Reflections and Resolutions

Well, here I sit staring 2007 in the face. In just a little bit, I will go to work and help out in dispatch in case it is a busy night in Monticello. Hopefully, all will be quiet and the job will be boring tonight.

The year 0f 2006 brought many changes to my life, mostly in the form of three new grandchildren. The year got off to a good start in January with the birth of Lillian Faith. Lilly gave us a quicker hello than we expected and she is still moving fast as she crawls all over the house. Her big sister Abby tries to help everyone keep up with Lilly. They are so sweet together. Andy got married and I gained the most delightful little blond headed grandson, Grady. He is all boy and has stolen my heart. Then later in the year Andy and Emily had precious Riley Gail. She is two months old now and the sweetest little bundle of joy to hold and cuddle. How many more blessings can I wish for? This next year will be full as my time is spent trying to be a good Mammaw to my grands. They are truly gifts from God.

It has been a joy to me to see both of my children and their spouses find better houses this last month. Andy and Emily found a nice house about five minutes from her mother about a month ago. With two small children, it will be better for her to be close to at least one grandma. Then last week Mike and Kristy made an offer on a house which was accepted. It is Kristy's dream house. Nothing makes me any happier than to see my children happy.

So, as you can see, life has been good to me and my family this past year. So, my new year's resolutions are few. One: hit the treadmill just as soon as I get the clothes off of it. Two: spend more time reading my Bible and spending time with God. Three: listen and be ready to follow whatever marching orders God gives me. It seems that I am in a transition period in using my gifts and doing whatever I am supposed to do. I have taught Sunday School for many years but right now am without a class. A single ministry for middle age has been on my mind for several years as has doing more practical helping things. So for now, I will just wait on a clear direction.

May God bless all who read this in the new year.

Don't Forget to Water the Tree

Christmas Joy Comes in All Varieties

Most police departments (and other government offices) are usually on very strict budgets. We at the Monticello Police Department know how to stretch our budgets. It is called the multi-holiday tree. It can be used for any holiday, just add the proper ornaments. Just looking at this tree will make your mouth curve upward in the most joyous smile. It might even make you roll in the floor with delightful holiday laughter. If you play catchy Christmas tunes while decorating it, you will dance and wiggly with the joy of the season.

Many thanks to "you know who" for the most unique Christmas tree I have ever seen.

Christmas Eve Blessings

I hope everyone is having a good Christmas Eve. Immanuel Baptist had a good service today with lots of music and the observance of the Lord's Supper. Bro. Terrell lead the service and read the Christmas story from the Bible. There were lots of family members home for the holidays and it is always nice to see everyone. The best part was being with my church family on Christmas Eve celebrating the birth of Christ. May we never forget amid all the hustle and bustle why we celebrate this holy day.

Later tonight I will go to Kristy and Mike's and then all my family will be here tomorrow for Christmas day. As I sit here reflecting on my life, I am truly blessed.

God bless each one of you who reads this, not only during this Christmas season but also for the year to come.

Christmas Prayers

Two young children were spending the night at their grandparents. At bedtime, the two children knelt beside the bed to say their prayers when the youngest one began praying at the top of his lungs ...
"I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE ...
I PRAY FOR A NEW NINTENDO ...
I PRAY FOR A NEW VCR ..."
His older sister leaned over and nudged the younger brother and said,
"Why are you shouting your prayers? God isn't deaf."
To which the little brother replied,
"No, but Gramdma is!"

CHRISTMAS CAKE

For all of you cooks out there, I found a great recipe for a Christmas Cake. I will try it as soon as possible. It should get me in the Christmas Spirits! This is my kind of cooking.

CHRISTMAS CAKE RECIPE

You'll need the following:
1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
4 large brown eggs
2 cups of dried fruit
1 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of brown sugar
Lemon juice
Nuts
1 bottle of whisky

Sample the whisky to check for quality. Take a large bowl. Check the whisky again. To be sure it's the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Repeat. Turn on the electric mixer, beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar and beat again. Make sure the whisky is still OK.

Cry another tup. Tune up the mixer. Beat two leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit. Mix on the turner. If the fired druit gets stuck in the beaterers, pry it goose with a drewscriver. Sample the whisky to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something. Who cares? Check the whisky. Now sift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Spoon the sugar or something. Whatever you can find. Grease the oven. Turn the cake tin to 350 degrees. Don't forget to beat off the turner. Throw the bowl out of the window. Check the whisky again and go to bed.

The Christmas Season

What a wonderful day this has been! It is so good to be back at home in my church. We had Bro. David Mitchell, the Bartholomew Baptist Association Director, preaching today. Both messages were a very good start to the Christmas season and reminders of why Jesus came into the world. He preached tonight on Five Days in the Life of Jesus: from the cradle to the cross, to the resurrection, to the ascension, to the second coming. His purpose was redemption, for which I am grateful. This year I am making a special effort to focus on the real reason that we are celebrating.

Also, Billy and Mary Collins, missionaries to Honduras shared a little of their work with us tonight. In this land of plenty it is hard to realize that there are still places in the world which do not even have pure drinking water and that children are dying from drinking contaminated water. They were excited to report that they will soon be receiving about 200 goats. Makes my Christmas wish list seem petty in comparison.

Then we worshipped during the Hanging of the Green service as we lit the sanctuary with lights, greenery and poinsettias in honor of Jesus and His birth. It was a beautiful setting to kick off the holidays. Christmas is a time of love, giving, and good cheer for me as I remember all the blessings of the year and look forward to a new year. Thanks to Bro. David and all the people at Immanuel Baptist Church who made this day special.

What Old People Do For Fun

The other day I received the funniest video by email and just have to share it. Please do not attempt this at home (or in your own car). I laughed until I hurt.

