Cappuccino Martinis

Yummy concoction!
Much better than the espresso martini....
as cream was added to the cappuccino one!
You all know how I like my breve!
Even though it was $10.
Glad V paid for mine and both of hers!
I enjoyed seeing the owner dancing at the checkout
to some swinging oldies music.
Most assuredly, because lots of $10+ drink are sold
among other things.
But I have seen him worried and anxious and stressed too.
This is a nice change.
It could be that V is back with a vengeance!
Such a hard worker!

Baptism at LSC was touching.
Noticed a few folks that I was delightfully surprised to see
being baptised today.

Reading a delightful book:
The Chicken Chronicles by Mary Walker.
Yes, the author of the Color Purple.
Someday I will have a relationship
with my own family of chickens.
*Side note...the book took a funky new agey turn...
having trouble being motivated to finish it.

I was distracted by a chipmunk sitting on the arm
of my garden bench.

I have never noticed one there so contentedly chirping.
Noticed a hummingbird on the hummingbird bush....
how could it resist the delicious grape scent?

After a few more chapters,
I was warned by a blue jay.
Warned of what I did not know,
until I glanced above me.
If I had stretched my arm to it's fullest reached,
I could have grazed the belly feathers
of the hawk as it flew over me, and over the garage.

Time to come in and spin a bit more wool.
Trying to continue learning the core wrapping.

I just finished spinning some Coopworth wool
into sock yarn!

I am excited to see what it looks like knitted up.
In the process of knitting some socks
made with store bought (I KNOW, I KNOW)yarn.
I have added a panel of ribbing
fit my funky shaped feet.

I really think this is a good thing.
I also really like the heel and gusset pattern I found.
Seriously the worst part of a sock.

So Die Hard..latest one, is on the boob tube.
Makes me remember Moonlighting!
If you are too young to remember Bruce and Cybil,
check it out. I know they are at the library.
Taming of the Shrew....best episode ever!

Nighty night all.
I am truly blessed and am noticing blessings all around.

Crushed

This thought was highlighted this morning
while finishing up Embraced by the Spirit
by Charles Swindoll

"When God wants to do an impossible thing,
He takes an impossible individual...
and crushes him.

Being crushed means being reshaped-
to be a vital, compassionate,
useful instrument in His hands.

From Paul the apostle...a critical insight to learn
during any season of suffering:
that we might come to a complete end of ourselves
and learn the power of total dependence.

When Paul's own strength had ebbed away,
he found another strength.
When his own will to go on faded like that last morning star,
the sun of a new hope blazed on his horizon.
When he finally hit bottom,
Paul learned that he was in the palm of God's hand.
He could sink no lower than the Everlasting Arms."

I know that I have felt crushed, steam rolled and desperate
many times in my life.
Sometimes I was doing the crushing,
by my own stubbornness, selfishness, blindness,
sometimes others were responsible for the act.
Most times, I can look back now,
it was God reshaping me.

Every day I wake up wanting to be used by God,
as the most impossible, flawed person I know.
A lot of those days I forget to put Him first on the list.
When He does come first, the days seem to flow better,
I get more accomplished, I meet people with different eyes.

If you are being crushed now,
remember that God will work it out for the best.
Maybe not how you would plan it,
but it will be for the perfect best.

I pray that you allow yourself to be crushed.

Dusk

As the sun quietly begins its descent
on this unusually mild summer/fall day,
I sit watching all around me.
Content with the Marie Callander meal,
I just relax.

I wonder how the nuthatch that is feasting on peanuts,
keeps is pure white underbelly so clean.
I watch as the mourning doves
scatter safflower seeds from the feeders.

The butterflies are intoxicated
from the grape smells coming from the butterfly bushes
that are in full bloom.
As I was weeding this afternoon,
I disturbed a heavy bee at his work in these same bushes.
Thankfully he was too distracted
by the overpowering fruity smell.

In the oriole dishes, where I places new grape jelly,
bees, wasps and ants have begun to hover around and drink their fill.
Why have orioles chosen to nibble on my not quite ripe tomatoes?

I hear the buzz of a fly as he sips
from the last drops of wine in my glass.
I am too feeling a slight airiness from this sweet drink.

I get a tiny glimpse of a waving spiderweb on the shepherds hook.
When the sun's light strikes just right,
I am able to see an invisible spider throw out his evening web,
as a fly fisherman casts his line into the morning river.
Luck and skill are required for any catch from either.

The Lord provides to all,
but especially to those of us who are hurting or troubled.
He hates to see our suffering.
His answer is not always to heal,
He only wants us to know that He is right next to us
and shouldering the brunt.

I am grateful for all of God's blessings this evening.
Blessed that I can notice His small miracles
and thank Him for them.

Time to come into the sanctuary of home,
because I do not want to be
the evening meal for the mosquitoes.

