Saturday, August 30, 2008

Oops

Somehow I have Friday Five in there twice. Ignore, please. xxoo

Friday Five

Friday five follows:

Tell us about the worst job you ever had.

Happily, I have never had one I disliked. Have had run ins with some principals whose vision of child development is not mine, but the jobs were always good. The years at the bank were difficult since I don't as a rule, balance things. I just write 'adjusted balance in the checkbook and that suffices. Banks look with a jaundiced eye on this, so I had a lot of help here also. But good jobs. I also teach a Bible class and run a hysterical children's choir - both also jobs I love.

2. Tell us about the best job you ever had.
When I had my own private practice of Speech/Language Path. and could work with children the way I thought it should be done. Really miss that.

3. Tell us what you would do if you could do absolutely anything Read and pursue my fiber arts passion all the time.

4. Did you get a break from labor this summer?

I'm retired, so life is a break. Eat your heart out. You too will get there.

5. What will change regarding your work as summer morphs into fall? Are you anticipating or dreading?
Nothing changes but the amount of clothing I wear and whether I plant things or not. Anticipating for sure! I used to work daughter Nancy's stint at the shop in Mertzon, and that was a blast,but the store is closing, so that's out for now.

Bonus question: For the gals who are mothers, do you have an interesting story about labor and delivery (LOL)?

I do remember telling the doctor as I was preparing to deliver my first child ( after 20+ hours) that I had definitely changed my mind and was going home and we could do this another day. Each time the doctor promised me I would forget all of the labor and delivery. . By the last one, I was compelled to tell him I had forgotten nothing, but it was all worth it.

God is good, all the time.........
Posted by MJ at 7:13 PM

At last!

The computer has been down for a long time now. With Mary Beth's help on the phone she figured out how to tell me what do do to make it work. Considering that I never touched a computer until I was 64 years old, and planned never to do so, I am not so bad. My last employer sweetly explained that I must 'computer' if I wanted to work there. So I am sort of self taught with a lot of help from family.

Let's see. George fell and broke his fibula (outside bone on leg), sprained his ankle, which is healing well. I still have trouble seeing with the Sjogren's disease at work and to cap it off, I splatted myself on the floor yesterday, bleeding all over the rug and myself. I am well bandaged now and happily nothing is broken. I really need to learn to slow down and not to multitask with 3 or 4 things at once. So, from now on, I will treat myself with more respect. I hope.

We have been inundated with love and food and transportation for whatever we need by both family and our wonderful church family. This is the most loving group of Christians with whom I have ever been affiliated. They don't wait to be asked, they just show up. We are receiving 'meals for the elderly' Yes, the term offends me, but the food doesn't. It is wonderful and a real help. San Angelo is a unique city.

Friday five follows:

Tell us about the worst job you ever had.

Happily, I have never had one I disliked. Have had run ins with some principals whose vision of child development is not mine, but the jobs were always good. The years at the bank were difficult since I don't as a rule, balance things. I just write 'adjusted balance in the checkbook and that suffices. Banks look with a jaundiced eye on this, so I had a lot of help here also. But good jobs. I also teach a Bible class and run a hysterical children's choir - both also jobs I love.

2. Tell us about the best job you ever had.
When I had my own private practice of Speech/Language Path. and could work with children the way I thought it should be done. Really miss that.

3. Tell us what you would do if you could do absolutely anything Read and pursue my fiber arts passion all the time.

4. Did you get a break from labor this summer?

I'm retired, so life is a break. Eat your heart out. You too will get there.

5. What will change regarding your work as summer morphs into fall? Are you anticipating or dreading?
Nothing changes but the amount of clothing I wear and whether I plant things or not.

Bonus question: For the gals who are mothers, do you have an interesting story about labor and delivery (LOL)?

I do remember telling the doctor as I was preparing to deliver my first child that I had definitely changed my mind and was going home and we could do this another day. Each time the doctor promised me I would forget all of the labor and delivery. . By the last one, I was compelled to tell him I had forgotten nothing, but it was all worth it.

God is good, all the time.........

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Friday Five

1) Datebooks--how do you keep track of your appointments? Electronically? On paper? Month at a glance? Week at a glance?

Month at a glance and I am perpetually losing the thing and wondering what I am doing when.....

2) When was the last time you forgot an important date?

I have an unfortunate propensity for forgetting birthdays of those who are dearest to me. Apologies in advance. I manage to get some of them.

3) When was the last time you went OUT on a date?

Last anniversary - 44 years, I think.

4) Name one accessory or item of clothing you love even though it is dated.

A swishy, Loretta Young type skirt. The kind with which you make entrances. And the gypsy jewelry to go with it.

5) Dates--the fruit--can't live with 'em? Or can't live without 'em?

Dates are just ok. A few, or one at a time. Not for weight watchers.