The Rock

As some of you know, I love reading quotes and passing them on. Sometimes I come across one that makes me say, "I wish I had said that." Right now PaperQuote is my wallpaper and screensaver on my home computer. Today's quote is:

It's a good thing to have all the props pulled out from under us occasionally. It gives us some sense of what is rock under our feet, and what is sand. -Madeleine L'Engle

Having had the props kicked out from under me several times in my life, I know this to be true. Remember the childhood song, "the wise man built his house upon a rock"? Makes me glad that my house is built upon the "Rock" of salvation in Jesus Christ cause the storms can't blow my house down.

Some of my storms have blown the roof off and broken my windows but my foundation still stands. And when that happens I get rebuilt. Right now I am in a rebuilding stage. One of life's storms broke a window or two but the Master Carpenter is repairing my house for me. Isn't it lovely to have God in charge? He is teaching this impatient, take charge, get it done right now personality to wait on His directions. I'm trying my best to listen.

Trick or Treat

Hope everyone had a safe, fun time on this trick or treat day. Personally I just clowned around tonight.

There is No Fun for Old People Like It!

If becoming a grandmother was only a matter of choice, I should advise every one of you straight away to become one. There is no fun for old people like it! ~Hannah Whithall Smith

If your baby is "beautiful and perfect, never cries or fusses, sleeps on schedule and burps on demand, an angel all the time," you're the grandma. ~Teresa Bloomingdale

Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old. ~Mary H. Waldrip

Wednesday, October 25 at 9:06 p.m. another beautiful, perfect, 6 lb. 5 oz. bundle of joy came into my life. This is grandchild number four. When my first grandchild was born, I thought I would never love like that again, but I was wrong. Each one of them has my whole heart. I am so thankful to God for the perfection and wisdom of His ways. He truly knew what He was doing when he created grandchildren.

Welcome Riley Gail!

A Good Thing

Today I found a dead mouse while in the presence of my granddaughter, Abby. As we talked about it later, the conversation naturally turned to the fact that I need a cat to chase away the mice. Abby brought up the subject of her mother's mean cat that always bit me.

This is the cat that took one too many bites and was chased around the house and finally out the door. After not seeing the cat for several days I started looking and found him expired and in an unkempt state which I will forego describing. Let it be understood that it was not too traumatic for me to find him dead but was rather a relief since he had sent me to the doctor on one occasion.

Anyway, Abby brought up this cat and asked me his name. I told her "Sebastian".

"Well, where is Sebastian, Mammaw?"

"In cat heaven."

"That's a good thing."

Well, needless to say I almost rolled in the floor laughing because the way she said it sounded kinda like "good riddance - he won't be biting you any more". I love the conversations I have with this child.

Cut Loose

Yesterday was a good day on the medical front for me. I went for a post surgery check up on my vocal cord surgery which I had almost a year ago. The doctor was well pleased with my progress and has cut me loose. She is an excellent doctor but that is one relationship that I was not sad to end. My vocal cords are now vibrating together when I speak. There will never be a lot of volume to my speech but I am pleased with the voice I now have. Just don't make me mad cause I can't yell and scream.

The medical advances that have occurred in my lifetime are wonderful to see. It is with much gratitude that I think of Dr. Johnson. God has given her such a talent for surgical healing. She can change a life in only a few hours in the operating room. She is truly a life giving force.

Also, Sunday was a good day. After taking a break for a couple of Sundays, I visited First Assembly Church here in Monticello. Bro. Al impresses me as a genuine man of God and I fully intend to go back and hear him preach again. It may be a good experience for me to "visit around" for a few Sunday's and expand my very limited denominational experience. Maybe God is trying to instill in me a greater love for all His people by shaking me out of my comfort zone. Whatever, I'm trying to listen.

Chillin'

Wow! I have three whole days to just relax and do whatever strikes me. My children and grands are all busy with other things, my best friend is out of town, no work until Tuesday, maybe I won't get too tired of my own company. Actually I am taking Mom and Dad to Pine Bluff to a family wiener roast late this afternoon. My niece and her husband are preparing land to build a house so we are going as spectators. That is a job to envy. Just hold down some lawn chairs, eat and drink.

Tomorrow I am going church hunting. For the first time in fifty-four years I do not have a church to belong to. In a way it is liberating because I have always been "busy" in church work. I have taught in church since my early thirties so maybe God is allowing me to spend some time with Him without always thinking of how I can teach others with what I am learning. I have always believed that God wants us to "be" more than to "do" but we are very inclined to be doers. "Being" involves being in love with God, being in a right relationship with Him and others, etc. Then "doing" will naturally follow since it flows out of "being". Was that thoroughly confusing? I hope not.

Anyway, I have been catching up on reading every one's blogs. So if you have not posted for a while get with the program. This is an excellent way to stay up to date with family and friends.

Also in my reading list are some excellent daily devotionals which I signed up for on Crosswalk. There is something for everyone on this site so please check it out if you have time.

Make Mine Red!

I wonder if my three year old granddaughter, Abby, could be persuaded to buy me a convertible on the internet. But I have always wanted a red one. Seems like little Jack hit the buy it now button on Ebay and purchased a car (photo by Reuters) for his mother. As the article said luckily the owner had a sense of humor and let them off the hook. I love amusing kids stories. They do the cutest things, don't you think?

Writer's Block

Been sitting in front of this computer trying to be creative and come up with a topic of interest but the trash bin is full. No gibberish is forthcoming at this time but just thought I would say howdy if anyone is still reading.

I Vote for Scooters

When the price of gasoline started skyrocketing, I laughingly asked my daughter if she would be embarassed to see her mother riding to work on a scooter. Well, I see they are catching on in the cities. The question is, will they ever be popular in small town Arkansas? I would love to get one but with the number of accidents we have here, I would fear for my life. Especially out on Hwy 425. But if we all get one, there would be fewer big vehicles on the road and safety would increase. So who is with me?