What's a family to do?

What a day this has been.
Too much for one day, I'll let you in on that.
Hopefully this will spur you and your family
to have a discussion, or six,
that our family did not have until too late.

Mema is 88 years old.
She is suffering from dementia,
but still is a lively, lovely lady.
She is not able to take care of herself, by her self.

When my mother fell twice in two months,
Mema went to stay with her youngest daughter
who lives in Florida.
Oh this would be perfect!
The winter in Florida!
Until there was talk of her staying there forever.

My aunt had not seen my grandmother for two years.
She only talked with her on the phone weekly.
She didn't realize how much care my grandmother needed.
Her husband is having a hard time adjusting.
My aunt works all the time,
and so Mema is left alone most of the day,
while my uncle works in the yard.

My sister and I didn't feel that my folks are healthy enough
to take care of Mema.
What if Mom fell again, or Daddy got sick?
Living with me is not what my parents want for me or Mema.

So the question is: Where will Mema be the most happy?
Do we find a nice senior living/nursing home?
There are usually waiting lists,
and we have all heard the horror stories.
And if we do find one,
does she stay in Florida until she can move in?

If she comes home before moving, to my parents home,
do the girls and I schedule weekly visits and trips
so as to be ready to follow through with these plans
when she does move into a senior home?
It seems like a lot of hard work.
I hate to take time away from my girl's busy lives.
I guess my folks feel the same way about me caring for Mema.

Is a senior living even the best place for her?
Should she stay with my folks
until something happens that she cannot?
How will we know when that time is?

We all love her so much.
It just seems like there are so many selfish mindsets to work through.
Why dan't it be simple?

Why didn't we all talk when were were all together?
Mema has kids in Florida, Nevada, Louisiana and Indiana.
They are all getting older.

Hilary has sworn off kids fore this reason:
She doesn't want her children
to have to go through this when she gets older.

We have already discussed that I WILL NOT
live with either of my girls if it comes to that point.

Who knows what life throws at you though?
Things seem to turn on a dime.
Egos and baggage and hurt feelings get in the way.

Talk about it now!
While the older folks in your family can tell you what they want.
Live each day to the fullest.
You are only in charge of you and your stuff.
Figure it out in advance.

Prayers for clarity would be appreciated.

Visiting Las Vegas

From the first timer's point of view,
to this hot and exciting town,
I have a few notes on my trip:

Definitely go with the flight and hotel package.
Three nights and round trip ticket was $356

All the books say there are cocktail waitresses everywhere.
One book actually said they would bring you a drink
just as you were finishing one.
The trick was to tip $5 first then $1 each time after.

I am not a drinker at all!
I struggled for days trying to decide which beverages I would try.
I found many Blue Curacao recipes, I love Mai Tais,
and Daiquiris, and Margaritas.

However......the entire time we were in Vegas,
not one waitress brought us a drink.
Literally we could not even find,
let alone get the attention of a server.
V was lucky one time and ordered a Vodka Tonic,
but by the time she finally arrived with the drink,
it was so watered down, it was worth only $1.
She also had an orange juice, again after a long wait.
One night she bought a glass of wine at the bar
and paid $15 for it.

So my advise is to carry water or soda with you at all times.

We both were looking forward to the wonderful meals we would eat.
In fact, I went on a Slimfast diet for the week before our vacation.
I lost 7 pounds.
I lost another 2 pounds in Vegas.
Most likely the reason is all the walking we did,
and we only ate breakfast as a rule.
The one buffet we went to,
had wonderful crab legs,
but we were so tired, we didn't really enjoy the other bits.
We just didn't seem to get hungry.
Whether it be the time difference,
or the exercise, our culinary efforts were not realized.

Don't believe it:
You will NOT win anything at the slot machines.
Now I, unlike my podiatrist,
do not have $400, 500, 600 to lose gambling.
It was a struggle for me to bet $.40 a time.
The most luck I had, was playing my last penny
and one line on the slots.
I won a bonus every time that happened!
Which in turn kept me playing a few more lines!

I really enjoyed the Star Trek and Star Wars games.
The chairs were wired with sound and vibrations!
I was lucky on these, but not in the end.
I won $56 on the Sea Monkey game,
and enjoyed the Lobster Mania.
V won some money back on it.

We did not live on Nevada time.
It was nice waking up at 6:30am their time
9:30 Indiana.
All the restaurants and casinos were pretty empty.
The only time we had to be anywhere was at the airport,
and for the Cirque de Sole performance.
We did learn
that to take a nap about 5pm is a good idea.
That way, we were able to go back out on the town
after a long sight seeing day.

After 8pm the streets and casinos are packed!
Literally packed!
We didn't try any clubs,
but I would assume they are crowded as well.

