cannot discriminate against students whose parents may have the income to purchase supplies.
There should be a tax break for your donation,but talk to your tax person first about this.
Teachers spend much more than the $250 tax break they get. The cost of supplies for an average classroom should be around $1000.00.
I know this, as I supplied everything for my students as I knew many of the parents had a hard enough time trying to purchase clothing to start the school year off.
Like I said, get a group together. See what you can do...

I think...

I think my younger sister is excited that I asked her to help with the baby shower. She is out spending her hard earned cash purchasing items for the shower. I knew she would like to help as she loves giving parties!

Lazy, Hazy days of summer...

Lazy, Hazy days of summer...Where have they gone? I read an article today about kids and summer.
I remember how much fun our summers were. We would get up, me I got up very early ~ I can't seem to waste a minute sleeping, eat some breakfast, brush my teeth, get dressed and out the door. Couldn't wait until I could jump in the pool to swim, play some baseball with the neighborhood kids, or ride bicycles to the where ever our hearts would lead us.
When I was a kid everything was closed on Sundays except a few restaurants and some gas stations. We would go to church, pick up our grandparents, How we all fit in one car is beyond me, and go out into the country side and look for wild flowers for our grandmothers to have bouquets.
I watch my granddaughters today, they have such busy schedules; softball games 2 or 3 nights a week, practices, tournaments on the weekends in who knows where, roller skating races in who knows where, nations in skating and softball... very little time to relax and just be kids.
My one granddaughter will be over to the house and her cell phone will get a text. "Grandma my friend Becca wants to play? Can you take me home? We hardly ever get to play any more." Twenty minutes later she is home to play with her friend.
It saddens me to think that activities have begun to take up so much time in my grandchildren world.
Two of my grandchildren that live an 8 hours drive away, love to swim, fish, ride jet skies, but they also spend way to much time on their xbox playing games with people they don't even know.
Two of my grandsons, love being outside. I must say that this daughter loves taking them out and teaching them about nature. Teaches them about taking care of and the habitat that the animals and insects live in. It is always fun to listen to them "spill" their knowledge when they see something they know about. However they both have Ipods with many games. Sometimes they too spend to much time with the technology.
I am not against technology in any way; however I do think kids need to spend more time being kids.
Kids do not have any imagination today. They aren't happy with a broom for a horse and a finger gun. Maybe all the bad stuff that is happening in America right now is a way of telling us to enjoy the little pleasures of life. Learn you don't need so much television, computers, etc. Maybe paper books will make a come back. My grandchildren all love the library... My youngest grandson got so excited last summer when we went to the school I taught at (retired now) when he saw the library... He wanted to go see the library. How many 4 years old get so excited about the library? Not many I bet.
Lets turn America around, I don't want to be like third world countries with children starving, but I want us to take more time to look at things, quit thinking money is the only important thing. I often say, "I don't know why people have to have so much money. They can't take it with them when they die and many of their children loose their fortune for them to drugs, alcohol and a fast paced life."
How many of you remember the song...
Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days Of Summer lyrics

Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
Those days of soda and pretzels and beer
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
Dust off the sun and moon and sing a song of cheer
Just fill your basket full of sandwiches and weenies
Then lock the house up, now you're set
And on the beach you'll see the girls in their bikinis
As cute as ever but they never get 'em wet
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
Those days of soda and pretzels and beer
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
You'll wish that summer could always be here
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
Those days of soda and pretzels and beer
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
Dust off the sun and moon and sing a song of cheer
Don't hafta tell a girl and fella about a drive-in
Or some romantic moon it seems
Right from the moment that those lovers start arrivin'
You'll see more kissin' in the cars than on the screen
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
Those days of soda and pretzels and beer
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
You'll wish that summer could always be here
You'll wish that summer could always be here
You'll wish that summer could always be here

Some police ...

(story linked) Some police need to pick their battles. I could understand a ticket and suspended license if this was a case of just speeding for the heck of it. Why didn't the first officer give an escort? Bullies... I have often said many people become police officers because they are bullies or abusers or both... this gives them "legal" rights to bully or abuse others. To bad people don't roll over and play dead any more... they get caught (the officer). :)

I read...

I read in the paper the article about the accident where the 12 years old died. Someone online stated that we should have the community pay for his funeral... Well if he escaped from a locked down facility, I am pretty sure the facility will have to pay for the funeral and other costs.

Isn't it about time?

