Merry Christmas to All!!

Here it is Christmas Eve and we are getting ready to go to church. We have been shopping today and we went to see a little movie, Astro Boy. It was a good family movie and the three of us enjoyed it. Avery and her mommy and daddy were going to visit a place that has lots of lights and exhibits tonight, but it looks as though the weather is not cooperating.

For all of you that wondered if I would get everything ready. Yes, another year of waiting until the last minute and there are still plenty of things in the stores. I love the hustle and bustle and most of my friends think I'm crazy to wait, but I guess that's just how I roll.

I am boiling some eggs for deviled eggs tomorrow. They can cool while we are at church. We are having Christmas dinner at Avery's tomorrow. Ham will be the main entree and I'll let you know afterwards what the menu is all about.

I pray all of you are having a great Christmas and find the peace of the Lord in all you do!!

It's getting closer to Christmas and I still haven't started my shopping. I don't know why I have the need to share that with you, but I just did. I think this picture taken in winter is so pretty. I love snow pictures. I have one in my office and it always makes me think of coming in out of the weather and getting all cozy and looking out the window at the white wonderfulness.

I just got back from church a little while ago. I sure needed to go. This has been a very challenging time and I needed the beautiful praise music and the message. Our lesson was on the angel coming to Mary to tell her she would give birth to the LORD. Something that really touched my heart was when the angel told her she would be giving birth and she said, "How will this be,"Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God............For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:34. This was a day that I needed to be reminded that absolutely nothing is impossible with God.

There have been so many things to pray about both with my friends and personally. I know He supplies all our needs, but sometimes things get overwhelming and I just have to be reminded of His power. This Christmas will be very different for many many people. I believe it will be a huge test for us, but hopefully it will get us to focus more on the reason we celebrate this holiday or holy day in the first place.

I have two more days of work this week and then Monday I will work from home. Then I will start my vacation. I need a break and I am so thankful for those days off. We had our Christmas party at work this afternoon and for Dirty Santa I got a $25. gasoline card. Very practical and appreciated. We had great food and lots of laughs.

I'm watching a sweet Christmas movie on Lifetime. I have recently discovered Lifetime. I would hear women at work talking about it, but I had never gotten into it. I love sappy feel good movies. I think enough all day long and I just need a break sometimes. Reading autopsies and medical charts all day is not exactly a mood lifter. I will be watching more Lifetime over my little break. Sounds like fun to me.

This probably sounds like lots of rambling, but it's just whats on my mind. Nite Nite.

My sweet friend, Stevie Wren, from A Little Birdie Told Me So, tagged me and I will try and answer the questions to the best of my ability. Now for the first one:

Seven Things You May or May Not Know About Me.
1. I was adopted as a baby.
2. I used to be a counselor and taught people about getting a job.
3. I would rather read than eat...and I love to eat!
4. I broke my arm twice when I was eight years old.
5. My husband is thirteen years my junior. No, I'm not a cougar :)
6. I have on sparkly silver nail polish.
7. I kissed Enos from "Dukes of Hazzard" at an autograph signing and he blushed. I did ask his permission first:)

For the second task it's a list of questions that I'm supposed to answer with one word.

Where is your cell phone? nightstand
Your hair...spikey
Your mother...gentle
Your father...jolly
Your favorite food...seafood
Your dream last night...forgot
Your favorite drink...sweet-tea
Your dream/goal...lots
What room are you in...greatroom
Your hobby....blogging
Your fear.....dunno
Where do you want to be in 6 years....home
Where were you last night...here
Something you aren't....petite
Muffins....pumpkin
Wish List item.....Garmin
Where did you grow up.....Indiana
Last thing you did....dinner
What are you wearing...jammies
Your tv.....off
Your pets.....many
Friends.....many
Your life...full
Your mood...hopeful
Missing someone...mom
Vehicle....Volvo
Something you're not wearing....shoes
Your favorite store....bookstore
Your favorite color....purple
When was the last time you laughed..tonight
Last time you cried....yesterday
Your best friend...kooky
One place I go over and over....work
Facebook....sorta
Favorite Place to eat....lots
That was fun and thanks, Stevie. I will now tag YOU if you are reading this. I love to learn more about my friends.

Today is a sad anniversary for me. My beloved mother died 31 years ago today. It is always a difficult day for me, but I know she is in heaven and much better off than I am. She was such a kind fun-loving person. I was so blessed that she adopted me and gave me so much love. I miss her so much. People say that time heals the wounds, but there is not a day that passes that I don't think about and long to see my precious mother. She would be crazy about Avery and I know someday we'll all be together.

