2011 – A New Start

 

A new year,

we should  strive to make the

best of what happens each day.

Enjoy all the people in your life!

 

Ending and Beginning

This is the end of 2009 - been a good year - ending the year with Leon recovering from the surgery. The last six weeks have been quite a challenge for both of us. Patience sometimes ran thin for both of us. Our love for each other has persevered and brought us to this ending of the year.

The calendar for 2010 now is filled with lots of empty spaces - but they will be filled as we go along - may all these days be filled with something that is pleasing to the Lord as that is how I wish to live my life.

Here are some pictures taken Christmas Day.



HAPPY

NEW YEAR


Amelia

In Memory

Eight years ago...everything changed in the USA as we once knew it.

Let us remember those who lost loved ones...pray for all people involved in this horrible chapter of history...also that our present government will keep us safe so those that hate us will never ever have the chance to repeat this tragedy.

People, I challenge you to turn back to God. As a nation our morals have gone astray - leading us down a destructive path.

No, I am not saying our ways caused 9-11, however bad the blowing up of the towers were...Hell is much worse!

This coming Sunday, please go to the church of your choice that preaches that Jesus is the only path to Heaven.

Amelia

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2009

Celebrate this wonderful day in a very patriotic way...fly "Old Glory", eat, and watch fireworks!

Weight --- Plus or Minus

The temperature was a wonderful 82 degrees. Sun was shining wonderfully. Yes, the wind was blowing hard - but then again we always have wind in Oklahoma....sometimes more, sometimes less.

Had some yard work I wanted to do...so decided good time to put on shorts...start working on getting rid of those lily white legs...not that I get very dark - but more than what I have now.

Went to the closet...attempted to try on a pair of shorts...no way, Jose, did they fit. Tried on a second pair - finally got them fastened..wore them about three minutes and decided there was no way I could lean over to do any work in them...they were standing shorts only.

Put on a third pair...some better - much better if I did not fasten the button.

Well, I suppose this means either dieting (which I hate) or buying some new shorts. Probably purchasing new ones will be the easiest...just hate the thought I have to go a larger size - and I mean larger. Never was one of those dainty little women - weighed 9 1/2 pounds when I was born and have always been a bit on the hefty (yet curvy) side.

In discussing this with sweet husband he calmly said. "Well, no more stops by Sonic on the way home from church."

Do you suppose he means I had better diet instead of buying new shorts?

The Reason

He is truly the reason...the best gift anyone can recieve is their salvation.

Merry Christmas to all my blogging friends around the world.

Do you suppose...

Do you suppose that I could convince my sweet husband to share the garage for awhile.

My thought is to bring all the Christmas decorating stuff from the storage shed and put in the garage. Go through it at my leisure and sort what I want to use...what I want to get rid of...what to just throw away.

I could make my arrangements - or least part of them - I know some have to be made in the location they are to remain. Adjust the branches on the tree...see which decorations need to have the lights replaced and the list goes on and on .

Then when Thanksgiving is over - I can pack up all my fall decorations - put them in the storage shed.

Then move the completed (or almost completed) Christmas things in the house.

This thought just came to me...so will have to figure out how to implement "thought to actuality".

November 4, 2008

This is probably the most important thing I will do today. We are so fortunate to live in a country where we can vote for our choice of the candidates. I am a Republican and voted that way. If you choose to vote for the other candidates that is your privilege. That is one of the many reasons I feel is so wonderful about our United States of America. We must put our political differences aside and work for the good of all of us. Many years ago, even before Jesus was on this earth, Aesop spoke "United we stand, divided we fall". That adage is as true today as it was in 500 BC. As Christians we must go the extra mile - if necessary - to unite our people. That does not mean we have to accept rules or policies that are against our beliefs - but see if there is not another solution or idea with which we can live.

If you read this post before you vote - take a period of time and really think through the platforms and promises of each of the candidates...also ask God to lead you in the proper choice.

"GOD BLESS THE USA"

Cancer

This month brings about memories. The scarecrow part is the autumn season . cool nights with warm pleasant days. The fall decorating - inside and out - is fun

The pink part of this whimiscal lady is that October is "Breast Cancer Awareness Month". The color of pink has been associated with breast cancer for some time now.