Friday, August 22, 2008

oops,,,,,,,

Things are tough right now, but they are sure to get better!. Soon, I hope. My cataract removal in right eye is not behaving. I've been to other specialists who tell me it's ok, but it hurts, is swollen and red. In addition, DH who has been my rock, fell and sprained his ankle and broke his leg. He really has trouble getting around. We are blessed to have famly and friends who take us places and bring us food. My concern now is canceling all the things we have promised to do and finding subs. Y'all pray for us that thisis all short lived and that we can use this time of enforced rest wisely.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Rain!

It is raining again for the third day!. This is some kind of record for San Angelo. We all appreciate every drop of it. Many ranchers were strained to the breaking point trying to buy feed. The grass has greened up nicely and cattle, etc. are eating that. Fire danger is nil right now. Oh, it'll be back, but, for now what a blessed relief! God is good, always.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Update

The cataract surgery is doing much better. I have had the right lens taken out of my glasses. Of course, this means I read with my left eye only, but, whatever. Three more weeks (or so) and we do this again. I'm not allowed to drive for about 6 weeks. I think Dad is alternately pleased to have the responsibility and irritated by it. I learned in church this morning, that I know the service well enough not to have to read, and that I can actually read at a distance pretty well with no glasses.

The things which seemed unbearable, have become bearable. I'm not looking forward to doing this the second time, except that it will
even me up'. As far as color, the old color is a deep rusty orange and the new color is a light yellow. That has to translate to other colors as well. I like the new ones better.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Friday Five

For this Friday's Five, share with us five transformations that the coming fall will bring your way.

Bonus: Give us your favorite activity that is made possible by the arrival of fall.

1) I will be able to see properly when the next cataract is removed (Sept 9) and then I will feel so much better. I will trust my color sense much more when I knit my famous Joseph's coat pieces.

2) Again, when I can see properly, I can go back to serving at the altar. This is a calling I treasure.

3) I like to sit in my recliner and look at the red oak across the street which turns fiery reddish orange in the fall. It looks like a living flame and is a constant source of amazement to me.

4) I can wear my winter clothes, which I like so much more than the summer ones. Actually these will be in between clothes, since real winter is so short, but I still am sick of summer clothes.

5.I will begin teaching a church wide series on the E-100 material. We are making this intergenerational also. It consists of the 100 most important readings from the Bible (so someone says). We are to each study 4 of them per week and one will be discussed in depth. Plan to have at least 3 small groups at church and will have two evening home studies. We are pretty stoked about this.

Bonus: think I'll take a leaf from Mary Beth's book and try a cotton sweater. I have one, blue on the top, brown on the bottom, short sleeved. What makes it fun is that the brown part shows the roots of a lot of vegetables and the blue part shows that which grows above. If I can remember I'll take a photo of it and try to put it on here. I bought this one and am making another which will be better, I am sure.. For instance, my carrot will have hairy orange yarn like a real carrot. Texture is the thing here.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

bleah...

Which is just the way I feel sitting here with this swollen eye. Ok, it is some better than yesterday, but far, far from functional. I am sending Dad to the RCW dinner tonight to bring mine home to me. Don't want to go anywhere with this thing hurting and hard to see out of.

Fr. Stan just left. He knows I feel wretched, and he prayed with us. I know this will get better and I know (in my head) that I have to wait and that is still hard for me. Surely hope the other eye, next month will prove easier to live with a nd that this one starts working properly soon.

Not very cheery today, am I? Sorry about that...

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

All in one day,........

All in one day, there and back, to have a cataract removed. Happy to report that it didn't hurt, was quick and was I hope, successful.My eye has been bandaged shut all day and I have to tape a dome thingy over it at night. See the doctor in the morning for a checkup. I can see out of that eye, but it is very blurry. Patience, Lord. Hard for me, as always, but I am getting better about waiting. I can read some, see some TV and actually knit some when it is plain knitting. Most of mine is, I just use wild colors and knobbly yarns. Thank you for your prayers - I knew they were there - I could feel them surround me as well as the hands of the surgeon. God bless him also.

Monday, August 11, 2008

surgery tomorrow

I saw the opthamologist this morning and he will remove the worst cataract tomorrow about 12:30. So please be praying for me as this takes place. He gave me the usual list of what can go wrong, but I have to do this. I can't have bifocal lenses implanted as medicare won't pay for them. I'd have to come up with $4,200. For that, I really think I will be happy with reading glasses. It'll be a change not to have to wear them all the time. My color vision is so off I have actually gone out of here in pink and orange. Once outside, I can see the difference, but not by inside light
Since I am still dilated, I can't really see what I am writing, so no marks off for spelling, etc.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Friday Five

What is your sweetest summer memory from childhood? Did it involve watermelon or hand cranked ice cream? Or perhaps a teen summer romance. Which stands out for you?