Our Christmas party at work is tomorrow and I look forward to getting away from numbers and year end reports for a couple of hours. Next Tuesday will be my first day off for the holiday and I really can't wait. Mark and I plan on taking Avery to some movies and doing some book shopping. She's currently reading Kingdom Keepers and will be starting on the Percy Jackson series when I bring some home to her. I hope to do some fun art projects with her and visit some friends.

I need to stop and run around to visit your blogs. Don't let the Bed Bugs Bite!

Here's a picture of Avery last Christmas in front of their tree. I love this picture and have it on my desktop at work. I'm trying to get more in the mood for the holiday. I love celebrating the birthday of our Savior, it's just that I let myself get caught up in the secular part of the holiday and that's when I start remembering how different my life is now. I have a wonderful blogging friend that continues to help me through reading her blog. We have had similarities in our life's journey.

Brenda's daddy died of a heart attack when she was 10 years old. My daddy died when I was 11 from cancer. We both have previously had very different lives, with really nice homes and all that goes with it. We now have physical challenges that limit our activities and we find ourselves praising the Lord through our pain. We both are very blessed that we have lots of love and special memories of when budgets weren't so tight.

She has a great blog helping her readers look at things with a thankful heart. She's a loving mother and grandmother and I want to highly recommend her blog, Coffee, Tea, Books and Me.
I always imagine her home smelling great from delicious baked goods cooling on the counter. Drop over and meet Brenda. I believe you'll find a friend too.

This picture of 'Bringing in the Christmas Tree' is so touching to me. I remember days of years ago when we would go out and look for a Christmas tree in Indiana. The weather was so different from the South and I miss it sometimes. My mother used to always say that she and my Daddy never fussed until it was time to trim the tree. We don't have our tree up yet, do you?

Some highlights from Thanksgiving

I thought I'd share some pictures from Thanksgiving. We went to my daughter's house along with her in-laws. I was so proud of Jolie cooking such a great meal. Her mother-in-law brought some side dishes and I brought deviled eggs, green beans casserole, and creamed corn from a recipe from one of my blog friends, Carmen. She got it from a restaurant in California and there were raves about it. My daughter's father-in-law even said for his wife to get the recipe. That made me feel great that he enjoyed it that much. It's certainly not a low cal dish, but yummy and great for special occasions. I will share the recipe if anyone is interested.

The above picture is Avery and her cousin, Danielle. She's 4 years older and Avery thinks she's so neat. I can remember being that age and thinking my cousin that's 5 years older was wonderful in every way. What's neat is that I still feel that way! It was such an age difference then, but now at our age it doesn't matter at all.

Here's my daughter and her husband Thursday evening getting ready for the big dinner. I will list the menu because I enjoy reading what other people have at their meals. It's kind of like Hee Haw with grandpa listing the food. Here goes: Turkey, Stuffing, Ham, Mashed Potatoes, gravy, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, creamed corn, rolls, deviled eggs, Pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cake, and Avery made Peanut Butter Cups. They were a lot like Reese's cups and she did a super job. They were in the little papers and everyone seemed to enjoy them. You know Nana just had to test one.

Here's a picture of some of the food. I believe we will do a repeat Christmas. We had the meal later in the day and my daughter was so much calmer. She had time to work on everything and not feel so stressed. After the meal we played a word game Quiddler. It was our first time to play it and it was pretty fun.

Last night we decorated a 12 foot tree for our Love Lights a Tree for donor families and recipients. I enjoyed helping as much as I could. I can't climb ladders, but I can put hooks on pretty silver, green and blue balls. Thursday we will have the lighting ceremony and we are excited about it.

I can't wait to jump around and visit my blog friends. I need to decorate my blog for Christmas. I got some bad news today that one of my friends has just been diagnosed with uterine cancer.She's devastated, but believes God will be with her on this journey. She's 68 and her name is Martha. Please say a prayer for her. We believe prayers are heard and that the Lord is still on the throne.

If you haven't heard Merry Christmas yet....I just want to say, "We say Merry Christmas!"

Thankful Trish

Hopefully you have not forgotten me. I have been way too busy and by the time I get home at night I am so exhausted. I have been reading and trying to take care of myself, but I have not been doing a special thing that I have missed: checking with my Bloggy Friends.

Here we are at Thanksgiving and my daughter is going to have the dinner at her house. Her in-laws will be coming and we look forward to a big turkey and ham dinner. I need to bring some side dishes and Avery wants to make a dessert. I will work tomorrow and head back home in the afternoon.

It's been chilly and damp here in Atlanta. I guess kind of neat for the holiday, but they say the sun will be back Thursday. I won't be heading to the mall on Friday. I usually wait until the last couple of weeks to shop and get ready for Christmas. I truly want to stress the real meaning of Christmas this year. I am so blessed to be able to spend so much time with Avery and I realize it's a special time in her life.