We Americans are so spoiled to our luxury cars that scooters may never be the norm but it would sure be a good thing for the environment and might just force gas prices down. Everyone seems to want the government to take care of all our problems. I still believe in the free enterprise system in which supply and demand controls the prices. If we want prices to decrease we need to conserve energy and a lower demand would make lower prices.

(See the scooter above at Scooter Scooters)

So, I vote for scooters!

Anniversary Time

Tomorrow, the 8th of September is always a bittersweet day for me each year. It marks what would have been the 34th wedding anniversary for Keith and me. Let me tell you the years have certainly flown by. It seems like yesterday that I was a young bride so excited and nervous before my wedding to the man I was madly in love with. Most of you who know me would be a bit surprised to know that I had a very traditional wedding with a VERY traditional gown. It was a dream come true and I still love to get out the pictures and look at my handsome groom who only got better looking with time. And when he left this earth almost 25 years later I was still madly in love with him. Only God can put together that kind of love.

I don't mean to preach but it amazes me to hear young couples say that they hope their marriage will last or some such thing. When we got married we were so committed to each other that the thought never crossed our minds to end it even when we had our bad times. Love may be an emotion but it is also an act of the will. So for all you young marrieds out there, please listen to this bit of advice: Live and love like today is your last day with your mate.

I am so thankful for all the wonderful years we had and the children and grandchildren that came from our marriage. The memories are very sweet and someday I know that a wonderful reunion will take place when I too end my journey here on earth.

I'm still madly in love!

MEMORIES

My cousin sent me a link to a site which had a feature on the 1971 Sears catalog which the author had purchased at a yard sale. I could not resist including a few pages in my blog. They brought back memories as I laughed and laughed. The funny thing is I still have those mushroom canisters sitting on my kitchen cabinet. They were a wedding present in 1972.

Just When You Think you Have Heard It All......

Along comes bronzed baby poop. I am too speechless to comment.

Even When I'm Naked

This post is actually in response to a wonderful attitude on aging which my friend Diana included in her blog. It is truly liberating to reach a "certain age" at which you cease to care what everyone else thinks, says about you or does. In old age you are free to be yourself.

I too have danced alone to the 50's and 60's music, sometimes with my upright vacuum as a partner/microphone. As a teen , I was much too shy to dance since I felt like I had two left feet. I still have two left feet but I DON'T CARE. I dance anyway! See, age is freedom.

Life has dealt me some solid blows but I have survived and have become stronger, more tolerant, less judgmental, and more willing to enjoy life. After great loss the little things are no longer very annoying. They do not matter in the long run. What matters is where I stand in my relationships: with God, with family, with friends, at work and so on.

My body is beginning to show signs of the roads traveled and like the cartoon says is never comfortable but filled with aches, pains and scars. My hair is more gray than black and will stay that way cause I have earned every gray hair in my head and wear them like a crown. But my spirit is comfortable in this old body so I am content.

So as I live the second half of a century, this old body better hang on cause the ride up life's road is not over and there is still a red sport's car mentality inside.

Lilly's First Over-Nighter at Mammaw's House

Before long I am going to get a digital camera so that I can get pictures of all the happy times with my grandchildren (but in the meantime I'll just borrow one frm Kristy). That is if I have time to make pictures! Lilly spent her first night at my house and I think the first night away from Mom and Dad. She slept for eight hours straight which made me feel like a trusted grandparent. It is wonderful to feel the joy and contentment that my grandchildren and I share in each other's presence. There is nothing more precious than to awaken to their sweet smiles. Thanks for sharing Abby and Lilly with me, Kristy and Mike.

Woman Sunday School Teacher Fired

Well, I saw on the ABC News tonight an interesting story regarding the firing of an eighty-one year old woman who had been teaching Sunday School a number of years. The pastor quoted scripture saying a woman was not to have authority over a man and should keep silent in the church. Since when does a Sunday School teacher have authority over anyone? I too teach a class with both men and women but the only authority with which I speak is the authority of the Word of God. The Bible speaks in it's own authority. I would be a fake and a fraud if I spoke in my own authority.

It never ceases to amaze me that some people would like to exclude the female half of the population from speaking God's Word. My opinion is that God would be more than happy for any Christian to speak out the Truth of the Gospel. Galatians 3:28 says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." So come on, give me a break from gender exclusion in the Sunday School.

Updated Blog

Well, I got the new version of this blog thing today and I have played forever with it. Lots of things are easier but I wish I had the book Blogging for Dummies. Maybe I should add that to my wish list. Whenever I want to do something new, Kristy gets a call from me. Thanks for the help. I am still working on the look I want, need to call Kristy and get help with the header. Hers is so cool.

Help!!!! I need lessons.

Tennis Anyone?

There are certainly emails and internet sites that amaze me and take my breath away. This location for a tennis match does just that. It could be my fear of heights. Check it out for yourself.

Birthday Time

What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars' worth of pleasure. ~Gene Perret

I had the great pleasure today of having all three of my grandchildren here for Grady's second birthday party. It was a blast! And in December there will be another granddaughter born. Grady will be outnumbered by three girls but I bet he can handle it. He has three uncles to make up for all the girls.

It is nice to fill this house up with precious little ones. The good thing about having several grandchildren is that my lap is seldom empty when they are all here. And they keep me young inside even though the outside may not look so young. They are truly blessings from God.

R & R

Today is going to be a day of rest and relaxation. Yesterday I felt like my blood pressure was up, so today will be one of those sleep off and on all day, listen to music, do nothing days. So don't try to reach me, I am shutting down for the day. When I get overly tired and stressed it seems to affect my BP. Sometimes it seems that stress is a way of life. I see it all around me in almost everyone I know. It seems to invade every area of life.

