Friday, February 29, 2008

life is similar to a swing

In the past couple of days I've been all the way from excessively painful medical tests, and still not knowing any results, to the anticipation Sunday of my wonderful little choir singing the offertory at 10:30. I like the singing part best - duhhh. when I started this little choir, I had visions of older children - you know, like 2nd grade up - little people who could really read words on paper. When I had a children's choir about 20 years ago, that's what we did, and we did some wonderful work!. What showed up this time was two first graders, who yes, can read; two kindergartners who no, cannot and a two year old who shows up when the spirit moves him. Tomorrrow we are singing "If I were a Butterfly" In their enthusiasm for the movements, they often forget to sing, so I am constantly hissing at them "LOUDER". It works for about two lines, then I have to hiss again. Next month we are doing the "Peter and John went to Pray" song, in which, with the amount of walking and leaping going on, I may have to get louder than a hiss. It is really a glorious time, and we always have a lesson beforehand to be sure they know what and to whom they are singing. These kids amaze me. I do know that their parents are committed Christians and that they all attend Christian schools, but so far they have only had trouble with one of my questions and we all learned some new things as we discussed it. Too bad all children can't grow in such an environment. Now we need a few who don't know so much so my children can go to work on them.

Symphony tomorow night, if I feel well enough to go. A famous guitarist is playing - I am being enticed.

Life is really a feast.......in spite of mean medical tests.....

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

and how do we spend our time???

Well, if you are retired and don't really Have to do anything, (even though there are many things that should be done), I have a doozy. Put 'pipes' on your screen saver and sit and count how many colors you can find before the picture changes yet again. Keep looking!n you might belucky and find 5! It takes a simple mind to find fun in this, but you just might try it. Who knows - you too can be simpleminded. Hee, hee, hee!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

another week.....

Time does keep marching on. I finally decided to go to the doctor and see if my odd chest pains were heart related. They aren't, apparently , but lots of other things are being checked out, so I implore your prayers that whatever is amiss will be healed.

Now, onward. Our Sunday school class is studying the Thirty Nine Articles found in the prayer book. Put into reasonable modern English these are fascinating, and sometimes very, very difficult. As we were working this morning, I was reminded of a situation I was in once upon a time. I was at St. Francis, College Station, with my daughter who was a communicant there. We were having a noon prayer service with Fr. Jeff and the comment from the Bible that came up was that when Jesus comes, if the people don't bow down and acclaim Him, even the trees and the rocks or stones will bow down. Fr. Jeff then said that while no one could imagine that, everyone would bow. I stopped him and told him I could see it perfectly and asked him if he didn't see the rocks and trees bowing. He looked at me and said "Well, but you're a mystic" and just went on with the service. Over the years I have pondered this 'mystic' thing. What does it mean to be a mystic, and am I really one? I can easily 'see' all the strange things mentioned in the Bible, - they are just pictures in my head. I get strange looks, occasionally from others when I say this.
My question is, do any of you see things like this in your heads? Can you visualize the trees and rocks bowing to Jesus? Please let me know - then I will know just how weird I am. Or not.
Onward and upward............

another week.....

another week.....

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Such Excitement!

Not yesterday - that was definitely not exciting, although I managed to walk 2 -6plexes and back, and that, two different times. Once I was delivering something, but it was walking anyway!

Today was something else. We started off by going to Mertzon to the great and wonderful spelling bee! I was the pronouncer and Dad and Nancy did checking. Nancy had the unpleasant duty of ringing the bell and saying "That's incorrect, I'm sorry". Glad I didn't have to do that. It was all the more exciting since both Spencer and Mally won for their grades. For the grand finale, Mally (4th) and their very good friend Hank (5th) were the finalists. It went on and on, with almost a conclusion, but then more had to be spelled and the tension was so thick you could almost see it. Loving them both made it hard to even give them their words, but the result was that Mally won for the school for the second year in a row. Now she goes to Angelo for the area bee. If she had lost, I planned to offer the rest of the family sanctuary here for the night. She is not the most gracious loser. After the bee, Nance took us to Rico's for a Mexican lunch. Much fun.
This afternoon was not enjoyable. A couple of weeks ago, middle of the night, I had a most horrible pain and truly thought I was finally dying. It passed, and while I wondered about it, I let it be, till I realized it might have been a heart attack. So off I go the good Dr. Untalan this afternoon, who is doing multi tests, but has pretty well ruled out a heart attack. There are several other candidates for the event, we just have to find out what it was. Many tests await. Let's all pray it was indigestion - agreed? As an aside, I have left behind a horrified X-ray tech because I told him I was hoping to climb a tree, soon. I don't see why this upsets people.

After all that excitement, I needed a trip to the library, where this time, I took a while selecting books. Last time it was all fast and I came home with some terrible ones. I did read Whitley Streiber's 2012. The back of the book calls it paranoid fiction. I call it totally and utterly and completely psychotic fiction in every aspect. His first books were pretty good fantasy - this was more than a bit much. Needless to say, I don't recommend it as a read. I have, however, come across a mention of a book called Mystics of the Church by Evelyn Underhill. Anyone read it? Any reactions?