I wish I could drop over and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving in person. We could share some coffee and a hug. Take care and let's eat the turkey!

Just Thinking About You Out There

Hello, my friends! I am over at Jolie's house while they are at the beach in Alabama for a wedding. I can't help but think that a year and a half ago I sat at this table and started my blog. I have so enjoyed meeting all of you and feel so blessed that I know you. Although most of you I have never met it is so special when I read your posts and comments to me. I don't have a lot of family, but I always feel like you give me a window into your family.

I got back yesterday from Tampa. It was a great trip, but quite tiring. I guess trying to fit lots of work into two days would make anyone tired. I got to see some old friends and we ate some great Greek food. I had salad at the Greek restaurant. The only thing I went a little crazy with was a pretzel. Yes, I ate one of those big soft pretzels. It's not something I plan on doing again for a long time, but it sure tasted good and I got right back on program.

My 81 year old aunt called me about an hour ago and it was so good talking to her. She sounds great and I hope we can go back to Indiana in the summer of 2010. We had so much fun when we were there in 2008 and Avery and Jolie got to see where I grew up. I'm listening to the John Fogerty concert on public tv and I enjoy him. It takes me back to the old days.

I have missed being on the computer and being able to visit your blogs. So now I will close this post and drop by. I wish we could have a big cup of hot tea together. It sounds great about now. Maybe I can get back in my rhythm of posting. I just felt such a need to tell you guys how much you mean to me. I suppose someone that didn't understand blogging would not understand my appreciation,but I do care so much for all of you.

Hello Again

Indian Princess Avery

I have missed you all and now I feel better about spending some time in BloggyLand. I pray everyone is doing well and I can't wait to visit your blogs. I just had to share Avery's Halloween picture. We took her to Trunk and Treat and church and we had the biggest downpour. We waited it out and finally got to visit the trunks that stayed. She got to see her friends from church and school and was happy about it.

I have been reading and going to Bible Study on Wednesday nights. I've met some really neat people and I'm so glad I've gotten to take some time to chill. Our study has been on I Samuel and it has been great.

I've been eating a baked potato and ricotta cheese on it instead of sour cream. So far I've lost 15 lbs. and I'm feeling better. I will be traveling to Tampa for some work related business for a few days this week. It's probably going to be nice and warm, but I do look forward to doing some audits and seeing friends from years ago.

I'm back in the saddle and I will be coming around to say Hey. Love you guys!

Taking A Little Blogging Break

The Old

Guitarist

I'm taking a blogging break. I have found that I have tons going on and I have not been able to devote time to my blog lately. I will be back soon. Don't forget me. Love you guys!

In the Chillin' Zone

Here I sit watching Project Runway and loving it. They are redoing wedding dresses as their challenge. It's such a fun show. You would think I would run out and get some new fabric and create something. But, no, I am still relaxing big time. I went for my MRI today and I think it went okay. I think this because they didn't admit me. So it can't be that bad. I've prayed about it and I had others praying for me so now I have to let it go. There have been times in my life when I would have to spin and spin around and wonder and wonder, but thank the Lord I have a peace about this and I now am doing my best to do what I can to be healthy.

I painted my nails tonight with my new polish. It's a dark, dark Plum color (almost black) I am enjoying it. I always say that nail polish is such an inexpensive way to give me a big lift. Polish and earrings. They just seem to make me so happy. I'm just going to say it and mean it. Accessories are wonderful. Scarves, purses, earrings, funky necklaces, cute shoes.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I will be heading back to SC tomorrow afternoon and I hope to cook something delicious for Saturday and relax. You guys are so special to me. Thanks for reading about my random thoughts.

Doesn't this look peaceful? Lately I am all about being calm and peaceful. This past weekend I was able to attend the Joyce Meyer conference here in Atlanta. I then went to church Sunday morning and was a part of a wonderful worship service and outstanding message. As many of you know I have been told to relax more, eat right and take advantage of an opportunity. For me prayer, studying the Bible and worshiping the Lord is one of the greatest ways I can turn my problems over to the Lord and not worry about things I can't control anyway.

Tomorrow at 11am I will be having an MRI on my heart and I pray they will either find that everything is okay or find what they will need to fix my condition. I know the Lord is able to do anything. I am not anxious about this of many procedures I have had in the last few weeks. At least this is not invasive.

I find the above picture so sweet and it looks like a place I could just relax in a chair and let the wind blow in my face and think about peaceful sweet things.

Blessed to Have Friends

Jamila and Saira

Here we were in the hospital on my birthday. This was my birthday cake and these sweet girls came up to be with me on my 60th birthday. It wasn't exactly what I would have picked, but it was still great. Some people have no friends and they didn't get a pretty little birthday cake. I had some fun balloons and we had lots of laughs. These girls are so funny. They should be on television.