I got a good email from a friend yesterday about imperturbability. One of these days I will learn not to be perturbed no matter what storms are raging around me. My main problem is that I tend to want to fix things, even things that are beyond my ability to fix. So I hold onto them until I reach the point where I have to let them go. If only I could learn to let them go in the beginning, God would handle them much better than I. He is the one who shelters in the cleft of the rock during life's storms and can be trusted to guide us to a safe place.

Now to all of you who love me and may be worried (Mom), remember that I have to do this periodically and by tomorrow I will be back up and running. The Bible prescribes rest for the body and soul and I am filling my prescription today. I hear the recliner calling.

Gonna Get Me Some Phillips

Okay, so how do you tell if you are losing it? The first thing you do is drive to an out of town meeting on Monday after work only to discover that you have arrived early . . . by a week. So now you have to dread this thing for another week.

The next thing you do is get to work and eat your breakfast at your desk like a good employee should and then reach into your bag for your daily pills only to come up empty handed. Then you wait a couple of hours and then drive home. Still can't find them. You get back to your desk and wonder if maybe they are in the car. So here you go outside again. Jackpot! There you find them under a hand towel on the front seat.

So for all of you who can identify, shop at your local store for the Phillips. When I found this picture online today it seemed so appropriate.

Life's Roads

"Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know why I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved."

Another good quote from an email source and one that I truly identify with although I must say that the majority of the ride has been smooth. But it did make me think back over all the kinds of roads that I have traveled on. The one most traveled is probably interstate since it seems that life has zipped by in a hurry.

Then there are the gravel roads that slowed me down and were rough with big potholes that jarred my teeth and unsettled my insides. Every now and then I got stuck in a huge rut on a winding dirt road that lead into the back country. I have covered flat lands, hill country and high mountain roads that chilled me to the bone. Sometimes I slipped and slid over icy roads or rainy, wet roads. At other times I cruised along at a leisurely clip enjoying the scenery along the way.

So you see, sometimes we get a cute little email and we smile but then we realize that what it says really goes soul deep if you take the time to meditate on it. How has your ride been and where have the roads taken you? Who were your traveling companions? Do you need to choose a different road? Or different companions? Think about it!

Maxine Tip on Good Housekeeping

Okay, ladies, it is almost the weekend and time to do all that Saturday housecleaning. So to help make it easier, here is a Maxine tip:

Always keep several get well cards on the mantel so that if unexpected guests arrive they will think you have been sick and unable to clean.

I'll also add a Ginger tip: Leave a mop bucket of Pine Sol water sitting out. When someone comes in they will see the mop bucket and smell the clean scent of Pine Sol and think you have been slaving away.

Now all of you leave your tips in the comments.

Wedding Bells

Saturday, my family will increase in number by two additions. Andy is getting married to Emily and her son, Grady. They will be sweet members of our family. Grady is a lovable 23 month old blond headed bundle of pure boy. He will be a change from my two granddaughters, I am sure. But don't get me wrong, he is also very well behaved. I love being a grandmother even though I am much too young for the job.

I wish for Andy and Emily a wonderful lifetime together.

Welcome Home

Tomorrow is the big day. Abby is anxiously awaiting the return of Dad, Mom and Lilly. We have been busy all week and my vacation has passed much too quickly to suit me. I know that I will cry a bucket when my little sweetie goes home tomorrow. The week has included swimming; shopping; the zoo; visiting with M and decorating cupcakes; eating with friends and lots of play time with Mimi, Nannaw and Kate. Do I win a prize for losing weight? Following a three year old is lots of exercise for Mammaw. But it has been the best!

Tomorrow I will hold my little one, Lilly and see if she has made the trip as well as her parents assure me that she did. I read this week that you don't know perfect love until you become a grandparent and I believe it. God is so good to bless us with grands.

Welcome home, my precious family!

Mission Trip

The travelers made it to Connecticut yesterday and Lilly proved me wrong about her ability to travel in an airplane. Kristy said that she did not cry at all with her ears. Yea, Lilly! Today they go sightseeing and tomorrow it is down to work with VBS. I hope the week goes well for all the group.

Abby and I are making it fine. So far she has not mentioned being homesick at all but I am already dreading Friday when she has to go home. I know why grandchildren are called grands. She told me the first night, "Mammaw, when I don't spend the night at your house it is no fun." Talk about melting my heart! We are having a blast.

We may go to the zoo Monday or Tuesday. Those will be the coolest days this week. I'll be glad when Lilly is big enough to go with us, too. And then Kristy and Mike can have a break from the kids.

Gotta go play and then off to church. More later.

Inspiration

Since my job is a trickle down political job (with me at the bottom of the trickle), I have been slightly worried about what will happen in the city hall shake up come January.

Whatever am I thinking? I am inspired by this picture. There is always the old tin cup method of making a living. So if you don't find me behind my desk just take a look on the square and there I'll be sitting on my crate. Maybe I can liven up the downtown area!

New Blogger

The other day I put out a challenge in my email and my neice, Stephanie has now joined the blogging world. Check her out in the links to the right. Welcome Steph!

God and the Spider

I don't know where the following story originated but I got it in an email and thought it is too good not to share. So many times I have been surprised at how God answers my cries for help. But let me shut up. The story speaks for itself.

During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades. Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.

As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen." After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave. As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.

"Hah", he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor." As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while. "Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."

We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget the victories that God would work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways. As the great leader, Nehemiah, reminded the people of Israel when they faced the task of rebuilding Jerusalem, "In God we will have success!" [Nehemiah 2:20]

Remember: Whatever is happening in your life, with God, a mere spider's web can become a brick wall of protection. Believe He is with you always. Just speak His name through Jesus His Son and you will see His great power and love for you.