I have had breast cancer two times...yes in both breasts - but at different times. The times were many years ago..so long ago that I can hardly remember the dates. The occurences were about 7 years apart .But the main part is that I am a survivor - God is good. Both times were when I was single - as far as being married was concerned - but had a circle of caring family and friends. My church family certainly helped carry much of the burden with me.

Both times I was able to keep my breasts - yes scarred - but intact. Nor did I have to endure the rigors of chemo...just had the daily doses of radiation for weeks.

My place of employment was fantastic to me both times...first time my radiation treatment was a 8:00 in the morning...was in a car pool with another woman...she would leave me at the hospital and take the car (hers or mine) on to her work...when I was thru my company would send someone to pick me up. My company was about 3 miles from the hospital.

The second time around - I would drive to the hospital - take my treatment - come back to work and continue the day. Neither time was I ever charged for the time off. Also on the second time around our company insurance was not quite as good - but the company paid for all the expenses I was charged for that was not paid for by the insurance company. Oft times it is great to work for a small company where you are "some one" and not just a "employee number".

One thing (aside from prayer) that helped me through this difficult period was to tell people about my problem... . like if you had a mountain of sand in your yard that needed to be moved .... but you gave a grain of sand to each friend as they came along...all of you together could move this mountain. To me this meant each person could carry a small bit of my burden and together we would whip this problem. It worked for me.

Today, I felt like I needed to share this.

May God bless you .

A New Start

Seems like it has been weeks and weeks since I started a quilt...but I have about reached the point where it is time to start one.

I knew the next one I made would be in shades of blue and not a real "Girlie" looking pattern as this quilt would be for Leon's youngest son. When I asked him about making one his only request was blue preferably...could be green...since I have been working on lots of greens...I opted for the blue idea.

I saw this pinwheel pattern the other day and decided it would be the one. In making this sample I about decided I did not want to do this pattern....so many places that had to make sharp point. Then I had a talk with myself ...you know we all talk to ourselves from time to time.

Me: It is too hard...

Self: No, it isn't...

Me: Well, maybe make a quilt with 9 blocks.

Self: That would be too small...son is a big guy.

Me: Oh, okay make it with 30 blocks and several rows of borders.

Self: That sounds like a winner. Besides how are you going to improve your ability unless you practice on new patterns.

After this conversation - guess what I will be doing for the next few weeks when I have the time.

Yes, I will be in the sewing room - cutting, sewing and pressing - using this pinwheel pattern.

With the temps being so warm I will be spending more time in the house than in the yard. I checked the thermometer outside a while ago and it was 110. That is too hot to be working in the flowers or in the vegetable garden.

Around the World Award

This award is to be awarded to 5 of our favorite blogs we read on a daily basis. Reading so many each day it is hard to select my very favorite ones. Since all of the ones I read seem like family it was difficult. If you are not on this list that does not mean you are not a daily read.

This came to me from Kristie who lives in Kentucky with her husband, two boys and a variety of animals on their farm. She is a wonderful quilter and willing to take on any pattern that comes her way. Since she sent this award to me I can not include her in my favorites - but she definitely is that.

Here are my five:

Amanda - lives in the United Kingdom. Her blog shows parts of her country that many of us will never see. She would make a great tour guide. Guess what, she is also a quilter.

Hazel- makes Canada her home. Frequently she crosses the border to the USA and gives us a general idea as to how the price of things cost in Canada as to what the cost is in the USA.

One of her hobbies is doing outstanding quilting.

Norma-lives in Arizona now after living all over everywhere when her husband was in the military. She writes about her grandchildren, crocheting rugs, quilting and numerous other things.

BJ- Is a Texan living in Lubbock. She has lots of ideas about decorating with out spending too much money. She loves a good shopping spree at the local Goodwill Store.

Janera -also a west Texan. Her Christian outlook on life is always inspiring. Her profession is teaching which lends a slant to her blog.

Each of these people oft times makes me laugh, sometimes cry, but most of all they would be welcome in my home because I feel they are like sisters.

Back once more

I have decided to add the music back to my posting.

I feel these postings reflect each individual's personality...so I will be selecting music that I like...some will be old songs, some will be religous songs and others will be what ever strikes me at the time.

Monday - Memorial Day

Really, this day has progressed much like any other day.