I just wanted to drop a few lines and let you know I'm doing great. I'm eating healthy and my meds seem to be agreeing with me. We had cool weather today and that makes me very happy.

I hope you had a wonderful day and get plenty of rest tonight. later, trish

Help Me Add Some Advantages to my List

Head of a Woman

Amedeo Modigliani

Today I ventured out with Mark and Avery to do a little shopping. We went to Target and I got settled in my motorized chair and we headed out to do our shopping. Avery proceeded to tell me, "Nana getting to ride in this chair is an advantage of being old!" I laughed out loud and told her we needed to think of some of the ways we have advantages when we grow older. We came up with some together and then I pondered it for a while and have added some of my own.

• I have slowed down. When I was younger I felt I had to walk fast, eat fast, sleep fast (By slowing down I see more that I must have missed before. I take more time to reflect on what I am actually looking at.
• I get senior discounts.
• I don't worry about how I look in a bikini
• I don't have to shave my legs as much as when I was young (it left my legs and headed for little goofy places on my face)
• I am better at Trivial Pursuit than a lot of my juniors. (I have lived through a lot of the questions and answers)
• I am not stressing out about what I will get into for a career. (I can remember times when this was a huge focus of my life)
• I enjoy being peaceful and quiet (When I was young it seemed like I needed a circus going on to keep me going)
• I have a grand child. This has changed my life.

Just Some Thoughts

Sitting here realizing how blessed I am. I'm sitting in my daughter's home and she is at work. Avery went back to school. I pray she doesn't get in trouble for missing so much school. She missed 9 school days when she went to Hawaii and then getting sick and having to be out yesterday it is concerning us.

I am thinking that I need to slow down and appreciate each and every day. All the worrying and fretting do not change one thing, except messing up your health and they rob you of time and energy. I don't know exactly why I felt like writing this, but maybe someone will relate to this.

I think I'm going to make a list of things that will be fun:

• Working on my daughter's Christmas present
• Catching up on correspondence
• Planning some recipes for a low-sodium diet
• Doing a much needed pedicure
• Working on my study of Esther by Beth Moore
• Getting signed up at the Y when I get back to Atlanta (water aerobics)
• Start making jewelry again. I have the supplies and just need to take the time.

Avery's Trip to Hawaii

A few weeks ago Avery got back from her wonderful trip to Hawaii. Her daddy got married on the beach at sunset. Here he is with his new wife Yo. She is Japanese and they live in California.

Avery and Daddy Neal

Before the ceremony

The happy couple

Byodo-In, Valley of the Temples in Koolau

Avery said there were really cool bunches of Koi. I will show some of those pictures later. Lots of pidegons that are so tame they land in your hand to eat.

Lily Pads at the temple

Don't they look like a special painting by Monet?

Grandma Ann and Avery on black sand beach

Sea Turtle at Black Sand Beach

Grandma Ann and Avery on Big Island on our balcony

Grandad Steve and A.T.

Gardens at Big Island

An amazing rainbow outside Avery's room

Lava field

Sleeping on the Big Island with Curly and Berry(the stuffed animals)

An offering to the volcano goddess Pele

View from balcony on Oahu (right on the beach)

Kilauea calder

This was a trip of a lifetime and Avery is so appreciative to her grandparents to take her on such a wonderful adventure. She is here with me today because she was so sick last night vomiting and running to the bathroom a million times. She said several kids in her class have some sickness and are out. She has missed so much school going to Hawaii we pray she doesn't get in trouble. But when you are sick...you're sick.

We have just been on the couch watching Disney channel and living the dream. I'm drinking my water and chill-laxing.

I will post more pictures later. I hope you are having a great day. BTW, it's taking some of my employees 3 hours to get to work in the morning. It's a nightmare in Atlanta and they are expecting more rain.

I have been taking naps and reading. I guess I didn't realize how really tired I am.

Did you realize they show The Suite Life of Zac and Cody eighty five times a day? Have fun.

My Odometer Has Passed Sixty and with a BANG

I am so happy to be able to post. I have been on an adventure that I wouldn't have chosen, but perhaps it will help me change my life and save it. I'll start from the beginning. Thursday night I had what felt like a mild asthma attack. My inhalers and medicine for my nebulizer are expired because I haven't had an attack in years (thank the Lord). So Friday I called the doctor to get some new prescriptions called in. They said I had to come in and get checked since I hadn't been to my PCP since the spring. I go to the specialists, but usually not my PCP so much. I went in and they listened to my recent symptoms(chest pains, swollen ankles and feet, short of breathe) So they gave me an EKG and it was showing that something was wrong.