Cracked Eggs

"A true friend is someone who knows you are a good egg, even if you are a little cracked."

I love reading quotes like this one that I got in an email, and also bumper stickers, signs, and other cute sayings. Some of them are just so funny that I laugh til I cry and others are so much more profound than they seem on the surface.

At first glance the quote above made me smile because if there ever was an egg with some cracks, I'm it. Then I thought about how blessed I have been my whole life with wonderful friends who love me in spite of my cracks. God in His graciousness always puts a friend in my life for whatever purpose that I am needful of. Some friends have been for a moment or a day, some for a season, and some for a lifetime. Some have been there for a certain situation and some have been there for the long haul or as I call it: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Whether the friendship has been for a lifetime or only for a few short minutes, there are some people that I just seem to connect with and remember for a long time. Once as I waited at a doctor's appointment I talked with a kindred soul who had also been widowed several years. We connected because of the event which transformed our lives even though we may never meet again on this earth.

Which brings up a thought that delights me no end. In eternity I will get to meet and talk to all the people I have ever wished I had known. Won't it be a wonderful time?

Now for all of you who laughed because you know I am a cracked egg, take a look at yourself. You know you are too. You're smiling aren't you?

New Puppies

It seems the family has grown this weekend. My brother got two new boxer puppies today. His beloved Johann got killed about a week ago so maybe raising these puppies will help him feel better. Who can resist those faces?

Mammaw's Angels

What a good time we all have when my girls all come to Mammaw's house. Kristy came out to help me put up some squash and Lilly tried out a new walker with sister Abby supervising the project.

Hey, Diana It's Hump Day

Thank God for Wednesdays. At noon you can breathe a sigh of relief and say, "It's half over." Now the rest of the work week is on the downhill side and the mood definitely lightens. One of my coworkers has a sign on her desk which says, "I work for the weekend." I may adopt that as my motto.

Now Diana thinks I am kin to Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde but actually my mood goes along with the frequency of my hot flashes. Which means you can gauge my mood by the redness of my face.

Once again this is a bunch of gibberish which no one else will probably find of any interest. But hey, I wrote another blog to keep you coming back (hopefully). Which brings up another thought. If you read please leave a comment now and then letting me know how brilliant you think I am. My ego needs this feedback.

I Hate Mondays

I hate Mondays at work. The phone rings constantly, my desk is piled to the ceiling, everyone needs something, and I'm about to scream. That is I would scream if I could. Instead I just have to bitch and moan. At least it is lunch time and the day is half over. By in the morning I will be my sweet self again and not the Monday morning hateful old hag. Beware, my claws are out!

If You Can't Run With The Big Dogs, Stay On The Porch

Poor Jack learned a lesson yesterday that had him sick, depressed and his "big dog in a small dog's body" attitude had been crushed. For the past several nights there has been a pack of stray dogs (large wild looking dogs) running the neighborhood where I live. This is not in town, so don't get all alarmed. When I let Jack out to do his business he would find the pack, join it and be gone for hours. Gypsy on the other hand lost her wanderlust and just stayed in my lap anytime I was home.

Yesterday when I got home from work I was surprised to find Jack at home since he had been staying out with the bad dogs until bedtime. His head was hanging, his eyes were drooping, he was sneezing, his belly was red and blotchy and he looked like he had been dragged through a briar patch. He looked worse than the day I rescued him two years ago.

He usually loves canned dog food but was too tired to even eat. After he slept, with his legs trembling and jerking, he got up and ate the dog food. Then I got out the trusty Benadryl and shoved that down his throat. By bedtime he was nearly himself again and I got a full nights sleep for the first time all week. Whatever happened cured him of scratching on the door, barking and begging to go outside which happened every time the wild dogs came into my yard.

It was quite a dilemma for me since I have been a dog lover all my life. How do I protect Jack and Gypsy from these dogs? I did not have the heart to shoot them and was too afraid of them to try and catch them. Also I was not sure if they all belonged to some of the neighbors and got together and decided to try the wild side of life. So I came up with the loud noise, scare them away solution which came in the shape of firecrackers. After three nights of throwing a firecracker into the yard, they seem to have gotten the hint that they are not welcome.

So the moral of this story is as the title says, "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch." Jack did.

Home from Conference

Well, we had a wonderful conference and a good time to boot! After checking in Tuesday night, we were off to Ryan's. Of course, we over did it so the next stop was mini golf to work some of the food off. The only time it rained while we were gone was starting at the 13th hole. We were having such a good time that we just kept playing and giggling. I wonder if a stately hotel like the Arlington has ever had three drowned rats as guests? They have now!

The conference started Wednesday morning and we had a good opening session. It is always good to see the people I have met before and also to meet new friends. We got out early enough to get in a little shopping and then Red Lobster. Once again we were full so we went back to the hotel, rested a few minutes and then started streetwalking. Oops, I meant walking downtown to see the sights and shops and try to walk off supper.

During our excursion we came across Maxine's. For any of you who may be interested, it is on the south (I think) end of Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs and has a very colorful history. It was operated as a saloon, gambling hall and brothel in the 1900's. It also seems that Maxine died in Warren which is a neighboring town near home. We hit it lucky since the week before Maxine's had started a weekly local blues band session. I was in heaven! We got there just as they got started and stayed for three hours of very good entertainment for only a $2.00 cover charge. I may retire and start a blues club in downtown Monticello. We surely have some talent here also and it is too far to drive to Hot Springs each Wednesday night.

Thursday was very informational as we broke off into different small sessions. My favorite was the Sex Offender Registry class. The lady in charge of this department at ACIC is a retired police chief and she is very interesting in her presentations. I think I would enjoy working for her if I lived in Little Rock.

