Imagine What Tomorrow Will Bring

Just a note

2010-12-04T23:20:00.000-08:00

I guess sometimes I'm just too busy to do what I want to do; because I'm doing what I have to do.
I wish I could come here and post more regularly.

Migraines

2010-07-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Most people remember when they started having migraine headaches. I started when I was in high school. The first time was incredible; why was my head hurting so violently without an injury?

My mom made an appointment with our family doctor for me. He talked to me about the pain and right away prescribed 2 Darvon 65 mg. I remember thinking they were Ohio State's colors. I would take them, close my window shades and sleep through the rest of the day and night.

I awoke with the headache still pounding in my head. I ate breakfast and would vomit, take one Darvon and walk to school with the pain. Our girl's guidance counselor, Miss Purviance was great and would let me go to the clinic and sleep part of the morning, making sure the room was dark. She would give me peppermint drops to put in water to help my stomach calm down. That would give me some relief. When I would wake up she would fix me a cup of tea and send me back to class.

I'd go home eat some supper, go back upstairs and vomit, take my Darvon and go to sleep for the night. After 3 to 5 days the headache would abate and I would be back to my normal active self. The headaches did not have a pattern of occurrence; I felt like I was being ambushed when they came though. The doctor hoped I would outgrow them and he was good at giving me pain medication when I needed it.

The habit to draw my shades and keep my bedroom darker started when I realized my headaches were not so frequent when in subdued lighting. Looking back maybe the florescent lights at school were a player in the headaches, I don't know. My mother would say, ' You're hiding in that dark room'. I had no idea what I was hiding from other than the pain of those debilitating headaches.
I vomited so much that we even had a family joke about my time in the bathroom vomitting. That was started by a roomer who rented our third floor bedroom when he made a comment to my family; very funny Tom.

Once I graduated from high school the intensity of the headaches slowed down. I went to Southern Ohio College and had only one headache while attending. By the time I started dating my husband I would say that the headaches seemed to disappear. After moving out of the house I had no more migraines. L my sister-in-law said that was what I needed all along, to be out of the house. I would have a light headache but nothing too bad and I would just take an asprin and it was gone.

Around the time my daughter was 4 years old, things changed again. I had the headaches back but they were different. I didn't vomit any more just could not function and would go to bed after taking my Darvon. My husband worked nights and was home during the day if I needed to lie down. I tried not to give in to all that sleeping.

The doctor decided I needed some very indepth tests and admitted me into the hospital. X-rays, scans, interviews with psychologists, and finally one morning they had me attend a group therapy session. Walking through those doors, having them lock behind me and then attending the session; that got my attention. My doctor came to me and asked me if I wanted to stay in that ward. I said no, the people in that session were ill and I was not ill like they are. He said good I wanted you to see that mentally you're very healthy, but we don't know the cause of your headaches. He then said he wanted me to see the other doctor and have them try some other medications on me.

Back then they wanted you to see a psychiatrist and have them monitor the medication. I was given Atarax and Elavil and scheduled to attend a therapy session. I was on both medicines for at least 8 months if not a year; I can't remember exactly and my headaches abated. But after that my extended family treated me like I had a mental condition and they thought they had to tip-toe around me. I often wonder if my mother started that concept, I guess I'll never know. The medications helped me tremendously and just talking to Mary, my counselor helped me realize even though my family treated me like I was weak in some way; I was just a migraine suffering person and needed the medication to help keep away the pain.

Mary was very helpful and we figured out that I needed to snack inbetween meals, mainly with some protein and my headaches would not come back so fiercely. Even now I try to always make sure I eat some source of protein at each meal to keep from getting ill, and snack on a piece of cheese or another source of protein. The doctor ordered a glucose tolerance test and said the results were borderline for low blood sugar. Today those results are normal and I just eat my snacks and protein to keep those headaches from ever coming back.

Through the years since I have had a couple migraines, the now drug of choice is Darvocet and it works well to rid me of the pain. I went to emergency a couple of times during the late 80s early 90s and they gave me Ativan, that stuff just knocked me out and I slept until the headache was gone. Hmmm escaping from the pain isn't so bad at times. But then I feel like I've missed out on life and I Like Life!

The Present

Now if I have a headache I can figure out what the cause is; generally lack of sleep/food, a change in the weather is coming or like today the blinds are missing from the window and way too much light is present. If I get a migraine I call my doctor and he has me take Darvocet to get me through.

Fried Bologna Sandwiches

2010-04-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

It is rainy and chilly out today; I wanted something warmer than the cold turkey bologna sandwiches I had planned for my lunch. I don't usually eat processed lunch meat but was craving some bologna. Instead of cold bologna I frizzled it and put a few shreds of cheddar cheese on the slices before removing them from the pan, letting it melt just a bit. While sliding them onto my soft wheat bread I remembered my brother J taught me how to make the best fried bologna sandwiches.

When I was around 16 J and his wife had a little boy and I was helping take care of him because his wife had to have stitches and was told to take it easy and have someone come to help her. I stayed every day for the first two weeks, going home on the weekends. My brother cooked lunch since he worked nights and I made supper. He liked experimenting with different tastes and had developed a very tasty fried bologna sandwich.

He would cut a quarter into the slice of bologna before placing it in the skillet so it would not bubble up in the middle. While it was heating he would string celery stalks, julienne and place them on the bread. When the bologna was almost done he would sprinkle it with some chili powder, and then slide those slices of bologna onto our waiting bread and Yum it was delicious.

Stages of Healing

2010-04-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

It's been over 6 years since I had my knee replaced with a titanium one. I still have my own knee cap, but they put a 'new' backing on it. I can still remember the pain but not as vividly. I'm very thankful that I can walk without pain now; though I may not be able to do the things I loved to do. I have mourned them, sometimes with tears.

Before the surgery I would hike a lot, not long hikes, lots of short ones. My favorite place was Glen Helen nature reserve. I really liked hiking there in the snow. Seeing the deer on the frozen water; following their path, being close enough to hear their breathing. In the warm weather I could jump across the stream on the rocks that were stepping stones. I could go along the narrow paths and climb up the steps to the nature center. I would take my three grandsons for hikes with me too. I loved those times. We would create our own GORP. I had backpacks and hiking sticks for them and we would go for a wonderful afternoon hike. I really miss those times. I also walked for exericise and of course rode my bike 13 miles a day. I would ride 25 to 30 miles on the weekends. When we were looking for homes I even found a place that was right on the bike path. I wanted to move there so it would be easier for me to jump on the path; no more toting the bike in my car.

After surgery I never have gotten my range of motion back. It should be at least 120°; I'm only at 90° and sometimes as good as 100°. Because of that loss I was unable to ride my Cannondale®. I cried. I gave up buying the home in the biking community and we bought a new one without thoughts of cycling again. A couple of years later I talked to my surgeon and he said it may take me 3 or 4 years but I would eventually be able to ride again. I had so much damage from the original accident and he had to do a lot of repair work. I had hope once again.

