Hey looks like I'm the first one up today. Okay that's a lie, I haven't been to bed. It is so crazy here with all the setbacks, and side effects. My Dad is still very, very unwell. It fills both my Mom's, and my, days just to do the essential things like meals, grocery shopping, walking the dog, and taking care of my Dad. We are both falling into bed at night thoughly exhausted. So this is the only way to check my e-mail, and tbd, before bed, but I am so far behind I need all night to catch up. I may regret it tomorrow, since I know it's the same grind tomorrow, non-stop 8 am to 10:30 or 11.
I hope that all of you have a great week at work, they kind where the week just seems to fly by. But in the time your not working, I want it to feel like you have all the time in the world, and that the time is spent doing joyful things. Hug a kid, if where you live there is grass, and not muck, roll down a hill, climb a tree, jump on a mattress, eat dessert first, pamper yourself for one hour, or more, read the funny papers, write a poem, read a good book, eat a good meal, laugh with a friend, do something unexpected. But most of all have a great week.
Posted: Apr 13, 08 7:08am
Good morning Gayle. What an inspirational start to the week! Be sure to take your own advice, and fit in some sort of pleasure for yourself too. Your parents are forunate to have you there to help.
Our one day of sunshine is gone and it's back to the dreary wet usual Spring weather. But we have the memories!
This morning Hubby is preaching as our new pastor is on vacation. I won't get to listen because I have Nursery time today. That's okay, he preaches at me all the time anyway =)
This afternoon we are taking Hubby's Dad and "evil" step-mother out to dinner for her birthday. We both like her a lot. I'm not sure why, but Hubby's siblings seem to hate her (she had nothing to do with the divorce 15 years ago).
I sincerely wish that everyone has a great week with sunshine along the way.
Posted: Apr 16, 08 4:30pm
Booboo!
Thanks for the great week with sunshine along the way wish!
Keeping it in my heart.
Right back atcha!
:D
Posted: Apr 13, 08 7:22am
* includes photos
Good Morning Gurls..and echoing Boo...Please find some down time for you Gayle...Being ill is not easy and neither is being a caretaker for sure..
Started my day off with beautiful sunshine and church...Alot cooler today then the last few but im not complaining its a beautiful day and im alive and healthy!!
What a glorious sound Im hearing..lawn mowers and even more glorious is im not pushing it..lolol..Cant wait to get all my yard decorations out but that will be next month when you can be outside and enjoy it more...
To everyone near and far have a beautiful, safe day and be good to you..
Pssst..Today is the first day of the rest of our lives..
Peace~
Good Morning.
Posted: Apr 13, 08 8:40am
Boy, everyone must be sleeping in today--usually there have been more here before I get here on Sunday mornings.
We are supposed to have a warm, sunny day today then it goes downhill from there for the week. So, we shall rejoice and be glad in it! I woke up to the sun shining in my eyes--I love waking up that way! I highly recommend a bedroom that faces east, opening the blinds when you go to bed and letting the sun greet you in the morning.
Gayle--you gave us a great list of things to do to enjoy the day and I hope you can find time to do some of them yourself. Even a quick walk outside will brighten your spirits.
booboo--dinner sounds like a great way to let the step-mother know someone cares. Funny how we all tend to look for a scapegoat--she must be it for your husband's family. At least she knows some of you don't feel that way.
Doreen--I agree completely about the "sounds of spring"--lawn mowers are one that is welcome after a quiet winter.
Have a beautiful Sunday!
Posted: Apr 13, 08 11:25am
oh what a beatiful sunday it is,the sun is shinning here in north carolina and the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming and the laughter of the children is just the greatest gifts from God and the fact that we have a place to write all this down to all are friends what more could a person ask for in thier life time.hope you all have a great day!!!!
Posted: Apr 13, 08 1:17pm
((((((((((((((((((((yawn)))))))))))))))))good afternoon....! Slept through morning.