My favorite part of all,
was the fountain at Bellagio.
It's the one at the end of Ocean's Eleven...
When I go back, I will take a chair and book,
plant myself on the sidewalk, under a palm tree,
and watch every water performance
from noon until midnight!

I will also try to see every Cirque De Sole act.
V and I watched with mouths wide open through the whole act.
Totally amazing what people can do......
still in awe!

We saw the Body exhibit! Complete with audio tour.
It was so amazing!
(V's feet after walking the first day!)
Yes, I looked for the tendons cut in my toes,
and the muscles that don't work well in my feet anymore.
We also looked at the gall bladder since J had his out recently.
The blood vessels are so tiny!
Truly only God could make something so intricate and amazing!
No accidents here folks!

All in all, we loved it!
We will travel again soon,
and hope to go to Vegas again with the family!
SO much to see and share!

Many, many more stories but I think I will share those later.

The Eye of the Beholder

I am reading a book now,
that really has my creative juices flowing!
Leaving Van Gogh by Carol Wallace

I have always been interested in art history.
I love going to museums and viewing art everywhere.

My favorite artist, James Brandess,
lives and works in Saugatuck MI.
I can spend hours in his studio,
watching him work or studying his art,
the smells of oils and acrylics,
and his big old dog wandering around.


I have always wanted to paint.
I love how the thick medium smears on the canvas,
months to dry, colors blending
to make inspiring feelings seem possible.
Bits of turquoise streaking through greens and oranges.

I actually did paint one piece years ago.
It took all day, and I kept having to stand across the room
to see what I was painting.
I suppose I like the impressionists best.

This book about Van Gogh's last year is amazing!
It is a work of fiction based on facts and his works.
I must find a good book of his paintings
to be able to "see" what the author is creating for her readers.
She talks about how quickly he paints,
how seemingly random additions of color allow the viewer to
emotionally feel the work instead of just see it.

I must admit that he is not one of my favorite artists,
or wasn't until now.
Such a troubled man, so loved by his younger brother.
His paintings reflect his surroundings and state of mind.

The author also included other artists of the time,
of which I am also anxious to view their work.
Especially Gautier The Women of the Salpetriere.

Walking through my garden,
even though it is starting to dry out and fall is coming,
inspires me to invest in paints and easel.
The butterflies on the buddelia bushes would be my first venture,
IF I actually would paint.

For now, on this glorious day,
I have work to do for my folks' 50th anniversary party,
cleaning out the fiber room to make room for more fiber (!)
and a final curtain to make for the spa.

Life is fresh and fine and blessed.

Still Small Voice

As I was studying this morning,
as so often happens,
I was amazed at the new thing I learned.

Growing up Catholic,
although a wonderful childhood
filled with tradition and learning,
I never really was taught to open the Bible
to learn for my self.

So when I read and was explained
the account of Elijah in 1Kings 19,
I GOT it!
Loving Chuck Swindoll, Embraced by the Spirit, by the way!

Elijah just defeated the prophets of Baal.
Jezebel was pissed off by this, and threatened his life.
Like most of us.....Elijah ran to the caves.
He felt defeated and alone.

Now, I for one, at many times,
have felt such a defeating.
No, I never battled other gods and won.
But, I have battled and won, but seemed like I lost.

My mouth seems to get in the way alot of the time.
Hurting feelings, or anger, or disappointment.
But sometimes my words or actions are heeded.
Thanking God here, because I am a bumbling idiot
when it comes to speaking!
I nearly failed my speech class in college....
how to make bread for goodness sake!

However, the feelings of defeat are real.
I can testify to YEARS of feeling this way!
And also only of mere moments.

One of the greatest lessons from this passage was that
God asked Elijah
"What are you doing here?" (1King 19:9)
Go stand on the mountain~!
God did not appear in the storm, nor earthquake.
He came in the still small voice (a gentle rustling)
Then Elijah walked toward the Lord instead of away from Him.

I have been "off" for a few weeks.
Too many moving parts and problems,
and I have not been able to spend ANY time with the Lord.
I felt wayward.
Although I feel tremendously blessed by
family, friends, situations and life,
I was disconnected.
After being still,
I could see the troubles around me.

All it took was a bit of quiet time with the Lord.

When I realize I have put life in front of God,
I try to seek out a quiet place.
My preference is to get out in the woods, or near water
or roam in a field where it is just me, nature and God.
I see and hear Him in these places most often.
I suppose that is one reason I enjoy the garden so much.

Yes, there will be troubles ahead
if I follow His direction and path.
But there will also be the confidence that I can bear up under
whatever may come with the Lord in front and beside me.

I pray this for each and every one of you today!

Nothing has changed in 17 years

I had the privilege of having lunch
with people I baby sat for 17 years ago.
Barb and John Boucek are probably
the longest lasting friends I have ever had.
I started babysitting for them when I was 13
and their baby girl, Katie, was two weeks old.