One weekend I was railfanning and met two older couples; they showed me their bikes. They told me how they were different and I may be able to ride one even with my shortened range of motion. I could not wait to get back home and look for an Electra Townie®. I went online, read about them and picked out one I liked. I went to the bike shop with a friend to help me in case I found it. At the bike shop I saw exactly the one I had chosen on the internet and it was on sale for over a $50 savings. I tried it in the parking lot; I could ride a bike again. I bought it right then and there. I cried all the way home because of happiness. I had a bike I could ride.

Sometimes I wish we had moved to the bike path community now that I can ride again; but at least I can ride in my neighborhood. I have a carrier for my bike and take it to the path and that can be fun too. I don't ride the long treks I used though.

Healing takes time and it comes in different stages. Once I thought I had lost so much that I enjoyed doing. It's back but modified, I can accept that. I love life!

Oh They're The Same Thing!

2010-03-27T02:07:00.001-07:00

The last two weeks have been rough. About 4 years ago I kept having terrible nausa, could not even drink water or eat some veggies and stomach pain mainly at night. I went through tons of tests and they could not find that I had GERD; only a terribly irritated stomach. So the doctor thought we should try using a proton pump inhibitor, it worked great; no side effects. Change insurance so change medications but always the brand name. One time we changed to a generic but it didn't work after the first day so we changed to another brand name.

At the beginning of this year new insurance through the dh retirement plan. The new medical insurance decided they didn't want to pay for Nexium only for the generic. No choice for me or my doctor. I started the 'new' medication. After about 3 days on it I started having anxiety feelings. Since I expected to have the stomach pain if the generic wasn't working I didn't connect the anxiety with the change of medications. (I heard from the nurse. they're the same thing) No reason for the anxiety but it kept getting worse. I called my reg dr. and he had me take a light anti-anxiety. It kept getting worse and worse; one morning I woke up shaking and had to get a hug to settle down. Seemed like I couldn't concentrate as well as before and little things irritated me that would never cause me problems.

I had been talking to one of my sisters and she was praying for me too. She has been encouraging me and praying and praying. I was so upset one night I just called out to God and said I wanted to be Jan again; please give me an idea of what to change or what I should do to go back to how I was feeling 2 weeks prior. After praying I fell right to sleep and then around 3:30 I woke up with the thought that I had changed to a generic right before this all started. I found a Nexium in my purse and decided to take it that morning. I had an appointment with my gastro doctor that afternoon and by then I was feeling so much better.

We had a good discussion and I'm going to use a brand name proton pump inhibitor that can be purchased OTC ; wean myself off and control the problem with diet. I'm so thankful to God for hearing our prayers and giving me the answer. I know it will take some time but I'm sure I'm going to be in better health taking better care of my body. Oh to feel like myself once again.. Hooray!

Winter times

2010-02-16T18:26:00.000-08:00

It's great seeing all the snow we are having; like when I was a kid and winter was winter. Living in Kansas we had plenty of snow and there was a great sledding hill on the street behind ours. There would usually be a nice fire on the park at the intersection of the avenues. My brothers had sleds and would take me down with them. We had so much fun and would go home to have hot cocoa. That was when Mom made it with milk, sugar and powdered cocoa, delicious!

One year we walked to our grade school, my youngest brother and I and made an American flag in the snow on the play ground. We were so proud of ourselves. I only wish we had an arial picture of it.

My drive to work is pretty slow with all the country roads I travel. I just take my time and try to be very careful.

I was just remembering in the winter my mom would make hot cereal and on Valentine's day she would wake us up for school and we would have pink hot rice for breakfast. In March for St. Patrick's day she may make green pancakes. It was fun wondering what she would do for those holidays. She was pretty creative to make times seem nicer for us.

I tried to do those things for my kids but I don't think they relished it like we did. Times are different and our kids would have items and goodies on a regular basis that would have seemed like a luxury to us. We never would go out to eat unless we were traveling and not even then sometimes. Fast food was not the norm when we were growing up. I can remember my first hamburger. We were traveling to visit our aunt and on the way we stopped at a 'Sandy's' for a burger and fries. I thought they were delicious. 15 cents for a burger but it was fun!

My sisters worked at a drive-in when they were in high school. Sometimes they would bring home a milk shake for me but I was usually asleep by the time they arrived home with it. So they 'had' to drink it.

Never Too Old

2010-01-20T11:36:00.000-08:00

I missed posting in the fall and now it's half way through winter. One of my thoughts is that I'm never too old to grow up. There were times in my life that I thought I knew what was the right way to handle situations and it probably was the right way for that time in my life. I also know that there is nothing wrong with changing my reaction to situations and circumstances, to grow up so to speak. I also want to look at others with that same 'color of lens'. Give everyone the grace I allow for myself.

I have a friend who lost her husband a few years back and she has been struggling. Last week I bought her a bear and picked out an outfit for him. She was surprised and excited too. I told her you're never too old for a bear to hug and hold.

Thoughts

2009-08-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Everyday there is something new I learn. And then there is something I decide I need to change in my life. I'm always working on those changes, finding new ones I didn't realize I needed to change and just like everyone else I'm just trying to be the best I can in this earthly body.

I've been very blessed to usually have a sunny disposition. I love life! At lunch today I was out at a park eating and watching trees, squirrels, birds and cherishing God's creation.

It's a wonderful time of year, and we have had a fabulous summer here in Ohio. It's like I remember when I was a child. Now I can't wait to see what autumn will bring my way. Hope to see the leaves change and since there hasn't been a drought in our immediate ares. I think there will be plenty of color for me to photograph.

Facebook

2009-03-13T05:43:00.000-07:00

If you're wondering why I haven't been posting here, well I wonder too. I joined Facebook so that I can keep up with Kimberly and her family. I love catching up with them so much. Not only is she there but so many people that I have met along my way while growing and walking with Christ, while working at wonderful jobs and businesses too. It's amazing how quickly time passes and one loses track of people that are important to us. We may change churches, jobs, move or they may move away with promises to write, call and keep in contact but we become busy with life, and lose that contact.

I've found several friends that I miss and lost contact with on Facebook. I have seen Kimberly's in-laws new home they will take possession of in a month. I have watched videos of my grandsons, lessening the distance between us some. Sometimes it just makes me miss them all the more though.

One of my cousins is on Facebook. It's great seeing him and his family via photos he has on display. I wonder if other cousins, aunts, uncles, siblings etc. are there and I not know it.

Ladd and I hope to travel to California in May, visiting for an extra long weekend. I can't wait to see Kimberly and Co. to spend time with them just as they spend their day to day. I wish I had a month to spend there, but I need to work and they won't pay me if I don't show up.