Friday morning was long since by then we were all about ready to go home. The last meal was at Cracker Barrel and then a flying trip home. Jack and Gypsy were overjoyed to see me and I was overjoyed to be home. Abby spent the night and we slept in until ten this morning.

Once again I have had a memorable week and am glad to be alive to enjoy the life that God has provided. Ain't life grand!!!

Conference Time at the Arlington

Tomorrow I am off to the wonderful city of Hot Springs for conference with two of my co-workers. We must be getting old because instead of looking forward to the night life we are looking forward to relaxing. But it is fun to keep the boss worried about whether we will "behave". He thinks we should wear shirts with another department's name on them if we decide to party. He doesn't want us to embarrass him in any way! And I don't intend to look like the dog in the picture.

So don't tell him that I packed two books, one a romance and the other "The God Chasers". I fully intend to spend part of the time lying around the room reading and taking naps. We get out one day at 3:30. Oh, the bliss! And Ryan's better look out too. The wildest we may get is playing mini golf. Maybe that won't be too vigorous.

American Idol Voting

This mornings news show (on I can't remember which TV channel) stated that over 63 million people voted on American Idol last night which is more people than have ever voted in any presidential election in America. I want to say something deep and profound about what this implies about our society but all I can say is OH MY GOSH! We should start an immediate search for our priorities because we have definitely misplaced them.

It's Back to Work I Go

Nothing like five days in a row off from work to make you happy to be back. Especially if it was not vacation time off. I was even glad to see that rascally rabbit, my boss! Of course, my desk was piled high but I just started with one thing at a time and really got a lot done today. And I never got my panties in a wad, even once. Mark it down as a red letter day when nothing irritated me at all. Ah, the joys of time off!

Good News!

Well, I have been sliced and diced once again and the outcome was great! The melanoma was confined to the site and Dr. Dinehart cut all of it out. From now on I will watch closely all moles and use stronggggggggg sunscreen while mowing the yard. Nothing like a cancer scare to get my attention. I had already learned the hard way nine years ago how short and precious life can be but a reminder now and then gets me back on track to the important things in life.

My spiritual life has been moldy of late so it is time to clean out the cobwebs and get back to pursuing a better relationship with Christ. Sometimes I get so caught up in the operations and business of religious life that I forget to spend personal time with the One who matters the most. So I will dust off my study Bible and get to it. This picture from an email which has made the rounds several times says it all.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for me this past week and encouraged me with your cards, notes, calls and love. I love you all.

The Speed of Life

Sometimes things in life come at you so fast that you are flung between the seats. That seems to be what happened to me last week. It came time for a check up at the doctor so that I could get my blood pressure medicine refilled. So while there, why not take care of everything? A mole on my shoulder had been bothering me for several months so I asked Dr. Simon to go ahead and take it off.

And the results knocked my props out from under me for a few days...malignant melanoma. I go Thursday to have a re-excision of the site. The first lab results seem to lean toward the cancer being confined to the site. And lots of people are praying for me so I feel confident that it will be all right Thursday.

Best of all I know that no matter what, God is in control and has taken care of me all my life even when I pulled away from Him for a season. So once again I choose to put my trust in God and fully expect to be around bugging my friends and family for many more years to come. So don't any of you start ironing your funeral clothes yet!

Results to follow in a few days.

Introducing Gypsy and Jack

Finally got my camera working again so here are pictures of Gypsy and Jack. What a pair!

Gypsy It Is

Thanks for all the suggestions for a dog name. I think I have it now if she will start answering to it - Gypsy. Every time I open the car door she jumps in and I have to drag her out. Some friends came out last night and while they were getting out of their car she jumped in. It took us about 10 minutes to corner her up and get her out of the car. She loves to go so I may have the traveling companion I have been wishing for.

Also now that she is feeling better she has become the queen of the roost around the house. She even has Jack under her thumb. He is so in love that he is crazy. They play together so much that it wears me out to watch. I finally drew the line last night and locked both of them out of my room so I could sleep. They were both on the living room couch when I woke up this morning.

Aren't all God's creatures just a joy?

How Do I Get Myself Into These Things?

Well, it has been three weeks since my wonderful Maggie died and here I go again. At the police department where I work I am in charge of dog adoptions. This week a man called wanting to return a dog he adopted about a week ago. After explaining that we did not repossess, my mouth opened one more time (seemingly of its own accord) and said that I would come by after work and take a look at her for myself. I looked and she won my heart.

On the way home I stopped to show her off and while there we discovered much to my chagrin that she was in heat (now I know why he wanted to return her and that is not the story I got). So I put her in the friend's dog pen overnight since I could not bring her home to Jack, my Jack Russell Terrier. Yesterday, I took her to the vet to get her "fixed". Then it was off to her new home this afternoon.

Well, even though she is fixed, Jack does not seem to understand. He has begged on his knees and she will not let him near her. Tonight is stretching out before my eyes as the longest night in history. The sound of whining and yelping may last an eternity. I'm thinking of drugging Jack with a Benadryl so we can all sleep.

The next delimma is what to name her. The rascal I got her from was calling her Sweetie but I can't seem to take to that name. My granddaughter, Abby votes for Snickers. She is solid black and does have a sweet personality, at least she did before Jack started pestering her. If any of you have a name suggestion, please share it with me. When I get her named I will post a new blog.

So the name game is on. Help!!!!!

Poop Shoes

My three year old grandaughter, Abby, has a new swingset in her backyard. This backyard is shared by a huge dog named Dax. Yesterday I discovered that before Abby goes out to play on her new swingset, she puts on her rubber boots which she calls her poop shoes.