By tonight I was asleep in my chair when church time rolled around, so we just stayed put. Tomorrow I interview for the newsletter. Some days are more fun than others - this one was mixed. Tomorrow will be something new and probably fun. Bye......

Monday, February 18, 2008

I did it this time!

I stretched and I walked and walked this afternoon. That sounds like a long way, but it isn't, yet. We live in everything from duplexes to 8 plexes. I've managed the 6 plex a few times, but went 8 today and then some and it really felt good. That's hard for me to believe, being a couch potato at heart, but I'm off and moving!. Thanks to Presbyterial gal, elastigirl and Cathy as well as MB for your encouragement. Now that I know somebody is watching, I'll have more motivation.

I do the interviewing of all the new residents in our community, and at 2 per month, I am a bit behind. My write-ups are due the 20th so I'd better get cracking on this group. I'll start tomorrow. I am very much a last minute person - under pressure I perform well - otherwise I just "think about things."

I was invited to a group dinner tonight and plan to go next month. When our church separated, they had a women's book study going, and since we all lost friends, we just meet and eat and catch up on each other. I love it. I've really missed some of these women. We work together on Meals for the Elderly and other things, but this is for fun.

Are any of you DOK? I had a nice note from Joan Dalrymple today and she promises me she is holding up just fine and for us all to keep praying. That is what we do best, after all.

Cathy, St. Teresa is the home of my heart, but I don't know if we'll make it this year. If not, next year Mary Beth and I will 'runoft' and stay at Cousin Grace's house for several days. Maybe even this fall. I really, really need some mullet roe, fried, with some grits, and mullet only do the roe thingy in the fall. Anybody revolted yet?

I've been writing a bit also. I hope to have a short piece to submit to some Texas magazine. Who knows? Also planning to take a water color class this spring. Just wait! You too can retire and play some day.....

Blessings to all, MJ

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Lazy Sunday

Ho, hum, another lazy day. I had to roll out before I was ready this a.m. for church, and almost decided to miss Sunday School for some more zzzzz's, but at the last minute, went on with Dad. Surely glad I did. The adult class I teach has been blended with a special Lenten study led by the rector, and it is wonderful..... whatever this man says, I need to hear it whenever possible. I haven't every heard such pertinent teachings.

My trip to the doctor on Friday was not. He canceled as he had some special surgery to do and I am moved to next Friday. I'm ready to get something done about all this, so let's hope nothing messes up next week for him.

We went to both kid's basketball games yesterday. Spencer's game was pretty even, altho the kids on the other team didn't follow the rules which is a real bummer. Mally's team was seriously outplayed - bigger kids, more training, better teamwork, etc. Mally was not happy, but they will just work harder. One more week of this, then basketball doesn't happen again till next year. I enjoy watching it, tho I get a bit crosseyed trying to follow these little people up and down the court. Nancy coaches from the stands at the top of her lungs. Scooter won't even sit near her. I don't really think the children can hear her, but maybe they can. Anyway she enjoys telling them all what to do. Too bad we can't clone her a couple of times so she can get all she needs to do done. She does so many things so well!

PEO meeting this week and I'll just have to see if I can manage to get there. No worries if I don't. Between us, George and I are the delight of the public library. We boost their circulation to an incredible high, and they even carry my new books to the car for me, smiling all the while. Lovely people.

The walking is not doing well, so once again into the fray and off I go for a short walk this afternoon ( I seriously hope I do this). Cross your fingers.

More from Casa Butler later.....

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Hello New Day!

This has to be the day! I tried to go walking with MB and Dad while she was here and discovered that everything actually works except for a group of hip muscles clustered around the prostheses. So MB and Sarah gave me some hip exercises and I am off and walking every day for as long as those muscles work. Hopefully, longer each day--yes, yes! Work, muscle, work!

Dad is off to the kidney specialist. Usually they test him and tell him to go home, come back in six months. We'll plan on that this time. Friday I see the urologist and he had just better solve this problem, or else! I am past being tired of it.......

This weekend we have a conflict again. We are supposed to go to a PEO BIL party (greek to you? - not to worry) 5-7. Unfortunately, grands are doing the basketball thing again during that time. Whoever schedules these games is doubtlessly schizophrenic. Or maybe they just put a schedule out and stick pins in it with a blindfold on.

Big birthday dinner (an every month occasion around here) for RCW tomorrow night. Too bad the ptb's have just decided to have choir practice ever other Thursday night, beginning this one. I am 76 and I keep working on how to be in two places at once. Somehow I don't think there is a way, there is only a choice.

I know you are panting to know how the walking goes, so stay tuned!.

Mom/MJ

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Prayer Time, Please

Three concerns loom large for me this night. I enlist your prayers for these three folks, who all are in need of physical healing"

Junior Carrillo - Junior is the much loved foreman at the Bill Scott ranch, out from Mertzon. He is having problems with not enough blood reaching his brain, his heart is also affected and as yet no one knows what is going on. His doctor wants him in the hospital, but he refuses. It is almost anticlimactic to say he also has a shoulder separation which will have to be repaired. I think in addition to healing we need to pray for a willingness to go to hospital. I know this is frightening for some folks - I have spent so much time in them that it doesn't bother me, but Junior is on the other side of this. We all love this gentle man and his family really needs him.