Isn't it about time that we as Americans start making the rules. The United States was built by the working class. We fought for our freedoms from a ruling party that did not let us have a say, that taxed us unfairly, that took the products we produced, shipped them back to the mother land and then made us purchase them back.
Americans let's have some back bone...
1. You are here to live... Speak American, act American, Fly the American flag
2. Don't boo the national athem... if you don't want to be here...move!
3. Every Congressional member that doesn't act in ways that MOST Americans want, should be out of a job, when you don't get reelected you are fired... no pension, no benefits... that's what happens to REAL AMERICAN WORKERS.

Let's FIRE CONGRESS!

The downfall of CONGRESS...

The downfall of CONGRESS is because they are a bunch of overeducated, smartasses. They think they are above everyone else. I would really like to see what universities they all went to...Rich kids everyone of them I bet.

A Lawsuit waiting to happen....

A Lawsuit waiting to happen....
Yes the story is becoming clear... the 12 years old boy was in a hospital for evaluation... must be mental evaluation... So sad that he was able to escape and try to get away... He picked up his friend in Danville or someplace along the way and then he got into the second accident. He had already had one in a stolen vehicle.
What is the liability of the hospital in this case? Negligence at least... I will bet there are lawyers already knocking down the families door....
Probably a few politicians from CONGRESS too since most of them are lawyes.

How?

How? Why? Where were the parents?
The twelve year old boy's name was Travis Messenger. He passed away today. I have not heard anything more about the fourteen year old.

Tragedy. Where were the adults? What was a 12 and 14 year old doing stealing not one car, but two. Not only did they steal two cars, but they wrecked two cars. Where were the adults? Why were they out at that time of day? Why, why, why!

8:52 PM, Tuesday; Update: I am not sure, but the comments I am reading make me believe that the 14 years old has passed also. I know he was in surgery this afternoon.
His name is Logan. That is all I know right now.

Like I stated earlier, where were the adults?

Just who do they really think...

Just who do they really think believes them that they are doing what they are for the people? No we don't see what you are doing as for us. We see it as trying to sway votes for the next election. Congress you are a bunch of FOOLS! We are becoming the laughing stock of the world.
You act just like spoiled brats.... me, me, me.
You all are acting like you are so much better and smarter than everyone else. I think you all need to let US the real people help. We could do as well as you.
I see you as a bunch of racist. You are against the President because he is biracial. Yes biracial. He is both WHITE and BLACK. He has white roots.
Why don't we become wise enough to start doing what is right for Americans. Not big business.
That's right... big business, banks... INTEREST RATES ON CREDIT CARDS will RISE if an AGREEMENT is not FOUND! INTEREST RATES=BIG BANKS!

Baby Shower announcements

The baby shower announcements have arrived. Cathy, Lara's mother-in-law, did a great job. Now I need to get them addressed and mailed out.

Weeds, weeds and more weeds

This long hot spell has made the weeds come out. I spent one and a half hours working in the garden. Cannot wait for fall to come so I can dig, rearrange and transplant the garden. I am thinking I want to have some grass again. Joy joy. My husband might not like that since he is the one who mows.

Hello anyone out there

Hello, how are you today? Great I hope. I am busy planning my menu so I may go grocery shopping. Have a great day.

73 degrees

Wow the rain has forced the temperature to go down; 73 degrees outside right now. How comfortable is that? I love it. We can turn off the air for a little while and just use fans. I love it.

Oh no it's his senior year!

Wow it does not seem possible that our oldest grandson will be a senior this year. Where did time go? I know that Robert will be looking forward to graduating soon... I know he will be missing his girlfriend. She is younger than him.
Robert, just where did time go? You grew up too fast.

Two of my grandsons

Two of my grandsons were here to visit this week. Their great-grandmother, on their father's side, passed away and they were here to visit me while arrangements were made for the funeral.
The youngest one's first request was "hamburger" balls. Now to most people those are meatballs or porcupine balls. Not two many months ago he would not even try them. He had to eat one bit the last time he visited or we wouldn't go get ice cream. Well he tried them, we called them hamburger balls because he likes hamburgers, and he ended up eating his whole ball. His brother asked him if he liked his meat ball, he replied no. So then he asked do you like your hamburger ball? The answer this time, yes. So now we eat hamburger balls and hamburger loaf.

July?