Work is great, I love when I get lots of projects to keep me busy. I'm not a workaholic by any means. When it's time to go home, I'm ready to go and I like leaving my work behind me. But when I'm at work, I love to have lots to do.

We painted the master bath a very pale sagey green. It looks great, calming and refreshing. I hope to have another dinner party with my siblings soon. Maybe we can have Jim bring over his Karaoke and we will all make fools of ourselves!

It's About Time!

2009-01-14T13:03:00.000-08:00

Snow, snow, snow. I love snow. It has been snowing almost all day and the possibility is there until 12 AM. I work north of I-70 so that means we get more snow than the people south of us.

Monday when we had only an inch of light snow Dad shoveled it off the drive; when he came back in he complained that his back was hurting him with just that little bit of snow. Today on the way into work I thought I would like for him to have a snow thrower. I know he has had some in the past but they never worked, could never get them started. They were used and it probably was too cold to get them working. I had heard about an electric snow thrower and asked around here at work to see if any of the guys had. Seems everyone has a snow thrower but never heard of an electric one. I went online and found one at the Ace Hardware store close to us, called and they had one. I asked them to hold it for Dad to come pick up. Now I can't wait to see how he likes it, and I don't have to be concerned with his back or hurting himself while shoveling snow.

8:00 p.m. I made it home in 45 min. just about 20 more than normal. The travel is slow going but no incidents for me. There was more snow at work than home. I am to check the emergency level in the morning for Clark County to see if we are having worak.

Hope everyone is safe at home.

Holidays

2009-01-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

We had such nice holidays. We did miss Kimberly & Co greatly this year. I can't wait for us to visit them this Spring.

Christmas Eve we had plans but we always are open to changing them. We had a nice visit with E and A. They came to play some games on the TV. Christmas Day Ladd worked until around 3:00. I went to visit Liz and her family at her Mom's house. It was nice just to be with people. (I am an extrovert!) They had a buffet meal but I just sipped some fizzy juice while all visited. Her mom is such a gracious lady, class and style all the way. Then we had A and E for a meal, and gift exchange. It was a nice visit.

Day after Christmas we decided to have Susan, her family, Mike and Marlene for a little dinner party. I was going to use left overs from Christmas Day's roast and make sliced roast beef with mashed potatoes etc. I had the roast sliced in one container and two other containers of gravy. I guess I had not communicated profoundly enough to Ladd my plans for the roast; mid-afternoon he heated the sliced meat and ate it all. After being greatly upset, I got over it and decided we could have fried clams! I made tarter sauce and it was a hit! Katie and Emily tried clams and discovered they loved them!

Saturday was my regroup day, I had tons of work to do for the next day's dinner party. Ladd worked half day. We had invited my brothers and their wives over for a sit down meal on Sunday. The menu consisted of: Chicken Croquettes w/gravy Escalloped Potatoes, Harvard Beets, Hot Assorted Rolls, Salad, (Asian slaw with almonds and dried cranberries) and it would not be complete without the Banana Split Trifle! Jill brought along a corn pudding to try. Rich also brought home made Egg Nog, with fresh whipped cream, and ice cream if you so desired, topped off with fresh grated Nutmeg. What a treat!

We had a wonderful time, learned the Harvard cheer and just enjoyed one an other's company. We will do something again soon, I promise!

My leg was so sore and I was exhausted! The next day after work I came home and was in bed by 6:00. I needed to rest my leg. I had used up all my Barleans Flax Seed oil, had ordered some but it still is not in.

Change is Enevatable

2009-01-07T06:08:00.000-08:00

I love having the job I do. It is such a blessing. I have been busy helping to straighten and organize. (one of my many specialties) The company is out in the country and they have lots of land to expand. They moved into a larger facility last year but didn't get everything unpacked, organized and distributed. I have been helping with that project. Soon it will be all organized and effecient!

Ladd lost his job at the end of the year. Seems the company is clearing out people that have been working in his position long enough to get a few small raises. (.28 a year max.) He was not the only one. The scuttlebutt is that they are cleaning out those folks and bringing in new ones for a lot less $ to do their jobs. I know the patients will sorely miss Ladd, he is very kind, gentle, and always had a joke for them to brighten up their days.

We have talked it over and it is a good thing. He was tired of not being recognized for his good work and the $.26 to $.28 a year raise is not a good incentive to stay. He is acting much happier since he has been home. He has been applying for jobs since that time but it's a rough market out there.

We are updating some of the features in the house. I know it's a new house but little items like towel rods, shower doors, back splash, and of course we will paint each room as we go through it and update it. First we are doing the master bathroom. Replacing the comode, the towel rods and eventually the shower door, then painting. The builders use contractors paint and it does not wash well, rubs off on contact etc. When we moved in I had lost my job and so there was not the $ to paint or change things prior to our moving in.

Can't wait for things to come together!

Here They Come!

2008-12-23T04:01:00.000-08:00

I can't wait! The new dining table will arrive today and I can't wait! Did I say that already? This morning I have a dentist appointment for cleaning and then I wait for the delivery guys to call 30 min. prior to delivery.

Another item I am having delivered is a chaise for the master bedroom. It's darker than I would have wanted; they don't seem to make many of those any more and Sofa Express went out of business before I could afford the one I wanted. Now Aspen and I can play battling tanks or whatever it is we play and not have to bring in an extra chair for him. Actually he has been claiming my nice straight back chair lately and I have to get the 'extra' chair.

Since I took the day off to await those items, I should be able to finish my gift wrapping, and maybe even clean the carpet in the study. Ladd's so funny he says, wow the carpet looks new everywhere we cleaned. He would tell me this past year and even last year he was cleaning the carpet but he was only using canned cleaner and I figured we would have to replace the carpet since it was not getting clean with that nice cleaner we have, silly me.

I like a quiet day at home by myself once in a while. I guess there are those that have quiet days all the time and wish for company.

Happy Winter!

2008-12-22T12:34:00.000-08:00

Last week I was sick and out of work for two days. I am gradually picking up my energy but it knocked me down pretty good. I was going to do my Christmas wrapping last Tuesday and Wednesday and ship the package to Kimberly and Co. Needless to say I did not get any of that done. I tried to work on Christmas cards Saturday but my energy level was still down.

Ladd's work has an annual Christmas party and we always go, picking up a co-worker, Beth on the way there. She is fun! We arrived and the employees are given a numbered ticket to pick up a gift of their choice as the numbers are drawn out of a container and called out. Ladd did well again this year, he picked up a Hamilton Beach slow cooker. This one is not crockery.

Two years ago, Ladd and Beth were down to the line with a cruise and she beat him out at the end.

I don't agree with work parties inviting the children of employees to come too. I believe the children of this day and age have plenty of parties, toys etc. This party had children and there were at least two announcements telling people to keep their kids in order. The children just made noise and were running around so the party wasn't really fun for the adult workers. I don't mind the families having a summer picnic with the children attending, they can run outside and burn off all that engery and the adults can talk to one another.