Second, Harrris Wooldridge - for some, you will remember Sally Williams and her daughter Laura English. Harris is Laura and Hollis' son and Sally's grandson. He has had both legs torn up as well as a fractured elbow in an explosion in Iraq. His glasses were knocked off in the blast and his vision is blurry. He has been brought back to a hospital in Georgia and his parents are there. Please pray for this young man who has been so hurt in the defense of our country. '

And third, our own Ernie Beckwith, who developed bacterial pneumonia just after gall bladder surgery. Ernie is diabetic, which complicates matters. A gentle man, and we'd like to keep him with us for a bit longer.

Many thanks for your prayers for these people. I am always amazed by how our God answers prayer. Sometimes it is in ways we had never imagined, but He is in control of all three of these people, as He is of all of us.

Blessings, MJ

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Sunday 10th

2-10
We've had a splendid visit with Mary Beth, (daughter #3) from Denton, and were lucky enough to have her for two and a half days. We did go to see grandkids (niece and nephew for her) play basketball. Very exciting and noisy. Also had lunch with some of the Scott family, so that was another reunion. We spent a large amount of time whipping this computer and printer back into shape so it is again usable. Thanks be for offspring who know their way around electronic things.

We also spent much time knitting and during my perusal of one of her books, I found this quote that I want to share - "I think that knitting is one way to address and even protest many of the problems that plague our culture....Knitting deepens connections between generations, slaps our shallow consumer values in the face and creates a meaningful gift that defies dollars and cents.
(Chris Carusi in The Knitting Way) Nice, isn't it? The more I engage in handwork the more mellowed I get. Always a good thing.

Church this morning was glorious as always. What a blessing to have a place where we are all in harmony with one another and all devoted to the same pursuit. God is good. All the time.

Looking forward to another week. More, as the spirit moves.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Something new

Which book do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews?
Dean Koontz. Dean Koontz and Patricia Cornwell. Torture and terror I do absolutely not need.!

If you could bring three characters to life for a social event (afternoon tea, a night of clubbing, perhaps a world cruise), who would they be and what would the event be?

I think we would have an all day picnic,by the beach with all sorts of good things to eat and drink and munchies OTA. My guests would be Madeleine L'Engel, Tom Tallis and Professor Dumbledore, and would just wander from subject to subject as we felt. I'm ready right now!


(Borrowing shamelessly from the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde): you are told you can't die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for awhile, eventually you realise it's past time to die. Which book would you expect to get you a nice grave? The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I have not read it and have a most peculiar aversion to even giving it house room. Unreasonable, yes. but what am I going to do?


As an addition to the last question, has there been a book that you really thought you had read, only to realise when you read a review about it/go to 'reread' it that you haven't? Which book?
I can't remember this ever happening to me.

You've been appointed Book Advisor to a VIP (who's not a big reader). What's the first book you'd recommend and why? (if you feel like you'd have to know the person, go ahead of personalise the VIP)
The Chronicles of Narnia as well as the Treehouse books. Narnia because these books are as nearly perfect as I can imagine and Treehouse because they fascinate children and encourage them to read. A good goal.

A good fairy comes and grants you one wish: you will have perfect reading comprehension in the foreign language of your choice. Which language do you go with? No contest: Spanish. I have always wanted to be fluent in French, even spent my lab sessions in language classes in college (for Spanish) listening to the French lesson. No comprehension, you see, just a language washing over me. But, living where I do, Spanish is becoming a necessity. We continue to consider a special course in this.

A mischievious fairy comes and says that you must choose one book that you will reread once a year for the rest of your life (you can read other books as well). Which book would you pick?Walking on Water, a reflection on faith and art by Madeleine L'Engle

I know that the book blogging community, and its various challenges, have pushed my reading borders. What's one bookish thing you 'discovered' from book blogging (maybe a new genre, or author, or new appreciation for cover art-anything)?

I haven't been book blogging, but look forward to this.

That good fairy is back for one final visit. Now, she's granting you your dream library! Describe it. Is everything leatherbound? Is it full of first edition hardcovers? Pristine trade paperbacks? Perhaps a few favourite authors have inscribed their works? Go ahead-let your imagination run free.

I'd love a library with the rolling ladder along the shelves...to easily get to those less-accessed items without dragging out the stepladder. Also want several big squshy chairs for sitting and a couple of recliners. Books to the ceiling, but not the floor. Too hard to reach. A good combination of well made hardbacks and some paperbacks also for reading on days when it is hard to hold up a big, heavy book. Books sorted by area not by author or title or all that. For instance, all the religion books in one place, ditto for fantasy and sci fi, also mysteries, etc.
I need quiet unless I want soft music. No phone, please. No one is to bother me.

Something new

Now I know how to access this blog and write in it, I am off and running! Get ready, friends.