I put flowers on the graves last Thursday while I was in town. Going to Mother and Daddy's graves is hard to bear...I don't have any regrets about the relationship we had...just that I miss them and wish I could converse with them as to how my life is now. Plus tell them how much I appreciate all they taught me and what all hard work they endured to make life somewhat easier than they had when they were growing up. We never had a lot of money during my childhood...Daddy was a farmer worker..not for himself...but the other guy. When Mother went to work at Sylvania things were better. There was always love abounding from them. Church was always part of our life style.

Well, so much for my thinking of the past...lets talk about the present

As I said today has been nothing outstanding. I did some laundry, shampooed some of the carpets in the heavily traveled areas. cut out a skirt and jacket in sage green, made a batch of cookies (choc. with choc. chips and pecans) and of course took my afternoon nap. Leon went over to a church member's house to do some tractor and other work. This man is having some serious health issues and can't do any manual labor so Leon is doing what he can. The tie rod on the tractor went "south" so that means we will have to replace it. Dollar wise, don't have any idea how much we will be out...but nothing is cheap anymore...so just might as well get ready for the shock.

Also cooked...but that is to be expected. We had fried okra, briskit, and baked beans...boy, did it all ever taste good.

Even though this is a holiday...won't be seeing any of the kids...Holly and her family are in New Mexico visiting Tony's Dad...Larry/Melissa are in Branson just kicking back and relaxing plus taking in some of the local sights ...the other two kids I suppose are doing their own thing.

It is late in the afternoon now...I think I will do hand quilting on the Grandmother's fan quilt.

MEME TAG

Norma at Random Stitches asked if I would come along on this MEME tag adventure. It is always interesting to know more about the people whose blogs we read on a regular basis. Each of us have probably formed an idea as to the personality of this person and their likes and dislikes, so this tag will give us more data to complete some of the missing parts.

Here goes with the 5 questions:

1. What was I doing 10 years ago:

Working as an office manager for a company in Oklahoma City. We had offices in Tulsa and Springfield, MO. Since I had been with the company from the time it had been started I was the "go to" person for many, many things.

2. 5 things that were on my to-do list today:

Laundy, ironing, helping Leon trim some tree limbs, cook, and go to prayer meeting at church. I accomplished three of the 5. We enlarged a flower bed and drove over to Norman and bought a bunch more flowers.

3. Snacks I enjoy:

Too many (if you took a look at my rounding torso- but I am healthy - do not take any medicine at all). Back to the question, cookies are my very favorite dessert. Also enjoy Buttered Pecan Ice Cream. I am a very big fan of Diet Dr. Pepper (with no ice) for my drink of choice.

4. Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

It would really depend on how I became this billionaire...if I had worked for it would be one thing ...but if some one passed away and gave me the money would be something else. Giving my tithe to the church would be foremost....helping family by paying off their homes and perhaps buying them an automobile. I am a huge fan for Habitat for Humanity and they would get a favorable donation. Past these things, I don't know. I don't care anything about doing a lot of traveling...furs and jewels are certainly not me. Oh, I know...I would have fresh flowers everyday...a different kind each day...a different color each day...do you see that I enjoy flowers.

5. Places I have lived:

I was born about 15 miles from where I presently live here in Oklahoma. Did spend a couple of years in Loveland, Colorado when I was 6-7 years old. The rest of my life I have lived around this area within a 50 miles radius .

In reviewing these answers - guess I lead a boring life by some peoples standards. But, you know what? I am happy! I have a man who loves me and spoils me beyond all...so what more could I ask for.

If any of you readers are interested in playing in this tag match...come on and give us answers to the 5 questions.

Needed - special bug killer

My closets have been attacked by some kind of bug that is making my clothes shrink. This nasty bug has been at this deed for about two or more years now. It seems like each time I try something on I can tell the bug has been at it again.

Yes, my weight has grown. But, my body is changing its shape. It is taking on the dimensions of an old lady - rounded in most of the wrong places - like waist and hips. My once flat stomach is rounded like I am carrying around a small melon.

Do I really want to go on a strict diet - "NO" I enjoy cooking and eating what I cook. Also at my age - losing 10 pounds would require 6 months of dieting...now tell me (you women of my age group) how many of you want to diet for 6 months. I know I don't.

So what did I do....I cleared out the closet of the clothes that are too tight . I am freeing up those hangers for some new clothes. I discussed this with my sweet man (who told me yesterday to get me some "fat lady" clothes). Of course, he was teasing me as I am not that big. He said go shopping and get what ever you need or want.