They wheeled me over to the ER and I was admitted. They thought I had a blood clot or possibly congestive heart failure. As some of you know, I am in Atlanta during the week and back in South Carolina on the weekends. Some of my co-workers came to the hospital and got stuff out of the back of my car so I could have my reading materials and get on with life. Saturday they started with what felt like a jillion tests: CT scans, ultrasounds, more nuclear tests and then decided to do a heart catherization Monday.



Sunday I turned the big 6-0 and how much fun was that? Saira brought me fresh warm Krispy Kreme donuts. Since I figured once I got out of there I would not be eating anymore donuts, I had to have one. I only had one, but one of the ladies that worked in dietary and had brought me my meals got me a birthday cake. I will post the picture later. Others from work came up and we laughed about the size of the bathroom. It was like an airport bathroom once I got my IV drips and all my paraphernalia in it. Remembering I am not a wisp of a thing.



My little cute doctors came in and after the cath Mark and Jolie were sitting waiting with me on the results and what would happen next. One of them told me I had an 'opportunity' and I needed to take it. I have to change my stress levels, diet, and I have to start moving around. When I asked him about my diet, he said, "Vegetables and fruits!" I about fainted and then I said, "Really, what do you mean?" He said that I had to get on a low sodium diet and I have to do some exercise. He said water aerobics and a stationary bike should be good for me since I can't put weight on my feet much. So I am off on a new path.



I came home and I'm staying with Jolie so I can truly rest and not have all the dogs at home. Mark will come over and visit and I am strictly in a 'chill-axing' state. I'm just going to read, look at blogs and watch tv. Oh yow, in the middle of all the hospital drama we had so much flooding in Atlanta. Some of my employees couldn't even leave their subdivisions. Schools are closed and it is a hot mess. It took us what seemed like forever to get out of town last night. It's so sad. I think six people have lost their lives. We have had a drought for so long and people were praying for rain. Well, we certainly got it.



I have missed you guys and I would appreciate your prayers as I get on all the new meds and changes my diet. For those of you out there that have great health, be thankful everyday! When you face possible heart surgery and know that you could be controlling your destiny with your eating habits and stress levels....it's scary. I will start leaving work at a decent time and I need to get at least eight hours a night sleep. It's always been easy for me to push myself and keep trying to go farther and I am now realizing it's not always worth it. For sure it's not worth it when I have to think about leaving my family.



My sister in law told me about a site called Spark People and I am trying to get some neat ideas for things I will enjoy and can eat that are low sodium. If you know of any please let me know. I'm so happy I'm back in bloggyworld. I love you guys.

Tuesday Night in Hotlanta

Okay, here I sit watching the finale of Move To Love. If you have been on another planet somewhere...this is a Bachelor type show with a heavy guy and thick chicks he has to pick from. He has it down to two girls and I want him to pick Tali. She is a beautiful Jewish girl. I can't imagine being on national television dating and knowing that the guy I'm dating is also dating a dozen or more other heavy gals.

So I will lose two hours from my life watching this and I figured since I share practically everything else with you I would let you know about my time wasters. I could be painting, drawing, writing, or reading a book. I am currently reading a book I love by an author I always am very satisfied with....Philippa Gregory. The book is The White Queen. I can truly escape into the 15th century and not cloud up my mind with deadlines, reports and evaluations. Although they are a big part of my life I need to sit them in a corner and enjoy myself once in a while.

A couple of hours ago I got to go out to eat with some of my staff. We went to a wonderful Indian restaurant. I had a chicken curry dish and it was fabulous. We laughed and ate and laughed some more. We said it would be fun to visit ethnic restaurants from all of our backgrounds. We had at the table: Chinese, African-American, Indian, Cuban/Pakistani, German/Hungarian and I'm Arabic.

I hope you have had a neat day. It's Tuesday and it's been a great day!

A Big Bunch of Fun

Avery and the Hula

I didn't mean for it to take so long to post after Avery got back, but I have been so busy and it was a 'good busy'. She had a wonderful trip and in fact, talked for two straight hours on our way home to SC from the airport. I have to wait to get pictures from her other grandparents. Avery's camera broke, but they took lots. When she got home she was so exhausted. She had been awake since Wednesday morning and then was up all night due to the 6 hour time difference. She had to do two weeks worth of homework and it was so difficult trying to keep her awake.

She finally got it finished Saturday night and it seems like she is getting back to a regular schedule with her sleep. Her little girlfriend spent the night with us also and they had a big time. They were watching tv and eating popcorn. It's so good to have A back at home.

Sunday afternoon we ate lunch and Avery and her girlfriend played checkers on the porch. Her friend had never played checkers and A had fun teaching her.