Gayle thanks for those inspiring ideas (I work at that for lifes mantra) I feel for you and much care goes out to you and yours through the storm of Cancer and care taking. (((((Gayle))))
booboo, wishing you a tasty din din with hubby's dad HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HIM! And special warmness to his wife.(Life is too short for hate) Nice to hear your accepting your father in laws choice for a partner. Hello DoreenBar! Love the picture of the fairy in the cup! I agree with your comment that every day I wake up is the first day of the rest of my life....and LIFE IS SHORT ISN'T IT! But, wonderful to say the least. Seize the day! With all it's controversies. I'm a tree hugger and all Mother Earth provides. I listen to the sound of silence. That is where I find comfort, rejuvenation and peace. Invited the gang of musicians over to play some tunes and hopefully can wake up these vocals I have before they arrive. (Other wise I will have to blow in a jug or play spoons)LOL The cats purring as some harmonies and the dogs bark keeps time. (Chuckle)
Actually, I play pretty good rhythm guitar and harmonica. So it will be creative to be sure! Oops, I am rambling blame the(EXPRESSO)!!! Oh, who am I kidding I don't need to blame coffee on my ramblings...LOL! I take full responsibility for my blah blah blah! :D
(((((((((((hugs to all)))))))))))))))
Gayle, wishing you soft slippers, a lavender scented bath with lots of bubbles, a full body massage especially the feet, some chamomile tea,soft cozy comfy clothes, sunshine in your heart and wellness to your family. Kle"sunshine", I like it dark till I decide to open the curtains than (O) (O) eyes get blinded by the bliss of sun rays. But, as I said before I work at keeping the sun inside to carry me on this journey.
With care
Stages!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted: Apr 13, 08 1:46pm
I just thought of another idea, well actually I just saw a tool on the table, that let me know my Mom had been doing this, blow bubbles. My Dad teased my Mom, but I think it is fun and they are very pretty.
Posted: Apr 13, 08 4:17pm
I love the bubble idea! I gave my friend Kris a battery powered "bubble gun" for his 48th birthday. He was born with down's syndrome and is at the level of about a five year old so the bubbles were a hit. Next time I go to town I am going to pick up two more for my granddaughters that live here and two to take to the Arizona grandkids next time I can sneak away for a weekend down there. Lots of fun! Who says they are for kids!
Kites, too. When was the last time you grownups went out to fly kites? Try it! Such a great way to relieve stress.
Posted: Apr 15, 08 1:18am
KLE my kids love those bubble guns. I prefer them to squirt guns!
Just a quick peek in to make sure all is well on the thread, then back to sticking my head in the books.
Good to see so many new names/faces. I'll have to make time to read last week's thread to get to know everyone!
(((((((Miss you all))))))))
Posted: Apr 13, 08 2:07pm
Good afternoon to everyone this computer of mine has been acting up so I have been cussing and fussing with it all morning. Hope everyones day is going great
Posted: Apr 13, 08 3:07pm
wow-I'm late on a fun, busy Sun. Gayle, you are an angel, posting such fun, upbeat ideas of things to do; whilst during your difficult days; helping your mom care for your recovering dad. Is it, or was it recently,your Bday? IF so, please have a lovely one, with something as sweet as you are!
Doreen, thanks for the cute cup- angel; kle,glad you were awakened to the eastern sunshine; booboo- ch. sounded great; and din with your mom-in-law, despite some differences, is so thoughtful! Stages- enjoy making music w your voice, guitar, and friends, and patricia- hope your computer highjinks get straightened out.
Where's froggy, arky, and LanSr, and the rest of our Checkin In gang today? Maybe froggy's sipping frog juice with our big boy frog on our pond.
Cheerio,all!
Posted: Apr 13, 08 4:44pm
kle
After I posted this I went to do some catching up on threads, someone else talked about bubbles! about 3 days ago, sorry I don't remember who, or where.
southerbl
My birthday is tomorrow. Thanks so much for the good wishes.
Posted: Apr 13, 08 7:52pm
We're sure missing lots of people here today--LanSr, Pru, Bad Frog, just to list a few. Maybe they will grace us with their presence tomorrow--we can always hope!
And Happy Birthday tomorrow Gayle! I'll blow some bubbles outside with the granddaughters in your honor.
Posted: Apr 14, 08 4:58am
Good morning. Hope you all have a wonderful Monday! If you haven't done them yet, don't forget that your tax paperwork is due tomorrow if you're in the U.S.