Sunday I met with my friend Mary for our Christmas lunch and little gift exchange. It was very windy and cold out. We met in Waynesville like we did last year, but since it was so cold and windy we did not walk around the shops. We stayed in the cafe and enjoyed each other's company. I am blessed by her everytime we are together. God is good to me!

While I was out Ladd moved the small furniture out of the master bedroom so I would clean the carpet. When I arrived home it was out and stuff was on my bed and I was exhausted. I took a nap on the couch before I could clean the carpet. After that I made pizza and of course I never wrapped any presents.

I hope to wrap presents this evening after I get home from work. I'm going to put on some wonderful Christmas music and just wrap/wrap/wrap!

Monday, Monday

2008-12-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

I love the weekends! This weekend was a busy one, we had two dinner parties on Saturday. Dad was up early because he was going to work a half day, I was up early because I had plans to make fudge, cookies, clean the carpet in the great room, drive to Lima to pick up a present from my brother Chuck. Of course I was trying to get too much into one day. I did get the great room cleaned, but it took me 20 to 30 min. just to move the couch out of that room. It is VERY heavy, and I can't use my left leg much so it was a real challenge.

I was looking for my 8" x 8" pan to make the fudge in, and I could not find it in my cupboard. I turn to Dad and tell him I can't find it...he says, I don't have it. Then I describe it to him and he says, well maybe I do have it. I'll go get it and wash it so you can use it. (at that time I have no idea what it was used for and I don't want any part of it). I said, no that's okay, I'll just go buy a new one later.

I bought a metal one, so maybe it won't end up down stairs in his room.

The drive to Lima/Harrod/LaFayette was nice, it was a pretty day out. I spent some time with Chuck and Jill, then headed back home after buying a new pan. We hurried and left for the first dinner party. It was good food, lots of turkey. I had made some chocolate fudge with nuts, for the hostess. She loves Chocolate! Then home to move the furniture back into the great room, and then off to the Christmas party at my job. It was fun, and I was glad Dad had an opportunity to meet my co-workers. They had roast beef, roast pork, corn, a nice potato casserole, yummy rolls with fresh strawberry jam. I could only eat the potato casserole, and rolls. I did have a molasses cookie, it was delicious! We watched Santa pass presents to the children/grandchildren of the employees. Then we went home, we were tired.

Sunday we were going to clean the carpet in the sitting room. Those rooms look great. I can't wait to clean the master bedroom!

She Sells Seashells by the Seashore

2008-12-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

Last week I went to a furniture store to browse during my lunch time. The lady there was very helpful and we discussed the styles of furniture I liked. She went to a catalog and showed me some of the cottage and coastal/cottage styles and they are exactly what I have been looking at. I have already ordered a counter height table and chairs (they are in the inset picture on the page.) So I have been perusing the net for some other furniture to match, still not knowing in what colors or theme I wanted to decorate the kitchen.

Sunday afternoon I decided to complete my Christmas shopping. I just need to pick up a few more items for my grandsons; and some blankets needed replacing. I was in Kohl's looking around the housewares area, everything was marked down. I found some neat coasters made from tiles and then the idea struck me how I wanted to decorate the kitchen. They were either solid blue/teal or tan/sand and had an impression of a shell. I called Ladd and asked him to measure the area above the sink backsplash. We have been trying to decide what tiles to put there. The idea struck me that I wanted to use those tile coasters. So I put them in my cart. On the same shelves were some dishes that went with the tiles. I needed some new dishes too. So I decided to price them via the pillar with the scanner. They were originally $9.99 a plate and were clearanced to $1.19. So I bought up enough of almost everything to create a new set of dishes. Then I went to the placemats and napkins area, found some nice placemats that coordinated with them. Everything is colored 'sky'.

The dinner and luncheon plates are shaped like shells, salad plates like starfish, called Shoreline. The dishes are so neat.

Boy did I get side tracked from my Christmas shopping!

Thank You !

2008-11-25T09:04:00.000-08:00

I have been ordering several items from the internet; they are coming to the house in those brown soft pack envelopes. I just tear them open, not paying attention to the from portion on them. Imagine my surprise when I opened one and found a sweet thank-you note and a heart shaped tea infuser inside. Thank you so much! I have been wanting one of those, what a thoughtful gift.

Marvelous Monday

2008-11-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

It's a rainy Monday and it makes me sleepy. I would love to be curled up with a book or wrapped in a quilt and watching an old black and white movie.

My car had an indicator light on the dash but I did not know what it meant, so I called the dealer and he said it meant that my tires were very low. I had that happen before and there is a place where a read out would show up and it told me my tires where low. Maybe that warning indication system has a back up. I went to the gas station to put air in my tires in the rain, and I am thankful I wore a jacket today.

I've done some of my Christmas shopping, but I still have more to do. I love going out and finding what I want for someone and then finding it at a great sale price! ! My neighbor Pat had her husband put all their decorations up yesterday, since they will be out of town for Thanksgiving. She said she bought almost all new ones, and does that every couple of years. It's a nice display, pleasant to look at this year. I don't know if Dad is going to put up any lights this year or not. I really would just like to have some red and green spot lights on the front of the house, or maybe a silouette of the nativity on the house.

Tomorrow I will go to David's and get my hair trimmed etc. This last time he did not cover my gray like all the other times. Maybe he used another type of coloring agent. Non-the-less I got to see if I have many gray hairs and really I don't have as many as I figured, but that will change as time goes on.

I am thinking about putting the turkey breast in a brine this year and see how that tastes. I would make a mild one, maybe with some brown sugar. It's supposed to make the turkey more moist. Sounds like a neat idea to me.

The cardinal still comes to the sliding doors around 10 a.m. I found that out two Saturdays ago, when I was home sitting on the sofa. I heard the pecking/tapping noise and turned to look and there he was. He is very flighty and every time I have tried to take his picture doing the pecking trick he flies away. We figure he sees his reflection and thinks he's making a new friend. Wonder if there is a way I can rig a camera up to take a picture of him.

Thankful Thursday

2008-11-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

Every morning I wake up and thank God for so many blessings He has given me. I know God has allowed me one more day here on earth. He has given me grace to endure having continued pain in my jaw.

I am thankful for my sister in law finding a job close to home, and she gets to work days!

I am thankful for the job I have and the wonderful, caring people that are here to help me along my way.

I am thankful for my husband, he provides home and hearth, and an always friend.

I am thankful for my children, for the love they give others and for the insight they are always ready to give me.

I am thankful for being in the United States of America.

Work and Stuff

2008-11-05T03:03:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday we spent 2 hours voting. Dad and I met a couple in front of us in line that are going to Hillside Chapel. They are a few years older than we are, he's retired and moved from Strongville, Ohio to be close to his two sons, and their grandsons.