Going out with daddy in his sailboat (like one he built) and spending three or four days fishing, swimming and cooking our meals on the end of Alligator Point (then a complete swamp) Bliss. We started this when I was three.

2. Describe your all time favorite piece of summer clothing. The one thing you could put on in the summer that would seem to insure a cooler, more excellent day.

Bathing suit.

3. What summer food fills your mouth with delight and whose flavor stays happily with you long after eaten?

Tomatoes from the back yard garden. Best eaten as you squat down in the garden and pick them. My father each year saved seeds from the best tomatoes of the year, and they were planted for the next year. Wish I had some of those.

4. Tell us about the summer vacation or holiday that holds your dearest memory.

When we first arrived at the beach for the summer, we (all the kids) would race down to the water and just plunge in - clothes didn't matter. It was a race down the hill. I also cherish the days of the sailboat. Loved to sail in a real blow.

5. Have you had any experience(s) this summer that has drawn you closer to God or perhaps shown you His wonder in a new way?

As I practiced my calling as a lay Eucharistic minister and went to see a dear man who just died this week. Ministering to him and to others draws me closer to God. My ministry includes singing to these folks too. I didn't think too much of it till I didn't go one week and they made George sing in my place and sent word for me to come back.

Bonus question: When it is really hot, humid and uncomfortable, what do you do to refresh and renew body and spirit?

A pool if you have one - lots of really cold iced tea. If you are daring, with real sugar, and sprawling out in front of at least one fan
.
Ok, what memories do you have of summer? Probably rendundant message - I love the beach. My beach, at St. Teresa.

Posted at 05:40 PM in Friday Five | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

Thursday, August 7, 2008

blessings

For those who asked, yes, the 'very nice girlfriend' has metamorphosed into a 'very nice wife" for John. We are glad to have her.
Nancy and crew leave tomorrow for Florida for a week. She volunteered me to do a lot of work at the shop, but apparently I am not on the schedule. I just told them to call if they need me and I will come if I'm free.
Speaking of free, this week has been so free, that nothing has gotten done. I even forgot to go to the spinners group this afternoon, and I really meant to do that. I can still read but it takes longer and I have to rest my eyes more. Knitting is easier. One of our church friends just died and the memorial service is at the church on Saturday. I'd be just as happy if I could just stay here. I guess it's a good thing that Dad feels the same way. We just play vegetable,and enjoy the air conditioning.

Be blessed....

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Update on Aunt Emily...

She's home from the hospital. Still in a wheelchair and will be for awhile. One leg had the surgery with metal plate to repair a low leg break. The other had a crack in the foot and the already replaced knee is damaged. So she has a boot on that foot and a brace on her knee. The doctors have her on the BRAT diet. It's bananas, something I can't remember for the R, applesauce and toast. Anybody know what the R is for? She sounds really upbeat and positive especially for being 80 or 81, I can't remember. The church is taking good care of her I know, and so is Oliver. Jane had to go back to Jakarta, but comes home often. Paul was there for awhile and John and his wife stay close.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Friday Five

In honor of their efforts, I bring you the "Lock Me Out, Lock Me In" Friday Five.
1) How do you deal with being stuck in traffic? (paraphrasing here).
Read or knit, whichever looks right.
2) Have you ever locked yourself out of your house? (And do you keep an extra key somewhere, just in case?)
I have, and now I just go to the club house and they send someone over to to let me in. Joy!
3) Have you ever cleared a hurdle?
It has to be metaphorical. I have lived with hurdles all my life. You just try putting two children from one marriage into a mix with two children from another marriage and then having two more from the new marriage and can you see some hurdles coming? Somehow, by the grace of God, we have all lived through this and we are all friends. . Physical hurdles? No way.
4) What's your approach to a mental block? Take a nap? Listen to Harry Potter on CD - that always puts me into a meditative state and will break blocks. Honest. Or knit - that's always good.
5) Suggest a caption for the picture above; there will be a prize for the funniest answer!

We made this wonderful mess all by ourselves!!!!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Brainstorm!

Oh, good grief, I've had another one! I keep listening to both of these men who seem to be having fits to be elected president of the country. I still think my dad would have been better than either of them,but that's old history . Here's a new take. I like them both in ways. How about we have a dual presidency? Let's let Barak run the country and John run our relationships with the rest of the world. It's too much for any one person, anyway. Comments?

Saturday, August 2, 2008

cleaner and cleaner

My wonderful housecleaner is here and she was stunned to see the studio!. I am stunned every time I look at the floor. There really is a floor under there, people. And I can walk on it and not fall over things. This is a good thing. Teresa is a jewel beyond price (tho there is a price, of course). She's learned to clean Dad's room and bath first so he can run away and hide from the vacuum. He really hates the noise.

Tonight is ultreya. Haven't been to one of those in about 30 years, so this will be new for us. But, there will be people I love and food and what in the world more could you ask for?