Posted: Apr 14, 08 6:31am
Hippo Birdies Two Ewes Gayle! - on this the 30th anniversary of your 18th birthday... Clear and sunny today after frost overnight - down to 30° - b--r-r-r-r
Used the last of the hot tea this ayem for wifey's iced tea; just a few grounds for coffee, no Dr Pepper or CoCola in sight - eeek! I'm a wreck, having a caffeine-withdrawal headache (snitching a bit of iced tea and nuking it)...
What's wrong with lawyer jokes? Lawyers don't think they're funny, and nobody else seems to think that they're jokes.
A newly appointed cryptographer attends a lunch meeting with his peers, who are going around a circle telling jokes.
One of the cryptographers shouts "12", and everyone starts laughing. Another person shouts "34", which is received with more laughter.
The new cryptographer asks one of the people "Why is everyone laughing?" to which the other responds "Instead of taking the time to tell the whole joke, we just assign each joke a number and instead say that number".
When it's the new cryptographers turn, he says "-22", to which everyone bursts in laughter. One of them shouts, "I haven't heard that one before!"
Posted: Apr 14, 08 6:42am
Everybody sing along: "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday, dear Gayle, Happy Birthday to you!"
It's a beautiful, sunshiny day in the neighborhood, and I'm sending you wishes, Gayle, that your Bday will be as bright and wonderful as YOU ARE!
Posted: Apr 14, 08 9:20pm
Thanks again LanSr for the cackle! Love the pic too BIG kitty!
Posted: Apr 14, 08 8:03am
Happy Birthday Gayle!! Sending good thoughts your way. Take a little time for yourself.
We had the most fantastic weekend weather. I went nuts at the nursery and bought a van load of flowers and herbs. Got all but two planted. Played outside all weekend. Rain back today, fitting for Monday morning.
Posted: Apr 14, 08 11:14am
Another happy birthday to you, Gayle!
Getting ready for my book group meeting. It will be our first discussion, second meeting. At the lunch I had at my house last month, every last one of the 14 women seemed to be friendly, interesting, and fun. I look forward to the afternoon.
It's 79 degrees here, a little after 11 AM. Where are my sandals?!
Posted: Apr 14, 08 11:37am
* includes photos
Hello
I was locked out of this discussion all day yesterday. Have a great day.
Will catch up later. Wanted to say.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAYLE. AND MAY YOU HAVE MANY MANY MORE************GOD BLESS
Have a Happy Day
Posted: Apr 14, 08 12:28pm
Hey, Pacific Blue Eyed one, I musta Pushed on the Pull door, 'cause I missed mah Kona this ayem over ta the Chit Chat aksing for Kona and Bascy sauce (OK, our new brew AZ-TEX), and now I find you off reading at a hen party! Yeesh! (What book are y'all discussing? If you're bored, can recommend a coupla hunderd I've read this past year (some re-read) for great discussions, and a few to yawnover...
But one of the greatest books I've read recently, covers a blue-collar ironworker who gets unemployed and stuck being Mr Mom, by W Dale Cramer, called Summer of Light. Laughed and teared-up so hard during the reading of it, I'd lay down for a nap and hear my wife laughing and boo-hoo'ing in the living room (she'd filched it from my bedside table and was reading while I was sleeping)... He's just started writing (2005), and has already won 2 Christy Awards ... for Bad Ground & Levi's Will, after winning best first novel for Sutter's Cross. I've got Levi's Will on order at library.
p.s. Double-deuce wishes of Happy Birthday to Gayle...
Posted: Apr 14, 08 9:44pm
Hey, Lans... The book was Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale -- great fodder for discussion. I'll look into those books you mention, thanks. I love to read. Did you catch Russell's The Sparrow or Brooks' People of the Book?
Getting ready for tomorrow at the cafe. More AZ-Tex needs bottling...
Posted: Apr 15, 08 1:26am
Now, AZure-CAlm,
I have three new books to put on my reading list (Yippee!)... will look up availability at local liberry...
Thanks!
Posted: Apr 14, 08 11:51am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GAYLE!!
You are a genius, putting a link from the old week to the new..... I know, so many of you think "it isn't that hard to find the new thread" but when you get bogged by alerts (I really should clear some...) you don't think to go to the discussion boards enough to find it! Plus, my hubby's weekend is Wed & Thur, so starting a new week is kinda off kilter for me. My simple mind... lol
The sun is shining, birds that came home early are singing, and the yard is a jungle of thick new grass. And it's going to get thicker until the yard dries up enough to hold the weight of the lawn mower....