Now here is the kicker, I hate to shop for clothes. I detest most of the styles that are available now. In my eyes, the designs are for the younger generation (not that they look that great even on them). Nor do I want some "granny" looking garment. Yes, I am in the granny and great-granny age bracket as I am nearing the 7th decade era - well in the three years.

I suppose I could just stick to jeans and shirts - those I can find that I like. However, I would like several nice pants with matching/coordinating jacket. I wear pants to church as I get so cold - regardless of the time of the year. Also would like one dress or suit - for that once in awhile I would need it.

So if you are out shopping and you see a lady with blond hair, muttering to her self, in the size 16 area be nice to her ...because that could be me!

Classified - Real Estate

Cabins for Sale:

Your choice of 36 just completed cabins. They are nestled in the pines - far away - from noise and fast paced way of life. They are very simple in design - yet they are complete in every way. These, one of a kind, cabins were made from the left over pieces of previous ventures - which just adds to their appeal. Please note that all materials have been designed in the horizontal placement to give the affect of logs.

Offers will be accepted by any means: e-mail, postal, or telephone.

Or if you wish, you can just come over, sit down and drink a soft drink or coffee, and then we can discuss the finer details. So much for sales pitch. I have just completed the piecing of my "Cabins in the Pines" quilt. It has been made from scraps and certainly has that scrappy look. No pattern on the cabins - just cut some strips, sew them together, then cut off what was excess. So if you are looking for perfection in these blocks, don't waste your time. This was a fun - let it rip - type making of a quilt. I believe every quilter needs one like this from time to time. Enjoy the process, don't make a job out of it. At least that is my way of thinking at this point in my life. Being retired and at my age I want to enjoy everything. During my working years I experienced enough pressure - so now I want to relax and enjoy what God has allowed me to have.

I put this quilt out on the grass in the back yard late yesterday afternoon - was in the shade- so colors do not show up as well as they really are. However, the colors on both the cabins and the trees are in an "old fabric" look. The background colors are in the beige/tan family.

The hand quilting on this is way down the road. I have two others ahead of it - plus I am working on one now.

Now that warmer weather is almost here I will not be posting much of anything about quilting. I will be doing my hand quilting at night - but during the day I will be spending much of it working in the flowers and vegetables.

One year of Retirement

Leon has been retired one year now. It seems like the time has just flown by in nothing flat.

His routine is about the same each day. He gets up early - somewhere between 5 and 6:30 - drinks his coffee and reads the Bible and the newspaper.

Then he goes to the garage or out in the yard - depending on the weather and the time of the year. He has been building different things with the landscape timber recently so he is spending alot of time in the garage. Now that warmer weather is just around the corner, he will be working in the yard or the vegetable garden.

Noon time - lunch - which is our main meal of the day.

Then most afternoons he naps for a while.

After nap time - sometimes he goes back out to piddle around. Other days, he watches television.

Night time - watch televsion - snooze in the recliner -snack. Then in bed by 10:00.

Now this schedule is not set in stone by any means. There are days he goes fishing, trips into Lowe's or what ever may take priority that particular day.

I can say with all my heart that I have enjoyed his being home very, very much. He has not got in my way of doing anything I wanted to do...if you know what I mean. There are times I drop what I am doing (never anything very important anyway) to go with him. We had spent so much time apart during the first 9 years of our marriage we certainly enjoy each others company!

I pray the Lord will grant us many more years to enjoy our retirement together!

Easter

This wall hanging is the only item I have put out for Easter decorating in the house this year. Easter will be celebrated by going to church - but we do that every Sunday. So that is not anything any different. All the kids, etc have their own plans. We may go out to eat - just have not decided yet.

What ever your plans are - I pray Church is one of them - remember the reason we are celebrating this day. I serve a living God!

Tagged -

Norma, one of my fellow bloggers in Arizona asked if I would follow through with this tag. It is a way of getting to know people better by knowing some interesting tidbits of info about them.

I live a very normal life, pretty dull ( by some people's standards) at times - but you know what....I am very happy. In fact. Leon and I were discussing happiness tonight and we both said how happy we are at this point in our lives.

So here goes with the answers to these questions...


1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Yes, Amelia Earhart, probably the most famous female pilot. Mother thought about naming me Matilda Etoy...who was our preacher's wife...I am glad she chose Amelia.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?About 6 weeks ago.