This weather makes you think we are in August. I sure hope it is cool when school starts or that all classrooms have air. It is miserable when it is this hot and humid. It makes it very hard for students to concentrate and the teachers get a little cranky.
I remember what it was like in the classroom when I was a student... the teacher would open the window as wide as they could, turn on the fan and probably prayed for the final bell of the day to ring.
Today those big old windows are gone in most schools, replaced with tiny ones that open about 8 inches... all in the name of energy saving.

Action in the ole neighborhood

Action in the ole neighborhood tonight. I guess we had a felon in our neighborhood. Living just a little ways down from us. Kind of scary when you think how many times you have been outside after dark, door maybe not shut tight, the grandchildren and neighborhood kids playing... Don't know what he was wanted for, however I do know that he has a life sentence in another state, that the family members of whoever he was holding hostage were all waiting for the swat team to get him. I do not know if there is anyone else involved. I do know that his daughter turned him in after they had a disagreement. When he came out of the house it was like you see in the movies, get on the ground, on the ground now. Then they cuffed and stuffed him.
I don't know if any one else is there as the swat team has not left yet, the road is still blocked by squad cars. This has been going on for about 4 hours now. My husband and I did not even know anything was going down, Sirens from police, fire and ambulance are common in this town. (Usually ambulances from other cities using our hospital and fire trucks going to help the ambulance crews with medical calls.), until we went out to change the cars around in the drive.
Checked a few minutes ago and the scene remained the same. Oh well going to bed. Night all.

Two Memorials today.

Today we are having two memorials services. One is for my Uncle and the other for my son-in-laws grandmother.

Lost another one.

Tonight we lost another one of our family members. Uncle Merle. We knew it wasn't going to be long. My cousin has been home since last Thursday tending to his care.
These last few days, hours have been hard.

We now have two graveside services to attend. Uncle Merle, Aunt Beverly and you will be painting Heaven Red.

Update

We have lost one of our hospice people. My son-in-laws grandmother passed away at 7:15 their time. The funeral arrangements are incomplete at the present time.
My Uncle Merle only has hours left. My cousin was called back to the nursing home today, so it is just a matter of time.
We have not heard anything from my husband's aunt. So we are not sure how much longer his cousin has.

Rachel

Rachel went to a swimming/team party last night. She got home around midnight...
She did pretty good at getting up. We have done much running around today.
We went with mother to the grocery store and to Sally's to purchase a perm. Then we came home. Rachel got ready to take a shower and it broke, so off to Lowe's we went. Came home fixed the shower, ate some lunch, she took her shower, watched a little TV and then it was time to get ready for her game.
She had to be there to watch the other game, older girls, and so I took her, dropped her off and will go back soon. It is just too darn hot.

Sure wish it would rain.

I sure do wish it would rain. It is so uncomfortable outside. My list of chores for myself is growing longer. Ugh!

I know that when we are in a rain spell we are wishing for dry weather.
Poor weather just can't get a break. LOL.

Here I sit

Here I sit, 11:05 p.m. and Rachel is not home from the team party. Where or Where can my granddaughter be?

I guess this team likes to party pretty hardy. I know it is the end of the year type stuff, but their season still has a few weeks left. I think they should all be home in bed since they have a double header tomorrow.

Heat, little sleep and a double header equals wore out.
Rachel has nationals in roller skating on Saturday. I wonder how many hours of sleep she will need with this party tonight.

I have to get up in the morning. I wish she would call in the next couple of minutes since I have to met up with her ride.

Planning baby shower

Any good ideas for a baby shower. If so let me know.

Retirement: The thought of not having to go back to work.

I am beginning to realize that I have retired. As I sat tonight and listened to my sister and cousin talking of school chatter, you know teachers don't really get the summer off as some folks would like to believe.
They are talking of getting their classrooms ready, class list... Oh boy do I not miss that. I would be making lesson plans already, preparing worksheets for reinforcement, making power points to help present lessons, and the list goes on.
I found myself today at Walmart looking at classroom supplies (teachers always love the beginning of the school year sells.) I caught myself picking up things I would need, crayons, markers, erasers... I put most of it back... I DON'T NEED TO FURNISH SUPPLIES THIS YEAR!
I may talk to my husband about donating some to local charities that are collecting supplies to make sure kids they service will have supplies.
I know I will have the "need" to purchase supplies in my brain. STOP brain I don't have to do that this year.
Here is a hint to folks that think teachers don't do much... I purchased each year at the beginning 500 to 600 dollars in supplies out of my pocket. You would be surprised at how many kids don't have basic supplies. I always had pencils, pens, crayons, color pencils, folders, 3-ring binders, notebook paper by the cases, poster board, glue, glue sticks, paint brushes, erasers, pencil sharpeners (they wear out because students want to sharpen colored pencils in them, which ruins the blades) pens, spiral notebooks by the cases, rulers, calculators (they all seem to walk out by the end of the first semester), highlighters, markers (every kind you can imagine), and my list goes on as I find little things for the students.
So if you are reading this, be a friend to local teachers, purchase supplies and donate them to their classrooms. Believe it or not this is a donation. Check with your tax consultant to see what all you can donate and get a tax credit for.
You can also help all those school fundraisers by donating the money instead of purchasing stuff you don't want. They get to keep 100% of this donation, where on the product they get a small percentage. (Just a thought.) Also check with your tax consultant about donating time in classrooms helping to grade papers, read to kids, help kids who are falling behind, to serve snacks... ask your school if there is anything they need a volunteer for.