Gayle, voice of experience here: take some time for yourself, have your mother do the same.
I'm off to clean!!!
Posted: Apr 14, 08 12:34pm
Oh, forgot to catch the new Sunday thread. I did wish Gayle a happy birthday but today is THEE day! Happy birthday.
The temp is 44 here, and the sun is gorgeous. Shine on, checking in friends!
Posted: Apr 14, 08 12:36pm
Good morning and afternoon sorry took me so long to check in and say hi it's been a long day my oldest daughter called me from school she came home, her best friend over the weekend commited suicide, she was 18 getting ready to go to college,so this is something as a mom Im not ready for,we have cried,she doesnt understand.
Posted: Apr 14, 08 7:34pm
Patricia--what a horrible shock for your daughter and everyone acquainted with her friend. No one understands suicide--nor can we be expected to. A friend who had dealth with suicidal tendencies once told me that when a person gets to that point, they are not thinking of how their actions will affect those who love them. All they are thinking of is a way out--a way to end their emotional or physical pain. I hope that you and your daughter can find comfort in the days to come and your daughter will be able to reach out to the parents of her friend--they will need that because they are also wondering why.
Posted: Apr 14, 08 9:34pm
PatriciaWise:
May I suggest some movies that "could" be of assisitance to help deal with this time of sorrow?:
"girl interrupted" I cannot remember the actors....one is Whoopi Goldburg as the Nurse....
.....It may help your daughter????? It is set in the 60's a confusing time for many.
It deals with suicide and has awakenings and powerful messages.
Also, the movie average people or normal people with mary tyler moore,Donald Sutherland, Jud Hursh and a few other very talented actors.....also delivers a powerful message.
"I think"
Both are sensitive and well written on the subject of suicide and the getting through the storm.
(could be a group parent teen night) followed by discussion???????
I am sorry this has happened. It is sad just sad. I have been in your daughters position a few times sadly enough. Not a thing any one can do but mourn the loss. Educate on grieving process. Hang on to those who are still with us and reach out. ((((((((hugs to you and yours))))))))))Arms wide open. This is our society. Sad for all.
With much tenderness and care
Stages
Posted: Apr 14, 08 12:37pm
Singing harmony with Southerbl.......
The happy birthday song, To Gayle!!!! Forgive the muffle sound in my voice....Hard to do with cake in my mouth but I love a challenge. "Haphie wurrf way phu u, Haphie wurrf way phu u LOL *wink*
Cat and Dog will pick up the pieces that fall on the floor.
My little vacuum hoovers *hug*
Another glorious day! I will share my morning journal (if this is not allowed in this thread) please advise and I will delete this part....no worries! The idea of morning journaling is to not worry about the thought (left brain) and allow the right brain to take over what ever comes to mind. Not to worry about dotting "i" or crossing "t's" etc...
Morning, A shift from evening calm. A new day, beginning. Yesterday gone, melting within the fibers of my cellular structures story. Characters and events that will not happen again. New thought, new life, rejuvenation. Re invented everyday. Awaken the breath within searching for nothing means not longing for what is not. Accepting life and the world as it is even if in disagreement and with all it's wars and sorrow. Is is what it is and I accept this as a part of my society and humanity. I am in this world on this plain, to live, learn, love and laugh, reach out, share, not to judge. I COULD.... want, need, complain, regret, suffer more, carry baggage, gossip, self destruct, choose unhappiness, want things to be different...all these wants, needs etc, I COULD choose. Yet, I choose to be at peace with it and let go. Therefore "I think" I may be a healthier part of some solutions instead of an added statistical angry voice. I breath in the new and breath out the old. Loving the self,so I may love back, carrying no hates or anger. Freeing spiral I am with consciousness, universe some name God acceptingly so. Why not? Equal to all friend and foe. Responsible for self. Letting go of others pains yet empathizing the woes crying at times for healing of the sick. The toxic mean and full of hate individuals, know not how they arrived there. I send out positive thoughts to balance out the negative wishing they be well. Wake to a new day, a new thought, yesterday is an illusion, gone forever. Rejuvenate, celebrate, be joyful, alive, awake, calm, accepting, mindful, loving, forgiving and at peace. Love thyself, for that love will carry me through to heal others.