Brenda with her wonderful dessert

Brenda and I had the greatest Saturday. We went to a furniture consignment store and it was great. The prices were very reasonable and we will go back with a truck next time. We went to lunch at a wonderful place called the Bistro and then had dessert at Chili's. I needed dessert like a hole in the head, but let me tell you it was fabulous. Brenda started her new job today and we needed to celebrate. She is such a sweet friend and I'm blessed to be able to hang out with her and have fun doing stuff we enjoy like shopping and eating.

Trish's fancy white chocolate dessert

Yes, I ate most of this. I said it would be my last hooray and thank heaven for 2 days I have been eating very healthy. For me two days is a big deal and I will try to get sweets out of my system so I can keep on eating healthy.

I have a HUGE issue with sweets. If you don't give a flip about sweets you are blessed. They call my name and I have to talk to myself a lot to stay away from them. I might as well just tape the cakes and cookies to my hips that's where they go anyway. I'm a happy girl with my little hula dancer back and I'm back to eating healthy. I'm very blessed.

7 Hours Left

Aloha, my Avery

I'm on the countdown. I will pick up my Avery at 6:20am. She will be flying in from Hawaii and I can't wait to see her. She's in the air now and I pray for a safe and smooth flight. I love my baby and I can't wait to see her.

Lovin' Some Latte

Pumpkin Spice Latte

On my way to Atlanta this afternoon I stopped to get my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season. My friend, Brenda, from Coffee Tea Books and Me turned me on to these yummy drinks. Brenda's blog was the first one I ever read back in 2007 and it will always have a special place in my heart. Her blog is educational and she gives lots of tips about being frugal in this challenging economic time. She is a Christian that is not shy about sharing her faith. She has a love for books and shares about her experiences in homeschooling. If you've never visited her I think you will be in for a wonderful treat. There is such a warmth about her writing and her openness to share about her health challenges. Although she is about a hundred times more domestic than moi, I do feel like we are kindred spirits. She cooks fabulous looking food and stocks up her pantry for 'rainy days'. I have learned from her and from the comments she receives she has helped many others as well. Her blog is truly a gem.

Happy Labor Day

Bunnies at the Labor Day Tea Party

I want to wish everyone a wonderful and restful Labor Day. When I was growing up Labor Day signaled the end of summer and school would start the next day. Now children go back to school in mid-August.

I lived in the Midwest and it was starting to turn cooler by the first Monday of September. It's still very warm here in the south. I would love to be having a tea party, but I will return to work this afternoon and just be thankful for a long weekend. I pray everyone is doing well and having fun whatever you are doing.

Update on Hawaii

I just wanted to give you an update on Avery's adventures. I still don't have pictures of her, but we talk everyday. She is having a great time. First, they went to Hilo and now they are in Honolulu. She's gone to the zoo, volcanoes, her daddy's wedding on the beach Friday night and she still has several days to go.

She's tried papaya, mango and salad. They have hiked all over and she is having a great time. We miss her, but I am so happy she got this wonderful opportunity. I am having a restful weekend and going to get me a cup of hot tea and read for a while. I hope you are having a restful weekend too.

Meet Arthur

Arthur, my Siamese twin

Okay, you are wondering at this point if I am doing crack or something. I just wanted to introduce you to my companion, Arthur. I know this sounds psycho, but stay with me. It makes sense to me.

I do not want to be a whiny girl, but you need to know that I have 3 kinds of arthritis and lately it has gotten painful a lot of the time. Living with chronic pain gets extremely frustrating. I can't take pain medicine very much because I need to be able to be think clearly with my job and I drive a lot so it just wouldn't work. I understand when people need to take it on a regular basis and I am not judging them. Pain gets very old and I needed a new way to think about it so for now it helps me to put a face to the arthritis.

I read comments on chronic pain sites and some folks accept the situation and others fight it. For me fighting it is out of the question. I don't have the energy to fight this everyday and I am from the school that everything is for a reason. I have decided for now that I will just accept Arthur and think of him as something that is with me, but he is not going to control my life. I try to do things to keep him as quiet as possible and under control.

I try to rest as much as I can (I haven't always, but as things have gotten worse I realize it's super important) I started using a cane for support. I ride in the little motorized chairs in Target and the grocery stores. I had to set aside pride and realize that it is what it is. I try to relax more because stress does a number on Arthur. It really agitates him.

You may wonder why he is so ugly and hard to look at. Why didn't I make him some handsome dude like Hugh Laurie or someone like that? Well, hello, Arthur has shaken up my world and thinking of him as a hunk doesn't make sense to me. He's not going anywhere unless I get a miracle. I can do my best to control him, but he will be right there with me. Thank the Lord for anti-inflammatory medicines and heating pads and things that I heat in the microwave and wrap around my neck. Heat is soothing, especially on my neck and knees.