Class Reunion

My class just celebrated our 40th year. I was unable to attend with all of the family obligations this year. Maybe the next one I will be able to attend.

It is great to see all of the pictures of people I went to school with and graduated with. We were a very large class for our high school.

You all look great in the pictures. It looks like you had a really great time.

What is hospice care?

All three of our people are now in hospice care.
My daughter called and asked me what it was as her husband's grandmother was in hospice care at the hospital. I have a definition for her and others that would like to know:
Hospice care, provides humane and compassionate care for people in the last phases of an incurable disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible.

Uncle Merle has one or two days left. He has not been able to eat or drink for at least 4 days. The average person can go 5 to 7 days without eating or drinking.

I know this has to be hard for my cousin. She is in the medical field and understands what is happening. It has been a battle with the nursing home to do as my uncle's living will states. The nurse's aids have given her the toughest time.

My husband's cousin has been with hospice for a few weeks now. Stage four cancer is not pretty. She was a heavy smoker. I know this does not always contribute to lung cancer, however it does in many cases. She was also one of those people who believed smoking pot did not damage your lungs. Well it does.

My son-in-laws grandmother is now in hospice care. I have to say that the one daughter of hers is very strong and stated we will follow her wishes. One son is having a hard time accepting his mother's prognosis and the fact she will be passing soon also.

Guilt makes it hard to let go of someone. Especially when you could have done more or paid more attention to them. Sometimes we get so hung up in our own Little worlds we forget the most important things of all: 1. show your love for your family ~ financial security is okay, but doing small things like visiting even when you don't feel like it, makes a big difference in someones day. (Just don't act like you don't want to be there.) 2. Do not be so worried about finances that you forget that maybe a homemade card, a game of catch, you cooking a special meal for another individual ~ that's love. It can't be bought with cash. (You can't take money with you when you die, so just enough to make life comfortable is all someone needs.)

I know how tough it is to watch a loved one die. My father passed away when I was a teenager from cancer. We didn't notice the small changes at the time, but when we look at old photos, we can see the things we thought were just life changes.

I prayed to God one night, when my father was still at home, that God would take him and release him from this pain if he couldn't be healed. That was the last night my father spent at home. He died 35 hours later.

I knew I had been a good daughter to him. We played ball together, swam, went on vacations, spent as much time together as life would allow. I didn't want him in pain, I wanted him to be in the safe arms of God and Heaven.

Do I believe in Heaven? I do. I believe my father is our family's light. That he is the one that greets others. Why do I believe this? My cousin talked to my dad before he died, my grandmother talked to my dad before she passed, my older sister talked to my dad~ she kept saying, "Daddy I can't see the light." When she saw the light she smiled and peacefully passed on.

Yes I believe there is a Heaven and God. Yes I believe hospice is the best program that has ever been created.

Prayers to our loved ones. Prayers of a peaceful passing to their new lives.

Up date

Uncle Merle is hanging in there. EB's mother now has a feeding tube. Not sure this is her wish, however she is in a hospital and they forgot to take her living will with them.
We have not heard from my husband's family so not sure how his cousin is doing. We will call this week.

Health

The family is having some health problems. Looks like we will be having a few funerals in the next month or so.
James' cousin is in stage 4 cancer. It is now in her liver and brain. It is so painful that they basically keep her sedated.
Uncle Merle had a good day yesterday morning, however by the afternoon all of his vitals were beginning to crash. My cousin says he probably won't make it through the weekend.
Our son-in-laws grandmother had a stroke. She was air lifted to the hospital in Indy. She is unresponsive at the time. Massive amount of blood in the left temporal lobe. Not good.
Prays and thoughts go out to our family. Thoughts and prays to my friends who are also facing some sort of tragedy themselves.