After I got home I began to laugh thinking that I need some of those shoes. I could put them to good use at work. When irate traffic and criminal offenders come in and proceed to fuss and cuss, I could say "Wait a minute please while I change into my poop shoes." That would be much better than my usual reaction which I will not go into at this time.

I could also wear them at other times such as when I prepare my taxes, talk to telemarketers, buy gasoline, etc. You get the picture. Life is full of poopy moments which just putting on our poop shoes would help. Just the thought makes me laugh and changes my attitude. Humor has diffused more than one unpleasant moment for me.

So look out. I'm headed to the farm supply store for some poop shoes!!!

Vacation Time Is Drawing Nigh

While messing around on the internet today, I came across the cutest little travel trailer I have ever seen. It gave me the fever to hit the open road. Only six more years and I can retire, if they don't change social security survivor benefits before then. Oh, to be a woman of leisure with time on my hands to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. I feel the need for a VACATION!

Does it ever seem unfair to work fifty weeks a year and only have two weeks of rest? And that is only if you don't have to use your vacation time for funerals and other fun stuff like that. Now I know that you younger readers are wondering why take so much time off for funerals. But let me tell you that the older you get the more of them you attend. So let me make this request: when I'm gone, go have a quick graveside service and then throw a big party in my honor. If you have to take the day off you might as well enjoy it and I will be having the time of my life on the other side. They better fling those pearly gates open wide cause I'm gonna be dancing and singing (two things I do miserably at here on earth).

Now if I sound like I'm feeling a bit down, you have the wrong impression. Right now I'm sitting at the computer after a very nice night. I went by and saw the two most wonderful grandchildren in the world after work. Then came home and watched a good movie, ate a pork chop supper and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Next thing is to curl up with a good book and read myself to sleep.

Once again I have filled this blog with gibberish. Hope you enjoyed and laughed a little.

ATTITUDE

Got this in email and it is too good not to share:

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head "H-M-M, " she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today." So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "Today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEAH!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything!!

Starting a New Week

If there is anyone out there actually reading my blog, I know you have been anxiously waiting for my next bit of gibberish.

Thank goodness the week from hell is over. I actually managed to just relax around the house yesterday and plan to do some more of that today.

My two little sweethearts came out to play at Mammaw's house last night and we had a blast. I love it when I get a "first" at my house. Lilly rolled over by herself on a pallet on the floor last night. Abby and I were so excited. Then Abby laid down beside her so that she would not roll off the quilt. It was soooo sweet.

Today at church we dedicated our new educational building. We have already been having Sunday School there for about a month. It is so nice to have a large, new room and to get the church offices moved into the church building.

So now you are all caught up on my very interesting life. Later, taters.

The Best Laid Plans or Read the Sign

This was the week in which I planned to get everything caught up at work. The lady I share an office with is on vacation so I figured it would be very quiet, no one to talk to, not many distractions, etc. But noooooo! The last two days I have not even gotten my receipts entered each day. And today I should have closed them out for the 15th. But I'm still on the 6th. Seems like people need driving lessons because I have copied bunches of accident reports the last two days. And even with a sign in the payment window saying where to pay fines (my office mates's job is collecting fines), people still come in and ask where they need to pay fines. Isn't there a country song about that?

Then there was court next door today which creates a human traffic flow through the office. And 99% of those people need directions to the courtroom - enter at the sign you drove by when you came around the building to park your car (and no, I did not say that although it was tempting).

Next there are those with warrants waiting to be bonded out who are brought to my office for me to "keep an eye on". Which makes me wonder what would happen if they ran. With my vocal cord problem, screaming for help is not an option and with my fluff, running after them is not an option. Oh well, at least they are not hardened criminals and mostly just want to get things straightened out.

And so - so much for plans.

THE PASSING OF A LOYAL FRIEND

Yesterday was a sad day for Jack and me. Jack is my Jack Russell Terrier which I rescued 2 years ago. Wednesday night my other dog, Maggie, never came to the porch to eat. Since she was 14 to 15 years old, I feared the worst even though it was not unusual for her to come in later. And sure enough, Thursday morning I found her, lying under the porch, at final rest.

Maggie came to live with my family following an ice storm in 1992 or 93. During that ice storm we had another dog put to sleep, Mac. His back had gone out and he was in pain. The roads were impassable and Shreveport was the closest place for back surgery so we had no options. We missed him badly.

My sister, Gloria, and her family lived in Arkansas City at the time. She called me nearly everyday for about a month trying to get me to come over and see the prettiest little dog who had come to their house during the ice storm. I held out for a month and then finally gave in. When I got there and sat down on the couch, sure enough the prettiest little dog I had ever seen came walking across the floor and jumped up beside me. It was love at first sight. We rode home with her chin resting on my lap like she had found her place. The picture above was Maggie as a young dog, right after she entered our lives.

Every morning when I leave for work, Jack and Maggie have been running alongside me all the way to the corner of the road. This morning as I left, Jack just sat on the porch watching me leave. After a few days, I may have to get another companion for Jack.

For those of you who know me, I always try to inject humor into almost every situation. I called Gloria yesterday to help me bury Maggie. Since she was there from the first, I felt she should share in the last day. As we sniffed and snotted and dug, I stopped for a second and said, "I feel like someone should bring out a ham and some casseroles." We both laughed for a minute and then went back to digging.

Will Rogers kind of summed up how I feel about my dogs: "If there are no dogs in heaven, then I want to go where they are."

Look What Eating Lettuce Does For You

He weighs in at 22 pounds and measures a little over 3 feet. He is a breed of rabbit called German Giant (how appropriate!). This is his owner, Hans Wagner, struggling to hold him up. From the NY Post article... We don't feed him an unusual diet, said Wagner. He goes through more than his brothers and sisters, but he eats the same food mix. His favorite food is actually lettuce...he can never get enough of it. LOOK AT THOSE FEET!