3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No. It is practically impossible to read. I can write fair but just don't take the time to do it.


4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Pastrami

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Gave birth to one - a daughter. However, I consider Leon's children as my own also. In that department , one daughter and two sons. We have grandchildren and great grandchildren.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes, I like people.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ? Yes, who doesn't?

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? I suppose so...never had them removed,

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?Absolutely not. I am afraid of heights. I feel like being scared is not my way of having fun. I don't like ferris wheels, roller coasters or any ride in that category.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Rice Krispies

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?Sometimes, if I don't when I take them off...I will untie them before putting them on again.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Certainly, I was single for nearly 14 years before my marriage to Leon. Being single and rearing a child (without child support) is no walk in the park!

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Buttered pecan.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Truthfully, their hair.

15. RED OR PINK? Red!!!

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I am starting to get some wrinkles - but at 67 - that is a natural process....also my weight...but I don't want to start a strict diet either.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?My Mother - she was killed in a car wreck one foggy morning on her way to the hospital (she was a nurse). I was in my early 20's and yet there are times when I still miss her immensely!

18.WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?.It is late - I have already taken my bath so I am in my gown and fuzzy house shoes.

19 WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? corn chip

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?No music or TV...just the normal noises in the house.

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?Blue - perhaps, or maybe red.

22. FAVORITE SMELLS?Fresh bread baking in the over...the yeasty smell is wonderful!

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Oldest son

24. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? by all means it is football...I enjoy college and professional. But only like it on the TV...the announcers tell me all that is going on...as I don't fully understand all the ins and outs of the game.

25. HAIR COLOR?My hair is frosted - naturally a dark brown with some gray. I have been wearing it blond for many, many years and will keep it that way as long as I can afford to have it done.

26. EYE COLOR?blue

27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? I wear glasses and have since the 5th grade.

28. FAVORITE FOOD?Everything...can't you tell from my size.

29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Definitely, happy endings.

30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?Some of the Hallmark movies at Christmas on the Hallmark channel.


31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?My gown is pink.

32. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer...that way I can be outside and not stuck in the house all the time. I can take the heat but not the cold.


33. HUGS OR KISSES? both...I am a hugger by nature...but I certainly enjoy my husbands smooches on a daily basis.

34. FAVORITE DESSERT?Home made cookies

35. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?. The only book I read is the Bible. However, I do read magazines practically every night before going to sleep.

36. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSEPAD? A picture of one of the grandchildren.

37. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? John and Kate plus 8--and Big World, Little People.

38. FAVORITE SOUND? A baby cooing

39. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? I don't like either group. Growing up in the 50's I like old rock and roll - when the English invasion hit..I started listening to country.

40. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?I have been to California and Oregon on the West Coast...and New Jersey on the East coast.

41. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?I am a pretty good cook..other than that nothing. I can't sing or play a musical instrument.

42. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?Shawnee, Oklahoma

Well, that about sums me up in these 42 questions and answers.

A Perk in Life

Getting older does have it's perks. Yes, there are things that drag us down from time to time. But speaking for myself I would not trade my life with anyone's at this time.

Being retired is such a wonderful feeling.

Oh, I worked hard and enjoyed it when I was in the working force. For the most part I was in the clerical field - did a stint in customer service - but wound up as office manager. Each day was a new challenge and it was interesting to say the least. About a year before I turned 62 my husband suggested I think about retiring. I knew I was getting ready as the drive each day was getting old. I had been doing it for many, many years and was ready to hang up the car keys. Being a hour away from work made for a long day. I would leave the house at 6:00 am and return at 6:00 pm. I got to work a hour before the office opened but then I was able to sort thru e-mails, faxes, make phone call to the east coast. etc before the office started humming with people. When I told management I was quitting the owner suggested I work part time for the last 6 weeks but was paid as if I was there full time. This way everyone would get used to me being gone and they would have to go to my replacment (or for heaven's sake make a decision on their own). All this happened 5 years ago this month.

Now for the perk as mentioned in my post title: Had to have my driver's license renewed this month. I figured since I was in town yesterday might as well go ahead and get it done. I did not have to wait too long - which that in it's self is a perk. Best part I did not have to pay anything for it. The deal is once you reach 65 the cost is zero. Last time when I had it renewed (4 years ago) the cost was half...which I thought was great. I don't know if all states are that way...but Oklahoma is!

Plus, the picture is not bad - considering!