I've been getting up eariler and showering first. It always has worked better that way. I did that all the time I was at MetLife. This way I don't have to worry about rushing around to leave for work.

Work is great, I have been busy this week. Last week not a lot for me to do but the person that gives me most work to do was out all that week ill. I like to go out for lunch once a week, and am going to be doing that and gathering information about restaurants so we will have a binder that has pictures, menus, directions and a map. If we are going to be training people there, then we need to have that information at hand for the people that are going to be training.

I finally have a printer there too. Nothing fancy but it works fine.

Dad is going to try and work Saturdays again. He would have Friday and Sunday off and work Saturday to get some extra money

Simple Woman's Daybook Monday October 27, 2008

2008-10-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Outside my window... it's chilly out, overcast and about 41 degrees.

I am thinking... I am glad the Browns wonder yesterday!

I am thankful for... so much to be thankful for; my job, the nice route to work is mainly country roads.

From the kitchen... watching the new plant grow, it has a little bud or something growing on it.

I am wearing... brown slacks, boots, tank top, patterned jacket, mainly light green, with browns and other greens.

I am reading... Einstein

I am hoping... to have a good paycheck this time.(I worked over some)

I am creating... almost finished with the powerpoint presentation.

Around the house... Dad has a new plant. I gave him his Christmas present early. A tropical plant ZZ - Zamioculcas Zamiifolia Lovely plant.

One of my favorite things... the smell of Autumn.

A few plans for the rest of the week... nothing big going on other than Satuday Mary Johnson is coming over and I'm taking her to lunch for her birthday, 3 months late. I didn't have any money then so she has been kind in waiting. A small Cafe in New Carlisle.

Diane and Her Family

2008-10-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

This morning I was up at 5:00 and went into work early. We were having a meeting with an outside source to help us brainstorm about what how the web will work for us. I arrived when it was still dark and set up the meeting table, did some of my other projects and then we had a meeting.

I have two big projects and another impending one to have finished soon. I like them all but it's tedious work and that makes my eyes tired. I took my helicopter and flew it during part of my lunch. I don't ever want to stop taking a lunch.

Yesterday I was planning on going to the mall near Springfield, but saw a blimp and decided to follow it until I caught up and could read what it said on the side. I could tell it had Snoopy on it, so I knew it was a MetLife Blimp but it wasn't the usual wording. I also noticed it was flying very low to the ground. The trees are all turning and it's lovely out there driving. On the way back to the office I spotted a little ice cream place on the corner and went to get something sweet. I had a Pumpkin Pie Cyclone. I really only ate 1/3 of it and am saving the rest for another day. It was so cute, they put whipped cream, and then some caramel topping and on top it all they put a mellocreme pumpkin. Yum!

Today I just took off driving and had my friend Diane on the phone. She is blind or at least legally blind but has not been certified as such. She went to her eye doctor today and he told her that her vision was 20/200. He didn't know the steps she needed to take to be certified as legally blind. Good Will is helping her with some tools to use in the kitchen. They also are going to help her with a magnifying tool to help her read. I can't imagine what she is going through. She has a new grandson, first grand child and she has not seen him. He lives in North Carolina with Jimmy and his wife. He sent her pictures and she can enlarge them on the computer so she can see what Sam looks like.

Grandma Johnson:
JOHNSON, Kathleen M. age 89, of Springboro, formerly of Dayton, passed away Friday October 3, 2008. Mrs. Johnson was a graduate of the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing and was a parishioner of St. Mary Church. She was a registered nurse and worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital for many years. Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence in 1989. She is survived by three daughters, Jackie Weidner (Mike), Diane Potter, Lauren Sweet (Del); two sons, Terry Johnson (Judy), Larry Johnson (Gerri); ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty Werner; and many friends.

I did not get to attend the funeral but I sent Diane a very nice card.

Dad's home so it's time to eat, and I am starving!

Steak and baked sweet potatoes.

Flying

2008-10-09T03:28:00.000-07:00

I love to fly RC airplanes and did a lot of flying this Summer when I was off work. I flew my super Cub some but a friend has a glider type plane that I flew a lot. It would be so far away, but I could fly for a long time because I could dead-stick while it caught thermals, lazing around in the air.

I had some small planes and even a little PTU http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HBZ9000.

I have been wanting something I could fly indoors but most of the little guys aren't made well enough to last or their response is not accurate. So sell those planes and wait for something new to come along.

Something came along Tuesday, it's called a Vapor and is for indoor flight.

Yesterday morning I was so excited at the prospect of flying it at work in the training area, I got up at 5 to be at work by 7:30. I had fun trying it out, and at lunch time I flew it some more and am starting to get the hang of manuvering it. Even if a person has flown small planes previously, every plane is different, and needs some adjustment for the pilot. I am up early again and can't wait to fly at work again this morning.

No one is there at 7:30 but one or two other people, so I have plenty of solitude to fly this wonderful little plane. Maybe later this Winter when they have indoor flight on Sunday nights in Springboro I can go there once or twice and fly my new little plane.

Soon I may get the indoor heli that is supposed to be just as easy to fly and I could fly it at home.

Homemade Bread

2008-10-07T01:09:00.000-07:00

I used to have migraines when I was a teenager at home. I never figured it out, could have been stress from a controlling parent, they both smoked could have been that too. I just know that after I was married and I moved out, I didn't have them any more. Only on occassion have I had one since.

Yesterday I spoke with my lawyer and agreed on a settlement the attorney general had offered. It's not what the lawyer wanted for me, he knows I'm always in pain, always hurting and he thinks they should give me more money to compensate. But can you really compensate for pain, for the depression of being fired after a physical injury? Money doesn't change the results of the fall. I just wanted to be compensated for the job loss and financial burden resulting from that.

I haven't baked bread in about 3 weeks, we found one at the grocery that is tasty but Dad says he misses my homemade bread. That brings to mind another incident.

The mail pharmacy changes our prescription often. It that maybe there is always another company creating another generic that costs less. My Flonase has been one such prescription. The last flonase change effected my ability to smell. I could not smell my homemade bread, even if I went outside and returned. I could not smell it. I have always had an acute ability to smell, so this change has frustrated me. I called the doctor's office and the nurse said it should not do that, that the formulas are exactly the same. I tried one of Dad's that was the old kind and my sense of smelling came back. Don't know why but I can't wait to bake bread again.

We have some butternut squash so I am going to make some soup to freeze for the winter. Yum!

Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-10-06T03:51:00.000-07:00

Outside my window....the neighbor's lights are on; post and garage and lighting up the otherwise dark area.

I'm thinking of... so much going on this week, and it's just starting today.

I'm thankful for... having the job I have, the way things are working out there.