I pray this doesn't sound too self-absorbed, but this has helped me to get this condition in perspective. I have to tell myself the Serenity Prayer and realize that the Lord will never leave me nor forsake me. He won't give me anything that I cannot endure. He said He would always give us a way of escape. The Psalms have grown so precious to me. David seemed to question things and you know what...I think it's okay. I have heard people say we are not to question God. I disagree. On the cross Jesus questioned His father. He thought he had been forsaken.

I am a pilgrim and someday when I travel to my home I won't be having any pain. I have the Blessed Hope and I pray you do too.

Grade School Pals

Kyla Jo and Patti aka Trish

Here's a picture of my friend I hadn't seen in about 45 years. We went all through kindergarten, grade school and the first year of high school before I moved to Florida. Kyla now lives in Florida herself and she was on the way back up to Indiana for a high school reunion. It was such a strange feeling seeing someone that many years later. She looks great. I do have to wonder what the deal is with our lips. I must research this whole shrinking lips phenomenon. If anyone has any theories please let me know.

I decided I have talked about Avery in pretty much all the posts since last week. I tell myself that I will not obsess about her, but to be quite honest....I still keep thinking about her a lot. She didn't get to go hiking on the crater yesterday due to rain, so today they are doing the big hike.

Tomorrow they will fly to Honolulu. Can we all say FUN?!

I am watching Billy Graham Classics. I love watching him preach. He has always kept his message so simple and easy to understand. I saw his daughter, Anne on Fox News this morning and she has a new book out about Abraham. It sounded really interesting. I hope that Mark, Avery and I can go up to the Billy Graham Library this fall. I feel as though I have known him my whole life and I believe I will feel such a loss when he passes away. I would love to meet him in person someday, but probably it will be heaven before I get to talk with him. He has devoted his life to sharing the Word and bringing others to Christ. What a wonderful legacy he will leave.

Grandpa Steve and Grandma Anne

Here's the traveling team as they were last Saturday. Apparently, they are having a wonderful time. They have been hiking and visiting volcanoes and parks and it sounds like she is really enjoying herself. She tried salad for the first time and her reaction was, "it's really wet!" She didn't try it with salad dressing so maybe she'll like it better with more flavor on it. They've been walking and walking and she probably is worn out at the end of the day. This Nana is not able to walk around much so I'm glad she's getting the opportunity to get some exercise and see some beautiful things. Grandpa Steve is her daddy's father and I see some resemblance there. Her daddy is calm and relaxed and I think that's where Avery gets her calmness. Her grandpa is an inventor and very creative. I'll keep you posted about the big trip.

Missing My Girl

Avery is in Hilo, Hawaii and she's having a great time. I spoke with her this afternoon and yesterday they had visited the volcano national park. She got to see lava and things she had never seen in person. Avery loves science so this must have been a great adventure. I am truly happy she is having this great experience.

She is growing up and I have to prepare myself for the many things she will be doing that don't involve Nana and Papa. We just have so much fun together and like any other grandma, I just want the best for her. I realize we have to share her with her other grandparents. I just hope she takes lots of pictures so I can see her having all the tropical fun. Of course, I will share them.

happy and sad

Avery and the baby ducks about 3 years ago
She boarded a big jet this morning from Atlanta headed to.......

Hawaii

This is exactly how her Nana feels

She is going to have the vacation of a lifetime. Almost two weeks all over Hawaii and why am I so sad? I should be thrilled. This is her first flight. She is going half-way around the world. Hello..6 hours time difference. She is nine years old. I miss my baby girl.

I want to be so happy for her and I didn't show my anxiety last night, but I had it. I pray she will enjoy herself and make wonderful memories with her other grandparents. They live all the way up in Boston and I know we need to share. It's just the first time she's been away like this.

Please help me pray it will be a wonderful time for her. Love you guys.

Let me say first that this picture is being shown only to let you see my new do. I hadn't realized how much I look like the housekeeper on The Brady Bunch. When did I get so old? Unfortunately, my office looks like a bomb went off, but this is me in my element. Another thing that tends to alarm me is that my lips are disappearing. The mirror seems to play tricks with me. I don't realize quite how old I look until I see a picture. Then I think to myself, "Who is that older woman?" Hello reality!