This was my first job, and my best.
Back then you were only paid $1 an hour.
How that has changed!
They lived four houses down from me
on Sleepy Hollow Road in Pittsburgh PA.
I learned so much from this family!

I still remember every room in their house,
like it was my own.
I don't remember the back yard though.
Barb had back surgery during this time,
I cleaned and watched Katie for her.
I always remember they had the biggest Christmas trees
I have ever seen!
I loved looking at all the ornaments!
When Katie was four, baby Andy came into the picture.
They moved to Ohio when Andy was 18months old.

I feel as though I never really knew Andy,
but Katie was my first child...in a way.
Kate was married last August.
How old do I feel?!

It's funny because I want to know Kate, her name she goes by now,
like I know my girls.
She is a social worker in Washington DC,
and Andy is a geography engineer there.
Barb was really good to write letters every Christmas with info
and pictures and happenings through the years.
They got marriage and birth announcements and updates from me too.
It almost seems like we are family.

Barb got bone cancer a few years ago,
and has been going through many treatments.
They didn't expect her to live this long.
I'm so glad that God is in control!

The Bouceks have moved to Ft Wayne IN
and I plan on keeping this reunion/friendship currant.
They are just as I remember them!

I woke up at 7:30 this morning ready for lunch at 12:30.
I felt like a teenager again!
I really couldn't contain myself, I was so excited.
Really, I couldn't even wait until they got into the restaurant.
I had to rush out into the street for hugs when I saw them.

John made the comment that I was such a quiet girl when he knew me.
He said that I have certainly changed!
HAHAHAHA I told him I was just really comfortable with them!

I am blessed with wonderful friends from everywhere.

STILL GIDDY OVER THEIR VISIT!

As John is a ND graduate, and not lucky at all in the ticket lottery,
if anyone knows, or has four tickets to any football game this year,
I and they would be ever so grateful.

Stupid Post Office!

I love being a Banana!
That's what my grand babies call me!
I'm really the step grandma.
Brittany wasn't sure what to call me
when she came to visit.
I told her to just make up something.
She looked around the kitchen,
and saw a banana.
It's been my name ever since!

I love it!
I love shopping for and sending them
books, clothes, toys etc.
Last week, I sent a big box full of the above.
Hilary made the comment that I never
bought them cute clothes when they were young.
She reminded me that I sewed fabric onto Tshirts
for summer dresses.
I thought they were adorable!
I enjoyed sewing back then.
And we were dirt poor.
That's what is so fun about being a Banana!\
We now have a bit of disposable income that
we can spoil loved ones with!

Back to the box:
I sent it out through the Post office a week ago.
Said it would be delivered by Sat.
Kids were out of town over the weekend
and there was no box or note that is was delivered.
Well, again, it has been a week!
I, being the neat freak I am.....
stop laughing family.....
cleaned out my purse and threw out the tracking number.
I am so hoping that because Beeville TX is a tiny town
it is just taking a bit longer to deliver than promised.

I did however find a swordfish finally.
Beau the 4 year old, is into them now.
Found it on line and it was shipped.
And delivered!
Got a really cute text from Bridgette last night
along with the following pic:

"somebody got a new fish in the mail today and was super stoked!!!
He knew immediately what it was and got so excited, ran into his room and got his shark to see which was bigger lol.
I told him before he opened it, it was like you read his mind and he was shocked. Very funny. 100% satisfied!!! You are the best Banana."

How I love my daughter in law.
Couldn't ask for a better one.

I am really hoping the box shows up.
Told Brittany not to be disappointed.
Looks like Banana will be doing some more shopping!

Defeated but not done!

Went to the foot doc today.
My foot is healing very well.
Overall, I have had perfect feet,
for the condition they are in.

Told doc I was going to Las Vegas
and he suggested I call the airline for transportation.
Don't think I am ready for a wheelchair
being pushed by my daughter....
she is a horrible driver and would purposely do something comical,
I'm sure.
However, doc did get me a handicapped licence plate.
"Face it, your feet are crap."

So no more treadmill, long walks for exercise,
and just basically taking care of the pressure I put on my feet.

Now, I love the idea of great parking!
I even got a placard for the girl's car...
in case they drive me around.
Just felt a little less like wonder woman with this news.

Looks like more dieting and less exercise.
I do have a total gym though, which kicks my butt.

This is also good news, because now that my foot is almost healed,
I can start spinning again!
I am so excited to spin some thick and thin!
I am loving knitting on size 19 needles, and finishing a project
in two hours!
Hoping to get some of these items to my photographer friends.
Cutest baby props ever!

I already have an order for a baby cocoon in October.

God is good.
My family is blessed beyond our imagination.
My Church is exploring new tangible ideas!

And...oh yeah.....
I will be in Las Vegas a week from today!