From the kitchen.... I just prepared a egg sandwich for breakfast, and assembled my lunch after making a little salad to take along.

I am wearing... a lavendar stripped robe.

I am creating... at work I'm creating a skit for one of the engineers to have for a program when he and the others on the board leave after their 4 year term.

I am going... to court again Wednesday for a mediation if they don't settle before.

I'm am reading...still reading Eldest

I am hoping... I don't have to go to court Wednesday.

I am hearing... sounds of Ladd as he prepares to leave for work.

Around the house.... I have decorating to do with the Fall and Halloween stuff we have accumulated over the years.

One of my favorite things... a good night's sleep.

A few plans for the rest of the week.... working, not going to mediation, start riding my bike on the trainer, hopefully attending a trainshow this weekend.

Photo thought I'm sharing... nothing today

Thankful Thursday

2008-10-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

On the way to work I was praising and thanking God for:

-Beautiful weather
-My family and the times we have to share with one another
-The awesome job He gave me
-Freedom from depression
-My iPod
-God's peace
-Wonderful co-workers

My Claim to Fame

2008-10-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some links to the DVD that has my picture in the front:

http://www.neffvideo.com/

http://www.greenfrog.com/RailsCincinnati_BluRay.shtml

October 1

2008-10-02T00:37:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's Thursday already. Last night I made the decision that I can't do the growth group thing. I just like to be home evenings after working all day. I have tons of work to do to keep things the way I feel comfortable with them.

Job is going great, just one little snag that will work out as time goes on. I'm busy doing a lot of little jobs that weren't done by the admin two years ago. Some admins don't like doing those menial chores. At least they think of them as menial. I think it takes skill to do them well.

This company is gearing up to start training at the facility and I'm helping them organize their closets, old files and doing things in a more efficient manner. You know how I love to be organized.

It is a struggle for me sometimes when people are giving me instructions and I di exactly as they say, but it turns out I didn't do what they wanted. I'm very literal, maybe I should say extreemly. Tina asked me to complete a proposal for one of the engineers and she said, I need a black and white copy to be filed in the project folders. Well I figured that meant someone needed a color copy. So I made two. What she meant to say was, print one copy out in grayscale for the file drawer. I've taught both my children to be literal, only because it's how I was taught. My dad was my instructor. He would tell me to do things and he would be exacting in his instructions.

Case in point: He would send me upstairs to his side of the dresser to fetch something. His instructions would be as such: Go upstairs to our bedroom, as you face our dresser, on the right hand side, the middle of the three drawers, pull it open a little past the center and there in the right rear under my hankies is a box. Bring that box to me, after you carefully replace the hankies to their rightful position, close the drawer quietly, turn off the light as you leave the room and don't run down the stairs.

In their closet, it was a precursor to a walk-in closets today. They had a light that had a pull string and attached to that pull string was this squishy feeling frog. You had to pull on the frog to turn on the light. That was funny. One could go into the closet but not far, one side was his and the other side was Mom's. He would say, open the door to the closet, and remember that knob doesn't catch like it should so you will have to turn it around almost full circle. My side of the closet is on the right. On the shelf above the hanging clothes are several boxes. The one I want is on the left, in the back. Lift it carefully, trying not to disturb anything else in the area, but replace anything you do move right back to where it was. (I believe there was a little step there too, you know like a booster) He would say..put the step back under the clothing, carefully so your Mom doesn't trip on it when she goes in there. Open the box and there is a reel of film, take out the one that has such and such date, put the box on the dresser, on the right side, make sure you've closed the lid to it. Turn off the light in the closet, close the door and bring down the reel to me here in the living room.

So you see where I get how I am about instructions. I believe my father was a natural teacher. You never had any questions when he was done telling you how to do something. He was deliberate and precise. Never condescending.

My Daddy's birthday was last month, September 20. I smiled as I thought of him. How he loved his family. How we were his pride and joy, everyone of us. He would tell people all about his 7 children with pride. I wish my children could have gotten to know him. At least they got to know Mom before she passed away.

Yes I'm up early, I didn't like the chicken in the meal I made, but Dad loved it. So I just ate some rice. I woke up starving and now I'm eating some leftover broccoli to keep me until 7:00 a.m.

Today, Thursday, is going to be another busy day. I am going to try and get out of here around 15 min. early. I want to pick up some flowers for Tina. She has been struggling and yesterday was her 1 year anniversary working at STE. I hope they have some Dutch Iris at Kroger's. She loves the color purple and those are close to purple.

Yesterday I received a call from Walgreens telling me I won their montly drawing. I told them it has been two months since I'd been in there, (Dad didn't get his full retirement pay so things were slim pickins in Sept). She said, it's okay we keep names in the basket for several months. I figured it would be full of cosmetics they couldn't sell. But it was a very nice basket, with seasonal towel, potholder, and some little pumpkin salt and pepper shakers, (my mom would have loved them). A little scarecrow doing something, several samples of different creams, and samples of men's cologne. A neat candle holder with an orange candle in it. All in very neat rectangluar basket, a very nice gift. I bought some little scarecrow items for the gals at work to put in their desks. I try to be fair in my dealings with people at work.

I am going back to bed, I can at least get another hour of sleep. It's 46 degrees. I love that weather, Dad is freezing.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-09-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Outside my window....... this morning the sun was a HUGE red ball. I watched in my rear view mirror some on my way to work. I wish I could have taken the time to take a picture of it.

I'm thinking of my sister and my brother.... Milly is going through a lot her daughter recuperating from a stroke and her general health issues. My brother Chuck has been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis I've read all about it and I'm praying for him and his wife Jill.

I'm thankful for.... my daughter's family even if I don't get to see them in person all the time. I can feel their love in their written words.

From the kitchen..... I am contemplating a square counter height table here in the kitchen, so it won't take up so much room.

I am wearing.... black slacks, a black sleeveless mock neck and a dark teal shirt, with my beads from India. I touch the special beads for each grandson and think of them and say a prayer for them.

I'm reading ... Eldest the last part so I can start the newest book, "Brisingr"

I'm creating .... a plan for grocery shopping for next month.

I'm hearing.... raindrops against the window of the study.

Around the house... I just have lots of laundry to do, it seems that way most the time.

Photo thought I'm sharing... this is my picture that was published on the front of our friends latest train DVD. I'm proud of it.

Ramblings

2008-09-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year. It's almost time for the leaves to change colors, the nights are cooler as are the early mornings. My drive to work is nice, lots of fog as I go into Medway. It clears up as I travel northwards. I've been trying different roads and changing the scenery for my drive both to work and home. I like that change. I've been venturing out at lunch time, I have an hour, I am seeking out parks around to have my quiet time.

Tonight I will be helping Dad with his never ending two tests that he struggles with. He has to know the answers, I only put in the answers, since he really doesn't like the business end of the computer. He only likes playing games and looking up sailboats. If he doesn't pass this time he will have to take a class at the home office. Next year they will do the training as before, in a classroom setting. He does so much better there.