Stages morning journal for April 14, 2008
((((((((((Good day to all))))))))))))
May you have a day as it is this Monday!
Posted: Apr 14, 08 1:25pm
Gah 'affer'nooner" ..
I remembered to put the trash out today ..!!
There are some new pics over in the Birding Group on Froggy's BirdCam..the Robin thinks it's a Duck ..!! The Dove walks the deck rail every morning !
Took Y-von to the GP .this AM ..Humpf ..Made her tired, so she is napping all afternoon. This only happens once a year with the GP .. keeps the insurance company happy an and checks her heart out with an EKG ..
I even washed my van today .. again..had snow yesterday.
So I have morphed for awhile .. happens every spring .. Jaki did a painting spread not long ago. So my morph is in honor of HUNTER ..the carnivore
Have a great evening
Froggy
PeeEss .....MY ALERTS are working !! There was also a lot added on todays upgrade. Be sure and visit my and your, BIO for updates and more adventures.
Posted: Apr 14, 08 7:41pm
* includes photos
Hi gang! I'm baaaaccckkkk...
Just trying to rebound from a wonderful, but totally sleep-deprived four-day church retreat (actually, not a retreat) called "The Walk to Emmaus" (the Catholics call it A.C.T.S or Cursillo; others call it "Tres Dias") As part of the team that put it on (officially I was the music team leader but there was a lot of "behind the scenes" stuff I pitched in to help with). My eyelids are numb, my fingers are aching (a lot of guitar picking over the four days), but my smile is beaming because of the inspiration of the event. We did eat too much so that's why some called it the "Walk to Enormous."
Looks like some new friends have joined the merry band so welcome to you all.
Stages, Rhiannnonn (another of our resident guitar players) and I are ready to do some jamming whenever you are...
Hi Froggy... Break out the extra-crunchy, I'm having withdrawls...
Posted: Apr 14, 08 9:41pm
Oh my! Arkadash!
Froggy quick wheres the extra-crunchy???
I can tell by the look on your face your a musician! LOLOLOL
I would have figured a drummer though hehe!
Heres to pick'n and a grinn'n!
Nice to meet you and thaaaaaaaank you for the welcome in.
Posted: Apr 15, 08 4:49am
Arky ...yah mean you ate " all " the PB&J's in your back pack ?
As a teenager (yah .. I was one a long, long,long,long time ago) I went to several Southern Baptist retreats .. ( I was the mascot catholic ). These were an absolute blast .. The elders (yah ..like you) would go nuts trying to entertain us. We played the " searching for Jesus role" knowing full well this was God's joke on us for paying your dues first, play later.
After the "planned events" we would always scatter .. sometimes found, most of the time not found.
The best part though ..
- panty raid on the girls dorm
- ice cream party in the litchen at 3 Am
- skinny dipping well after adults went to bed
Worst part ..
- getting caught !!
Froggy
PeeEss .. heh Heh ..they was cool ..never told out parents
Posted: Apr 18, 08 9:35pm
Arky
Sometime ago, you and I discussed this, but you were unsure if they were same thing, and I was sure they were. So I can't remember, if you church had them, or was just starting them.
Decolores
Froggy
There would have been no funny antics like yours. It is an adults only "retreat", there's usually a man's one, and a lady's one, but they sometimes have a couple's one, and it does tire one out. I made my Anglican Cursillo, and it was one of the most, glorious 3 days, I've ever had the joy of receiving.
Posted: Apr 14, 08 7:59pm
Our 80 degree temperatures of yesterday blew away with the 50 mph gusts of today's winds. We made it to 70 today but tomorrow is supposed to be a whopping 40 if we are lucky. So unpredictable!! Kind of like life itself.
I was invited to particpate on a panel for a discussion today at Boise State during their Graduate and Undergraduate Conference where students displayed in one way or another their research or did some sort of verbal presentation. It was awesome! There were three of us on the panel--I was the "senior" member of the panel (meaning over 21) and the other two were young kids. The topic was a book titled "Deep Dark" written by Gregg Olsen about the Sunshine Mine disaster in 1972 that was the "freshmen read" for this year.