Now don't get me wrong...I am blessed. Many of my classmates have not made it to this age. In fact, I will get to meet up with one of my classmates from grade school tomorrow night at the airport. She is flying in for a layover on her way to Indiana. We haven't seen each other in 46 years. She was such a cute bubbly girl and I can't wait to see if she's kept that spunk. Kyla and I would hang out at our friend's house in the morning before we went to school. Our friend lived across the street and her parents left for work before the kids started streaming in. I remember hearing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and other early 60's tunes in their living room. I think when I see her I will be transported back to that house and our tangerine nail polish, Dr. Kildare and Casey shirts, gum wrapper chains, and super teased hair. Wonder if she'll be thinking, "Gee, Patti, you really got old!" You know what, I pray I'll get older and older before the Lord calls me home.

Bobbie Pin Torture

I have been thinking so much about hair lately. I am loving my short do. I feel so much better. I was thinking today about how my mother loved putting bobbie pins in my hair. That was the big thing in the 50's. Every Saturday night I would sit on the floor and my mother would sit in the chair and wind my hair up with about 5 thousand bobbie pins. I have always been tender-headed. When she would start wrapping my hair around her fingers and pulling it tight to insert the dreaded bobbie pin I would feel like she would was pulling my hair out of my head. I would groan and moan and my daddy would tell her to stop with the hair. I feel tears welling up in my eyes as I remember him fussing at her about the bobbie pin torture.

My parents hardly ever fussed about anything. They were in their fifties and back then that was sooo old. They would sit on the screened-in front porch and drink coffee and it was all so peaceful and it made me feel so loved. I was blessed. They adopted me when many of their friends told them it was not a very smart thing to do at their age.

If you wonder how my hair looked after sleeping on those horrid bobbie pins all night. Well....it was sticking up all over the place and didn't look a bit natural. If I could figure out how to use my scanner I would show you. Maybe this weekend I can try and figure it out. Thank heaven the bobbie pin look faded away! Hooray!

memories from the 50's

As I near my birthday next month I am caught up in so many memories from when I was a little girl in Indiana. Summers were so sweet. I'd wait for the milkman and hope that he had some chocolate milk. He didn't always have it and it became such a special treat. My granddaughter has always had chocolate milk. It's not really anything special.

This time of year we would be getting ready to go to the Indiana State Fair. I loved seeing all those farm animals. I lived in the city and only saw animals like that when we would go out to the country and visit relatives. The kids that brought the animals always seemed so proud. Here I was a city girl and couldn't imagine having cows and pigs. There were some stinky smells around the farm animals, but just go down the way and there was food with heavenly aromas. I thought cotton candy was so pretty and actually I still do. Especially pink.

The day after Labor Day was the first day of school. Mike Albertson, a neighbor from down the street, always would walk me to school those first few weeks. Then we would walk home together and he wouldn't come down to walk to school with me until the next new school year. He had red hair and freckles and he lived with his grandparents. He was a kind little boy and I always wonder what happened to him. When it would snow my mother would walk to school and bring more warm clothes and we would go home at lunch and eat homemade vegetable soup. We didn't worry about kidnappings or scary people lingering around. It's a different world now. At least it is where we live now and here in Atlanta.

I loved new pencil holders and fresh school paper. I felt like it was a new clean slate every year. I loved school and would go now if I had the time and money for tuition. I love learning new things and cracking open the new school books has always been a thrill for me.

Avery has started her new school. She is liking it. She has gone from a class of 8 in private school to a class of 22 in public school. She is excited about her new friends and I'm so happy for her. She leaves for Hawaii Saturday and I will ask everyone to please keep her in your prayers. I'm so thankful she is getting such a nice opportunity. I guess seeing her with her back in school takes me back in my mind to Roy Rogers, Mickey Mouse Club, Howdy Doody, hula hoops, Old Maid cards and my sweet dolls. It was so long ago, but I am thankful I have such sweet memories.

a guilty pleasure and a new friend

Hello world. This is one of my guilty pleasures. I am so happy Project Runway is back. I enjoy watching the designers throwing their clothes together. The fabrics, the design, the drama. This is so fun for me. I always like to imagine that I could be on there and create some magnificent line. Okay, this is something that sounds so bizarre, but......when I was a teenager I did some runway modeling. I know believe it or not. I am so overweight now, it's hard to believe I was ever skinny. It was fun for me. I guess it will always be a neat memory.

Now I must tell you about my new friend. Brenda is Dustye's cousin. Dustye is Knitting Mania and In A Garden's friend. Brenda now lives about an hour away from me when I'm at home. She is a fun, interesting person. She just moved here about a month ago and she has a beautiful home. She's brave to come that far and start a new life. I believe God has something very special in store for her. We talked tonight and she has an interview next week. Please help me pray she will get the job. Oh yow, she got her hair cut really short too. I'm going to encourage her to start a blog. I think you would really be in for a treat.

Well, the All-Star Project Runway is almost over and they will pick a winner that will win 100K. Not bad I'd say. Then the new season on Lifetime starts. Woohoo. later T