I'm learning more and more about my job and the company I'm working for. It's fascinating to learn new ways and new information.

Last night was my first night at the small group I am joining. I already like all the people in it. We either meet at Cinda and Mike's house or the other leaders home. Cinda and Mike only live about .5 miles from our house. We are studying the book The Pursuit of Holiness. I've studied that book before with Jayne and the Crisis Pregnacy Center. I can't wait to get my book so I can catch up. I purchased the workbook last night and they will bring the book next week.

Janet Carlson, married to Gordon Carlson, widow of Mr. P and her husband Gordon were there, their first night too. It's funny to hear someone say, Janet and Gordon. LOL I was Janet Gordon. I'm glad she is happy and Gordon seems to be too.

I've been trying to ride my bike after work and have not been able to yet this week. I hope to do that tonight before Dad comes home and we have to take the tests. Tuesday night I was ready to go and Erik and Aspen were there when I got home. They ended up staying for supper, such as it was, we had steak. I made a spinach salad, baked sliced potatoes and Harvard beets. I discovered Aspen loves hardboiled eggs, at least sliced ones. He gobbled them up and said, 'those are Mmmm'. He had already eaten two containers of Gerbers baby food. He likes those rectangular containers of fruit and I keep them on hand for him.

For lunch I find that if I have a cup of soup and a sandwich, it stays with me longer than other foods. I like the organic roasted red pepper and tomato & the butternut squash flavors. I like to put curry powder in the squash soup. Yummm

I'm looking forward to a nice weekend, I may even go out railfanning and take some pictures. Who knows maybe I'll be published again!

For Today September 22

2008-09-22T03:17:00.000-07:00

Outside my window... I'm seeing the neighbors truck with a glowing blue light on the dash seems to light up the entire interior of his truck.

I'm thinking of... how this week is much calmer than last week, and I should get in a full weeks work.

I am thankful for ... my friends doing well this weekend at their train shows.

From the kitchen... soon breakfast and preparing my lunch.

I am wearing . . . my after shower shift.

I am creating . . . new labels at work for the huge project filing drawers.

I am going . . . to the new small group this Wednesday.

I am reading . . . the Bible.

I am hoping . . . the weather stays clear this weekend.

I am hearing . . . the buzzing sound in my ears when my allergies are bad.

Around the house . . . straightening the spare bedroom from last week.

One of my favorite things . . . Autumn, the smells, the leaves, the flowers etc.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . making birthday cards, I'm behind on some, (so embarrassing), and going railfanning this Saturday.

Simple Woman

2008-09-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

Outside my window... the sun is shining and a cat that looks like Pumpkin has made claim of our not yet filled pond.

I am thinking..... about how wonderful it is to have my grandson near so we can visit.

I am thankful.... for being able to serve my daughter's inlaws as they are enduring the effects of Ike.

From the Kitchen... doing dishes after having a nice Birthday dinner party.

I am wearing.... Black slacks, burnt orange tank top with a designed black jacket.

I am creating.... several recipe books with my printed out recipes, page protectors and binders.

I am going... to a train show this weekend.

I am reading.... about Managed Fall Protection Safety.

I am hoping... for a good settlement to happen tomorrow at mediation.

I am hearing.... The London SO play Holst 'The Planets'

Around the house.... it's time to change the a/c temp to something a little warmer.

One of my favorite things....riding my bicycle.

A few plans for the rest of the week.... being with Kiel for his birthday, going out for supper, playing Ninetendo, shopping for birthday presents.

Busy Day

2008-09-14T05:43:00.001-07:00

Whew! Saturday was a very busy day for me. I usually don't schedule much for the weekends so I can have time to catch my breath after working all week. But this Saturday was the exception. I started off by printing the booklets and covers I created for the Garden Club. Then I took them to Kinko's to have them cut and hopefully stapled. I did have the covers cut but I needed to reprint one page of the contents so they would line up correctly.

After that I quick trip to David to have my hair done. I was at least 2 weeks late getting it trimmed. Actually I trimmed my bangs myself and liked them better! After 1.25 hours there, I zoomed to Xenia to see a gal I had worked with at MetLife. She is in a recovery program and wanted to know that I supported her. I had been witnessing to her and several other 40 something women whilst we worked there. There are three young women that I am still on contact with, I love how God uses me.

She is doing great and volunteered to attend this 90 recovery program. She told me prior to her entering the program that she would never drink again and how God saved her when she was 20 min. from dying. God is awesome.

After that I went to a small grocery I had been curious about in Xenia, Groceryland. Nice little store and when they have sales the items are really good sale prices. Home again to take a little nap. Then up to make supper, I made two meatloafs, one to freeze for later. Watched an episode of Rawhide and then went to my room to watch part of a movie on TV.

Metro Parks Comes Through

2008-09-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Mrs. B,
I wanted to update you on our progress. Last week I had three new signs made that read Caution shared roadway ahead. We placed one sign 50 feet in each direction from the intersection of the shared drive to allert bicycle and pedestrian traffic. We also placed one on the drive to allert vehicular trafficand removed a great deal of brush to allow for better sight clearence at the intersection. Today we will be mowing some of the tall grasses at the southernmost intersection to insure propper sight clearence.
I would like to once again thank you for letting us know about this incident. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do in the future to improve your MetroParks experience.

Have a great day!

Chris
Assistant Park Manager
Five Rivers MetroParks

My Response

2008-09-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Chris:

Thank you for your prompt response to my note.

I have been looking on the map and I believe there is an access road from Little York Road to some homes where the bike trail combines with it.

I went back to that area on Sunday and I can tell there are the bollards keeping cars from the bike trail, but the bike trail and the access road share the trail. . . could it be Anglers Lane? There is no posting for bikes to stop and going north on the trail you have to make a right turn on to the lane. The area is blocked by bushes so one can't see if there are vehicles until you're on the trail itself. No posted signs for cyclist to be careful of the traffic, and I did not see any posting for the traffic to beware of the possibility of approaching bike trail traffic.

The vehicle was a white SUV and I believe the car behind it was either silver or white. I did not look at either one since I was trying to keep from falling off the edge or the side part that is grassy. I would have ended up under the SUV. Ouch!

Thanks for looking into this matter.

Sincerely,

Jan B

The Metro Parks Reply

2008-09-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Mrs B,
First ,I would like to give my sincere appology for your experience on the bikeway. The section of the bikeway that you are speaking of is not designed to have any veheicle traffic on it. We have bollards in place to stop traffic at each possible vehicle entrance. Unfortunately people often find ways to break the rules. It would be very helpful if you could give me a description of the vehicles that you witnessed( color,Make model. This afternoon I will go out to the trail and check that all of our ballards are in place and will look at the signage that is in place. Please get back to me with the descriptions of the vehicles as soon as possible. Please include time of day and any other information that may help. I will e-mail again this afternoon after I visit the site. Finally, I would like to thank you for this report. We at Five Rivers work very hard to ensure the safety of our visitors. It is important that we hear reports like this to help us adress problems that arise.