Now it is time to hit the books for a lecture in Social Welfare about the health care system in America and to read up on the Paley's design theory or Aquinas' third way that supposedly explain God's existence. "something cannot come from nothing, therefore everything had to begin someplace--something had to have set things in motion, hence there is a god." Yeah--Philosophy. Kind of takes me back to high school algebra when I sat there wondering "where am I ever going to use this in my life?"
Happy Birthday, Gayle! I hope you took a few minutes sometime during the day to pamper yourself a bit--we all deserve that but somehow it doesn't happen often enough!
Posted: Apr 14, 08 8:30pm
Wow! Small world, kle618, I lost a cousin and an uncle in the Sunshine Mine disaster and fire in '72. In 1973, when my Dad and I were operating the Nancy Lee Mine of Western MT, it was still a hot topic, so to speak, and Kellogg never recovered...
The last time I was through there was early 1999, and the Kellogg then was not the Kellog of 25+ years earlier, and I'd guess it's even further away now. It boggled my mind to see the changes. And you were a 'senior' member on the panel, just 13 (March of '72, as I remember) when it happened - that is mind boggling, too...
Philosopy study is not immediately relative, except to certain types of mind-set, I'd guess, but remember it took Marcus Aurelius until his latter years to write of his philosophy, which he'd pondered for most of his life. Much of which St Augustine based his philosophy upon. You will find it works like osmosis in the way you treat and lecture your grand and great-grand children, as you spoil them rotten. Your children will stand in awe, trembling, and wonder as to how you got so wise. There ARE benefits to philosphy, see?
Agape, dear one, and blessings upon you and yours,
moi
Posted: Apr 14, 08 9:25pm
You are right--but this is a sad subject to have in common, You are right--I was about 13 when that happened. I remember hearing about it back then but was so far removed from it by age and distance (I was in California then) that I never understood the impact until reading this book and meeting the author and three other people who were involved. Kellogg and the surrounding towns have never recovered from that incident and the impact on the families is still felt to this day. The Sunshine Mine has recently been reopened. I'm not sure how many people are employed there yet but I doubt it will ever operate at the capacity that it was before. I should send you a copy of the book--you are such an avid reader and it is one that you would relate to having been involved in mining yourself and having lost family in this disaster. What was your cousin and uncle's names? I bet they were mentioned in the book. Gregg Olsen did a fantastic job with the research and interviews and relating what happened. PM me your address and I'll send you a copy of the book.
Posted: Apr 14, 08 9:29pm
Happy Birthday Gayle hope you have had a wonderful day and many more
Posted: Apr 14, 08 9:45pm
Thank you all very much it's been a long day here as a mom they dont give you a book about what to do and say so we have cried, hugged and talked but I told her also to see a counselor at school to talk. There have been counselors there all day so again thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
Posted: Apr 14, 08 11:18pm
As a survivor of far too many suicide attempts in my own past, I've come to realize it is but a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Most of the 'issues' and pain I thought I'd escape, I don't even remember now. After my last attempt, I gave it up, it dang near killed me.
The thing I do remember is not ever thinking of the effects it would have had on those around me. I truly thought at the time I would be doing my loved ones a favor by taking myself out of the picture, and messing up their lives further.
I don't remember it as being a selfish choice, or an "I'll show you!", either. It was just at the time, it seemed like the only rational option out of the hurt, anguish, sense of self-loathing, pain - physical and psychic. After my last attempt, I was segregated in a locked room, and realized I was also locked in with my deadliest enemy, who had been out to kill me for years. It was a wake-up call....
PM me if you think I could be of any assistance in talking about it or getting through your daughter's sense of loss.
Right now, she is more numb than anything else, probably; but be forewarned there will be anger, doubt and guilt over this incident. The uppermost thing to reassure her with, is it wasn't her fault, she didn't have or was expected to have a mind-reading certification to foresee the event, her friend probably never even thought to call her or talk it out, and your daughter wasn't in any way responsible for her friend's "solution."
Again, I am sorry for your loss, PatriciaWise, and your daughter's pain. You and yours will be in my prayers,
Blessings,
moi