Okay all you dieters out there. Forget the lettuce. The picture and caption above was emailed to me by a friend who must have my best interest at heart. It is an encouragement to know that lettuce will turn me into a giant. Thank goodness, I can stick to potatoes and gravy!

THIS EXPLAINS EVERYTHING

I read the following in an email today: "We all get heavier as we get older because there's a lot more information in our heads. So I'm not fat, I'm just really intelligent and my head couldn't hold any more so it started filling up the rest of me! That's my story and I'm sticking to it."

Now I know what I have to do to lose weight - empty my mind! For those of you who are reading my blog spot, I realize you all think that I have already emptied my mind. But I beg to differ. My mind seems to never shut off, even when the rest of my body wants to shut down and sleep. Is this a fatal flaw? Or a gift from God? Or just curiosity about most everything? Or ........what?

I read Diana's blog site (my friend and Kristy's friend too) about fasting. Sometimes I think I think too much. Most definitely I analyze a situation to death instead of just trusting the face of it. There are not motives behind everything that happens. Maybe I need a mental fast as well as a physical fast.

None of this probably makes any sense to anybody but me. And I am very thankful to have a mind and some degree of intelligence (even though it has overflowed into my body). Enough of this dribble! I'm going to bed and listen to my mind race. Nighty night.

P.S. Kristy,
Try this color in bold and big and see if you can read it better.

Brain Test

Okay, so I took another test. This is a Tickle.com brain test. Since I hated tests in school so much, this is a marvel. But I love to review the results and see if they really describe me. Since I'm a Libra, it is no surprise that I have a balanced brain! So check this out and tell me what you think:

Ginger, you are Balanced-brained

That means you are able to draw on the strengths of both the right and left hemispheres of your brain, depending upon a given situation.

When you need to explain a complicated process to someone, or plan a detailed vacation, the left hemisphere of your brain, which is responsible for your ability to solve problems logically, might kick in. But if you were critiquing an art opening or coming up with an original way to file papers, the right side of your brain, which is responsible for noticing subtle details in things, might take over.

While many people have clearly dominant left- or right-brained tendencies, you are able to draw on skills from both hemispheres of your brain. This rare combination makes you a very creative and flexible thinker.

The down side to being balanced-brained is that you may sometimes feel paralyzed by indecision when the two hemispheres of your brain are competing to solve a problem in their own unique ways.

COWBOY RULES TO LIVE BY (OR AT LEAST THINGS TO THINK ABOUT)

Just got a few laughs from a cowboy site. One of them is, "There are three kinds of cowboys: the one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation, and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves." Where do you fit in? You're thinking about it, right?

"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment". I should have really good judgment by now. Maybe that's why when you hit your 50's you don't care what everyone thinks anymore. Most of the bad judgment is behind and we are full of experience and good judgment. And we have pee'd on a lot of electric fences.

"Letting the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n putting it back in." I never have been able to catch that cat and stuff it back in that tow sack!

If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering someone else's dog around."

And last, "a mountain lion felt so good after eating a whole bull that he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him . . . . . . . the moral: when you're full of bull keep your mouth shut." And with that reminder, I'll shut up.

TIME CHANGE

RULES

Let's think about rules. I have always abhored having to follow the rules . . . being the free spirit that I am. Of course, I believe that everyone else has an obligation to obey the rules especially if it suits my purposes for them to do so. According to the online dictionary rule (noun) is defined as a governing power or its possession or use; authority; the duration of such power; an authoritative, prescribed direction for conduct. Whew!

Now for the reason I am thinking about rules. Parents have rules; grandparents have a relaxed set of rules. Case in point: the mattress slide. Abby, Lilly and I had a great time last night with an old twin mattress which I propped up to make a slide. I stood at the end of it to keep it from sliding off the bed it was propped on with Lilly in my arms. As Abby slid down Lilly and I laughed and smiled. We all had a great time. Well, when Mom and Dad got home, I learned that Kristy had told Abby not to play on the old mattress. But much to my delight she told Abby with a smile that she guessed there are different rules with Mammaw's. And of course, Abby and I quickly agreed.

Okay let's move on to my defense of breaking the rules. At the time of the great mattress slide marathon, I (Mammaw) was the ruling authority and it was my rule that my little subject, Abby was operating under. The rule that I set was that I had to be present in the room before the mattress slide could be used. And she followed that rule. So thanks, Mom and Dad for being flexible. We had a great time!

I await the pictures I took on your camera being published on your blog, Kristy.

Work Day at Mammaw's

As Abby says, this has been the best day ever. Abby spent the night with Mammaw (me) last night and did we ever have fun! She is an absolutely amazing child. Today as we worked outside on my porch and yard, I said "Come along, Abby". Her reply, "I'm coming along Mammaw" struck me that this is what God expects of his children. He leads and tells us to come along and we should joyfully answer with a bounce in our step saying, "I'm coming along." We must miss a lot of joy by not "coming along". If God loves me more than I love this granddaughter of mine then I am truly loved beyond measure and should always find joy in His presence. There we can walk along with Him with a bounce in our step and joy in our voice, content to just be with Him doing the simple things.

On another note I am so blessed to have Mike and Kristy, my daughter and son-in-law. They worked in my yard picking up sticks so that I can run the mower over them tomorrow afternoon. It would have taken me a week by myself to do what they did this afternoon. And it is so much more fun working with others. Thanks, you two.

New Blog Spot

Okay, so no one is reading my blog at Yahoo so I'll join the masses here. Don't expect to hear from me too often cause I live a very uninteresting life and my children are grown and would kill me if I use them for subject matter. The things that are interesting are things that I can't tell, so . . . why am I doing this then? Beats me. Guess I just don't want to miss out on anything.