I will be in touch

Chris P
Assistant Park Manager
Five Rivers MetroParks

Letter to the Metro Parks

2008-09-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

August 27, 2008

Dear Sir or Madame:

Today I was riding my bike along the Taylorsville/Tadmore trail, traveling north. After going under I-70 there was a jog in the trail and I turned left, and came directly upon an SUV, followed by an automobile, my friend was following behind me and thought for sure I would be hit and dragged under the SUV. The SUV had oversize mirrors and causing me to veer off the paved area and travel on the grassy, stony side off the path. If I were to guess I would say it was traveling faster than 20 mph. There was no sign to indicate that I needed to heed approaching motor vehicle traffic, and the view was blocked so I could not see if there were any vehicles driving on what I figured out later to be an access road. I also looked and there didn't seem to be any caution signs for the motor vehicles to help them remember that non-motor traffic would share the 'road' with them.

There is no indication on the map that I can see of a road that could be hazardous. I would like to suggest posting a sign for cyclist/walkers etc. that there could be a danger and to look and yield to motor vehicles along that area. And a sign or posting for the vehicles indicating driving slower, and tooting their horn since the area is a blind. I'm still shaking from my close call.

Sincerely,

Jan B

SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAYBOOK

2008-09-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

The Simple Woman

FOR TODAY Monday September 8, 2008
Outside My Window... are stars in the sky, the moon is shrouded in a haze

I am thinking... of how nice it was of my daughter to invite me to share here.

I am thankful for...my family, my job and for my friends

From the kitchen... I can look out and see the birds on the feeder

I am wearing... a comfortable sundress I made to wear around the house

I am creating... just finished creating a card for my friend's birthday

I am going... to ride my bike after work tomorrow for 45 min.

I am reading... several books

I am hoping... the mediation takes place next week and things go as desired

I am hearing... Simple Gifts from the TV in the other room

Around the house... things are needing attention, I'll attend to them tomorrow One of my favorite things... my bed cover, makes it so comforting to crawl under.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Working on the program book for the garden club, fixing food for the month, shredding cheese, making stuffed shells, browning sausage and ground meat for the rest of the months meals and freezing it. Spending time with friends.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

A double rainbow as seen from my driveway, reminds me of that day and traveling

Trailer Hitch

2008-09-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

I've been cycling in the neighborhood most the summer but wanted to start back riding on the trails. You'll remember I used to ride 13 miles an evening after work and then at least 25 on Saturday. It is my desire to get back in that mode once again.

I have been putting my bike in my trunk with much struggle, even Dad said it was terrible to try and put it in the trunk. So time for a trailer hitch to put my Thule bike carrier into. I called around and received some quotes but one that lived near me was a man who was a small business person. I am always trying to support them when cost effective. He said he would order it, and call me when it was in and come to my home and install it.

What a deal, he didn't even want $ down so he could order it, unlike that well known hauling rental place. It came in this last Tuesday and he said he could install it Wednesday morning, coming to my work to do that. I was amazed and said sure. True to his word he called, I gave him directions and he was here in 20 min. installed the hitch and put my carrier in it, adjusted it and gave me an extra clip incase I needed it later on. He said to give him a call in 2 weeks and he'd re-tighten the hitch, since they seem to need that adjustment after being on the vehicle a bit.

This evening I'm going to ride the trail after work. I won't be doing 13 miles just yet.. (I did 14 on Sunday but had Monday to rest up from that trek). Since Dad my come home prior to my arrival, I got up a little earlier and prepared dinner so he can just heat it up.

Bicycling on Tuesday

2008-09-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

I just love cycling on my bike. I rode with some friends on Tuesday after work. I met them in Springfield and we rode on various sections of the bike trail. It meanders around a lot and we figured out where to park and what way to go and be on the old railroad.

After we rode we went to Mike and Rosy's Deli. (Rosy is not a woman rather was a nic for one of the former owners) What a great sandwich, I had turkey on dark rye with provolone, lettuce and tomato. They steam the sandwich right before serving and it's on a hoagie shape bun. YUM! ! I could not eat it all and took the other half to work for lunch.

Groceries

2008-09-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

Since we get paid once a month, and live 20 min. from my favorite grocery. Dad wants me to shop only once a month. Last night I went shopping right after work. I had a couple stops to make prior to Cub Foods but arrived there at 6:20 p.m. I think next time I'm going to bring him along.

I packed the cart and made it to the check out by 8:00. I bring my own carrying bags (5). I didn't have enough of those so I used the plastic ones, only because they have handles. I arrived home at 8:45; I had already called Dad and told him I was not going to feel like cooking and asked him what he wanted. He said he'd deal with it when I arrived home.

After he unloaded the car and put away the parishables he said, well I'll be back. He usually goes to bed at 9:30, so I had to inquire what did he mean by that. He said he had to go get his brother out.. apparently Mike had been driving without a license and was put in jail. I went to bed at my normal 10:30 and he was not home yet. This morning he said he didn't get home until 11:30, poor guy.

Poor Dad

2008-08-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Everyone that works for EMT needs to pass tests so the company can be certified. Ladd has so much trouble with reading text, scenarios and powerpoint presentations and then answering questions that are not worded the same as the work he just studied. It's like it's a trick to keep him from passing.

He said that he read everything today twice and he wanted me to read the powerpoint slides and help him answer the questions. We missed one too many to pass. I didn't realize at the time there was text and scenarios.

Tomorrow we will take another test but I'll read aloud every portion so he can remember them. He's an intelligent man, it's just that he's very auditory and I'm very visual, we make a good team. So this should work for him.

I hope he passes this portion and then we just have to do the earlier test again, with my reading every thing to him, text etc. he should be able to pass with out much trouble.

My Job

2008-08-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful surprise I had when I arrived at my new job and found they had flowers and a gift for me. I felt so welcomed and already a part of the team. Yesterday, today and next Tuesday I will be interviewing aka debriefing with other members of the team, to learn their role, and what their needs would be of my position. I'm also gathering data to develop a staff directory.

I can't wait to meet the other people and really start contributing to the team.

I brought my flowers home for the weekend, and will post a pic of them later. It is my intention to have flowers at my desk every week.

Tina is one of the administrative assistants, I will be taking on some of her tasks so she can embrace new ones. She introduced herself as a graduate from Cedarville 20 years ago, who home educated her children, and because of other statements she made. I realized she was a believer.

She then told me of the work she and others were doing for Impact World Tour. www.impactworldtour.com I realized that the company was run by Christians. God is awesome!