Two loads done...

Two loads of laundry done. Getting things ready for a rummage sale. Helping my daughter with the sorting of her children's clothes and getting them ready for the rummage sale.
I have been to the store already, have the meat ready to cook for spaghetti sauce, have meat for some other crock pot meals.
My break is over now so I need to head back to work. Cleaning this huge house takes too much time. Can't complain, don't know what I would do with less space.

Two pictures

Two of my husband's aunts.

James and Aunt Judy

James and Aunt Alice

Heat Wave!?!

Getting prepared for the next round of heat wave. Air on full blast... Cooling before the heating. Cookie baking tomorrow and meal prep that takes heat. Crock pots ready to go. Cool meals... Well I don't know. Maybe diet time.
I have my meals planned and I am going to start tonight. I do not want to heat the house any more than I have to.
Tomorrow I plan to get all house work done... run to the library and get some good books to read. Get some cross-stitch or some sewing things. It is going to be a long hot week!... This is suppose to start Sunday at 7 a.m. and go through Friday 7 p.m. I will not be on the computer any more than I have to be.
I guess I should go change some of the water in the pond for the fish. If it gets that hot they could die... don't want to loose any of them. Hopefully Rachel's game Wednesday will get cancelled due to heat.

Have a great week... stay cool... stay safe....

We went on our vacation 1

This past week we took a weeks vacation to Tennessee. We had a really great time. Only thing that could have made it better if some of the grandchildren were with us.
Lara, my hubby and I started off by going to the Monkees concert with my sister and our son-in-law, Chris.
The morning after Chris took off for Germany and we headed back home with Lara and my sister.
The next day we just lazy around and got prepared for the trip. Off we went. First we stopped at Cathy and Darrell's house. Lara stayed the night there while we headed to a hotel up the road. The next morning we went back and picked Lara up.
Our next stop was at our son's house. Visited for 2 days there. Then we headed to my husband's sister's house. We visited them 2 days and then we headed to Pigeon Forge. Stayed a night there. Then we went back to Knoxville and visited two of my husband's aunts. I had never met the one, and the other we have not seen in too many years.
My husband's one cousin had had a stroke, but seemed to be doing well. His other cousin (we visited) is in stage 4 lung cancer. It is in her liver and brain now.
We took off from there and headed back to Darrell and Cathy's place. We stayed the night there as we were going to a Stampin Up party. It was really fun and I learned techniques I thought were going to be hard. Thanks Cathy. I really enjoyed the party.
After the party we packed up and headed home.
Lara stayed the night, visited her grandma (my mom) the next morning and then my wonderful husband took her home.
When will the next trip be?
Hard telling. My uncle is very ill and not expected to last much longer and we plan to go to my husband's cousin's funeral when the time comes.
Not a good way to end a great trip, but life is not always fair.

Weather

It seems to be a little cooler today. Only 77 right now. Wonder if we will get storms or not. The girls had games last night. I did not go because it was soooo hot. I don't know why they didn't cancel those games. Oh well they survived and they are over.
Can't complain too much as winter will be here soon and we will be wishing for warm weather.

TSA

Okay someone got through security with a stungun, however small children are being sexual abused by these people and old women strip searched because they are wearing a depend diaper... I think this is a crock and we should do away with TSA screening. They pick on children, old people, and people whose plane doesn't come in and have to be transferred to a different airline. I just wonder who it was that carried that stungun onto the plane... a friend of a TSA person?

TOO HOT!

It is just too hot to do anything. The air conditioners are going full blast. Sure hope we get a break soon. I need to get out in my garden to do some much needed work.

Vacation

We are home once again. Visited many relatives. Some we haven't seen in too many years, others we see each time we go.
Our one grandson will be graduating from high school this coming school year. He is growing into a wonderful young man. Of course we share the passion of family history.
I met an aunt of my husband's that I have never met before. She was so funny. Loved meeting her. She has many stories to tell. I can't wait to go back and hear them.
I am so lucky to have a wonderful family. I will post a few of the pictures of the grandchildren on here soon. Still trying to get motivated after the trip.

More Monkees

This is all the pictures I am going to post of the Monkee's concert. Hope you enjoy them.
I will be posting vacation pictures in a few days. Have too much laundry to do.